1
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended Commission file number 0-5534
DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
INDIANA 35-0160330
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1099 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
- ------------------------------------------------- -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (317) 636-9800
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
(TITLE OF CLASS)
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Class A Common Stock, No Par Value
Class B Common Stock, No Par Value
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 periods 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 is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of 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 an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [X] No [ ]
The aggregate market value of Class A and Class B Common Stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2004, based on the closing trade
prices on that date, was approximately $206,620,000.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock
as of March 14, 2005:
Common Stock, No Par Value:
Class A (voting) 2,666,666 shares
Class B (nonvoting) 12,057,171 shares
The Index to Exhibits is located on pages 68 through 70.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
May 3, 2005 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
2
PART I
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana in
1930. Through its divisions and subsidiaries, Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. (referred to
herein as "B&L") specializes in marketing and underwriting property and casualty
insurance. B&L's subsidiaries are: Protective Insurance Company (referred to
herein as "Protective"), with licenses in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia and all Canadian provinces; Sagamore Insurance Company (referred to
herein as "Sagamore"), which is currently licensed in 47 states; and B & L
Insurance, Ltd. (referred to herein as "BLI"), which is domiciled and licensed
in Bermuda. These subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the
"Insurance Subsidiaries." The "Company", as used herein, refers to Baldwin &
Lyons, Inc. and all its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
Approximately 70% of the gross direct premiums written and assumed by the
Insurance Subsidiaries during 2004 was attributable to business produced
directly by B & L. Approximately 4% of gross premium is assumed from several
non-affiliated insurance and reinsurance companies through retrocessions. The
remaining 26% consists primarily of business written by Sagamore which was
originated through an extensive network of independent agents.
The Insurance Subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums written to
several non-affiliated reinsurers under excess of loss and quota-share treaties
and by facultative (individual policy-by-policy) placements. Reinsurance is
ceded to spread the risk of loss among several reinsurers. In addition to the
assumption of non-affiliated reinsurance, described below, the Insurance
Subsidiaries participate in numerous mandatory government-operated reinsurance
pools which require insurance companies to provide coverages on assigned risks.
These assigned risk pools allocate participation to all insurers based upon each
insurer's portion of premium writings on a state or national level. Assigned
risk premium typically comprises less than 1% of gross direct premium written
and assumed.
The Insurance Subsidiaries serve various specialty markets as follows:
FLEET TRUCKING INSURANCE
- ------------------------
Protective provides coverage for larger customers in the motor carrier industry
which retain substantial amounts of self-insurance as well as for medium-sized
trucking companies on a first dollar or small deductible basis. Large fleet
trucking products are marketed exclusively by the B&L agency organization
directly to trucking clients although broker or agent intermediaries are used on
a limited basis for smaller accounts. The principal types of insurance marketed
by Protective are:
- - Casualty insurance including motor vehicle liability, physical damage and
other liability insurance.
- - Workers' compensation insurance.
- - Specialized accident (medical and indemnity) insurance for independent
contractors.
- - Fidelity and surety bonds.
- - Inland Marine consisting principally of cargo insurance.
- - "Captive" insurance company products, which are provided through BLI in
Bermuda.
B&L also performs a variety of additional services, primarily for Protective's
insureds, including risk surveys and analyses, government compliance assistance,
loss control and cost studies and research, development, and consultation in
connection with new insurance programs including development of computerized
systems to assist in monitoring accident data. Extensive claims handling
services are also provided, primarily to clients with self-insurance programs.
3
NON-AFFILIATED ASSUMPTION REINSURANCE
- -------------------------------------
Protective accepts cessions and retrocessions from selected insurance and
reinsurance companies, principally reinsuring against catastrophes. Exposures
under these retrocessions are generally in high upper layers, are spread among
several geographic regions and are limited so that only a major catastrophic
event or series of major events would have a material affect on the Company's
operations or financial position. The events of September 11, 2001 materially
impacted the Company's operating results in 2001. See Note E to the consolidated
financial statements for further discussion.
PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
- --------------------------------------
Sagamore markets nonstandard private passenger automobile liability and physical
damage coverages to individuals through a network of independent agents in
twenty-six states.
SMALL FLEET TRUCKING INSURANCE
- ------------------------------
Sagamore provides commercial automobile liability, physical damage and cargo
insurance to truck owner-operators generally with six or fewer power units.
These products are marketed through independent agents in thirty states.
SMALL BUSINESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------------
The Company discontinued marketing this product in the fourth quarter of 2004.
PROPERTY/CASUALTY LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
- -----------------------------------------------------
The consolidated financial statements include the estimated liability for unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") of the Insurance Subsidiaries. The
liabilities for losses and LAE are determined using case basis evaluations and
statistical projections and represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all
unpaid losses and LAE incurred through December 31 of each year. These estimates
are subject to the effects of trends in claim severity and frequency and are
continually reviewed and, as experience develops and new information becomes
known, the liability is adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, either positive
or negative, are reflected in current operations.
The Company uses case-basis reserving on the majority of its outstanding losses
(approximately 68% of net outstanding reserves at December 31, 2004). Standard
actuarial methods are employed to determine reserves for incurred but not
reported losses and for loss expenses using the Company's historical data. The
anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating
liabilities for losses and LAE. In addition, frequency and severity of claims
must be projected. The average severity of claims is influenced by a number of
factors that vary with the individual type of policy written. Future average
severities are projected based on historical trends adjusted for anticipated
changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, and general economic and
social trends. These anticipated trends are monitored based on actual
development and are modified as new conditions would suggest that changes are
necessary. These actuarial processes are a combination of objective mathematical
calculations and the application of subjective factors, based on experience and
knowledge of the specific risks being evaluated, to arrive at selected ultimate
reserve amounts. The Company attempts to build conservatism into all subjective
aspects of the actuarial reserving process.
Loss reserves related to certain permanent total disability (PTD) workers'
compensation claims have been discounted to present value using tables provided
by the National Council on Compensation Insurance which are based upon a pretax
interest rate of 3.5% and adjusted for losses retained by the insured. The loss
and LAE reserves at December 31, 2004 have been reduced by approximately $3.9
million as a result of such discounting. Had the Company not discounted loss and
LAE reserves, pretax income would have been approximately $1.6 million higher
for the year ended December 31, 2004.
4
The maximum amount for which Protective insures a trucking risk is $10 million
although, occasionally, limits above $10 million are provided but are 100%
reinsured. Certain coverages, such as workers' compensation, provide essentially
unlimited exposure although the Company protects itself to the extent believed
prudent through the purchase of excess reinsurance for these coverages. After
giving effect to current treaty reinsurance arrangements, for the majority of
risks insured, Protective's maximum exposure to loss from a single occurrence is
approximately $2.0 million (excepting reinsurance assumed). The current excess
of loss treaty also includes an aggregate deductible that must be exceeded
before the Company can recover under the terms of the treaty. The Company
retains a higher percentage of the direct premium (and, therefore, cedes less
premium to reinsurers) in consideration of this deductible provision. 2004 net
premium earned and losses incurred each include $2,278 relative to this
deductible provision. Protective has revised its treaty arrangements several
times in prior years in response to changing market conditions. The current
treaty arrangements are effective until June 3, 2005 and cover the entire policy
period for all business written through that date. Treaty renewals are expected
to occur annually in the foreseeable future. During the past ten years,
Protective's maximum exposure to a single occurrence has ranged from less than
$100,000 to approximately $2 million. Because Protective, on occasion, writes
multiple year policies and because losses from trucking business take years to
develop, losses reported in the current year may be covered by a number of older
reinsurance treaties with higher or lower loss retention by Protective than
those provided by current treaty provisions.
Certain of the previous reinsurance treaties contained aggregate recovery
limitations. To the extent that losses in these layers, in the aggregate, exceed
these limitations, the Company could be liable for amounts that would otherwise
be covered under these reinsurance treaties. No such aggregate limits have been
exceeded as of December 31, 2004.
With respect to Sagamore's private passenger automobile and small fleet trucking
business, the Company's maximum net exposure for a single occurrence is $100,000
through December 31, 2002 and $250,000 thereafter. Sagamore's retention for
workers' compensation coverages is $100,000 for a single occurrence. Sagamore's
retention on prior year's business has never exceeded $250,000 per occurrence.
The following table on page 5 sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and
ending loss and LAE liability balances, for 2004, 2003 and 2002. That table is
presented net of reinsurance recoverable to correspond with income statement
presentation. However, a reconciliation of these net reserves to those gross of
reinsurance recoverable, as presented in the balance sheet, is also shown. The
table on page 10 shows the development of the estimated liability, net of
reinsurance recoverable, for the ten years prior to 2004. The table on page 11
is a summary of the reestimated liability, before consideration of reinsurance,
for the ten years prior to 2004 and the related reestimated reinsurance
recoverable for the same periods.
5
RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT
EXPENSES (GAAP BASIS)
Year Ended December 31,
2004 2003 2002
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(IN THOUSANDS)
NET OF REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE:
- -------------------------------
Liability for losses and LAE at the
Beginning of the year $ 163,699 $ 144,702 $ 137,733
Provision for losses and LAE:
Claims occurring during the current year 141,254 109,324 78,115
Claims occurring during prior years:
Direct business (12,092) (12,726) (7,164)
Reinsurance assumed (2,208) 799 (1,305)
Environmental losses (656) (1,659) (1,539)
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total prior year (14,956) (13,586) (10,008)
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
126,298 95,738 68,107
Payments of losses and LAE:
Claims occurring during the current year 43,351 37,625 30,997
Claims occurring during prior years 38,234 39,956 30,249
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
81,585 77,581 61,246
Change in the allowance for uncollectible
amounts due from reinsurers 374 840 108
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
Liability for losses and LAE at end of year 208,786 163,699 144,702
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
at end of the year 233,035 180,025 133,042
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
Liability for losses and LAE, gross of
reinsurance recoverable, at end of the year $441,821 $ 343,724 $ 277,744
=============== ================= =================
The reconciliation above shows a $15.0 million (9.1%) savings in the liability
for losses and LAE recorded at December 31, 2003. The net savings is reflected
in 2004 underwriting income. All major product groups produced redundancies
during each of the years 2004, 2003 and 2002 with the exception of reinsurance
assumed and small business worker's compensation in 2003. The increase in
reserve redundancy from 2003 results primarily from more favorable development
from the Company's participation in catastrophe reinsurance pools. The Company's
small business workers' compensation product also experienced more favorable
loss development during 2004. The following table is a summary of the above
$15.0 million reserve savings by accident year.
6
YEARS IN WHICH LOSSES RESERVE AT DECEMBER (SAVINGS) DEFICIENCY % (SAVINGS)
WERE INCURRED 31, 2003 RECORDED DURING 2004 DEFICIENCY
- ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- ----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
2003 $ 71,699 $ (9,729) (13.6%)
2002 28,394 (5,987) (21.1%)
2001 17,698 (1,520) (8.6%)
2000 2,531 26 1.0%
1999 2,507 1,696 67.7%
1998 & prior 39,595 558 1.4%
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$ 162,424 $ (14,956) (9.2%)
======================== =========================
The savings recorded for these loss years was derived from varied sources, as
follows.
1998 &Prior 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Losses and allocated loss expenses
developed on cases known to exist
at December 31, 2003 $ 1,242 $ 708 $ 173 $ 196 $ 33 $ (1,036)
Losses and allocated loss expenses
reported on cases unknown at
December 31, 2003 611 83 107 297 522 4,570
Unallocated loss expenses paid 187 90 80 105 643 1,460
Change in reserves for incurred but
not reported losses and loss
expenses (685) 93 (211) (1,130) (4,559) (16,327)
------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net (savings) deficiency on losses 1,355 974 149 (532) (3,361) (11,333)
from directly-produced business
(Savings)deficiency reported under
voluntary reinsurance assumption
agreements and residual markets (797) 722 (124) (988) (2,625) 1,604
------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net savings $ 558 $ 1,696 $ 25 $ (1,520) $ (5,986) $ (9,729)
============= ========== =========== =========== ============ ============
The Company approaches the reserving process from a conservative standpoint. The
Company has not altered any of the key assumptions used in the reserving process
since the mid-1980's and this process has proven to be fully adequate with no
overall deficiencies developed since 1985. There were no significant changes in
trends related to the numbers of claims incurred, average settlement amounts,
numbers of claims outstanding at period ends or the averages per claim
outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2004 for most lines of business.
However, the average settlement amounts of severe trucking claims have tended to
increase significantly over the past two years.
In the above table, the amounts identified as "net (savings) deficiency on
losses from directly-produced business" consist of development on cases known at
December 31, 2003, losses reported which were previously unknown at December 31,
2003 (incurred but not reported), unallocated loss expense paid related to
accident years 2003 and prior and changes in the reserves for incurred but not
reported losses and loss expenses.
7
Reserves for incurred but not reported losses are established to provide for
future development on cases known to the Company at the time the reserve is
established as well as for cases unknown at the reserve date. Changes in the
reserves for incurred but not reported losses and loss expenses occur based upon
information received on known and newly reported cases during the current year
and the effect of that development on the application of standard actuarial
methods used by the Company.
Also shown in the above table are amounts representing the "(savings) deficiency
reported under reinsurance assumption agreements". These amounts relate
primarily to the Company's participation in property catastrophe treaties. The
Company records its share of losses from these treaties based on reports from
the retrocessionaires and has no control over the establishment of case reserves
related to this segment of the Company's business. The Company does, however,
establish additional reserves for reinsurance assumed losses to supplement case
reserves reported by the ceding companies, when considered necessary.
As described on pages 3 and 4, changes have occurred in the Company's net per
accident exposure under reinsurance agreements in place during the periods
presented in the above table. It is much more difficult to reserve for losses
where policy limits are as high as $10 million per accident than it is for
losses in the lower layers. There are fewer policy limit losses in the Company's
historical loss database on which to project future loss developments and the
larger the loss, the greater the likelihood that the courts will become involved
in the settlement process. As such, the level of uncertainty in the reserving
process is much greater when dealing with larger losses and will often result in
fluctuations among accident year developments. However, in spite of the
significant changes in product mix and reinsurance structure over the past ten
years, the Company's reserving process has produced consistently favorable net
developments on an overall basis.
The differences between the liability for losses and LAE reported in the
accompanying 2004 consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and that reported
in the annual statements filed with state and provincial insurance departments
in the United States and Canada in accordance with statutory accounting
practices ("SAP") are as follows:
(IN THOUSANDS)
--------------
Liability reported on a SAP basis - net of reinsurance recoverable $209,277
Add differences:
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 233,035
Additional reserve for residual market losses not
reported to the Company at the current year end 360
Reclassification of loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers 1,649
Deduct differences:
Estimated salvage and subrogation recoveries recorded on
a cash basis for SAP and on an accrual basis for GAAP (2,500)
----------
Liability reported on a GAAP basis $441,821
==========
The provision for loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers is
treated as a separate liability for SAP purposes but is classified as an
addition to loss reserves in the GAAP consolidated balance sheets. This
classification was used for GAAP since the uncollectible amounts are, in effect,
a reversal of reinsurance credits taken against gross loss and LAE reserves.
Losses incurred, however, do not include charges for uncollectible reinsurance,
nor do the tables on pages 5, 6 and 10, since the inability to recover these
amounts from insolvent reinsurers is considered to be a credit loss and is not
associated with the Company's reserving process. Accordingly, loss and LAE
developments would be distorted if amounts related to insolvent reinsurance were
included.
8
The table on page 10 presents the development of GAAP balance sheet liabilities
for each year-end 1994 through 2004, net of all reinsurance credits. The top
line of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE
recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. The
liabilities shown on this line for each year-end have been reduced by amounts
relating to loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers, as
discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph. This liability represents the
estimated amount of losses and LAE for claims arising in all prior years that
are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred,
but not yet reported, to the Company.
The upper portion of the table shows the reestimated amount of the previously
recorded liability based on additional information available to the Company as
of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as
more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of individual
claims and as claims are settled and paid.
The "cumulative redundancy" represents the aggregate change in the estimates
over all prior years. For example, the 1994 liability has developed a $35.6
million redundancy over ten years. That amount has been reflected in income over
the ten years, as shown on the table. The effect on income of changes in
estimates of the liability for losses and LAE during each of the past three
years is shown in the table on page 5.
Historically, the Company's loss developments have been favorable. Reserve
developments for all years ended in the period 1986 through 2003 have produced
redundancies as of December 31, 2004. In addition to improvements in reserving
methods, loss reserve developments since 1985 have been favorably affected by
several other factors. Perhaps the most significant single factor has been the
improvement in safety programs by the trucking industry in general and by the
Company's insureds specifically. Statistics produced by the American Trucking
Association show that driver quality has improved markedly in the past decade
resulting in fewer fatalities and serious accidents. The Company's experience
also shows that improved safety and hiring programs have a dramatic impact on
the frequency and severity of trucking accidents. Higher self-insured retentions
also played a part in reduced insurance losses during portions of this period.
Higher retentions not only raise the excess insurance entry point but also
encourage trucking company management to focus even more intensely on safety
programs. Further, reserve savings have been achieved by the use of structured
settlements on certain workers' compensation and liability claims of a long-term
liability nature.
The establishment of reserves requires the use of historical data where
available and generally a minimum of ten years of such data is required to
provide statistically valid samples. As previously mentioned, numerous factors
must be considered in reviewing historical data including inflation, tort reform
(or lack thereof), new coverages provided and trends noted in the current book
of business which are different from those present in the historical data.
Clearly, the Company's book of business in 2004 is different from that which
generated much of the ten-year historical loss data used to establish reserves
in the past few years. In recent years, management has noted trends toward
significantly higher settlements and jury awards associated with the more
serious trucking liability claims. The inflationary factors affecting these
claims appear to be more subjective in nature and not in line with compensatory
equity. Savings realized in recent years upon the closing of claims, as
reflected in the tables on pages 5 and 10, are attributable to the Company's
long-standing policy of reserving for losses realistically and a willingness to
settle claims based upon a seasoned evaluation of the underlying exposures. The
Company will continue to review the trends noted and, should it appear that such
trends are permanent and projectable, they will be reflected in future reserving
method refinements.
The lower section of the table on page 10 shows the cumulative amount paid with
respect to the previously recorded liability as of the end of each succeeding
year. For example, as of December 31, 2004, the Company had paid $110.6 million
of losses and LAE that had been incurred, but not paid, as of December 31, 1994;
thus an estimated $28.8 million in losses incurred through 1994 remain unpaid as
of the current financial statement date ($139.4 million incurred less $110.6
million paid).
In evaluating this information, it is important to note that the method of
presentation causes some development experience to be duplicated. For example,
the amount of any redundancy or deficiency related to losses settled in 1997,
but incurred in 1994, will be included in the cumulative development amount for
years-end 1994,
9
1995, and 1996. As such, this table does not present accident or
policy year development data which readers may be more accustomed to analyzing.
Rather, this table is intended to present an evaluation of the Company's ability
to establish its liability for losses and loss expenses at a given balance sheet
date. It is important to note that conditions and trends that have affected
development of the liability in the past may not necessarily occur in the
future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to extrapolate future
redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
The table presented on page 11 presents loss development data on a gross (before
consideration of reinsurance) basis for each of the ten years December 31, 1994
through December 31, 2003 as of December 31, 2004 with a reconciliation of the
data to the net amounts shown in the table on page 10.
Environmental Matters: The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss
expenses at December 31, 2004 included amounts for liability related to
environmental damage claims. Given the Company's principal business is insuring
trucking companies; it does on occasion receive claims involving a trucking
accident which has resulted in the spill of a pollutant. Certain of the
Company's policies may cover these situations on the basis that they were caused
by an accident that resulted in the immediate spill of a pollutant. These claims
are typically reported and resolved within a short period of time.
However, the Company has also received a few environmental claims that did not
result from a "sudden and accidental" event. Some of these claims fall under
policies issued in the 1970's primarily to one account which was involved in the
business of hauling and disposing of hazardous waste. Although the Company had
pollution exclusions in its policies during that period, the courts have ignored
such exclusions in many environmental cases. Beginning with the year 1994 and
through the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company has recorded a total of
$7.0 million in losses incurred with respect to environmental claims. Incurred
losses to date include a reserve for incurred but not reported environmental
losses of $2.0 million at December 31, 2004.
Establishing reserves for environmental claims is subject to uncertainties that
are greater than those represented by other types of claims. Factors
contributing to those uncertainties include a lack of historical data, long
reporting delays, uncertainty as to the number and identity of insureds with
potential exposure, unresolved legal issues regarding policy coverage, and the
extent and timing of any such contractual liability. Courts have reached
different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions as to when the loss occurred
and what policies provide coverage, what claims are covered, whether there is an
insured obligation to defend, how policy limits are determined, how policy
exclusions are applied and interpreted, and whether cleanup costs represent
insured property damage. Management believes that those issues are not likely to
be resolved in the near future.
However, to date, very few environmental claims have been reported to the
Company. In addition, a review of the businesses of our past and current
insureds indicates that exposure to further claims of an environmental nature is
limited because most of the Company's accounts are not currently, and have not
in the past been, involved in the hauling of hazardous substances. Also, the
revision of the pollution exclusion in the Company's policies since 1986 is
expected to further limit exposure to claims from that point forward.
The Company has never been presented with an environmental claim relating to
asbestos and, based on the types of business the Company has insured over the
years, it is not expected that the Company will have any significant asbestos
exposure.
Accordingly, management believes that the Company's exposure to environmental
losses beyond those already provided for in the financial statements is not
material.
10
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE DEVELOPMENT--GAAP BASIS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
- ---------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and LAE, Net
of Reinsurance
Recoverables$175,012 $161,001 $154,039 $151,013 $143,515 $130,345 $119,905 $137,406 $144,267 $162,424 $ 207,137
Liability Reestimated
as of:
One Year Later 169,528 148,756 146,201 140,272 132,906 122,238 119,018 127,398 130,681 147,468
Two Years Later 159,000 140,811 135,125 128,743 124,878 124,540 112,558 118,055 125,731
Three Years Later 153,833 130,540 123,775 122,211 124,367 119,379 103,251 118,712
Four Years Later 148,390 122,792 119,862 122,674 121,021 111,476 105,508
Five Years Later 143,478 120,410 121,445 119,632 114,456 113,720
Six Years Later 142,475 122,060 120,995 113,150 115,007
Seven Years Later 144,077 122,162 114,660 113,917
Eight Years Later 143,744 116,258 115,650
Nine Years Later 138,604 117,180
Ten Years Later 139,420
Cumulative Redundancy $ 35,592 $ 43,821 $ 38,389 $ 37,096 $ 28,508 $ 16,625 $ 14,397 $ 18,694 $ 18,536 $ 14,956
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Cumulative Amount of
Liability Paid
Through:
One Year Later $ 45,005 $ 27,825 $ 26,934 $ 25,088 $ 30,214 $ 30,239 $ 31,132 $ 30,249 $ 39,956 $ 38,234
Two Years Later 67,219 43,016 43,280 43,311 48,416 49,068 47,060 55,724 57,522
Three Years Later 76,248 55,515 55,834 55,180 60,594 60,427 58,618 64,489
Four Years Later 85,096 62,740 63,998 64,370 66,679 69,374 64,574
Five Years Later 90,331 69,747 71,089 68,807 74,861 73,958
Six Years Later 95,924 75,496 74,482 76,657 77,957
Seven Years Later 101,073 78,228 79,547 79,428
Eight Years Later 103,499 83,104 82,555
Nine Years Later 108,144 86,096
Ten Years Later 110,613
Amounts shown for 1994 through 2004 do not include the unpaid portion of uncollectible amounts due from insolvent reinsurers
which are classified with loss and LAE reserves for financial statement purposes of $542, $457, $498, $480, $436, $358, $301,
$327, $435, $1,275 and $1,649, respectively.
11
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE DEVELOPMENT--GAAP BASIS
(Thousands of Dollars)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
- ---------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Direct and Assumed:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses $235,209 $211,489 $196,939 $197,195 $194,432 $173,473 $182,425 $247,143 $277,744 $343,724 $441,821
Liability Re-estimated
as of December 31,
2004 224,737 150,909 147,942 144,378 152,287 178,925 205,588 253,062 287,156 331,865
Cumulative (Deficiency)
Redundancy 10,472 60,580 48,997 52,817 42,145 (5,452) (23,163) (5,919) (9,412) 11,859
Ceded:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses 60,197 50,488 42,900 46,182 50,917 43,128 62,520 109,737 133,477 181,300 234,684
Liability Re-estimated
as of December 31,
2004 85,317 33,729 32,292 30,461 37,280 65,205 100,080 134,350 161,425 184,397
Cumulative (Deficiency)
Redundancy (25,120) 16,759 10,608 15,721 13,637 (22,077) (37,560) (24,613) (27,948) (3,097)
Net:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses 175,012 161,001 154,039 151,013 143,515 130,345 119,905 137,406 144,267 162,424 207,137
Liability Re-estimated
as of December 31,
2004 139,420 117,180 115,650 113,917 115,007 113,720 105,508 118,712 125,731 147,468
Cumulative Redundancy 35,592 43,821 38,389 37,096 28,508 16,625 14,397 18,694 18,536 14,956
12
MARKETING
- ---------
The Company's primary marketing areas are outlined on pages 2 and 3.
Since the mid-1980's, Protective has focused its marketing efforts on large and
medium trucking fleets. Protective has its largest market share in the larger
trucking fleets (over 150 power units). These fleets self-insure a portion of
their risk and such self-insurance plans are a specialty of the Company. The
indemnity contract provided to self-insured customers is designed to cover all
aspects of trucking liability, including third party liability, property damage,
physical damage, cargo and workers' compensation, arising from vehicular
accident or other casualty loss. The self-insured program is supplemented with
large deductible workers' compensation policies in states that do not allow for
self-insurance. Protective also offers accident insurance, on a group basis, to
independent contractors under contract to a fleet sponsor. Throughout the
1990's, the market for Protective's products grew increasingly competitive.
Competitive pressures eased significantly in the period 2001 through 2003, as
competitors experienced unfavorable operating results but competition has once
again begun to increase during 2004 (see comments under "Competition"
following). In 2004, fleet trucking products generated approximately 70% of
direct premium written and assumed for the Company.
Since 1992, Protective has accepted reinsurance cessions and retrocessions,
principally for catastrophe exposures, from selected reinsurers on an
opportunistic basis. Protective is committed to participation in this market
provided pricing remains conducive to profitable results. In determining the
volume of catastrophe reinsurance assumed that it will accept, the Company first
determines the exposure that it is willing to accept from a single "maximum
foreseeable loss" (MFL) and a "probable maximum loss" (PML) within a given
geographic area. As retrocessions are offered to the Company, computer models of
geographic exposure are evaluated against these maximums and programs are only
considered if they do not cause aggregate exposure to exceed the predetermined
limits. Currently, the Company's exposure to a MFL or a PML is approximately 7%
and 5% of consolidated surplus, respectively. However, this amount is before
state and federal tax credits and reinstatement premiums which would
significantly reduce the impact of a MFL or a PML on the Company's surplus.
During 1995, Sagamore entered the private passenger automobile insurance market
for nonstandard risks. This program is currently being marketed in twenty-six
mid-western and southern states. Sagamore utilizes state-of-the-art technology
extensively in marketing its nonstandard automobile product in order to provide
superior service to its agents and insureds. Market acceptance to date has been
favorable and approximately $41.0 million of premium was written in this line
during 2004.
Through its Commercial Division, Sagamore also offers a program of coverages for
"small fleet" trucking concerns (owner-operators generally with one to six power
units). This program was limited to a small geographic area composed of
Midwestern states through the end of 1997. However, significant geographic
expansion began during 1998 and has continued through 2004 with policies being
sold in thirty states in 2004. Future expansion into other states is anticipated
during 2005. Approximately $14.7 million of premium was written in this program
during 2004.
Sagamore discontinued its small business workers' compensation product in the
fourth quarter of 2004 because of unfavorable underwriting results.
Approximately $9.1 million of premium was written in this program during 2004.
INVESTMENTS
- -----------
The Company manages its invested assets to provide a high degree of flexibility
to respond to opportunities in the financial markets and to provide necessary
cash flows for operations. The resulting investment strategies currently
emphasize relatively short-term maturities of fixed income securities, wide
diversification among issuers and industries and high asset quality designed to
produce reasonable returns without jeopardizing principal during the extended
period of low interest rates which has been experienced during the past several
years.
13
At December 31, 2004 the financial statement value of the Company's investment
portfolio was approximately $577 million, including money market instruments
classified as cash equivalents. A comparison of the diversification of the
Company's investment portfolio, using adjusted cost as a basis, is as follows:
December 31
2004 2003
-------- --------
U.S. Government obligations 23.8% 26.1%
Municipal bonds 27.7 22.7
Corporate and other bonds 10.3 16.3
Short-term and other investments 21.9 15.7
Common stocks 12.5 13.7
Mortgage-backed securities 3.3 4.2
Preferred stocks .5 1.3
-------- --------
100.0% 100.0%
======== ========
The Company's concentration of invested assets in relatively short-term
investments provides it with a level of liquidity which is more than adequate to
provide for its anticipated cash flow needs. The structure of the investment
portfolio also provides the Company with the ability to restrict premium
writings during periods of intense competition, which typically result in
inadequate premium rates, and allows the Company to respond to new opportunities
in the marketplace as they arise.
The following comparison of the Company's bond and short-term investment
portfolios, using par value as a basis, indicates the changes in contractual
maturities in the portfolio during 2004.
MATURITIES OF BONDS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AT DECEMBER 31 (PAR VALUE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
-------- --------
Less than one year 57.9% 42.9%
1 to 5 years 35.0 48.1
5 to 10 years 1.4 2.2
More than 10 years 5.7 6.8
-------- --------
100.0% 100.0%
======== ========
Average life of portfolio (years) 2.2 2.8
======== ========
Fixed income securities (including those classified as short-term) comprised
74.2% of the market value of the Company's invested assets at December 31, 2004.
With the exception of U.S. Government obligations, the fixed income portfolio is
widely diversified with no concentrations in any single industry. The largest
amount invested in any single issuer was $5.1 million (.9% of total invested
assets) although most individual investments are less than $500,000. The Company
does not actively trade fixed income securities but typically holds such
investments until maturity. Exceptions exist in instances where the underlying
credit for a specific issue is deemed to be diminished. In such cases, the
security will be considered for disposal prior to maturity. In addition, fixed
income securities will be sold when realignment of the portfolio is considered
beneficial (i.e. moving from taxable to non-taxable issues). During 2004,
municipal bonds were increased and corporate bonds were decreased to produce
higher after tax yields.
The Company had determined that its insurance subsidiaries will, at all times,
hold high grade fixed income securities with a market value equal to at least
100% of reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of applicable reinsurance
credits. At December 31, 2004, investment grade bonds held by insurance
subsidiaries equaled 140% of net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
(without consideration of short-term investments which alone equal 47% of such
reserves).
14
Approximately $16.9 million of fixed maturity investments (2.9% of total
invested assets) consists of bonds rated as less than investment grade at year
end. Over 60% of this total is composed of shares in a widely diversified high
yield municipal bond fund where exposure to default by any single issuer is
extremely limited. Further, the average bond quality of assets held in this fund
at year end was BBB, which would be considered investment grade. We have
included the investment in this fund in the total of non-investment grade bonds
since, at times, the average bond quality of the fund could fall below BBB. The
market value of all non-investment grade bonds exceeded cost by 5.2% at December
31, 2004.
The market value of the consolidated fixed maturity portfolio was $1.8 million
greater than cost at December 31, 2004, before income taxes, which compares to a
$7.1 million unrealized gain at December 31, 2003. Other than temporary
impairment is recorded for any individual issue which has sustained a decline in
current market value of at least 20% below original or adjusted cost, and the
decline is ongoing for more than 6 months, regardless of the evaluation of the
underlying credit of the issue. No fixed income investments met these criteria
at December 31, 2004. Gross unrealized losses on fixed income securities were
$1.2 million in total at December 31, 2004 with no individual issue having more
than an 4% decline.
Equity securities comprise 23.0% of the financial statement value of the
consolidated investment portfolio at December 31, 2004 (13% of cost) as
long-term holdings have appreciated significantly. The Company's equity
securities portfolio consists of approximately 150 separate issues with
diversification from large to small capitalization issuers and among several
industries. The largest single equity issue owned has a market value of $7.5
million at December 31, 2004 (1.3% of total investments). In general, the
Company maintains a buy-and-hold philosophy with respect to equity securities.
Many current holdings have been continuously owned for more than ten years.
Because of the large amount of high quality, short-term bonds owned, relative to
the Company's loss and loss expense reserves and other liabilities, amounts
invested in equity securities are not needed to fund current operations and,
accordingly, can be committed for long periods of time. An individual equity
security will be disposed of when it is determined that there is little
potential for future appreciation and all equity securities are considered to be
available for sale. Securities are not sold to meet any quarterly or annual
earnings quotas but, rather, are disposed of when market conditions are deemed
to dictate, regardless of the impact on current period earnings. During 2004, as
the stock market fluctuated throughout the year, the Company disposed of
numerous equity securities which were considered to have little near term
potential for improvement. These sales generated both gains and losses but
netted to a realized gain of $8.7 million. The net effect of other than
temporary impairment adjustments on net gains from equity securities trading was
an increase of only $.2 for the year. The reclassification of unrealized losses
to realized occurred on each individual issue where the current market value was
at least 20% below original or adjusted cost and the decline was ongoing for
more than 6 months at December 31, 2004, regardless of the evaluation of
potential for recovery. After adjustment for other than temporary impairment,
net unrealized gains on the equity security portfolio increased $4.5 million to
$66.7 million at December 31, 2004 as all equity markets recorded gains during
the year. The net gain at year end consisted of $67.3 million of gross
unrealized gains and $.6 million of gross unrealized losses and the average loss
on individual issues where market was less than adjusted cost was 4.8%.
Included in short-term and other investments are approximately $15.8 million of
limited partnership investments. The majority of assets underlying the
partnerships consist of marketable securities which are valued at readily
ascertainable market values. Approximately $2.2 million of this balance consists
of real estate and venture capital investments which are non-traded securities.
Valuations for these investments are provided by the general partners and are
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These
non-traded securities constitute less than .4% of invested assets. Any decline
in value of a limited partnership investment is immediately treated as realized,
regardless of the character of the underlying partnership asset, and no
unrealized losses exist with respect to this portion of the investment portfolio
at December 31, 2004.
The Company's investment yields continue to be negatively impacted by the
ongoing historically low interest rates. Overall investment yields were lower
during 2004 as both after tax investment returns and gains realized on the sale
of securities did not keep pace with 2003 levels. A comparison of consolidated
investment yields, before consideration of investment expenses, is as follows:
15
2004 2003
-------- --------
Before federal tax:
Investment income 2.9% 3.3%
Investment income plus
realized investment gains (losses) 4.9 5.6
After federal tax:
Investment income 2.2 2.4
Investment income plus
realized investment gains (losses) 3.5 3.9
Further discussion of the components of investment yields is included in the
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS on pages 20 and 21.
EMPLOYEES
- ---------
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 275 employees, representing a decrease
of 18 employees from December 31, 2003 (6%) due primarily to efficiencies
generated by the continued development of technology used in the automation of
the underwriting and customer service functions in the Sagamore product lines.
As of March 1, 2005, the Company had 274 employees.
COMPETITION
- -----------
The insurance brokerage and agency business is highly competitive. B & L
competes with a large number of insurance brokerage and agency firms and
individual brokers and agents throughout the country, many of which are
considerably larger than B & L. B & L also competes with insurance companies
which write insurance directly with their customers.
Insurance underwriting is also highly competitive. The Insurance Subsidiaries
compete with other stock and mutual companies and inter-insurance exchanges
(reciprocals). There are numerous insurance companies offering the lines of
insurance which are currently written or may in the future be written by the
Insurance Subsidiaries. Many of these companies have been in business for longer
periods of time, have significantly larger volumes of business, offer more
diversified lines of insurance coverage and have greater financial resources
than the Company. In many cases, competitors are willing to provide coverage for
rates lower than those charged by the Insurance Subsidiaries. Many potential
clients self-insure workers' compensation and other risks for which the Company
offers coverage, and some concerns have organized "captive" insurance companies
as subsidiaries through which they insure their own operations. Some states have
workers' compensation funds that preclude private companies from writing this
business in those states. Federal law also authorizes the creation of "Risk
Retention Groups" which may write insurance coverages similar to those offered
by the Company.
The Company believes it has a competitive advantage in its major lines of
business as the result of the extensive experience of its long-tenured
management and staff, its superior service and products, its willingness to
custom build insurance programs for its large trucking customers and the
extensive use of technology with respect to its insureds and independent agent
force. However, the Company is not "top-line" oriented and will readily
sacrifice premium volume during periods of unrealistic rate competition.
Accordingly, should competitors determine to "buy" market share with
unprofitable rates, the Company's Insurance Subsidiaries will generally
experience a decline in business until pricing returns to profitable levels.
ITEM 101(b), (c)(1)(i) AND (vii), AND (d) OF REGULATION S-K:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Reference is made to Note L to the consolidated financial statements which
provides information concerning industry segments and is filed herewith under
Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
16
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
- -------------------
The Company leases office space at 1099 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis,
Indiana. This building is located approximately one mile from downtown
Indianapolis. The lease covers approximately 72,000 square feet and expires in
August, 2008, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The
Company's entire operations, with the exception of Baldwin & Lyons, California,
are conducted from these leased facilities.
The Company owns a building and the adjacent real estate approximately two miles
from its main office. This building contains approximately 3,300 square feet of
usable space, and is used primarily as a contingent back up and disaster
recovery site for computer operations.
Baldwin & Lyons, California leases approximately 1,900 square feet of office
space in a suburb of Los Angeles, California. All West Coast operations are
conducted from these facilities. The lease expires in May, 2007.
The current facilities are expected to be adequate for the Company's operations
for the foreseeable future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- --------------------------
In the ordinary, regular and routine course of their business, the Company and
its Insurance Subsidiaries are frequently involved in various matters of
litigation relating principally to claims for insurance coverage provided. No
currently pending matter is deemed by management to be material to the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Nothing to report.
17
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Class A and Class B common stocks are traded on The NASDAQ Stock
Market(R) under the symbols BWINA and BWINB, respectively. The Class A and Class
B common shares have identical rights and privileges except that Class B shares
have no voting rights other than on matters for which Indiana law requires class
voting. As of December 31, 2004, there were approximately 400 record holders of
Class A Common Stock and approximately 1,000 record holders of Class B Common
Stock.
The table below sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for the Class A
and Class B Common Stock for 2004 and 2003, as reported by the National
Association of Security Dealers, Inc. and published in the financial press. The
quotations reflect interdealer prices without retail markup, markdown or
commission and do not necessarily represent actual transactions. All per share
amounts have been adjusted for a five-for-four stock split, effective February
17, 2003.
CLASS A CLASS B CASH
------------------------- -------------------------- DIVIDENDS
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW DECLARED
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
Year ended December 31:
2004:
FOURTH QUARTER $28.240 $24.300 $29.150 $24.520 $1.00
THIRD QUARTER 29.230 23.750 26.850 23.100 .15
SECOND QUARTER 29.750 22.750 30.680 22.200 .40
FIRST QUARTER 29.150 22.370 30.000 25.000 .50
2003:
Fourth Quarter 23.480 22.000 29.450 23.370 .35
Third Quarter 23.950 20.750 26.508 21.500 .10
Second Quarter 25.000 18.020 26.480 19.490 .10
First Quarter 19.850 18.256 20.750 17.832 .10
The Company expects to continue its policy of paying regular cash dividends
although there is no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent
on future earnings, capital requirements and financial conditions and are
subject to regulatory restrictions as described in Note F to the consolidated
financial statements.
The Company has paid quarterly cash dividends continuously since 1974. The
current regular quarterly dividend rate is $.10 per share. Since the fourth
quarter of 2003, the Company has paid an extra cash dividend each quarter in
recognition of the Company's more than adequate capitalization, the favorable
income tax rates available to individuals on dividends and excellent earnings
over the past three years. Total extra dividends paid in 2004 and 2003 were
$1.65 and $.25 per share, respectively. The Board intends to address the subject
of dividends at each of its future meetings considering the Company's earnings,
returns on investments and its capital needs; however, shareholders should not
expect extra dividends, if any, in the future to follow any predetermined
pattern.
18
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- --------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
-------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
DIRECT AND ASSUMED PREMIUMS WRITTEN $ 247,099 $ 227,614 $ 173,294 $ 120,308 $ 101,390
NET PREMIUMS EARNED 172,145 146,153 104,392 83,138 77,439
NET INVESTMENT INCOME 12,287 12,873 14,964 17,626 19,049
REALIZED NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS 9,770 9,990 (16,445) 5,053 12,473
LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES INCURRED 126,298 95,738 68,107 81,87057,470
NET INCOME 30,306 33,075 12,366 5,390 19,750
EARNINGS PER SHARE -- NET INCOME, 2.05 2.25 .84 .35 1.26
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE2.05 .65 .32 .32 .32
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO577,428 515,843 448,520 439,434 442,060
TOTAL ASSETS 868,563 769,857 644,462 601,109 552,164
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 326,548 324,574 284,588 288,360 294,000
COST OF TREASURY SHARES PURCHASED - - 8,978 2,154 17,018
BOOK VALUE PER SHARE, 22.04 22.00 19.43 18.98 19.21
UNDERWRITING RATIOS:
Losses and loss expenses 73.4% 65.5% 65.2% 98.5% 74.2%
Underwriting expenses 24.0% 26.5% 26.1% 24.3% 28.1%
Combined 97.4% 92.0% 91.3% 122.8% 102.3%
Earnings and book value per share are adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding.
All per share amounts have been adjusted for the five-for-four stock split effective February 17, 2003. 2004 and 2003 include
extra dividends of $1.65 and $.25 per share, respectively.
Includes money market instruments classified with cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Data is for all coverages combined, does not include fee income and is presented based upon generally accepted accounting
principles.
Includes $20,000 relating to the events of September 11, 2001.
19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------
The primary sources of the Company's liquidity are (1) funds generated from
insurance operations including net investment income, (2) proceeds from the sale
of investments and (3) proceeds from maturing investments. The Company generally
experiences positive cash flow resulting from the fact that premiums are
collected on insurance policies in advance of the disbursement of funds in
payment of claims. Operating costs of the insurance subsidiaries, other than
loss and loss expense payments, generally average less than 30% of premiums
earned on a consolidated basis and the remaining amount is available for
investment for varying periods of time depending on the type of insurance
coverage provided. Because losses are often settled in periods different from
when they are incurred, at times, operating cash flows may turn negative as loss
settlements on claim reserves established in prior years exceed net premium
revenue and receipts of investment income. During 2004, positive cash flow from
operations totaled $72.3 million compared to $56.9 million in 2003, generally in
line with the increase in net premium earned during 2004.
For several years, the Company's investment philosophy has emphasized the
purchase of short-term bonds with maximum quality and liquidity. As interest
rates have declined and yield curves have not provided a strong incentive to
lengthen maturities in recent years, the Company has maintained and, during
2004, increased its short-term position with respect to the vast majority of its
fixed maturity investments in anticipation of rate increases expected to occur
in 2005. The average life of the Company's bond and short-term investment
portfolio was 2.2 years and 2.8 years at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. The Company also remains an active participant in the equity
securities market using capital which is not considered necessary to fund
current operations. The long-term horizon for the Company's equity investments
allows it to invest in positions where ultimate value, and not short-term market
fluctuation, is the primary focus. Investments made by the Company's domestic
insurance subsidiaries are regulated by guidelines promulgated by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners which are designed to provide protection
for both policyholders and shareholders.
The Company's assets at December 31, 2004 included $97.2 million in short-term
and cash equivalent investments which are readily convertible to cash without
market penalty and an additional $144.9 million of fixed income investments (at
par) maturing in less than one year. The Company believes that these liquid
investments, plus the expected cash flow from current operations, are more than
sufficient to provide for projected claim payments and operating cost demands.
In the event competitive conditions produce inadequate premium rates and the
Company chooses to restrict volume, the liquidity of its investment portfolio
would permit it to continue to pay claims as settlements are reached without
requiring the disposal of investments at a loss, regardless of interest rates in
effect at the time. In addition, the Company's reinsurance program is structured
to avoid serious cash drains that might accompany catastrophic losses.
Net premiums written by the Company's U.S. insurance subsidiaries for 2004
equaled approximately 41% of the combined statutory surplus of these
subsidiaries. Premium writings of 200% to 300% of surplus are generally
considered acceptable by regulatory authorities. Further, the statutory capital
of each of the insurance subsidiaries substantially exceeds minimum risk based
capital requirements set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Accordingly, the Company has the ability to significantly increase its business
without seeking additional capital to meet regulatory guidelines.
As more fully discussed in Note F to the consolidated financial statements, at
December 31, 2004, $79.2 million, or 24% of shareholders' equity, represented
net assets of the Company's insurance subsidiaries which, at that time, could
not be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the parent
company because
20
of minimum statutory capital requirements. However, management
believes that these restrictions pose no material liquidity concerns for the
Company. The financial strength and stability of the subsidiaries permit ready
access by the parent company to short-term and long-term sources of credit. The
Company has no long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2004. Short-term
borrowing totaled $6.0 million at December 31, 2004.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
2004 COMPARED TO 2003
Direct premiums written for 2004 totaled $237.1 million, an increase of $21.5
million (10%) from 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase
in fleet trucking liability premiums of $16.7 million (15%) from 2003 levels.
Direct premium writings from the Company's independent contractor program also
increased by $7.2 million (18%). These increases were partially offset by
decreases in the Company's private passenger automobile, small business workers'
compensation and small fleet trucking programs of $1.4 million (3%), $.6 million
(6%) and $.4 million (3%), respectively. Large trucking fleet volume increased
primarily from the addition of new accounts during 2004, increased revenues from
renewal accounts and, to a lesser degree, premium rate increases. The higher
premium volume from the independent contractor program resulted from the
addition of contractors by existing accounts. Increased competitive pressures
are responsible for the decline in premium volume from the Sagamore personal
automobile and small fleet trucking programs. The decline in small business
workers' compensation premium resulted from management's decision to discontinue
marketing this business during the fourth quarter of 2004.
Premiums assumed from other insurers and reinsurers totaled $8.7 million during
2004, a decrease of $2.4 million (21%) from 2003 reflecting the discontinuance
of a single large program for which renewal pricing was not considered to be
favorable. Premium volume from reinsurance assumed will fluctuate depending on
the favorability of pricing for the coverages provided. Further, premium volume
for this segment is limited by the Company's self-imposed limitation to loss
from a single catastrophic event.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $5.1 million (7%) during 2004 to $78.6
million. However, the consolidated percentage of premiums ceded to direct
premiums written decreased to 33% for 2004 from 34% for 2003. This decrease is
reflective of the Company's increased exposure under reinsurance treaties
effective in 2003 and 2004 covering large fleet trucking risks. The Company's
maximum retained loss under these treaties has increased over the last two years
and, as a result, a lower percentage of the direct premiums are ceded to
reinsurers. There were no other significant changes to reinsurance treaties
during 2004.
After giving effect to changes in unearned premiums, net premiums earned
increased 18% to $172.1 million for 2004 from $146.2 million for 2003. Excluding
inter-company reinsurance arrangements, net premiums earned from all
trucking-related insurance products increased by $21.7 million (24%). Net
premiums earned from the Company's private passenger automobile and small
workers' compensation programs also increased $3.4 million (9%) and $1.9 million
(31%), respectively. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in net
premium earned from non-affiliated reinsurance assumed of $1.3 million (12%)
from 2003.
Net investment income decreased $.6 million (5%) during 2004 reflecting lower
overall pre-tax yields while average invested assets increased 11%. The average
pre-tax yield on invested assets dropped to 2.9% this year from 3.3% during 2003
(13%). The decline in yields occurred entirely within the bond portfolio which
averaged 3.2% during 2004 compared to 3.9% last year. A portion of this decline
in pre-tax yield is attributable to the increased use of tax-exempt bonds during
2004. Yields on equity securities and short-term investments increased to 3.3%
and 1.2%, respectively, from 3.1% and 1.0%, respectively, during 2003, partially
offsetting the decline in bond yields. After-tax yields were 2.2% and 2.4% for
2004 and 2003, respectively. As discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources
section, the Company has maintained its bond portfolio at an
21
increasingly short-term level during the past several years as long-term
interest rates were not considered to be sufficient to commit funds for extended
periods. Increases in short-term rates during 2004 did not have a dramatic
impact on longer-term rates, providing no incentive to lengthen maturities.
Consequently, the average yield on maturing bonds exceeded the reinvestment rate
during 2004 as shorter-term instruments were utilized in anticipation of more
dramatic increases in long-term rates in 2005 and beyond.
Realized net capital gains were $9.8 million in 2004 compared to gains of $10.0
million for 2003. The current year's net gain consisted of gains on equity
securities of $8.5 million, gains on fixed maturities of $1.9 million, and
losses on other investments of $.6 million. Capital gains for the current year
include a net gain of $1.2 million attributable to the process of accounting for
"other than temporary impairment" in the investment portfolio. The net gain
includes $2.4 million representing subsequent appreciation on previously written
down securities disposed of during 2004 offset by additional write downs during
the year. See the Investment Valuation section under the caption Critical
Accounting Policies and Note B to the consolidated financial statements for
further information with respect to the other than temporary impairment
adjustment process.
Losses and loss expenses incurred during 2004 increased $30.6 million (32%) to
$126.3 million. The increase in losses incurred is reflective of the 18%
increase in net premiums earned, and primarily the 24% increase in premiums from
trucking-related products, as previously discussed, and from $5.0 million of
losses attributable to the Florida hurricanes during September, 2004. The 2004
consolidated loss and loss expense ratio was 73.4% compared to 65.5% for 2003.
The Company's loss and loss expense ratios for individual product lines are
summarized in the following table.
Loss and loss expense ratios:
2004 2003
------ ------
Fleet trucking 79.3% 68.6%
Private passenger automobile 58.7 60.2
Small fleet trucking 63.5 64.0
Reinsurance assumed 59.8 51.6
Small business workers' compensation 92.2 91.4
All lines 73.4 65.5
The loss and loss expense ratio for fleet trucking products for 2004 reflects an
increase in severity of accidents, particularly in the large fleet excess
product. While overall frequency in the trucking lines has not increased
significantly, the frequency of severe losses was higher in 2004. Part of the
increase in severity is attributable to social inflation factors which result in
higher jury awards and settlements on serious accidents. The Company's higher
retention under recent reinsurance treaty renewals also allows for more net
volatility in this line of business. The loss and loss expense ratio for
reinsurance assumed increased by 8 percentage points, and relates primarily to
hurricane losses in 2004. The small business workers' compensation program
continued to perform poorly. This continued unsatisfactory performance prompted
management to discontinue this product in the current year fourth quarter.
The Company produced an overall savings on the handling of prior year claims
during 2004 of $15.0 million. This net savings is included in the computation of
loss ratios shown in the table insert. Because of the high limits provided by
the Company to its large trucking fleet insureds, the length of time required to
settle larger, more complex claims and the volatility of the trucking liability
insurance business, the Company believes it is important to have a high degree
of conservatism in its reserving process. As claims are settled in years
subsequent to their occurrence, the Company's claim handling process has,
historically, tended to produce savings from the reserves provided. The Company
believes that favorable loss developments are attributable to the Company's
long-standing policy of reserving for losses realistically and a willingness to
settle claims based upon a seasoned evaluation of its exposures. Changes in both
gross premium volumes and the Company's
22
reinsurance structure for its large trucking fleets can have a significant
impact on future loss developments and, as a result, loss and loss expense
ratios and prior year reserve development may not be consistent year to year.
Other operating expenses for 2004, before credits for allowances from
reinsurers, increased $.9 million (2%) to $51.5 million. Gross expenses
increased at a lower rate than the increase in premium volume because much of
the Company's expense structure is fixed and does not vary directly with volume.
In general, only commissions to independent agents, premium taxes and other
acquisition costs vary directly with premium volume. Direct commission expense
increased $.8 million (7%) due to growth in business produced by outside agents.
Resulting primarily from the increase in premium earned, taxes other than
federal income and salary-related taxes increased $.7 million (12%) from 2003.
Most other expense categories were level or down from the prior year as the
investment in automation during the past several years has allowed for the
handling of higher premium volume without the addition of employees.
Reinsurance ceded credits were $.4 million (2%) higher in 2004, in line with
higher reinsurance ceded premiums. While the dollars of reinsurance ceded
credits were higher this year, the ratio of reinsurance ceded credits to gross
acquisition costs declined because Protective is retaining a greater percentage
of the gross premium for its own account under recent reinsurance treaties.
Substantially all fleet trucking business is produced by direct sales efforts of
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. employees and, accordingly, this business does not incur
commission expense on a consolidated basis. Instead, the expenses of the agency
operations, including salaries and bonuses of salesmen, travel expenses, etc.
are included in operating expenses. In general, commissions paid by the
insurance subsidiaries to the parent company exceed related acquisition costs
incurred in the production of fleet trucking business. The ratio of net
operating expenses of the insurance subsidiaries to net premiums earned was
24.0% during 2004 compared to 26.5% for 2003. Including the agency operations,
and after elimination of inter-company commissions, the ratio of other operating
expenses to operating revenue (defined as total revenue less realized gains on
investments) was 16.2% for 2004 compared with 18.4% for 2003, and reflects the
fixed nature of certain of the Company's expenses, as discussed above.
The effective federal tax rate for consolidated operations for 2004 was 31.1%.
This rate is lower than the statutory rate primarily because of tax-exempt
investment income.
As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income for 2004 was $30.3
million compared to $33.1 million for 2003. Diluted earnings per share decreased
to $2.05 in 2004 from $2.25 in 2003. Earnings per share from operations, before
realized gains or losses on investments, was $1.62 in 2004 compared to $1.81 in
2003.
2003 COMPARED TO 2002
Direct premiums written for 2003 totaled $215.6 million, an increase of $50.9
million (31%) from 2002. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in
fleet trucking liability and private passenger automobile programs of $32.6
million (43%) and $6.9 million (19%), respectively, from 2002 levels. Direct
premium writings from the Company's small trucking fleet, independent contractor
and small business workers' compensation programs also increased by $4.6 million
(43%), $3.5 million (10%) and $3.3 million (53%), respectively. Large trucking
fleet volume increased primarily from the addition of new accounts during 2003
and the fact that a full year of premiums was recorded for the new accounts
added in 2002. Increased revenues from renewal accounts and, to a lesser degree,
premium rate increases also contributed to the increase in large fleet trucking
liability premiums during 2003. The higher premium volume from the independent
contractor program resulted from the addition of contractors by existing
accounts. Increased premium volume from the Sagamore personal automobile and
commercial divisions came largely from existing market areas resulting from
improving market conditions and, to a lesser extent, from geographic expansion.
23
Premiums assumed from other insurers and reinsurers totaled $11.1 million during
2003, an increase of $3.0 million (37%) from 2002. Improved pricing in this
market allowed the Company to increase its participation in existing treaties
and, to a lesser extent, add new treaties during 2003. Premium volume for this
division is limited by the Company's self-imposed limitation to loss from a
single catastrophic event. Further, the Company's participation in reinsurance
assumed in the future will be restricted should pricing become less favorable.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $9.7 million (15%) during 2003 to $73.5
million. The consolidated percentage of premiums ceded to direct premiums
written decreased to 34% for 2003 from 39% for 2002. This decrease is reflective
of the Company's increased exposure under reinsurance treaties effective in 2002
and 2003 covering large fleet trucking risks. The Company's maximum retained
loss under these treaties has increased over the last two years and, as a
result, a lower percentage of the direct premiums are ceded to reinsurers.
After giving effect to changes in unearned premiums, net premiums earned
increased 40% to $146.2 million for 2003 from $104.4 million for 2002. Excluding
inter-company reinsurance arrangements, net premiums earned from all
trucking-related insurance products increased by $29.3 million (48%). Net
premiums earned from the Company's private passenger automobile, non-affiliated
reinsurance assumed and small business workers' compensation programs also
increased $6.4 million (20%), $3.0 million (39%) and $2.6 million (76%),
respectively.
Net investment income decreased $2.1 million (14%) during 2003 reflecting lower
overall pre-tax yields while average invested assets increased 6%. The average
pre-tax yield on invested assets dropped to 3.3% in 2003 from 4.1% during 2002
(18%). The largest decline in yields occurred in the bond portfolio which
averaged 3.9% during 2003 compared to 5.1% in 2002. Yields on short-term
investments also declined from 1.4% in 2002 to .8% in 2003. After tax yields
declined less than pre-tax because of a reallocation of the investment portfolio
whereby corporate (fully taxable) bonds were replaced with municipal (largely
tax exempt) bonds. After-tax yields were 2.4% and 2.9% for 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
Realized net capital gains were $10.0 million in 2003 compared to losses of
$16.4 million for 2002. The current year's net gain consisted of gains on equity
securities of $9.3 million, gains on fixed maturities of $.5 million, and gains
on other investments of $.2 million. The gains on equity securities include
approximately $3.9 million of gains realized by disposal of securities whose
recorded value had previously been written down due to other than temporary
impairment concerns. Partially offsetting the effect of other than temporary
impairment adjustments on securities sold was $2.4 million in unrealized losses
on fixed maturity securities still owned which experienced a decline in market
value of more than 20% for more than six months and, accordingly, were
reclassified as realized losses during 2003. The gains realized during 2003
reflect the improvement in the equity markets, in general, particularly in the
last quarter.
Losses and loss expenses incurred during 2003 increased $27.6 million (41%) to
$95.7 million. The increase in losses incurred is reflective of the 40% increase
in net premiums earned, as previously discussed. The 2003 consolidated loss and
loss expense ratio was 65.5% compared to 65.2% for 2002. The loss and loss
expense ratios for the Company's fleet trucking and private passenger automobile
programs were fairly consistent with that experienced in 2002. Small fleet
trucking experienced a 14 percentage point increase in its loss and loss expense
ratio due to the increased frequency and severity of reported claims while the
loss and loss expense ratio for reinsurance assumed dropped by 10 percentage
points, reflecting the lack of major catastrophe activity affecting treaties in
which the Company participates. The loss and loss expense ratio for the small
business workers' compensation program increased to 91.4% in 2003 from 54.7% in
2002. This significant increase is due to approximately $.7 million in
adjustments to prior year losses resulting from internal management review of
the reserving methodologies for this product as well as increased frequency and
severity of 2003 losses.
24
Including the deficiency noted above for the small business workers'
compensation product, the Company produced an overall savings on the handling of
prior year claims during 2003 of $13.6 million. See comments regarding prior
year reserve savings in the comparison of 2004 to 2003.
Other operating expenses for 2003, before credits for allowances from
reinsurers, increased $10.8 million (27%) to $50.6 million. Gross expenses
increased at a lower rate than the increase in premium volume because much of
the Company's expense structure is fixed and does not vary directly with volume.
Personnel related expenses, including amounts allocated to loss expenses and
investment income, increased 26% due mainly to employee incentives based upon
Company performance in addition to a 7% increase in the number of employees
during 2003. Direct commission expense increased $2.9 million (33%) due to
growth in all of the Company's business produced by outside agents and as the
result of increased participation in voluntary reinsurance assumed treaties.
Ceding commission allowances from reinsurers increased $2.5 million (14%),
resulting from increased premium volume ceded under reinsurance agreements
covering Protective's fleet trucking business. The ratio of net operating
expenses of the insurance subsidiaries to net premiums earned was 26.5% during
2003 compared to 26.1% for 2002. Including the agency operations, and after
elimination of inter-company commissions, the ratio of other operating expenses
to operating revenue was 18.4% for 2003 compared with 17.8% for 2002, with the
increase primarily attributable to the lower ratio of ceding commission income
to gross acquisition costs, as less of the gross premium is ceded to reinsurers.
The effective federal tax rate for consolidated operations for 2003 was 32.5%.
This rate is lower than the statutory rate primarily because of tax-exempt
investment income.
As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income for 2003 was $33.1
million compared to $12.4 million for 2002. Diluted earnings per share increased
to $2.25 in 2003 from $.84 in 2002. Earnings per share from operations before
realized gains or losses on investments was $1.81 in 2003 compared to $1.57 in
2002.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- ----------------------------
The Company's significant accounting policies are discussed in Note A to the
consolidated financial statements. The following discussion is provided to
highlight areas of the Company's accounting policies which are both material and
subject to significant degrees of estimation.
INVESTMENT VALUATION
All marketable securities are included in the Company's balance sheet at current
fair market value.
Approximately 67% of the Company's assets are composed of investments at
December 31, 2004. Approximately 3% of these investments, consisting of limited
partnership investments in equity trading and hedge funds, real estate
development ventures and venture capital funds, do not have readily determinable
market values. For these investments, we estimate fair value by reference to the
underlying assets of the limited partnerships. In addition, approximately $16.9
million of fixed maturity investments (3% of total invested assets) consists of
bonds rated as less than investment grade at year end. The majority of this
total is composed of shares in a widely diversified high yield municipal bond
fund where exposure to default by any single issuer is extremely limited.
Further, the average bond quality of assets held in this fund at year end was
BBB, which would be considered investment grade. We have included the investment
in this fund in the total of non-investment grade bonds since, under the terms
of the fund, the average bond quality could fall below BBB.
In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other than
temporary, we first make an objective analysis of each individual security where
current market value is less than cost. For any security where the unrealized
loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has
existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other
than temporary impairment, without any subjective evaluation as to possible
future recovery. The only exception exists where substantial recovery to cost
has actually occurred prior to the issuance of the financial statements. For
individual issues where the
25
decline in value is less than 20% but the amount of the decline is considered
significant, a similar objective evaluation is conducted but, in these cases, we
will also evaluate the market conditions, trends of earnings, price multiples
and other key measures for the securities to determine if it appears that the
decline is other than temporary. For any decline which is considered to be other
than temporary, we recognize an impairment loss in the current period operating
results as an addition to realized capital losses. Declines which are considered
to be temporary are recorded as a reduction in shareholders' equity, net of
related federal income tax credits.
It is important to note that all investments included in the Company's financial
statements are valued at current fair market values. The evaluation process for
determination of other than temporary decline in value of investments does not
change these valuations but, rather, determines when the decline in value will
be recognized in the income statement (other than temporary decline) as opposed
to a charge to shareholders' equity (temporary decline). Subsequent recoveries
in value of investments which have incurred an other than temporary impairment
adjustment are accounted for as unrealized gains until the security is actually
disposed of or sold. At December 31, 2004, unrealized gains include $4.2 million
of appreciation on investments previously adjusted for "other than temporary"
impairment, compared to a $4.5 million impairment allowance at that date. See
Note B to the consolidated financial statements for additional detail with
respect to this process. This evaluation process is subject to risks and
uncertainties since it is not always clear what has caused a decline in value of
an individual security or since some declines may be associated with general
market conditions or economic factors which relate to an industry, in general,
but not necessarily to an individual issue. The Company has attempted to
minimize many of these uncertainties by adopting a largely objective evaluation
process which results in automatic income statement recognition of any
investment which, over a six month period, is unable to recover from a 20%
decline in value from our cost basis. However, to the extent that certain
declines in value are reported as unrealized at December 31, 2004, it is
possible that future earnings charges will result should the declines in value
increase or persist or should the security actually be disposed of while market
values are less than cost. At December 31, 2004, the total gross unrealized loss
included in the Company's investment portfolio was less than $1.8 million. No
individual issue constituted a material amount of this total. Had this entire
amount been considered other than temporary at December 31, 2004, realized
capital gains would have decreased by $.08 per share for the year. There would,
however, have been no impact on total shareholders equity or book value per
share since the decline in value of these securities was already recognized as a
reduction to shareholders equity at December 31, 2004.
REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE
Amounts recoverable under the terms of reinsurance contracts comprise
approximately 27% of total Company assets as of December 31, 2004. In order to
be able to provide the high limits required by the Company's trucking company
insureds, we share a significant amount of the insurance risk of the underlying
contracts with various insurance entities through the use of reinsurance
contracts. Some reinsurance contracts provide that a loss be shared among the
Company and its reinsurers on a predetermined pro-rata basis ("quota-share")
while other contracts provide that the Company keep a fixed amount of the loss,
similar to a deductible, with reinsurers taking all losses above this fixed
amount ("excess of loss"). Some risks are covered by a combination of
quota-share and excess of loss contracts. The computation of amounts due from
reinsurers is based upon the terms of the various contracts and follows the
underlying estimation process for loss and loss expense reserves, as described
below. Accordingly, the uncertainties inherent in the loss and loss expense
reserving process also affect the amounts recorded as recoverable from
reinsurers. Estimation uncertainties are greatest for claims which have occurred
but which have not yet been reported to the Company. Further, the high limits
provided by the Company's insurance policies for trucking liability and workers'
compensation, provide more variability in the estimation process than lines of
business with lower coverage limits.
It should be noted, however, that a change in the estimate of amounts due from
reinsurers on unpaid claims will not, in itself, result in charges or credits to
losses incurred. This is because any change in estimated recovery follows the
estimate of the underlying loss. Thus, it is the computation of the underlying
loss that is critical.
As with any receivable, credit risk exists in the recoverability of reinsurance.
This is even more pronounced than in normal receivable situations since
recoverable amounts are not generally due until the loss is settled
26
which, in some cases, may be many years after the contract was written. If a
reinsurer is unable, in the future, to meet its financial commitments under the
terms of the contracts, the Company would be responsible for the reinsurer's
portion of the loss. The financial condition of each of the Company's reinsurers
is initially determined upon the execution of a given treaty and only reinsurers
with the highest credit ratings available are utilized. However, as noted above,
reinsurers are often not called upon to satisfy their obligations for several
years and changes in credit worthiness can occur in the interim period. Reviews
of the current financial strength of each reinsurer are made continually and,
should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer be determined to exist, current
year operations would be charged in amounts sufficient to provide for the
Company's additional liability. Such charges are included in other operating
expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses incurred, since the inability of
the Company to collect from reinsurers is a credit risk rather than a deficiency
associated with the loss reserving process.
LOSS AND LOSS EXPENSE RESERVES
The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses ("reserves") are determined
based on complex estimation processes using historical experience, current
economic information and, when necessary, available industry statistics.
Reserves are evaluated in three basic categories (1) "case basis", (2) "incurred
but not reported" and (3) "loss adjustment expense" reserves. Case basis
reserves are established for specific known loss occurrences at amounts
dependent upon various criteria such as type of coverage, severity and the
underlying policy limits, as examples. Case basis reserves are generally
estimated by experienced claims adjusters using established Company guidelines
and are subject to review by claims management. Incurred but not reported
reserves, which are established for those losses which have occurred, but have
not yet been reported to the Company, are not linked to specific claims but are
computed on a "bulk" basis. Common actuarial methods are used in the
establishment of incurred but not reported loss reserves using company
historical loss data, consideration of changes in the Company's business and
study of current economic trends affecting ultimate claims costs. Loss
adjustment expense reserves, or reserves for the costs associated with the
investigation and settlement of a claim, are also bulk reserves representing the
Company's estimate of the costs associated with the claims handling process.
Loss adjustment expense reserves include amounts ultimately allocable to
individual claims as well as amounts required for the general overhead of the
claims handling operation that are not specifically allocable to individual
claims. Historical analyses of the ratio of loss adjusting expenses to losses
paid on prior closed claims and study of current economic trends affecting loss
settlement costs are used to estimate the loss adjustment reserve needs related
to the established loss reserves. Each of these reserve categories contain
elements of uncertainty which assure variability when compared to the ultimate
costs to settle the underlying claims for which the reserves are established.
The reserving process requires management to continuously monitor and evaluate
the life cycle of claims based on the class of business and the nature of
claims. Our claims range from the very routine private passenger automobile
"fender bender" to the highly complex and costly third party bodily injury claim
involving large tractor-trailer rigs. Reserving for each class of claims
requires a set of assumptions based upon historical experience, knowledge of
current industry trends and seasoned judgment. The high limits provided in the
Company's trucking liability policies provide for greater variation in the
reserving process for more serious claims. Court rulings, tort reform (or lack
thereof) and trends in jury awards also play a significant role in the
estimation process of larger claims. The Company continuously reviews and
evaluates loss developments subsequent to each measurement date and adjusts its
reserve estimation assumptions, as necessary, in an effort to achieve the best
possible estimate of the ultimate remaining loss costs at any point in time.
Changes to previously established reserve amounts are charged or credited to
losses and loss expenses incurred in the accounting periods in which they are
determined. Note C to the consolidated financial statements includes additional
information relating to loss and loss adjustment expense reserve development.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
- ---------------------------
Any forward-looking statements in this report including, without limitation,
statements relating to the Company's plans, strategies, objectives,
expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Investors are cautioned
27
that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including,
without limitation, the following: (i) the Company's plans, strategies,
objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the
discretion of the Company; (ii) the Company's business is highly competitive and
the entrance of new competitors into or the expansion of the operations by
existing competitors in the Company's markets and other changes in the market
for insurance products could adversely affect the Company's plans and results of
operations; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time
in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
- ---------------------------------
The liability method is used in accounting for federal income taxes. Using this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences are expected to reverse. The provision for deferred federal income
tax was based on items of income and expense that were reported in different
years in the financial statements and tax returns and were measured at the tax
rate in effect in the year the difference originated. Net deferred tax
liabilities reported at December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of:
2004 2003
------------- ------------
Total deferred tax liabilities $ 26,630 $ 27,046
Total deferred tax assets 14,553 13,846
------------- ------------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ 12,077 $ 13,200
============= ============
The total deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 included $7,828 in special
tax deposits covered under Section 847 of the Internal Revenue Code, as
explained in the following paragraph, which compares to $5,523 in special tax
deposits at December 31, 2003. Adjusted for the special deposits, net deferred
tax assets at December 31, 2004 were $6,725 compared with $8,322 million at
December 31, 2003.
Section 847 of the Internal Revenue Code created a mechanism which assures
recoverability for the deferred tax asset arising from the discounting of
property and casualty loss reserves for tax purposes. This provision allows an
insurer to take a special tax deduction equal to the discount on post 1986
accident year loss and loss expense reserves while making "special estimated tax
payments" equal to the amount of the tax benefit derived from the special
deduction. The "special estimated tax payments" can be carried forward for
fifteen years to offset taxes arising from decreases in the special deduction
and can be treated as regular estimated payments or refunded at the end of the
carryforward period. Because the recovery of this deferred tax asset is
guaranteed, it need not be considered when determining the recoverability of
deferred tax assets.
Of the remaining deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004, approximately $3,115
relate to other policy liability discounts required by the Internal Revenue Code
which are perpetual in nature and, in the absence of the termination of
business, will not reverse to a material degree in the foreseeable future. An
additional $1,583 relates to impairment adjustments made to investments, as
required by accounting regulations. The sizable unrealized gains in the
Company's investment portfolios would allow for the recovery of this deferred
tax at any time. The balance of deferred tax assets, approximately $2,027,
consists of various normal operating expense accruals and is not considered to
be material. As a result of its analysis, management does not believe that any
of these assets are impaired at December 31, 2004.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
- -------------------
To the extent possible, the Company attempts to recover the costs of inflation
by increasing the premiums it charges. Within the fleet trucking business, a
majority of the Company's premiums are charged as a percentage of an insured's
gross revenue or payroll. As these charging bases increase with inflation,
premium revenues are immediately increased. The remaining premium rates charged
are adjustable only at periodic intervals and
28
often require state regulatory approval. Such periodic increases in premium
rates may lag far behind cost increases.
To the extent inflation influences yields on investments, the Company is also
affected. The Company's short-term and fixed investment portfolios are
structured in direct response to available interest rates over the yield curve.
As available market interest rates fluctuate in response to the presence or
absence of inflation, the yields on the Company's investments are impacted.
Further, as inflation affects current market rates of return, previously
committed investments may rise or decline in value depending on the type and
maturity of investment. (See comments under Market Risk, following.)
Inflation must also be considered by the Company in the creation and review of
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves since portions of these reserves are
expected to be paid over extended periods of time. The anticipated effect of
inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for losses and
loss adjustment expenses.
MARKET RISK
- -----------
The Company operates solely within the property and casualty insurance industry
and, accordingly, has significant invested assets which are exposed to various
market risks. These market risks relate to interest rate fluctuations, equities
market prices and, to a far lesser extent, foreign currency rate fluctuations.
All of the Company's invested assets are classified as available for sale and
are listed as such in Note B to the consolidated financial statements.
The most significant of the three identified market risks relates to prices in
the equities market. Though not the largest category of the Company's invested
assets, equity securities have the greatest potential for short-term price
fluctuation. The market value of the Company's equity positions at December 31,
2004 was $133.0 million or approximately 23% of invested assets. This market
valuation includes $66.7 million of appreciation over the cost basis of the
equity security investments. Funds invested in the equities market are not
considered to be assets necessary for the Company to conduct its daily
operations and, therefore, can be committed for extended periods of time. The
long-term nature of the Company's equity investments allows it to invest in
positions where ultimate value, and not short-term market fluctuations, is the
primary focus.
The Company's fixed maturity portfolio totaled $331.3 million at December 31,
2004. Over 80% of this portfolio is made up of U. S. Government and government
agency obligations and state and municipal debt securities; 85% of the portfolio
matures within 5 years; and the average life of the Company's fixed maturity
investments is approximately 2.2 years. Although the Company is exposed to
interest rate risk on its fixed maturity investments, given the anticipated
duration of the Company's liabilities (principally insurance loss and loss
expense reserves) relative to investment maturities, even a 100 to 200 basis
point increase in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the
Company's ability to conduct daily operations or to meet its obligations.
There is an inverse relationship between interest rate fluctuations and the fair
value of the Company's fixed maturity investments. Additionally, the fair value
of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the financial strength
of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments,
liquidity of the investment and other general market conditions. The Company
monitors its sensitivity to interest rate risk by measuring the change in fair
value of its fixed maturity investments relative to hypothetical changes in
interest rates. As previously indicated, several other factors can impact the
fair values of fixed maturity investments and, therefore, significant variations
in market interest rates could produce quite different results from the
hypothetical estimates presented in the next paragraph.
We estimate that a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have
resulted in a pre-tax loss in the fair value of fixed maturity investments of
approximately $5.5 million at December 31, 2004. Similarly, a 100 basis point
decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated pre-tax
gain in the fair value of these instruments of approximately $5.8 million at
December 31, 2004. Note, however, that the hypothetical loss mentioned above
would only be realized if the Company was obligated to sell bonds prior to
maturity,
29
which is extremely unlikely. The aggregate value of money market and short-term
investments, bonds maturing within twelve months and expected positive cash flow
from operations for 2005 is equal to more than 100% of net loss and loss expense
reserves at December 31, 2004.
The Company's exposure to foreign currency risk is not material.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
- -----------------------
The table below sets forth the amounts of the Company's contractual obligations
at December 31, 2004.
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LESS THAN 1 1 - 3 3 - 5 MORE THAN
YEAR YEARS YEARS 5 YEARS
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Loss and loss expense reserves $ 441.8 $ 119.3 $ 114.9 $ 52.1 $ 155.5
Investment commitments 6.5 6.5 - - -
Operating leases 4.3 1.2 2.4 0.8 -
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Total $ 452.6 $ 127.0 $ 117.3 $ 52.9 $ 155.5
=========== ============= =========== ========== ===========
The Company's loss and loss expense reserves do not have contractual maturity
dates and the exact timing of the payment of claims cannot be predicted with
certainty. However, based upon historical payment patterns, we have included an
estimate of when we might expect our direct loss and loss expense reserves
(without the benefit of reinsurance recoveries) to be paid in the preceding
table. Timing of the collection of the related reinsurance recoverable,
estimated to be $233.0 million at December 31, 2004, would approximate that of
the above projected direct reserve payout.
The investment commitments in the above table relate to unfunded capital
obligations for limited partnership investments the Company owned at December
31, 2004.
30
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 8--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
31
REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Baldwin &
Lyons, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (the COSO criteria). Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.'s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's
assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A 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. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control 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 become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management's assessment that Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is
fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in
our opinion, Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004,
based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2004 consolidated financial
statements of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March
4, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 4, 2005
32
REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (CONTINUED)
REPORT ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Baldwin & Lyons,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in equity other than capital, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index
at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements and schedules 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. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Baldwin & Lyons,
Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken
as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Baldwin &
Lyons, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004,
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our
report dated March 4, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 4, 2005
33
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
DECEMBER 31
2004 2003
---------------- ---------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities $ 331,281 $ 321,193
Equity securities 133,042 130,139
Short-term and other 52,395 36,545
---------------- ---------------
516,718 487,877
Cash and cash equivalents 57,384 30,078
Accounts receivable--less allowance
(2004, $1,161; 2003, $1,127) 33,481 37,333
Accrued investment income 3,774 3,848
Reinsurance recoverable 236,466 185,457
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 5,000 6,650
Deferred policy acquisition costs 4,797 5,309
Property and equipment--less accumulated
depreciation (2004, $9,696; 2003, $10,009) 5,236 6,206
Notes receivable from employees 2,514 4,828
Other assets 3,193 2,271
---------------- ---------------
$ 868,563 $ 769,857
================ ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses $ 441,821 $ 343,724
Unearned premiums 33,233 36,803
---------------- ---------------
475,054 380,527
Reinsurance payable 4,899 7,460
Note payable 6,000 -
Accounts payable and other liabilities 43,325 43,195
Current federal income taxes 660 901
Deferred federal income taxes 12,077 13,200
---------------- ---------------
542,015 445,283
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value:
Class A -- authorized 3,000,000 shares;
outstanding -- 2004 and 2003,
2,666,666 shares 114 114
Class B -- authorized 20,000,000 shares;
outstanding -- 2004, 12,056,124 shares;
2003, 11,924,354 shares 514 509
Additional paid-in capital 37,083 35,419
Unrealized net gains on investments 44,497 44,837
Retained earnings 244,340 243,695
---------------- ---------------
326,548 324,574
---------------- ---------------
$ 868,563 $ 769,857
================ ===============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
34
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Net premiums earned $ 172,145 $ 146,153 $ 104,392
Net investment income 12,287 12,873 14,964
Realized net gains (losses) on investments 9,770 9,990 (16,445)
Commissions, service fees and other income 7,131 6,232 5,219
-------------- -------------- --------------
201,333 175,248 108,130
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses incurred 126,298 95,738 68,107
Other operating expenses 31,046 30,477 22,193
-------------- -------------- --------------
157,344 126,215 90,300
-------------- -------------- --------------
INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES 43,989 49,033 17,830
Federal income taxes 13,683 15,958 5,464
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCOME $ 30,306 $ 33,075 $ 12,366
============== ============== ==============
Per share data:
DILUTED EARNINGS $ 2.05 $ 2.25 $ .84
============== ============== ==============
BASIC EARNINGS $ 2.07 $ 2.27 $ .85
============== ============== ==============
DIVIDENDS $ 2.05 $ .65 $ .32
============== ============== ==============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN CAPITAL
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
2004 2003 2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCES AT BEGINNING OF YEAR:
Retained earnings $ 243,695 $ 219,079 $ 219,067
Unrealized gains on investments 44,837 29,640 32,377
-------------- -------------- --------------
288,532 248,719 251,444
CHANGES ARISING FROM INCOME-PRODUCING ACTIVITIES:
Net income 30,306 33,075 12,366
Gains (losses) on investments:
Holding gains (losses) arising
during period, before federal
income taxes 9,246 33,371 (20,656)
Federal income taxes (benefit) 3,236 11,680 (7,230)
-------------- -------------- --------------
6,010 21,691 (13,426)
(Gains) losses realized during period
included in net income, before federal
income taxes (9,770) (9,990) 16,445
Federal income taxes (benefit) (3,420) (3,496) 5,756
-------------- -------------- --------------
(6,350) (6,494) 10,689
-------------- -------------- --------------
Change in unrealized gains on investments (340) 15,197 (2,737)
Foreign exchange adjustment 413 1,011 77
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL REALIZED AND UNREALIZED INCOME 30,379 49,283 9,706
Other changes affecting retained earnings:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders (30,074) (9,470) (4,636)
Cost of treasury shares in excess of
original issue proceeds - - (7,795)
-------------- -------------- --------------
(30,074) (9,470) (12,431)
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL CHANGES 305 39,813 (2,725)
-------------- -------------- --------------
BALANCES AT END OF YEAR:
Retained earnings 244,340 243,695 219,079
Unrealized gains on investments 44,497 44,837 29,640
-------------- -------------- --------------
$ 288,837 $ 288,532 $ 248,719
============== ============== ==============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
36
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 30,306 $ 33,075 $ 12,366
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in accounts receivable
and unearned premium 211 4,275 (3,434)
Change in accrued investment income 74 213 (185)
Change in reinsurance recoverable on
paid losses 2,073 779 (2,612)
Change in loss and loss expense reserves
net of reinsurance 45,087 17,439 6,969
Change in other assets, other liabilities
and current income taxes (1,626) 7,252 7,046
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs (3,512) (4,431) (5,569)
Net policy acquisition costs deferred 4,024 3,299 4,915
Provision for deferred income taxes (940) (743) (2,675)
Bond amortization 3,722 2,802 1,482
Loss on sale of property 14 17 10
Depreciation 2,425 2,741 2,601
Net realized loss (gain) on investments (9,770) (9,990) 17,057
Compensation expense related to
discounted stock options 256 143 134
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 72,344 56,871 38,105
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities (186,900) (206,141) (172,806)
Proceeds from maturities 95,136 85,429 51,978
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities 17,279 34,492 32,000
Proceeds from sales of equity securities 56,684 61,764 53,112
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments (5,967) (27,529) 19,814
Distributions from limited partnerships 637 63 632
Decrease (increase) in principal balance of
notes receivable from employees 2,223 2,676 (5,036)
Purchases of property and equipment (1,580) (2,437) (1,989)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment 111 130 161
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (22,377) (51,553) (22,134)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to shareholders (30,074) (9,470) (4,636)
Proceeds from sale of common stock 1,413 31 2
Drawing on line of credit 6,000 - 10,000
Repayment on line of credit - (7,500) (2,500)
Cost of treasury shares - - (8,978)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (22,661) (16,939) (6,112)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 27,306 (11,621) 9,859
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 30,078 41,699 31,840
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 57,384 $ 30,078 $ 41,699
================ ================ ================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries ("the
Company"). All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been
eliminated in consolidation.
USE OF ESTIMATES: Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The Company considers investments in money market
funds to be cash equivalents. Carrying amounts for these instruments approximate
their fair values.
INVESTMENTS: Carrying amounts for fixed maturity securities (bonds, notes and
redeemable preferred stocks) represent fair value and are based on quoted market
prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where
quoted market prices are not available. Equity securities (non-redeemable
preferred stocks and common stocks) are carried at quoted market prices (fair
value). Other investments are carried at either market value, cost or cost
adjusted for operations of limited partnerships, depending on the nature of the
investment. Put options used as a fair value hedge for a specific portion of the
Company's equity security portfolio are included with other investments at
market value. All fixed maturity, equity and derivative securities are
considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses
(net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders' equity
unless a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, in which
case, the loss is charged to income. In determining if and when a decline in
market value below cost is other than temporary, an objective analysis is made
of each individual security where current market value is less than cost. For
any security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost,
and where that decline has existed for a period of at least six months, the
decline is treated as an other than temporary impairment, without any subjective
evaluation as to possible future recovery. Although the Company has classified
fixed maturity investments as available for sale, it has the ability to, and
generally does, hold its fixed maturity investments to maturity. Short-term
investments are carried at cost which approximates their fair values. Realized
gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific
identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment is carried at cost. Depreciation
is computed principally by the straight-line method.
RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES: The reserves for losses and loss
expenses, minor portions of which are discounted, are determined using case
basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the
ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses which are unpaid at year
end. These reserves include estimates of future trends in claim severity and
frequency and other factors which could vary as the losses are ultimately
settled. Although it is not possible to measure the degree of variability
inherent in such estimates, management believes that the reserves for losses and
loss expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and as
adjustments to these reserves become necessary, such adjustments are reflected
in current operations.
RECOGNITION OF REVENUE AND COSTS: Premiums are earned over the period for which
insurance protection is provided. A reserve for unearned premiums, computed by
the daily pro-rata method, is established to reflect amounts applicable to
subsequent accounting periods. Commissions to unaffiliated companies and premium
taxes applicable to unearned premiums are deferred and expensed as the related
premiums are earned. The Company does not defer acquisition costs which are not
directly variable with the production of premium and are not refundable in the
event of policy cancellation. If it is determined that expected losses and
deferred expenses will exceed the related unearned premiums, the asset
representing deferred policy acquisition costs is reduced and an expense is
charged against current operations to reflect any such premium deficiency. If
the expected premium deficiency exceeds deferred policy acquisition costs, an
additional liability is recorded with a corresponding expense to current
operations for the amount of the excess premium deficiency. Anticipated
investment income is considered in determining recoverability of deferred
acquisition costs.
38
REINSURANCE: Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and
reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent
with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of
the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other insurers have been reported
as a reduction of premium earned. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for
unearned premium and claim loss reserves have been reported as reinsurance
recoverable assets. Certain reinsurance contracts provide for additional or
return premiums and commissions based upon profits or losses to the reinsurer
over prescribed periods. Estimates of additional or return premiums and
commissions are adjusted quarterly to recognize actual loss experience to date
as well as projected loss experience applicable to the various contract periods.
Reinstatement premiums on reinsurance assumed contracts covering catastrophic
events are recorded concurrently with the related loss.
Should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer to satisfy its obligations to
the Company be determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in
amounts sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such
charges are included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss
expenses incurred, since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers
is a credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving
process.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: A consolidated federal income tax return is filed by the
Company and includes all wholly owned subsidiaries.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: The Company uses the "fair value method" to account
for options granted to employees and non-employee directors in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION,
as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, ACCOUNTING
FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - TRANSITION AND DISCLOSURE.
EARNINGS PER SHARE: Diluted earnings per share of common stock are based on the
average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during
the year, adjusted for the effect, if any, of options outstanding. Basic
earnings per share are presented exclusive of the effect of options outstanding.
See note H.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: The Company records accumulated other comprehensive income
from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities as a separate
component of shareholders' equity. Foreign exchange adjustments are not material
and the Company has no defined benefit pension plan.
The enclosed STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN CAPITAL refers to
comprehensive income as TOTAL REALIZED AND UNREALIZED INCOME. Items of other
comprehensive income included in this statement are referred to as CHANGE IN
UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS and FOREIGN EXCHANGE ADJUSTMENT. A
reclassification adjustment to other comprehensive income is made for GAINS
REALIZED DURING PERIOD INCLUDED IN NET INCOME.
RECLASSIFICATION: Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation. All share amounts have been restated for the
five-for-four stock split declared in February, 2003.
39
NOTE B - INVESTMENTS
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at December 31:
COST OR GROSS GROSS NET
FAIR AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
VALUE COST GAINS LOSSES GAINS (LOSSES)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
2004:
U. S. government obligations $ 119,469 $ 119,529 $ 393 $ (453) $ (60)
Mortgage-backed securities 16,505 16,559 126 (180) (54)
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 141,436 140,908 898 (370) 528
Corporate securities 46,962 45,799 1,350 (187) 1,163
Foreign government obligations 6,909 6,735 174 - 174
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total fixed maturities 331,281 329,530 2,941 (1,190) 1,751
Equity securities 133,042 66,320 67,302 (580) 66,722
Short-term and other 52,395 52,411 - (16) (16)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total available-for-sale securities $ 516,718 $ 448,261 $ 70,243 $ (1,786) 68,457
============== ============== ============== ===============
Applicable federal income taxes (23,960)
--------------
Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 44,497
==============
2003:
U. S. government obligations $ 119,758 $ 118,267 $ 1,511 $ (20) $ 1,491
Mortgage-backed securities 19,198 19,139 168 (109) 59
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 104,237 102,865 1,398 (26) 1,372
Corporate securities 71,601 67,512 4,161 (72) 4,089
Foreign government obligations 6,399 6,295 104 - 104
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total fixed maturities 321,193 314,078 7,342 (227) 7,115
Equity securities 130,139 67,929 62,805 (595) 62,210
Short-term and other 36,545 36,890 - (345) (345)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total available-for-sale securities $ 487,877 $ 418,897 $ 70,147 $ (1,167) 68,980
============== ============== ============== ==============
Applicable federal income taxes (24,143)
--------------
Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 44,837
==============
The securities in an unrealized loss position are not significant.
40
NOTE B - INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Gross realized gains and losses on investments for the years ended December 31
are summarized below:
2004 2003 2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
Fixed maturities:
Gains $ 2,214 $ 1,122 $ 1,396
Losses (364) (584) (3,278)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net gains (losses) 1,850 538 (1,882)
Equity securities:
Gains 10,534 15,754 5,774
Losses (1,994) (6,502) (19,520)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net gains (losses) 8,540 9,252 (13,746)
Short-term and other - net gain (loss) (620) 200 (817)
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL NET GAINS (LOSSES) $ 9,770 $ 9,990 ($16,445)
============== ============== ==============
Activity with respect to other than temporary impairment of investments for the
years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
------------ ------------- ------------
Cumulative charges to income at beginning of year $ 5,765 $ 7,234 $ 2,081
Writedowns based on objective criteria 1,143 2,394 6,675
Recovery of prior writedowns upon sale or disposal (2,385) (3,863) (1,522)
------------ ------------- ------------
Cumulative charges to income at end of year $ 4,523 $ 5,765 $ 7,234
============ ============= ============
Net pre-tax realized gain (loss) $ 1,242 $ 1,469 ($ 5,153)
============ ============= ============
Addition (reduction) to earnings per share $ .05 $ .06 $ (.28)
============ ============= ============
Unrealized gain on investments previously
written down at end of the year - see note below $ 4,201 $ 4,319 $ 9
============ ============= ============
Note: Recovery in market value of an investment which has been adjusted for
other than temporary impairment by inclusion in realized losses in the income
statement is treated as an unrealized gain until the investment is disposed of.
The fair value and the cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments at
December 31, 2004, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table on
page 41. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or
without call or prepayment penalties.
41
NOTE B - INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Cost or
Amortized
Fair Value Cost
------------ -------------
One year or less $ 146,408 $ 145,759
Excess of one year to five years 150,431 149,446
Excess of five years to ten years 6,138 6,117
Excess of ten years 8,814 8,713
------------ -------------
Total maturities 311,791 310,035
Mortgage-backed securities 16,505 16,559
Redeemable preferred stock 2,985 2,936
------------ -------------
$ 331,281 $ 329,530
============ =============
Major categories of investment income for the years ended December 31 are
summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
--------------- -------------- -------------
Fixed maturities $ 10,231 $ 11,275 $ 12,744
Equity securities 2,443 2,367 2,813
Money market funds 540 354 663
Short-term and other 493 311 207
--------------- -------------- -------------
13,707 14,307 16,427
Investment expenses (1,420) (1,434) (1,463)
--------------- -------------- -------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME $ 12,287 $ 12,873 $ 14,964
=============== ============== =============
Substantially all of the Company's fixed income portfolio is managed by ABN AMRO
Asset Management (ABN). A director of the Company is an executive officer of
ABN. Management fees paid to ABN were $379, $366 and $348 during 2004, 2003 and
2002, respectively. The Company also has holdings in money market accounts which
are managed by or purchased through ABN.
For the three years ended December 31, 2004. the Company executed 23% of total
purchases and 41% of total sales of securities through broker-dealers in which
certain directors of the Company are or were officers, directors or owners.
Commission rates charged by these affiliated broker-dealers to the Company were
commensurate with rates charged to non-affiliated customers. In addition, at
December 31, 2004, the Company has invested approximately $11,146 in certain
limited partnerships which are managed by organizations in which certain
directors of the Company are officers, directors, general partners or owners.
Certain of these investments contain profit sharing provisions to the affiliated
organizations. Total fees and profit sharing earned by affiliated investment
advisors, other than ABN, were $480, $2,529 and $181 in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
42
NOTE C - LOSS AND LOSS EXPENSE RESERVES
Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows.
All amounts are shown net of reinsurance recoverable.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2004 2003 2002
------------- ------------ -------------
Reserves at the beginning of the year $163,699 $144,702 $137,733
Provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current year 141,254 109,324 78,115
Claims occurring during prior years (14,956) (13,586) (10,008)
------------- ------------ -------------
Total incurred 126,298 95,738 68,107
Loss and loss expense payments:
Claims occurring during the current year 43,351 37,625 30,997
Claims occurring during prior years 38,234 39,956 30,249
------------- ------------ -------------
Total paid 81,585 77,581 61,246
Change in allowance for uncollectible
amounts due from reinsurers 374 840 108
------------- ------------ -------------
Reserves at the end of the year 208,786 163,699 144,702
Reinsurance recoverable on reserves at the
end of the year 233,035 180,025 133,042
------------- ------------ -------------
Reserves, gross of reinsurance
recoverables, at the end of the year $441,821 $343,724 $277,744
============= ============ =============
The reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of related reinsurance
recoverables, at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were decreased by $14,956,
$13,586 and $10,008, respectively, for claims that had occurred on or prior to
those dates. These decreases are the result of the settlement of claims at
amounts lower than previously reserved and changes in estimates of losses
incurred but not reported as part of the normal reserving process. Included in
the above developments during 2004, 2003 and 2002, are decreases of $656, $1,659
and $1,539, respectively, in reserves outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001 for losses and loss expenses related to environmental damage claims.
Reserves for incurred but not reported environmental losses were $2,000 and
$2,500 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Development during 2004 and 2002 also included decreases in reinsurance assumed
loss and loss expense reserves at December 31, 2003 and 2001 of $2,412 and
$1,305, respectively. Development during 2003 included an increase in
reinsurance assumed loss reserves at December 31, 2002 of $799. Favorable loss
development is influenced by the Company's long-standing policy of reserving for
losses realistically and a willingness to settle claims based upon a seasoned
evaluation of its exposures. Under terms of reinsurance agreements effective
June 1, 1998, the Company's exposure on large fleet trucking losses dropped from
$1,000 to $100 per occurrence. Effective in June of each year 2001 through 2004,
terms of replacement reinsurance agreements increased the Company's maximum
exposure on large fleet trucking losses to $1,020, $1,400, $1,625 and $2,000,
respectively, per occurrence. The excess of loss treaty renewed in June, 2004
includes an aggregate deductible that must be exceeded before the Company can
recover under the terms of the treaty. The Company retains a higher percentage
of the direct premium in consideration of this deductible provision. 2004 net
premium earned and losses incurred each include $2,278 relative to this
deductible provision. The increased net retention per occurrence is reflected in
the increase in the dollar amount of favorable development during 2004. These
trends were considered in the establishment of the Company's reserves at
December 31, 2004.
The Company has not changed its original estimate for the loss sustained as a
result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Therefore, there is no
impact on the loss developments shown in the above table except
43
for payments against the original established reserves. The Company has paid
$10.9 million to date and carries a remaining reserve of $9.1 million at
December 31, 2004.
The Company participates in mandatory residual market pools in various states.
The Company records the results from participation in these pools as the
information is reported to the Company and also records an additional provision
in the financial statements for operating periods unreported by the pools.
Loss reserves on certain permanent total disability workers' compensation
reserves have been discounted to present value at pre-tax rates not exceeding
3.5%. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, loss reserves have been reduced by
approximately $3,932 and $5,549, respectively. Discounting is applied to these
claims since the amount of periodic payments to be made during the lifetime of
claimants is fixed and determinable.
Loss reserves have been reduced by estimated salvage and subrogation recoverable
of approximately $3,462 and $3,490 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
NOTE D - INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as
follows:
2004 2003
------------- -------------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
Unrealized gain on investments $23,960 $24,143
Deferred acquisition costs 1,693 1,868
Salvage and subrogation 875 840
Other 102 195
------------- -------------
Total deferred tax liabilities 26,630 27,046
------------- -------------
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
Discounts of loss and loss expense reserves 7,828 5,523
Other than temporary investment declines 1,583 2,018
Deferred compensation 1,577 2,460
Unearned premiums 2,314 2,569
Other 1,251 1,276
------------- -------------
Total deferred tax assets 14,553 13,846
------------- -------------
NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES $12,077 $ 13,200
============= =============
A summary of the difference between federal income tax expense computed at the
statutory rate and that reported in the consolidated financial statements is as
follows:
2004 2003 2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
Statutory federal income rate applied to
pretax income $ 15,396 $ 17,162 $ 6,240
Tax effect of (deduction):
Tax-exempt investment income (1,440) (1,174) (1,081)
Other (273) (30) 305
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Federal income tax expense $ 13,683 $ 15,958 $ 5,464
============== ============== ===============
44
NOTE D - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Federal income tax expense consists of the following:
2004 2003 2002
--------------- -------------- ---------------
Taxes (credits) on pre-tax income:
Current $ 14,624 $ 16,701 $ 8,139
Deferred (941) (743) (2,675)
--------------- -------------- ---------------
$ 13,683 $ 15,958 $ 5,464
=============== ============== ===============
The components of the provision for deferred federal income taxes (credits) are
as follows:
2004 2003 2002
--------------- --------------- --------------
Other than temporary investment declines $ 435 $ 514 $ (1,804)
Discounts of loss and loss expense reserves (2,336) (1,179) (256)
Limited partnerships 97 (44) (351)
Unearned premium disallowance 255 (557) (354)
Deferred compensation 882 (41) (28)
Other (274) 564 118
--------------- --------------- --------------
PROVISION FOR DEFERRED FEDERAL INCOME TAX $ (941) $ (743) $ (2,675)
=============== =============== ==============
Cash flows related to federal income taxes paid, net of refunds received, for
2004, 2003 and 2002 were $14,865, $14,100 and $7,250, respectively, including
Section 847 special tax deposits. Future tax benefits on approximately $7,828 of
deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 arising from loss reserve discounting
are assured based on Section 847 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any portion of
the gross deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized.
Management has determined that no such valuation allowance is necessary at
December 31, 2004.
NOTE E - REINSURANCE
The insurance subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums written to
certain other insurers under excess and quota share treaties and by facultative
placements. Risks are reinsured with other companies to permit the recovery of a
portion of related direct losses. The Company also serves as an assuming
reinsurer under retrocessions from certain other reinsurers. These retrocessions
include individual risks but are comprised primarily of high layer catastrophe
treaties. Accordingly, the occurrence of a major catastrophic event can have a
significant impact on the Company's operations. In addition, the insurance
subsidiaries participate in certain involuntary reinsurance pools which require
insurance companies to provide coverages on assigned risks. The assigned risk
pools allocate participation to all insurers based upon each insurer's portion
of premium writings on a state or national level. Historically, the operation of
these assigned risk pools have resulted in net losses allocated to the Company
although such losses have generally not been material in relation to the
Company's direct and voluntary assumed operations.
Detail with respect to direct premiums and premiums assumed from and ceded to
other insurers and reinsurers is as follows:
Premiums Written Premiums Earned
------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
-------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Direct $ 237,130 $ 215,576 $ 164,662 $ 240,111 $ 208,282 $ 160,035
Assumed 9,969 12,038 8,632 10,559 11,547 8,147
Ceded (78,596) (73,501) (63,841) (78,525) (73,676) (63,790)
-------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Net $ 168,503 $ 154,113 $ 109,453 $ 172,145 $ 146,153 $ 104,392
============== ============= ============== ============= ============== ==============
Net losses and loss expenses incurred for 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been reduced
by ceded reinsurance recoveries of approximately $103,730, $96,812 and $60,055,
respectively. Net losses and loss expenses incurred for 2004, 2003 and 2002
include approximately $6,349, $5,732 and $5,160 relating to reinsurance assumed
from non-affiliated insurance or
45
reinsurance companies. Ceded reinsurance
premiums and loss recoveries for catastrophe reinsurance contracts were not
material. The Company remains liable to the extent the reinsuring companies are
unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance contracts.
Components of reinsurance recoverable at December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003
--------------- ---------------
Unpaid losses and loss expenses $ 233,035 $ 180,025
Paid losses and loss expenses 3,253 5,326
Unearned premiums 178 106
--------------- ---------------
$ 236,466 $ 185,457
=============== ===============
NOTE F - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Changes in common stock outstanding and additional paid-in capital are as
follows
Class A Class B Additional
--------------------------- --------------------------- Paid-in
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Balance at January 1, 2002 2,847,382 $ 121 12,252,415 $ 523 $ 36,272
Discounted stock options issued - - - - 134
Discounted stock options exercised - - 7,110 - 2
Fractional share adjustment from
stock split (37) - (48) - -
Treasury shares purchased (180,679) (7) (376,664) (16) (1,160)
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 2002 2,666,666 114 11,882,813 507 35,248
Discounted stock options issued - - - - 142
Discounted stock options exercised - - 41,541 2 29
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 2003 2,666,666 114 11,924,354 509 35,419
Discounted stock options issued - - - - 256
Discounted stock options exercised - - 131,770 5 1,408
------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 2004 2,666,666 $ 114 12,056,124 $ 514 $ 37,083
============= ============ ============= ============ ============
The Company's Class A and Class B common stock has a stated value of
approximately $.04 per share.
Shareholders' equity at December 31, 2004 includes $322,999 representing GAAP
shareholder's equity of insurance subsidiaries, of which $47,837 may be
transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company with proper notification
to, but without approval from, regulatory authorities. An additional $196,018 of
shareholder's equity of such insurance subsidiaries may be advanced or loaned to
the parent company with prior notification to and approval from regulatory
authorities.
Net income of the insurance subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices, was $19,941, $22,851 and $10,318 for 2004, 2003
and 2002, respectively. Consolidated statutory shareholder's equity for these
subsidiaries was $319,436 and $304,651 at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Minimum statutory surplus necessary for the insurance subsidiaries
to satisfy statutory risk based capital requirements was $73,157 at December 31,
2004.
46
NOTE G - OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
Details of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $16,946 $15,667 $12,072
Other underwriting expenses 18,115 18,329 14,158
Expense allowances from reinsurers (20,458) (20,099) (17,641)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL UNDERWRITING EXPENSES 14,603 13,897 8,589
Operating expenses of non-insurance companies 16,443 16,580 13,604
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES $31,046 $30,477 $22,193
================ ================ ===============
NOTE H - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the denominators used in the calculations
of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Average share outstanding for basic earnings per share 14,641,300 14,562,310 14,609,727
Dilutive effect of options 147,824 135,659 104,168
----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 14,789,124 14,697,969 14,713,895
================= ================ ================
No effect on net income was considered to result from the presumed exercise of
the options used in calculating diluted earnings per share. Certain market value
options, granted in 1997, were included in the computation of diluted earnings
per share for 2004 and 2003. These market value options were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for 2002 because the exercise price
during that year was greater than the average market price of the Company's
stock.
NOTE I - STOCK PURCHASE AND OPTION PLANS
In accordance with the terms of the 1981 Stock Purchase Plan (1981 Plan), the
Company is obligated to repurchase shares issued under the 1981 Plan, at a price
equal to 90% of the book value of the shares at the end of the quarter
immediately preceding the date of repurchase. No shares have ever been
repurchased under the 1981 Plan. At December 31, 2004 there were 160,847 shares
(Class A) and 439,708 shares (Class B) outstanding which are eligible for
repurchase by the Company.
The Company maintains stock option plans and has reserved an aggregate of
1,312,500 shares of Class B common stock for the granting of stock options to
employees and directors. No options were granted to employees during the three
year period ended December 31, 2004. All employee options outstanding at
December 31, 2004 are exercisable. Options granted to directors are generally
not exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All discounted options
expire ten years after the date of grant. Market value options granted to
directors as part of their regular annual directors' fees expire seven years
after the date of grant. All of the Company's option plans have received
shareholder approval. Approximately 303,000 of such options are available for
future grants.
47
NOTE I - STOCK PURCHASE AND OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information for the
years ended December 31 follows:
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE
------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
Outstanding at beginning of year 655,561 $ 18.357 690,162 $ 17.475 689,776 $ 17.480
Granted:
At exercise prices below market 7,898 1.000 6,938 .946 7,496 .800
At exercise prices at market 15,000 26.000 - - - -
Exercised 131,770 10.724 41,539 .736 7,110 .305
------------- ------------ ------------
Outstanding at end of year 546,689 18.357 655,561 18.357 690,162 17.475
============= ============ ============
Exercisable at end of year 523,791 20.277 648,623 18.543 682,666 17.659
Weighted average fair value of options
granted during the year:
At exercise prices below market 7,898 25.709 6,938 20.538 7,496 17.931
At exercise prices at market 15,000 4.700 - - - -
The fair value of the market value options granted during 2004 was determined
using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following
assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 1.0%; dividend yield of 1.6%; volatility
factor of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .30; and an
expected life of the option of 7 years. During 2004, the Company recorded
expense, net of federal income tax, of $53 for these market value options using
the straight-line method based upon a one-year vesting period.
Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 2004 were $.80,
$1.00, $20.60 or $26.00. The weighted-average remaining contractual lives of
options exercisable at $.80 and $1.00 are 4.0 years and 9.4 years, respectively.
The remaining contractual lives of options exercisable at $20.60 and $26.00 are
3 years and 6.3 years, respectively. Discounted options are granted to
non-employee directors in lieu of directors' fees. In addition, during 2004,
non-employee directors were each granted 1,500 options at market value on the
date of grant. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for
all stock-based compensation plans, consisting of directors' fees only, was
$256, $143 and $134 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
During 2002 and 2001, the Company offered loans to certain employees for the
sole purpose of purchasing the Company's Class B common stock in the open
market. $2,514 and $4,828 of such full-recourse loans were issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and carry interest
rates ranging from 4.75% to 6%, payable annually on the loan anniversary date.
The underlying securities serve as collateral for these loans, which must be
repaid no later than 10 years from the date of issue. This loan program was
terminated in 2002.
NOTE J - NOTE PAYABLE
During 2004, the Company borrowed $6,000 under lines of credit established with
banks, all of which was outstanding at December 31, 2004. The average annual
interest rate on these borrowings is 3.26% and repayment is due prior to
September, 2005. The carrying amount of these borrowings approximates fair
value.
48
NOTE K - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) Employee Savings and Profit
Sharing Plan ("the Plan") which covers all employees who have completed one year
of service. The Company's contributions to the Plan for 2004, 2003 and 2002 were
$1,053, $978 and $864, respectively.
NOTE L - REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries market and underwrite casualty
insurance in five major specialty areas (reportable segments): (1) fleet
trucking, (2) nonstandard private passenger automobile, (3) small fleet
trucking, (4) the assumption of reinsurance and (5) small business workers'
compensation. The fleet trucking segment provides multiple line insurance
coverage to large trucking fleets which generally retain substantial amounts of
self-insurance and to medium-sized trucking fleets on a first dollar or small
deductible basis. The nonstandard private passenger automobile segment provides
motor vehicle liability and physical damage coverages to individuals. The small
fleet trucking segment provides commercial automobile coverages to small
trucking fleets and owner/operators. The reinsurance assumed segment accepts
retrocessions from selected reinsurance companies, principally reinsuring
against catastrophes. The small business workers' compensation segment provides
workers' compensation coverages to small businesses and other entities.
The Company's reportable segments are business units that operate in the
property/casualty insurance industry and each offers products to different
classes of customers. The reportable segments are managed separately due to the
differences in underwriting criteria used to market products to each class of
customer and the methods of distribution of the products each reportable segment
provides. Segment information shown in the table below as "all other" includes
products provided by the Company to assigned risks and residual markets as well
as the runoff of discontinued product lines.
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on gain or loss
from insurance underwriting operations before income taxes. Underwriting gain or
loss does not include net investment income or realized gains or losses on the
Company's investment portfolio. All investment-related revenues are managed at
the corporate level. Underwriting gain or loss for the fleet trucking segment
includes revenue and expense from the Company's agency operations since the
agency operations serve as an exclusive direct marketing facility for this
segment. Underwriting gain or loss also includes fee income generated by each
segment in the course of its underwriting operations. Management does not
identify or allocate assets to reportable segments when evaluating segment
performance and depreciation expense is not material for any of the reportable
segments. The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as
those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Based upon
these performance criteria, the Company placed the small business workers'
compensation segment in runoff status effective during the fourth quarter of
2004.
49
NOTE L - REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table provides certain profit and loss information for each
reportable segment for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
--------------- --------------- ---------------
DIRECT AND ASSUMED PREMIUM WRITTEN:
Fleet trucking $ 172,406 $ 148,482 $ 112,355
Non-standard private passenger automobile 40,976 42,342 35,466
Small fleet trucking 14,689 15,086 10,514
Voluntary reinsurance assumed 8,740 11,121 8,128
Small business workers' compensation 9,058 9,665 6,321
All Other 1,230 918 510
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Totals $ 247,099 $ 227,614 $ 173,294
=============== =============== ===============
NET PREMIUM EARNED AND FEE INCOME:
Fleet trucking $ 103,624 $ 82,545 $ 55,145
Non-standard private passenger automobile 44,671 40,695 33,754
Small fleet trucking 10,440 9,301 8,316
Voluntary reinsurance assumed 11,070 11,994 7,739
Small business workers' compensation 8,046 6,132 3,535
All Other 1,095 806 414
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Totals $ 178,946 $ 151,473 $ 108,903
=============== =============== ===============
UNDERWRITING GAIN (LOSS)
Fleet trucking $ 25,783 $ 29,778 $ 22,718
Non-standard private passenger automobile 6,052 4,476 2,527
Small fleet trucking 360 123 1,340
Voluntary reinsurance assumed 2,545 3,463 1,586
Small business workers' compensation (1,955) (1,830) 157
All Other (1,247) 213 (619)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Totals $ 31,538 $ 36,223 $ 27,709
=============== =============== ===============
For 2004 and 2003, the above amounts for voluntary reinsurance assumed include
certain intersegment reinsurance agreements. Intersegment premiums earned during
2004 and 2003 were $1,609 and $1,239, respectively. Intersegment losses and loss
expenses incurred during 2004 and 2003 were $1,270 and $1,357, respectively.
The following tables are reconciliations of reportable segment revenues and
profits to the Company's consolidated revenue and income before federal income
taxes, respectively.
2004 2003 2002
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
REVENUE:
Net premium earned and fee income $ 178,946 $ 151,473 $ 108,903
Net investment income 12,287 12,873 14,964
Realized net gains (losses) on investments 9,770 9,990 (16,445)
Other income 330 912 708
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL CONSOLIDATED REVENUE $ 201,333 $ 175,248 $ 108,130
=============== ================ ================
PROFIT:
Underwriting gain (loss) $ 31,538 $ 36,223 $ 27,709
Net investment income 12,287 12,873 14,964
Realized net gains (losses) on investments 9,770 9,990 (16,445)
Corporate expenses (9,606) (10,053) (8,398)
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES $ 43,989 $ 49,033 $ 17,830
=============== ================ ================
The Company, through its subsidiaries, is licensed to do business in all 50
states of the United States, all Canadian provinces and Bermuda. Canadian and
Bermuda operations are currently not significant.
50
One customer of the fleet trucking segment represents approximately $57,767,
$47,693 and $39,359 of the Company's consolidated direct and assumed premium
written in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
NOTE M - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
The Company writes policies of excess insurance attaching above a self-insured
retention ("SIR") and also writes policies that contain large, per-claim
deductibles. Those losses and claims that fall within the SIR or deductible are
obligations of the insured. The Company also writes surety bonds in favor of
various regulatory agencies guaranteeing the insured's payment of claims within
the SIR. Losses and claims under a large deductible policy are payable by the
Company with reimbursement due the Company from the insured. The Company
requires collateral from its insureds to serve as a source of reimbursement if
the Company is obligated to pay claims within the SIR by reason of an insured's
default or if the insured fails to reimburse the Company for deductible amounts
paid by the Company.
Acceptable collateral may be provided in the form of letters of credit on
Company approved banks, Company approved marketable securities or cash. At
December 31, 2004, the Company held collateral in the aggregate amount of
$216,317. The amount of collateral required of an insured is determined by the
financial condition of the insured, the type of obligations guaranteed by the
Company, estimated reserves for incurred losses within the SIR or deductible
that have been reported to the insured or the Company, estimated incurred but
not reported losses, and estimates for losses that are expected to occur, within
the SIR or deductible, prior to the next collateral adjustment date. In general,
the Company attempts to hold collateral equal to 100% of the ultimate losses
that would be paid by or due the Company in the event of the insured's default.
Periodic audits are conducted by the Company to evaluate its exposure and the
collateral required. If a deficiency in collateral is noted as the result of an
audit, additional collateral is requested immediately. Because collateral
amounts contain numerous estimates of the Company's exposure, are adjusted only
periodically and are sometimes adjusted based on the financial condition of the
insured, the amount of collateral held by the Company at a given point in time
may not be sufficient to fully reimburse the Company for all of its guarantees
or amounts due in the event of an insured's default. Further, the Company is not
fully collateralized for the guarantees made for, or the deductible amounts that
may be due from, the Company's largest customer, and in the event of that
customer's default, such default may have a material adverse impact on the
Company. The Company estimates its uncollateralized exposure related to this
Fortune 500 company to be as much as 30% of shareholders' equity at December 31,
2004.
In addition, the Company has recorded paid and unpaid amounts recoverable from
reinsurers under various agreements totaling $236,288 at December 31, 2004, as
more fully discussed in Note E - Reinsurance. With minor exception, these
recoverables are uncollateralized. Estimated amounts recoverable from four
reinsurers in the group, each exceeding 10% of the total amount recoverable from
all reinsurers, totaled $113,544 at December 31, 2004.
NOTE N - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly results of operations are as follows:
Results by Quarter
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net premiums earned $35,497 $43,403 $44,384 $48,861 $31,701 $36,960 $37,513 $39,979
Net investment income 3,172 3,008 2,958 3,149 3,373 3,124 2,987 3,389
Realized net gains (losses)
on investments 5,818 2,290 27 1,635 (2,452) 5,739 2,048 4,655
Losses and loss expenses
incurred 25,246 29,735 36,92334,394 20,511 23,900 24,411 26,916
Net income 10,899 8,864 3,4607,083 4,532 10,301 8,122 10,120
Net income per share - diluted $.74 $.60 $.23$.48 $.30 $.70 $.55 $.69
Includes approximately $5.0 million ($3.3 million and $.22 per share, after tax) in losses from hurricanes affecting Florida
and other southeastern states.
NOTE O - STOCK SPLIT
At its regular meeting in February, 2003, the Company's Board of Directors
declared a 25% stock dividend in the form of a five-for-four stock split on the
Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock. The additional shares were
distributed on March 3, 2003 to shareholders of record on February 17, 2003.
Fractional shares were settled in cash using the closing
51
market value on February 17, 2003. All share and per share references within
this report have been restated to reflect the stock split.
NOTE P - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), SHARE-BASED
PAYMENT ("SFAS No. 123R"), which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ("SFAS No. 123") and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES. SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based
payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be
recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. Pro forma
disclosure is no longer an alternative.
The company adopted the fair-value-based method of accounting for share-based
payments effective with grants of market value options to non-employee directors
during 2004 using the "modified prospective method" described in SFAS No. 148,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION--TRANSITION AND DISCLOSURE. Currently,
the company uses a Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of stock
options granted to non-employee directors and expects to continue to use this
acceptable option valuation model upon the required adoption of SFAS No. 123R on
July 1, 2005. The company does not anticipate that adoption of SFAS No. 123R
will have a material impact on its results of operations or its financial
position. However, SFAS No. 123R also requires that the benefits of tax
deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a
financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under
current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and
increase net financing cash flows in periods after the effective date. While the
company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they
depend on, among other things, when option exercises occur), the amount of
operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions
were $226, $147, and $26 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
For discounted stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors,
there is no difference in the accounting treatment under SFAS No. 123 versus the
previously used principle as provided by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, and related Interpretations.
52
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
No response to this item is required.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC as directed by Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the company has performed an evaluation of its
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Exchange Act rule 13a-14)
within 90 days of the date of the filing of this report. Based on this
evaluation, the company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer
have concluded that these procedures are effective in ensuring that information
required to be disclosed by the company is recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. In
addition, there have not been any significant changes in internal controls or
other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to
the date of the company's most recent evaluation.
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company's consolidated
financial statements and related information appearing in this report.
Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect
the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements
reasonably present the Company's financial position and results of operations in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Management has
included in the Company's financial statements amounts that are based upon
estimates and judgments which it believes are reasonable under the
circumstances.
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, audits the
Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and provides an objective,
independent review of the fairness of reported operating results and financial
position.
The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee composed of three
non-management Directors. The committee meets periodically with financial
management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public
accounting firm to review accounting, control, auditing and financial reporting
matters.
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company's 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) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the
participation of management, including the chief executive officer and the chief
financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of
its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under this
framework, management concluded that the Company's internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management's
assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which
is included herein.
53
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information with respect to the directors of the Registrant to be provided
under this item is omitted from this Report because the Registrant will file
with the Commission a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A
involving the election of directors not later than 120 days after the close of
its fiscal year.
The information required by Item 10 of this Report with respect to directors
which will appear in the definitive proxy statement is incorporated by reference
herein.
The executive officers of the Company will serve until the next annual meeting
of the Board of Directors and until their respective successors are elected and
qualified. Except as otherwise indicated, the occupation of each officer during
the past five years has been in his current position with the Company.
The following summary sets forth certain information concerning the Company's
executive officers:
SERVED IN
SUCH CAPACITY
NAME AGE TITLE SINCE
- ------------------------- --------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------
Gary W. Miller 64 Chairman, President and CEO 1983
Joseph J. DeVito 53 Executive Vice President 1986
James W. Good 61 Executive Vice President 1980
G. Patrick Corydon 56 Senior Vice President and CFO 1979
James E. Kirschner 58 Senior Vice President and Secretary 1977
Mr. Miller was elected Chairman and CEO of the Company in 1997.
Mr. DeVito and Mr. Good were each elected Executive Vice President in 2001.
Mr. Corydon and Mr. Kirschner were each elected Senior Vice President in
2001.
Mr. Kirschner was elected Secretary of the Company in 1985.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION *
------------------------
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT *
----------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS *
------------------------------------------------
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES *
----------------------------------------
* The information to be provided under Items 11, 12, 13 and 14 is omitted from
this Report because the Registrant will file with the Commission a definitive
proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A involving the election of directors
not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year. The information
required by these items of this Report which will appear in the definitive proxy
statement is incorporated by reference herein.
54
PART IV
-------
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
---------------------------------------------------------------
(a) 1. List of Financial Statements--The following consolidated financial
statements of the registrant and its subsidiaries (including the Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) are submitted in Item
8 of this report.
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2004 and 2003
Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings - Years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Other Than Capital - Years
ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. List of Financial Statement Schedules--The following consolidated
financial statement schedules of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and
subsidiaries are included in Item 15(d):
Pursuant to Article 7:
Schedule I--Summary of Investments--Other than Investments
in Related Parties
Schedule II--Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant
Schedule III--Supplementary Insurance Information
Schedule IV--Reinsurance
Schedule VI--Supplemental Information Concerning Property/Casualty
Insurance Operations
All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by Article
7 and Article 5 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related
instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
55
3. Listing of Exhibits:
NUMBER & CAPTION
FROM EXHIBIT TABLE OF
ITEM 601 OF REGULATION
S-K EXHIBIT NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION
- ------------------------ -------------------------------------------
(3) EXHIBIT 3(i)--
(Articles of Incorpor- Articles of Incorporation of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.,
ation & By Laws) as amended (Incorporated as an exhibit by reference
to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986)
EXHIBIT 3(ii)--
By-Laws of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc., as restated
(Incorporated as an exhibit by reference to Exhibit
99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated May 4, 2004)
(10) EXHIBIT 10(a)--
(Material Contracts) 1981 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (Incorporated as an
exhibit by reference to Exhibit A to
the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement for its Annual Meeting
held May 5, 1981)
EXHIBIT 10(b)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Employee Discounted Stock
Option Plan (Incorporated as an exhibit by
reference to Appendix A to the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting held May 2,
1989)
EXHIBIT 10(c)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Deferred Directors Fee Option
Plan (Incorporated as an exhibit by reference to
Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989)
EXHIBIT 10(d)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Amended Employee Discounted
Stock Option Plan (Incorporated as an exhibit by
reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1992)
56
NUMBER & CAPTION
FROM EXHIBIT TABLE OF
ITEM 601 OF REGULATION
S-K EXHIBIT NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION
- ----------------------- --------------------------------------------------
EXHIBIT 10(e)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Restated Employee Discounted
Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated as an exhibit by
reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997)
(11) EXHIBIT 11--
(Statement regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings
computation of per
share earnings)
(14) EXHIBIT 14--
(Code of ethics) Code of Business Conduct of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
(Incorporated as an exhibit by reference to Exhibit
99.2 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2004)
(21) EXHIBIT 21--
(Subsidiaries of the Subsidiaries of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
registrant)
(23) EXHIBIT 23-- (Consents of experts Consent of Ernst
& Young LLP and counsel)
(24) EXHIBIT 24--
(Powers of Attorney) Powers of Attorney for certain Officers and
Directors
(31) EXHIBIT 31.1
(Certification) Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
EXHIBIT 31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
(32) EXHIBIT 32.1
(Certification) Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and 18 U.S.C. 1350
EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and 18 U.S.C. 1350
57
(b) A report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company in the fourth quarter of
2004 to announce its third quarter earnings press release.
(c) Exhibits. The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a
separate section of this report.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules. The response to this portion of Item 15
is submitted on pages 58 through 64 of this report.
58
SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
AMOUNT AT
WHICH SHOWN
FAIR IN THE BALANCE
TYPE OF INVESTMENT COST VALUE SHEET
- ------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Fixed Maturities:
Bonds:
United States government and
government agencies and
authorities $119,529 $119,469 $119,469
Mortgage backed securities 16,560 16,505 16,505
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions 140,908 141,436 141,436
Foreign governments 6,735 6,909 6,909
Public utilities 5,855 6,186 6,186
All other corporate bonds 37,007 37,791 37,791
Redeemable preferred stock 2,936 2,985 2,985
----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total fixed maturities 329,530 331,281 331,281
Equity Securities:
Common Stocks:
Public Utilities 823 1,002 1,002
Banks, trust and insurance
companies 7,353 24,239 24,239
Industrial, miscellaneous
and all other 55,540 105,020 105,020
Nonredeemable preferred stocks 2,604 2,781 2,781
----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total equity securities 66,320 133,042 133,042
Short-term and Other:
Certificates of deposit 1,977 1,977 1,977
Commercial paper 34,429 34,429 34,429
Other long-term investments 16,005 15,989 15,989
----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total short-term and other 52,411 52,395 52,395
----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Total investments $ 448,261 $ 516,718 $ 516,718
================= ================ ===================
All securities listed are considered available-for-sale and, accordingly, are presented at fair value in the financial
statements. Investments presented above do not include $60,719 of money market funds classified with cash and cash equivalents in
the balance sheet.
59
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------
2004 2003
--------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries $321,602 $309,301
Due from affiliates 4,461 5,355
Investments other than subsidiaries:
Fixed maturities 11,940 12,929
Equity maturities 1,641 1,374
Short-term and other 20,826 20,977
--------------- ---------------
34,407 35,280
Cash and cash equivalents 28,286 17,680
Accounts receivable 7,404 9,214
Notes receivable from employees 2,514 4,828
Other assets 4,607 5,877
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL ASSETS $403,281 $387,536
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Premiums payable $42,771 $36,283
Deposits from insureds 22,723 20,428
Notes payable to bank 6,000 -
Currently payable federal income taxes 100 972
Other liabilities 5,139 5,279
--------------- ---------------
76,733 62,962
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock:
Class A 114 114
Class B 514 509
Additional paid-in capital 37,083 35,419
Unrealized net gains on investments 44,497 44,837
Retained earnings 244,340 243,695
--------------- ---------------
326,548 324,574
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $403,281 $387,536
=============== ===============
See notes to condensed financial statements
60
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------- -------------- --------------
REVENUE:
Commissions and service fees $28,419 $26,565 $20,651
Dividends from subsidiaries 10,000 10,000 5,000
Net investment income 960 863 689
Realized net losses on investments (227) (925) (652)
Other 166 289 323
------------- -------------- --------------
39,318 36,792 26,011
EXPENSES:
Salary and related items 10,756 10,481 7,907
Other 5,352 5,826 5,418
------------- -------------- --------------
16,108 16,307 13,325
------------- -------------- --------------
INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
AND EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED
INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES 23,210 20,485 12,686
Federal income taxes 4,460 3,637 2,715
------------- -------------- --------------
18,750 16,848 9,971
Equity in undistributed income
of subsidiaries 11,556 16,227 2,395
------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCOME $30,306 $33,075 $12,366
============= ============== ==============
See notes to condensed financial statements
61
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------ ------------- ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $31,474 $27,024 $33,039
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of long-term investments (5,548) (2,967) (8,290)
Sales or maturities of long-term investments 5,928 2,981 1,285
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments 20 (19,982) -
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable from employees 2,223 2,676 (4,976)
Distributions from limited partnerships 193 25 612
Net purchases of property and equipment (456) (808) (528)
Other 112 130 128
------------ ------------- ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 2,472 (17,945) (11,769)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cost of treasury shares - - (8,419)
Dividends paid to shareholders (30,753) (10,353) (5,070)
Drawing on line of credit 6,000 - 10,000
Repayment on line of credit - (7,500) (2,500)
Stock option exercises and other 1,413 31 2
------------ ------------- ------------
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (23,340) (17,822) (5,987)
------------ ------------- ------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 10,606 (8,743) 15,283
Cash and cash equivalents at begininng of year 17,680 26,423 11,140
------------ ------------- ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $28,286 $17,680 $26,423
============ ============= ============
See notes to condensed financial statements
NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company's investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in the
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. The
Company's share of net income of its subsidiaries is included in income using
the equity method. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
62
SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS OF DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
RESERVES
FOR UNPAID OTHER BENEFITS, AMORTIZATION
DEFERRED CLAIMS POLICY CLAIMS, OF DEFERRED
POLICY AND CLAIM CLAIMS AND NET NET LOSSES AND POLICY OTHER NET
ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT UNEARNED BENEFITS PREMIUM INVESTMENT SETTLEMENT ACQUISITION OPERATING PREMIUMS
SEGMENT COSTS EXPENSES PREMIUMS PAYABLE EARNED INCOME EXPENSES COSTS EXPENSES WRITTEN
- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Property/
Casualty
Insurance
2004 $ 4,797 $ 441,821 $ 33,233 --- $ 172,145 $ 12,287 $ 126,298 $ 16,946 $ (2,343) $ 168,503
2003 5,309 343,724 36,803 --- 146,153 12,873 95,738 15,667 (1,770) 154,114
2002 4,177 277,744 29,016 --- 104,392 14,964 68,107 12,072 (3,483) 109,453
Allocations of certain expenses have been made to investment income,
settlement expenses and other operating expenses and are based on a number of
assumptions and estimates. Results among these categories would change if
different methods were applied.
Commissions paid to the Parent Company have been eliminated for this
presentation. Commission allowances relating to reinsurance ceded are offset
against other operating expenses. These allowances substantially or totally
offset other operating expenses incurred.
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% OF
CEDED ASSUMED AMOUNT
DIRECT TO OTHER FROM OTHER NET ASSUMED TO
PREMIUMS COMPANIES COMPANIES AMOUNT NET
-------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
Premiums Earned -
Property/casualty insurance:
Years Ended December 31:
2004 $240,111 $78,525 $10,559 $172,145 6.1
2003 208,282 73,676 11,547 146,153 7.9
2002 160,035 63,790 8,147 104,392 7.8
SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
FORM 10-K - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS OF DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
CLAIMS AND CLAIM
RESERVES ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES AMORTIZA-
FOR UNPAID DISCOUNT, INCURRED RELATED TO TION OF
DEFERRED CLAIMS IF ANY ------------------ DEFERRED PAID CLAIMS
AFFILIATION POLICY AND CLAIM DEDUCTED NET (1) (2) POLICY AND CLAIM NET
WITH ACQUISI- ADJUSTMENT IN UNEARNED EARNED INVESTMENT CURRENT PRIOR ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT PREMIUMS
REGISTRANT TION COSTS EXPENSES COLUMN C PREMIUMS PREMIUMS INCOME YEAR YEARS COSTS EXPENSES WRITTEN
- ----------- ----------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Consolidated Property/
Casualty Subsidiaries:
2004 $4,797 $441,821 $3,932 $33,233 $172,145 $12,287 $141,254 ($14,956) $16,946 $81,585 $168,503
2003 5,309 343,724 5,549 36,803 146,153 12,873 109,324 (13,586) 15,667 77,581 154,114
2002 4,177 277,744 6,396 29,016 104,392 14,964 78,115 (10,008) 12,072 61,246 109,453
Loss reserves on certain reinsurance assumed and permanent total disability
worker's compensation claims have been discounted to present value using pretax
interest rates not exceeding 3.5%.
65
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.
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
March 14, 2005 By /s/ GARY W. MILLER
-------------------------------
Gary W. Miller, Chairman
and CEO
(Chief Operating Officer)
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 dates indicated.
March 14, 2005 By /s/ GARY W. MILLER
-------------------------------
Gary W. Miller, Chairman
and CEO; Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ G. PATRICK CORYDON
-------------------------------
G. Patrick Corydon, Senior Vice
President - Finance and CFO
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JOSEPH DEVITO
--------------------------------
Joseph DeVito, Director and
Executive Vice President
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JAMES GOOD
--------------------------------
James Good, Director and
Executive Vice President
March 14, 2005 By /s/ STUART D. BILTON (*)
--------------------------------
Stuart D. Bilton, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ OTTO N. FRENZEL III (*)
---------------------------------
Otto N. Frenzel III, Director
66
SIGNATURES (CONTINUED)
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JOHN M. O'MARA (*)
---------------------------------
John M. O'Mara, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ THOMAS H. PATRICK (*)
----------------------------------
Thomas H. Patrick, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ NATHAN SHAPIRO (*)
----------------------------------
Nathan Shapiro, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ NORTON SHAPIRO (*)
----------------------------------
Norton Shapiro, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JOHN D. WEIL (*)
----------------------------------
John D. Weil, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ ROBERT SHAPIRO (*)
----------------------------------
Robert Shapiro, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JOHN PIGOTT (*)
----------------------------------
John Pigott, Director
March 14, 2005 By /s/ JON MILLS (*)
----------------------------------
Jon Mills, Director
(*) By Gary W. Miller, Attorney-in-Fact
67
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 15(c)--CERTAIN EXHIBITS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
68
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended December 31, 2004
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
BEGINS ON SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBIT NO. NUMBER OF FORM 10-K
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
EXHIBIT 3(i)--
Articles of Incorporation of
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. as amended
(Incorporated as an exhibit by
reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the
Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December
31, 1986) N/A
EXHIBIT 3(ii)--
By-Laws of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.,
as restated (Incorporated as an exhibit
by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form
8-K dated May 4, 2004) N/A
EXHIBIT 10(a)-- 1981 Employees Stock
Purchase Plan (Incorporated as an exhibit
by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual
Meeting held May 5, 1981) N/A
EXHIBIT 10(b)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Employee
Discounted Stock Option Plan
(Incorporated as an exhibit by reference
to Appendix A to the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting
held May 2, 1989) N/A
EXHIBIT 10(c)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Deferred Directors
Fee Option Plan (Incorporated as an
exhibit by reference to Exhibit 10(f)
to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989) N/A
69
INDEX TO EXHIBITS (CONTINUED)
BEGINS ON SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBIT NO. NUMBER OF FORM 10-K
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
EXHIBIT 10(d)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Amended Employee
Discounted Stock Option Plan (Incorporated
as an exhibit by reference to Exhibit
10(f) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1989) N/A
EXHIBIT 10(e)--
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Restated Employee
Discounted Stock Option Plan (Incorporated
as an exhibit by reference to Exhibit 10(f)
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997) N/A
EXHIBIT 11--
Computation of Per Share Earnings Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 14--
Code of Business Conduct (Incorporated
as an exhibit by reference to Exhibit
99.2 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 4, 2004 N/A
EXHIBIT 21--
Subsidiaries of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 23--
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 24--
Powers of Attorney for certain
Officers and Directors Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 31.1--
Certification of CEO pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 31.2--
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith electronically
EXHIBIT 32.1--
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith electronically
70
INDEX TO EXHIBITS (CONTINUED)
BEGINS ON SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBIT NO. NUMBER OF FORM 10-K
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
EXHIBIT 32.2--
Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith electronically