CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 05, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Fire Group, Inc. (NASDAQ/GS: UFCS)
| Consolidated Financial Results – Highlights: | ||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 | |||||||
| Operating income(1) per diluted share(2) | $ | 0.75 | Operating income(1) per diluted share(2) | $ | 2.25 | |||
| Net income per diluted share(2) | $ | 0.77 | Net income per diluted share(2) | $ | 2.31 | |||
| Net realized investment gains per share(2) | $ | 0.02 | Net realized investment gains per share(2) | $ | 0.06 | |||
| GAAP combined ratio | 94.1 | % | GAAP combined ratio | 93.9 | % | |||
| Book value per share | $ | 33.73 | ||||||
| Return on equity(3) | 9.3 | % | ||||||
United Fire Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:UFCS) today reported consolidated operating income(1) of $0.75 per diluted share for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 (the “third quarter”), compared to consolidated operating loss of $(0.01) per diluted share for the same period in 2014. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 (“year-to-date”), consolidated operating income was $2.25, compared to consolidated operating income of $0.81 per diluted share for the same period in 2014.
The Company reported consolidated net income, including net realized investment gains and losses, of $19.5 million ($0.77 per diluted share) for the third quarter, compared to consolidated net income of $0.3 million ($0.01 per diluted share) for the same period in 2014. Year-to-date, consolidated net income, including net realized investment gains and losses, was $58.2 million ($2.31 per diluted share) compared to $24.3 million ($0.95 per diluted share) for the same period in 2014.
“Our 2020 Vision has been in place for a while now and I’m pleased to announce that as of this writing, we are meeting or exceeding our key objectives of improved return on equity (“ROE”), targeted increases in written premium, best-in-class service, and being a best place to work,” stated Randy A. Ramlo, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our book of business continues to perform well,” continued Ramlo. “For the quarter, consolidated net premiums earned increased 12.9 percent due to both rate increases in our commercial lines of business and new business, and our total revenues increased 12.2 percent. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, consolidated net premiums earned increased 12.3 percent and total revenues increased 9.8 percent. We continue to believe that 2015 will be a milestone year as the Company continues to be on pace to achieve the $1 billion revenue threshold.”
____________________________
(1) Operating income (loss) is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) excluding realized investment gains and losses and related federal income taxes. Because our calculation may differ from similar measures used by other companies, investors should be careful when comparing our measure of operating income to that of other companies. Management evaluates this measure and ratios derived from this measure because we believe it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. See Supplemental Tables – Financial Highlights for a reconciliation of operating income to net income.
(2) Per share amounts are after tax.
(3) Return on equity (“ROE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average year-to-date equity.
“Additionally, our return on equity improved by 5.2 percentage points compared to the same period for 2014,” stated Ramlo. “As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, we strive for an ROE that places within the range of our top performing peers. We believe that in today’s less than optimal investment environment, ROE improvement will be a byproduct of sound underwriting executed by the very best talent available.”
The Company recognized consolidated net realized investment gains of $1.0 million during the third quarter, compared to consolidated net realized investment gains of $0.9 million for the same period in 2014. Year-to-date, the company recognized consolidated net realized investment gains of $2.6 million compared to consolidated net realized investment gains of $5.8 million for the same period in 2014.
Consolidated net investment income was $24.1 million for the third quarter, an increase of 5.3 percent, as compared to net investment income of $22.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in net investment income for the quarter was driven by the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships as compared to the same period in 2014. The valuation of these investments varies from period to period due to current market conditions.
Year-to-date, consolidated net investment income was $74.2 million, compared to net investment income of $77.2 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease is due to the decline in the asset base of the life segment due to decreases in annuity holdings and the continued low interest rate environment.
Consolidated net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, totaled $130.2 million as of September 30, 2015, a decrease of $19.4 million or 13.0 percent from December 31, 2014. The decrease in net unrealized investment gains resulted from volatility in the equity markets as well as interest rate increases that negatively impacted our bond portfolio during 2015.
Total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2015 were $3.9 billion, which included $3.1 billion of invested assets. The Company’s book value per share was $33.73, which is an increase of $1.06 per share or 3.2 percent from December 31, 2014 and is primarily attributed to net income of $58.2 million offset by a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $19.4 million, net of tax, during the first nine months of 2015, and shareholder dividends of $16.0 million.
The annualized return on equity was 9.3 percent as of September 30, 2015.
P&C Segment
Net income for the property and casualty insurance segment, including net realized investment gains and losses, totaled $18.0 million ($0.71 per diluted share) for the third quarter, compared to net loss of $1.9 million ($0.07 per diluted share) in the same period in 2014. Year-to-date, net income for the property and casualty insurance segment, including realized investment gains and losses, totaled $54.4 million ($2.16 per diluted share), compared to net income of $19.5 million ($0.76 per diluted share) in the same period of 2014.
Net premiums earned increased 12.2 percent to $219.0 million in the third quarter, compared to $195.2 million in the same period of 2014. Year-to-date, net premiums earned increased 11.7 percent to $628.4 million, compared to $562.5 million in the same period of 2014.
“Modest rate increases in some regions still obtainable; still exceed loss cost trends.”
“Commercial lines renewal pricing varied by region with average percentage increases in the low single digits on smaller accounts,” stated Ramlo. “Premium written from new business was down from the prior quarter but up from third quarter 2014. Our success ratio on quoted accounts remains at an acceptable level.”
“We experienced improvement in loss ratios in nearly every line of business with the exception of commercial auto during the third quarter and year-to-date, which seems to be an industry trend,” stated Ramlo. “We attribute this trend to lower fuel prices, a shortage of qualified drivers, and higher roadway use by commercial vehicles. We will continue to monitor this line of business diligently and make the underwriting and pricing changes necessary to achieve our profit objectives.”
“The loss ratio on our workers’ compensation line of business continues to improve and has benefited from past rate increases and the elimination of poor performing accounts,” continued Ramlo. “We have also reduced our percentage of high hazard classes of business, making for fewer severe losses.”
“Personal auto lines renewal pricing increases during the quarter improved slightly, but remained at low-single digits,” stated Ramlo, “while homeowners pricing experienced average percentage increases in the mid-single digits, especially in areas affected by large convective storms. Competitive market conditions persisted on new business during the quarter.”
“Catastrophe losses during third quarter were less than expected.”
Catastrophe losses totaled $7.0 million ($0.18 per share after tax) for the third quarter, compared to $23.3 million ($0.60 per share after tax) for the same period in 2014. Year-to-date, catastrophe losses totaled $27.3 million ($0.71 per share after tax), compared to $47.2 million ($1.20 per share) for the same period in 2014.
“Catastrophe losses for the third quarter were less than we would normally expect,” stated Ramlo. “Catastrophe losses added 3.2 percentage points to the combined ratio and impacted earnings by $0.18 per diluted share. Year-to-date catastrophe losses added 4.4 percentage points to the combined ratio and impacted earnings by $0.71 per share. Generally speaking, we pay less attention to quarterly results given the volatility from quarter to quarter and base our goals and objectives on annual results.”
“Our expectations for catastrophe losses in any given year is six percentage points of the combined ratio,” continued Ramlo. “Second and third quarters are more storm- and catastrophe-laden in geographic areas where we conduct much of our business due to spring and summer convective storms and hurricanes; however, 2015 has experienced a mild hurricane season and convective seasonal storms have not been a significant factor for us.”
The property and casualty insurance segment experienced $0.7 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years during the third quarter, compared to $6.8 million of favorable reserve development in the same period in 2014. Year-to-date, favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years was $24.1 million, compared to $32.5 million in the same period in 2014. Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms. At September 30, 2015, our total reserves are within our actuarial estimates.
“With regard to large losses,” stated Ramlo, “We are no longer seeing the severity we experienced during third quarter 2014. We believe at this time, we are seeing more normalized loss experience consistent with our expectations.”
The GAAP combined ratio improved by 13.3 percentage points to 94.1 percent for the third quarter, compared to 107.4 percent for the same period in 2014. Year-to-date the GAAP combined ratio improved 9.1 percentage points to 93.9 percent, compared to 103.0 percent for the same period in 2014. We attribute this improvement to a lack of catastrophe losses and more adequate pricing of our products, which has improved our underlying underwriting performance.
Expense Levels
The expense ratio for the third quarter was 31.2 percentage points, compared to 31.1 percentage points for the third quarter of 2014. Year-to-date, the expense ratio was 30.2 percentage points, compared to 31.4 for the same period in 2014.
“As expected, our expense ratio is holding steady from quarter to quarter as we finalize costs associated with our integration of the Mercer Group of companies and other investments in core development and technology,” stated Ramlo. “Though we believe our 2015 expense ratio will continue to be higher than our targets due to increased pension and postretirement benefit costs, the expense ratio should continue remain within the current range.”
Life Segment
Net income for the life insurance segment totaled $1.5 million ($0.06 per share) for the third quarter, compared to $2.2 million ($0.09 per share) for the third quarter of 2014. Year-to-date, net income for the life insurance segment totaled $3.8 million ($0.15 per share) compared to $4.9 million ($0.19 per share).
“Though the life segment benefited from higher sales of single premium whole life policies and a decline in the amount of expense associated with the payment of interest to policyholders on annuity accounts,” stated Ramlo, “it was not enough to offset the decrease in investment income and an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses due to death benefits. We have reached our long-term objective of equally diversifying our life product / annuity mix, which should improve our life segment’s performance when interest rates improve.”
Net premiums earned increased 21.4 percent to $20.4 million for the third quarter, compared to $16.8 million for the third quarter of 2014. Year-to-date, net premiums earned increased to $53.4 million, compared to $44.7 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in sales of single premium whole life policies.
Net investment income decreased 9.0 percent to $13.3 million for the third quarter, compared to $14.6 million for the third quarter of 2014. Year-to-date, net investment income decreased 11.7 percent to $40.6 million, compared to $46.0 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease is due to a continuation of the low interest rate environment and a lower asset base due to declining annuity deposits.
Losses and loss settlement expenses increased $1.3 million for the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2014, due to corresponding increases in death benefits paid. Fluctuations in the timing of death benefits occur from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year.
The increase in liability for future policy benefits increased during third quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, by $2.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 due to an increase in the number of single premium whole life policies issued.
Deferred annuity deposits decreased 51.5 percent and 50.0 percent, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, due to gradual lowering of the credited rate offered on our deferred annuity products during the low interest rate environment. As a result of the lower interest rate offered, we speculate that annuity participants are seeking higher yields elsewhere.
Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $27.3 million for the third quarter compared to a net cash outflow of $23.8 million in the same period in 2014. We attribute this to the interest rate activity previously described.
Capital Management
During the third quarter, we declared and paid a $0.22 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record on September 1, 2015. We have paid a quarterly dividend every quarter since March 1968.
Under our share repurchase program, we may purchase the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at management’s discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. We are authorized by the Board of Directors to purchase an additional 1,528,886 shares of common stock under our share repurchase program, which expires in August 2016. During the third quarter, 29,691 shares were repurchased under the program at a total cost of $1.0 million and an average share price of $32.99. Year-to-date, we have purchased 79,396 shares of our common stock for $2.4 million, at an average cost of $30.51 per share.
Earnings Call Access Information
An earnings call will be held at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on November 5, 2015 to allow securities analysts, shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the Company’s 2015 third quarter results and its expectations for 2015.
Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-844-492-3723 (international dial-in is 1-412-542-4184). The event will be archived and available for digital replay through November 19, 2015. The replay access information is toll-free 1-877-344-7529; conference ID no. 10074128.
Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the Company’s investor relations page at http://ir.unitedfiregroup.com/event or http://services.choruscall.com/links/ufcs151105. The archived audio webcast will be available until November 19, 2015.
Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the Company’s website soon after the completion of the teleconference.
About United Fire Group, Inc.
Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc., through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance and life insurance and selling annuities.
Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, and we are represented by approximately 1,200 independent agencies. The United Fire pooled group is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.
Our subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, is licensed in 37 states, represented by approximately 1,200 independent life agencies and rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.
For more information about United Fire Group, Inc. visit www.unitedfiregroup.com or contact:
Anita Novak, Assistant Vice President – Investor Relations, 319-399-5251 or [email protected]
Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intends(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s)” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “remain on track,” “optimistic,” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will continue,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 2, 2015. The risks identified in our Form 10-K are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
| Supplemental Tables | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Highlights | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data and Ratios) | 2015 | 2014 | Change % | 2015 | 2014 | Change % | |||||||||||||
| Revenue Highlights | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 239,421 | $ | 212,021 | 12.9 | % | $ | 681,817 | $ | 607,189 | 12.3 | % | |||||||
| Net investment income | 24,050 | 22,837 | 5.3 | % | 74,205 | 77,202 | (3.9 | )% | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | 264,560 | 235,865 | 12.2 | % | 758,962 | 691,442 | 9.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Income Statement Data | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 18,906 | (256 | ) | NM | 56,527 | 20,574 | 174.7 | % | |||||||||||
| After-tax net realized investment gains | 628 | 581 | 8.1 | % | 1,704 | 3,767 | (54.8 | )% | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 19,534 | $ | 325 | NM | $ | 58,231 | $ | 24,341 | 139.2 | % | ||||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share Data | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 0.75 | $ | (0.01 | ) | NM | $ | 2.25 | $ | 0.81 | 177.8 | % | |||||||
| After-tax net realized investment gains | 0.02 | 0.02 | — | % | 0.06 | 0.14 | (57.1 | )% | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.01 | NM | $ | 2.31 | $ | 0.95 | 143.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe Data | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax catastrophe losses | $ | 6,955 | $ | 23,282 | (70.1 | )% | $ | 27,336 | $ | 47,160 | (42.0 | )% | |||||||
| Effect on after-tax earnings per share | 0.18 | 0.60 | (70.0 | )% | 0.71 | 1.20 | (40.8 | )% | |||||||||||
| Effect on combined ratio | 3.2 | % | 11.9 | % | (73.1 | )% | 4.4 | % | 8.4 | % | (48.1 | )% | |||||||
| Favorable reserve development experienced on prior accident years | $ | 686 | $ | 6,755 | (89.8 | )% | $ | 24,129 | $ | 32,520 | (25.8 | )% | |||||||
| Combined ratio | 94.1 | % | 107.4 | % | (13.3 | )% | 93.9 | % | 103.0 | % | (9.1 | )% | |||||||
| Return on equity | 9.3 | % | 4.1 | % | 128.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.20 | 10.0 | % | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.58 | 10.3 | % | |||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 25,379,348 | 25,404,349 | (0.1 | )% | 25,171,881 | 25,536,569 | (1.4 | )% | |||||||||||
NM = Not meaningful
| Consolidated Income Statement | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written(1) | $ | 236,545 | $ | 207,372 | $ | 731,648 | $ | 656,612 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 239,421 | $ | 212,021 | $ | 681,817 | $ | 607,189 | |||||||
| Investment income, net of investment expenses | 24,050 | 22,837 | 74,205 | 77,202 | |||||||||||
| Net realized investment gains | 966 | 894 | 2,622 | 5,796 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 123 | 113 | 318 | 1,255 | |||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 264,560 | $ | 235,865 | $ | 758,962 | $ | 691,442 | |||||||
| Benefits, Losses and Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss settlement expenses | $ | 144,526 | $ | 154,346 | $ | 421,297 | $ | 422,299 | |||||||
| Increase in liability for future policy benefits | 12,784 | 10,552 | 32,503 | 26,450 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 48,697 | 44,644 | 135,526 | 124,374 | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,161 | 21,665 | 73,241 | 68,869 | |||||||||||
| Interest on policyholders’ accounts | 5,568 | 7,503 | 18,207 | 23,342 | |||||||||||
| Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses | $ | 237,736 | $ | 238,710 | $ | 680,774 | $ | 665,334 | |||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 26,824 | (2,845 | ) | 78,188 | 26,108 | ||||||||||
| Federal income tax expense (benefit) | 7,290 | (3,170 | ) | 19,957 | 1,767 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 19,534 | $ | 325 | $ | 58,231 | $ | 24,341 | |||||||
(1) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.
| Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||||
| September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||
| (In Thousands) | |||||||
| Total invested assets: | |||||||
| Property and casualty segment | $ | 1,572,222 | $ | 1,554,637 | |||
| Life insurance segment | 1,524,232 | 1,616,324 | |||||
| Total cash and investments | 3,220,515 | 3,261,535 | |||||
| Total assets | 3,876,016 | 3,856,689 | |||||
| Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses | $ | 2,381,026 | $ | 2,417,201 | |||
| Total liabilities | 3,030,556 | 3,039,274 | |||||
| Net unrealized investment gains, after-tax | $ | 130,223 | $ | 149,623 | |||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 845,460 | 817,415 | |||||
| Property and casualty insurance statutory capital and surplus(1)(2) | $ | 702,303 | $ | 685,866 | |||
| Life insurance statutory capital and surplus(2) | 157,194 | 155,667 | |||||
(1) Because United Fire & Casualty Company owns United Life Insurance Company, property and casualty insurance statutory capital and surplus includes life insurance statutory capital and surplus and therefore represents our total consolidated statutory capital and surplus.
(2) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.
| Property & Casualty Insurance Financial Results | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Ratios) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written(1) | $ | 216,124 | $ | 190,551 | $ | 678,242 | $ | 611,941 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 218,993 | $ | 195,195 | $ | 628,396 | $ | 562,521 | |||||||
| Investment income, net of investment expenses | 10,716 | 8,190 | 33,582 | 31,191 | |||||||||||
| Net realized investment gains (losses) | 732 | (22 | ) | 316 | 3,682 | ||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | — | (102 | ) | — | 693 | ||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 230,441 | $ | 203,261 | $ | 662,294 | $ | 598,087 | |||||||
| Benefits, Losses and Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss settlement expenses | $ | 137,696 | $ | 148,815 | $ | 400,087 | $ | 402,964 | |||||||
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 46,847 | 42,902 | 130,305 | 119,280 | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 21,505 | 17,843 | 59,625 | 57,207 | |||||||||||
| Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses | $ | 206,048 | $ | 209,560 | $ | 590,017 | $ | 579,451 | |||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 24,393 | $ | (6,299 | ) | $ | 72,277 | $ | 18,636 | ||||||
| Federal income tax expense (benefit) | 6,373 | (4,419 | ) | 17,857 | (835 | ) | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 18,020 | $ | (1,880 | ) | $ | 54,420 | $ | 19,471 | ||||||
| GAAP combined ratio: | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss ratio – excluding catastrophes | 59.7 | % | 64.4 | % | 59.3 | % | 63.2 | % | |||||||
| Catastrophes – effect on net loss ratio | 3.2 | 11.9 | 4.4 | 8.4 | |||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 62.9 | % | 76.3 | % | 63.7 | % | 71.6 | % | |||||||
| Expense ratio | 31.2 | 31.1 | 30.2 | 31.4 | |||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 94.1 | % | 107.4 | % | 93.9 | % | 103.0 | % | |||||||
| Statutory combined ratio:(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss ratio – excluding catastrophes | 59.9 | % | 64.0 | % | 59.4 | % | 63.5 | % | |||||||
| Catastrophes – effect on net loss ratio | 3.2 | 11.9 | 4.4 | 8.4 | |||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 63.1 | % | 75.9 | % | 63.8 | % | 71.9 | % | |||||||
| Expense ratio | 33.5 | 32.1 | 31.3 | 31.2 | |||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 96.6 | % | 108.0 | % | 95.1 | % | 103.1 | % | |||||||
(1) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.
| Life Insurance Financial Results | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written(1) | $ | 20,421 | $ | 16,821 | $ | 53,406 | $ | 44,671 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 20,428 | $ | 16,826 | $ | 53,421 | $ | 44,668 | |||||||
| Investment income, net of investment expenses | 13,334 | 14,647 | 40,623 | 46,011 | |||||||||||
| Net realized investment gains | 234 | 916 | 2,306 | 2,114 | |||||||||||
| Other income | 123 | 215 | 318 | 562 | |||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 34,119 | $ | 32,604 | $ | 96,668 | $ | 93,355 | |||||||
| Benefits, Losses and Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss settlement expenses | $ | 6,830 | $ | 5,531 | $ | 21,210 | $ | 19,335 | |||||||
| Increase in liability for future policy benefits | 12,784 | 10,552 | 32,503 | 26,450 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 1,850 | 1,742 | 5,221 | 5,094 | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 4,656 | 3,822 | 13,616 | 11,662 | |||||||||||
| Interest on policyholders’ accounts | 5,568 | 7,503 | 18,207 | 23,342 | |||||||||||
| Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses | $ | 31,688 | $ | 29,150 | $ | 90,757 | $ | 85,883 | |||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 2,431 | $ | 3,454 | $ | 5,911 | $ | 7,472 | |||||||
| Federal income tax expense | 917 | 1,249 | 2,100 | 2,602 | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,514 | $ | 2,205 | $ | 3,811 | $ | 4,870 | |||||||
(1) Net premiums written is a financial measure prepared in accordance with statutory principles, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.
| Net Premiums Written by Line of Business | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
| (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Net Premiums Written | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial lines: | |||||||||||||||
| Other liability(1) | $ | 65,750 | $ | 56,942 | $ | 210,032 | $ | 185,206 | |||||||
| Fire and allied lines(2) | 52,227 | 45,732 | 161,541 | 145,789 | |||||||||||
| Automobile | 47,494 | 40,925 | 148,356 | 130,866 | |||||||||||
| Workers’ compensation | 22,990 | 20,658 | 76,146 | 71,802 | |||||||||||
| Fidelity and surety | 5,687 | 5,566 | 17,594 | 16,222 | |||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | (168 | ) | 587 | 1,283 | 2,130 | ||||||||||
| Total commercial lines | $ | 193,980 | $ | 170,410 | $ | 614,952 | $ | 552,015 | |||||||
| Personal lines: | |||||||||||||||
| Fire and allied lines(3) | $ | 12,038 | $ | 11,951 | $ | 33,359 | $ | 33,239 | |||||||
| Automobile | 6,602 | 6,191 | 18,882 | 18,074 | |||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 275 | 261 | 813 | 768 | |||||||||||
| Total personal lines | $ | 18,915 | $ | 18,403 | $ | 53,054 | $ | 52,081 | |||||||
| Reinsurance assumed | 3,229 | 1,738 | 10,236 | 7,845 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 216,124 | $ | 190,551 | $ | 678,242 | $ | 611,941 | |||||||
(1) “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured’s premises and products manufactured or sold.
(2) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(3) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.
| Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Losses | Net Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| and Loss | and Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | Settlement | Net | Net | Settlement | Net | ||||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Ratios) | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | |||||||||||||||
| Unaudited | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liability | $ | 67,752 | $ | 32,483 | 47.9 | % | $ | 58,807 | $ | 32,842 | 55.8 | % | |||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | 51,913 | 29,534 | 56.9 | 46,448 | 49,120 | 105.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 47,840 | 45,326 | 94.7 | 42,181 | 36,938 | 87.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Workers’ compensation | 24,721 | 14,654 | 59.3 | 22,955 | 12,239 | 53.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Fidelity and surety | 5,709 | (85 | ) | (1.5 | ) | 5,095 | 150 | 2.9 | |||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 386 | 57 | 14.8 | 692 | (28 | ) | (4.0 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total commercial lines | $ | 198,321 | $ | 121,969 | 61.5 | % | $ | 176,178 | $ | 131,261 | 74.5 | % | |||||||||
| Personal lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | $ | 11,084 | $ | 9,295 | 83.9 | % | $ | 11,151 | $ | 12,163 | 109.1 | % | |||||||||
| Automobile | 6,119 | 4,952 | 80.9 | 5,877 | 5,622 | 95.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 260 | 116 | 44.6 | 251 | 1,622 | NM | |||||||||||||||
| Total personal lines | $ | 17,463 | $ | 14,363 | 82.2 | % | $ | 17,279 | $ | 19,407 | 112.3 | % | |||||||||
| Reinsurance assumed | $ | 3,209 | $ | 1,364 | 42.5 | % | $ | 1,738 | $ | (1,853 | ) | (106.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 218,993 | $ | 137,696 | 62.9 | % | $ | 195,195 | $ | 148,815 | 76.3 | % | |||||||||
NM= Not meaningful
| Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Losses | Net Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| and Loss | and Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | Settlement | Net | Net | Settlement | Net | ||||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands, Except Ratios) | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | Premiums | Expenses | Loss | |||||||||||||||
| Unaudited | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | Earned | Incurred | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liability | $ | 191,725 | $ | 101,162 | 52.8 | % | $ | 167,851 | $ | 87,704 | 52.3 | % | |||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | 149,732 | 98,602 | 65.9 | 133,802 | 126,618 | 94.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 136,966 | 116,588 | 85.1 | 121,022 | 88,539 | 73.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Workers’ compensation | 71,224 | 36,464 | 51.2 | 64,981 | 46,577 | 71.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Fidelity and surety | 15,030 | 2,540 | 16.9 | 13,654 | 1,145 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 1,735 | 181 | 10.4 | 2,039 | (18 | ) | (0.9 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total commercial lines | $ | 566,412 | $ | 355,537 | 62.8 | % | $ | 503,349 | $ | 350,565 | 69.6 | % | |||||||||
| Personal lines | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fire and allied lines | $ | 32,990 | $ | 24,364 | 73.9 | % | $ | 33,253 | $ | 32,548 | 97.9 | % | |||||||||
| Automobile | 17,917 | 12,807 | 71.5 | 17,349 | 16,588 | 95.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 759 | 228 | 30.0 | 742 | 1,710 | NM | |||||||||||||||
| Total personal lines | $ | 51,666 | $ | 37,399 | 72.4 | % | $ | 51,344 | $ | 50,846 | 99.0 | % | |||||||||
| Reinsurance assumed | $ | 10,318 | $ | 7,151 | 69.3 | % | $ | 7,828 | $ | 1,553 | 19.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 628,396 | $ | 400,087 | 63.7 | % | $ | 562,521 | $ | 402,964 | 71.6 | % | |||||||||
NM= Not meaningful