<PAGE>   1                                     
             UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, DC 20549
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FORM 10-Q

/X/   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

              For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1997    
                                     
                                     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   33-94670-01
                    -------------------------------------
                              FARMERS GROUP, INC.
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                     
                                   NEVADA
                       (State or other jurisdiction of
                       incorporation or organization)

                                  95-0725935
                      (IRS Employer Identification No.)

           4680 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90010
             (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

                                (213) 932-3200
             (Registrants telephone number, including area code)
                                     
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  / /

Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on March 31, 1997 was 1,000 shares.

<PAGE>   2

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

<PAGE>   3

                               FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           TABLE OF CONTENTS FORM 10-Q

                     FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,1997


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE
                                                                            ----
  ITEM 1. Financial Statements

          Consolidated Balance Sheets - Assets
             March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996                             4

          Consolidated Balance Sheets - Liabilities and Stockholder's 
             Equity
             March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996                             5

          Consolidated Statements of Income
             Three Month Periods ended March 31, 1997 and     
             March 31, 1996                                                   6

          Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity
             Three Month Period ended March 31, 1997                          7

          Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity
             Three Month Period ended March 31, 1996                          8

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             Three Month Periods ended March 31, 1997 and   
             March 31, 1996                                                   9

          Notes to Interim Financial Statements                              10

  ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
          and Results of Operations                                          15

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION                                                  20

SIGNATURES                                                                   21

<PAGE>   4

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                  AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                               (Amounts in thousands)
                                     (Unaudited)
                                       ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   March 31,   December 31,
                                                                     1997         1996
                                                                ------------- ------------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>  
Current assets, excluding life subsidiaries:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                      $     401,479 $    412,018
 Marketable securities, at market value                               146,355      118,253
 Accrued interest                                                      32,411       39,148
 Accounts receivable, principally from the exchanges                   31,871       28,641
 Notes receivable - affiliate                                         135,000      135,000
 Deferred taxes                                                        33,585       35,003
 Prepaid expenses and other                                             4,297       23,985
                                                                ------------- ------------
  Total current assets                                                784,998      792,048
                                                                ------------- ------------
Investments, excluding life subsidiaries:
 Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at market value
  (cost: $220,898 and $182,474)                                       222,908      184,829
 Non-redeemable preferred stocks available-for-sale, 
  at market value (cost: $18 and $18)                                      17           20
 Common stocks available-for-sale, at market value
  (cost: $278,836 and $250,421)                                       305,054      307,821
 Certificates in surplus of exchanges                                 684,380      684,380
 Real estate, at cost (net of accumulated depreciation:
  $17,205 and $16,944)                                                 45,137       45,358
 Joint ventures, at equity                                              9,681       10,366
                                                                ------------- ------------
                                                                    1,267,177    1,232,774
                                                                ------------- ------------
Other assets, excluding life subsidiaries:
 Notes receivable - affiliate                                         272,000      272,000
 Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization: 
  $495,363 and $480,352)                                            1,906,392    1,921,403
 Attorney-in-fact contracts (net of accumulated amortization:
  $352,489 and $341,808)                                            1,356,554    1,367,235
 Other assets                                                         359,930      357,104
                                                                ------------- ------------
                                                                    3,894,876    3,917,742
                                                                ------------- ------------
Properties, plant and equipment, at cost:  (net of accumulated
 depreciation: $216,890 and $202,085)                                 444,543      447,636
                                                                ------------- ------------
Investments of life subsidiaries:
 Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at market value
  (cost: $3,805,229 and $3,764,192)                                 3,815,985    3,854,126
 Mortgage loans on real estate                                        118,311      122,635
 Non-redeemable preferred stocks available-for-sale, at market
  value (cost: $6,843 and $7,007)                                       6,375        6,308
 Common stocks available-for-sale, at market value
  (cost: $87,050 and $84,532)                                         103,876      103,887
 Policy loans                                                         191,200      187,285
 Real estate, at cost (net of accumulated depreciation:
  $16,991 and $16,824)                                                 61,227       61,715
 Joint ventures, at equity                                             11,493       11,971
                                                                ------------- ------------
                                                                    4,308,467    4,347,927
                                                                ------------- ------------
Other assets of life subsidiaries:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                            126,069       87,310
 Accrued investment income                                             56,825       53,063
 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of life business
  acquired                                                          1,023,165    1,001,044
 Other assets                                                         225,732      252,667
 Assets held in Separate Account                                      798,657      796,616
                                                                ------------- ------------
                                                                    2,230,448    2,190,700
                                                                ------------- ------------
   Total assets                                                  $ 12,930,509 $ 12,928,827
                                                                ============= ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   5
                                  FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                   AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (Amounts in thousands)
                                      (Unaudited)
                         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  March 31,    December 31,
                                                                    1997          1996
                                                                ------------- ------------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>
Current liabilities, excluding life subsidiaries:
 Notes and accounts payable:
  Exchanges                                                      $        397 $      8,234
  Other                                                                24,523       21,004
 Accrued liabilities:
  Profit sharing                                                       13,901       52,690
  Income taxes                                                         93,491       29,831
  Other                                                                34,688       18,474
                                                                 ------------ ------------
   Total current liabilities                                          167,000      130,233
                                                                 ------------ ------------
Other liabilities, excluding life subsidiaries:
 Real estate mortgages payable                                            217          217
 Non-current deferred taxes                                           658,952      675,900
 Other                                                                231,812      251,315
                                                                 ------------ ------------
                                                                      890,981      927,432
                                                                 ------------ ------------
Liabilities of life subsidiaries:
 Policy liabilities:
  Future policy benefits                                            3,518,970    3,474,862
  Claims                                                               32,413       32,732
  Policyholder dividends                                               13,201       13,358
  Other policyholder funds                                             70,401       70,816
 Income taxes (including deferred taxes: $177,234 and $195,188)       195,490      194,222
 Unearned investment income                                             2,244        2,302
 Other liabilities                                                    243,640      282,423
 Liabilities related to Separate Account                              798,657      796,616
                                                                 ------------ ------------
                                                                    4,875,016    4,867,331
                                                                 ------------ ------------
   Total liabilities                                                5,932,997    5,924,996
                                                                 ------------ ------------

Commitments and contingencies

Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely junior
subordinated debentures                                               500,000      500,000
                                                                 ------------ ------------
Stockholder's Equity:
 Common stock, $1 par value per share; authorized, issued
  and outstanding:  as of March 31, 1997 and    
  December 31, 1996--1,000 shares                                           1            1
 Additional capital                                                 5,212,618    5,212,618
 Unrealized gains (net of deferred taxes of $19,033
  and $49,781)                                                         35,048       92,104
 Retained earnings                                                  1,249,845    1,199,108
                                                                 ------------ ------------
   Total stockholder's equity                                       6,497,512    6,503,831
                                                                 ------------ ------------
     Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                  $ 12,930,509 $ 12,928,827
                                                                 ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   6
                               FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                             (Amounts in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Three month period
                                                                       ended March 31,
                                                                  ------------------------
                                                                      1997        1996
                                                                  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C> 
Consolidated operating revenues                                   $   514,946  $   504,085
                                                                  ===========  ===========
Management services to property and casualty
 insurance companies; and other:
  Operating revenues                                              $   320,852  $   306,585
                                                                  -----------  -----------
  Salaries and employee benefits                                       83,320       87,236
  Buildings and equipment expenses                                     22,298       20,584
  Amortization of AIF contracts and goodwill                           25,692       25,692
  General and administrative expenses                                  49,079       43,818
                                                                  -----------   ----------
    Total operating expenses                                          180,389      177,330
                                                                  -----------   ----------
    Operating income                                                  140,463      129,255
  Net investment income                                                34,255       26,913
  Net realized gains                                                   30,435          809
  Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trusts              (10,518)     (10,518)
                                                                  -----------   ----------
    Income before provision for taxes                                 194,635      146,459
  Provision for income taxes                                           96,692       59,450
                                                                  -----------   ----------
    Management services income                                         97,943       87,009
                                                                  -----------   ----------
Life subsidiaries:
  Premiums                                                             44,959       42,526
  Policy charges                                                       63,187       58,720
  Investment income, net of expenses                                   81,056       76,617
  Net realized gains                                                    4,892       19,637
                                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total revenues                                                    194,094      197,500
                                                                  -----------  -----------
  Policy benefits                                                      37,671       37,400
  Increase in liability for future policy benefits                      3,271        3,106
  Interest credited to policyholders                                   43,261       40,789
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
   value of life business acquired                                     32,626       27,792
  Commissions                                                           5,357        5,245
  General and administrative expenses                                  16,625       15,050
                                                                  -----------  -----------
    Total operating expenses                                          138,811      129,382
                                                                  -----------  -----------
    Income before provision for taxes                                  55,283       68,118
  Provision for income taxes                                           18,189       22,868
                                                                  -----------  -----------
    Life subsidiaries income                                           37,094       45,250
                                                                  -----------  -----------

Consolidated net income                                           $   135,037  $   132,259
                                                                  ===========  ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   7

                                 FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                  AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                 For the three month period ended March 31, 1997
                               (Amounts in thousands)
                                     (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Net Unrealized                  Total
                              Common   Additional  Gains/(Losses)   Retained   Stockholder's
                              Stock     Capital    On Investments   Earnings       Equity
                             --------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ------------ 
<S>                          <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996   $      1  $ 5,212,618  $      92,104  $1,199,108  $  6,503,831

Net income                                                            135,037       135,037 

Change in net unrealized
  gains/(losses) on
  investments net
  of tax of ($30,748)                                     (57,056)                  (57,056)
  
Cash dividends paid                                                   (84,300)      (84,300)
                             --------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ------------ 
Balance, March 31, 1997      $      1  $ 5,212,618  $      35,048  $1,249,845  $  6,497,512 
                             ========  ===========  =============  ==========  ============ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   8

                                   FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                    AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                   For the three month period ended March 31, 1996
                                 (Amounts in thousands)
                                       (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Net Unrealized                   Total
                              Common    Additional Gains/(Losses)   Retained   Stockholder's
                              Stock      Capital   On Investments   Earnings       Equity
                             --------  ------------ -------------  ----------  ------------- 
<S>                          <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995   $      1  $  5,212,618 $     124,962  $ 1,156,067  $  6,493,648

Net income                                                             132,259       132,259

Change in net unrealized
  gains/(losses) on
  investments net
  of tax of ($29,857)                                       (55,419)                   (55,419)

Cash dividends paid                                                    (74,975)      (74,975)
                             --------  ------------ -------------   ----------  ------------  
Balance, March 31, 1996      $      1  $  5,212,618 $      69,543   $1,213,351  $  6,495,513 
                             ========  ============ =============   ==========  ============  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   9

                                 FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                                  AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                               (Amounts in thousands)
                                     (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Three month period
                                                                      ended March 31,
                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                     1997         1996
                                                                  ----------   ---------- 
<S>                                                               <C>          <C> 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 Consolidated net income                                          $  135,037   $  132,259 
 Non-cash and operating activities adjustments:
  Depreciation and amortization                                       42,626       34,442 
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
    value of life business acquired                                   32,626       27,792 
  Policy acquisition costs deferred                                  (29,124)     (31,638)
  Life insurance policy liabilities                                   43,217       66,236 
  Equity in earnings of joint ventures                                   206          378 
  Gain on sales of assets                                            (35,518)     (20,558)
 Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Current assets and liabilities                                      38,357       64,022 
  Non-current assets and liabilities                                     991      (15,647)
 Other, net                                                           (4,094)      (2,483)
                                                                  ----------  ----------- 
  Net cash provided by operating activities                          224,324      254,803 
                                                                  ----------  ----------- 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Purchases of investments available-for-sale                       (363,284)    (333,475)
  Purchases of properties                                            (14,311)     (11,812)
  Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
   available-for-sale                                                261,104      183,339 
  Proceeds from sales of properties                                    2,608        6,747
  Mortgage loan collections                                            4,324        3,639 
  Other, net                                                          (2,245)       2,559 
                                                                  ----------  ----------- 
  Net cash used in investing activities                             (111,804)    (149,003)
                                                                  ----------  ----------- 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Dividends paid to stockholder                                      (84,300)     (74,975)
  Issuance cost of cumulative quarterly income preferred
    securities                                                             0         (409)
                                                                  -----------  -----------
  Net cash used in financing activities                              (84,300)     (75,384)
                                                                  -----------  -----------

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      28,220       30,416 
Cash and cash equivalents - at beginning of year                     499,328      913,006
                                                                  ----------  -----------
Cash and cash equivalents - at end of period                      $  527,548   $  943,422
                                                                  ==========  ===========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   10


                         FARMERS GROUP, INC.
                          AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (Unaudited)

A.  Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies

     The accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Farmers Group, Inc. and
subsidiaries (the "Company") as of March 31, 1997, the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the three month
periods ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996, have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim
periods and are unaudited.  However, in management's opinion, the consolidated
financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of results for such
interim periods.  These statements do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996.  

     Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full
year.  All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated.  Certain
amounts applicable to prior years have been reclassified to conform with the
1997 presentation.

     The preparation of the Company's 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 as well as the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     In December 1988, BATUS Inc. ("BATUS"), a subsidiary of B.A.T Industries
p.l.c. ("B.A.T"), acquired 100% ownership of the Company for $5,212,619,000 in
cash, including related expenses, through its wholly owned subsidiary BATUS
Financial Services. Immediately thereafter, BATUS Financial Services was
merged into Farmers Group, Inc.. The acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded
in the Company's consolidated balance sheets based on their estimated fair
values at December 31, 1988. In January 1990, ownership of the Company was
transferred to South Western Nominees Limited, a subsidiary of B.A.T.

     The Company is attorney-in-fact for three inter-insurance exchanges:
Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance
Exchange (collectively, the "Exchanges"), which operate in the property and
casualty insurance industry. As attorney-in-fact, Farmers Group, Inc., or its
subsidiaries, as applicable, manages the affairs of the Exchanges, their
respective subsidiaries and Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance
Company 

<PAGE>   11

(collectively, the "P&C Group") and receives compensation based on a
percentage of earned premiums.

     As of March 31,1997, the Company's life insurance operations were
conducted by three wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers New World Life Insurance
Company, The Ohio State Life Insurance Company and Investors Guaranty Life
Insurance Company (the "Life Subsidiaries").  They market a broad line of
individual life insurance products, including universal life, term life and
whole life insurance, and annuity products, predominately flexible premium
deferred annuities.  On January 23, 1997, the Company announced an agreement
to sell The Ohio State Life Insurance Company ("OSL") and Investors Guaranty
Life Insurance Company ("IGL") to Great Southern Life Insurance Company, a
subsidiary of Americo Life, Inc..  This decision is part of the Company's
strategic plan to focus its life insurance efforts on the growth of Farmers
New World Life Insurance Company ("FNWL"), by far its largest insurance
company, whose products and services are sold directly by the Company's
agents.  This sale was completed on April 15, 1997, upon receipt of regulatory
approval (see Note G).

     In 1997, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 125, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities".  This Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards
for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of
liabilities based on a consistent application of a financial-components
approach that focuses on the issue of control.  This Statement was amended by
SFAS No. 127, "The Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of
FASB Statement No. 125", which delays for one year the effective date of the
provisions that apply to certain transactions.  These transactions include
repurchase agreements, dollar-rolls, securities lending, secured borrowings
and collateral.  The adoption of these Statements did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

     In February 1997, the FASB released SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share".
This Statement, effective for financial statements issued for periods ending
after December 15, 1997, establishes standards for computing and presenting
earnings per share and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or
potential common stock.  The Company does not have any publicly held common
stock and, therefore, is not subject to the requirements of this Statement.

     In February 1997, the FASB released SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of
Information about Capital Structure".  This Statement, effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997, establishes
standards for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure.  It
eliminates the exemption of nonpublic entities from certain disclosure
requirements of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per
Share", as provided by SFAS No. 21, "Suspension of the Reporting of Earnings
per Share and Segment Information by Nonpublic Enterprises".  The Company does
not expect the adoption of this Statement to have a significant impact on its
consolidated financial statements.   

<PAGE>   12


B.  Material contingencies

     The Company is a party to numerous lawsuits arising from its normal
business activities. These actions are in various stages of discovery and
development, and some seek punitive as well as compensatory damages. In the
opinion of management, the Company has not engaged in any conduct which should
warrant the award of any material punitive or compensatory damages. The
Company intends to vigorously defend its position in each case, and management
believes that, while it is not possible to predict the outcome of such matters
with absolute certainty, ultimate disposition of these proceedings should not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of
operations or financial position. 


C.  Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary
    Trusts Holding Solely Junior Subordinated Debentures

     In 1995, Farmers Group Capital and Farmers Group Capital II (the
"Subsidiary Trusts"), consolidated wholly owned subsidiaries of Farmers
Group, Inc., issued $410 million of 8.45% Cumulative Quarterly Income
Preferred Securities ("QUIPS"), Series A and $90 million of 8.25% QUIPS,
Series B, respectively.  In connection with the Subsidiary Trusts' issuance of
the QUIPS and the related purchase by Farmers Group, Inc. of all of the
Subsidiary Trusts' Common Securities ("Common Securities"), Farmers Group,
Inc. issued to Farmers Group Capital $422,680,399 principal amount of its
8.45% Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A due on December 31, 2025, (the
"Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A") and issued to Farmers Group
Capital II $92,783,505 principal amount of its 8.25% Junior Subordinated
Debentures, Series B due on December 31, 2025 (the "Junior Subordinated
Debentures, Series B" and, together with the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
Series A, the "Junior Subordinated Debentures").  The sole assets of Farmers
Group Capital are the Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A.  The sole
assets of Farmers Group Capital II are the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
Series B.  In addition, these arrangements are governed by various agreements
between Farmers Group, Inc. and the Subsidiary Trusts (the Guarantee
Agreements, the Trust Agreements, the Expense Agreements, the Indentures and
the Junior Subordinated Debentures) which considered together constitute a
full and unconditional guarantee by Farmers Group, Inc. of the Subsidiary
Trusts' obligations under the Preferred Securities.

     Under certain circumstances, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be
distributed to holders of the QUIPS and holders of the Common Securities in
liquidation of the Subsidiary Trusts.  The QUIPS are subject to mandatory
redemption upon repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at maturity,
or upon their earlier redemption, at a redemption price of $25 per Preferred
Security, plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed for
redemption.  Farmers Group, Inc. will have the option at any time on or after
September 27, 2000 to redeem, in whole or part, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. 

     As of  March 31, 1997 and 1996, a total of 20,000,000 shares of QUIPS
were outstanding.

<PAGE>   13

D.  Management fees

     As attorney-in-fact, the Company, or its subsidiaries, as applicable,
manages the affairs of the P&C Group and receives management fees for the
services rendered to the Exchanges.  As a result, the Company received
management fees from the Exchanges of $300,574,000 and $287,628,000 for the
three month periods ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996, respectively.


E.  Related parties

     As of March 31, 1997, the Company had $407,000,000 in notes receivable
related to loans made to B.A.T Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of B.A.T.
These notes are fixed rate medium-term notes with maturity dates as
follows: $135,000,000 in October 1997, $137,000,000 in October 1998, and
$135,000,000 in October 1999. Interest on these notes is paid semi-annually
at coupon rates of 5.10%, 5.35%, and 6.68%, respectively. On October 7, 1996,
a three year $135,000,000 note with an interest rate of 4.76% matured and the
$135,000,000 note maturing in October 1999 was subsequently issued at an
interest rate of 6.68%.  Income earned on the notes outstanding as of March 31,
1997 and March 31, 1996, was $5,808,000 and $5,160,000, respectively. 


F.  Supplemental cash flow information

     For financial statement purposes, the Company considers all investments
with original maturities of 90 days or less as cash equivalents. Following is
a reconciliation of the individual balance sheet cash and cash equivalent
totals to the consolidated cash flow total. 



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Excluding
                                                      Life           Life
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries  Consolidated
                                                  ------------   ------------  ------------
                                                          (Amounts in thousands)
<S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents  -- December 31, 1995   $  763,212     $   149,794   $  913,006
 Activity through March 1996                                                       30,416
                                                                                ---------
Cash and cash equivalents  -- March 31, 1996         874,057          69,365   $  943,422
                                                                                =========

Cash and cash equivalents  -- December 31, 1996      412,018          87,310   $  499,328
 Activity through March 1997                                                       28,220
                                                                                ---------
Cash and cash equivalents  -- March 31, 1997         401,479         126,069   $  527,548
                                                                                =========
</TABLE>

     Cash payments for interest were $1,375,000 and $8,532,000 for the three
month periods ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996, respectively, while the
cash payment for dividends to the holders of the Company's QUIPS was
$10,518,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 1997.  In 1996, the
first quarter dividend payment to the holders of the Company's QUIPS, of
$10,518,000, was made on April 1, 1996.  Cash payments for income taxes were
$34,516,000 and $13,647,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 1997
and March 31, 1996, respectively.

<PAGE>   14

G.  Subsequent events

     On January 23, 1997, the Company announced an agreement to sell OSL and
IGL to Great Southern Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Americo Life,
Inc..  This sale was completed on April 15, 1997, upon receipt of regulatory
approval.  The contribution to net income of these subsidiaries for the three
month period ended March 31, 1997 was $4,826,002.  The combined net assets of
these subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997 was $334,242,070.  The sale of these
subsidiaries is expected to have an immaterial impact on operating income.
On an after-tax basis, this sale is estimated to result in a $21,003,000 loss
and is reflected on the "Provision for income taxes" line in the "Management
services to property and casualty insurance companies; and other" section of
the Company's consolidated income statement for the three month period ended
March 31, 1997.

<PAGE>   15

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
         Results of Operations

General

     The Company is engaged in the management of property and casualty
insurance companies and the underwriting of life insurance and annuity
products.  The Company does not own any property and casualty insurers, but
rather serves as the manager of the P&C Group. The Company receives management
fees primarily based on the gross premiums earned by the P&C Group. Revenues
and expenses relating to both of these principal business activities are
reflected in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in
accordance with GAAP, which differs from the statutory accounting practices
("SAP"), which the Life Subsidiaries are required to use for regulatory
reporting purposes. 

     The Company underwrites life insurance and annuity products through its
life insurance subsidiaries.  Revenues attributable to traditional life
insurance products, such as whole life or term insurance contracts, are
classified as premiums as they become due.  Future benefits are associated
with such premiums (through increases in liabilities for future policy
benefits), and prior period capitalized costs are amortized (through
amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")) so that profits are
generally recognized over the same period as revenue income.  Revenues
attributable to Universal Life ("UL") products consist of policy charges for
the cost of insurance, policy administration charges, surrender charges, and
investment income on assets allocated to support policyholder account balances
on deposit.  Revenues for deferred annuity products consist of surrender
charges and investment income on assets allocated to support policyholder
account balances.  Expenses on UL and annuity policies include interest
credited to policyholders on policy balances as well as benefit claims
incurred in excess of policy account balances.


Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended 
March 31, 1996

  Management Services to Property and Casualty Insurance Companies; and Other

     Operating Revenues.  Operating revenues increased from $306.6 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $320.9 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997, an increase of $14.3 million, or 4.7%. Operating
revenues primarily consist of management fees paid to the Company as a
percentage of gross premiums earned by the P&C Group.  Such premiums increased
from $2,318.9 million in the first quarter of 1996 to $2,465.6 million in the
first quarter of 1997 due primarily to higher average premium levels across
all major lines of business and an increase in the number of policies-in-
force.  Partially offsetting these increases is the fact that, in recognition
of expense savings realized as a result of improved operating efficiencies,
the Farmers Preferred Auto Management fee rate was reduced by 0.45% effective
November 1, 1996.  This resulted in a $6.3 million reduction in management
fees in 1997 from what such fees would have been using the first quarter 1996
rates.  As the Company continues to benefit from improved operating
efficiencies, it may further reduce management fee rates in the future.   

<PAGE>   16


     Total Operating Expenses.  Total operating expenses as a percentage of
operating revenues decreased from 57.8% for the three months ended March 31,
1996 to 56.2% for the three months ended March 31, 1997, a decrease of 1.6%.
Specifically, labor costs (salaries and employee benefits) decreased from
28.5% of operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to 26.0%
of operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1997 as the Company
continued to benefit from staffing efficiencies and the use of information
technology. 

          Salaries and Employee Benefits.  Salaries and employee benefits
     decreased from $87.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to
     $83.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, a decrease of
     $3.9 million, or 4.5%, primarily due to a reduction in employee complement.

          Buildings and Equipment Expenses.  Buildings and equipment expenses
     increased from $20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to
     $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, an increase of
     $1.7 million, or 8.3%.  This increase was primarily due to the
     amortization of information technology systems software.

          Amortization of Attorney-In-Fact Contracts and Goodwill.  Purchase
     accounting entries related to the acquisition of the Company by B.A.T 
     Industries p.l.c. in December 1988 include goodwill (capitalized at $2.4
     billion) and the value of the attorney-in-fact  contracts of the P&C Group
     (capitalized at $1.7 billion).  Amortization of these two items, which is
     being taken on a straight-line basis over forty years, reduced pretax
     income by approximately $25.7 million in each of the three month periods
     ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996.

          General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative
     expenses increased from $43.8 million for the three months ended March
     31, 1996 to $49.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, an
     increase of $5.3 million, or 12.1%.  This increase was attributable to
     increased levels of business activity.

     Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased from $26.9
million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $34.3 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 primarily due to a larger invested asset
base and higher yield rates in 1997.

     Net Realized Gains.  Net realized gains increased from $0.8 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $30.4 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997.  This increase was primarily attributable to gains
realized from the partial sale of the common stock portfolio received as part
of an extraordinary dividend FNWL paid to Farmers Group, Inc. ("FGI") in
December 1996. 

     Dividends on Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts.  Dividend expense
for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 was $10.5 million.

     Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes increased from
$59.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $96.8 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1997, an increase of $37.3 million, or 62.7%.
This increase was attributable to the increase in 

<PAGE>   17

pretax operating income between years and the estimated $21.0 million of
entries associated with the sale of OSL and IGL (see Note G). 

     Management Services Income.  As a result of the foregoing, management
services income increased from $87.0 million for the three months ended March
31, 1996 to $97.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, an
increase of $10.9 million, or 12.5%.



Life Subsidiaries

     Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased from $197.5 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1996 to $194.1 million for the three months ended March
31, 1997, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 1.7%.  

          Premiums.  Premiums increased $2.4 million for the three months
     ended March 31, 1997, or 5.7%, over the three months ended March 31,
     1996.  This increase was due to growth in renewal and first year business.
     The increase in renewal premiums is attributable to an 11.1% growth in
     traditional life insurance in-force resulting from improved persistency
     and an increase in average policy size.  The higher first year premiums
     are due primarily to growth in the Premier Whole Life ("PWL") product.

          Policy Charges.  Policy charges increased $4.5 million for the three
     months ended March 31, 1997, or 7.7%, over the three months ended March
     31, 1996, reflecting continued growth in universal life-type insurance
     in-force.  

          Investment Income.  Net investment income increased $4.4 million for
     the three months ended March 31, 1997, or 5.7%, over the three months
     ended March 31, 1996 due to higher bond interest income resulting
     primarily from a higher invested asset base.  

          Net Realized Gains.  Net realized gains decreased by $14.7 million,
     from $19.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $4.9
     million for the three months ended March 31, 1997.  This decrease was
     substantially due to the fact that FNWL's common stock portfolio was
     transferred to FGI as part of the extraordinary dividend paid to FGI in
     December 1996.

     Total Operating Expenses.  Total operating expenses increased from $129.4
million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $138.8 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1997, an increase of $9.4 million, or 7.3%.

          Policyholders' Benefits. Policyholders' benefits expense increased
     from $81.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $84.2
     million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, an increase of $2.9
     million, or 3.6%.  Policy benefits, which consist primarily of death and
     surrender benefits on life products, increased $0.3 million over March
     31, 1996 to $37.7 million, due to an increase in average insurance-in-
     force.  Increase in liability for future benefits expense increased from
     $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $3.2 million
     for the three months ended March 31, 1997 due to increases in PWL and
     other traditional product premiums.  Interest credited to policyholders,
     which represents the amount

<PAGE>   18

     credited under universal life-type contracts and deferred annuities for
     policyholder funds on deposit, increased from $40.8 million for the three
     months ended March 31, 1996 to $43.3 million for the three months ended
     March 31, 1997, or 6.1%, reflecting a 5.7% growth in universal life-type
     insurance in-force and a 4.9% increase in annuity funds on deposit.

          Amortization of DAC and Value of Life Business Acquired. Amortization
     expense increased from $27.8 million for the three months ended March 31,
     1996 to $32.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, or 17.3%.
     This increase reflects the continued growth in universal life-type and
     traditional business.

          Commissions. Commissions increased from $5.2 million for the three
     months ended March 31, 1996 to $5.3 million for the three months ended
     March 31, 1997, or 1.9%, reflecting increased renewal premiums from
     traditional and universal life products.

          General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
     expenses increased from $15.1 million for the three months ended March 31,
     1996 to $16.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, or
     10.6%.  This increase resulted mainly from higher audit and legal fees,
     premium taxes and contract values paid to terminated agents and district
     managers.

     Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes decreased from
$22.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $18.2 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1997, a decrease of $4.6 million due to a
decrease in pretax operating income.

     Life Subsidiaries Income.  As a result of the foregoing, Life Subsidiaries
income decreased from $45.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996
to $37.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997, a decrease of $8.2
million, or 18.1%.


Consolidated Net Income

     Consolidated net income of the Company increased from $132.3 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $135.0 million for the three months
ended March 31,1997, an increase of $2.7 million, or 2.0%.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     As of March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996, the Company held cash and cash
equivalents of $527.5 million and $943.4 million, respectively.  In addition,
as of March 31, 1997, the Company had available revolving credit facilities
enabling it to borrow up to $500.0 million in the event such a need should
arise. 

     Net cash provided by operating activities decreased from $254.8 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $224.3 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1997, a decrease in cash of $30.5 million, or 12.0%.
This decrease in cash was principally due to a decrease in the volume of new
FNWL annuity business. 

<PAGE>   19

     Net cash used in investing activities decreased from $149.0 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $111.8 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997, an increase in cash of $37.2 million, or 25.0%.  This
increase in cash resulted primarily from a $77.8 million increase in proceeds
received from sales and maturities of investments available-for-sale offset
in part by a $29.8 million increase in purchases of investments available-for-
sale.

     Net cash used in financing activities increased from $75.4 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $84.3 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997, or 11.8%.  This decrease in cash was the result of an
$8.9 million increase in dividends paid to the Company's stockholder.

<PAGE>   20

                             PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

          The Company is a party to numerous lawsuits arising from its normal
     business activities.  These actions are in various stages of discovery 
     and development, and some seek punitive as well as compensatory damages.
     In the opinion of management, the Company has not engaged in any conduct
     which should warrant the award of any material punitive or compensatory
     damages.  The Company intends to vigorously defend its position in each 
     case, and management believes that, while it is not possible to predict 
     the outcome of such matters with absolute certainty, ultimate disposition 
     of these proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the 
     Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.  In 
     addition, the Company is, from time to time, involved as a party to 
     various governmental and administrative proceedings.


Item 2.  Changes in Securities.  None.


Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities.  None.


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.  None.


Item 5.  Other Information.  None.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

            (a)  Exhibits.
                    27.  Financial Data Schedule

            (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.  None.

<PAGE>   21


                             FARMERS GROUP, INC. 
                              AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                 SIGNATURES
                                   



      Pursuant to the requirements 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.

                                                     Farmers Group, Inc.
                                                            (Registrant)

                              May 9, 1997        /s/ Martin D. Feinstein
                           ---------------------------------------------

                           Date                      Martin D. Feinstein
                                                           President and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer


                               May 9, 1997        /s/ Anthony L.R. Clark
                           ---------------------------------------------

                           Date                       Anthony L.R. Clark
                                               Senior Vice President and
                                                 Chief Financial Officer