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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                 to                

 

Commission File Number: 000-50070

 

SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

13-4181699

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

20 Custom House Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

 

 

 

(617) 951-0600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes   ý     No   o

 

As of May 9, 2005, there were 15,683,579 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share were outstanding.

 

 



 

SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page No.

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
at March 31, 2005 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2004

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)

6

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)

7

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

8

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

 

 

Executive Summary and Overview

14

 

Critical Accounting Policies

17

 

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004

19

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

22

 

Forward-Looking Statements

23

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

24

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

25

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

25

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults upon Senior Securities

25

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

25

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

25

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

25

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

25

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

26

 

2



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investment securities available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: $668,744 and $650,159)

 

$

670,501

 

$

663,509

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $2,014 and $1,037)

 

2,029

 

1,087

 

Total investment securities

 

672,530

 

664,596

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

137,796

 

155,673

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

161,563

 

150,451

 

Accrued investment income

 

7,907

 

7,008

 

Receivable from reinsurers related to paid loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

20,309

 

18,980

 

Receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

85,854

 

84,167

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

42,725

 

43,402

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

47,252

 

42,919

 

Deferred income taxes

 

17,322

 

12,679

 

Equity and deposits in pools

 

27,791

 

23,678

 

Other assets

 

2,537

 

2,892

 

Total assets

 

$

1,223,586

 

$

1,206,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

$

462,302

 

$

450,897

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

364,890

 

337,786

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

20,409

 

43,684

 

Taxes payable

 

5,352

 

3,509

 

Outstanding claims drafts

 

20,533

 

16,832

 

Payable to reinsurers

 

17,505

 

16,990

 

Payable for securities purchased

 

 

10,972

 

Capital lease obligations

 

431

 

485

 

Debt

 

19,956

 

19,956

 

Total liabilities

 

911,378

 

901,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock: $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; and 15,632,701 and 15,500,052 shares issued and outstanding

 

156

 

155

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

115,859

 

114,070

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

1,152

 

8,709

 

Retained earnings

 

195,041

 

182,400

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

312,208

 

305,334

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,223,586

 

$

1,206,445

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

3



 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share and share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

156,416

 

$

143,926

 

Net investment income

 

7,459

 

6,823

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

407

 

517

 

Finance and other service income

 

3,969

 

3,745

 

Total revenue

 

168,251

 

155,011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

110,170

 

111,312

 

Underwriting, operating and related expenses

 

36,591

 

33,986

 

Interest expenses

 

223

 

153

 

Total expenses

 

146,984

 

145,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

21,267

 

9,560

 

Income tax expense

 

6,765

 

3,190

 

Net income

 

$

14,502

 

$

6,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per weighted average common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.42

 

Diluted

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid per common share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

15,439,974

 

15,260,283

 

Diluted

 

15,742,717

 

15,417,307

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

4



 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income,
Net of Taxes

 

Promissory
Notes
Receivable
From
Management

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

 

$

153

 

$

111,074

 

$

12,650

 

$

(34

)

$

144,177

 

$

268,020

 

Net income, January 1 to March 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,370

 

6,370

 

Payments on promissory notes from management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

34

 

Other comprehensive income, net of deferred federal income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

3,761

 

 

 

 

 

3,761

 

Exercise of options and unearned compensation on resrticted stock, net of deferred federal income taxes

 

 

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,526

)

(1,526

)

Balance at March 31, 2004

 

$

153

 

$

111,132

 

$

16,411

 

$

 

$

149,021

 

$

276,717

 

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income,
Net of Taxes

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

$

155

 

$

114,070

 

$

8,709

 

$

182,400

 

$

305,334

 

Net income, January 1 to March 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,502

 

14,502

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of deferred federal income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(7,557

)

 

 

(7,557

)

Exercise of options and unearned compensation on restricted stock, net of deferred federal income taxes

 

1

 

1,789

 

 

 

 

 

1,790

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,861

)

(1,861

)

Balance at March 31, 2005

 

$

156

 

$

115,859

 

$

1,152

 

$

195,041

 

$

312,208

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

5



 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

14,502

 

$

6,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in unrealized holding gains, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(3,927) and $2,206

 

(7,292

)

4,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax benefit of $(143) and $(181)

 

(265

)

(336

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale

 

(7,557

)

3,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

6,945

 

$

10,131

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

6



 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

14,502

 

$

6,370

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization, net

 

2,017

 

1,849

 

Benefit for deferred income taxes

 

(574

)

(137

)

Gains on sale of fixed assets

 

 

(4

)

Net realized gains on investments

 

(407

)

(517

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(11,112

)

(14,773

)

Accrued investment income

 

(899

)

(532

)

Receivable from reinsurers

 

(3,016

)

2,693

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

677

 

(3,794

)

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(4,333

)

(3,992

)

Other assets

 

(3,588

)

19,891

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

11,405

 

17,734

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

27,104

 

36,362

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(23,275

)

(18,677

)

Payable to reinsurers

 

515

 

(18,596

)

Other liabilities

 

6,131

 

(882

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

15,147

 

22,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities purchased

 

(43,422

)

(27,924

)

Equity securities purchased

 

(1,111

)

 

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities

 

12,668

 

18,748

 

Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities

 

 

5,000

 

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

 

134

 

 

Fixed assets purchased

 

(318

)

(101

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

 

 

4

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(32,049

)

(4,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on promissory notes from management

 

 

34

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

886

 

53

 

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

(1,861

)

(1,526

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(975

)

(1,439

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(17,877

)

17,283

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

155,673

 

26,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

137,796

 

$

43,567

 

 

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

 

7



 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands except per share and share data)

 

1.  Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

The consolidated financial statements include Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). The subsidiaries consist of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Thomas Black Insurance Agency, Inc. (“TBIA”), and RBS, Inc., TBIA’s holding company. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

The financial information as of March 31, 2005 and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 is unaudited; however, in the opinion of the Company, the information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods. These unaudited consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2005.

 

The Company is a leading provider of personal lines property and casualty insurance focused exclusively on the Massachusetts market. Its principal product line is private passenger automobile insurance, which accounted for 81.0% of its direct written premiums in 2004. The Company operates through its insurance company subsidiaries, Safety Insurance Company and Safety Indemnity Insurance Company.

 

2.              New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. (“FAS”) 123R (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. This statement requires companies to measure and recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value. FAS 123R replaces FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes Accounting Principles Board No. (“APB”) 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) postponed the effective date of FAS 123R until the fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005.  The Company is currently evaluating the effects of FAS 123R.

 

3.  Earnings Per Weighted Average Common Share

 

Basic earnings per weighted average common share (“EPS”) are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding and the net effect of potentially dilutive common shares. At March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company’s potentially dilutive instruments consisted of common shares under option of 715,731 and 877,572, respectively, and common shares under restriction of 105,960 and 70,271, respectively.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Earnings per weighted average common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.42

 

Diluted

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.41

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

15,439,974

 

15,260,283

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

281,556

 

156,970

 

Restricted stock

 

21,187

 

54

 

Diluted

 

15,742,717

 

15,417,307

 

 

Diluted EPS excludes stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the periods because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The number of anti-dilutive stock options was 78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. There were no such stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2004.

 

8



 

4.  Stock-Based Compensation

 

On June 25, 2002, the Board adopted the 2002 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (“the Incentive Plan”).  The Incentive Plan provides for a variety of awards, including nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”), stock appreciation rights and restricted stock (“RS”) awards. The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan is 1,250,000. At March 31, 2005, there were 161,559 shares available for future grant. The Board and the Compensation Committee intend to issue more awards under the Incentive Plan in the future.

 

A summary of stock-based awards granted under the Incentive Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2005 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Equity

 

 

 

of Awards

 

Exercise Price(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Awarded

 

Effective Date

 

Granted

 

or Fair Value(2)

 

Vesting Terms

 

Expiration Date

 

NQSOs

 

March 16, 2005

 

78,000

 

$

35.23

(1)

5 years, 20 annually

 

March 16, 2015

 

RS

 

March 16, 2005

 

56,770

 

$

35.23

(2)

3 years, 30%-30%-40%

 

N/A

 

RS

 

March 16, 2005

 

4,000

 

$

35.23

(2)

No vesting period(3)

 

N/A

 

 


(1)  The exercise price of the stock option grant is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant effective date.

(2)  The fair value of the restricted stock grant is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant effective date.

(3)  The shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged, or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of until the recipient is no longer a member of our Board of Directors.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Shares
Under
Option

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Shares
Under
Option

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at beginning of quarter

 

711,410

 

$

13.60

 

771,000

 

$

12.59

 

Granted during the quarter

 

78,000

 

$

35.23

 

111,000

 

$

18.50

 

Exercised during the quarter

 

(71,879

)

$

12.33

 

(4,428

)

$

12.00

 

Forfeited during the quarter

 

(1,800

)

$

16.19

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of quarter

 

715,731

 

$

16.08

 

877,572

 

$

13.34

 

 

The range of exercise prices on stock options outstanding under the Incentive Plan was $12.00 to $35.23 at March 31, 2005 and $12.00 to $18.50 at March 31, 2004.

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Shares
Under
Restriction

 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

 

Shares
Under
Restriction

 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

 

Outstanding at beginning of quarter

 

70,271

 

$

18.50

 

 

 

Granted during the quarter

 

60,770

 

$

35.23

 

70,271

 

$

18.50

 

Vested and unrestricted during the quarter

 

(21,081

)

$

18.50

 

 

 

Forfeited during the quarter

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of quarter

 

109,960

 

$

27.75

 

70,271

 

$

18.50

 

 

The Company has adopted the accounting for the Incentive Plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, as allowed by FAS 123 and as amended by FAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure”. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all stock options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the effective date of grant.

 

9



 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and EPS if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 to these stock options.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

14,502

 

$

6,370

 

Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(143

)

(100

)

Net income, pro forma

 

$

14,359

 

$

6,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per weighted average share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic, as reported

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.42

 

Basic, pro forma

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.41

 

Diluted, as reported

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.41

 

Diluted, pro forma

 

$

0.91

 

$

0.41

 

 

The fair value of stock options used to compute pro forma net income and earnings per share disclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 is the estimated fair value at grant effective date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Dividend yield

 

1.36% - 2.52%

 

1.95 - 2.52%

 

Expected volatility

 

0.20 - 0.31

 

0.20 - 0.28

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.23% - 4.35%

 

3.23 - 4.07%

 

Expected holding period (in years)

 

7

 

7

 

 

5. Investments

 

The gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in fixed maturities securities, including redeemable preferred stocks that have characteristics of fixed maturities, and equity securities, including interests in mutual funds, was as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies (1)

 

$

119,280

 

$

435

 

$

(2,171

)

$

117,544

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

324,674

 

5,170

 

(3,492

)

326,352

 

Asset-backed securities

 

94,749

 

681

 

(1,042

)

94,388

 

Corporate and other securities

 

130,041

 

3,159

 

(983

)

132,217

 

Subtotal, fixed maturity securities

 

668,744

 

9,445

 

(7,688

)

670,501

 

Equity securities

 

2,014

 

22

 

(7

)

2,029

 

Totals

 

$

670,758

 

$

9,467

 

$

(7,695

)

$

672,530

 

 


(1) Obligations of U.S. Government agencies include collateralized mortgage obligations issued, guaranteed and/or insured by the following issuers: Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). The total of these fixed maturity securities was $115,806 at amortized cost and $114,069 at estimated fair value as of March 31, 2005. As such, the asset-backed securities presented exclude such issuers already presented under U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Agencies.

 

10



 

The amortized cost and the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by maturity, at March 31, 2005 are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

20,455

 

$

20,493

 

Due after one year through five years

 

140,907

 

140,874

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

198,256

 

200,990

 

Due after ten years through twenty years

 

79,189

 

79,079

 

Due after twenty years

 

19,382

 

20,608

 

Asset-backed securities

 

210,555

 

208,457

 

Totals

 

$

668,744

 

$

670,501

 

 

Gross gains of $411 and $561 and gross losses of $5 and $44 were realized on sales of fixed maturities for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Gross gains of $1 were realized on the sales of equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2005. There were no realized gains or losses on the sale of equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Proceeds from fixed maturities maturing were $0 and $5,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The following tables illustrate the gross unrealized losses included in the Company’s investment portfolio and the fair value of those securities aggregated by investment category. The table also illustrates the length of time that they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

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

 

$

80,545

 

$

1,793

 

$

7,796

 

$

378

 

$

88,341

 

$

2,171

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

94,000

 

1,725

 

61,492

 

1,767

 

155,492

 

3,492

 

Asset-backed securities

 

59,218

 

876

 

7,549

 

166

 

66,767

 

1,042

 

Corporate and other securities

 

47,981

 

925

 

1,460

 

65

 

49,441

 

990

 

Total temporarily impaired securities

 

$

281,744

 

$

5,319

 

$

78,297

 

$

2,376

 

$

360,041

 

$

7,695

 

 

The Company’s investment portfolio included 142 securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2005. The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairment is based upon analysis of each security as of the balance sheet date and considers various factors including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and the near term prospects of the issuer, whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments, and the Company’s intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of its costs.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, there was no significant deterioration in the credit quality of any of the Company’s holdings and no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s portfolio of investment securities.

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Company’s fixed income securities portfolio was comprised entirely of investment grade securities as defined by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., Standard and Poor’s, and the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

 

11



 

Net Investment Income

 

The components of net investment income were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and dividends on fixed maturities

 

$

6,973

 

$

6,985

 

Dividends on equity securities

 

2

 

 

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

 

745

 

89

 

Total investment income

 

7,720

 

7,074

 

Investment expenses

 

261

 

251

 

Net investment income

 

$

7,459

 

$

6,823

 

 

6.  Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (“LAE”) Reserves

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and LAE, as shown in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of year

 

$

450,897

 

$

383,551

 

Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE

 

(84,167

)

(73,539

)

Net reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of year

 

366,730

 

310,012

 

Incurred losses and LAE, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

118,498

 

111,312

 

Prior years

 

(8,328

)

 

Total incurred losses and LAE

 

110,170

 

111,312

 

Paid losses and LAE related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

44,371

 

41,603

 

Prior years

 

56,081

 

54,934

 

Total paid losses and LAE

 

100,452

 

96,537

 

Net reserves for losses and LAE, end of quarter

 

376,448

 

324,787

 

Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE

 

85,854

 

76,498

 

Reserves for losses and LAE, end of quarter

 

$

462,302

 

$

401,285

 

 

At the end of each period, the reserves were re-estimated for all prior accident years. Primarily due to an improvement in Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (“CAR”) results, prior year reserves decreased by $8,328 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This decrease in prior year reserves resulted from re-estimations of prior accident years ultimate loss and LAE liabilities which resulted in reductions of $6,328 in CAR assumed reserves and $2,000 in the Company’s automobile reserves. The reserves for all prior accident years were unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Conditions and trends that have affected development of the loss and LAE reserves in the past may not necessarily occur in the future.

 

Due to the nature of the risks that the Company underwrites and has historically underwritten, management does not believe that it has an exposure to asbestos or environmental pollution liabilities.

 

12



 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Various claims, generally incidental to the conduct of normal business, are pending or alleged against the Company from time to time. In the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, liabilities related to those proceedings could be established in the near term if estimates of the ultimate resolutions of those proceedings are revised.

 

Massachusetts law requires that insurers licensed to do business in Massachusetts participate in the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund (“Insolvency Fund”). Members of the Insolvency Fund are assessed a proportionate share of the obligations and expenses of the Insolvency Fund in connection with an insolvent insurer. It is anticipated that there will be additional assessments from time to time relating to various insolvencies. Although the timing and amounts of any future assessments are not known, based upon existing knowledge, management’s opinion is that such future assessments will not have a material effect upon the financial position of the Company.

 

8. Income Taxes

 

Federal income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 has been computed using estimated effective tax rates. These rates are revised, if necessary, at the end of each successive interim period to reflect the current estimates of the annual effective tax rates.

 

13



 

Item 2.

 

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which appear elsewhere in this document. In this discussion, all dollar amounts are presented in thousands, except share and per share data.

 

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. We intend statements which are not historical in nature to be, and are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, the Company’s senior management may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. This safe harbor requires that we specify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. We cannot promise that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from and worse than our expectations. See “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 23 for specific important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements.

 

Executive Summary and Overview

 

In this discussion, “Safety” refers to Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and “our Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries consist of Safety Insurance Company (“Safety Insurance”), Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Thomas Black Insurance Agency, Inc. (“TBIA”) and RBS, Inc., TBIA’s holding company.

 

We are a leading provider of private passenger automobile insurance in Massachusetts. In addition to private passenger automobile insurance (which represented 81.0% of our direct written premiums in 2004), we offer a portfolio of other insurance products, including commercial automobile (10.4% of 2004 direct written premiums), homeowners (7.2% of 2004 direct written premiums), dwelling fire, umbrella and business owner policies. Operating exclusively in Massachusetts through our insurance company subsidiaries, Safety Insurance and Safety Indemnity Insurance Company (together referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiaries”), we have established strong relationships with 556 independent insurance agents in 659 locations throughout Massachusetts. We have used these relationships and our extensive knowledge of the Massachusetts market to become the second largest private passenger automobile insurance carrier in Massachusetts, capturing an approximate 11.0% share of the Massachusetts private passenger automobile market in 2004, according to the CAR Cession Volume Analysis Report of March 1, 2005, based on automobile exposures. These statistics total, for each vehicle insured, the number of months during the year insurance for that vehicle is in effect, to arrive at an aggregate number of car-months for each insurer; this aggregate number, divided by 12, equals the insurer’s number of car-years, a measure we refer to in this discussion as automobile exposures.

 

Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Market

 

We are subject to the extensive regulation of the private passenger automobile insurance industry in Massachusetts, which represented 81.0% of our direct written premiums in 2004. Owners of registered automobiles in Massachusetts are required to maintain minimum automobile insurance coverages. We are required to participate in a state-mandated reinsurance program run by Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (“CAR”) to which we cede certain unprofitable risks and from which we are allocated a portion of the overall losses. CAR is, with few exceptions, required by law to issue a policy to any applicant who seeks it. As a servicing carrier of CAR, this requirement applies to us. This program operates at an underwriting deficit. This deficit is allocated among every Massachusetts automobile insurance company, including us, based on a complex formula that takes into consideration a company’s voluntary market share, the rate at which it cedes business to CAR, and the company’s utilization of a credit system CAR has designed to encourage carriers to reduce their use of CAR. In addition, based on our market share, we are assigned certain licensed producers by CAR that have been unable to obtain a voluntary contract with another insurer. We call these agents Exclusive Representative Producers, or ERPs.

 

On April 29, 2004, the Governor of Massachusetts (the “Governor”) announced the formation of a bipartisan task force charged with reviewing potential changes to the Massachusetts personal automobile insurance system that, according to the Governor’s announcement, “will open the door to more competition, move to a rate-setting system that is more in line with the rest of the country, examine the costs and benefits of our current “no fault’ claims process, crack down on fraud and eliminate the subsidy that good drivers pay for bad drivers.” The Governor also announced “that the Division of Insurance has taken the first steps toward reform by pushing for changes in the distribution of losses generated by high-risk drivers.” As a result, in a letter to CAR dated April 29, 2004, the Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) directed CAR to materially change the operation of the residual market in Massachusetts, including the formula by which CAR’s deficit is allocated and the manner in which policies produced by ERPs are assigned to insurers.

 

14



 

On December 31, 2004, the Commissioner approved new rules for CAR, which became effective on January 1, 2005 (the “Approved Rules”). The Approved Rules replace CAR with an assigned insurance plan, the “Massachusetts Assigned Insurance Plan” (the “MAIP”), similar to those employed in 42 other states. The Approved Rules consist of two parts. One part applies to the operation of the MAIP, which will be phased in during 2006 and 2007 and which will fully replace CAR beginning January 1, 2008. The MAIP will provide for random and equitable distribution to companies of risks unable to obtain insurance in the voluntary market. The second part of the Approved Rules consists of a series of transition rules that are scheduled to take effect in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

 

On January 14, 2005, we filed, on Form 8-K, an estimate of the financial impact the Approved Rules may have on us and we stated that a lawsuit had been filed in Suffolk Superior Court by Commerce Insurance Company against the Commissioner that seeks an order permanently enjoining implementation and/or enforcement of the Approved Rules. Certain ERPs, Arbella Mutual Insurance Company and the Center for Insurance Research have intervened as plaintiffs and CAR has intervened as a defendant in this lawsuit. On February 1, 2005 the Court issued an order approving a motion by the ERP plaintiffs that stayed the Approved Rules pending a final decision in this lawsuit. The Plaintiffs have moved for Judgment on the Pleadings and a hearing on that motion was held in the Superior Court on May 2, 2005. Safety has joined with several other insurance companies and insurance industry trade associations in filing an amicus curiae brief in support of the Approved Rules. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome of the litigation surrounding the Approved Rules.

 

CAR annually approves the rules that set the value of credits and the cost to cede business. On March 9, 2005, CAR approved rules for the operation of the residual market for 2005 (the “2005 Rules”).  CAR filed the 2005 Rules with the Commissioner on March 29, 2005, after CAR obtained an order from the Superior Court confirming that the stay of the Approved Rules did not prevent CAR from filing the 2005 Rules with the Commissioner.  Commerce Insurance Company, Arbella Mutual Insurance Company, and Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation have requested a public hearing in accordance with provisions of CAR’s Plan of Operation and the Commissioner has scheduled a hearing to consider the 2005 Rules on May 31, 2005. The 2005 Rules revise the value of credits based on the actual rate subsidies contained in the Commissioner’s rate decision, and reduce the cost for ceding high loss ratio ERP business to CAR. The 2005 Rules would reduce the penalty in the current rules for ceding high loss ratio ERP business to CAR, and would therefore result in a reduction of the expense we incur because of our disproportionate share of high loss ratio ERP business. At the present time, we are unable to predict whether the Commissioner will approve the 2005 Rules.

 

Each year, the Commissioner sets maximum premium rates that may be charged and minimum commissions that must be paid to agents for private passenger automobile insurance. The Commissioner announced on December 15, 2004 a 1.7% statewide average private passenger automobile insurance rate decrease for 2005, compared to a 2.5% increase for 2004. Coinciding with the 2005 rate decision, the Commissioner also approved a 10.9% commission rate agents receive for selling private passenger automobile insurance, as a percentage of premiums, compared to a commission rate of 10.5% in 2004.

 

While state-mandated average maximum private passenger automobile insurance rates decreased 1.7% for 2005, our average premium per automobile exposure in the three months ended March 31, 2005 increased from the three months ended March 31, 2004 by approximately 0.7%. This increase was primarily the result of purchases of new automobiles by our insureds. We believe that the continued benefits of our rate pursuit initiative, which validates insured rating classifications and discount eligibility, contributed to the increase in our average premiums received per automobile exposure. The table below shows average Massachusetts-mandated private passenger automobile premium rate changes and changes in our average premium per automobile exposure from 1996-2005.

 

Massachusetts Private Passenger Rate Decisions

 

Year

 

State Mandated
Average Rate
Change
(1)

 

Safety Change in
Average Premium per
Automobile Exposure
(2)

 

2005

 

(1.7

)%

0.7

%

2004

 

2.5

%

6.1

%

2003

 

2.7

%

6.9

%

2002

 

0.0

%

5.2

%

2001

 

(8.3

)%

0.0

%

2000

 

0.7

%

7.4

%

1999

 

0.7

%

10.9

%

1998

 

(4.0

)%

2.8

%

1997

 

(6.2

)%

(5.1

)%

1996

 

(4.5

)%

(7.7

)%

 


(1) Source: Commissioner rate decisions for 1996 - 2005.

(2) Source: Safety Insurance.

 

15



 

Statutory Accounting Principles

 

Our results are reported in accordance with GAAP, which differ from amounts reported in accordance with statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) as prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities. Specifically, under GAAP:

 

                  Policy acquisition costs such as commissions, premium taxes and other variable costs incurred in connection with writing new and renewal business are capitalized and amortized on a pro rata basis over the period in which the related premiums are earned, rather than expensed as incurred, as required by SAP.

 

                  Certain assets are included in the consolidated balance sheets whereas, under SAP, such assets are designated as “nonadmitted assets,” and charged directly against statutory surplus. These assets consist primarily of premium receivables that are outstanding over 90 days, federal deferred tax assets in excess of statutory limitations, furniture, equipment, leasehold improvements and prepaid expenses.

 

                  Amounts related to ceded reinsurance are shown gross as prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverables, rather than netted against unearned premium reserves and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, respectively, as required by SAP.

 

                  Fixed maturities securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are reported at current market values, rather than at amortized cost, or the lower of amortized cost or market, depending on the specific type of security, as required by SAP.

 

                  Equity securities are reported at quoted market values, which may differ from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners market values as required by SAP.

 

                  The differing treatment of income and expense items results in a corresponding difference in federal income tax expense. Changes in deferred income taxes are reflected as an item of income tax benefit or expense, rather than recorded directly to surplus as regards policyholders, as required by SAP. Admittance testing may result in a charge to unassigned surplus for non-admitted portions of deferred tax assets. Under GAAP reporting, a valuation allowance may be recorded against the deferred tax asset and reflected as an expense.

 

Insurance Ratios

 

The property and casualty insurance industry uses the combined ratio as a measure of underwriting profitability. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio (losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred as a percent of net earned premiums) plus the expense ratio (underwriting expenses as a percent of net written premiums, if calculated on a SAP basis, or net earned premiums, if calculated on a GAAP basis). The combined ratio reflects only underwriting results, and does not include income from investments or finance and other service income. Underwriting profitability is subject to significant fluctuations due to competition, catastrophic events, weather, economic and social conditions and other factors.

 

Our SAP insurance ratios are outlined in the following table:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

SAP Ratios:

 

2005

 

2004

 

Loss Ratio

 

70.4

%

77.3

%

Expense Ratio

 

22.0

 

21.3

 

Combined Ratio

 

92.4

%

98.6

%

 

Under GAAP, the loss ratio is computed in the same manner as under SAP, but the expense ratio is determined by matching underwriting expenses to the period over which net premiums were earned, rather than to the period that net premiums were written.

 

Our GAAP insurance ratios are outlined in the following table:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

GAAP Ratios:

 

2005

 

2004

 

Loss Ratio

 

70.4

%

77.3

%

Expense Ratio

 

23.4

 

23.6

 

Combined Ratio

 

93.8

%

100.9

%

 

16



 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

On June 25, 2002, the Board adopted the 2002 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (“the Incentive Plan”). The Incentive Plan provides for a variety of awards, including nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”), stock appreciation rights and restricted stock (“RS”) awards. The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan is 1,250,000. At March 31, 2005, there were 161,559 shares available for future grant. The Board and the Compensation Committee intend to issue more awards under the Incentive Plan in the future. Grants made under the Incentive Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

Type of Equity
Awarded

 

Effective Date

 

Number of
Awards
Granted

 

Per Share
Exercise price
(1)
or fair value(2)

 

Vesting Terms

 

Expiration Date

 

NQSOs

 

March 16, 2005

 

78,000

 

$

35.23

(1)

5 years, 20 annually

 

March 16, 2015

 

RS

 

March 16, 2005

 

56,770

 

$

35.23

(2)

3 years, 30%-30%-40%

 

N/A

 

RS

 

March 16, 2005

 

4,000

 

$

35.23

(2)

No vesting period(3)

 

N/A

 

 


(1) The exercise price of the stock option grant is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant effective date.

(2) The fair value of the restricted stock grant is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant effective date.

(3) The shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged, or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of until the recipient is no longer a member of our Board of Directors.

 

Reinsurance

 

We reinsure with other insurance companies a portion of our potential liability under the policies we have underwritten, thereby protecting us against an unexpectedly large loss or a catastrophic occurrence that could produce large losses, primarily in our homeowners line of business. As of January 1, 2005 our catastrophe reinsurance provides gross per occurrence reinsurance coverage up to $250,000. This catastrophe reinsurance protects us in the event of a “426-year storm” (that is, a storm of a severity expected to occur once in a 426-year period). Swiss Re, our primary reinsurer, maintains an A.M. Best rating of “A+” (Superior). All of our other reinsurers have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent) or better. We are a participant in CAR, a state-established body that runs the residual market reinsurance programs for both private passenger and commercial automobile insurance in Massachusetts under which premiums, expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses on ceded business are shared by all insurers writing automobile insurance in Massachusetts. We also participate in the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association in which premiums, expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses on homeowners business that cannot be placed in the voluntary market are shared by all insurers writing homeowners insurance in Massachusetts. As of March 31, 2005, we had no material amounts recoverable from any reinsurer, excluding the residual markets described above.

 

On March 10, 2005, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution that prohibits Safety from purchasing finite reinsurance without approval by the Board. To date, the Company has never purchased a finite reinsurance contract.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, except insofar as inflation may affect interest rates.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves.

 

Significant periods of time can elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting to us of that loss and our final payment of that loss. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, we establish reserves as balance sheet liabilities. Our reserves represent estimates of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported losses and the expenses of investigating and paying those losses, or loss adjustment expenses. Every quarter, we review our previously established reserves and adjust them, if necessary.

 

When a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. The amount of the reserve is primarily based upon an evaluation of the type of claim involved, the circumstances surrounding each claim and the policy provisions relating to the loss. The estimate reflects the informed judgment of such personnel based on general insurance reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of the claims person. During the loss adjustment period, these estimates are revised as deemed necessary by our claims department based on subsequent developments and periodic reviews of the cases.

 

17



 

In accordance with industry practice, we also maintain reserves for estimated losses incurred but not yet reported. Incurred but not yet reported reserves are determined in accordance with commonly accepted actuarial reserving techniques on the basis of our historical information and experience. We review and make adjustments to incurred but not yet reported reserves quarterly.

 

When reviewing reserves, we analyze historical data and estimate the impact of various loss development factors, such as our historical loss experience and that of the industry, trends in claims frequency and severity, our mix of business, our claims processing procedures, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. A change in any of these factors from the assumption implicit in our estimate can cause our actual loss experience to be better or worse than our reserves, and the difference can be material. There is no precise method, however, for evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves, because the eventual development of reserves is affected by many factors. Establishment of appropriate reserves is an inherently uncertain process, and currently established reserves may not prove adequate in light of subsequent actual experience. To the extent that reserves are inadequate and are strengthened, the amount of such an increase is treated as a charge to earnings in the period that the deficiency is recognized. To the extent that reserves are redundant and are released, the amount of the release is a credit to earnings in the period the redundancy is recognized. We do not discount reserves.

 

The changes we have recorded in our reserves in the past illustrate the uncertainty of estimating reserves. Primarily due to an improvement in CAR results, our prior year reserves decreased by $8,328 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to no change for the three months ended March 31, 2004. This decrease in our prior year reserves resulted from re-estimations of prior year accident year ultimate loss and LAE liabilities and is composed of a reduction of $6,328 in CAR assumed reserves and a decrease of $2,000 in our automobile reserves. It is not appropriate to extrapolate future favorable or unfavorable development of reserves from this past experience.

 

For further information, see “Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: Results of Operations - Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.”

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.

 

We use a systematic methodology to evaluate declines in market values below cost or amortized cost of our investments. This methodology ensures that we evaluate available evidence concerning any declines in a disciplined manner.

 

In our determination of whether a decline in market value below amortized cost is an other-than-temporary impairment, we consider and evaluate several factors and circumstances including the issuer’s overall financial condition, the issuer’s credit and financial strength ratings, a weakening of the general market conditions in the industry or geographic region in which the issuer operates, a prolonged period (typically six months or longer) in which the fair value of an issuer’s securities remains below our amortized cost, our ability and intent to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of our costs, and any other factors that may raise doubt about the issuer’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

We record other-than-temporary impairments as realized losses, which serve to reduce net income and earnings per share. We record temporary losses as unrealized losses, which do not impact net income and earnings per share but reduce other comprehensive net income. The risks inherent in our assessment of other-than-temporary impairments include the risk that market factors may differ from our expectations, or that the credit assessment could change in the near term, resulting in a charge to earnings.

 

For further information, see “Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: Results of Operations - Net Realized Investment Losses.”

 

18



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table shows certain of our selected financial results:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct written premiums

 

$

185,775

 

$

180,583

 

Net written premiums

 

184,198

 

176,494

 

Net earned premiums

 

156,416

 

143,926

 

Net investment income

 

7,459

 

6,823

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

407

 

517

 

Finance and other service income

 

3,969

 

3,745

 

Total revenue

 

168,251

 

155,011

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

110,170

 

111,312

 

Underwriting, operating and related expenses

 

36,591

 

33,986

 

Interest expenses

 

223

 

153

 

Total expenses

 

146,984

 

145,451

 

Income before income taxes

 

21,267

 

9,560

 

Income tax expense

 

6,765

 

3,190

 

Net income

 

$

14,502

 

$

6,370

 

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

 

Direct Written Premiums. Direct written premiums for the first quarter of 2005 increased by $5,192, or 2.9%, to $185,775 from $180,583 for the comparable 2004 period. The 2005 increase occurred primarily in our personal automobile line, which experienced a 0.7% increase in average written premium and a 2.0% increase in written exposures. In addition, our commercial automobile line’s average written premium decreased by 1.8%, which was more than offset by a 9.8% increase in written exposures. Our homeowners line average written premium increased by 8.9%, which was partly offset by a 4.6% decrease in written exposures.

 

Net Written Premiums. Net written premiums for the first quarter of 2005 increased by $7,704, or 4.4%, to $184,198 from $176,494 for the comparable 2004 period primarily due to the factors that increased direct written premiums.

 

Net Earned Premiums. Net earned premiums for the first quarter of 2005 increased by $12,490, or 8.7%, to $156,416 from $143,926 for the comparable 2004 period. This was primarily due to the factors that increased direct written premiums.

 

Net Investment Income. Net investment income for the first quarter of 2005 was $7,459 compared to $6,823 for the comparable 2004 period. Average cash and investment securities (at amortized cost) increased by $111,611, or 16.2%, to $802,226 at March 31, 2005 from $690,615 for the comparable 2004 period due primarily to a $111,809 increase in average cash and cash equivalents. Net effective annualized yield on the investment portfolio decreased to 3.7% during the first quarter of 2005 from 4.0% during the comparable 2004 period due to management’s investment strategy to shift to higher rated securities and increase tax-exempt holdings. Our duration increased slightly to 3.5 years at March 31, 2005 from 3.4 years at March 31, 2004.

 

Net Realized Gains on Investments. Net realized gains on investments decreased to $407 for the first quarter of 2005 from $517 for the comparable 2004 period.

 

The gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in fixed maturity securities, including redeemable preferred stocks that have characteristics of fixed maturities, and equity securities, was as follows:

 

19



 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies (1)

 

$

119,280

 

$

435

 

$

(2,171

)

$

117,544

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

324,674

 

5,170

 

(3,492

)

326,352

 

Asset-backed securities

 

94,749

 

681

 

(1,042

)

94,388

 

Corporate and other securities

 

130,041

 

3,159

 

(983

)

132,217

 

Subtotal, fixed maturity securites

 

668,744

 

9,445

 

(7,688

)

670,501

 

Equity securities

 

2,014

 

22

 

(7

)

2,029

 

Totals

 

$

670,758

 

$

9,467

 

$

(7,695

)

$

672,530

 

 


(1) Obligations of U.S. Government agencies include collateralized mortgage obligations issued, guaranteed and/or insured by the following issuers: Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). The total of these fixed maturity securities was $115,806 at amortized cost and $114,069 at estimated fair value as of March 31, 2005. As such, the asset-backed securities presented exclude such issuers already presented under U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Agencies.

 

As of March 31, 2005, our portfolio of fixed maturity investments was comprised entirely of investment grade corporate fixed maturity securities, U.S. government and agency securities and asset-backed securities (i.e., all our securities received a rating assigned by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. of Baa or higher, except the few securities not rated by Moody’s which received S&P ratings of AA/A or higher, as well as a rating assigned by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners of 1 or 2).

 

The composition of our fixed income security portfolio by Moody’s rating was as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Percent

 

U.S. Government and Government Agency Fixed Income Securities

 

$

117,545

 

17.5

%

Aaa/Aa

 

427,975

 

63.9

 

A

 

78,696

 

11.7

 

Baa

 

46,285

 

6.9

 

Total

 

$

670,501

 

100.0

%

 

Ratings are assigned by Moody’s, or the equivalent, as discussed above. Such ratings are generally assigned upon the issuance of the securities and are subject to revision on the basis of ongoing evaluations. Ratings in the table are as of the date indicated.

 

In our determination of other-than-temporary impairments, we consider several factors and circumstances including the issuer’s overall financial condition, the issuer’s credit and financial strength ratings, a weakening of the general market conditions in the industry or geographic region in which the issuer operates, a prolonged period (typically six months or longer) in which the fair value of an issuer’s securities remains below our amortized cost, our ability and intent to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of our costs, and any other factors that may raise doubt about the issuer’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as realized losses, which serve to reduce net income and earnings per share. Temporary losses are recorded as unrealized losses, which do not impact net income and earnings per share but reduce other comprehensive net income. The risks inherent in the assessment of other-than-temporary impairments include the risk that market factors may differ from our expectations; we may decide to subsequently sell a security for unforeseen business needs; or the credit assessment could change in the near term, resulting in a charge to earnings.

 

The following table illustrates the gross unrealized losses included in the Company’s investment portfolio and the fair value of those securities, aggregated by investment category. The table also illustrates the length of time that they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2005.

 

20



 

 

 

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

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

 

$

80,545

 

$

1,793

 

$

7,796

 

$

378

 

$

88,341

 

$

2,171

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

94,000

 

1,725

 

61,492

 

1,767

 

155,492

 

3,492

 

Asset-backed securities

 

59,218

 

876

 

7,549

 

166

 

66,767

 

1,042

 

Corporate and other securities

 

47,981

 

925

 

1,460

 

65

 

49,441

 

990

 

Total temporarily impaired securities

 

$

281,744

 

$

5,319

 

$

78,297

 

$

2,376

 

$

360,041

 

$

7,695

 

 

The unrealized losses recorded on the fixed maturity investment portfolio at March 31, 2005 resulted from fluctuations in market interest rates as opposed to fundamental changes in the credit quality of the issuers of such securities. Therefore, these decreases in values are viewed as being temporary as we have the intent and ability to retain such investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in market value.

 

Of the $7,695 gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2005, $5,663 relates to fixed maturity obligations of states and political subdivisions and U.S. government agencies. The remaining $2,032 of gross unrealized losses relates primarily to holdings of investment grade asset-backed, corporate and other fixed maturity securities.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, there was no significant deterioration in the credit quality of any of the Company’s holdings and no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s portfolio of investment securities.

 

Finance and Other Service Income. Finance and other service income includes revenues from premium installment charges, which we recognize when earned. Finance and other service income increased $224, or 6.0%, to $3,969 for the first quarter of 2005 from $3,745 for the comparable 2004 period. This resulted from increases in premium installment billing fees primarily due to growth in the number of policies.

 

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred for the first quarter of 2005 decreased $1,142, or 1.0%, to $110,170 from $111,312 for the comparable 2004 period. Our GAAP loss ratio for the first quarter of 2005 decreased to 70.4% from 77.3% for the comparable 2004 period. Our GAAP loss ratio excluding loss adjustment expenses for the first quarter of 2005 decreased to 63.0% from 69.9% for the comparable 2004 period. The 2005 loss ratio improved as a result of $8,328 in favorable loss development composed primarily of a reduction of $6,328 in CAR prior year results. Also contributing to the improvement was lower severity in our automobile lines of business, partially offset by increased frequency due to worse winter weather in Massachusetts.

 

Underwriting, Operating and Related Expenses. Underwriting, operating and related expense for the first quarter of 2005 increased by $2,605, or 7.7%, to $36,591 from $33,986 for the comparable 2004 period. Our GAAP expense ratios for the first quarter of 2005 decreased slightly to 23.4% from 23.6% for the comparable 2004 period.

 

Interest Expenses. Interest expense for the first quarter of 2005 was $223 compared to $153 for the comparable 2004 period.

 

Income Tax Expense. Our effective tax rates were 31.8% and 33.4% for the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. These effective rates were lower than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to adjustments for tax-exempt investment income.

 

Net Income. Net income for the first quarter of 2005 increased by $8,132, or 127.7%, to $14,502 from $6,370 for the comparable 2004 period. This increase was primarily due to the increase in premiums and decrease in the loss ratio, as discussed above.

 

21



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As a holding company, Safety’s assets consist primarily of the stock of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Our principal source of funds to meet our obligations and pay dividends to shareholders, therefore, is dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries, principally Safety Insurance. Safety is the borrower under our credit facilities.

 

Safety Insurance’s sources of funds primarily include premiums received, investment income and proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments. Safety Insurance’s principal uses of cash are the payment of claims, operating expenses and taxes, the purchase of investments and payment of dividends to Safety.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $15,147 and $22,995 during the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our operations typically generate substantial positive cash flows from operations as most premiums are received in advance of the time when claim and benefit payments are required. These positive operating cash flows are expected to continue to meet our liquidity requirements.

 

Net cash used for investing activities was $32,049 and $4,273 during the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, primarily from purchases of fixed maturities in excess of sales of fixed maturities.

 

Net cash used for financing activities was $975 and $1,439 during the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, primarily from dividends paid to shareholders in excess of proceeds from stock option exercises.

 

Credit Facility

 

Concurrent with the closing of our IPO and repayment of the old credit facility, Safety obtained a new $30,000 revolving credit facility. Bank of America is the lender under this credit facility. Safety borrowed the entire $30,000 under this credit facility at the closing of the IPO and paid down the balance to $19,956 on December 5, 2002 with the approximately $10,000 net proceeds from the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option for 900,000 shares of our common stock. Loans under the credit facility bear interest at our option at either (i) the LIBOR rate plus 1.50% per annum or (ii) the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate or 0.50% above the federal funds rate plus 1.50% per annum. The credit facility is due and payable at maturity on November 27, 2005, which is three years from the closing of the IPO. Interest only is payable prior to maturity. The obligations of Safety under the credit facility are secured by pledges of the assets of Safety and the capital stock of Safety’s operating subsidiaries. The credit facility is guaranteed by the non-insurance company subsidiaries of Safety. The credit facility contains covenants including requirements to maintain minimum risk based capital ratios and statutory surplus of Safety Insurance as well as limitations or restrictions on indebtedness, liens, dividends, and other matters. As of March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

Regulatory Matters

 

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions that limit the maximum amount of dividends available to be paid to their parent without prior approval of the Commissioner. The Massachusetts statute limits the dividends an insurer may pay in any twelve-month period, without the prior permission of the Commissioner, to the greater of (i) 10% of the insurer’s surplus as of the preceding December 31 or (ii) the insurer’s net income for the twelve-month period ending the preceding December 31, in each case determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Our insurance company subsidiaries may not declare an “extraordinary dividend” (defined as any dividend or distribution that, together with other distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the limits established by Massachusetts’ statute) until thirty days after the Commissioner has received notice of the intended dividend and has not objected. As historically administered by the Commissioner, this provision requires the Commissioner’s prior approval of an extraordinary dividend. Under Massachusett’s law, an insurer may pay cash dividends only from its unassigned funds, also known as earned surplus, and the insurer’s remaining surplus must be both reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate to its financial needs. At year-end 2004, the statutory surplus of Safety Insurance was $278,161, and its net income for 2004 was $42,251. As a result, a maximum of $42,251 is available in 2005 for such dividends without prior approval of the Division. During the first quarter of 2005, Safety Insurance recorded dividends to Safety of $2,256.

 

The maximum dividend permitted by law is not indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which could affect an insurer’s ratings or competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends.

 

22



 

On February 17, 2005, our Board approved a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock of $0.12 per share, or $1,861, which was paid on March 15, 2005. We plan to continue to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends in 2005, depending on our financial position and the regularity of our cash flows.

 

Management believes that the current level of cash flow from operations provides us with sufficient liquidity to meet our operating needs over the next 12 months. We expect to be able to continue to meet our operating needs after the next 12 months from internally generated funds. Since our ability to meet our obligations in the long term (beyond such twelve-month period) is dependent upon such factors as market changes, insurance regulatory changes and economic conditions, no assurance can be given that the available net cash flow will be sufficient to meet our operating needs. We expect that we would need to borrow or issue capital stock if we needed additional funds, for example, to pay for an acquisition or a significant expansion of our operations. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds for any of the foregoing purposes would be available to us at such time.

 

We have received no inquiries from the Commissioner, the Massachusetts Attorney General, or any other government agency relative to how we conduct our contingent commissions and profit sharing programs.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no material obligations under a guarantee contract meeting the characteristics identified in paragraph 3 of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”. We have no material retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity. We have no material obligations, including contingent obligations, under contracts that would be accounted for as derivative instruments. We have no obligation, including contingent obligations, arising out of a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity held by, and material to, us, where such entity provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us. We have no direct investments in real estate and no holdings of mortgages secured by commercial real estate. Accordingly, we have no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have obligations to make future payments under contracts and credit-related financial instruments and commitments. At March 31, 2005, certain long-term aggregate contractual obligations and credit-related commitments are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

No Stated Maturity

 

Within
One Year

 

Two to Three
Years

 

Four to Five
Years

 

After
Five Years

 

Total

 

Loss and LAE reserve(1)

 

$

462,302

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$

462,302

 

Debt

 

 

$

19,956

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

19,956

 

Capital lease obligations

 

 

233

 

198

 

 

 

431

 

Operating leases

 

 

2,883

 

5,846

 

2,318

 

 

11,047

 

Total contractual obligations

 

$

462,302

 

$

23,072

 

$

6,044

 

$

2,318

 

$

 

$

493,736

 

 


(1) We cannot reasonably estimate the future payments due by year as our loss and LAE reserves do not have contractual maturity dates and the timing of future payments and final settlement of claims is subject to significant uncertainty.

 

There was no material change in any of our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of our business during the three months ended March 31, 2005. Our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, debt and capital lease obligations are currently reflected in our March 31, 2005 and 2004 balance sheets under GAAP.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Forward-looking statements might include one or more of the following, among others:

 

                  Projections of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items;

 

                  Descriptions of plans or objectives of management for future operations, products or services;

 

                  Forecasts of future economic performance, liquidity, need for funding and income; and

 

                  Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing.

 

23



 

Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “aim,” “projects,” or words of similar meaning and expressions that indicate future events and trends, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may”. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company’s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expenditures and financial results, are forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual future conditions, events, results or trends to differ significantly and/or materially from historical results or those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to the competitive nature of our industry and the possible adverse effects of such competition. Although a number of national insurers that are much larger than we are do not currently compete in a material way in the Massachusetts private passenger automobile market, if one or more of these companies decided to aggressively enter the market it could have a material adverse effect on us. Other significant factors include conditions for business operations and restrictive regulations in Massachusetts, the possibility of losses due to claims resulting from severe weather, the possibility that the Approved Rules are successfully appealed by Commerce or one or more of our other competitors, the possibility that the Commissioner may approve future Rule changes that change the operation of the residual market, our possible need for and availability of additional financing, and our dependence on strategic relationships, among others, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC, such as those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our prospectus in the registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on November 22, 2002.

 

Some other factors, such as market, operational, liquidity, interest rate, equity and other risks, are described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Factors relating to the regulation and supervision of our Company are also described or incorporated in this report. There are other factors besides those described or incorporated in this report that could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk (Dollars in thousands)

 

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. We have exposure to market risk through our investment activities and our financing activities. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We use both fixed and variable rate debt as sources of financing. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter, into any derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate changes primarily results from our significant holdings of fixed rate investments and from our financing activities. Our fixed maturity investments include U.S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, obligations of state and local governments and governmental authorities, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities, most of which are exposed to changes in prevailing interest rates.

 

We manage our exposure to risks associated with interest rate fluctuations through active review of our investment portfolio by our management and Board and consultation with third-party financial advisors. As a general matter, we do not attempt to match the durations of our assets with the durations of our liabilities, and the majority of our liabilities are “short tail.” Our goal is to maximize the total after-tax return on all of our investments. An important strategy that we employ to achieve this goal is to try to hold enough in cash and short-term investments in order to avoid liquidating longer-term investments to pay claims.

 

Based upon the results of interest rate sensitivity analysis, the following tables show the interest rate risk of our investments in fixed maturities, including preferred stocks with characteristics of fixed maturities, measured in terms of fair value (which is equal to the carrying value for all our fixed maturity securities).

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2005

 

 

 

-100 Basis
Point Change

 

No Change

 

+100 Basis
Point Change

 

Estimated fair value

 

$

698,395

 

$

670,501

 

$

641,327

 

Estimated increase (decrease) in fair value

 

$

27,894

 

 

$

(29,174

)

 

24



 

An important market risk for all of our outstanding long-term debt is interest rate risk. We continue to monitor the interest rate environment and to evaluate refinancing opportunities as maturity dates approach. With respect to floating rate debt, we are also exposed to the effects of changes in prevailing interest rates. At March 31, 2005 we had $19,956 of debt outstanding under our credit facility at a variable rate of 4.3%. A 2.0% change in the prevailing interest rate on our variable rate debt would result in interest expense fluctuating approximately $400 for 2005, assuming that all of such debt is outstanding for the entire year.

 

Equity Risk. Equity risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. In the past, our exposure to changes in equity prices primarily resulted from our holdings of common stocks, mutual funds and other equities. While we have in the past held common equity securities in our investment portfolio, presently we hold none, except for interests in mutual funds to fund the executive deferred compensation plan. We continuously evaluate market conditions and we expect in the future to purchase equity securities. We principally managed equity price risk through industry and issuer diversification and asset allocation techniques.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective and ensure that all information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Please see “Item 1 – Financial Statements - Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.”

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds -  None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities -  None.

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

Item 5. Other Information -  None.

Item 6. Exhibits - The exhibits are contained herein as listed in the Exhibit Index on page 26.

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.  (Registrant)

 

 

 

Date: May 10, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ WILLIAM J. BEGLEY, JR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

William J. Begley, Jr.

 

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

25



 

SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

11

 

Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings. (1)

 

 

 

31.1

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (2)

 

 

 

31.2

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (2)

 

 

 

32.1

 

CEO Certification Pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (2)

 

 

 

32.2

 

CFO Certification Pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (2)

 


(1)                                                              Not included herein as the information can be calculated from the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations (see page 4).

(2)                                                              Included herein.

 

26