-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, I11Gd/qI8bmaULjieuBzBUHctrvwEkiP3wT4uoeorMmOSDI8TAobX3zn6HN/zbQ8 fzLeOtukvEB9+RhqroUicA== 0001193125-08-063174.txt : 20080324 0001193125-08-063174.hdr.sgml : 20080324 20080324091712 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-063174 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080324 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080324 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001271245 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331] IRS NUMBER: 421609947 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-50926 FILM NUMBER: 08705886 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 933 E. MAIN ST CITY: FREMONT STATE: MI ZIP: 49412 BUSINESS PHONE: 231 924 0300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 933 E. MAIN ST CITY: FREMONT STATE: MI ZIP: 49412 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from:                      to                     

Commission file number: 000-50926

 

 

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Michigan   42-1609947

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

933 E. Main St., Fremont, Michigan 49412

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (231) 924-0300

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, no par value

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

   Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

   Smaller reporting company  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrants voting common stock held by non-affiliates was $42,076,726 based on the closing sales price of $24.40 per share on June 30, 2007 as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, was 1,729,236 shares as of March 14, 2008.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 8, 2008 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report.

 

 

 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   3

PART I

    

ITEM 1.

 

BUSINESS

   4

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

   21

ITEM 2.

 

PROPERTIES

   27

ITEM 3.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   27

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   27

PART II

    

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

   28

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   30

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

   32

ITEM 7A.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

   52

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   53
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   53
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006

   54
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

   55
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

   56
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

   57
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   58

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   86

ITEM 9A(T).

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   86

ITEM 9B.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

   86

PART III

    

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   87

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   87

ITEM 12.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

   87

ITEM 13.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

   88

ITEM 14.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

   88

PART IV

    

ITEM 15.

 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

   89

SIGNATURES

   90

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   92

SCHEDULE I—SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS—OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007

   93

SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

   94

SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

   97

SCHEDULE IV—REINSURANCE

   98

SCHEDULE V—ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE PREMIUMS

   99

EXHIBIT INDEX

   100

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

  

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

  

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

  

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  

CERTIFICATIONS OF PERIODIC REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

  

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

  

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) and Fremont Insurance Company (the “Insurance Company”) may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits), in its reports to shareholders and in other communications by the Holding Company, which are made in good faith by the Holding Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” or similar expressions in this report. Determination of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and amounts due from reinsurers are based substantially on estimates and the amounts so determined are inherently forward-looking.

The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. We have identified several important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results discussed, contemplated, projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted in the forward-looking information. These factors, which are listed below, are difficult to predict and many are beyond our control:

 

   

future economic conditions and the legal and regulatory environment in Michigan;

 

   

the effects of weather-related and other catastrophic events;

 

   

financial market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in fiscal, monetary and tax policies, interest rates and values of investments;

 

   

the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war on investment and reinsurance markets;

 

   

inflation;

 

   

the cost, availability and collectibility of reinsurance;

 

   

estimates and adequacy of loss reserves and trends in losses and loss adjustment expenses;

 

   

heightened competition, including specifically the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors and the development of new products by new and existing competitors;

 

   

our inability to obtain regulatory approval of, or to implement, premium rate increases;

 

   

inability to carry out marketing and sales plans, including, among others, development of new products or changes to existing products and acceptance of the new or revised products in the market;

 

   

unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations;

 

   

adverse litigation or arbitration results;

 

   

technological change;

 

   

the ability to carry out our business plans; and

 

   

adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules governing insurance holding companies and insurance companies, and changes that affect the cost of, or demand for, our products.

Because forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this filing.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to the Holding Company or the Insurance Company or any person acting on our behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this filing.

 

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS

The Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurance company that provides insurance to individuals, farms and small businesses in Michigan. We were founded in 1876 and have served Michigan policyholders for over 130 years. We market our policies through approximately 175 independent insurance agencies. We have four business segments: personal, commercial, farm and marine. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 60,100 policies in force and assets of $87.2 million.

The Company’s executive offices are located at 933 E. Main Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412-9753, and the telephone number is (231) 924-0300. Our website address is www.fmic.com. Information on the Company’s website is not a part of this Form 10-K. The Company makes available free of charge on its website, or provides a link to, the Company’s Forms 3, 4, 5, 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed and any amendments to these Forms, that have been filed with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to the SEC. To access these filings, go to the Company’s website and click on “Investor Information”, then click on “SEC Filings.”

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

Our principal strategies for the future are to:

 

   

Increase operating efficiencies both internally and externally using web-based rating and automation in order to increase overall productivity;

 

   

Manage our product lines and mix of business by continuing to increase personal auto insurance and commercial lines insurance in order to enhance profitability and better balance the impact of property losses on overall results; and

 

   

Maintain profitable agency relationships having a business philosophy consistent with the Company’s and having diversification of customer risk bases located within our targeted growth markets within Michigan.

Web-based Rating and Automation. During 2007, the Company continued to develop and deliver increased technological capabilities for the benefit of our agency force, our policyholders and the Company. The most significant project has been Fremont Complete. Fremont Complete, which was first rolled out to our agency force in the first quarter of 2006, is the Company’s proprietary web-based rating platform. Agents can access Fremont Complete 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Company’s website. Within Fremont Complete, agents can quote, bind and issue policies in a real time environment. During 2006, agents were able to quote, bind and issue policies for the business owner and personal auto product lines. During 2007, the Company expanded the product lines available through Fremont Complete to include homeowners, mobilowners and marine. In addition, the Company also provided endorsement capabilities for business owners, personal auto and homeowner products within the platform. The Company expects to expand the product offerings to include commercial auto and workers compensation in 2008. The Company has received strong support from its agent force in terms of their use of Fremont Complete.

We also continue to expand the functionality and integration of our website to allow for online payment processing for our customers. During 2008 we expect to rollout online payment capabilities for personal auto, homeowner, mobilowner and marine policies. Internally, the Company continues to develop and rollout digital dashboards which provide a significant amount of business intelligence data used on a daily basis by all employees.

 

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Management of Lines of Business. A primary strategy is to closely monitor and manage the profitability of each of our lines of business which include personal, commercial, farm and marine. The allocation of resources and capital to each of these categories is much like an asset allocation strategy within an investment portfolio. The growth and profit opportunity of each line shifts with time and often do not move together. Strength in one category offsets weakness in another to assist in maintaining good operating results. Our product categories are broad enough to meet the overall property and casualty needs of our agents.

During 2007, the strongest growth line of business was personal automobile. Direct premiums written for personal auto grew 26.3% in 2007. The Company expects this rate of growth to continue during 2008 due to the fact that we still have a significant number of policyholders with which we only write the homeowner policy. As a result, we continue to target those policyholders through our agency force in order to solicit the personal auto policy and provide a multi-policy discount. Unlike homeowner exposures, automobile exposures are less susceptible to loss from weather related events. The growth in personal auto is viewed favorably by the Company as a risk balancing mechanism.

During 2007, we increased our focus on growing our commercial segment which includes coverages for small to medium size business. By expanding our commercial book of business we are able to balance our risk and diversify our exposure to weather related losses. In May 2007, the Company brought in a new and experienced Vice President of Commercial Lines. The Company has focused on the following areas in order to expand our commercial volume:

 

   

Marketing to and communicating with our agency force, encouraging them to look to Fremont first when quoting commercial coverages;

 

   

Revising and enhancing our commercial products in order to provide our agents with competitive commercial products;

 

   

Improving agents’ ease of doing business with Fremont by providing an efficient quoting and underwriting process through Fremont Complete;

 

   

Establishing and communicating our expectations of our agency force as it relates to commercial production; and

 

   

Cultivating relationships with agents who have the greatest potential and interest in growing their commercial book of business with Fremont.

Profitable Agencies. We actively monitor our agencies with a focus on identifying potential problems early and maintaining profitable relationships. The need to submit profitable target market business has been reinforced through direct communication with our agents and their participation in Insurance Company sponsored meetings. A direct benefit to agents has been an enhanced profit sharing commission program that has been well received by agents. Through this new program, many agencies submitting profitable business have increased their commission over their regular base commission. Emphasis to reward profitable agencies continues through special awards and incentive initiatives.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company defines its operations as property and casualty insurance operations. The Company writes four major insurance lines exclusively in the State of Michigan: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Farm and Marine. All revenues are generated from external customers and the Company does not have a significant reliance on any single major customer or agency.

The Company evaluates product line profitability based on underwriting gain (loss). Certain expenses are allocated based on net premiums earned and net losses incurred. Underwriting gain (loss) by product line would change if different methods were applied. The Company does not allocate assets, net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on investments, other income (expense), or interest expense to its product lines.

 

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Segment data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is included in the footnotes to the financial statements which are included herein under Part II, Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

PRODUCTS

We offer a variety of property and casualty insurance products primarily designed to meet the insurance needs of property owners and small businesses located in Michigan. The four primary segments of our business are personal, commercial, farm and marine. The following table presents the direct written premiums by major product line within each segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Direct premiums written:

        

Personal lines:

        

Homeowners

   $ 16,828    $ 15,976    $ 15,389

Mobilowners

     1,477      1,482      1,513

Personal auto

     17,972      14,066      11,418

Dwelling

     1,387      1,427      1,428

Other

     4      4      6
                    
     37,668      32,955      29,754

Commercial lines:

        

Business owners

     2,655      2,710      2,570

Commercial package

     4,260      4,312      4,723

Commercial auto

     817      680      665

Workers compensation

     1,257      1,160      1,111

Other

     180      137      109
                    
     9,169      8,999      9,178

Farm

     5,103      5,014      4,813

Marine

     2,016      1,901      1,771
                    

Total

   $ 53,956    $ 48,869    $ 45,516
                    

Personal Lines. Personal lines policies include homeowners, mobilowners, dwelling fire, personal auto and personal umbrella.

 

   

Homeowners. The policy is a multiple line insurance contract providing protection for both property and liability exposures for homeowners, condominium owners and renters on a replacement cost or actual cash value basis. Target areas in this line include home values between $100,000 and $500,000.

 

   

Mobilowners. This is a similar product to homeowners providing coverage for mobile home owners. Units are insured for replacement cost, actual cash value or stated amount depending on the age of the mobile home.

 

   

Personal Auto. This is our fastest premium growth line and provides individuals with protection for their personal auto(s). For liability protection, coverage options include Residual Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists. For physical damage, coverage options include Comprehensive and Collision. For Personal Injury Protection, losses above certain thresholds are automatically reinsured by the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association (MCCA).

 

   

Dwelling. This is a fire and wind coverage for owner occupied residences that do not qualify for a Homeowner policy or for residences that are non-owner occupied and rented to others. To be written, a

 

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residence must have no more than four units and be owned by individuals. Liability coverage for the owner is not included but may be added by endorsement.

 

   

Other. Other includes primarily the personal umbrella product. Personal umbrella is a form of excess liability insurance available to individuals protecting them against claims in excess of their limits on their primary policies or for claims not covered by their underlying policies. In order to be eligible, both an individual’s personal auto and home must be written with Fremont.

Commercial Lines. Commercial lines consist of products designed to serve primarily small to medium business operations. They are:

 

   

Business Owners (BOP). The policy is a multiple line insurance contract providing protection for both property and liability exposures for business owners. BOP risks are classified by the five categories listed below with each class having its own eligibility criteria primarily based on sales volume and property values.

 

   

Bed & Breakfast/Condominiums. As the category name implies, insurance is provided for Bed & Breakfast owners and for condominium owner associations.

 

   

Mercantile. This applies for buildings principally occupied for retail mercantile purposes (buying and selling of merchandise) and the contents of these operations.

 

   

Offices. This applies to office buildings, building owners personal property or tenant personal property.

 

   

Service. This applies to buildings occupied principally for service operations and the contents of these operations including mini storage businesses.

 

   

Wholesale. As the category name implies, this covers wholesalers.

 

   

Commercial Package (CPP). The CPP policy is designed to insure a broader range of commercial operations with more specialized business coverage needs than the BOP provides. Examples of these types of businesses are manufacturing risks, contractors and restaurants. The policies are usually larger and generate higher premiums.

 

   

Commercial Auto (CA). CA covers vehicles owned by a business or used in businesses and owned by individuals. This includes vehicles ranging from passenger cars to tractor-trailer rigs and earth moving equipment. Our targeted market is passenger cars, service vehicles (usually a pickup truck owned by a contractor and driven to the job site) and light, local delivery vehicles. Long haul truckers are ineligible.

 

   

Workers Compensation. Workers compensation provides coverage to a worker if he or she is injured while at work for an employer, whether or not the employer has been negligent and is governed by state law. This product complements our Farm and Commercial offerings and affords us the ability to write all of the customer’s insurance needs.

 

   

Other Commercial Products. Other commercial products include equipment breakdown, inland marine and umbrella liability coverage that must be written in conjunction with a BOP, CPP or CA policy.

Farm Line. The Insurance Company originated as a “farm fire” insurance provider and continues to be a strong provider of coverage for the agricultural industry in Michigan. This segment’s products include: farmowners for fully operating farms, country estate for the hobby or part time farmer, and farm for non-owner occupied farms. Farmowners and country estate policies are comprehensive policies offering protection similar to our homeowner’s policy but also offer the option to cover the insured’s farm buildings, farm personal property (livestock, machinery, etc.), and provide farm liability protection. The farm policy is primarily a fire, wind and liability product designed for non-owner-occupied farms.

 

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Marine. This line is composed of the boat owner’s program (usually smaller and less expensive boats) and the yacht program. The boat owner’s policy is designed for boats 32 feet long or less with values of $125,000 or less. Boats that exceed the length or value criteria for the boat owner’s policy are insured under the yacht program.

Rate Development. Development of rates for all lines is done by the Vice President of Product Management. Rate needs are analyzed on both an accident and calendar year basis and take into consideration competitive position, catastrophe loads, large loss impacts in addition to actual loss, expense and premium numbers. All rates are reviewed with senior management prior to implementation.

MARKETING

We market our property and casualty insurance products exclusively in Michigan through approximately 175 independent agencies. The company has maintained it strategic plans to expand in the northern and western regions of the state, but maintains a respectable presence in other areas. Our agency force has been selected from over 1,200 independent agencies within the State of Michigan. One of our keys to success is our selectivity of our agents. Our company standards are clearly communicated to our agents; they include a strong commitment to ethics, professionalism, honesty and accountability. The company is fortunate to have a top rated agency force. Each year the Company receives in excess of 50 appointment requests from agencies in Michigan and less than 10% are provided contracts. Our team work philosophy has produced relationships focused on the common good of the Company, agency and policyholder. This commitment, in addition to product enhancements and pricing adjustments should solidify our position in the Michigan market.

One key to the Company’s success is identifying and procuring profitable business. The Company has maintained its underwriting discipline, even when behind the growth projection. This commitment to maintaining our discipline has provided stability and profitability, which is evident in our results. These underwriting responsibilities are shared with the Company and agent. To further reward our agencies for their selectivity, the Company expanded its agent profit-sharing program, adding additional incentives for increased profitability and premium development. The enhancement has been well received by our agency force and will support our core focus of increasing market share with select business.

The agency force is considered the core for future growth and is geographically spread across the state of Michigan. Our objective is to be ranked among the top four insurers within each agency. Our independent agencies represent other insurance companies and are established businesses in the communities in which they operate. Our agencies generally market and write the full range of our products. We believe our relationships with our agencies are very good.

We depend upon our agency force to produce new business and to provide customer service. Policy retention is an important component of agency relations. Our network of independent agencies also serves as an important source of information about the needs of our policyholders. This information is used to develop new products and new product features.

We compensate agencies through a fixed base commission with an opportunity for profit sharing, depending on the profitability of the business we receive from the agency. Our agencies are monitored and supported by a marketing manager and two experienced marketing representatives. Three personal lines underwriters and two commercial lines underwriters also support agency relations with direct calling efforts. Claim representatives also make direct contact with agencies while handling claims. The strength of this move is to put more people in the field to develop profitable relationships and gather market intelligence. Visitation reports are required for each agency visit and are reviewed by senior management.

 

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UNDERWRITING

We write personal and commercial lines by evaluating each risk with consistently applied standards. We maintain information on all aspects of our business that is regularly reviewed to determine product line profitability. We employ seven underwriters who specialize in personal lines, commercial lines, marine, and farm. The underwriters are supported by an experienced group of underwriting assistants and processors. This group handles initial screening of applications, running of reports, and policy issuance.

We have, in the past, relied heavily on underwriting information gathered from outside sources. Motor Vehicle Reports are obtained from the state of Michigan on all auto and marine applications. An exchange of claims information is available through two independent firms or through inquiry to the prior insurer and is accessed for all applicable applications. We believe the financial stability and responsibility of the insured has emerged as a reliable indicator of future loss potential. Extensive independent analysis has been done to support this correlation in the industry. In the commercial lines, financial stability has always been an acceptable underwriting criteria and the Insurance Company obtains either a Dun & Bradstreet report or other financial information on every policy application. In personal lines, an Insurance Score is obtained on every submission and insureds are tiered to receive the appropriate premium for their score. An Insurance Score is a numerical score from 200 to 900, with higher number being a better score, which is based on information in a person’s credit report maintained by one of the several national credit reporting firms. The Insurance Company’s pricing is targeted to attract policyholders with above average Insurance Scores. Insured’s with an Insurance Score of 700 or more or a strong Dun & Bradstreet report are part of the Insurance Company’s target market in all lines. Although we target insureds with Insurance Scores of 700 and above, we have policies in effect where the relevant Insurance Scores are less than our target. The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services has proposed a ban on the use of a credit based insurance score. A further discussion on the use of credit based insurance scores is included under the heading “Insurance Scoring” in the “Regulation” section of Part 1, Item 1.

We also rely on photographs, inspections, and engineering reports. Agents are required to obtain photos on all new property business. The underwriter decides if additional engineering is necessary. A follow-up inspection may be made by us or subcontracted to an outside firm. If a loss occurs, the adjuster completes a risk evaluation form and sends it to underwriting for review. The Insurance Company’s agents have rating software available to them for use as pricing indicators. This software is a useful tool, but the ultimate underwriting decision is made by the Insurance Company.

CLAIMS

As of December 31, 2007, the Insurance Company’s claims department included the Senior Vice President of Administration, two managers, an attorney, ten adjusters and two support staff. Claims are normally received from our independent agencies. Typically, claims are assigned to an in-house adjuster who investigates and settles the claim. To a lesser extent, we assign claims to independent adjusters if, as in the case of a catastrophe, our in-house adjusters cannot promptly adjust such a large volume of claims, or if because of the location of the claim it is more economical to use an independent adjuster. Remote and independent adjusters report all information to the home office electronically. The majority of paper claim files are imaged and maintained electronically at the home office.

Claims settlement authority levels are established for each claims adjuster based upon his or her level of experience. We have multi-line teams to handle all claims. The claims department is responsible for investigating all claims, obtaining necessary documentation, estimating the loss reserves, and resolving the claims. The Company takes a proactive approach to liability and defense cost management. The Company’s in-house counsel is responsible for subrogation recovery, coverage-related issues and litigation, supervision of outside defense counsel and special projects. With the assistance of in-house counsel, the Insurance Company’s expeditious claims investigation creates the opportunity for exploration of an early negotiated resolution, where warranted,

 

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thereby avoiding protracted litigation and unnecessary legal expense. Additionally, in-house counsel provides valuable instruction for claims adjusters, as well as legal advice in connection with the drafting and revision of our policy and application forms.

The Company’s claims department completed several technology initiatives during 2007. First, the Company implemented an electronic first notice of loss so that agents can submit a notice of loss to the Company and inquire about the status of a claim electronically from their agency management system. This new feature allows the agent to notify the Company quicker in the event of a loss and allows our adjusters to get in touch with the policyholder in a shorter time frame. The Company also enhanced and added other time saving features to its claims processing system. The Company continues to focus on eliminating paper and enhancing inquiry capabilities which are expected to yield increased operating efficiency for the Company and it agency force. The Claims department instituted a policy to contact the insured on the same day we are notified of a loss. This is a customer service enhancement.

REINSURANCE

General. A reinsurance transaction occurs when an insurance company transfers (cedes) a portion of its exposure on business written by it to a reinsurer which assumes that risk for a premium. Consistent with insurance industry practice, we reinsure a portion of our exposure and pay to reinsurers a portion of the premiums received on all policies reinsured. Insurance is ceded principally to reduce net liability on individual risks, to mitigate the effect of individual loss occurrences (including catastrophe losses), to stabilize underwriting results, and to increase our underwriting capacity.

Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty reinsurance. Under facultative reinsurance, each risk or portion of a risk is reinsured individually. Under treaty reinsurance, an agreed-upon portion of business written is automatically reinsured. Treaty reinsurance can also be classified as quota share reinsurance, pro-rata insurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share reinsurance and pro-rata insurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its insurance liability to the reinsurer in exchange for a like percentage of premiums, less a ceding commission, and, in turn, will recover from the reinsurer the reinsurer’s share of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under excess of loss reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a particular portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined deductible or retention. Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding company to the extent of the coverage ceded.

Our Reinsurance Coverage. We have utilized three primary categories of treaty reinsurance coverage to reduce the impact of major losses. These include multi-lines excess of loss coverage, catastrophe excess of loss coverage, and quota share coverage. We determine the amount and scope of reinsurance coverage to purchase each year based on our evaluation of the risks accepted, consultation with reinsurance professionals and a review of market conditions, including availability and cost. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 we ceded to reinsurers $10.0 million, $8.7 million and $6.1 million of earned premiums, respectively.

Multi-Lines Excess of Loss Coverage. The multi-lines excess of loss program is the Company’s primary reinsurance coverage. The excess of loss program is designed to help stabilize financial results, limit exposure on larger risks, and increase capacity. The largest exposure retained by us on any one risk in 2007 was $150,000. The 2007 property coverage for this program provided up to $2,850,000 over the $150,000 retention per risk. The 2007 casualty coverage for this program provided up to $4,850,000 over the $150,000 retention. Our 2007 workers compensation reinsurance provided up to $9,850,000 coverage above the $150,000 retention.

Catastrophic Excess of Loss Coverage. Catastrophic reinsurance protects us from significant aggregate loss exposure arising from a single event such as windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, blizzard, freezing temperatures, and other extraordinary events. The contract is designed to help stabilize underwriting results and

 

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to mitigate the effect of individual loss occurrences. In 2007, we had three layers of catastrophic excess of loss reinsurance providing coverage for up to $21,750,000 above the $1,250,000 retention. We had an automatic reinstatement provision after the first loss for each layer to provide coverage in the event of subsequent catastrophes during the year. Coverage would lapse after the second event, in which case we would evaluate the need for a new contract for the remainder of the year. The 2007 reinstatement fees were 100% of the initial premium.

Quota Share Coverage. The Company utilizes quota share reinsurance for its boiler and machinery coverage which is primarily an equipment breakdown endorsement to commercial and farm policies. The contracts are 100% quota share and the Company receives a ceding commission ranging from 32% to 35% on the premiums ceded. The agreements also include profit sharing provisions based on the profitability of the underlying underwriting performance of the business ceded.

Commutation of Multi-line Quota Share Coverage. In 2003 we also utilized quota share reinsurance under an agreement that provided coverage on all lines of business. In 2003, we ceded 45% of our net written premium and losses to the quota share reinsurers. As part of our strategy to reduce our quota share reinsurance, the Insurance Company placed the 2003 quota share agreement into runoff after December 31, 2003. Despite placing the multi line quota share reinsurance into runoff, reinsurance coverage continued on those covered policies in force as of December 31, 2003. Losses from the policies in force continued to be ceded to the reinsurer until the agreement was commuted. On March 31, 2006, the Company entered into a commutation agreement with respect to this contract. As a result of this commutation, the funds withheld account liability was reduced by approximately $1,053,000 offset by an increase to the loss and loss adjustment expense liability of the same amount. No gain or loss was realized as a result of this commutation.

Facultative. We utilize facultative reinsurance to provide additional underwriting capacity, to mitigate the effect of individual losses and to reduce net liability on individual risks. Coverage is determined on each individual risk. In 2007, the Company obtained coverage ranging from $1,200,000 up to $5,600,000 for certain commercial properties it insured.

Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association. The Insurance Company is a member of the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association, or MCCA, a statutorily created non-profit association which provides mandatory reinsurance to its members. Michigan is the only state that offers unlimited personal injury protection benefits which are offered through no-fault auto insurance policies. The reinsurance provided by the MCCA indemnifies its members for 100% of the losses sustained under personal injury protection policies issued by the members in excess of specified amounts. The MCCA must provide this reinsurance and the Insurance Company, like all insurance companies that write automobile insurance in Michigan, must accept and pay for the reinsurance.

2008 Coverages. Our coverage under the Multi-Line Excess of Loss program remained consistent with the coverage in 2007. The Catastrophic Excess of Loss coverage increased to $24,750,000 over a retention of $1,250,000. Beginning February 1, 2008, the Company has available facultative coverage on property risks from $3,000,000 up to $10,000,000.

 

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Our Reinsurers. The financial stability of our reinsurers is an important consideration. The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations to us could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. As of December 31, 2007 our largest reinsurers based on a percentage of ceded written premiums are set forth in the following table. Except for the reinsurers listed below, no other individual reinsurer accounted for more than 5% of total ceded premiums written.

 

Reinsurer

   Ceded
Premiums
Written
   Percentage
of Total
    A.M. Best
Rating
     (000’s)           

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association

   $ 3,462    34.5 %   (1)

Swiss Re America Corporation

     1,757    17.5 %     A+

TOA Re Insurance Company of America

     1,098    11.0 %   A

Aspen Insurance UK Ltd

     549    5.5 %   A

Hannover Ruckversicherungs—AG

     549    5.5 %   A

Other

     2,611    26.0 %   A-or better
               

Total

   $ 10,026    100.0 %  
               

 

(1) The MCCA does not receive an A.M. Best rating.

The following table sets forth individual balances of loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable from reinsurers on both paid and unpaid claims as of December 31, 2007. Except for the reinsurers listed below, no other individual reinsurer accounted for more than 5% of total loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers.

 

Reinsurer

   Loss and loss
adjustment
expenses
recoverable
   Percentage
of Total
Recoverable
    A.M. Best
Rating
     (000's)           

Swiss Re America Corporation

   $ 2,047    31.1 %  

  A+

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association

     1,590    24.1 %   (1)

TOA Re Insurance Company of America

     589    8.9 %     A

Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. 

     492    7.5 %     A

Dorinco Reinsurance Co. 

     482    7.3 %  

A-

Hannover Ruckversicherungs—AG

     478    7.3 %     A

Other

     911    13.8 %   A-or better
               

Total

   $ 6,589    100.0 %  
               

 

(1) The MCCA does not receive an A.M. Best rating.

INVESTMENTS

All of our investments are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair market value. Our return on invested assets is an important component of our operating results. Our investment objectives are to:

 

   

Maximize current yield;

 

   

Maintain adequate liquidity for insurance operations;

 

   

Maintain safety of principal through a balance of high quality and diversified investments;

 

   

Maintain daily oversight to minimize risk;

 

   

Minimize fluctuations in market valuations due to increasing interest rates by monitoring duration;

 

   

Meet regulatory requirements; and

 

   

Increase surplus through appreciation.

 

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The investment committee, appointed by the Insurance Company’s board of directors, sets our investment policy. The investment committee meets twice each year to review the investment portfolio, asset allocation, performance, and liquidity. The Company utilizes an outside professional investment management firm for its fixed maturity securities. The firm specializes in management of insurance company investment portfolios and manages over $8.3 billion in assets. Professional asset management was deemed practical to allow for constant review of the portfolio and specialized focus.

The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31:

 

    December 31, 2007  
    Amortized Cost   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Percent of
Carrying Value
 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. Treasury securities and Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

  $ 3,172,509     3,198,181   $ 3,198,181   5.4 %

States and political subdivisions

    25,421,294     25,761,183     25,761,183   43.8 %

Corporate securities

    6,928,699     6,833,902     6,833,902   11.6 %

Mortgage-backed securities

    14,710,728     14,735,608     14,735,608   25.1 %

Equity securities—mutual funds:

    7,485,046     8,305,133     8,305,133   14.1 %
                       

Total investments

  $ 57,718,276   $ 58,834,007   $ 58,834,007   100.0 %
                       

At December 31, 2007 our fixed maturity portfolio had a fair value of approximately $50.5 million. All of the fixed maturity investments are rated by Moody’s as investment grade with an average credit quality rating of AA+ and an average duration of 5.06 years. As a result, the market value of our investments may fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. In addition, we may experience investment losses to the extent our liquidity needs require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest rate environments. At December 31, 2007, our equity portfolio, which consists entirely of mutual funds, was spread among the following mutual fund types: large-cap—30%, mid-cap—21%, small-cap—25%, specialty—4% and international 20%.

 

    December 31, 2006  
    Amortized Cost   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Percent of
Carrying Value
 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. Treasury securities and Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

  $ 6,074,385   $ 5,989,243   $ 5,989,243   10.6 %

States and political subdivisions

    13,414,841     13,404,819     13,404,819   23.7 %

Corporate securities

    11,058,724     10,754,266     10,754,266   19.0 %

Mortgage-backed securities

    14,965,481     14,810,938     14,810,938   26.1 %

Equity securities—mutual funds:

    9,940,606     11,689,756     11,689,756   20.6 %
                       

Total investments

  $ 55,454,037   $ 56,649,022   $ 56,649,022   100.0 %
                       

At December 31, 2006, our fixed maturity portfolio had a fair value of approximately $44.9 million. All of the fixed maturity investments are rated by Moody’s as investment grade with an average credit quality rating of AA and an average duration of 3.96 years. As a result, the market value of our investments may fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. In addition, we may experience investment losses to the extent our liquidity needs require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest rate environments. At December 31, 2006, our equity portfolio, which consists entirely of mutual funds, was spread among the following mutual fund types: large-cap—25%, mid-cap—27%, small-cap—22%, and international 26%.

 

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The following two tables show the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

    December 31, 2007
    Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

  $ 363,659   $ 27   $ 318,447   $ 1,799   $ 682,106   $ 1,826

States and political subdivisions

    2,894,945     30,825     1,829,980     9,086     4,724,925     39,911

Corporate securities

    —       —       5,925,361     100,328     5,925,361     100,328

Mortgage-backed securities

    —       —       6,381,930     94,824     6,381,930     94,824
                                   
    3,258,604     30,852     14,455,718     206,037     17,714,322     236,889
                                   

Equity securities—mutual funds

    2,081,160     203,544     —       —       2,081,160     203,544
                                   

Total

  $ 5,339,764   $ 234,396   $ 14,455,718   $ 206,037   $ 19,795,482   $ 440,433
                                   

As of December 31, 2007, the portfolio included 6 fixed maturity securities and 4 equity securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 45 fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. None of the fixed maturity securities were trading below 90% of cost or amortized cost. All of the fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and assigned a rating by commercial credit rating companies are rated investment grade securities. Of the 4 equity securities in an unrealized loss position, 1 was trading at 85% of cost while the remaining 3 were trading at or above 90% of cost. While all of these securities are monitored for potential impairment, the Company’s experience indicates that they generally do not present as great a risk of impairment, as fair value often recovers over time. These securities have generally been adversely affected by the downturn in the financial markets and overall economic conditions. Management believes that the analysis of each of these securities supports the view that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

    December 31, 2006
    Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total
    Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair

Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

  $ 1,004,990   $ 3,925   $ 3,632,444   $ 83,972   $ 4,637,434   $ 87,897

States and political subdivisions

    6,131,773     41,048     2,116,552     6,107     8,248,325     47,155

Corporate securities

    507,298     6,402     9,838,932     298,958     10,346,230     305,360

Mortgage-backed securities

    756,813     652     9,347,753     223,117     10,104,566     223,769
                                   
    8,400,874     52,027     24,935,681     612,154     33,336,555     664,181
                                   

Equity securities—mutual funds

    242,992     7,634     —       —       242,992     7,634
                                   

Total

  $ 8,643,866   $ 59,661   $ 24,935,681   $ 612,154   $ 33,579,547   $ 671,815
                                   

As of December 31, 2006, the portfolio included 14 fixed maturity investments and 1 equity investments in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 68 fixed maturity investments in an unrealized loss

 

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position for more than 12 months, none of which were trading below 90% of cost or amortized cost. All of the fixed maturity investments in an unrealized loss position and assigned a rating by commercial credit rating companies are rated investment grade investments. While all of these investments are monitored for potential impairment, the Company’s experience indicates that they generally do not present as great a risk of impairment, as fair value often recovers over time. These investments have generally been adversely affected by the downturn in the financial markets and overall economic conditions. Management believes that the analysis of each of these securities support the view that these investments were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

The following table presents the maturity profile of our fixed maturity investments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. As noted above the average duration of the portfolio at December 31, 2007 was 5.1 years compared to 3.96 years at December 31, 2006. Actual maturities of mortgaged-backed securities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Prepayment rates are influenced by a number of factors that cannot be predicted with certainty, including: the relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages or other collateral to changes in interest rates; a variety of economic, geographic and other factors; and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structures. These securities are presented separately in the maturity schedule due to the inherent risk associated with prepayment.

 

     December 31, 2007  
     Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value    Percent of
Fair Value
 

Due in one year or less

   $ 2,921,943    $ 2,916,466    5.8 %

Due after one year through five years

     8,165,030      8,194,183    16.2 %

Due after five years through 10 years

     19,025,889      19,276,699    38.1 %

Due after 10 years

     5,409,641      5,405,918    10.7 %

Mortgage-backed securities

     14,710,727      14,735,608    29.2 %
                    

Total

   $ 50,233,230    $ 50,528,874    100.0 %
                    
     December 31, 2006  
     Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value    Percent of
Fair Value
 

Due in one year or less

   $ 3,895,367    $ 3,867,271    8.6 %

Due after one year through five years

     9,136,950      8,973,527    20.0 %

Due after five years through 10 years

     14,317,570      14,130,056    31.4 %

Due after 10 years

     3,198,063      3,177,474    7.1 %

Mortgage-backed securities

     14,965,481      14,810,938    32.9 %
                    

Total

   $ 45,513,431    $ 44,959,266    100.0 %
                    

Management of Market Risk. We are subject to various market risk exposures, including interest rate risk and equity price risk. Our primary risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We manage market risk through our investment committee and through the use of an outside professional investment management firm. We are vulnerable to interest rate changes because, like other insurance companies, we invest primarily in fixed maturity securities, which are interest-sensitive assets. Mortgage-backed securities, which make up approximately 28% of our investment portfolio, are particularly susceptible to interest rate changes. We invest primarily in classes of mortgage-backed securities that are less vulnerable to prepayment risk and, as a result, somewhat less sensitive to interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities.

The value of our equity investments is dependent upon general conditions in the securities markets and the business and financial performance of the individual companies in the portfolio. Values are typically based on future economic prospects as perceived by investors in the equity markets.

 

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Effect of Interest Rate Changes. See Item 7A of this Report for a table that shows the effects of a change in interest rates on the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio. The other financial instruments, which include cash, premiums due from reinsurers and accrued investment income, do not produce a significant difference in fair value when included in the market risk due to their short-term nature.

A.M. BEST RATING

In January 2008, A.M. Best, which rates insurance companies based on factors of concern to policyholders, reaffirmed Fremont Insurance Company’s rating of “B++” (Good) rating. A.M. Best assigns “B++” ratings to companies that, in its opinion, have demonstrated very good overall performance when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best. In evaluating our financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews our profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as our book of business, the adequacy and soundness of our reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of our assets, the adequacy of our loss reserves, the adequacy of our surplus, our capital structure, the experience and competency of our management, and our market presence. We have no assurance that A.M. Best will not reduce our current rating in the future. A.M. Best ratings are not directed toward the protection of investors. As such, our A.M. Best rating should not be relied upon as a basis for an investment decision to buy our common stock.

COMPETITION

The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive. We compete against other Michigan-based insurance carriers as well as major regional and national carriers. The national carriers we compete with on a regular basis are Citizens Insurance Company of America, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and the Allstate Corporation. Regional companies that are important competitors include Auto Owners Insurance Group, Allied Insurance, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Michigan, Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company. Smaller state competitors would include Michigan Insurance Company, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Company. Some of these competitors are larger and have much greater financial, technical and operating resources than we have. Our ability to compete successfully depends upon a number of factors, many of which are out of our control, such as market conditions, our A.M. Best rating, and regulatory conditions. We compete primarily based upon the following factors:

 

   

the price and quality of our insurance products;

 

   

the quality and speed of our service and claims response;

 

   

our financial strength;

 

   

our A.M. Best rating;

 

   

our sales and marketing capability; and

 

   

our technical expertise.

REGULATION

General. Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation in the states in which they transact business relating to numerous aspects of their business and financial condition. The primary purpose of this supervision and regulation is the protection of policyholders. The extent of the regulation varies, but generally derives from state statutes that delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to state insurance departments.

We are licensed to write insurance only in Michigan and are subject to supervision and regulation by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (“OFIS”). OFIS requires the filing of annual, quarterly and

 

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other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies doing business in Michigan. The authority of the OFIS includes, among other things:

 

   

establishing standards of solvency which must be met and maintained by insurers;

 

   

requiring certain methods of accounting;

 

   

classifying assets as admissible for purposes of determining statutory surplus;

 

   

licensing of insurers and their agents to do business;

 

   

establishing guidelines for the nature of and limitations on investments by insurers;

 

   

reviewing premium rates for various lines of insurance;

 

   

approval of policy forms;

 

   

reviewing the provisions which insurers must make for current losses and future liabilities;

 

   

reviewing transactions involving a change in control;

 

   

restrictions on payments of dividends to shareholders;

 

   

restrictions on transactions between insurers and their affiliates; and

 

   

reviewing claims, advertising and marketing practices.

Examinations. Examinations are regularly conducted by the OFIS every three to five years. OFIS is currently completing an examination of the Insurance Company as of December 31, 2006. The examination is not expected to result in any material adjustments to the Insurance Company’s financial position. In addition, there have been no substantive qualitative matters indicated that would have had an adverse impact on the Insurance Company’s operations.

NAIC Risk-Based Capital Requirements. In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations, the OFIS administers the risk based capital standards adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) that require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula that attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in a company’s mix of products and investment portfolio. Under the formula, we first determine our risk-based capital level by taking into account risks with respect to our assets and underwriting risks relating to our liabilities and obligations. We then compare our “total adjusted capital” to the base level. Our “total adjusted capital” is determined by subtracting our liabilities from our assets in accordance with rules established by the OFIS.

The following table highlights the ramifications of the various ranges of non-compliance. The ratios represent the relationship of a company’s total adjusted capital to its risk-based capital base level.

 

Ratio and Category

  

Action

2.0 or more

   None-in compliance

1.5-1.99: Company Action

   Company must submit a comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority discussing proposed corrective actions to improve its capital position

1.0-1.49: Regulatory Action

   Regulatory authority will perform a special examination of the company and issue an order specifying corrective actions that must be taken

0.7-0.99: Authorized Control

   Regulatory authority may take any action it deems necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control

Less than 0.7: Mandatory Control

   Regulatory authority is required to place the company under regulatory control

 

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The Insurance Company has always exceeded the required levels of capital for compliance and has always been in compliance. There can be no assurance, however, that the capital requirements applicable to our business will not increase in the future. As of December 31, 2007, our risk-based capital authorized control level was $3,689,497 and our total adjusted capital was $33,777,280, yielding a ratio of 9.2.

IRIS Requirements. The NAIC has also developed a set of financial ratios, referred to as the Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) for use by state insurance regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of the IRIS financial ratios. Generally, an insurance company will become the subject of increased scrutiny when four or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC. The nature of increased regulatory scrutiny resulting from IRIS ratio results that are outside the acceptable range is subject to the judgment of the applicable state insurance department, but generally will result in accelerated review of annual and quarterly filings. Depending on the nature and severity of the underlying cause of the IRIS ratio results being outside the acceptable range, increased regulatory scrutiny could range from increased but informal regulatory oversight to placing a company under regulatory control.

NAIC values

 

          IRIS Ratios     Our Results  
          Over    Under     2007  
1    Gross Premiums Written to Surplus    900    —       160  
2    Net Premiums Written to Surplus    300    —       130  
3    Change in Net Premiums Written    33    (33 )   9  
4    Surplus Aid to Surplus    15    —       0  
5    Two-Year Overall Operating Ratio    100    —       81  
6    Investment Yield    6.5    3     2.7 *
7    Gross Change in Surplus    50    (10 )   0  
8    Net Change in Adjusted Surplus    25    (10 )   0  
9    Liabilities to Liquid Assets    105    —       54  
10    Gross Agents’ Balances to Surplus    40    —       2  
11    One-Year Reserve Development to Surplus    20    —       (10 )
12    Two-Year Reserve Development to Surplus    20    —       (23 )
13    Estimated Current Reserve Deficiency to Surplus    25    —       (10 )

 

(1) “*” denotes results outside of the usual range
(2) “—” denotes no lower limit on the range

As of December 31, 2007, all ratios were within the usual range except ratio 6. The IRIS ratio “Investment yield” at a range between 3% and 6.5% was slightly higher than our calculated yield of 2.7%. The Company’s IRIS Investment Yield is below the minimum in part due to interest expense on the Company’s surplus notes.

Guaranty Fund. We participate in the Property and Casualty Guaranty Association of the State of Michigan (“PGCA”), which protects policyholders and claimants against losses due to insolvency of insurers. When an insolvency occurs, the Association is authorized to assess member companies up to the amount of the shortfall of funds, including expenses. Member companies are assessed based on the type and amount of insurance written during the previous calendar year. We recognize a liability for insurance related assessments when an assessment has been imposed or information available indicates it is probable that an assessment will be imposed, or an event obligating us to pay an imposed or probable assessment has occurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. We incurred approximately $12,000, $11,000 and $12,000 in assessments related to the PCGA in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association. Michigan’s no-fault law requires insurers to provide unlimited medical coverage to automobile accident victims. The cost of providing the unlimited medical coverage has somewhat offset the savings typically associated with a non-monetary threshold. In response, the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association (“MCCA”), which is an unincorporated nonprofit association created by Michigan law, was established to spread the costs of medical coverage to all policyholders. The MCCA essentially acts as a reinsurer for all Michigan automobile insurers, reimbursing them for amounts paid on personal injury protection claims above a retention level. The current MCCA retention is $420,000. This limit will increase incrementally to $500,000 by July 1, 2011. Every insurer engaged in writing automobile personal injury protection insurance coverage in Michigan is required to be a member of MCCA. Personal injury protection is included in automobile insurance. Member companies cede premiums which are based on the number of vehicles for which coverage is written, to cover the losses reported by all member companies. Although the MCCA acts in the same manner as a reinsurer, it is not an insurance company and is not rated by A.M. Best.

Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association. The Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association (“MBPIA”) provides basic insurance to property-owners who cannot obtain insurance through insurance carriers in the normal course of business due to a high-risk exposure. The MBPIA assesses insurance carriers in Michigan a fee for continuation of the association based on the amount of losses incurred by the association and the amount of net written premium of the carrier related to property insurance. The 2007 assessment was approximately $107,000. There were no assessments in 2006 or 2005.

Michigan No-Fault Automobile Insurance. Under a pure no-fault automobile insurance system, responsibility for an automobile accident is not at issue. Each policyholder’s own insurance company pays for his or her medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident, and the individuals relinquish the right to sue to recover damages. The objective of such a system is to eliminate the delays and costs of court disputes associated with the tort system, encourage prompt payment of compensation, and return a larger percentage of insurance premium dollars to accident victims. Michigan has a modified no-fault system that limits lawsuits relating to automobile accidents. For example, a suit for damages is permitted under Michigan’s no-fault law when an injured person has suffered death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of a body function. Damages are assessed on the basis of comparative fault, except that damages will not be assessed in favor of a party who is more than 50% at fault.

The Michigan Essential Insurance Act. The Michigan Essential Insurance Act (“MEIA”) requires an insurer to insure every applicant for automobile and homeowner insurance that meets the minimum requirements and the insurer’s underwriting rules. The underwriting rules must be applied uniformly to all applicants and policyholders. Each insurer must file its underwriting rules with the Insurance Commissioner. In addition, the MEIA limits rating criteria that insurers may employ, requires insurers to develop a “secondary” or merit rating plan under which premium surcharges are levied on poor drivers, establishes a joint underwriting association to provide insurance to individuals who cannot obtain coverage in the insurance market, and regulates other types of coverage and informational requirements.

Insurance Scoring. The financial stability of an insured, in all lines of business, has always been a strong consideration in underwriting and pricing. The Company currently uses insurance scoring (similar to a credit score) as a pricing tool in its homeowners, mobilowners, personal auto, marine and farm lines of business. Numerous studies have verified the validity of insurance scoring as a predictor of future losses.

On January 12, 2005, the Governor of Michigan and the Commissioner of the Office of Financial and Insurance Services issued proposed rules to reduce base insurance rates and ban the use of insurance credit scores as a rating factor or as a basis to refuse to insure or limit coverage on personal insurance. Personal insurance includes private passenger automobile, homeowners, motorcycle, boat, personal watercraft, snowmobile, recreational vehicle, mobile-homeowners and non-commercial dwelling fire lines. The proposed ban was to be effective on July 1, 2005. The Insurance Institute of Michigan (“IIM”), of which the Company is a member,

 

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mounted a legal challenge to the ban and filed a suit on March 25, 2005 seeking relief from the proposed ban. On April 25, 2005 the presiding judge issued a final order in the matter of IIM et al v. OFIS, pertaining to insurers’ use of insurance credit scores to provide discounts on personal lines of insurance. In his final order the judge ruled in favor of IIM, stating that, “It is ordered that Plaintiff’s request for declaratory relief is granted, and the OFIS rules, R 500.2151-2155 are declared illegal, invalid and unenforceable. It is further ordered that Defendant is permanently enjoined from enforcing these rules against any Plaintiff in this action.” The Company was pleased with the outcome of the legal challenge and intends to continue to utilize insurance scoring as a pricing tool. The Commissioner of the OFIS filed an appeal to this ruling in the Michigan Court of Appeals. The appeal was heard before the appellate court on October 10, 2006. No decision has been rendered and the appellate court is under no time constraint to render a decision. The Company and the industry continue to monitor the courts activity and any future action will depend on the outcome of the appeal.

Holding Company Regulation. Most states, including Michigan, have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding company systems. Each insurance company in a holding company system is required to register with the insurance supervisory agency of its state of domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. These laws permit the OFIS and any other relevant insurance departments to examine the Insurance Company and the Holding Company at any time, to require disclosure of material transactions between them and to require prior approval of transactions, such as extraordinary dividends from the Insurance Company to the Holding Company. All transactions between companies within a holding company system must be fair and equitable to the insurance company. Under Michigan law, the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid by an insurer to its stockholders during any twelve-month period without approval of the OFIS is the greater of 10% of the insurer’s surplus as reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the OFIS or the net income, excluding realized capital gains, of the insurer for the twelve-month period covered by such annual statement.

Change in Control. The Michigan Insurance Code requires that the Insurance Commissioner receive prior notice and approve of a change of control in either the Insurance Company or the Holding Company. The Insurance Code contains a complete definition of “control.” In simplified terms, a person, corporation or other entity would obtain “control” of the Insurance Company or the Holding Company if they possessed, had a right to acquire possession or had the power to direct any other person acquiring possession, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting securities of either company. To obtain approval for a change of control, the proposed acquirer must file an application with the Insurance Commissioner containing detailed information such as the identity and background of the acquirer and its affiliates, the sources and amount of funds to be used to effect the acquisition, and financial information regarding the proposed acquirer.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. On July 30, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the SOA. The stated goals of the SOA are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies, and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. The SOA generally applies to all companies, both U.S. and non-U.S., that file or are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act).

The SOA includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and new corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules, and mandates further studies of specified issues by the SEC and the Comptroller General. The SOA represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees. The SOA addresses, among other matters:

 

   

audit committees, including the independence of members, communications with auditors and selection and oversight of auditors;

 

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certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer;

 

   

disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions;

 

   

a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers;

 

   

expedited filing requirements for Form 4 statements of changes of beneficial ownership of securities required to be filed by officers, directors and 10% shareholders;

 

   

disclosure of whether or not a company has adopted a code of ethics;

 

   

various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.

Under the current rules beginning with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, we will be subject to the provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that require an annual management assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we will be subject to both the management assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting as well as the related attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm.

ITEM1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s financial performance is dependent upon its own specific business characteristics, however, risk factors do exist which could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition and a corresponding decline in the market price of our common stock. Risk factors include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Our financial results could be affected by the cyclical patterns of the soft and hard market in the property and casualty industry.

The financial performance of the property and casualty industry tends to fluctuate in patterns of soft markets followed by hard markets. The Company’s strategy is to focus on disciplined underwriting and avoid riding the cycle of soft and hard markets. However, if the marketplace puts pressure on pricing we may not be able to implement rate increases which could have a negative effect on our financial performance.

Because we concentrate all of our business in Michigan, its weather will affect our results.

All insurance policies we write are generated in Michigan, with a significant portion in four counties (Kent, Newaygo, Van Buren and Muskegon). Companies that have a more diversified geographic portfolio would not be as exposed to Michigan weather as we are.

Catastrophe and natural peril losses may hurt our financial condition.

By their nature, catastrophe losses are unpredictable in their number and severity. They can be caused by various severe weather events, including snow storms, ice storms, freezing temperatures, tornadoes, wild fires, wind and hail.

The extent of net losses from catastrophes depends upon three factors:

 

   

the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event,

 

   

the severity of the event, and

 

   

the amount and structure of our reinsurance coverage.

We obtain reinsurance to aid in paying catastrophe loss claims, but we may experience operating losses in years when catastrophe claims are higher than expected. Natural perils such as freezing rain, snow storms, wind

 

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storms and tornadoes, which may occur frequently but not rise to the level of a catastrophe, may cause us to lose money because they are not classified as a catastrophe under our reinsurance program. If our reinsurance pays catastrophe loss claims, we may still incur substantial expense to reinstate the coverage used.

If we underestimated the amount of our required loss reserves, our results may suffer.

We maintain reserves to cover our estimated liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred. Reserves are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of claims based on facts and circumstances then known, actual and historical information, predictions of future events, estimates of future trends in claims severity and judicial theories of liability, legislative activity and other variable factors, such as inflation, investment returns, and price increases because of local shortages. The Company’s overall reserving practice provides for ongoing claims evaluation and adjustment (if necessary) based on the development of related data and other relevant information pertaining to such claims. Loss and LAE reserves, including reserves for claims that have been incurred but not yet reported, are analyzed regularly and we adjust our reserves based on such reviews. We believe our reserves are adequate. However, establishing appropriate reserves is an uncertain process. There is no guarantee that our ultimate losses will not exceed our reserves. To the extent that reserves prove to be inadequate in the future, we would have to increase reserves, which would reduce our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

We face strong competition from large companies, which may reduce our earnings and profits.

We principally insure against property and casualty losses. This segment of the market is highly competitive. We compete against other Michigan-based insurance carriers as well as major regional and national carriers. The national carriers we compete with on a regular basis are Citizens Insurance Company of America, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and the Allstate Corporation. Regional companies that are important competitors include Auto Owners Insurance Group, Allied Insurance, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Michigan, Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company. Smaller state competitors would include Michigan Insurance Company, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Company. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and operating resources than we do. As a result, many of our lines of insurance are subject to strong price competition and heavy advertising by larger companies, which could result in loss of business and adversely affect our earnings.

Our reliance on independent insurance agencies to sell our products as well as their ability to sell products of our competitors could adversely affect the sale of our products.

We market our property and casualty insurance products exclusively in Michigan through approximately 175 independent agencies. Our independent insurance agencies represent other insurance companies, including our competitors, which also compete for the service and allegiance of these agencies. If a significant number of the independent agencies shift profitable accounts from us to our competitors, it could adversely affect our business.

A downgrade in our A.M. Best rating could hurt our premium volume.

Ratings assigned by A.M. Best Company, Inc. influence the competitive position of insurance companies. Their ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Our current rating is “B++” (Good). Our business is sensitive to those ratings. If we were to experience a rating downgrade, our independent agents could be inclined to place their customers with higher-rated insurance carriers, which could result in a loss of premium volume and could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, a downgrade in our A.M. Best rating could make it more difficult or costly to obtain reinsurance.

 

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If we are unable to obtain adequate reinsurance coverage at reasonable rates in the future, we may be unable to manage our underwriting risks and operate our business profitably.

Reinsurance is the practice of transferring part of the liabilities and the premiums under an insurance policy to another insurance company. Like other insurance companies, we use reinsurance arrangements to limit and manage the amount of risk we retain and to stabilize our underwriting results. Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty reinsurance. Under facultative reinsurance, each risk or portion of a risk is reinsured individually. Under treaty reinsurance, an agreed-upon portion of business written is automatically reinsured. Treaty reinsurance can also be classified as quota share reinsurance, pro-rata insurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share reinsurance and pro-rata insurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its insurance liability to the reinsurer in exchange for a like percentage of premiums, less a ceding commission, and, in turn, will recover from the reinsurer the reinsurer’s share of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under excess of loss reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a particular portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined deductible or retention. Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding company to the extent of the coverage ceded. The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions and may vary significantly over time. Reinsurance rates are not regulated and reinsurers are able to quickly raise their rates in response to changing market conditions. On the other hand, the Insurance Company’s rates are regulated, and it could take us years to obtain regulatory approval and collect rate increases based on the rising costs of reinsurance. There is no assurance that regulators would approve a rate increase based on these costs. Reinsurance may not be available to us in the future at commercially reasonable rates. If it is not available at reasonable rates, we may be unable to manage our underwriting risks and operate our business profitably.

If our reinsurers do not fulfill their financial obligations to us it may jeopardize our earnings and financial condition.

We are subject to loss and credit risk relating to the reinsurers we deal with because buying reinsurance does not relieve us of our liability to policyholders. The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations may have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Insurance Company.

If we do not have adequate reinsurance coverage, our earnings and financial condition would be in jeopardy.

It is possible that the losses we experience on risks we have reinsured will exceed the coverage limits on the reinsurance. If the amount of our reinsurance is not sufficient, our insurance losses would increase which could jeopardize our earnings and financial condition.

Changes in prevailing interest rates may reduce our revenues, cash flows and shareholders’ equity.

We have invested a significant portion of our investment portfolio in fixed maturity securities. In recent years, we have earned our investment income primarily from interest income on this portfolio. Lower interest rates could reduce the return on our portfolio and the amount of this income if we must reinvest at rates below those we have on securities currently in the portfolio. The reduced investment income could also reduce our cash flows. In addition, in a declining interest rate environment, we may lower our credit quality standards in order to maintain yield on the investment portfolio, which would negatively impact the quality of our investment portfolio. A decline in the quality of our portfolio could result in realized losses on securities, creating additional volatility in our statement of operations. Higher interest rates could reduce the market value of our fixed income investments resulting in a reduction to stockholders’ equity.

 

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We could be forced to sell investments to meet our liquidity requirements.

We believe that we maintain adequate amounts of cash and short-term investments to pay claims, and do not expect to sell securities prematurely for such purposes. We may, however, decide to sell securities as a result of changes in interest rates, credit quality, the rate of repayment or other similar factors. A significant increase in market interest rates could result in a situation in which we are required to sell securities at depressed prices to fund payments to our insureds. Since we carry debt securities at fair value, we expect that these securities would be sold with no material impact on our net equity. However, if these securities are sold, future net investment income may be reduced if we are unable to reinvest in securities with similar or better yields.

Declining debt and equity markets could adversely affect our investment portfolio.

A declining market could stress the values of investments of all firms and could cause the investment ratings of the issuers of debt or equity to decline. Therefore, a declining market could negatively impact the credit quality of our investment portfolio as adverse equity markets also affect issuers of securities held by us. Declines in the quality of the portfolio could cause additional realized losses on securities, thus causing volatility in our statement of operations.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 may have a material adverse effect on our business.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires new corporate governance standards, increased disclosures, expanded insider accountability, broadened sanctions and increased oversight by the Board and its committees. It also requires higher standards for the composition of the audit committee, heightens auditor independence, and limits non-audit services we can obtain from our outside auditor. In addition, the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will increase our audit-related costs as we and our independent auditors have elevated their standards and procedures. Our costs for legal compliance will also increase.

Regulatory changes could adversely affect our business.

The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (“OFIS”) regulates numerous aspects of our business and financial condition, which include:

 

   

approving premium rates;

 

   

establishing standards of solvency;

 

   

licensing our agents and us;

 

   

regulating the types and amounts of our investments;

 

   

regulating the reserves we must establish for our current losses and future liabilities; and

 

   

approving our policy forms.

The regulation and supervision are primarily for the protection of policyholders and not for the benefit of shareholders.

The insurance regulatory structure has been subject to increased scrutiny in recent years by federal and state legislative bodies and state regulatory authorities. Future legislation or regulatory changes could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Adverse legislative and regulatory activity, which increases our costs, adversely affects our capital or constrains our ability to adequately price insurance coverage, may occur in the future. In recent years, insurers have been under pressure from state insurance regulators, legislatures and special interest groups to reduce, freeze or set rates at levels that may not correspond with current underlying costs.

 

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Regulators may limit our use of credit-based insurance scoring, adversely affecting our ability to effectively price our products.

We use credit-based insurance scoring as one means to price our products. Insurance companies have been criticized for using credit-based insurance scoring as a means to improve underwriting results. There are many variations of credit-based insurance scoring formulas and projections used by insurance companies. We use a form of credit- based insurance scoring which projects a numerical score ranging from 200 to 900 (“Insurance Score”), with the higher number indicating a better score, based on information in a person’s credit report maintained by one of the several national credit reporting firms. An Insurance Score, like a credit score, is based on various factors such as payment history, collections, credit utilization and bankruptcies. The score is used to predict how often you are likely to file claims, and how expensive those claims will be.

On January 12, 2005, the Governor of Michigan and the Commissioner of the Office of Financial and Insurance Services issued proposed rules to reduce base insurance rates and ban the use of insurance credit scores as a rating factor or as a basis to refuse to insure or limit coverage on personal insurance. Personal insurance includes private passenger automobile, homeowners, motorcycle, boat, personal watercraft, snowmobile, recreational vehicle, mobile-homeowners and non-commercial dwelling fire lines. The proposed ban was to be effective on July 1, 2005.

The Insurance Institute of Michigan (“IIM”), of which the Company is a member, mounted a legal challenge to the ban and filed a suit on March 25, 2005 seeking relief from the proposed ban. On April 25, 2005 the presiding judge issued a final order in the matter of IIM et al v. OFIS, pertaining to insurers’ use of insurance credit scores to provide discounts on personal lines of insurance. In his final order the judge ruled in favor of IIM, stating that, “It is ordered that Plaintiff’s request for declaratory relief is granted, and the OFIS rules, R 500.2151-2155 are declared illegal, invalid and unenforceable. It is further ordered that Defendant is permanently enjoined from enforcing these rules against any Plaintiff in this action.” The Commissioner of the OFIS has filed an appeal to this ruling in the Michigan Court of Appeals. The appeal was heard before the appellate court on October 10, 2006. No decision has been rendered and the appellate court is under no time constraint to render a decision. The Company and the industry continue to monitor the courts activity and any future action will depend on the outcome of the appeal. Even if an appeal is rejected by the Michigan judiciary other reform legislation or regulatory action by OFIS could limit the effective use of this underwriting measure.

We believe that a higher Insurance Score indicates a lower expected risk of loss. If regulators were to restrict or prohibit our use of insurance scoring, it could impede us from effectively pricing our products.

Assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds, second-injury funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements may reduce our profitability.

We participate in the Michigan Property and Casualty Guaranty Association (“MPCGA”), which protects policyholders and claimants against losses due to insolvency of insurers. When an insolvency occurs, the MPCGA is authorized to assess member companies up to the amount of the shortfalls of funds, including expenses. Member companies are assessed based on the type and amount of insurance written during the previous calendar year. We recognize a liability for insurance related assessments when an assessment has been imposed or information available indicates it is probable that an assessment will be imposed, or an event obligating us to pay an imposed or probable assessment has occurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

The Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association (“MBPIA”) provides basic insurance to property-owners who cannot obtain insurance through insurance carriers in the normal course of business due to a high-risk exposure. The MBPIA assesses insurance carriers in Michigan a fee for continuation of the association based on the amount of losses incurred by the association and the amount of net written premium of the carrier related to property insurance.

 

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We cannot predict with certainty the amount of future assessments for these programs. Significant assessments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and mandatory shared-market mechanisms or changes in them could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business.

Michigan’s regulatory environment restricts our ability to exclude potentially unprofitable risks.

Michigan’s laws and regulations, specifically the Michigan Essential Insurance Act (“MEIA”), limit our ability to cancel or refuse to renew personal automobile and homeowner policies and subject program withdrawals to prior approval by OFIS. The MEIA requires an insurer to insure every applicant for insurance that meets the minimum requirements and the insurer’s underwriting rules. The underwriting rules must be applied uniformly to all applicants and policyholders. Each insurer must file its underwriting rules with OFIS. In addition, MEIA limits rating criteria that insurers may employ, requires insurers to develop a “secondary” or merit rating plan under which premium surcharges are levied on poor drivers, establishes a joint underwriting association to provide insurance to individuals who cannot obtain coverage in the insurance market, and regulates other types of coverage and informational requirements.

Inflation could increase the cost of claims resolutions and hurt our profitability.

Changes in the severity of claims have an impact on the profitability of our business. Changes in bodily injury claim severity are driven primarily by inflation in the medical sector of the economy. Changes in auto physical damage claim severity are driven primarily by inflation in auto repair costs, auto parts prices and used car prices. Changes in homeowners insurance claims severity are driven by inflation in the construction industry, in building materials and in home furnishings and other economic and environmental factors. However, changes in the level of the severity of claims that we pay do not necessarily match or track with changes in the rate of inflation in these various sectors of the economy.

Acts of terrorism may adversely impact our financial results.

We are continuing to examine the potential exposure of our operations to acts of terrorism. In the event that a terrorist act occurs, we do not anticipate material direct losses from claims by our insureds, but our reinsurers may suffer significant losses that could adversely affect our reinsurers’ ability to provide adequate reinsurance coverage and our ability to obtain cost effective reinsurance coverage.

Federal regulation of insurers may have a material effect on our operations.

In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under increased federal scrutiny. Legislation that would provide for optional federal chartering of insurance companies has been introduced in Congress. We cannot predict whether any federal measures will be adopted to change the nature or scope of the regulation of the insurance business or what effect any such measures would have on us.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 allows banks to affiliate with insurers, which may increase the number and financial strength of our competitors.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 permits mergers that combine commercial banks, insurers and securities firms under one holding company. Until passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, the Glass Steagall Act of 1933 had limited the ability of banks to engage in securities-related businesses and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 had restricted banks from being affiliated with insurers. With the passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, bank holding companies may acquire insurers and insurance holding companies may acquire banks. In addition, grandfathered unitary thrift holding companies may engage in activities that are not financial in nature. The ability of banks to affiliate with insurers may materially and adversely affect our product lines by substantially increasing the number, size and financial strength of potential competitors.

 

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Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update or alter our statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We own our main office, located at 933 E. Main Street, Fremont, Michigan, which is a 30,000 square foot brick veneer building constructed in 1981. There is no mortgage indebtedness on the building. Management believes that the building is sufficient for the needs of the Company, both now and in the foreseeable future.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to litigation in the normal course of business. Based upon information presently available to us, we do not consider any litigation to be material. However, given the uncertainties attendant to litigation, we cannot be sure that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially adversely affected by any litigation.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

We consider our common stock to be thinly traded, therefore, any reported bid or ask price may not reflect a true market-based valuation. Quotes on our common stock are published on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol “FMMH”. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices of our common stock during the periods indicated as reported on the OTCBB. These bid quotations are inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up or mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

     High    Low
     

December 31, 2007

     

First Quarter

   $ 29.25    $ 22.50

Second Quarter

   $ 28.40    $ 24.05

Third Quarter

   $ 24.50    $ 19.25

Fourth Quarter

   $ 23.00    $ 17.65

December 31, 2006

     

First Quarter

   $ 14.95    $ 10.75

Second Quarter

   $ 19.88    $ 14.13

Third Quarter

   $ 21.25    $ 18.75

Fourth Quarter

   $ 29.45    $ 22.30

As of March 14, 2008, the Company had 2 shareholders of record. For purposes of this determination, Cede & Co., the nominee for the Depositary Trust Company is treated as one holder.

The Company has not paid any dividends and does not intend to pay dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of dividends in the future on the common stock is subject to determination and declaration by the Company’s Board of Directors, who will take into consideration the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. The Holding Company’s principal source of cash available for payment of dividends is dividends from the Insurance Company. The payment of dividends by the Insurance Company is subject to limitations imposed by the Michigan Insurance Code. Information regarding restrictions and limitations on the payment of cash dividends can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is set forth under Part III, Item 12 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Stock Performance Graph

The following line graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return (i.e., the change in share price plus the cumulative amount of dividends, if any, assuming dividend reinvestment, divided by the beginning of the year share price, expressed as a percentage) on a $100 investment in the Company’s Class A Common Stock, with the same investment in the NASDAQ Stock Market and an industry peer group (the “Peer Group”) for the period commencing on October 15, 2004, the closing date of the Company’s initial public offering, through December 31, 2007. The Peer Group is the Hemscott Industry Group 432 comprised of 99 property and casualty insurance companies.

LOGO

 

    Fiscal Year Ending

Company/Index/Market

  10/15/04   12/31/04   12/31/05   12/31/06   12/31/07

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc.

  100.00   120.50   220.38   510.00   384.00

Hemscott Industry Group 432—Property/Casualty Insurance

  100.00   109.24   120.38   137.00   140.25

NASDAQ Market Index

  100.00   110.06   112.47   124.02   136.33

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following table sets forth selected financial data for the Company. The financial data for 2003 reflects the results of operations and financial position of the Insurance Company. The financial data for 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflects the consolidated results of operations and financial position of the Holding Company and the Insurance Company including the effects of the Conversion which occurred on October 15, 2004. You should read this data in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this report.

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2007    2006    2005     2004    2003  
     (In thousands)  

Income Statement Data:

             

Direct premium written

   $ 53,956    $ 48,869    $ 45,516     $ 41,971    $ 38,323  

Net premium written (1)

     44,004      40,263      39,512       36,504      18,891  

Net premium earned (1)

     42,774      39,249      38,756       27,196      18,099  

Net investment income

     2,165      1,888      1,689       1,176      815  

Net realized investment gain (loss)

     1,978      520      609       276      (32 )

Other income, net

     471      417      397       386      388  
                                     

Total revenue

     47,388      42,074      41,451       29,034      19,270  
                                     

Net loss and loss adjustment expense

     24,424      17,565      20,704       17,039      11,370  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense

     15,897      13,600      12,508       9,615      6,887  

Interest expense

     146      228      309       487      577  

Demutualization expenses

     —        —        —         302      175  
                                     

Total expenses

     40,467      31,393      33,521       27,443      19,009  
                                     

Income (loss) before federal income tax expense (benefit)

     6,921      10,681      7,930       1,591      261  

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (7)

     2,037      3,466      (1,152 )     78      35  
                                     

Net income (loss)

   $ 4,884    $ 7,215    $ 9,082     $ 1,513    $ 226  
                                     

Selected Balance Sheet Data:

             

Total investments

   $ 59,088    $ 56,910    $ 51,415     $ 42,414    $ 27,804  

Total assets

   $ 87,155    $ 85,877    $ 75,961     $ 68,661    $ 60,128  

Total liabilities

   $ 47,729    $ 51,447    $ 50,125     $ 51,356    $ 51,881  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 39,426    $ 34,430    $ 25,836     $ 17,305    $ 8,247  

Other Data:

             

Net loss and LAE ratio (2)

     57.1      44.8      53.4       62.7      62.8  

Expense ratio (3)

     37.2      34.6      32.3       35.4      38.1  

GAAP combined ratio (4)

     94.3      79.4      85.7       98.1      100.9  

Statutory surplus

   $ 33,777    $ 33,670    $ 25,994     $ 20,270    $ 15,658  

Statutory premiums to surplus ratio (5)

     1.30      1.20      1.52       1.80      1.21  

Per Share Data: (6)

             

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.83    $ 4.18    $ 5.27       0.52      N/A  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.77    $ 4.10    $ 5.24       0.52      N/A  

 

(1) The increase in net premiums written and earned in 2004 as compared to 2003 is due to the fact that as of January 1, 2004 the Insurance Company placed the quota share agreement into runoff.
(2) The net loss and loss adjustment expense (LAE) ratio is the net loss and LAE in relation to net premium earned.
(3) The expense ratio is the policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses in relation to net premium earned.

 

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(4) The sum of net losses, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses divided by net premiums earned. A combined ratio of less than 100% means a company is making an underwriting profit.
(5) The ratio of net premiums written divided by ending statutory surplus.
(6) Earnings per share data for 2004 reflects only net income for the period from October 16, 2004 through December 31, 2004, the period after the Conversion. Net income during this period was $902,711.
(7) In 2005, the Company recorded a federal income tax benefit of $1,152,000 despite having pre-tax income of $7,930,000. The federal income tax benefit was due to the Company recognizing a $3,855,000 reduction in its deferred tax valuation allowance in 2005. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this report, for further information regarding federal income taxes.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following presents management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated. You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report, and the narrative under the “Business” heading contained in Item 1 of this report. The following discussion contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ significantly from these forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements”.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

General. Our discussion and analysis of financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. We generally base our estimates on historical experience or other appropriate assumptions that we believe are reasonable and relevant under the circumstances and evaluate them on an ongoing basis. The results of these estimation processes form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below reflect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. These may be further commented upon in applicable sections on Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources that follow. Information about the significant accounting policies we use in the preparation of our financial statements is included in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Liabilities for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses represents estimates of the ultimate unpaid cost of all losses incurred, including losses for claims that have not yet been reported. The amount of loss reserves for reported claims is based primarily upon a case-by-case evaluation of the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each claim and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. The amounts of loss reserves for unreported claims and loss adjustment expenses are determined using historical information by line of insurance as adjusted to current conditions. Inflation is ordinarily implicitly provided for in the reserving function through analysis of costs, trends and reviews of historical reserving results over multiple years.

Reserves are closely monitored and are recomputed periodically using the most recent information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. Specifically, on a quarterly basis, we review existing reserves, new claims, changes to existing case reserves, and paid losses with respect to the current and prior accident years. We use historical paid and incurred losses and accident year data to derive expected ultimate loss and loss adjustment expense ratios by line of business. We then apply these expected loss and loss adjustment expense ratios to earned premium to derive a reserve level for each line of business. In connection with the determination of the reserves, we also consider other specific factors such as recent weather-related losses, trends in historical paid losses, and legal and judicial trends with respect to theories of liability. Some of our business relates to coverage for short-term risks, and for these risks loss development is comparatively rapid and historical paid losses, adjusted for known variables, have been a reliable predictive measure of future losses for purposes of our reserving. Some of our business relates to longer-term risks, where the claims are slower to emerge and the estimate of damage is more difficult to predict. For these lines of business, more sophisticated actuarial methods, such as the Bornhuetter-Ferguson loss development methods (see “Methods” below) must be employed to project an ultimate loss expectation, and then the related loss history must be regularly evaluated and loss expectations updated, with the possibility of variability from the initial estimate of ultimate losses.

 

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When a claim is reported to us, our claims representatives establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. This estimate reflects an informed judgment based upon general insurance reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of the estimator. The individual estimating the reserve considers the nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury or damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss. Case reserves are adjusted by our claims staff as more information becomes available. It is our policy to settle each claim as expeditiously as possible.

We maintain incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves to provide for already incurred claims that have not yet been reported and developments on reported claims. The IBNR reserve is determined by estimating our ultimate net liability for both reported and IBNR claims and then subtracting the case reserves and payments made to date for reported claims.

Methods Used to Estimate Loss & Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves. We applied the following general methods in projecting loss and loss adjustment expense reserves:

 

   

Incurred loss development

 

   

Paid loss development

 

   

Bornhuetter-Ferguson incurred loss development

 

   

Bornhuetter-Ferguson paid loss development

Description of Ultimate Loss Estimation Methods. The incurred loss development method relies on the assumption that, at any given state of maturity, ultimate losses can be predicted by multiplying cumulative reported losses (paid losses plus case reserves) by a cumulative development factor. The validity of the results of this method depends on the stability of claim reporting and settlement rates, as well as the consistency of case reserve levels. Case reserves do not have to be adequately stated for this method to be effective; they only need to have a fairly consistent level of adequacy at all stages of maturity. Historical “age-to-age” loss development factors were calculated to measure the relative development of an accident year from one maturity point to the next. We then selected appropriate age-to-age loss development factors based on these historical factors and used the selected factors to project the ultimate losses.

The paid loss development method is mechanically identical to the incurred loss development method described above. The paid method does not rely on case reserves or claim reporting patterns in making projections.

The validity of the results from using a loss development approach can be affected by many conditions, such as internal claim department processing changes, a shift between single and multiple claim payments, legal changes, or variations in a company’s mix of business from year to year. Also, since the percentage of losses paid for immature years is often low, development factors are volatile. A small variation in the number of claims paid can have a leveraging effect that can lead to significant changes in estimated ultimates. Therefore, ultimate values for immature accident years are often based on alternative estimation techniques.

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson expected loss projection method based on incurred loss data relies on the assumption that remaining unreported losses are a function of the total expected losses rather than a function of currently reported losses. The expected losses used in this analysis were selected judgmentally. The expected losses are multiplied by the unreported percentage to produce expected unreported losses. The unreported percentage is calculated as one minus the reciprocal of the selected incurred loss development factors. Finally, the expected unreported losses are added to the current reported losses to produce ultimate losses.

The calculations underlying the Bornhuetter-Ferguson expected loss projection method based on paid loss data are similar to the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson calculations with the exception that paid losses and unpaid percentages replace reported losses and unreported percentages.

 

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The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is most useful as an alternative to other models for immature accident years. For these immature years, the amounts reported or paid may be small and unstable and therefore not predictive of future development. Therefore, future development is assumed to follow an expected pattern that is supported by more stable historical data or by emerging trends. This method is also useful when changing reporting patterns or payment patterns distort the historical development of losses. As noted below, the Company tends to rely more heavily on the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for its most recent accident years due to the smaller size of each line of business and the instability in incurred and paid amounts.

In estimating our loss reserves for the multi-peril lines of business (homeowners, farmowners and commercial) and the general liability line of business we relied on the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for accident years 2004 to 2007 and the incurred loss development for accident years prior to 2004.

For the property lines of business including special property and personal and commercial auto physical damage as well as the personal and commercial auto liability lines of business we relied on the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for accident years 2005 to 2007 while the incurred loss development method was used for accident years prior to 2005.

For the workers’ compensation line of business we relied on the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for accident years 2002 to 2007 and the incurred loss development method for all prior years. Given the longer tail development of workers’ compensation claims and the fact that the Company’s workers’ compensation book of business is relatively small we placed more reliance on the incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson method.

Each quarter, we review our loss reviews to ascertain whether new developments have occurred which would require adjustment to our ultimate loss estimates. The quarterly review involves roundtable discussion involving the claims and accounting departments. Discussion is generally focused on claims involving liability and those claims that involve significant judgment. Because the establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process, we cannot be certain that ultimate losses will not exceed the established loss reserves and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Changes in estimates, or differences between estimates and amounts ultimately paid, are reflected in the operating results of the period during which such adjustments are made.

Reserves are estimates because there are uncertainties inherent in the determination of ultimate losses. Court decisions, regulatory changes and economic conditions can affect the ultimate cost of claims that occurred in the past as well as create uncertainties regarding future loss cost trends. Accordingly, the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded at December 31, 2007.

 

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The following table shows the breakdown of our gross loss reserves between reported losses and IBNR losses by segment (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006

Reported losses

     

Personal

   $ 6,211    $ 6,094

Commercial

     2,690      3,525

Farm

     656      1,123

Marine

     883      837
             
     10,440      11,579
             

IBNR losses

     

Personal

     3,830      4,338

Commercial

     3,121      3,520

Farm

     329      486

Marine

     339      254
             
     7,619      8,598
             

Total

     

Personal

     10,041      10,432

Commercial

     5,811      7,045

Farm

     985      1,609

Marine

     1,222      1,091
             
   $ 18,059    $ 20,177
             

The following table shows the activity in the loss and LAE reserve balances of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 20,177     $ 18,867     $ 18,973  

Less reinsurance balance recoverable

     7,030       5,934       9,187  
                        

Net balance, beginning of year

     13,147       12,933       9,786  

Incurred related to:

      

Current year

     28,556       22,790       23,059  

Prior years

     (4,132 )     (5,224 )     (2,355 )
                        

Total incurred

     24,424       17,566       20,704  

Paid related to:

      

Current year

     20,968       14,463       13,835  

Prior years

     4,145       2,889       3,722  
                        

Total paid

     25,113       17,352       17,557  
                        

Net balance, end of year

     12,458       13,147       12,933  

Plus reinsurance balance recoverable

     5,601       7,030       5,934  
                        

Balance, end of year

   $ 18,059     $ 20,177     $ 18,867  
                        

In 2007, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $4,132,000 which represents 31.4% of the net loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the

 

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year. The redundant development included $1,334,000 related to homeowners, $939,000 related to personal auto, $873,000 related to commercial multi-peril, $280,000 related to workers compensation, $281,000 related to farm while the remaining lines of business had redundant development of $425,000. The favorable development was concentrated in accident years 2004 through 2006 and is a result of downward development on both case and incurred but not reported reserves and loss adjusting expense reserves. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2007.

In 2006, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $5,224,000 which represents 40.4% of the net loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the year. During 2006, all product lines experienced favorable development as follows: homeowners—$1,340,000, personal auto—$1,329,000, commercial multi-peril—$1,247,000, workers compensation—$715,000, farm—$379,000 while the remaining product lines had redundant development of $214,000. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2006. The favorable development was concentrated in accident years 2003 through 2005 and is a result of downward development on both case and incurred but not reported reserves and loss adjusting expense reserves.

In 2005, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $2,355,000 which represents 24.1% of the loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the year. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2005. As a result of the adverse development experienced during 2003 the Company has placed an emphasis on the claim reserving process to ensure that we are establishing adequate reserves reflecting our best estimate of the ultimate loss. The favorable development in 2005 was primarily in the homeowner and personal auto product lines. The homeowner’s line, which is the Company’s largest product line, experienced redundant development of approximately $1,904,000 primarily in the accident years of 2004, 2003 and 2002 as a result of lower than expected losses on both incurred but not reported and existing case reserves as of December 31, 2004. The personal auto line experienced redundant development of approximately $426,000 primarily in the 2004 accident year. The Company began writing personal auto policies in 1999. Given that this is a newer product line for the Company our initial ultimate loss estimates on undeveloped years are based more on estimated industry loss ratios as opposed to our actual historical loss ratios. As the 2004 accident year continues to develop, the Company has experienced redundant development on settled claims. This has resulted in a decrease in the ultimate loss ratio as compared to the ultimate ratio used at December 31, 2004.

During 2005, the commercial segment experienced adverse development of approximately $253,000 driven by the workers compensation product line which had adverse development of $234,000. The Company strengthened its workers compensation reserves for accident years 2001 through 2004 as a result of adjusting the ultimate loss estimates so they are more in line with industry averages. Given the fact that workers’ compensation claims take a much longer time to be reported and settled, coupled with the fact that the Company began writing workers’ compensation policies in 1997, the Company deemed industry loss ratios to be a more prudent estimate than loss ratios based on the Company’s historical development patterns since 1997. The remaining redundant development of $278,000 came from the marine segment’s 2004 and 2003 accident years.

The following table shows the development of our reserves for unpaid losses and LAE on a GAAP basis for each of the years ended December 31, from 1997 to 2007. The line in the table titled “Net liability for loss and LAE,” shows the initial reserves at the balance sheet date, including losses incurred but not reported. The portion of the table titled “Cumulative net paid as of,” shows the cumulative amounts subsequently paid as of successive years with respect to the reserve shown at the top of the table. The portion of the table titled “Re-estimated net liability as of:” shows the re-estimated amount of the previously reported liability for loss and LAE based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimates of liability for loss and LAE change as more information becomes available about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. A redundancy (or deficiency) exists when the re-estimated amount of liability at each December 31 is less (or greater) than the prior liability estimate. The “Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” depicted in the table, for any particular calendar year, represents the aggregate change in the initial estimates over all subsequent calendar years and does

 

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not present accident year loss development. The portion of the table titled “Gross liability end of year” shows the impact of reinsurance for the years shown, reconciling the net reserves in the upper portion of the table to gross reserves. In evaluating the re-estimated liability and cumulative redundancy (deficiency), it should be noted that each data point includes the effects of changes in amounts for prior periods. Conditions and trends that have affected development of the liability in the past may not necessarily exist in the future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.

 

    1997   1998     1999     2000     2001     2002     2003   2004   2005   2006   2007

Gross liability end of year

  $ 8,810   $ 7,606     $ 8,942     $ 7,830     $ 11,061     $ 8,677     $ 13,878   $ 18,973   $ 18,867   $ 20,177   $ 18,059

Reinsurance recoverables

    4,234     3,256       5,175       3,611       5,434       4,302       7,742     9,187     5,934     7,030     5,601
                                                                           

Net liability end of year

  $ 4,576   $ 4,350     $ 3,767     $ 4,219     $ 5,627     $ 4,375     $ 6,136   $ 9,786   $ 12,933   $ 13,147   $ 12,458
                                                                           

Net liability for loss & LAE

  $ 4,576   $ 4,350     $ 3,767     $ 4,219     $ 5,627     $ 4,375     $ 6,136   $ 9,786   $ 12,933   $ 13,147   $ 12,458

Cumulative net paid as of:

                     

One year later

    1,641     2,191       2,085       3,798       3,815       3,000       1,996     3,722     2,889     4,145  

Two years later

    2,727     2,309       3,068       4,973       5,156       3,807       3,007     2,905     3,895    

Three years later

    3,261     2,847       3,419       5,778       5,552       4,415       2,617     3,295      

Four years later

    3,561     3,012       3,862       5,928       5,570       4,373       2,796        

Five years later

    3,656     3,234       3,867       5,884       5,484       4,595            

Six years later

    3,782     3,219       3,889       5,819       5,705              

Seven years later

    3,766     3,241       3,912       5,860                

Eight years later

    3,807     3,261       3,952                  

Nine years later

    3,807     3,261                    

Ten years later

    3,807                    

Re-estimated net liability as of:

                     

One year later

    3,304     3,758       3,372       5,384       5,315       5,462       5,470     7,431     7,709     9,015  

Two years later

    3,578     3,099       3,610       5,747       6,083       5,547       4,786     4,910     6,349    

Three years later

    3,576     3,161       3,835       6,191       6,318       5,385       3,538     4,189      

Four years later

    3,629     3,296       4,114       6,245       6,233       4,917       3,371        

Five years later

    3,763     3,450       4,125       6,159       5,909       4,852            

Six years later

    3,863     3,459       4,135       6,099       5,883              

Seven years later

    3,872     3,485       4,210       6,062                

Eight years later

    3,891     3,483       4,174                  

Nine years later

    3,894     3,484                    

Ten years later

    3,894                    
                                                                           

Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

  $ 682   $ 866     $ (407 )   $ (1,843 )   $ (256 )   $ (477 )   $ 2,765   $ 5,597     6,584     4,132  
                                                                           

Gross re-estimated liability—latest

  $ 8,763   $ 8,637     $ 8,959     $ 13,458     $ 11,663     $ 10,994     $ 10,270   $ 10,326   $ 10,988   $ 13,411  

Re-estimated reinsurance recoverables

    4,869     5,153       4,785       7,396       5,780       6,142       6,899     6,137     4,639     4,396  
                                                                           

Net re-estimated liability—latest

  $ 3,894   $ 3,484     $ 4,174     $ 6,062     $ 5,883     $ 4,852     $ 3,371   $ 4,189   $ 6,349     9,015  
                                                                           

Gross cumulative (deficiency) redundancy

  $ 47   $ (1,031 )   $ (17 )   $ (5,628 )   $ (602 )   $ (2,317 )   $ 3,608   $ 8,647   $ 7,879   $ 6,766  
                                                                           

 

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Investments. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of the Company’s investments are classified as available-for-sale and are those investments that would be available to be sold in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates and asset-liability management strategies, among others. Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with the corresponding unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of deferred income taxes and any corresponding deferred tax asset valuation allowance, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until realized.

The Company reviews the status and market value changes of its investment portfolio on at least a quarterly basis during the year, and any provisions for other-than-temporary impairments in the portfolio’s value are evaluated and established at each quarterly balance sheet date. In reviewing investments for other than temporary impairment, the Company, in addition to an investment’s market price history and its intent and ability to hold fixed maturity investments until maturity, considers the issuer’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity, its ability to access capital markets, credit rating trends, most current audit opinion, industry and securities markets conditions, and analyst expectations, in their totality to reach its conclusions. When a security in the Company’s investment portfolio has an unrealized loss in value that is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company reduces the book value of such security to its current market value, recognizing the decline as a realized loss in the statement of operations. Any future increases in the market value of investments written down are reflected as changes in unrealized gains as part of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity.

Reinsurance. The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”), No. 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance on Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts.” Net premiums earned, losses and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are reported net of the amounts related to reinsurance ceded to other companies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to the portions of the liability for losses and LAE and unearned premiums ceded to them are reported as assets. Reinsurance assumed from other companies, including assumed premiums written and earned and losses and LAE, is accounted for in the same manner as direct insurance written.

Reinsurance recoverables include balances due from reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid losses and LAE that will be recovered from reinsurers, based on contracts in force. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its primary obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk with respect to the individual reinsurer that participates in its ceded programs to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. When necessary the Company holds collateral in the form of letters of credit or trust accounts for amounts recoverable from reinsurers that are not considered authorized insurers by the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services.

Federal Income Taxes. Deferred federal income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Results Of Operations—Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated Results of Operations. The following table shows the underwriting gain or loss as well as other revenue and expense items included in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. The Company’s underwriting gain or loss consists of net premiums earned less

 

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loss and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses. The Company’s underwriting performance is the most important factor in evaluating the overall results of operations given the fluctuations which can occur in loss and LAE due to weather related events as well as the uncertainties involved in the process of estimating reserves for losses and LAE. The underwriting results and the fluctuations in other revenue and expense items are discussed in greater detail below.

 

                 Change  
     2007     2006     Dollar     Percentage  

Underwriting gain

        

Personal

   $ 2,687     $ 4,129,003     $ (4,126,316 )   (99.9 %)

Commercial

     1,278,883       2,659,237       (1,380,354 )   (51.9 %)

Farm

     816,289       1,011,147       (194,858 )   (19.3 %)

Marine

     354,690       285,404       69,286     24.3 %
                              

Total underwriting gain

     2,452,549       8,084,791       (5,632,242 )   (69.7 %)

Other revenue (expense) items

        

Net investment income

     2,165,070       1,887,719       277,351     14.7 %

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     1,977,742       519,835       1,457,907     280.5 %

Other income

     471,601       417,392       54,209     13.0 %

Interest expense

     (146,170 )     (228,403 )     82,233     (36.0 %)
                              

Total other revenue (expense) items

     4,468,243       2,596,543       1,871,700     72.1 %
                              

Income before federal income taxes

     6,920,792       10,681,334       (3,760,542 )   (35.2 %)

Federal income tax benefit (expense)

     (2,036,434 )     (3,466,001 )     1,429,567     (41.2 %)
                              

Net income

   $ 4,884,358     $ 7,215,333     $ (2,330,975 )   (32.3 %)
                              

Underwriting Results. The following table shows the components of the Company’s underwriting gain or loss for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

     2007     2006     Change     % Change  

Direct premiums written

   $ 53,956,318     $ 48,869,232     $ 5,087,086     10.4 %
                              

Net premiums written

   $ 44,003,623     $ 40,263,135     $ 3,740,488     9.3 %
                              

Net premiums earned

   $ 42,773,737     $ 39,249,248     $ 3,524,489     9.0 %

Loss and LAE

     24,424,346       17,564,611       6,859,735     39.1 %

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     15,896,842       13,599,846       2,296,996     16.9 %
                              

Underwriting gain (loss)

   $ 2,452,549     $ 8,084,791     $ (5,632,242 )   (69.7 %)
                              

Loss and LAE ratio

     57.1 %     44.8 %     12.3 %  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio

     37.2 %     34.6 %     2.6 %  

Combined ratio

     94.3 %     79.4 %     14.9 %  

Premiums. Direct premiums written by major business segment for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

 

     2007    2006    $ Change    % Change  

Personal

   $ 37,666,972    $ 32,954,734    4,712,238    14.3 %

Commercial

     9,169,369      8,999,194    170,175    1.9 %

Farm

     5,103,479      5,013,733    89,746    1.8 %

Marine

     2,016,498      1,901,571    114,927    6.0 %
                         
   $ 53,956,318    $ 48,869,232    5,087,086    10.4 %
                         

 

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While the market remained soft and very competitive in 2007, the relationships we have cultivated with our independent agents coupled with our ability to provide them a consistent, competitive and stable market for their preferred business led to the solid growth in direct premiums written during 2007. Direct premiums written grew 10.4%, with new business up 17.9% and renewal business up 8.5%. Personal auto continues to lead the growth in personal lines. Direct premiums written for personal auto increased 26.3% with new business up 15.2% and renewal business up 28.8%. Results were driven by the ease of placing personal auto business with Fremont through Fremont Complete—our web based rating system, several book of business transfers, a renewal retention ratio in the low nineties and an emphasis on agent cross-selling to current Fremont homeowner policyholders. Homeowners, which is the other major personal line of business, was up 5.0% with new business increasing 18.9% and renewal business increasing 2.9%. In 2007, the homeowner’s product line was added to Fremont Complete which made it easier to quote and issue new business for our agents. Overall, personal lines direct premium written was up 14.3%, with new business up 16.0% and renewals up 13.1%. In-force policy count increased 11.4% for the personal lines segment.

Despite soft market conditions in the industry, Fremont was able to generate growth of 1.9% in its commercial segment. The commercial growth was driven by commercial auto and workers compensation. New business grew 26.5%, with renewals down 4.3%, which is consistent with soft market conditions as companies look to retain profitable renewal business which in many instances means lower premiums on renewals. Commercial auto was up 20.2% while workers compensation was up 8.4%. Growth in these two lines was mitigated by a reduction in businessowners of 2.0% and a decrease in commercial package of 2.7%. Commercial in-force policy count was up 6.8%. The growth in commercial auto and workers compensation was due to a concerted effort by the commercial department to encourage agents to round out commercial accounts by adding commercial auto and workers compensation coverages. Furthermore, the commercial department focused on expanding it writings of low hazard mono-line workers compensation policies.

Farm direct premiums written were up 1.8% with both new and renewal premiums up 19.6% and 1.6% respectively. Direct premiums written for the marine business increased 6.0% driven by renewal premiums which were up 6.5%. New business premium was down 0.9% driven by increased competition for Michigan boat business as well as the Michigan economy. In-force count for farm was flat while marine was up 4.3%.

Net premiums written by business segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2007    2006    $ Change    % Change  

Personal

   $ 30,260,447    $ 26,715,542    3,544,905    13.3 %

Commercial

     7,559,621      7,537,315    22,306    0.3 %

Farm

     4,414,615      4,339,772    74,843    1.7 %

Marine

     1,768,940      1,670,506    98,434    5.9 %
                         
   $ 44,003,623    $ 40,263,135    3,740,488    9.3 %
                         

The increase in net premiums written is due to the overall increase in direct premiums written of $5,087,000 offset by an increase of $1,347,000 in ceded premiums written under the Company’s reinsurance agreements.

Net premiums earned by major business segment for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

 

     2007    2006    $ Change     % Change  

Personal

   $ 29,225,270    $ 25,752,956    3,472,314     13.5 %

Commercial

     7,497,696      7,666,666    (168,970 )   (2.2 %)

Farm

     4,337,542      4,222,485    115,057     2.7 %

Marine

     1,713,229      1,607,141    106,088     6.6 %
                          
   $ 42,773,737    $ 39,249,248    3,524,489     9.0 %
                          

 

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The increase in net premiums earned is due to the overall increase in direct premiums earned of $4,860,000 offset by an increase of $1,336,000 in ceded premiums earned under the Company’s reinsurance agreements.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE). The Company’s net loss and LAE by major business segment as well as the loss and LAE ratio’s are shown in the tables below:

 

     2007     2006     $ Change     % Change  

Loss and LAE:

        

Personal

   $ 18,361,023     $ 12,700,566     $ 5,660,457     44.6 %

Commercial

     3,432,297       2,350,933       1,081,364     46.0 %

Farm

     1,909,207       1,748,249       160,958     9.2 %

Marine

     721,819       764,863       (43,044 )   (5.6 %)
                              
   $ 24,424,346     $ 17,564,611     $ 6,859,735     39.1 %
                              

Incurred Claim Count:

        

Personal

     6,326       4,880       1,446     29.6 %

Commercial

     527       454       73     16.1 %

Farm

     341       361       (20 )   (5.5 %)

Marine

     194       165       29     17.6 %
                              
     7,388       5,860       1,528     26.1 %
                              

Average Loss and LAE per Claim:

        

Personal

   $ 2,902     $ 2,603     $ 299     11.5 %

Commercial

     6,513       5,178       1,335     25.8 %

Farm

     5,599       4,843       756     15.6 %

Marine

     3,721       4,636       (915 )   (19.7 %)
                              
   $ 3,306     $ 2,997     $ 309     10.3 %
                              

Loss and LAE Ratio:

        

Personal

     62.8 %     49.3 %    

Commercial

     45.8 %     30.7 %    

Farm

     44.0 %     41.4 %    

Marine

     42.1 %     47.6 %    
                    
     57.1 %     44.8 %    
                    

The personal segment experienced an increase in incurred loss and loss adjusting expense as well as the loss and LAE ratio driven by increased severity in the homeowner product line coupled with increased claim frequency in the personal auto line. Incurred losses for homeowners and personal auto increased $3,169,000 and $2,017,000, respectively, during 2007 compared to 2006. The homeowner line experienced increased loss severity as a result of snow, ice and water damage losses caused by the colder winter weather experienced during the first quarter 2007 and wind, hail and lightening damages sustained during the second and third quarters. Weather related losses increased approximately $2,245,000 during 2007 as compared to 2006. During the first quarter of 2007 Michigan experienced a more normalized winter weather pattern evidenced by consistent below-freezing temperatures and significant snow accumulation. During the first quarter of 2006 Michigan did not experience the consistent below freezing temperatures as those experienced in 2007 which resulted in lower claim severity in 2006. Weather patterns experienced during 2007 reflected more traditional weather activity typically experienced in Michigan. Although the Company did experience summer storm activity in 2006 it was not near the extent of storm activity experienced in 2007. Loss and LAE from personal auto increased due to increased claim frequency driven by volume growth in this line. The personal auto line’s direct premiums written increased 26.3% in 2007 compared to 2006. Furthermore, the majority of the increase in the incurred claim count for the personal segment was from increased personal auto claims particularly auto physical damage.

 

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The increase in the commercial segment incurred loss and LAE and the related ratio was focused in the following product lines: businessowners ($647,000), workers compensation ($329,000) and commercial auto ($82,000). The increase in losses for the businessowners line was driven by weather related losses sustained during the first three quarters of 2007, several larger fire losses in 2007 as well as favorable development recorded in 2006. The increase in incurred losses and LAE in the workers compensation line was driven by favorable reserve development recorded in 2006.

The farm segment experienced higher loss and LAE during 2007 as compared to 2006 due to an increase in losses attributable to the previously mentioned weather conditions as well as fire related losses. The marine segment experienced a slight drop in loss and LAE as well as the loss and LAE ratio. Despite an increase in the number of marine claims incurred during 2007 the severity of the claims reported actually declined in 2007.

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2007     2006     Change     % Change  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

   $ 7,323,488     $ 6,842,734     $ 480,754     7.0 %

Other underwriting expenses

     8,573,354       6,757,112       1,816,242     26.9 %
                          

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

   $ 15,896,842     $ 13,599,846     $ 2,296,996     16.9 %
                          

Net premiums earned

   $ 42,773,737     $ 39,249,248     $ 3,524,489     9.0 %
                          

Expense ratio

     37.2 %     34.6 %     2.6 %  
                          

The expense ratio increased 2.6 percentage points in 2007 compared to 2006. The significant items and the related impact on the expense ratio include: non-recurring assessments from state mandated pools and associations in which the Company is required to participate (1.6 percentage points), increased depreciation (0.3 percentage points) and premium tax refunds received in 2006 (which reduced the 2006 expense ratio by 0.7 percentage points).

Investment Income. The Company’s net investment income excluding realized gains and losses, average invested assets including cash and cash equivalents and the rate of return for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     Change     % Change  

Fixed maturities

   $ 2,067,273     $ 1,895,827     $ 171,446     9.0 %

Equity securities

     102,722       136,503       (33,781 )   (24.7 %)

Cash and cash equivalents

     309,333       171,428       137,905     80.4 %
                          

Gross investment income

     2,479,328       2,203,758       275,570     12.5 %

Less: Investment expenses

     (314,258 )     (316,039 )     (1,781 )   (0.6 %)
                          

Net investment income

   $ 2,165,070     $ 1,887,719     $ 277,351     14.7 %
                          

Average invested assets (amortized cost basis)

   $ 61,159,390     $ 56,642,910     $ 4,516,480     8.0 %
                          

Rate of return on average invested assets

     3.5 %     3.3 %     0.2 %  
                          

Gross investment income from fixed maturities increased 9.0% over 2006, while income from cash and cash equivalents increased 80.4%. The increase in income from cash and cash equivalents was due to the fact that the Company had a larger portion of its invested assets placed in short-term securities over this time period compared to 2006 in contemplation of the surplus note repayment which occurred in September 2007. When income from cash and cash equivalents are combined with fixed maturities, gross investment income was 15.0%

 

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higher in 2007 compared to 2006. Growth in invested assets, along with higher investment yields, were the main reasons for the increase in gross investment income.

To accurately compare between time periods with different tax-exempt allocations, yields on the portfolio need to be calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. The tax-equivalent portfolio yield on fixed maturities ended 2007 at 5.33%, versus 4.87% at the end of 2006. Over the course of the year, a greater portion of the fixed maturity portfolio was invested into tax-exempt municipal securities carrying higher tax-equivalent yields than similar taxable securities. The portfolio duration was also increased from 3.96 at December 31, 2006 to 5.06 at December 31, 2007. These factors led to the significant increase in tax-equivalent yield.

Gross investment income from the equity portfolio decreased due to a decline in dividend paying securities in the portfolio. During 2006, the Company received approximately $23,000 in dividends on common and preferred stocks held by the Company. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had liquidated its holdings in common and preferred stocks and shifted those investments into mutual funds. As a result of this shift the dividend income went down as the mutual funds held by the Company do not pay the regular dividends that had been traditionally paid by the common and preferred stocks historically held by the Company. The decline in investment income from the equity portfolio was also affected by a decrease in funds invested in equity securities during 2007.

Net realized gains from the portfolio for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     Change     % Change  

Net realized gains (losses)—fixed maturities

   $ (233,220 )   $ (39,670 )   $ (193,550 )   (487.9 %)

Net realized gains (losses)—equity securities

     2,210,962       559,505       1,651,457     295.2 %
                          

Total net realized gains (losses)

   $ 1,977,742     $ 519,835     $ 1,457,907     280.5 %
                          

During 2007, the Company increased its holdings in tax exempt municipals in order to take advantage of the higher tax equivalent yields in that sector. This was accomplished by selling both corporate securities and other tax exempt municipals which had lower yields. The shift resulted in net realized losses of $233,000.

During 2007, the Company sold approximately $8.4 million in equity securities which generated $2,211,000 in realized gains. The sales were generated in order to reduce the level of equity risk in the portfolio, rebalance the equity portfolio and take advantage of the unrealized market value appreciation in the equity portfolio. The cash generated from the equity sales was placed into the fixed portfolio.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net which includes premium installment charges, fees for non-sufficient fund checks, late payment fees and other miscellaneous income and expense items increased 13.0% to $471,000 in 2007 compared to $417,000 in 2006. The increase was driven by premium volume growth in 2007 and a decline in miscellaneous expenses experienced during 2007.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately $82,000 to $146,000 in 2007 from $228,000 in 2006. The decrease is due to the September 2007 payoff of the surplus notes.

Federal Income Tax. During the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 the Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $2,036,000 and $3,466,000 respectively. The decrease is due to a decline in pre-tax income in 2007 compared to 2006. The effective tax rate for 2007 was 29.4% compared to 32.4% for 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due to increased tax-exempt interest income received during 2007 compared to 2006 coupled with an increase in the provision to return variance recorded in 2007.

Results Of Operations—Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated Results of Operations. The following table shows the underwriting gain or loss as well as other revenue and expense items included in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. The Company’s underwriting gain or loss consists of net premiums earned less

 

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loss and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses. The Company’s underwriting performance is the most important factor in evaluating the overall results of operations given the fluctuations which can occur in loss and LAE due to weather related events as well as the uncertainties involved in the process of estimating reserves for losses and LAE. The underwriting results and the fluctuations in other revenue and expense items are discussed in greater detail below.

 

                 Change  
     2006     2005     Dollar     Percentage  

Underwriting gain (loss)

        

Personal

   $ 4,129,003     $ 4,399,461     $ (270,458 )   (6.1 %)

Commercial

     2,659,237       791,719       1,867,518     235.9 %

Farm

     1,011,147       499,411       511,736     102.5 %

Marine

     285,404       (146,765 )     432,169     294.5 %
                              

Total underwriting gain

     8,084,791       5,543,826       2,540,965     45.8 %

Other revenue (expense) items

        

Net investment income

     1,887,719       1,688,853       198,866     11.8 %

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     519,835       608,819       (88,984 )   (14.6 %)

Other income

     417,392       397,673       19,719     5.0 %

Interest expense

     (228,403 )     (308,805 )     80,402     (26.0 %)
                              

Total other revenue (expense) items

     2,596,543       2,386,540       210,003     8.8 %
                              

Income before federal income taxes

     10,681,334       7,930,366       2,750,968     34.7 %

Federal income tax benefit (expense)

     (3,466,001 )     1,151,903       (4,617,904 )   400.9 %
                              

Net income

   $ 7,215,333     $ 9,082,269     $ (1,866,936 )   (20.6 %)
                              

Underwriting Results. The following table shows the components of the Company’s underwriting gain or loss for the years ended December 31:

 

     2006     2005     Change     % Change  

Direct premiums written

   $ 48,869,232     $ 45,515,864     $ 3,353,368     7.4 %
                              

Net premiums written

   $ 40,263,135     $ 39,512,088     $ 751,047     1.9 %
                              

Net premiums earned

   $ 39,249,248     $ 38,755,853     $ 493,395     1.3 %

Loss and LAE

     17,564,611       20,703,929       (3,139,318 )   (15.2 %)

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     13,599,846       12,508,098       1,091,748     8.7 %
                              

Underwriting gain (loss)

   $ 8,084,791     $ 5,543,826     $ 2,540,965     45.8 %
                              

Loss and LAE ratio

     44.8 %     53.4 %     (8.7 %)  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio

     34.6 %     32.3 %     2.4 %  

Combined ratio

     79.4 %     85.7 %     (6.3 %)  

Premiums. Direct premiums written by major business segment for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

 

     2006    2005    $ Change     % Change  

Personal

   $ 32,954,734    $ 29,754,337    3,200,397     10.8 %

Commercial

     8,999,194      9,178,470    (179,276 )   (2.0 %)

Farm

     5,013,733      4,813,392    200,341     4.2 %

Marine

     1,901,571      1,769,665    131,906     7.5 %
                          
   $ 48,869,232    $ 45,515,864    3,353,368     7.4 %
                          

 

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Overall, direct premiums written were up 7.4% with new business premiums increasing 14.0% and renewal premiums up 6.7%. The total in-force policy count continues to grow and is up 7.4%. Direct premiums written for the personal segment increased 10.8% driven by growth in both new and renewal premium volume which increased 34.8% and 8.0%, respectively. Growth in the personal segment is driven by a combination of maintaining a high retention ratio, securing several agent books of business transfers and the roll-out of the Company’s web based rating platform—Fremont Complete for the personal auto line during the third quarter of 2006. The two largest product lines within the personal segment are personal auto and homeowners. Direct premiums written for the personal auto and homeowners product lines increased 24.0% and 4.2%, respectively, during 2006 compared to 2005. The total in-force policy count for the personal segment increased 9.0% driven by personal auto which was up 33.0%.

Direct premiums written for the commercial segment decreased 2.0%. The decline is due to an 8.7% decrease in commercial package (CPP) premium volume which is more susceptible to competitive pricing in the current soft market. Given the Company’s commitment to maintaining its underwriting discipline several larger commercial accounts were lost as a result of competitive pricing that was deemed unacceptable and inappropriately priced given the risk level of the exposure. Despite growth in other commercial products including businessowners (BOP) up 5.4%, commercial auto up 2.3% and workers compensation up 4.4%, these were not enough to offset the decline in the CPP product line. Despite the continued soft market in commercial throughout 2006 our in-force policy count did increase 4.0% and was a result of continued focus on maintaining our renewals and the introduction of our web based rating platform—Fremont Complete for the BOP line in early 2006.

Farm direct premiums written increased 4.2% with both new and renewal premiums up 1.1% and 5.0%, respectively. The premium growth was driven by rate increases of approximately 3.7% in 2005 and 4.9% in 2006. Direct premiums written for the marine segment increased 7.5% driven by renewal premiums which were up 14.3%. New business premium volume was down 14.5% as a result of increased competition for Michigan boat business as well as the stagnant Michigan economy.

Net premiums written by business segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2006    2005    $ Change     % Change  

Personal

   $ 26,715,542    $ 25,360,953    1,354,589     5.3 %

Commercial

     7,537,315      8,115,201    (577,886 )   (7.1 %)

Farm

     4,339,772      4,405,291    (65,519 )   (1.5 %)

Marine

     1,670,506      1,630,643    39,863     2.4 %
                          
   $ 40,263,135    $ 39,512,088    751,047     1.9 %
                          

Net premiums written increased $751,000 due to a combination of normal volume growth, offset by an increase in current year ceded premiums written coupled with the impact from the quota share agreement in 2005. Net premiums written in 2005 included $1,400,000 related to the quota share reinsurance agreement which was placed into runoff on December 31, 2003. During 2005 the Company recognized $1,400,000 of profit commission under the quota share reinsurance agreement which reduced both ceded premiums written as well as ceded premiums earned and conversely increased both net premiums written and earned. Net premiums written for 2005 excluding the quota share impact would have been approximately $38,112,000 resulting in an increase of approximately $2,151,000 as compared to 2006. The change in net premiums written was affected by an increase of $3,353,000 due to the overall increase in direct premiums written offset by growth in ceded premiums written under the Company’s ongoing reinsurance agreements of approximately $1,202,000.

 

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Net premiums earned by major business segment for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

 

     2006    2005    $ Change     % Change  

Personal

   $ 25,752,956    $ 24,758,161    994,795     4.0 %

Commercial

     7,666,666      8,163,707    (497,041 )   (6.1 %)

Farm

     4,222,485      4,304,745    (82,260 )   (1.9 %)

Marine

     1,607,141      1,529,240    77,901     5.1 %
                          
   $ 39,249,248    $ 38,755,853    493,395     1.3 %
                          

Net premiums earned increased $493,000 due to a combination of normal volume growth, offset by an increase in current year ceded premiums earned coupled with the impact from the quota share agreement which occurred during 2005. Net premiums earned for 2005 included $1,400,000 related to the quota share reinsurance agreement which was placed into runoff on December 31, 2003. As noted above, during 2005 the Company recognized $1,400,000 of profit commission under the quota share reinsurance agreement which reduced both ceded premiums written as well as ceded premiums earned and conversely increased both net premiums written and earned. Net premiums earned for 2005 excluding the quota share impact would have been approximately $37,356,000 resulting in an increase of approximately $1,894,000 as compared to 2006. The change in net premiums earned was affected by an increase of $3,094,000 due to the overall increase in direct premiums earned offset by growth in ceded premiums earned under the Company’s ongoing reinsurance agreements of approximately $1,201,000.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE). The Company’s net loss and LAE by major business segment as well as the loss and LAE ratio’s are shown in the tables below:

 

     2006     2005     $ Change     % Change  

Loss and LAE:

        

Personal

   $ 12,700,566     $ 12,368,229     $ 332,337     2.7 %

Commercial

     2,350,933       4,737,226       (2,386,293 )   (50.4 %)

Farm

     1,748,249       2,416,018       (667,769 )   (27.6 %)

Marine

     764,863       1,182,456       (417,593 )   (35.3 %)
                              
   $ 17,564,611     $ 20,703,929     $ (3,139,318 )   (15.2 %)
                              

Incurred Claim Count:

        

Personal

     4,880       4,182       698     16.7 %

Commercial

     454       476       (22 )   (4.6 %)

Farm

     361       332       29     8.7 %

Marine

     165       172       (7 )   (4.1 %)
                              
     5,860       5,162       698     13.5 %
                              

Average Loss and LAE per Claim:

        

Personal

   $ 2,603     $ 2,957     $ (355 )   (12.0 %)

Commercial

     5,178       9,952       (4,774 )   (48.0 %)

Farm

     4,843       7,277       (2,434 )   (33.5 %)

Marine

     4,636       6,875       (2,239 )   (32.6 %)
                              
   $ 2,997     $ 4,011     $ (1,013 )   (25.3 %)
                              

Loss and LAE Ratio:

        

Personal

     49.3 %     50.0 %    

Commercial

     30.7 %     58.0 %    

Farm

     41.4 %     56.1 %    

Marine

     47.6 %     77.3 %    
                    
     44.8 %     53.4 %    
                    

 

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Loss and LAE decreased approximately $3,139,000 or 15.2% in 2006 as compared to 2005. The decrease is attributed to favorable development of $5,224,000 experienced during 2006 on prior years’ reserves compared to favorable development of $2,355,000 experienced during 2005. The increase in favorable development during 2006 is a result of downward development of individual case reserves and loss adjustment expense reserves. The loss and LAE ratio declined to 44.8% in 2006 compared to 53.4% in 2005.

The personal segment’s loss and LAE increased $332,000 or 2.7% which included an increase of $1,486,000 in personal auto offset by a $1,082,000 decrease in homeowners while other personal product lines experienced a decrease of $72,000. The increase in loss and LAE for personal auto is driven by continued growth in this product line. During 2006, direct premiums written for personal auto increased 24% while the claim count for personal auto claims increased 20%. The increased claim activity in personal auto was primarily from auto physical damage claims and is consistent with management’s expectations. Offsetting the increased loss and LAE from personal auto volume growth was favorable development of $1,071,000 experienced during 2006 primarily on accident years 2005, 2003 and 2001. The decrease in loss and LAE for homeowners is caused primarily by favorable loss development of $1,340,000 from accident years 2003 through 2005. The increase in the personal segment’s incurred claim count is driven primarily by personal auto which experienced a claim count increase of 510 during 2006 while the remaining claim count increase of 188 is from the homeowner product line. The loss and LAE ratio remained fairly consistent in 2006 at 49.3% compared to 50% in 2005 as a result of higher loss and LAE in personal auto offset by favorable loss development in both personal auto and homeowners.

The commercial segment’s loss and LAE decreased $2,386,000 or 50.4% in 2006 while the loss and LAE ratio dropped from 58% in 2005 to 30.7% in 2006. The improvement was concentrated in the workers’ compensation and commercial multi-peril product lines. Loss and LAE in the workers compensation product line decreased approximately $1,357,000 which included favorable reserve development of approximately $715,000 concentrated in accident years 2002 through 2005. The rest of the decrease was due to higher incurred loss and LAE in 2005 as a result of reserve strengthening which occurred during 2005. During 2005 the Company strengthened its reserves for the workers compensation line so that the ultimate loss estimates were more in line with industry averages resulting in an increase of approximately $904,000 in loss and LAE in 2005. During 2006 as prior years’ claims continued to develop and settle the ultimate losses are settling for less than estimated. Loss and LAE for the commercial multi-peril product lines decreased approximately $977,000 during 2006 which included favorable reserve development of approximately $1,247,000 primarily from accident years 2003 through 2005. The favorable reserve development on prior accident years was offset by an increase in 2006 accident year loss and LAE for the commercial multi-peril product line. The increase is driven by a higher expected loss ratio for the commercial multi-peril product lines as a result of the current soft market conditions and relatively flat rate increases experienced during 2006.

The farm segment experienced a decline in incurred loss and LAE of $668,000 as well as a drop in its loss and LAE ratio from 56.1% in 2005 to 41.4% in 2006. The decrease in incurred loss and LAE was attributed to fewer fire related losses experienced in 2006 compared to 2005 as well as favorable reserve development. The marine segment, the Company’s smallest segment, experienced a decline in incurred loss and LAE of $418,000 and a decrease in its loss and LAE ratio from 77.3% in 2005 to 47.6% in 2006. The decreases are driven by a drop in claim severity.

 

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Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2006     2005     Change     % Change  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

   $ 6,842,734     $ 6,382,257     $ 460,477     7.2 %

Other underwriting expenses

     6,757,112       6,125,841       631,271     10.3 %
                          

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

   $ 13,599,846     $ 12,508,098     $ 1,091,748     8.7 %
                          

Net premiums earned

   $ 39,249,248     $ 38,755,853     $ 493,395     1.3 %
                          

Expense ratio

     34.6 %     32.3 %     2.4 %  
                          

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased $460,000 during 2006 due to the increase in premium volume as compared to the prior year. Items affecting the increase in other underwriting expenses include an increase of $144,000 in salaries and benefits, an increase of $179,000 in underwriting survey and inspection costs and an increase of $302,000 in depreciation driven primarily by capitalized costs associated with the Company’s web-based rating platform—Fremont Complete. The expense ratio, defined as the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to net premiums earned, increased to 34.6% from 32.3%. The increase in the ratio is driven by higher depreciation costs as well as higher underwriting survey and inspection costs. The increase in underwriting survey and inspection costs is due to the growth in the personal auto line. As part of the underwriting process the Company obtains motor vehicle records and prior loss history records in order to properly rate an auto policy. The Company utilizes several vendors to obtain this data and pays a transaction fee for obtaining the data. The increase is driven by the premium volume growth in personal auto of 24.0% in 2006.

Investment Income. The Company’s net investment income excluding realized gains and losses, average invested assets including cash and cash equivalents and the rate of return for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

     2006     2005     Change     % Change  

Fixed maturities

   $ 1,895,827     $ 1,658,852     $ 236,975     14.3 %

Equity securities

     136,503       183,883       (47,380 )   (25.8 %)

Cash and cash equivalents

     171,428       111,580       59,848     53.6 %
                          

Gross investment income

     2,203,758       1,954,315       249,443     12.8 %

Less: Investment expenses

     (316,039 )     (265,462 )     50,577     19.1 %
                          

Net investment income

   $ 1,887,719     $ 1,688,853     $ 198,866     11.8 %
                          

Average invested assets (amortized cost basis)

   $ 56,642,910     $ 49,239,808     $ 7,403,102     15.0 %
                          

Rate of return on average invested assets

     3.3 %     3.4 %     (0.1 %)  
                          

Gross investment income from fixed maturities increased $237,000 due primarily to an increase in invested assets within the fixed portfolio particularly in the area of tax-exempt securities. The Company invests in both taxable and tax-exempt fixed maturity securities. For 2006, the average assets in the taxable portfolio increased about 1% from 2005 levels, to just over $35 million. Income from this portion of the portfolio increased by 4%, however, as a result of higher interest rates which helped to push up the book yield. These effects combined to increase income from the taxable portfolio by about $70,000 over 2005 levels. The tax-exempt portfolio saw a more significant increase in both assets and income in 2006. The tax-exempt portfolio nearly doubled in size, averaging almost $9 million over the year and actually ending the year at over $13 million. Tax-exempt rates were fairly stable over time, but they allow the Company to capture a higher after-tax return than in the taxable portfolio. This increase in assets added over $160,000 in tax-exempt income when compared to 2005 levels.

 

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Gross investment income from the equity portfolio decreased due to a decline in dividend income received on the portfolio. During 2005 and 2006 the Company liquidated its holdings in common and preferred stocks and shifted those investments into mutual funds. As a result of this shift the dividend income went down as the mutual funds held by the Company do not pay the regular dividends that had been traditionally paid by the common and preferred stocks historically held by the Company. The decline in investment income from the equity portfolio has been offset by an increase of $220,000 in net realized gains as a result of an increase in capital gains distribution paid by the mutual funds held by the Company. Gross investment income from cash and cash equivalents increased in 2006 due to a higher invested asset base coupled with increased yields during 2006. The increase in investment expenses is due to higher outside investment management fees as a result of the increase in invested assets coupled with increased internal costs allocated to managing the investment portfolio.

The decline in the rate of return on average invested assets was driven by the aforementioned decrease in gross investment income from the equity portfolio. However, as noted above, the decrease was recouped through an increase in net realized gains from the equity portfolio of approximately $220,000.

Net realized gains from the portfolio for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

     2006     2005    Change     % Change  

Net realized gains (losses)—fixed maturities

   $ (39,670 )   $ 269,186    $ (308,856 )   (114.7 %)

Net realized gains (losses)—equity securities

     559,505       339,633      219,872     64.7 %
                         

Total net realized gains (losses)

   $ 519,835     $ 608,819    $ (88,984 )   (14.6 %)
                         

The decrease in net realized gains from the fixed maturity portfolio is due to less activity during 2006. During 2005 the Company focused on reducing the duration in the fixed maturity portfolio in order to temper the fluctuations in the market value of the portfolio. This resulted in a higher volume of selling activity resulting in net realized gains on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $269,000. The increase in net realized gains on the sale of equity securities is driven by an increase in capital gains distributions from mutual funds held by the Company.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net which includes premium installment charges, fees for non-sufficient fund checks, late payment fees and other miscellaneous income and expense items increased 5.0% to $417,000 in 2006 compared to $398,000 in 2005.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately $81,000 to $228,000 in 2006 from $309,000 in 2005. The decrease is due to the decline in the balance of the quota share funds withheld account. The quota share agreement was commuted on March 31, 2006 thereby eliminating any future interest expense associated with this account.

Federal Income Tax. During the year ended December 31, 2006 the Company recorded income tax expense of $3,466,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 32.4%. Federal income taxes do not bear the usual relationship to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the effects of non-taxable investment income and other provision to return variances as well as the change to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. During the year ended December 31, 2005 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $1,152,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 14.5%. For 2005, federal income taxes did not bear the usual relationship to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the effects of the reduction of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, non-taxable investment income and other provision to return variances. During the quarter ended September 30, 2005 the Company’s management reassessed the need for a full valuation allowance, and based on all available evidence, including the Company’s cumulative net income for recent fiscal years, estimates of current and future profitability and the overall prospects of our business, concluded that a full valuation allowance was no longer necessary. As a result, the valuation allowance was reduced by approximately $3,855,000 which is reflected in

 

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the 2005 income tax benefit. The Company’s federal income tax expense excluding the effect of the change in the valuation allowance was $2,704,000 resulting in an effective tax rate of 34.1% for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The principal sources of funds for the Insurance Company are insurance premiums, investment income and proceeds from the maturity and sale of invested assets. Funds are primarily used for the payment of claims, commissions, salaries and employee benefits, other operating expenses and surplus note service.

Liquidity is a measure of the ability to generate sufficient cash to meet cash obligations as they come due. In addition to the need for cash flow to meet operating expenses, our liquidity requirements relate primarily to the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses. Our short and long term liquidity requirements vary because of the uncertainties regarding the settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid claims and because of the potential for large losses, either individually or in the aggregate.

We maintain investment and reinsurance programs that are intended to provide sufficient funds to meet our obligations without forced sales of investments. A portion of our investment portfolio is maintained in relatively short term and highly liquid assets, including mortgage-backed securities, which have shorter estimated durations, to ensure the availability of funds.

Cash flow provided by operations was $4,303,000 in 2007 compared to $8,303,000 in 2006, a decrease of $4,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 2006 premiums collected increased $4,264,000 as a result of increased premium writings, net loss and LAE paid increased $7,315,000 while policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses paid increased $1,705,000. Cash paid for income taxes decreased $550,000 during 2007 compared to 2006 due to lower pretax income generated in 2007. Other cash provided by operational activities increased $206,000 during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006.

Cash used in investing activities was $2,000,000 and $5,258,000 during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of $3,258,000. During 2007, net cash invested into the Company’s investment portfolio was $494,000 compared to $3,972,000 in 2006, a decrease of $3,478,000. The decrease in cash placed into the investment portfolio was due to the repayment of the surplus notes in September 2007. Offsetting the reduction in cash placed into the investment portfolio was an increase in capital expenditures of $228,000 in 2007. The majority of the Company’s capital expenditures were related to Fremont Complete. Cash used in financing activities of $2,868,000 consisted primarily of the repayment of the surplus notes.

Cash flow provided by operations was $8,303,000 in 2006 compared to $6,745,000 in 2005, an increase of $1,558,000. During the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to 2005 premiums collected increased $956,000 due to increased premium writings, net loss and LAE paid increased $503,000 while policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses paid decreased $179,000. During the year ended December 31, 2006, net cash used under the quota share funds withheld account was $39,000 while during the same period in 2005 net cash used was $1,827,000, a change of $1,787,000. Cash paid for income taxes increased $975,000 due to an increase in taxable income during 2006 compared to 2005. Other cash provided by operational activities increased $114,000 during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005.

Cash flow used in investing activities was $5,258,000 and $8,875,000 during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, a decrease of $3,617,000. During 2006, net cash invested into the Company’s investment portfolio was $3,972,000 compared to $8,372,000 which was placed into the portfolio during 2005. At December 31, 2006, the Company was maintaining a higher cash and cash equivalent balance due to anticipated cash flow requirements during 2007, specifically the maturity of our surplus notes in September 2007 which amount to $2,890,000. As a result, the Company did not place as much cash into the investment portfolio during 2006 as compared to 2005. Despite the decrease in cash placed into the investment portfolio during 2006,

 

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the Company invested approximately $1,302,000 in capital expenditures, the majority of which related to Fremont Complete, the Company’s web based rating platform. As of December 31, 2006, product lines that are available through Fremont Complete include personal auto and businessowners.

We believe that our existing cash and funds generated from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our financial requirements during the foreseeable future.

The Holding Company has no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and cannot assure our stockholders that dividends will be paid in the future. The Holding Company’s principal source of cash available for payment of dividends is dividends from the Insurance Company. The annual future cash requirements of the Holding Company are not foreseen to be significant. They include director fees and other administrative expenses related to annual filings such as income tax returns and other compliance type filings. In October 2007, the Board of Directors of the Insurance Company declared an ordinary dividend of $150,000 payable to the Holding Company, its sole shareholder, on November 6, 2007. As of December 31, 2007 the Holding Company had a cash balance of approximately $175,000.

The payment of dividends by the Insurance Company is subject to limitations imposed by the Michigan Insurance Code. The Insurance Company may not pay an extraordinary dividend unless it notifies the Insurance Commissioner and he does not disapprove the payment. An extraordinary dividend includes any dividend which, when taken together with other dividends paid within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of 10% of the Insurance Company’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year or its statutory net income, excluding realized capital gains, for the 12-month period ending December 31 of the immediately preceding year. During the year ending December 31, 2008, the Insurance Company can pay a non-extraordinary dividend of up to $3,371,000 without prior approval from the Insurance Commissioner. In order to pay any dividends, the Insurance Company must be in a position to satisfy the requirement that the company continue to be safe, reliable and entitled to public confidence. Also, in the absence of approval of the Insurance Commissioner, dividends may only be paid from statutory earned surplus. Also, dividends may not exceed the amount of the Insurance Company’s statutory capital stock account in any one-year unless it meets certain other requirements.

Income Taxes

In accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we may recognize certain tax assets whose realization depends upon generating future taxable income. These tax assets can only be realized through the generation of future taxable income and thereby utilizing the net operating loss (NOL) and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit carry-forwards we have available. At December 31, 2007, the Company has NOL carryforwards of approximately $7,348,000 and an AMT credit carryforward of approximately $358,000. The AMT credit carryforward can be carried forward indefinitely. The NOL carryforward expires as follows:

 

2010

   $ 1,566,000

2011

     1,641,000

2012

     1,764,000

2018

     13,000

2019

     898,000

2021

     1,466,000
      
   $ 7,348,000
      

As a result of the Holding Company’s acquisition of the stock of the Insurance Company a limitation on the ability to fully utilize the NOL occurred. The amount of annual taxable income that can be offset each year by the NOL carryforward is approximately $400,000. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this report, for further information regarding federal income taxes. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has a contractual obligation with respect to its loss and LAE reserves which are recorded as a liability in our financial statements. In addition, the Company is contractually committed to make certain minimum lease payments for the use of equipment under operating lease agreements. The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2007 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. Additional information regarding these obligations is provided in Note 11—Lease Agreements to the financial statements of the Company. The table below does not include contractual obligations with respect to our employee benefit plans, which are described more fully in Note 10—Employee Retirement Plans to the Company’s financial statements.

 

     Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations

   Total    Less than
1 year
   1 - 3
years
   3 - 5
years
   More than
5 years
     (In thousands)

Loss and LAE reserves

   $ 18,059    $ 10,313    $ 5,369    $ 1,339    $ 1,038

Operating leases

     11      7      4      —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 18,070    $ 10,320    $ 5,373    $ 1,339    $ 1,038
                                  

The Company’s loss reserves do not have contractual maturity dates. However, based on historical payment patterns, the preceding table includes an estimate of when management expects the loss reserves to be paid. The timing of claim payments is subject to significant uncertainty. The Company maintains a portfolio of investments with varying maturities to provide adequate cash flows for the payment of claims.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

General. Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. We have exposure to three principal types of market risk through our investment activities: interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter, into any derivative financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate changes primarily results from our significant holdings of fixed rate investments. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. Therefore, an adverse change in market prices of these securities would result in losses reflected in the balance sheet. The following table shows the effects of a change in interest rate on the fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio. We have assumed an immediate increase or decrease of 1% or 2% in interest rates. You should not consider this assumption or the values shown in the table to be a prediction of actual future results.

 

Change in Rate

   Portfolio
Value
   Change in
Value
 
     (In thousands)  

 2%

   $ 45,140    $ (5,389 )

 1%

     47,848      (2,681 )

 0

     50,529      —    

-1%

     53,183      2,654  

-2%

     55,812      5,283  

Credit Risk. The quality of our fixed maturity portfolio is generally good. At December 31, 2007, all of our fixed maturity securities were rated by Moody’s as investment grade.

Equity Risk. Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. Our exposure to changes in equity prices primarily results from our holdings of mutual funds. Our portfolio of equity securities is carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Therefore, an adverse change in market prices of these securities would result in losses.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc.

Fremont, MI

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as of December 31, 2006, to adopt Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.”

BDO Seidman, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 21, 2008

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2007 and 2006

 

      2007    2006
Assets      

Investments:

     

Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value

   $ 50,528,874    $ 44,959,266

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value

     8,305,133      11,689,756

Mortgage loans on real estate from related parties

     253,656      260,808
             

Total investments

     59,087,663      56,909,830

Cash and cash equivalents

     4,033,158      4,598,843

Premiums due from policyholders, net

     7,852,730      7,528,683

Amounts due from reinsurers

     6,588,847      7,883,153

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     258,875      404,016

Accrued investment income

     533,843      447,411

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     3,334,001      3,235,383

Deferred federal income taxes

     2,920,648      3,070,713

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     2,500,988      1,771,323

Other assets

     43,905      28,078
             
   $ 87,154,658    $ 85,877,433
             
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      

Liabilities:

     

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 18,058,919    $ 20,176,555

Unearned premiums

     22,727,515      21,463,019

Reinsurance funds withheld and premiums ceded payable

     199,463      50,313

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     6,742,803      6,867,081

Surplus notes

     —        2,890,288
             

Total liabilities

     47,728,700      51,447,256
             

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholders’ Equity

     

Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 4,500,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding

     —        —  

Class A common stock, no par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, 1,727,456 and 1,725,456 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     —        —  

Class B common stock, no par value, authorized 500,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding

     —        —  

Additional paid-in capital

     7,722,424      7,605,096

Retained earnings

     30,395,771      25,511,413

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,307,763      1,313,668
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     39,425,958      34,430,177
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 87,154,658    $ 85,877,433
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     2007    2006    2005  

Revenues:

        

Net premiums earned

   $ 42,773,737    $ 39,249,248    $ 38,755,853  

Net investment income

     2,165,070      1,887,719      1,688,853  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     1,977,742      519,835      608,819  

Other income, net

     471,601      417,392      397,673  
                      

Total revenues

     47,388,150      42,074,194      41,451,198  
                      

Expenses:

        

Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net

     24,424,346      17,564,611      20,703,929  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     15,896,842      13,599,846      12,508,098  

Interest expense

     146,170      228,403      308,805  
                      

Total expenses

     40,467,358      31,392,860      33,520,832  
                      

Income before federal income tax expense (benefit)

     6,920,792      10,681,334      7,930,366  

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

     2,036,434      3,466,001      (1,151,903 )
                      

Net income

   $ 4,884,358    $ 7,215,333    $ 9,082,269  
                      

Earnings per share:

        

Basic

   $ 2.83    $ 4.18    $ 5.27  

Diluted

   $ 2.77    $ 4.10    $ 5.24  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     Common Stock
Class A
(Number of
Shares)
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2004

   1,724,256    $ 7,512,913    $ 9,213,811    $ 578,485     $ 17,305,209  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

           9,082,269        9,082,269  

Net unrealized losses on investments, net of taxes

              (588,809 )     (588,809 )
                   

Total comprehensive income

                8,493,460  

Stock-based compensation

        37,391           37,391  
                                   

Balance, December 31, 2005

   1,724,256      7,550,304      18,296,080      (10,324 )     25,836,060  
                                   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

           7,215,333        7,215,333  

Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes

              799,014       799,014  
                   

Total comprehensive income

                8,014,347  

Adjustment to initially apply FASB No. 158, net of taxes

              524,978       524,978  

Stock-based compensation

        43,867           43,867  

Stock options exercised

   1,200      6,000           7,200  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

        4,925           4,925  
                                   

Balance, December 31, 2006

   1,725,456    $ 7,605,096    $ 25,511,413    $ 1,313,668     $ 34,431,377  
                                   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

           4,884,358        4,884,358  

Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes

              (52,309 )     (52,309 )

Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax

              (56,550 )     (56,550 )

Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax

              102,954       102,954  
                   

Total comprehensive income

                4,878,453  

Stock-based compensation

        95,772           95,772  

Stock options exercised

   2,000      10,000           12,000  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

        11,556           11,556  
                                   

Balance, December 31, 2007

   1,727,456    $ 7,722,424    $ 30,395,771    $ 1,307,763     $ 39,429,158  
                                   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 4,884,358     $ 7,215,333     $ 9,082,269  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     769,161       602,687       141,665  

Deferred income taxes

     153,106       21,675       (3,769,126 )

Stock based compensation expense

     95,772       43,867       37,391  

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

     (1,977,742 )     (519,835 )     (608,819 )

(Loss) gain on sale of property and equipment

     13,324       (3,543 )     —    

Net amortization of premiums on investments

     208,244       205,764       250,832  

Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised

     (11,556 )     (4,925 )     —    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Premiums due from policyholders

     (324,047 )     (385,146 )     (297,251 )

Amounts due from reinsurers

     1,294,306       (596,217 )     3,385,789  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     145,141       (191,725 )     (5,374 )

Accrued investment income

     (86,432 )     (44,474 )     (4,729 )

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     (98,618 )     (142,765 )     (231,997 )

Other assets

     (15,827 )     (20,251 )     (4,361 )

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     (2,117,636 )     1,309,741       (105,773 )

Unearned premiums

     1,264,496       1,025,862       761,609  

Reinsurance funds withheld and premiums ceded payable

     149,150       (976,027 )     (1,992,370 )

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (42,412 )     763,459       105,196  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,302,788       8,303,480       6,744,951  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments

     17,593,034       13,130,310       23,869,886  

Proceeds from sales of equity investments

     8,357,144       3,308,845       1,927,660  

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

     (22,754,300 )     (16,527,319 )     (29,099,962 )

Purchases of equity investments

     (3,690,621 )     (3,883,545 )     (5,808,887 )

Change in receivable from investments

     —         —         738,820  

Issuance of note receivable from related party

     —         (5,200 )     (130,000 )

Repayment of mortgage loans from related party

     7,152       6,686       3,968  

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     3,697       —         —    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (1,515,847 )     (1,287,920 )     (376,109 )
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,999,741 )     (5,258,143 )     (8,874,624 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Repayment of surplus notes

     (2,890,288 )     —         —    

Proceeds from exercised stock options

     10,000       6,000       —    

Tax benefit from exercised stock options

     11,556       4,925       —    
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (2,868,732 )     10,925       —    
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (565,685 )     3,056,262       (2,129,673 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     4,598,843       1,542,581       3,672,254  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 4,033,158     $ 4,598,843     $ 1,542,581  
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Federal income taxes paid

   $ 2,475,000     $ 3,025,000     $ 2,050,000  
                        

Interest paid

   $ 348,490     $ 202,320     $ 202,320  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of operations

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. and subsidiary (collectively, the “Company”) includes Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (“FMIC”) and its wholly owned subsidiary Fremont Insurance Company (“FIC”). FIC is a Michigan licensed property and casualty insurance carrier operating exclusively in the State of Michigan and writing principally personal lines, commercial lines, farm and marine insurance policies through independent agents.

Principles of consolidation and presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements which include the accounts of FMIC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, FIC, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which vary in certain respects from statutory accounting practices followed in reporting to insurance regulatory authorities. See Note 12—Statutory Insurance Accounting Practices for additional information regarding statutory accounting practices. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Stock Split

On October 17, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split on its common stock which was accomplished through a stock dividend paid on November 17, 2006. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.

Investments

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of the Company’s investments are classified as available-for-sale and are those investments that would be available to be sold in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates and asset-liability management strategies, among others. Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with the corresponding unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of deferred income taxes and any corresponding deferred tax asset valuation allowance, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until realized.

The Company reviews the status and market value changes of its investment portfolio on at least a quarterly basis during the year, and any provisions for other-than-temporary impairments in the portfolio’s value are evaluated and established at each quarterly balance sheet date. In reviewing investments for other than temporary impairment, the Company, in addition to an investment’s market price history and its intent and ability to hold fixed maturity investments until maturity, considers the issuer’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity, its ability to access capital markets, credit rating trends, most current audit opinion, industry and securities markets conditions, and analyst expectations, in their totality to reach its conclusions. When a security in the Company’s investment portfolio has an unrealized loss in value that is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company reduces the book value of such security to its current market value, recognizing the decline as a realized loss in the statement of operations. Any future increases in the market value of investments written down are reflected as changes in unrealized gains as part of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity.

Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are computed based on a specific identification basis and include write downs on available-for-sale investments considered to have other than temporary declines in market value.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Discount or premium on fixed maturities purchased at other than par value is amortized using the effective interest method.

Discount or premium on loan-backed investments is amortized using anticipated prepayments with significant changes in anticipated prepayments accounted for retrospectively. Prepayment assumptions for loan-backed investments were obtained from broker dealer survey values or internal estimates. These assumptions are consistent with the current interest rate environment.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid short-term investments. The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Revenue recognition

Insurance premium revenue is recognized on a pro rata basis over the respective terms of the policies in-force and unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies in-force. Generally, premiums are collected in advance of providing risk coverage, minimizing the Company’s exposure to credit risk. Premiums due from policyholders are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $39,029 and $32,913 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Other income consists of premium installment charges which are recognized when earned and other miscellaneous income.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Other comprehensive income or loss

The Company presents other comprehensive income or loss as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 the components of other comprehensive income consisted of the following:

 

     Before-Tax
Amount
    Tax (Expense)
or Benefit
    Net-of-tax
Amount
 

Year ended December 31, 2005

      

Unrealized gains on investments:

      

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period

   $ 14,691     $ (4,994 )   $ 9,697  

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

     —         (196,685 )     (196,685 )

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

     (608,819 )     206,998       (401,821 )
                        

Net unrealized losses—other comprehensive loss

   $ (594,128 )   $ 5,319     $ (588,809 )
                        

Year ended December 31, 2006

      

Unrealized gains on investments:

      

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period

   $ 1,730,463     $ (588,357 )   $ 1,142,106  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

     (519,835 )     176,743       (343,092 )
                        

Net unrealized gains—other comprehensive income

   $ 1,210,628     $ (411,614 )   $ 799,014  
                        

Year ended December 31, 2007

      

Unrealized gains on investments:

      

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period

   $ 1,898,487     $ (645,486 )   $ 1,253,001  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

     (1,977,742 )     672,432       (1,305,310 )

Net unrealized gains

     (79,255 )     26,946       (52,309 )
                        

Amortization of prior service credit

     (85,682 )     29,132       (56,550 )

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     155,992       (53,038 )     102,954  
                        

Other comprehensive income

   $ (8,945 )   $ 3,040     $ (5,905 )
                        

The components of and changes to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

     Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
    Unrecognized
Prior Service
Credit
    Unrecognized
Net Actuarial
Loss
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance, December 31, 2004

   $ 578,485     $ —       $ —       $ 578,485  

Period Change

     (588,809 )     —         —         (588,809 )
                                

Balance, December 31, 2005

     (10,324 )     —         —         (10,324 )

Period Change

     799,014       —         —         799,014  

Cumulative Adjustment to Initially Apply FAS 158

     —         888,138       (363,160 )     524,978  
                                

Balance, December 31, 2006

     788,690       888,138       (363,160 )     1,313,668  

Period Change

     (52,309 )     (56,550 )     102,954       (5,905 )
                                

Balance, December 31, 2007

   $ 736,381     $ 831,588     $ (260,206 )   $ 1,307,763  
                                

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Losses and loss adjustment expense reserves

Losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves represent the estimated liability for reported losses and loss adjustment expenses and actuarial estimates for incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses based upon the Company’s actual experience, assumptions and projections as to claims frequency, severity, inflationary trends and settlement payments. The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses is intended to cover the ultimate net cost of all losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred but unsettled through the balance sheet date. The reserves are reported gross of any amounts recoverable from reinsurers and are reduced for anticipated salvage and subrogation. The methods of making estimates and establishing these reserves are reviewed regularly, and resulting adjustments are reflected in income currently. The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is necessarily an estimate and while it is believed to be adequate, the ultimate liability could exceed or be less than such estimate. The anticipated recoverable salvage and subrogation at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $344,000 and $208,000, respectively.

Reinsurance

The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”), No. 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance on Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts.” Net premiums earned, losses and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are reported net of the amounts related to reinsurance ceded to other companies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to the portions of the liability for losses and LAE and unearned premiums ceded to them are reported as assets. Reinsurance assumed from other companies, including assumed premiums written and earned and losses and LAE, is accounted for in the same manner as direct insurance written.

Reinsurance recoverables include balances due from reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid losses and LAE that will be recovered from reinsurers, based on contracts in force. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its primary obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk with respect to the individual reinsurer that participates in its ceded programs to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. When necessary the Company holds collateral in the form of letters of credit or trust accounts for amounts recoverable from reinsurers that are not considered authorized insurers by the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services.

Property, equipment and depreciation

Property and equipment is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are: building—35 years, computer equipment including software—3 to 5 years and furniture, fixtures and equipment—5 to 7 years. Software is capitalized in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” and amortized on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally not exceeding 3 years. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation expense was $769,161, $602,687 and $141,665 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets disposed of are removed from the accounts; any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

Policy acquisition costs, which consist of commissions net of ceding commissions and premium taxes, that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred, subject to ultimate recoverability from future income, including investment income, and amortized to expense over the period in which the related premiums are earned.

Stock-based compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. The Company values stock options issued based upon an option-pricing model and recognizes the fair value as an expense over the period in which the options vest.

Federal income taxes

Income tax expense is computed under the liability method, whereby deferred income taxes reflect the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and those for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company evaluated all tax positions taken on its U.S. federal income tax return. No material uncertainties exist for any tax positions taken by the Company.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Company is subject to U.S federal income tax examinations for all tax years from 1994 to the current year (with the exception of the 2002 tax year) due to the utilization of its net operating losses in current open tax years. The Company has not recently been examined by the Internal Revenue Service for any open tax year. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

Commitments and contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated.

Preparation of financial statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. The accounting provisions of FIN 48 became effective for the Company as of January 1, 2007. The adoption of the provisions of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather, provides enhanced guidance to other pronouncements that require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those years. The FASB has approved a one-year deferral for the implementation of the Statement for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159). This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of this Statement is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument and is irrevocable. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, with early adoption available in certain circumstances. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)). The Standard will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of business combination transactions. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles for how an acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of an entity’s first year that begins after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 141(R) to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160). The Standard will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of noncontrolling (or minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 158-1, “Conforming Amendments to the Illustrations in FASB Statements No. 87, No. 88 and No. 106 and to the Related Staff Implementation Guides.” This FSP provides conforming amendments to the illustrations in SFAS 87, 88, and 106 and to related staff implementation guides as a result of the issuance of SFAS 158. The conforming amendments made by this FSP are effective as of the effective dates of SFAS 158. The unaffected guidance that this FSP codifies into SFAS 87, 88, and 106 does not contain new requirements and therefore does not require a separate effective date or transition method. The Company does not expect the implementation of FSP No. FAS 158-1 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110, “Use of a Simplified Method in Developing Expected Term of Share Options” (SAB 110). SAB 110 expresses the current view of the staff that it will accept a company’s election to use the simplified method discussed in SAB 107 for estimating the expected term of “plain vanilla” share options regardless of whether the company has sufficient information to make more refined estimates. The staff noted that it understands that detailed information about employee exercise patterns may not be widely available by December 31, 2007. Accordingly, the staff will continue to accept, under certain circumstances, the use of the simplified method beyond December 31, 2007. The Company does not expect the implementation of SAB 110 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Investments

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     2007
     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair Value

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 3,172,509    $ 27,498    $ 1,826    $ 3,198,181

States and political subdivisions

     25,421,294      379,800      39,911      25,761,183

Corporate securities

     6,928,699      5,531      100,328      6,833,902

Mortgage-backed securities

     14,710,728      119,704      94,824      14,735,608
                           
     50,233,230      532,533      236,889      50,528,874
                           

Equity securities—mutual funds

     7,485,046      1,023,631      203,544      8,305,133
                           

Total

   $ 57,718,276    $ 1,556,164    $ 440,433    $ 58,834,007
                           
     2006
     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair Value

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 6,074,385    $ 2,756    $ 87,898    $ 5,989,243

States and political subdivisions

     13,414,841      37,133      47,155      13,404,819

Corporate securities

     11,058,724      901      305,359      10,754,266

Mortgage-backed securities

     14,965,481      69,226      223,769      14,810,938
                           
     45,513,431      110,016      664,181      44,959,266
                           

Equity securities—mutual funds

     9,940,606      1,756,784      7,634      11,689,756
                           

Total

   $ 55,454,037    $ 1,866,800    $ 671,815    $ 56,649,022
                           

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities on certain corporate and mortgage-backed investments may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Fair Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 2,921,943    $ 2,916,466

Due after one year through five years

     8,165,030      8,194,183

Due after five years through ten years

     19,025,889      19,276,699

Due after ten years

     5,409,641      5,405,918

Mortgage-backed securities

     14,710,727      14,735,608
             
   $ 50,233,230    $ 50,528,874
             

Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Fixed maturities

   $ 2,067,273     $ 1,895,827     $ 1,658,852  

Equity securities

     102,722       136,503       183,883  

Cash and cash equivalents

     309,333       171,428       111,580  
                        

Gross investment income

     2,479,328       2,203,758       1,954,315  

Less: Investment expenses

     (314,258 )     (316,039 )     (265,462 )
                        

Net investment income

   $ 2,165,070     $ 1,887,719     $ 1,688,853  
                        

Net realized gains (losses) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Gross realized investment gains:

      

Fixed maturities

   $ 1,768     $ 20,682     $ 306,778  

Equity securities

     2,212,185       597,808       439,220  
                        
     2,213,953       618,490       745,998  
                        

Gross realized investment losses:

      

Fixed maturities

     (234,988 )     (60,352 )     (37,592 )

Equity securities

     (1,223 )     (38,303 )     (99,587 )
                        
     (236,211 )     (98,655 )     (137,179 )
                        

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 1,977,742     $ 519,835     $ 608,819  
                        

There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses in 2007 or 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2005 other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale equity investments amounted to $98,774 which are included in net realized investment gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Sales of available-for-sale fixed maturities resulted in the following during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2007    2006    2005

Proceeds

   $ 9,639,200    $ 7,450,369    $ 15,412,617
                    

Gross gains

   $ 1,768    $ 20,682    $ 306,209
                    

Gross losses

   $ 234,988    $ 60,352    $ 37,592
                    

The following tables show the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

     December 31, 2007
     Less than 12 Months    12 Months or More    Total
     Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fixed maturities:

                 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 363,659    $ 27    $ 318,447    $ 1,799    $ 682,106    $ 1,826

States and political subdivisions

     2,894,945      30,825      1,829,980      9,086      4,724,925      39,911

Corporate securities

     —        —        5,925,361      100,328      5,925,361      100,328

Mortgage-backed securities

     —        —        6,381,930      94,824      6,381,930      94,824
                                         
     3,258,604      30,852      14,455,718      206,037      17,714,322      236,889
                                         

Equity securities—mutual funds

     2,081,160      203,544      —        —        2,081,160      203,544
                                         

Total

   $ 5,339,764    $ 234,396    $ 14,455,718    $ 206,037    $ 19,795,482    $ 440,433
                                         

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2007, the portfolio included 6 fixed maturity securities and 4 equity securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 45 fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. None of the fixed maturity securities were trading below 90% of cost or amortized cost. All of the fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and assigned a rating by commercial credit rating companies are rated investment grade securities. Of the 4 equity securities in an unrealized loss position, 1 was trading at 85% of cost while the remaining 3 were trading at or above 90% of cost. While all of these securities are monitored for potential impairment, the Company’s experience indicates that they generally do not present as great a risk of impairment, as fair value often recovers over time. These securities have generally been adversely affected by the downturn in the financial markets and overall economic conditions. Management believes that the analysis of each of these securities as well as the Company’s intent and ability to hold fixed maturity investments until maturity supports the view that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

     December 31, 2006
     Less than 12 Months    12 Months or More    Total
     Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair

Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fixed maturities:

                 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 1,004,990    $ 3,925    $ 3,632,444    $ 83,972    $ 4,637,434    $ 87,897

States and political subdivisions

     6,131,773      41,048      2,116,552      6,107      8,248,325      47,155

Corporate securities

     507,298      6,402      9,838,932      298,958      10,346,230      305,360

Mortgage-backed securities

     756,813      652      9,347,753      223,117      10,104,566      223,769
                                         
     8,400,874      52,027      24,935,681      612,154      33,336,555      664,181
                                         

Equity securities—mutual funds

     242,992      7,634      —        —        242,992      7,634
                                         

Total

   $ 8,643,866    $ 59,661    $ 24,935,681    $ 612,154    $ 33,579,547    $ 671,815
                                         

As of December 31, 2006, the portfolio included 14 fixed maturity securities and 1 equity investment in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 68 fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months, none of which were trading below 90% of cost or amortized cost. All of the fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and assigned a rating by commercial credit rating companies are rated investment grade securities. While all of these securities are monitored for potential impairment, the Company’s experience indicates that they generally do not present as great a risk of impairment, as fair value often recovers over time. These securities have generally been adversely affected by the downturn in the financial markets and overall economic conditions. Management believes that the analysis of each of these securities support the view that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

At December 31, 2007, fixed maturities with a carrying value approximating $424,000 were on deposit with regulatory authorities, as required by law.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Fixed maturities and equity securities

The fair values of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. If not available, fair values are based on values obtained from investment brokers.

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Mortgage receivables

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the restrictive nature and limited marketability of the mortgage notes.

Surplus notes

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the restrictive nature and limited marketability of the notes.

 

     2007    2006
     Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value

Financial assets:

           

Fixed maturities

   $ 50,528,874    $ 50,528,874    $ 44,959,266    $ 44,959,266

Equity securities

     8,305,133      8,305,133      11,689,756      11,689,756

Mortgage loans

     253,656      253,656      260,808      260,808

Cash and cash equivalents

     4,033,158      4,033,158      4,598,843      4,598,843

Financial liability:

           

Surplus notes

     —        —        2,890,288      2,890,288

4. Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. The Company determines the amount and scope of reinsurance coverage to purchase each year based on an evaluation of the risks accepted, consultation with reinsurance professionals and a review of market conditions, including availability and cost. The Company utilizes three primary categories of treaty reinsurance coverage, as well as facultative coverage, to reduce the impact of major losses. The treaty reinsurance includes multi-line excess of loss, catastrophic excess of loss and quota share coverages.

Multi-line excess of loss coverage

The excess of loss program is the Company’s primary reinsurance coverage. For all lines of business the Company’s retention on any one risk in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $150,000.

The property excess of loss coverage provided up to $2,850,000 over the $150,000 retention.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The casualty and workers compensation excess of loss coverage provided up to $4,850,000 over the $150,000 retention.

An additional workers compensation catastrophe excess of loss program provided an additional $5,000,000 of coverage to cover a catastrophic event.

Catastrophic coverage

The Company had 3 layers of catastrophic excess of loss reinsurance providing coverage for up to $21,750,000 above a $1,250,000 retention in 2007 and $22,000,000 above a $1,000,000 retention in 2006 and 2005. The Company had an automatic reinstatement provision after the first loss for each layer to provide coverage in the event of subsequent catastrophes during the year. Coverage would have lapsed after the second event, in which case the Company would have evaluated the need for a new contract for the remainder of a particular year. During 2007, 2006 and 2005 the coverage could be reinstated for a fee of 100% of the original premium.

Quota share coverage

The Company’s boiler and machinery quota share agreements are primarily an equipment breakdown endorsement to commercial and farm policies. The agreements are 100% quota share and the Company receives ceding commissions ranging from 32% to 35% on the premiums ceded.

During 2003, the Company utilized a multi line quota share agreement which provided coverage for virtually all of the Company’s business. The Company ceded 45% of its premiums and losses on all business except boiler and machinery to the reinsurers. The agreement contained a “loss corridor” provision. Reimbursement stops on losses when the loss and LAE ratio on the premium ceded is between 60% and 74% and resumes when the ratio is between 74% and 82.5%. A loss and LAE ratio that exceeds 82.5% will trigger a “drop down coverage” feature that will reimburse the Company for 100% of the losses between the loss ratios of 60% to 65%. Reimbursement stops between the loss ratios of 65% to 74%. Payment resumes again when the loss ratios are 74% to 85%. Losses in excess of 85% are 100% retained by the Company. The Company received a 36% commission on the ceded premium. The agreement is structured on a funds withheld basis and requires the Company to accrue interest at an annual rate of approximately 2.5%. During 2006, 2005 and 2004 the Company recorded interest expense of approximately $26,000, $106,000 and $150,000, respectively, on the funds withheld balance. The agreement provides that a profit commission will be retained by the Company upon commutation equal to the positive balance in the funds withheld account. During 2005 and 2004 the Company accrued profit commission based on the experience of the underlying business ceded under this agreement of $1,400,000 and $945,000, respectively. The profit commission reduced ceded written and earned premiums.

On December 31, 2003, the Company placed the agreement into runoff. Reinsurance coverage continued on those covered policies in force as of December 31, 2003, until the underlying policies expired during 2004. As a result, the underlying reinsurance assets and liabilities will runoff, and any net funds under the agreement, less a 3.5% risk charge to the reinsurers, would be retained by the Company.

The effect of the features in this agreement is to limit the reinsurers’ aggregate exposure to loss and thereby reduce the ultimate cost to the Company as the ceding company. These features also have the effect of reducing the amount of protection relative to the quota share amount of premiums ceded by the Company. While the Company does not receive pro-rata protection relative to the amount of premiums ceded, the amount of such protection is significant, as determined in accordance with guidance under GAAP.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

In addition to ceding a significant portion of its risks to the reinsurer, the agreement also allows the Company to reduce its financial leverage and to realize immediate reimbursement for related upfront acquisition costs, thus adding to its financial capacity.

Effective March 31, 2006, the Company entered into a commutation agreement with respect to the 2003 multi line quota share agreement. As a result of this commutation, the funds withheld account liability was reduced by approximately $1,053,000 offset by an increase to the loss and loss adjustment expense liability of the same amount. No gain or loss was realized as a result of this commutation.

The following table illustrates the effects of the multi-line quota share agreement in effect during 2005 on selected financial information of the Company (in thousands):

 

     As
Reported
   Amounts Excluding the Effects
of the Reinsurance Agreement
     Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2005
   Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2005

Net premiums written

   $ 39,512    $ 38,112

Net premiums earned

     38,756      37,356

Loss and LAE, net

     20,704      19,341

Income before federal income taxes

     7,930      7,999

Statutory surplus

   $ 25,994    $ 26,063

Facultative

The Company utilizes facultative reinsurance to provide additional underwriting capacity, to mitigate the effect of individual losses and to reduce net liability on individual risks. Coverage is determined on each individual risk. In 2007, the Company obtained coverage ranging from $1,200,000 up to $5,600,000 for certain commercial properties it insured. In 2006, the Company obtained coverage ranging from $850,000 up to $4,000,000 for certain commercial properties it insured. In 2005, the Company obtained coverage for commercial properties it insured in excess of $1,000,000. During 2005 the range of coverage was from $100,000 up to $3,925,000.

Although reinsurance agreements contractually obligate the Company’s reinsurers to reimburse the Company for their share of losses, they do not discharge the primary liability of the Company. The Company remains liable for the ceded amount of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and ceded unearned premiums in the event the assuming insurance organizations are unable to meet their contractual obligations. As a result, the Company is subject to credit risk with respect to the obligations of its reinsurers. In order to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors the economic characteristics of the reinsurers on an ongoing basis. All reinsurers are rated A- or better by A. M. Best Company. The Company has not experienced a collectibility problem with any reinsurer.

The Company receives a ceding commission in conjunction with certain reinsurance activities. These ceding commissions are offset against direct commission expense and were $180,158, $181,749, and $124,274 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, amounts recoverable from reinsurers consisted of the following:

 

     As of December 31,
     2007    2006

Paid losses

   $ 988,324    $ 853,132

Unpaid losses

     5,600,523      7,030,021
             

Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers

   $ 6,588,847    $ 7,883,153
             

The Company holds collateral in the form of letters of credit, trust accounts or funds withheld accounts for amounts recoverable from reinsurers that are not considered authorized insurers by the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services. At December 31, 2007, the Company had 6 reinsurance recoverable amounts from reinsurers whose individual recoverable balance exceeded 5% of the total recoverable amount. The amount due from these 6 reinsurers accounts for 86% of the total recoverable.

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, are as follows:

 

    2007     2006     2005  
    Written     Earned     Written     Earned     Written     Earned  

Direct

  $ 53,956,318     $ 52,691,693     $ 48,869,232     $ 47,831,449     $ 45,515,864     $ 44,737,524  

Assumed

    73,384       73,514       60,809       72,730       100,197       116,928  

Ceded

    (10,026,079 )     (9,991,470 )     (8,666,906 )     (8,654,931 )     (6,103,973 )     (6,098,599 )
                                               

Net premiums

  $ 44,003,623     $ 42,773,737     $ 40,263,135     $ 39,249,248     $ 39,512,088     $ 38,755,853  
                                               

The effect of reinsurance on incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, are as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 25,931,595     $ 22,299,180     $ 22,077,082  

Reinsurance recoveries

     (1,507,249 )     (4,734,569 )     (1,373,153 )
                        

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 24,424,346     $ 17,564,611     $ 20,703,929  
                        

5. Federal Income Taxes

The provision for federal income taxes consists of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007    2006     2005  

Current

   $ 1,883,328    $ 3,444,326     $ 2,617,224  

Deferred expense (benefit)

     153,106      64,874       86,334  

Change in valuation allowance

     —        (43,199 )     (3,855,461 )
                       
   $ 2,036,434    $ 3,466,001     $ (1,151,903 )
                       

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Actual federal income taxes vary from amounts computed by applying the current federal income tax rate of 34 percent to income before federal income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 the reasons for these differences and the tax effects thereof, are as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Expected tax expense

   $ 2,353,069     $ 3,631,654     $ 2,696,324  

Change in valuation allowance

     —         (43,199 )     (3,855,461 )

Nontaxable investment income

     (225,957 )     (120,188 )     (83,364 )

Nondeductible expenses, net

     7,577       4,322       5,602  

Provision to return variance

     (99,139 )     (6,588 )     85,627  

Other, net

     884       —         (631 )
                        
   $ 2,036,434     $ 3,466,001     $ (1,151,903 )
                        

Deferred federal income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the difference between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company’s management reviews both positive and negative evidence, including current and historical results of operations, the annual limitation on utilization of net operating loss carryforwards pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”), future income projections and the overall prospects of our business. As of December 31, 2007, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $7,348,000, which begin to expire in 2010 and fully expire in 2021, and alternative minimum tax credits of approximately $358,000, which may be carried forward indefinitely. As a result of the demutualization of FIC in 2004 the aforementioned net operating losses are subject to certain “change in control” limitations under Section 382. The annual limitation on the utilization of the net operating losses is approximately $400,000. In addition to the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company’s alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards are also subject to the Section 382 limitation however these credit carryforwards have no expiration and can be carried forward indefinitely. Based on the annual Section 382 limitation of the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards management has determined that approximately $2,971,000 of net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized and therefore a valuation allowance of approximately $1,010,000 will be maintained for the deferred tax asset associated with these amounts.

Based upon management’s assessment of all available evidence, including the Company’s cumulative net income for recent fiscal years, estimates of current and future profitability and the overall prospects of our business, it has been determined that as of December 31, 2007 it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will exist in the periods of reversal in order to realize the recorded net deferred tax asset.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

The following table shows the allocation of the change in the deferred tax valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Valuation allowance balance, January 1

   $ (1,010,037 )   $ (1,053,236 )   $ (4,712,012 )

Change in valuation allowance allocated to:

      

Federal income tax benefit from operations

     —         43,199       3,855,461  

Unrealized gains/losses on investments allocated to other comprehensive income

     —         —         (196,685 )
                        

Valuation allowance balance, December 31

   $ (1,010,037 )   $ (1,010,037 )   $ (1,053,236 )
                        

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred federal income tax assets and deferred federal income tax liabilities are as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Deferred federal income tax assets arising from:

    

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

   $ 378,886     $ 421,360  

Unearned premium reserves

     1,564,457       1,470,987  

Postretirement benefits accrued

     644,380       667,021  

Net operating loss carryforward

     2,498,439       2,634,446  

Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward

     357,697       357,697  

Other deferred tax assets

     160,995       186,814  
                

Total deferred federal income tax assets

     5,604,854       5,738,325  
                

Deferred federal income tax liabilities arising from:

    

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     (1,159,411 )     (1,120,000 )

Unrealized gains on investments

     (379,348 )     (406,295 )

Property and equipment

     (94,719 )     (107,254 )

Other deferred tax liabilities

     (40,691 )     (24,026 )
                

Total deferred federal income tax liabilities

     (1,674,169 )     (1,657,575 )
                

Net deferred federal income tax asset

     3,930,685       4,080,750  

Valuation allowance

     (1,010,037 )     (1,010,037 )
                

Deferred federal income taxes

   $ 2,920,648     $ 3,070,713  
                

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

6. Property and Equipment

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Building and land

   $ 2,123,481     $ 2,139,027  

Computer equipment, including software

     3,437,552       2,115,526  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     932,808       789,604  
                
     6,493,841       5,044,157  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (3,992,853 )     (3,272,834 )
                

Total property and equipment, net

   $ 2,500,988     $ 1,771,323  
                

7. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred policy acquisition costs and the related amortization were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 3,235,383     $ 3,092,618     $ 2,860,621  

Acquisition costs deferred

     7,422,106       6,985,499       6,614,254  

Amortization

     (7,323,488 )     (6,842,734 )     (6,382,257 )
                        

Balance, end of year

   $ 3,334,001     $ 3,235,383     $ 3,092,618  
                        

The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs against future expected underwriting income and reduces deferred policy acquisition costs if it appears that a premium deficiency may exist. There were no premium deficiencies at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

8. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Liability

The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and further events occur that may impact the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior years’ reserve estimates are reflected in the results of operations in the year such changes are determined. Activity in the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 20,177     $ 18,867     $ 18,973  

Less reinsurance balance recoverable

     7,030       5,934       9,187  
                        

Net balance, beginning of year

     13,147       12,933       9,786  
                        

Incurred related to:

      

Current year

     28,556       22,790       23,059  

Prior years

     (4,132 )     (5,224 )     (2,355 )
                        

Total incurred

     24,424       17,566       20,704  
                        

Paid related to:

      

Current year

     20,968       14,463       13,835  

Prior years

     4,145       2,889       3,722  
                        

Total paid

     25,113       17,352       17,557  
                        

Net balance, end of year

     12,458       13,147       12,933  

Plus reinsurance balances recoverable

     5,601       7,030       5,934  
                        

Balance, end of year

   $ 18,059     $ 20,177     $ 18,867  
                        

In 2007, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $4,132,000 which represents 31.4% of the net loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the year. The redundant development included $1,334,000 related to homeowners, $939,000 related to personal auto, $873,000 related to commercial multi-peril, $280,000 related to workers compensation, $281,000 related to farm while the remaining lines of business had redundant development of $425,000. The favorable development was concentrated in accident years 2004 through 2006 and is a result of downward development on both case and incurred but not reported reserves and loss adjusting expense reserves. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2007.

In 2006, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $5,224,000 which represents 40.4% of the net loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the year. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2006. The redundant development included $1,340,000 related to homeowners, $1,329,000 related to personal auto, $1,247,000 related to commercial multi-peril, $715,000 related to workers compensation, $379,000 related to farm while the remaining lines of business had redundant development of $214,000. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2006. The favorable development was concentrated in accident years 2003 through 2005 and is a result of downward development on both case and incurred but not reported reserves and loss adjusting expense reserves.

In 2005, the Company experienced favorable development on losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years of $2,355,000 which represents 24.1% of the net loss and LAE reserves as of the beginning of the

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

year. There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2005. As a result of the adverse development experienced during 2003 the Company has placed an emphasis on the claim reserving process to ensure that we are establishing adequate reserves reflecting our best estimate of the ultimate loss. The favorable development in 2005 was primarily in the homeowner and personal auto product lines. The homeowner’s line, which is the Company’s largest product line, experienced redundant development of approximately $1,904,000 primarily in the accident years of 2004, 2003 and 2002 as a result of lower than expected losses on both incurred but not reported and existing case reserves as of December 31, 2004. The personal auto line experienced redundant development of approximately $426,000 primarily in the 2004 accident year. The Company began writing personal auto policies in 1999. Given that this is a newer product line for the Company our initial ultimate loss estimates on undeveloped years are based more on estimated industry loss ratios as opposed to our actual historical loss ratios. As the 2004 accident year continues to develop the Company has experienced redundant development on settled claims which has resulted in a decrease in the ultimate loss ratio as compared to the ultimate ratio used at December 31, 2004.

During 2005, the commercial segment experienced adverse development of approximately $253,000 driven by the workers compensation product line which had adverse development of $234,000. The Company strengthened its workers compensation reserves for accident years 2001 through 2004 as a result of adjusting the ultimate loss estimates so they are more in line with industry averages. Given the fact that workers’ compensation claims take a much longer time to be reported and settled coupled with the fact that the Company began writing workers’ compensation policies in 1997 the Company deemed industry loss ratios to be a more prudent estimate than loss ratios based on the Company’s historical development patterns since 1997. The remaining redundant development of $278,000 came from the marine segment’s 2004 and 2003 accident years.

9. Surplus Notes

At December 31, 2006 the Company had surplus notes outstanding of approximately $2,890,000 which included approximately $1,955,000 of surplus notes held by related parties consisting of a non-employee director, agents of the Company and an investment broker who provided services to the Company. The notes, which matured and were repaid in September 2007, carried an annual interest rate of 7 percent. Interest expense on the surplus notes for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $146,000, $202,000 and $202,000, respectively. Interest expense on surplus notes held by related parties was approximately $97,000 in 2007, $137,000 in 2006, and $137,000 in 2005.

10. Employee Benefit Plans

Other postretirement plans

The Company provides certain postretirement health care benefits for retired employees. In December 2004 the Company’s board of directors approved an amendment to the plan effective December 31, 2004 which significantly reduced the number of eligible participants in the plan, discontinued future eligibility for all other employees and reduced the level of health care benefits for future retirees determined to be eligible as of December 31, 2004. The plan amendment resulted in a reduction to the accumulated projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2004 of $2,003,943 of which $486,915 reduced the unrecognized transition obligation while the remaining credit balance of $1,517,028 represents the unrecognized reduction to prior service cost as a result of the plan amendment. The balance of the unrecognized reduction to prior service cost will be amortized over 17.7 years which represents the average future lifetime of retirees and fully eligible active participants at the date of the amendment.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

As noted in Note 1 the Company adopted the provisions of Statement 158 as of December 31, 2006. The initial recognition of the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit postretirement plan resulted in an increase in shareholders’ equity of $524,978, which was net of tax expense of $270,443. The table below reflects the incremental effect of applying Statement 158 on individual line items in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006:

 

     Before
Application of
Statement 158
   Adjustments     After
Application of
Statement 158

Deferred tax asset

   $ 3,341,156    $ (270,443 )   $ 3,070,713

Total assets

     86,147,876      (270,443 )     85,877,433

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     7,662,502      (795,421 )     6,867,081

Total liabilities

     52,242,677      (795,421 )     51,447,256

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     788,690      524,978       1,313,668

Total shareholders’ equity

     33,905,199      524,978       34,430,177

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     86,147,876      (270,443 )     85,877,433

Changes in the accumulated benefit obligation were:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Change in benefit obligation:

      

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 1,961,826     $ 1,879,466     $ 2,096,649  

Service cost

     11,578       10,158       20,846  

Interest cost

     104,923       100,385       117,639  

Plan participants’ contributions

     15,434       15,382       12,826  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (128,950 )     26,106       (304,913 )

Benefits paid

     (69,573 )     (69,671 )     (63,581 )
                        

Benefit obligation, end of year

     1,895,238       1,961,826       1,879,466  
                        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning and end of year

     —         —         —    
                        

Funded status

   $ (1,895,238 )   $ (1,961,826 )     (1,879,466 )
                  

Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

         (1,431,346 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

         564,395  
            

Accrued benefit cost

       $ (2,746,417 )
            

At December 31, 2007 and 2006 the funded status of 1,895,238 and $1,961,826, respectively, is recognized in the accompanying balance sheet as accrued expenses and other liabilities. At December 31, 2005 the accrued benefit cost of $2,746,417 is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.

Gross amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

 

     Years Ended December 31,
     2007     2006     2005

Prior service cost (credit)

   $ (1,259,982 )   $ (1,345,664 )   $ —  

Net actuarial loss

     394,251       550,243       —  
                      
   $ (865,731 )   $ (795,421 )   $ —  
                      

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost and the weighted average discount rate are below:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

      

Service cost

   $ 11,578     $ 10,158     $ 20,846  

Interest cost

     104,923       100,385       117,639  

Amortization of prior service credit

     (85,682 )     (85,682 )     (85,682 )

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     20,293       21,162       37,495  
                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 51,112     $ 46,023     $ 90,298  
                        

Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:

      

Discount rate

     5.50 %     5.50 %     5.50 %

The estimated prior service credit and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $85,682 and $12,252, respectively.

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its other postretirement plan. As this plan is not pre-funded, no contributions other than those necessary to cover benefit payments are anticipated. At December 31, 2007, the Company’s expected future benefit payments are as follows:

 

2008

   $ 57,000

2009

     66,000

2010

     73,000

2011

     81,000

2012

     91,000

2013 - 2017

     586,000
      
   $ 954,000
      

For measurement purposes as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits assumed for the subsequent year was 8.0%, 8.5% and 9.0%, respectively. Each year the rate was assumed to decrease by 0.5% per year until the ultimate rate of 5.5% was reached. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 

     1-Percentage-
Point Increase
   1-Percentage-
Point Decrease
 

Effect on total service and interest cost components

   $ 18,294    $ (15,202 )

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 263,852    $ (221,735 )

Defined contribution plan

The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The 401(k) plan provides for matching contributions and /or profit sharing contributions as defined by the Board of Directors. Company contributions approximated $135,000 in 2007, $117,000 in 2006, and $103,000 in 2005.

 

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11. Lease Agreements

The Company leases various vehicles under non-cancelable operating lease agreements which began to expire in 2006 and continue to expire in 2007. Rental expense was approximately $22,000, $48,000 and $38,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments required under the vehicle leases as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

For the year ended December 31,

  

2008

   $ 6,790

2009

     4,432
      
   $ 11,222
      

12. Capital and Surplus and Related Restrictions

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $86,806,000 and $85,660,000, respectively, of consolidated assets represent assets of FIC that are subject to regulation and may not be transferred to FMIC in the form of dividends, loans or advances without the prior approval of the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (“OFIS”). Dividends paid by FIC are subject to limitations imposed by the Michigan Insurance Code (“Code”). Under the Code, FIC may pay dividends only from statutory earnings and capital and surplus. In addition, FIC may not declare an “extraordinary” dividend to its shareholders without the prior approval of OFIS. An extraordinary dividend or distribution is defined as a dividend or distribution of cash or other property whose fair market value, together with that of other dividends and distributions made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of 10% of statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, of the preceding year or the statutory net income, excluding net realized investment gains, for the immediately preceding calendar year. Accordingly, FIC may pay dividends of approximately $3,371,000 in 2008 without prior approval. However, the OFIS has the authority to prohibit payment of any dividend.

Certain regulations that affect the insurance industry are promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), which is an association of state insurance commissioners, regulators and support staff that acts as a coordinating body for the state insurance regulatory process. The NAIC has established risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements to assist regulators in monitoring the financial strength and stability of property and casualty insurers. Under the NAIC requirements, each insurer must maintain its total capital and surplus above a calculated minimum threshold or take corrective measures to achieve that threshold. The Company has calculated its RBC level based on these requirements and has determined that it passed the RBC test and has capital and surplus in excess of the minimum threshold.

FIC’s statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     As of December 31,
     2007    2006

Statutory capital and surplus

   $ 33,777,280    $ 33,669,680
             

 

     Years Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Statutory net income (loss)

   $ 4,817,081    $ 7,071,075    $ 5,175,165
                    

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

13. Contingencies

The Company participates in the Property and Casualty Guaranty Association (“Association”) of the State of Michigan which protects policyholders and claimants against losses due to insolvency of insurers. When an insolvency occurs, the Association is authorized to assess member companies up to the amount of the shortfall of funds, including expenses. Member companies are assessed based on the type and amount of insurance written during the previous calendar year. Assessments to date have not been significant; however, in the opinion of management, while uncertain, the liability for future assessments will not materially affect the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

14. Related Party Transactions

During 2005, the Company issued a $130,000 mortgage receivable to an agent of the Company. The note requires a monthly payment, including interest at 8%, of $1,097, which is based on a 15 year amortization. The note includes a 5 year balloon payment, which becomes due June 2010. During 2007 and 2006 the agent earned $62,946 and $55,117, respectively, in regular and profit sharing commissions. The terms and conditions of the agency agreement between this agent and the Company are similar in all material respects to agency agreements with other agents of the Company.

During 2003, the Company issued a $140,000 mortgage receivable to an agent of the Company. The note requires a monthly payment, including interest at 6%, of $1,003, which is based on a 20 year amortization. The note includes a 5 year balloon payment, which becomes due January 2009. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the agent earned $90,422, $73,292 and $72,800, respectively, in regular and profit sharing commissions. The terms and conditions of the agency agreement between this agent and the Company are similar in all material respects to agency agreements with other agents of the Company.

Three nonemployee directors of the Company are also owners of independent insurance agencies. These individuals are currently appointed as agents with and write insurance for the Company. The terms and conditions of the agency agreements between these agencies and the Company are similar in all material respects to agency agreements with other agents of the Company. The Company pays all agencies commissions on business produced. All agencies are also able to earn profit sharing commissions based on the profit margins of the business produced. Total regular and profit sharing commissions earned by these agencies approximated $526,000, $484,000 and $487,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The commission rates, including profit sharing commission opportunity, are the same as other agents of the Company. The agencies are independent agents and also write with regional and national insurers that may be competitors of the Company.

A nonemployee director of the Company is a partner in a law firm. The Company has retained this law firm for certain legal matters in the past and plans to continue to do so in the future. Legal fees paid by the Company to the law firm were approximately $74,000 in 2007, $35,000 in 2006 and $55,000 in 2005.

Various agents of the Company participated in the surplus note offerings and held surplus notes at December 31, 2006. The notes were paid in full in September 2007, as disclosed in Note 9—Surplus Notes. The terms and conditions of the agency agreements between the agencies and the Company are similar in all material respects to agency agreements with other agents of the Company. The Company pays the agencies commissions on business produced. The agencies are also able to earn profit sharing commissions based on the profit margins of the business produced. For the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 agents holding surplus notes earned regular and profit sharing commissions of approximately $224,000, $223,000 and $236,000, respectively.

 

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A non-employee director of the Company also participated in the surplus note offerings and held a surplus note at December 31, 2006. The note was paid in full in September 2007, as disclosed in Note 9—Surplus Notes. For the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the non-employee director holding a surplus note received director fees of $11,350, $10,875 and $7,800, respectively.

The Company also paid investment commissions to a firm controlled by an individual who held a surplus note at December 31, 2006. The note was paid in full in September 2007. Total investment commissions paid during the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $40,000, $30,000 and $20,000, respectively.

15. Segment Information

The Company defines its operations as property and casualty insurance operations. The Company writes four major insurance lines exclusively in the State of Michigan: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Farm and Marine. The separate financial information of these four major insurance lines is consistent with the way results are regularly evaluated by management in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. All revenues are generated from external customers and the Company does not have a significant reliance on any single major customer or agent.

The Company evaluates product line profitability based on underwriting gain (loss). Certain expenses are allocated based on net premiums earned and net losses incurred. Underwriting gain (loss) by product line would change if different methods were applied.

The Company does not allocate assets, net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on investments, other income (expense), interest expense or demutualization expenses to its product lines. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Segment data for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Revenues:

      

Net premiums earned:

      

Personal lines

   $ 29,225,270     $ 25,752,956     $ 24,758,161  

Commercial lines

     7,497,696       7,666,666       8,163,707  

Farm

     4,337,542       4,222,485       4,304,746  

Marine

     1,713,229       1,607,141       1,529,239  
                        

Total net premiums earned

     42,773,737       39,249,248       38,755,853  
                        

Expenses:

      

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

      

Personal lines

     18,361,023       12,700,566       12,368,229  

Commercial lines

     3,432,297       2,350,933       4,737,226  

Farm

     1,909,207       1,748,249       2,416,018  

Marine

     721,819       764,863       1,182,456  
                        

Total loss and loss adjustment expenses

     24,424,346       17,564,611       20,703,929  
                        

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses:

      

Personal lines

     10,861,560       8,923,387       7,990,471  

Commercial lines

     2,786,516       2,656,496       2,634,762  

Farm

     1,612,046       1,463,089       1,389,317  

Marine

     636,720       556,874       493,548  
                        

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     15,896,842       13,599,846       12,508,098  
                        

Underwriting gain (loss):

      

Personal lines

     2,687       4,129,003       4,399,461  

Commercial lines

     1,278,883       2,659,237       791,719  

Farm

     816,289       1,011,147       499,411  

Marine

     354,690       285,404       (146,765 )
                        

Total underwriting gain

     2,452,549       8,084,791       5,543,826  

Net investment income

     2,165,070       1,887,719       1,688,853  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     1,977,742       519,835       608,819  

Other income

     471,601       417,392       397,673  

Interest expense

     (146,170 )     (228,403 )     (308,805 )
                        

Income before federal income taxes

   $ 6,920,792     $ 10,681,334     $ 7,930,366  
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

16. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share has been calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding and the weighted-average dilutive share equivalents outstanding. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 4,884,358    $ 7,215,333    $ 9,082,269
                    

Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average shares outstanding

     1,727,248      1,724,634      1,724,256

Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation plan

     33,592      33,350      10,147
                    

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

     1,760,840      1,757,984      1,734,403
                    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.83    $ 4.18    $ 5.27
                    

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.77    $ 4.10    $ 5.24
                    

Number of shares that are anti-dilutive

     16,200      15,400      8,200
                    

17. Stock-based Compensation

The Company has two stock-based compensation plans which are described below. The compensation cost for these plans that has been charged against income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $95,772, $43,867 and $37,391, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations for stock-based compensation was $32,562, $14,915 and $12,713 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company adopted the Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. Stock-based Compensation Plan (the “2003 Plan”) in November of 2003 and the plan was subsequently approved by shareholders in May 2005. In February 2006 the Company adopted the Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 (the “2006 Plan”) and the plan was subsequently approved by shareholders in May 2006. Under both plans awards may include, among others, nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”), restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

Pursuant to the 2003 Plan, the Company is authorized to grant up to 86,210 shares. Pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company is authorized to grant up to 150,000 shares. Option awards under both plans are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant; those option awards vest 20% per year and have a 10 year contractual term. The options may fully vest upon the death or disability of the optionee or a change in control of the Company as defined in the plans. Under both plans if awards should expire, become unexercisable or be forfeited for any reason without having been exercised or without becoming vested in full, the shares of common stock subject to those awards would be available for the grant of additional awards.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2007, 2006 and 2005. The expected volatility in 2007 is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected volatilities in 2006 and 2005 are based on historical volatility of similar publicly traded entities following a comparable period in their

 

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lives subsequent to their initial public offering. The expected term is an estimate based on expected behavior of the group of optionees. The risk free rate for the periods within the contractual life of the option is based on U.S. Treasury Strips in effect at the time of grant.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007    2006     2005  

Expected volatility

   34.0% - 34.4%    35.8 %   39.6 %

Expected dividend yield

   0.0%    0.0 %   0.0 %

Expected term (in years)

   2 - 7       7     7  

Risk-free rate

   3.08% - 4.59%    4.7 %   4.3 %

A summary of option activity under the plans as of December 31, 2007 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

 

Options

   Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding—beginning of year

   97,400     $ 8.65      

Granted

   16,250     $ 19.80      

Exercised

   (2,000 )   $ 5.00      

Forfeited

   (1,400 )   $ 8.70      
                  

Outstanding—end of year

   110,250     $ 10.36    7.7    $ 1,070,640
                        

Exercisable at end of year

   50,600     $ 6.87    7.1    $ 642,930
                        

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $8.30, $11.72 and $5.29, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2007 and 2006 was $38,800 and $17,370, respectively. No options were exercised during 2005.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of December 31, 2007 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:

 

Nonvested Options

   Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value

Nonvested—beginning of year

   67,260     $ 4.87

Granted

   16,250     $ 8.30

Vested

   (22,900 )   $ 4.08

Forfeited

   (960 )   $ 4.17
            

Nonvested—end of year

   59,650     $ 6.11
            

As of December 31, 2007, there was $343,385 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards granted under both plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.8 years.

 

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FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

An unaudited summary of the Company's 2007 and 2006 quarterly performance is as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31, 2007
     First
Quarter
   Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter

Total revenue

   $ 10,889,085    $ 11,523,842    $ 12,647,956    $ 12,327,267

Net income

   $ 803,475    $ 1,111,580    $ 569,490    $ 2,399,813

Net income per share:

           

Basic (1)

   $ 0.47    $ 0.64    $ 0.33    $ 1.39

Diluted (1)

   $ 0.46    $ 0.63    $ 0.32    $ 1.36
     Year ended December 31, 2006
     First
Quarter
   Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter

Total revenue

   $ 10,388,079    $ 10,182,689    $ 10,475,486    $ 11,027,940

Net income

   $ 1,661,249    $ 1,420,421    $ 781,184    $ 3,352,479

Net income per share:

           

Basic (1)

   $ 0.97    $ 0.83    $ 0.46    $ 1.94

Diluted (1)

   $ 0.95    $ 0.81    $ 0.45    $ 1.90

 

1— Since the weighted average shares for the quarters are calculated independent of the weighted average shares for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, as of the end of the fiscal period covered by this report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, each of our Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President of Finance concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a -15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007 under this framework.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. In connection with our evaluation, no change was identified in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the sections of the Registrant’s definitive 2008 Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 31, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 2008 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended appearing under the headings: “Matter No. 1 Election of Fremont Directors (including biographical information regarding Nominees for Election as Class II Directors, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers Who are not Directors),” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and, “Audit Committee Report”.

The Company’s Code of Ethics, which applies to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, was filed as Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The Company has posted its Code of Ethics on its website (www.fmic.com) and it is available in print to any stockholder upon request. As of December 31, 2007, no amendments or waivers had been made to our Code of Ethics as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company intends to post any amendments to or any waivers from a provision of its Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions on its website.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Executive Compensation (including the tables)” and “Director Compensation” of the Registrant’s definitive 2008 Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 31, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 2008 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” of the Registrant’s definitive 2008 Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 31, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 2008 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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The Company has two equity compensation plans pursuant to which it has granted stock options to employees and non-employee directors. The Stock-Based Compensation Plan dated November 18, 2003 was approved by the shareholders on May 12, 2005 and the Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 was approved by the shareholders on May 11, 2006. The following table sets forth, with respect to the equity compensation plans, as of December 31, 2007, (a) the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, (b) the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, and (c) the number of shares remaining available for future issuance.

 

     Equity Compensation Plan Information    Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities in column (a))

(c)

Plan category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights

(a)
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

(b)
  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   110,250    $ 10.36    122,760

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   110,250    $ 10.36    122,760
                

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Corporate Governance—Director Independence” and “Certain Transactions with Executive Officers and Directors” of the Registrant’s definitive 2008 Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 31, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 2008 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Independent Public Accountants” of the Registrant’s definitive 2008 Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 31, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 2008 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements are filed as a part of this report in Item 8.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Years in the Three-year Period Ended
December 31, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for Each of the Years in the Three-year Period Ended December 31, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Years in the Three-year Period Ended
December 31, 2007

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) The following consolidated financial statement schedules for the years 2007, 2006 and 2005 are submitted herewith:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule I            Summary of Investments—Other Than Investments in Related Parties

Schedule II          Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company

Schedule III         Supplementary Insurance Information

Schedule IV         Reinsurance

Schedule V          Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and other Receivables

All other schedules under Regulation S-X are not required in accordance with the related instructions and, therefore, have been omitted.

(3) Exhibits:

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index. Documents not accompanying this report are incorporated by reference as indicated on the Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

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.

 

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.    
By:   /s/    RICHARD E. DUNNING               March 24, 2008
 

Richard E. Dunning

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

     

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard E. Dunning and Kevin G. Kaastra, or either of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution, for him and in his name and in all capacities, to sign all amendments to this report and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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 the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

By:   /s/    RICHARD E. DUNNING               March 24, 2008
 

Richard E. Dunning

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(principal executive officer)

     
By:   /s/    KEVIN G. KAASTRA               March 24, 2008
 

Kevin G. Kaastra

Vice President of Finance

(principal financial and accounting officer)

     
By:   /s/    DONALD E. BRADFORD               March 24, 2008
 

Donald E. Bradford

Director

     
By:   /s/    MICHAEL A. DEKUIPER               March 24, 2008
 

Michael A. DeKuiper

Director

     
By:   /s/    JACK G. HENDON               March 24, 2008
 

Jack G. Hendon

Director

     
By:   /s/    MONICA C. HOLMES               March 24, 2008
 

Monica C. Holmes

Director

     
By:   /s/    WILLIAM L. JOHNSON               March 24, 2008
 

William L. Johnson

Director

     
By:   /s/    JACK A. SIEBERS               March 24, 2008
 

Jack A. Siebers

Director

     

 

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By:          
 

Kenneth J. Schuiteman

Director

     
By:   /s/    DONALD VANSINGEL               March 24, 2008
 

Donald VanSingel

Chairman of the Board of Directors

     
By:   /s/    HAROLD L. WIBERG               March 24, 2008
 

Harold L. Wiberg

Director

     
By:   /s/    DONALD C. WILSON               March 24, 2008
 

Donald C. Wilson

Director

     

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Fremont Michigan Insuracorp, Inc.

Fremont, Michigan

The audits referred to in our report dated March 21, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. and subsidiary for the three years ended December 31, 2007, which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the 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 upon our audits.

In our opinion such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

BDO Seidman, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 21, 2008

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc. and Subsidiary

Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other than

Investments in Related Parties as of December 31, 2007

 

Column A

   Column B    Column C    Column D

Type of Investment

   Cost    Market
Value
   Balance
Sheet

Fixed maturities:

        

Bonds:

        

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

   $ 3,172,509    3,198,181    3,198,181

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     25,421,294    25,761,183    25,761,183

All other

     21,639,427    21,569,510    21,569,510
                

Total fixed maturities

     50,233,230    50,528,874    50,528,874
                

Equity securities:

        

Common stocks:

        

Public utilities

     —      —      —  

Banks, trust and insurance companies

     —      —      —  

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

     7,485,046    8,305,133    8,305,133

Nonredeemable preferred stock

     —      —      —  
                

Total equity securities

     7,485,046    8,305,133    8,305,133
                

Total investments

   $ 57,718,276    58,834,007    58,834,007
                

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc.

Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company

Condensed Balance Sheet

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006

Assets

     

Investment in common stock of subsidiary (equity method)

   $ 38,985,639    $ 34,167,056

Cash and cash equivalents

     175,413      131,596

Other assets

     264,906      131,525
             

Total assets

   $ 39,425,958    $ 34,430,177
             

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

   $ —      $ —  
             

Stockholders’ Equity:

     

Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 4,500,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding

   $ —      $ —  

Class A common stock, no par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, 1,727,456 and 1,725,456 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     —        —  

Class B common stock, no par value, authorized 500,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding

     —        —  

Additional paid-in capital

     7,722,424      7,605,096

Retained earnings

     30,395,771      25,511,413

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,307,763      1,313,668
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     39,425,958      34,430,177
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 39,425,958    $ 34,430,177
             

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc.

Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company

Condensed Statement of Earnings

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenue—net investment income

   $ 2,384     $ 4,456     $ 5,255  

Expenses:—operating expenses

     138,946       87,427       55,481  
                        

Loss before federal income tax benefit

     (136,562 )     (82,971 )     (50,226 )

Federal income tax benefit

     46,431       28,210       17,077  
                        

Loss before equity in income of subsidiary

     (90,131 )     (54,761 )     (33,149 )

Equity in income of subsidiary

     4,974,489       7,270,094       9,115,418  
                        

Net income

   $ 4,884,358     $ 7,215,333     $ 9,082,269  
                        

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc.

Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (127,739 )   $ (80,350 )   $ (49,912 )
                        

Cash flows from investing activities—Dividend received from subsidiary

     150,000       —         —    
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from exercised stock options

     10,000       6,000       —    

Tax benefit from exercised stock options

     11,556       4,925       —    
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     21,556       10,925       —    
                        

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     43,817       (69,425 )     (49,912 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     131,596       201,021       250,933  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 175,413     $ 131,596     $ 201,021  
                        

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc. and Subsidiary

Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information

 

Column A

   Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F

Segment

   Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
   Future policy
benefits,
losses,
claims, and
loss expenses
   Unearned
premiums
   Other policy
claims and
benefits
payable
   Premium
revenue

December 31, 2007

              

Personal lines

   $ 2,116,320    10,041,035    14,426,717    —      29,225,270

Commercial lines

     685,094    5,811,069    4,670,211    —      7,497,696

Farm

     394,544    985,301    2,689,562    —      4,337,542

Marine

     138,043    1,221,514    941,025    —      1,713,229
                          

Total

   $ 3,334,001    18,058,919    22,727,515    —      42,773,737
                          

December 31, 2006

              

Personal lines

   $ 2,018,671    10,431,711    13,391,538    —      25,752,956

Commercial lines

     689,446    7,044,987    4,573,678    —      7,666,666

Farm

     393,812    1,608,805    2,612,489    —      4,222,485

Marine

     133,454    1,091,052    885,314    —      1,607,141
                          

Total

   $ 3,235,383    20,176,555    21,463,019    —      39,249,248
                          

December 31, 2005

              

Personal lines

   $ 1,880,790    9,366,747    12,428,952    —      24,758,161

Commercial lines

     709,866    6,416,920    4,691,054    —      8,163,707

Farm

     377,582    2,089,816    2,495,202    —      4,304,746

Marine

     124,380    993,331    821,949    —      1,529,239
                          

Total

   $ 3,092,618    18,866,814    20,437,157    —      38,755,853
                          
     Column G    Column H    Column I    Column J    Column K
     Net
investment
income
   Benefits,
claims,
losses and
settlement
expenses
   Amortization
of DPAC
   Other
operating
expenses
   Premiums
written

December 31, 2007

              

Personal lines

      18,361,023    5,003,793    5,857,766    30,260,447

Commercial lines

      3,432,297    1,283,715    1,502,801    7,559,621

Farm

      1,909,207    742,650    869,396    4,414,615

Marine

      721,819    293,330    343,391    1,768,940
                          

Total

   $ 2,165,070    24,424,346    7,323,488    8,573,354    44,003,623
                          

December 31, 2006

              

Personal lines

      12,700,566    4,489,783    4,433,603    26,715,542

Commercial lines

      2,350,933    1,336,611    1,319,886    7,537,315

Farm

      1,748,249    736,150    726,939    4,339,772

Marine

      764,863    280,190    276,684    1,670,506
                          

Total

   $ 1,887,719    17,564,611    6,842,734    6,757,112    40,263,135
                          

December 31, 2005

              

Personal lines

      12,368,229    4,077,138    3,913,333    25,360,953

Commercial lines

      4,737,226    1,344,387    1,290,375    8,115,201

Farm

      2,416,018    708,899    680,418    4,405,291

Marine

      1,182,456    251,833    241,715    1,630,643
                          

Total

   $ 1,688,853    20,703,929    6,382,257    6,125,841    39,512,088
                          

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc. and Subsidiary

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Schedule IV—Reinsurance

 

Column A

   Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F  

Premiums Earned

   Gross
amount
   Ceded to
other
companies
   Assumed
from
other
companies
   Net
amount
   Percentage
of amount
assumed
to net
 

For the year ended December 31, 2007

   $ 52,691,693    9,991,470    73,514    42,773,737    0.2 %

For the year ended December 31, 2006

   $ 47,831,449    8,654,931    72,730    39,249,248    0.2 %

For the year ended December 31, 2005

   $ 44,737,524    6,098,599    116,928    38,755,853    0.3 %

 

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Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc. and Subsidiary

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Schedule V—Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums

 

Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums

   2007     2006     2005  

Balance, January 1

   $ 32,913     $ 79,443     $ 63,116  

Additions

     115,451       134,712       122,357  

Deletions

     (109,335 )     (181,242 )     (106,030 )
                        

Balance, December 31

   $ 39,029     $ 32,913     $ 79,443  
                        

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

NUMBER

  

TITLE

3.1(a)    Articles of Incorporation of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
3.1(b)    Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 20, 2007).
3.2        Bylaws of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1)
4.1        See Articles of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3.1
4.2        Shareholder Rights Agreement dated November 1, 2004 by and between the Company and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2004).
4.3        Certificate of Adoption of Resolution Designating and Prescribing Rights, Preferences and Limitations of Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2004).
10.1          Stock-Based Compensation Plan dated November 18, 2003, as amended and restated effective December 11, 2007.
10.2          Employment Agreement between Richard E. Dunning and Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on
Form S-1).
10.3          Form of Employment Agreement for other officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
10.4          Form of Series B Surplus Notes (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
10.5          Form of Indemnity Agreement between Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc and its directors and officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
10.6          Form of Agency Agreement and Endorsement to Agency Agreement for Profit Sharing (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on
Form S-1).
10.7          Investment Management Agreement with Prime Advisors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
10.8          Stock Incentive Plan of 2006, dated February 24, 2006, as amended and restated effective December 11, 2007.
10.9          Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2006).
14             Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Executives (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005).
21             Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23.1          Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
24             Power of Attorney (see Signatures of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1          Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2          Certification of Vice President and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32             Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

100

EX-10.1 2 dex101.htm STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN Stock-Based Compensation Plan

EXHIBIT 10.1

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

November 18, 2003, as amended and restated effective December 11, 2007

 

1. PURPOSES

The general purposes of this Stock-Based Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) are to encourage employees and non-employee directors of and consultants to Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its Affiliates (as defined below) to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company in order to create an increased incentive to contribute to the Company's future success and prosperity, and to enhance the ability of the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals upon whom the sustained progress, growth, and profitability of the Company depend, thus enhancing the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders.

 

2. DEFINITIONS

“Affiliate means any entity in which the Company directly or indirectly has a significant equity interest under generally accepted accounting principles and any other entity in which the Company has a significant direct or indirect equity interest as determined by the Committee. The term shall also include any entity which, with respect to the Company, satisfies the definitions of “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” stated in Section 424 of the Code.

“Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.

“Award Agreementmeans a written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.

“Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Committee means the Board acting as a whole, unless a committee of the Company’s directors is designated by the Board (and changed in the Board's discretion at any time and from time to time) to administer the Plan and composed of not less than two directors, each of whom is a “non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3, or, to the extent provided in Section 3 of the Plan, another director or group of directors to whom authority has been delegated pursuant to Section 3(m). The above, despite the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify under the above requirements, shall not invalidate any Award made by the Committee, if the Award is otherwise validly made under the Plan.

“Disability means, with respect to a given Participant at a given time, any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that the Committee, on the basis of competent, medical evidence, reasonably determines has rendered or will render the Participant permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of Section 422(c)(6) of the Code (or such successor section as is in effect at the time).

“Dividend Equivalent means a right granted under Section 6(e) of the Plan.

“Effective Date means October 15, 2004, the date on which the Fremont Mutual Insurance Company was converted from a Michigan mutual property and casualty insurance company to a Michigan stock property and casualty insurance company and the Company closed its initial public offering of common stock.

“Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Fair Market Value" means, with respect to a Share on a given date: (a) if the Shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange (including, for this purpose, the National Market System (“NMS”) of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”)) on that date, the closing Share price on that exchange (or, if there is more then


one, the principal such exchange), or, for the NMS, the last sale price, on the day immediately preceding the date as of which fair market value is being determined, or on the next preceding day on which Shares were there traded if no Shares were traded on the immediately preceding day; (b) if the Shares are not listed for trading on any securities exchange (including the NMS) on that date but are reported by NASDAQ, and market information concerning the Shares is published on a regular basis in The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times, the average of the daily bid and low asked prices of the Shares, as so published, on the day nearest preceding the date in question for which the prices were published; (c) if (a) is inapplicable and market information concerning the Shares is not regularly published as described in (b), the average of the high bid and low asked prices of the Shares in the over-the-counter market on the day nearest preceding the date in question as reported by NASDAQ (or, if NASDAQ does not report prices for the Shares, another generally accepted reporting service); or (d) if none of the above are applicable, the fair market value of a Share as, of the date in question, determined by the Committee.

“Non-Qualified Stock Option means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

“Option means an option to buy Shares granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan.

“Other Stock-Based Award means a right granted under Section 6(f) of the Plan.

“Participant means an employee or non-employee director of or consultant to the Company or any Affiliate designated to be granted an Award under the Plan.

“Performance Award means a right granted under Section 6(d) of the Plan.

“Restricted Period” means the period of time during which an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units is subject to transfer restrictions and potential forfeiture.

“Restricted Stock means a Share granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan.

“Restricted Stock Unit means a right granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan that is denominated in Shares.

“Rule 16b-3 means Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule or regulation), as applicable with respect to the Company at a given time.

“Section 16 means Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations implementing it, or any successor provision, rule, or regulation in effect at a given time.

“Section 16 Reporting Person means a person who is a director or officer of the Company for purposes of Section 16.

“Shares means shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share, or such other securities or property as may become the subject of Awards, or become subject to Awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 4 (b) of the Plan.

“Stock Appreciation Right means a right granted under Section 6(b) of the Plan.

 

3. ADMINISTRATION

The Committee shall administer the Plan. Subject to the terms and limitations stated in the Plan, and to applicable law, the Committee’s authority shall include without limitation the power to:

(a) designate Participants;

(b) determine the types of Awards to be granted and the times at which Awards will be granted;

(c) determine the number of Shares to be covered by Awards and any payments, rights, or other matters to be calculated in connection with them;

(d) determine the terms and conditions of Awards and amend the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including the acceleration of vesting of rights granted by Awards and the shortening of a Restricted Period;


(e) determine how, whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other Awards, or other securities or property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended;

(f) determine how, whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other securities or property, or other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred, whether automatically or at the election of the holder or of the Committee;

(g) determine the methods and procedures for establishing the value of any property (including, without limitation, Shares or other securities) transferred, exchanged, given, or received with respect to the Plan or any Award;

(h) prescribe and amend the forms of Award Agreements and other instruments required under or advisable with respect to the Plan;

(i) interpret and administer the Plan, Award Agreements, Awards, and any contract, document, instrument, or agreement relating to it;

(j) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the administration of the Plan;

(k) decide all questions and settle all controversies and disputes which may arise in connection with the Plan, Award Agreements, or Awards;

(l) delegate to one or more other directors of the Company (who need not be "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3) the authority to designate and grant Awards to Eligible Participants, provided those Participants are not Section 16 Reporting Persons; and

(m) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the interpretation, application, or administration of the Plan, Award Agreements, or Awards.

All designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions with respect to the Plan, Award Agreements, or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time, and shall be final, conclusive, and binding. To the extent that and for so long as the Committee may delegate to one or more other directors its authority to designate Participants and grant Awards as permitted by subsection (l) above, subsequent references in the Plan to the "Committee" shall be construed to include such other director or directors acting pursuant to the delegated authority.

 

4. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS

(a) Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(b):

(i) Initial Authorization. There shall be an amount of Shares equal to 43,105 shares, being 5% of the Shares issued in the initial public stock offering of the Company, initially available for issuance under the Plan. Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Plan, the number of shares subject to the Plan was increased to 86,210 to adjust for the two-for-one stock split paid on November 17, 2006.

(ii) Accounting for Awards. For purposes of this Section 4:

(A) if an Award (other than a Dividend Equivalent) is denominated in Shares, the number of Shares covered by the Award, or to which the Award relates, shall be counted on the date of grant of the Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan, to the extent determinable on that date, and, as long as the number of Shares is not then determinable, under procedures adopted by the Committee consistent with the purposes of the Plan; and

(B) Dividend Equivalents and Awards not denominated in Shares shall be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan in such amount and at such time as the Committee shall determine under procedures adopted by the Committee consistent with the purposes of the Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Awards that operate in tandem with (whether granted simultaneously with or at a different time from), or that are substituted for, other Awards or restricted stock awards or stock options granted under any other plan of the Company may be counted or not counted under procedures adopted by the Committee in order to avoid double counting.


(iii) Sources of Shares Deliverable under Awards. Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but unissued Shares or of Shares reacquired by the Company, including but not limited to Shares purchased on the open market.

(b) Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any nonrecurring dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), change in the capital or shares of capital stock, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or extraordinary transaction or event which affects the Shares, then the Committee shall cause there to be made an equitable adjustment to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights, as appropriate, in (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) which may be made the subject of Awards under the Plan, (ii) outstanding Awards, including, without limitation, the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to them, and (iii) the grant, purchase, or exercise price with respect to outstanding Awards, and, if deemed appropriate, make provision for cash payments to the holders of outstanding Awards; provided, however, that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

(c) Limitations Upon Awards. No participant shall be granted, during any calendar year, Awards with respect to more than 17,000 Shares, which number shall be calculated and adjusted pursuant to Section 4(b) above only to the extent that such calculation or adjustment will not affect the status of any Award theretofore issued or that may thereafter be issued as “performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

5. ELIGIBILITY

(a) Any employee or non-employee director of or consultant rendering services to the Company or any Affiliate, including any officer or officer-director of the Company or any Affiliate, as may be selected from time to time by the Committee or by the directors to whom authority may be delegated pursuant to Section 3(m) of this Plan, is eligible to be designated a Participant with respect to any Award, except that an Other Stock-Based Award may not be granted to a Section 16 Reporting Person.

(b) Any Participant may decline to participate in the Plan by providing written notice of the declination to the Committee within 120 days after receiving notice of an award granted under the Plan.

 

6. AWARDS

(a) Options. The Committee is authorized to grant Options to eligible Participants.

(i) Committee Determinations. Subject to the terms and limitations of the Plan, the Committee shall determine:

(A) the number of shares subject to each Option and the exercise price per Share (which shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted);

(B) the term of each Option; and

(C) the time or times at which an Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, and the method or methods by which and the form or forms (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property, or any combination of them, having a fair market value on the exercise date equal to the relevant exercise price) in which payment of the exercise price with respect to it may be made or deemed to have been made.

The Committee may impose such additional or other conditions or restrictions on any Option as it deems appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan.


(ii) Other Terms. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee:

(A) A Participant electing to exercise an Option shall give written notice to the Company, as may be specified by the Committee, of exercise of the Option and the number of Shares elected for exercise, such notice to be accompanied by such instruments or documents as may be required by the Committee, and shall tender the aggregate exercise price of the Shares elected for exercise.

(B) At the time of exercise of an Option, payment in full in cash shall be made for all Shares then being purchased.

(C) If the employment, directorship or consulting arrangement of a Participant terminates for any reason (including termination by reason of the fact that an entity is no longer an Affiliate) other than the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may afterwards exercise the Option as provided below, except that the Committee may terminate the unexercised portion of the Option concurrently with or at any time following termination of the employment or consulting arrangement (including termination of employment upon a change of status from employee to consultant) if it shall determine that the Participant has engaged in any activity detrimental to the interests of the Company or an Affiliate. If the termination is voluntary on the part of the Participant (other than by reason of retirement of an employee-Participant on or after normal retirement date), the Option may be exercised only within thirty days after the date of termination. If the termination is involuntary on the part of the Participant, if an employee-Participant retires on or after normal retirement date, the Option may be exercised within three months after the date of termination or retirement. For purposes of this subsection (C), a Participant's employment or consulting arrangement shall not be considered terminated (i) in the case of approved sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (not to exceed one year), (ii) in the case of a transfer of employment or the consulting arrangement among the Company and Affiliates, or (iii) by virtue of a change of status from employee to consultant or from consultant to employee, except as provided above.

(D) If a Participant dies or becomes subject to a Disability at a time when entitled to exercise an Option, then the Option shall be fully vested and may be exercised in full or in part, as determined by the Participant’s personal representative, at any time or times within one year after death or the date of termination due to a Disability. The Company may decline to deliver Shares to a designated beneficiary until it receives indemnity against claims of third parties satisfactory to the Company. Except as so exercised, the Option shall expire at the end of that period.

(E) An Option may be exercised only if and to the extent the Option was exercisable at the date of termination of employment, directorship or the consulting arrangement, and an Option may not be exercised at any time when the Option would not have been exercisable had the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting arrangement continued.

(iii) Restoration Options. At the time of grant of an Option (for purposes of this subsection, an “original Option”) that is not itself a Restoration Option (as defined below), or at the time a Restoration Option arises, or at any other time while the grantee continues to be eligible for Awards and the original Option or a Restoration Option (either, a “predecessor Option”) is outstanding, the Committee may provide that the predecessor Option shall carry with it a right to receive an Option (for purposes of this subsection, a “Restoration Option”) if, while still eligible to be granted an Option, the grantee exercises the predecessor Option (or a portion of it) and pays some or all of the applicable exercise price in Shares that have been owned by the grantee for at least six months prior to exercise. In addition to being subject to any other terms and conditions (including additional limitations on exercisability) that the Committee deems appropriate, and except to the extent the Committee otherwise provides with respect to a given Restoration Option, each Restoration Option shall be subject to the following;

(A) the number of Shares subject to the Restoration Option shall be the lesser of: (x) the number of whole Shares delivered in exercise of the predecessor Option, or (y) the number of Shares available for grant under the Plan at the time the Restoration Option arises;

(B) the Restoration Option automatically shall arise and be granted (if ever) at the time of payment of the exercise price in respect of the predecessor Option;

(C) the per Share exercise price of the Restoration Option shall be the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Restoration Option arises;

(D) the expiration date of the Restoration Option shall be the same as that of the predecessor Option;

(E) the Restoration Option shall first become exercisable six months after it arises; and


(F) the Restoration Option shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option.

(b) Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to eligible Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder of it of a right to receive, upon exercise of it, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise or, if the Committee shall so determine in the case of any such right other than one related to an Incentive Stock Option, at any time during a specified period before or after the date of exercise over (ii) the grant price of the right as specified by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the grant price, term, methods of exercise and settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right, the effect of termination of the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting relationships, and any other terms of the Stock Appreciation Right the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate.

(c) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

(i) Grants. The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock to eligible Participants. The Award shall consist of Shares or Restricted Stock Units, which shall give the Participant the right to receive cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, in each case subject to the termination of the Restricted Period for the Award determined by the Committee.

(ii) Restrictions. The Restricted Period determined by the Committee for Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may differ among Participants, and any Restricted Period may have different expiration dates with respect to portions of Shares or Units covered by the same Award. During the applicable Restricted Period, Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock shall be nontransferable (except as provided in Section 6 (g) (v) of the Plan) and subject to forfeiture as provided in subsection (iv) of this Section 6 (c). Subject to the terms of the Plan, Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units also shall be subject to such other restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive any dividend or other right or property), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination, at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee may determine. Unless the Committee shall otherwise determine, any Shares or other securities distributed with respect to Restricted Stock or which a Participant is otherwise entitled to receive by reason of the Shares shall be subject to the restrictions contained in the above restrictions and the provisions of the Plan. Participants shall have all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock.

(iii) Certificates. Any Shares granted as Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by certificates bearing such restrictive transfer legend as the Committee determines to be advisable in order to prevent impermissible transfer of the Shares prior to the end of the applicable Restricted Period, and the certificates shall be retained in the possession of the Company until the Shares no longer are subject to forfeiture. Each Award Agreement concerning an Award of Restricted Stock shall include the grantee's consent to transfer to the Company of any forfeited Restricted Stock without the need for any further consent, direction, or other action by the grantee.

(iv) Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee:

(A) If the employment, directorship or consulting arrangement of a Participant terminates for any reason (including termination by reason of the fact that any entity is no longer an Affiliate), other than the Participant's death or Disability or, in the case of an employee, retirement on or after normal retirement date, all Shares of Restricted Stock and all Restricted Stock Units that were awarded to the Participant which are still subject to restrictions shall upon such termination of employment, directorship or the consulting relationship be forfeited and (in the case of Restricted Stock) transferred back to the Company. For purposes of this subsection (A), a Participant's employment or consulting arrangement shall not be considered terminated (i) in the case of approved sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (not to exceed one year), (ii) in the case of a transfer of employment or the consulting arrangement among the Company and Affiliates, or (iii) other than as provided in subsection (D) of this Section 6(c)(iv), by virtue of a change of status from employee to consultant or from consultant to employee.

(B) If a Participant ceases to be employed or retained by the Company or an Affiliate by reason of death or Disability, or if following retirement a Participant continues to have rights under an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and then dies, the Award shall fully vest and no longer be subject to forfeiture.


(C) If an employee ceases to be employed by the Company or an Affiliate by reason of retirement on or after normal retirement date, the restrictions contained in the Award of Restricted Stock shall continue to lapse in the same manner as though employment had not terminated.

(D) However, notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (B) and (C) above, if a Participant continues to hold an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units following termination of his employment or consulting arrangement (including retirement and termination of employment upon a change of status from employee to consultant), the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units which remain subject to restrictions shall nonetheless be forfeited, and (in the case of Restricted Stock) transferred back to the Company, if the Committee at any time later determines that the Participant has engaged in any activity detrimental to the interests of the Company or an Affiliate.

(E) At the expiration of the Restricted Period as to Shares covered by an Award of Restricted Stock, or as to Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares, the Company shall deliver the Shares as to which the Restricted Period has expired, as follows:

(1) if an assignment to a trust has been made in accordance with Section 6(g)(v)(B)(2)(c), to the trust; or

(2) if the Restricted Period has expired by reason of death and a beneficiary has been designated in form approved by the Company, to the beneficiary so designated; or

(3) in all other cases, to the Participant or the legal representative of the Participant's estate.

(d) Performance Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance Awards to eligible Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan, a Performance Award granted under the Plan (i) may be denominated or payable in cash, Shares (including, without limitation, Restricted Stock), other securities, other Awards, or other property and (ii) shall confer on the holder rights valued as determined by the Committee and payable to, or exercisable by, the holder of the Performance Award, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of such performance goals during such performance period, as the Committee shall establish. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any Performance Award granted, the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award, and the other terms and conditions of any Performance Award, including the effect upon the Award, of termination of the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting relationships, shall be determined by the Committee.

(e) Dividend Equivalents. The Committee is authorized to grant to eligible Participants Awards under which the holders shall be entitled to receive payments equivalent to dividends or interest with respect to a number of Shares determined by the Committee, and the Committee may provide that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or otherwise reinvested. Subject to the term of the Plan, the Awards may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine.

(f) Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to eligible Participants such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares (including, without limitation, securities convertible into Shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the grants may not be made to Section 16 Reporting Persons. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. Shares or other securities delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under this Section 6(f) shall be purchased for such consideration, which may be paid by such method or methods and in such form or forms, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, other property, or any combination of the above, as the Committee shall determine.

(g) General.

(i) No Cash Consideration for Awards. Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or for such minimal cash consideration as may be required by applicable law.

(ii) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for, any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, or in addition to or in tandem with the awards granted under another plan of the Company or an Affiliate, may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of the other Awards or awards.


(iii) Forms of Payment under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise, or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, or any combination, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. The rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments.

(iv) Limits on Transfer of Awards.

(A) Except as the Committee may otherwise determine, no Award or right under any Award may be sold, encumbered, pledged, alienated, attached, assigned, or otherwise transferred in any manner, and any attempt to do any of the above shall be void and unenforceable against the Company.

(B) Despite the provisions of paragraph (A) above, except as provided in paragraph (C) below:

(1) An Option may be transferred:

(a) to a death beneficiary designated by the Participant in writing on a form approved by the Committee; or

(b) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution to the personal representative, executor or administrator of the Participant's estate.

(2) A Participant may assign or transfer rights under an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units:

(a) to a death beneficiary designated by the Participant in writing on a form approved by the Committee;

(b) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution to the personal representative, executor or administrator of the Participant's estate; or

(c) to a revocable grantor trust established by the Participant for the sole benefit of the Participant during the Participant's life, and under the terms of which the Participant is and remains the sole trustee until death or physical or mental incapacity. The assignment shall be effected by a written instrument in form and content satisfactory to the Committee, and the Participant shall deliver to the Committee a true copy of the agreement or other document evidencing the trust. If in the judgment of the Committee the trust does not meet the criteria of a trust to which an assignment is permitted by the terms of it, or if, after assignment (whether because of amendment, by operation of law, or for any other reason) the trust no longer meets the criteria, the attempted assignment shall be void and may be disregarded by the Committee and the Company and all rights to the Awards shall revert to and remain solely in the Participant. Notwithstanding a qualified assignment, the Participant, and not the trust to which rights under an Award may be assigned, for the purpose of determining compensation arising by reason of the Award shall continue to be considered an employee, director or consultant, as the case may be, of the Company or an Affiliate but the trust and the Participant shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Award Agreement and this Plan. Shares issued in the name of and delivered to the trust shall be conclusively considered issuance and delivery to the Participant.

(3) The Committee shall not permit Section 16 Reporting Persons to transfer or assign Awards except as and to the extent (if any) permitted under Rule 16b-3.

(C) The Committee, the Company, and its officers, agents, and employees may rely upon any beneficiary designation, assignment, or other instrument of transfer, copies of trust agreements, and any other documents delivered to any of them by or on behalf of a Participant, which they believe genuine, and any action taken by any of them in reliance shall be conclusive and binding upon the Participant, the personal representatives of the Participant's estate, and all persons asserting a claim


based on an Award to the Participant. The delivery by a Participant of a beneficiary designation, or an assignment of rights under an Award as permitted under it, shall constitute the Participant's irrevocable undertaking to hold the Committee, the Company, and its officers, agents, and employees harmless against claims, including any cost or expense incurred in defending against claims, of any person (including the Participant) which may be asserted or alleged to be based on an Award subject to a beneficiary designation or an assignment. In addition, the Company may decline to deliver Shares to a beneficiary until it receives indemnity against claims of third parties satisfactory to the Company.

(v) No Change in Control.

(A) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement, upon a Change in Control of the Company (as defined below) the vesting of all rights of Participants under outstanding Awards shall be accelerated and all restrictions shall terminate in order that Participants may fully realize the benefits intended to be made available under the Awards. The acceleration shall include, without limitation, the immediate exercisability in full of all Options and the termination of restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Further, upon the Change in Control, in addition to the Committee's authority described in Section 4(b), the Committee, as constituted, before the Change in Control, is authorized and has sole discretion, as to any Award, to take any one or more of the following actions: (i) cause any Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted, by the acquiring or surviving entity or other person giving rise to the Change in Control; (ii) make such adjustment to any Award then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect the Change in Control; and (iii) provide for the purchase of any Award, upon the Participant's request, for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of the Award or realization of the Participant's rights had the Award been currently exercisable or payable.

(B) A Change in Control shall occur if, after the Effective Date:

(1) any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable regulations), other than pursuant to a transaction or agreement previously approved by the Board (whether before, at, or after the Effective Date and including, but not limited to, a transaction or agreement contemplated by the Plan of Conversion pursuant to which Fremont Mutual Insurance Company is converted from a Michigan mutual property and casualty insurance company to a Michigan stock property and casualty insurance company), directly or indirectly purchases or otherwise becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of voting securities representing 30 percent or more of the combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company; or

(2) the stockholders of the Company approve (i) an agreement to merge or consolidate the Company in a transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity, (ii) an agreement to sell or dispose of substantially all of the Company's assets, or (iii) a plan to liquidate the Company, unless, in the case of an event described in (i), (ii), or (iii), the Board determines prior to the occurrence of the event that the effects described in Section 6(g)(v)(A) will not apply with respect to the event.

(vi) Cash Settlement. Aside from any provision of this Plan or of any Award Agreement to the contrary, any Award outstanding under it may at any time be canceled in the Committee's sole discretion upon payment of the value of the Award to the holder of it in cash or in another Award under it, such value to be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(vii) Certain Securities Law Considerations. The Company intends, as soon as possible after the Effective Date, to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-8 the total number of Shares that may be acquired by Participants under the Plan. Awards granted under the Plan may not be exercised until the Form S-8 is filed and effective.

(viii) Award Agreements. Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall prescribe.

 

7. AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION; CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS.

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan:

(a) Amendments, Suspension, or Termination. The Board may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan or any portion of it at any time, with or without stockholder approval, and the Board or the Committee may amend any outstanding Award; provided, however, that (i) no Plan amendment shall be effective until approved by stockholders of the Company, insofar as stockholder approval is required in order for the Plan to continue to satisfy the conditions of Rule 16b-3 or any applicable requirements of a national securities exchange or the NMS, and (ii) without the consent of an affected Participant no amendment of the Plan or of any Award may impair the rights of the Participant under any outstanding Award.


(b) Adjustments of Awards Upon The Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. The Committee shall make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4(b) or a Change in Control as defined in Section 6(g)(v)) affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available to holders of outstanding Awards under the Plan.

(c) Correction of Defects, Omissions, And Inconsistencies. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to effectuate the Plan.

 

8. MISCELLANEOUS

(a) No Rights to Awards. Subject only to the express requirements of the Plan, there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan, and no Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award. The terms and conditions of Awards of the same type, and the determination of the Committee to grant a waiver or modification of the terms and conditions of any Award, need not be the same with respect to the Participant.

(b) Withholding. The Company or any Affiliate shall be authorized to withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property) of withholding taxes due in respect of an Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under the Award or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company or Affiliate to satisfy all obligations for the payment of the taxes.

(c) No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, including the grant of options and other stock-based awards, and the arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

(d) No Right to Employment. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Award Agreement or another written agreement with the Participant.

(e) Governing Law. Except to the extent, if any, preempted by Federal law, the validity, construction, and effect of the Plan, any rules and regulations relating to the Plan established by the Committee, and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

(f) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, the provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, the provision shall be stricken as to the jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and the Award shall remain in full force and effect.

(g) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, the right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

(h) No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether the fractional Shares or any rights shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.


(i) Stockholder Status. Neither the grantee of an Award, nor any other person to whom the Award or the grantee's rights under it may pass, shall be, or have any right or privileges of, a holder of Shares in respect of any Shares issuable pursuant to or in settlement of the Award, unless and until certificates representing the Shares have been issued in the name of the grantee or other person.

(j) Headings. Headings are given to the Sections and Subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. The headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision of it.

 

9. EFFECTIVENESS AND DURATION

The adoption of the Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date and shall continue in effect until terminated by the Board or the expiration of 10 years from the Effective Date, whichever occurs first.

The Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on November 18, 2003. The Plan, as amended and restated, was approved by the Board of Directors on December 11, 2007.

 

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.
By   /s/ Richard E. Dunning
 

Richard E. Dunning

 

Its President

By   /s/ Donald E. Bradford
 

Donald E. Bradford

 

Its Secretary

EX-10.8 3 dex108.htm STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2006 Stock Incentive Plan of 2006

EXHIBIT 10.8

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2006

February 24, 2006, as amended and restated effective December 11, 2007

 

1. PURPOSES

The general purposes of this Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) are to encourage employees and non-employee directors of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its Affiliates (as defined below) to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company in order to create an increased incentive to contribute to the Company's future success and prosperity, and to enhance the ability of the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals upon whom the sustained progress, growth, and profitability of the Company depend, thus enhancing the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders.

 

2. DEFINITIONS

“Affiliatemeans any entity in which the Company directly or indirectly has a significant equity interest under generally accepted accounting principles and any other entity in which the Company has a significant direct or indirect equity interest as determined by the Committee. The term shall also include any entity which, with respect to the Company, satisfies the definitions of “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” stated in Section 424 of the Code.

“Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.

“Award Agreement” means a written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Committee” means the Board acting as a whole, unless a committee of the Company's directors is designated by the Board (and changed in the Board's discretion at any time and from time to time) to administer the Plan and composed of not less than two directors, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3, or, to the extent provided in Section 3 of the Plan, another director or group of directors to whom authority has been delegated pursuant to Section 3(m). The above, despite the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify under the above requirements, shall not invalidate any Award made by the Committee, if the Award is otherwise validly made under the Plan.

“Disability” means, with respect to a given Participant at a given time, any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that the Committee, on the basis of competent, medical evidence, reasonably determines has rendered or will render the Participant permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of Section 422(c)(6) of the Code (or such successor section as is in effect at the time).

“Dividend Equivalent” means a right granted under Section 6(e) of the Plan.

“Effective Date” means February 24, 2006, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to a Share on a given date: (a) if the Shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange (including, for this purpose, the National Market System (“NMS”) of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”)) on that date, the closing Share price on that exchange (or, if there is more then one, the principal such exchange), or, for the NMS, the last sale price, on the day immediately preceding the date as of which fair market value is being determined, or on the next preceding day on which Shares were there traded if no Shares were traded on the immediately preceding day; (b) if the Shares are not listed for trading on any securities exchange (including the NMS) on that date but


are reported by NASDAQ, and market information concerning the Shares is published on a regular basis in The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times, the average of the daily bid and low asked prices of the Shares, as so published, on the day nearest preceding the date in question for which the prices were published; (c) if (a) is inapplicable and market information concerning the Shares is not regularly published as described in (b), the average of the high bid and low asked prices of the Shares in the over-the-counter market on the day nearest preceding the date in question as reported by NASDAQ (or, if NASDAQ does not report prices for the Shares, another generally accepted reporting service); or (d) if none of the above are applicable, the fair market value of a Share as, of the date in question, determined by the Committee.

“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

“Option” means an option to buy Shares granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan.

“Other Stock-Based Award” means a right granted under Section 6(f) of the Plan.

“Participant” means an employee or non-employee director of the Company or any Affiliate designated to be granted an Award under the Plan.

“Performance Award” means a right granted under Section 6(d) of the Plan.

“Restricted Period” means the period of time during which an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units is subject to transfer restrictions and potential forfeiture.

“Restricted Stock” means a Share granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan.

“Restricted Stock Unit” means a right granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan that is denominated in Shares.

“Rule 16b-3” means Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule or regulation), as applicable with respect to the Company at a given time.

“Section 16” means Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations implementing it, or any successor provision, rule, or regulation in effect at a given time.

“Section 16 Reporting Person” means a person who is a director or officer of the Company for purposes of Section 16.

“Shares” means shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share, or such other securities or property as may become the subject of Awards, or become subject to Awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 4 (b) of the Plan.

“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right granted under Section 6(b) of the Plan.

 

3. ADMINISTRATION

The Committee shall administer the Plan. Subject to the terms and limitations stated in the Plan, and to applicable law, the Committee's authority shall include without limitation the power to:

(a) designate Participants;

(b) determine the types of Awards to be granted and the times at which Awards will be granted;

(c) determine the number of Shares to be covered by Awards and any payments, rights, or other matters to be calculated in connection with them;

(d) determine the terms and conditions of Awards and amend the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including the acceleration of vesting of rights granted by Awards and the shortening of a Restricted Period;

(e) determine how, whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other Awards, or other securities or property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended;


(f) determine how, whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other securities or property, or other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred, whether automatically or at the election of the holder or of the Committee;

(g) determine the methods and procedures for establishing the value of any property (including, without limitation, Shares or other securities) transferred, exchanged, given, or received with respect to the Plan or any Award;

(h) prescribe and amend the forms of Award Agreements and other instruments required under or advisable with respect to the Plan;

(i) interpret and administer the Plan, Award Agreements, Awards, and any contract, document, instrument, or agreement relating to it;

(j) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the administration of the Plan;

(k) decide all questions and settle all controversies and disputes which may arise in connection with the Plan, Award Agreements, or Awards;

(l) delegate to one or more other directors of the Company (who need not be "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3) the authority to designate and grant Awards to Eligible Participants, provided those Participants are not Section 16 Reporting Persons; and

(m) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the interpretation, application, or administration of the Plan, Award Agreements, or Awards.

All designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions with respect to the Plan, Award Agreements, or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time, and shall be final, conclusive, and binding. To the extent that and for so long as the Committee may delegate to one or more other directors its authority to designate Participants and grant Awards as permitted by subsection (l) above, subsequent references in the Plan to the "Committee" shall be construed to include such other director or directors acting pursuant to the delegated authority.

 

4. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS

(a) Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(b):

(i) Initial Authorization. The total number of shares of Common Stock for which Awards may be issued under this Plan shall not exceed 75,000 Shares. Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Plan, the number of Shares subject to the Plan was increased to 150,000 to adjust for the two-for-one stock split paid on November 17, 2006.

(ii) Accounting for Awards. For purposes of this Section 4:

(A) if an Award (other than a Dividend Equivalent) is denominated in Shares, the number of Shares covered by the Award, or to which the Award relates, shall be counted on the date of grant of the Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan, to the extent determinable on that date, and, as long as the number of Shares is not then determinable, under procedures adopted by the Committee consistent with the purposes of the Plan; and

(B) Dividend Equivalents and Awards not denominated in Shares shall be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan in such amount and at such time as the Committee shall determine under procedures adopted by the Committee consistent with the purposes of the Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Awards that operate in tandem with (whether granted simultaneously with or at a different time from), or that are substituted for, other Awards or restricted stock awards or stock options granted under any other plan of the Company may be counted or not counted under procedures adopted by the Committee in order to avoid double counting.


(iii) Sources of Shares Deliverable under Awards. Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but unissued Shares or of Shares reacquired by the Company, including but not limited to Shares purchased on the open market.

(b) Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any nonrecurring dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), change in the capital or shares of capital stock, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or extraordinary transaction or event which affects the Shares, then the Committee shall cause there to be made adjustment to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights, as appropriate, in (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) which may be made the subject of Awards under the Plan, (ii) outstanding Awards, including, without limitation, the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to them, and (iii) the grant, purchase, or exercise price with respect to outstanding Awards, and, if deemed appropriate, make provision for cash payments to the holders of outstanding Awards; provided, however, that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

(c) Limitations Upon Awards. No participant shall be granted, during any calendar year, Awards with respect to more than 15,000 Shares, which number shall be calculated and adjusted pursuant to Section 4(b) above only to the extent that such calculation or adjustment will not affect the status of any Award theretofore issued or that may thereafter be issued as “performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

5. ELIGIBILITY

(a) Any employee or non-employee director of the Company or any Affiliate, including any officer or officer-director of the Company or any Affiliate, as may be selected from time to time by the Committee or by the directors to whom authority may be delegated pursuant to Section 3(m) of this Plan, is eligible to be designated a Participant with respect to any Award, except that an Other Stock-Based Award may not be granted to a Section 16 Reporting Person.

(b) Any Participant may decline to participate in the Plan by providing written notice of the declination to the Committee within 120 days after receiving notice of an award granted under the Plan.

 

6. AWARDS

(a) Options. The Committee is authorized to grant Options to eligible Participants.

(i) Committee Determinations. Subject to the terms and limitations of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the:

(A) number of shares subject to each Option and, subject to the limitation in Section 6(a)(ii) below, the exercise price per share;

(B) term of each Option; and

(C) time or times at which an Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, and the method or methods by which and the form or forms (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property, or any combination of them, having a fair market value on the exercise date equal to the relevant exercise price) in which payment of the exercise price with respect to it may be made or deemed to have been made.

The Committee may impose such additional or other conditions or restrictions on any Option as it deems appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan.

(ii) Exercise Price. The exercise price of an Option to purchase a share of Common Stock, as determined by the Committee, shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted. The exercise price shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 4 (b).


(iii) Other Terms. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee:

(A) A Participant electing to exercise an Option shall give written notice to the Company, as may be specified by the Committee, of exercise of the Option and the number of Shares elected for exercise, such notice to be accompanied by such instruments or documents as may be required by the Committee, and shall tender the aggregate exercise price of the Shares elected for exercise.

(B) At the time of exercise of an Option, payment in full in cash shall be made for all Shares then being purchased.

(C) If the employment, directorship or consulting arrangement of a Participant terminates for any reason (including termination by reason of the fact that an entity is no longer an Affiliate) other than the Participant's death or Disability, the Participant may afterwards exercise the Option as provided below, except that the Committee may terminate the unexercised portion of the Option concurrently with or at any time following termination of the employment or consulting arrangement (including termination of employment upon a change of status from employee to consultant) if it shall determine that the Participant has engaged in any activity detrimental to the interests of the Company or an Affiliate. If the termination is voluntary on the part of the Participant (other than by reason of retirement of an employee-Participant on or after normal retirement date), the Option may be exercised only within thirty days after the date of termination. If the termination is involuntary on the part of the Participant, if an employee-Participant retires on or after normal retirement date, the Option may be exercised within three months after the date of termination or retirement. For purposes of this subsection (C), a Participant's employment or consulting arrangement shall not be considered terminated (i) in the case of approved sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (not to exceed one year), (ii) in the case of a transfer of employment or the consulting arrangement among the Company and Affiliates, or (iii) by virtue of a change of status from employee to consultant or from consultant to employee, except as provided above.

(D) If a Participant dies or becomes subject to a Disability at a time when entitled to exercise an Option, then the Option shall be fully vested and may be exercised in full or in part, as determined by the Participant’s personal representative, at any time or times within one year after death or the date of termination due to a Disability. The Company may decline to deliver Shares to a designated beneficiary until it receives indemnity against claims of third parties satisfactory to the Company. Except as so exercised, the Option shall expire at the end of that period.

(E) An Option may be exercised only if and to the extent the Option was exercisable at the date of termination of employment, directorship or the consulting arrangement, and an Option may not be exercised at any time when the Option would not have been exercisable had the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting arrangement continued.

(iv) Restoration Options. At the time of grant of an Option (for purposes of this subsection, an “original Option”) that is not itself a Restoration Option (as defined below), or at the time a Restoration Option arises, or at any other time while the grantee continues to be eligible for Awards and the original Option or a Restoration Option (either, a “predecessor Option”) is outstanding, the Committee may provide that the predecessor Option shall carry with it a right to receive an Option (for purposes of this subsection, a “Restoration Option”) if, while still eligible to be granted an Option, the grantee exercises the predecessor Option (or a portion of it) and pays some or all of the applicable exercise price in Shares that have been owned by the grantee for at least six months prior to exercise. In addition to being subject to any other terms and conditions (including additional limitations on exercisability) that the Committee deems appropriate, and except to the extent the Committee otherwise provides with respect to a given Restoration Option, each Restoration Option shall be subject to the following;

(A) the number of Shares subject to the Restoration Option shall be the lesser of: (x) the number of whole Shares delivered in exercise of the predecessor Option, or (y) the number of Shares available for grant under the Plan at the time the Restoration Option arises;

(B) the Restoration Option automatically shall arise and be granted (if ever) at the time of payment of the exercise price in respect of the predecessor Option;

(C) the per Share exercise price of the Restoration Option shall be the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Restoration Option arises;

(D) the expiration date of the Restoration Option shall be the same as that of the predecessor Option;

(E) the Restoration Option shall first become exercisable six months after it arises; and


(F) the Restoration Option shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option.

(b) Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to eligible Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder of it of a right to receive, upon exercise of it, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise or, if the Committee shall so determine in the case of any such right other than one related to an Incentive Stock Option, at any time during a specified period before or after the date of exercise over (ii) the grant price of the right as specified by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the grant price, term, methods of exercise and settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right, the effect of termination of the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting relationships, and any other terms of the Stock Appreciation Right the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate.

(c) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

(i) Grants. The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock to eligible Participants. The Award shall consist of Shares or Restricted Stock Units, which shall give the Participant the right to receive cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, in each case subject to the termination of the Restricted Period for the Award determined by the Committee.

(ii) Restrictions. The Restricted Period determined by the Committee for Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may differ among Participants, and any Restricted Period may have different expiration dates with respect to portions of Shares or Units covered by the same Award. During the applicable Restricted Period, Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock shall be nontransferable (except as provided in Section 6 (g) (v) of the Plan) and subject to forfeiture as provided in subsection (iv) of this Section 6 (c). Subject to the terms of the Plan, Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units also shall be subject to such other restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive any dividend or other right or property), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination, at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee may determine. Unless the Committee shall otherwise determine, any Shares or other securities distributed with respect to Restricted Stock or which a Participant is otherwise entitled to receive by reason of the Shares shall be subject to the restrictions contained in the above restrictions and the provisions of the Plan. Participants shall have all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock.

(iii) Issuance of Shares. Any Shares granted as Restricted Stock shall be evidenced on the stock transfer records of the Company with such restrictive transfer legend as the Committee determines to be advisable in order to prevent impermissible transfer of the Shares prior to the end of the applicable Restricted Period, and the maintained as restricted until the Shares no longer are subject to forfeiture. Each Award Agreement concerning an Award of Restricted Stock shall include the grantee's consent to transfer to the Company of any forfeited Restricted Stock without the need for any further consent, direction, or other action by the grantee.

(iv) Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee:

(A) If the employment, directorship or consulting arrangement of a Participant terminates for any reason (including termination by reason of the fact that any entity is no longer an Affiliate), other than the Participant's death or Disability or, in the case of an employee, retirement on or after normal retirement date, all Shares of Restricted Stock and all Restricted Stock Units that were awarded to the Participant which are still subject to restrictions shall upon such termination of employment, directorship or the consulting relationship be forfeited and (in the case of Restricted Stock) transferred back to the Company. For purposes of this subsection (A), a Participant's employment or consulting arrangement shall not be considered terminated (i) in the case of approved sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (not to exceed one year), (ii) in the case of a transfer of employment or the consulting arrangement among the Company and Affiliates, or (iii) other than as provided in subsection (D) of this Section 6(c)(iv), by virtue of a change of status from employee to consultant or from consultant to employee.

(B) If a Participant ceases to be employed or retained by the Company or an Affiliate by reason of death or Disability, or if following retirement a Participant continues to have rights under an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and then dies, the Award shall fully vest and no longer be subject to forfeiture.


(C) If an employee ceases to be employed by the Company or an Affiliate by reason of retirement on or after normal retirement date, the restrictions contained in the Award of Restricted Stock shall continue to lapse in the same manner as though employment had not terminated.

(D) However, notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (B) and (C) above, if a Participant continues to hold an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units following termination of his employment or consulting arrangement (including retirement and termination of employment upon a change of status from employee to consultant), the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units which remain subject to restrictions shall nonetheless be forfeited, and (in the case of Restricted Stock) transferred back to the Company, if the Committee at any time later determines that the Participant has engaged in any activity detrimental to the interests of the Company or an Affiliate.

(E) At the expiration of the Restricted Period as to Shares covered by an Award of Restricted Stock, or as to Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares, the Company shall deliver the Shares as to which the Restricted Period has expired, as follows:

(1) if an assignment to a trust has been made in accordance with Section 6(g)(v)(B)(2)(c), to the trust; or

(2) if the Restricted Period has expired by reason of death and a beneficiary has been designated in form approved by the Company, to the beneficiary so designated; or

(3) in all other cases, to the Participant or the legal representative of the Participant’s estate.

(d) Performance Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance Awards to eligible Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan, a Performance Award granted under the Plan (i) may be denominated or payable in cash, Shares (including, without limitation, Restricted Stock), other securities, other Awards, or other property and (ii) shall confer on the holder rights valued as determined by the Committee and payable to, or exercisable by, the holder of the Performance Award, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of such performance goals during such performance period, as the Committee shall establish. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any Performance Award granted, the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award, and the other terms and conditions of any Performance Award, including the effect upon the Award, of termination of the Participant's employment, directorship or consulting relationships, shall be determined by the Committee.

(e) Dividend Equivalents. The Committee is authorized to grant to eligible Participants Awards under which the holders shall be entitled to receive payments equivalent to dividends or interest with respect to a number of Shares determined by the Committee, and the Committee may provide that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or otherwise reinvested. Subject to the term of the Plan, the Awards may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine.

(f) Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to eligible Participants such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares (including, without limitation, securities convertible into Shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the grants may not be made to Section 16 Reporting Persons. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. Shares or other securities delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under this Section 6(f) shall be purchased for such consideration, which may be paid by such method or methods and in such form or forms, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, other property, or any combination of the above, as the Committee shall determine.

(g) General.

(i) No Cash Consideration for Awards. Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or for such minimal cash consideration as may be required by applicable law.

(ii) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for, any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, or in addition to or in tandem with the awards granted under another plan of the Company or an Affiliate, may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of the other Awards or awards.


(iii) Forms of Payment under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise, or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, or any combination, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. The rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments.

(iv) Limits on Transfer of Awards.

(A) Except as the Committee may otherwise determine, no Award or right under any Award may be sold, encumbered, pledged, alienated, attached, assigned, or otherwise transferred in any manner, and any attempt to do any of the above shall be void and unenforceable against the Company.

(B) Despite the provisions of paragraph (A) above, except as provided in paragraph (C) below:

(1) An Option may be transferred:

(a) to a death beneficiary designated by the Participant in writing on a form approved by the Committee; or

(b) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution to the personal representative, executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate.

(2) A Participant may assign or transfer rights under an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units:

(a) to a death beneficiary designated by the Participant in writing on a form approved by the Committee;

(b) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution to the personal representative, executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate; or

(c) to a revocable grantor trust established by the Participant for the sole benefit of the Participant during the Participant's life, and under the terms of which the Participant is and remains the sole trustee until death or physical or mental incapacity. The assignment shall be effected by a written instrument in form and content satisfactory to the Committee, and the Participant shall deliver to the Committee a true copy of the agreement or other document evidencing the trust. If in the judgment of the Committee the trust does not meet the criteria of a trust to which an assignment is permitted by the terms of it, or if, after assignment (whether because of amendment, by operation of law, or for any other reason) the trust no longer meets the criteria, the attempted assignment shall be void and may be disregarded by the Committee and the Company and all rights to the Awards shall revert to and remain solely in the Participant. Notwithstanding a qualified assignment, the Participant, and not the trust to which rights under an Award may be assigned, for the purpose of determining compensation arising by reason of the Award shall continue to be considered an employee, director or consultant, as the case may be, of the Company or an Affiliate but the trust and the Participant shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Award Agreement and this Plan. Shares issued in the name of and delivered to the trust shall be conclusively considered issuance and delivery to the Participant.

(3) The Committee shall not permit Section 16 Reporting Persons to transfer or assign Awards except as and to the extent (if any) permitted under Rule 16b-3.

(C) The Committee, the Company, and its officers, agents, and employees may rely upon any beneficiary designation, assignment, or other instrument of transfer, copies of trust agreements, and any other documents delivered to any of them by or on behalf of a Participant, which they believe genuine, and any action taken by any of them in reliance shall be conclusive and binding upon the Participant, the personal representatives of the Participant's estate, and all persons asserting a claim


based on an Award to the Participant. The delivery by a Participant of a beneficiary designation, or an assignment of rights under an Award as permitted under it, shall constitute the Participant’s irrevocable undertaking to hold the Committee, the Company, and its officers, agents, and employees harmless against claims, including any cost or expense incurred in defending against claims, of any person (including the Participant) which may be asserted or alleged to be based on an Award subject to a beneficiary designation or an assignment. In addition, the Company may decline to deliver Shares to a beneficiary until it receives indemnity against claims of third parties satisfactory to the Company.

(v) No Change in Control.

(A) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement, upon a Change in Control of the Company (as defined below) the vesting of all rights of Participants under outstanding Awards shall be accelerated and all restrictions shall terminate in order that Participants may fully realize the benefits intended to be made available under the Awards. The acceleration shall include, without limitation, the immediate exercisability in full of all Options and the termination of restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Further, upon the Change in Control, in addition to the Committee's authority described in Section 4(b), the Committee, as constituted, before the Change in Control, is authorized and has sole discretion, as to any Award, to take any one or more of the following actions: (i) cause any Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted, by the acquiring or surviving entity or other person giving rise to the Change in Control; (ii) make such adjustment to any Award then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect the Change in Control; and (iii) provide for the purchase of any Award, upon the Participant's request, for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of the Award or realization of the Participant's rights had the Award been currently exercisable or payable.

(B) A Change in Control shall occur if, after the Effective Date:

(1) any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable regulations), other than pursuant to a transaction or agreement previously approved by the Board (whether before, at, or after the Effective Date and including, but not limited to, a transaction or agreement contemplated by the Plan of Conversion pursuant to which Fremont Mutual Insurance Company is converted from a Michigan mutual property and casualty insurance company to a Michigan stock property and casualty insurance company), directly or indirectly purchases or otherwise becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of voting securities representing 30 percent or more of the combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company; or

(2) the stockholders of the Company approve (i) an agreement to merge or consolidate the Company in a transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity, (ii) an agreement to sell or dispose of substantially all of the Company's assets, or (iii) a plan to liquidate the Company, unless, in the case of an event described in (i), (ii), or (iii), the Board determines prior to the occurrence of the event that the effects described in Section 6(g)(v)(A) will not apply with respect to the event.

(vi) Cash Settlement. Aside from any provision of this Plan or of any Award Agreement to the contrary, any Award outstanding under it may at any time be canceled in the Committee's sole discretion upon payment of the value of the Award to the holder of it in cash or in another Award under it, such value to be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(vii) Certain Securities Law Considerations. The Company intends, as soon as possible after the Effective Date, to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-8 the total number of Shares that may be acquired by Participants under the Plan. Awards granted under the Plan may not be exercised until the Form S-8 is filed and effective.

(viii) Award Agreements. Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall prescribe.

 

7. AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION; CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS.

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan:

(a) Amendments, Suspension, or Termination. The Board may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan or any portion of it at any time, with or without stockholder approval, and the Board or the Committee may amend any outstanding Award; provided, however, that (i) no Plan amendment shall be effective until approved by stockholders of the Company, insofar as stockholder approval is required in order for the Plan to continue to satisfy the conditions of Rule 16b-3 or any applicable requirements of a national securities exchange or the NMS, and (ii) without the consent of an affected Participant no amendment of the Plan or of any Award may impair the rights of the Participant under any outstanding Award.


(b) Adjustments of Awards Upon The Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. The Committee shall make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4(b) or a Change in Control as defined in Section 6(g)(v)) affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available to holders of outstanding Awards under the Plan.

(c) Correction of Defects, Omissions, And Inconsistencies. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to effectuate the Plan.

 

8. MISCELLANEOUS

(a) No Rights to Awards. Subject only to the express requirements of the Plan, there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan, and no Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award. The terms and conditions of Awards of the same type, and the determination of the Committee to grant a waiver or modification of the terms and conditions of any Award, need not be the same with respect to the Participant.

(b) Withholding. Before taking action with respect to an Award the Company or any Affiliate shall be entitled to: (i) require a Participant who is an employee to remit to the Company all amounts necessary to satisfy all federal, state, local and foreign withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to an Award, including, without limitation, the grant, exercise or vesting of, any payment or transfer under or payment of dividends with respect to an Award; or (ii) withhold and deduct from future wages of a Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to a Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary), or make other arrangements for the collection of such withholding (including through the sale of Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the applicable Award). To the extent permitted by the Committee and subject to applicable securities law, withholding may be satisfied by withholding Shares to be received upon exercise or vesting of an Award or by delivery to the Company of previously owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the amount to be withheld. In addition, the Company may reasonably delay the issuance or delivery of Shares pursuant to an Award as it determines appropriate and to take any action to satisfy all of such tax withholding and other administrative matters.

(c) No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, including the grant of options and other stock-based awards, and the arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

(d) No Right to Employment. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Award Agreement or another written agreement with the Participant.

(e) Governing Law. Except to the extent, if any, preempted by Federal law, the validity, construction, and effect of the Plan, any rules and regulations relating to the Plan established by the Committee, and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

(f) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, the provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, the provision shall be stricken as to the jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and the Award shall remain in full force and effect.


(g) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, the right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

(h) No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether the fractional Shares or any rights shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.

(i) Stockholder Status. Neither the grantee of an Award, nor any other person to whom the Award or the grantee's rights under it may pass, shall be, or have any right or privileges of, a holder of Shares in respect of any Shares issuable pursuant to or in settlement of the Award, unless and until certificates representing the Shares have been issued in the name of the grantee or other person.

(j) Change in Status. In the event that a Participant ceases to be an employee or non-employee director and becomes a consultant to the Company, subject to the approval of the Committee and their continued satisfactory service in accordance with the terms of their consulting agreement, such Participant shall be permitted to continue to hold and vest Awards granted to them at a time when they were eligible to receive an Award under this Plan.

(k) Headings. Headings are given to the Sections and Subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. The headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision of it.

 

9. EFFECTIVENESS AND DURATION

The adoption of the Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date and shall continue in effect until terminated by the Board or the expiration of 10 years from the Effective Date, whichever occurs first.

The Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on February 24, 2006. The Plan, as amended and restated, was approved by the Board of Directors on December 11, 2007.

 

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.
By   /s/ Richard E. Dunning
 

Richard E. Dunning

 

Its President

By   /s/ Donald E. Bradford
 

Donald E. Bradford

 

Its Secretary

EX-21 4 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Subsidiaries of the registrant

EXHIBIT 21

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

Fremont Insurance Company

EX-23.1 5 dex231.htm CONSENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-128667 and 333-128668) of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. of our reports dated March 21, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. and subsidiary as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 which appear in this Form 10-K.

BDO Seidman, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 21, 2008

EX-31.1 6 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION Certification

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS OF PERIODIC REPORTS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Richard E. Dunning, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company”), certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) of the Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;

4. The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this Report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 24, 2008     /s/    RICHARD E. DUNNING        
   

Richard E. Dunning,

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2 7 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION Certification

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS OF PERIODIC REPORTS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kevin G. Kaastra, Vice President of Finance (principal financial officer) of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company”), certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) of the Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;

4. The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this Report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 24, 2008     /s/    KEVIN G. KAASTRA        
   

Kevin G. Kaastra,

Vice President of Finance (principal financial officer)

EX-32 8 dex32.htm CERTIFICATION Certification

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Solely for the purpose of complying with 18 U.S.C. §1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned in his capacity as an officer of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

1. The accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: March 24, 2008     /s/    RICHARD E. DUNNING        
   

Richard E. Dunning,

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 24, 2008     /s/    KEVIN G. KAASTRA        
   

Kevin G. Kaastra,

Vice President of Finance (principal financial officer)

The foregoing certifications are being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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