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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2004

 

Commission File No. 0-50167

 


 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION

 


 

Incorporated under the Laws of Ohio   IRS Employer Identification Number 03-0483872

 

2204 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35209

(205) 870-4000

 


 

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer.    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

As of November 1, 2004, there were 20,657,696 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

INDEX

 

         Page

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1-

  Financial Statements     
         Consolidated Statements of Earnings    3
         Consolidated Balance Sheets    4
         Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity    5
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    6
         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    8

Item 2-

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    12

Item 3-

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk    23

Item 4-

  Controls and Procedures    23

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

    

Item 6-

  Exhibits    24
    Signature    25
EXHIBIT INDEX     

Exhibit 31(a) -

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    E-1

Exhibit 31(b) -

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    E-2

Exhibit 32 -

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    E-3

 

2


Table of Contents

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1

Financial Statements

 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


   Nine months ended
September 30,


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

Income:

                           

Earned premiums

   $ 220,549    $ 172,816    $ 649,642    $ 504,197

Net investment income

     16,071      14,237      49,162      41,854

Realized gains on investments

     2,805      761      5,851      1,283

Other income

     1,067      2,154      4,408      3,980
    

  

  

  

Total revenue

     240,492      189,968      709,063      551,314

Costs and Expenses:

                           

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     151,563      136,651      449,760      399,777

Commissions and other underwriting expenses

     47,037      22,376      134,389      68,123

Interest expense

     2,888      2,045      7,962      4,395

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     1,529      1,904      4,764      4,994

Loss on retirement of long-term debt

     —        —        3,436      —  

Other expenses

     6,250      4,878      14,941      15,595
    

  

  

  

Total expenses

     209,267      167,854      615,252      492,884
    

  

  

  

Earnings before income taxes

     31,225      22,114      93,811      58,430

Provision for income taxes

     8,272      7,161      29,096      19,674
    

  

  

  

Net Earnings

   $ 22,953    $ 14,953    $ 64,715    $ 38,756
    

  

  

  

Earnings per Common Share:

                           

Basic

   $ 1.12    $ 0.73    $ 3.15    $ 1.90

Diluted

   $ 1.10    $ 0.72    $ 3.10    $ 1.89

Average number of Common Shares:

                           

Basic

     20,567      20,348      20,555      20,347

Diluted

     20,841      20,645      20,855      20,556

Cash dividends per Common Share

   $ 0.055    $ 0.055    $ 0.165    $ 0.110

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 
     (unaudited)        

Assets

                

Investments:

                

Fixed maturities – at market (amortized cost – $1,255,491 and $1,192,418)

   $ 1,303,397     $ 1,245,753  

Equity securities – at market (cost – $17,662 and $19,184)

     19,085       21,375  
    


 


Total investments

     1,322,482       1,267,128  

Cash and cash equivalents

     122,228       125,042  

Accrued investment income

     16,177       16,772  

Agents’ balances and premiums receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $8,934 and $7,902

     263,331       254,026  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     25,580       42,089  

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers

     29,324       31,481  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     62,217       50,858  

Current and deferred income taxes

     7,120       8,890  

Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets

     23,208       31,178  

Goodwill

     75,275       75,275  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 1,946,942     $ 1,902,739  
    


 


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 671,615     $ 709,887  

Unearned premiums

     388,489       371,716  

Amounts payable to reinsurers

     18,632       36,055  

Long-term debt (fair value – $198,386 at September 30, 2004)

     199,291       195,500  

Commissions payable

     25,597       23,073  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     125,222       111,138  
    


 


Total liabilities

     1,428,846       1,447,369  

Shareholders’ Equity:

                

Common Stock, no par value - 50,000,000 shares authorized - 20,657,287 and 20,483,958 shares outstanding

     20,657       20,484  

Additional paid-in capital

     329,510       324,787  

Retained earnings

     136,163       74,856  

Unearned compensation (restricted stock)

     (463 )     (1,000 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net

     32,229       36,243  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     518,096       455,370  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,946,942     $ 1,902,739  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


    Retained
Earnings


   

Unrealized

Gain (Loss)


    Unearned
Compensation


    Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2003

   $ 1    $ 342,743     $ 20,000     $ 24,059     $ —       $ 386,803  

Net earnings

     —        —         38,756       —         —         38,756  

Change in unrealized gains

     —        —         —         15,446       —         15,446  
                                           


Comprehensive income

                                            54,202  

Dividends paid to common stockholders

     —        —         (2,253 )     —         —         (2,253 )

Stock split

     20,346      (20,346 )     —         —         —         —    

Issuance of restricted stock awards

     134      2,016       —         —         (2,150 )     —    

Amortization of unearned compensation

     —        —         —         —         821       821  

Exercise of stock options

     3      37       —         —         —         40  

Capital contribution

     —        2,476       —         —         —         2,476  
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2003

   $ 20,484    $ 326,926     $ 56,503     $ 39,505     $ (1,329 )   $ 442,089  
    

  


 


 


 


 


Net earnings

   $ —      $ —       $ 19,480     $ —       $ —       $ 19,480  

Change in unrealized gains

     —        —         —         (3,477 )     —         (3,477 )

Unrealized gain on derivative

     —        —         —         215       —         215  
                                           


Comprehensive income

                                            16,218  

Dividends paid to common stockholders

     —        —         (1,127 )     —         —         (1,127 )

Amortization of unearned compensation

     —        —         —         —         329       329  

Other

     —        (2,139 )     —         —         —         (2,139 )
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

   $ 20,484    $ 324,787     $ 74,856     $ 36,243     $ (1,000 )   $ 455,370  
    

  


 


 


 


 


Net earnings

   $ —      $ —       $ 64,715     $ —       $ —       $ 64,715  

Change in unrealized gains

     —        —         —         (3,799 )     —         (3,799 )

Unrealized gain on derivative

     —        —         —         (215 )     —         (215 )
                                           


Comprehensive income

                                            60,701  

Dividends paid to common stockholders

     —        —         (3,408 )     —         —         (3,408 )

Issuance of Common Stock

     171      4,685       —         —         —         4,856  

Amortization of unearned compensation

     —        —         —         —         537       537  

Exercise of stock options

     2      38       —         —         —         40  
    

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2004

   $ 20,657    $ 329,510     $ 136,163     $ 32,229     $ (463 )   $ 518,096  
    

  


 


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Operating Activities:

                

Net earnings

   $ 64,715     $ 38,756  

Adjustments:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     11,785       13,538  

Realized (gains) losses on investments

     (5,851 )     (1,283 )

Change in accrued investment income

     595       (1,695 )

Change in agents’ balances and premiums receivable

     (9,305 )     (38,524 )

Change in reinsurance receivables

     18,666       25,105  

Change in deferred policy acquisition costs

     (11,359 )     (19,744 )

Change in other assets

     5,688       (1,448 )

Changes in balances with affiliates

     —         752  

Change in insurance claims and reserves

     (21,499 )     7,571  

Change in payable to reinsurers

     (17,423 )     (3,540 )

Change in other liabilities

     16,608       32,706  

Other, net

     170       87  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     52,790       52,281  

Investing Activities:

                

Purchase of and additional investments in:

                

Fixed maturity investments

     (254,979 )     (380,083 )

Equity securities

     (2,197 )     (11,711 )

Property and equipment

     (3,376 )     (1,758 )

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity investments

     103,346       118,254  

Sales of:

                

Fixed maturity investments

     79,882       81,109  

Stock of subsidiary

     10,380       —    

Equity securities

     6,807       3,615  

Property and equipment

     1,430       22  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (58,707 )     (190,552 )

Financing Activities:

                

Issuance of term loan

     —         196,300  

Repayments of term loan

     —         (2,250 )

Repayment of note to American Financial Group

     —         (55,000 )

Repayment of term loan

     (195,500 )     —    

Proceeds from Senior Notes

     199,256       —    

Debt issuance costs

     (2,141 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock

     4,896       40  

Dividends paid on Common Stock

     (3,408 )     (2,253 )
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     3,103       136,837  
    


 


Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (2,814 )     (1,434 )

Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period

     125,042       88,053  
    


 


Cash and short-term investments at end of period

   $ 122,228     $ 86,619  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Operating Activities:

                

Net earnings

   $ 22,953     $ 14,953  

Adjustments:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     3,122       5,866  

Realized gains on investments

     (2,805 )     (761 )

Change in accrued investment income

     370       (2,406 )

Change in agents’ balances and premiums receivable

     2,315       (5,963 )

Change in reinsurance receivables

     672       25,314  

Change in deferred policy acquisition costs

     (135 )     (13,666 )

Change in other assets

     2,457       5,547  

Changes in balances with affiliates

     —         7,079  

Change in insurance claims and reserves

     (7,608 )     30,083  

Change in payable to reinsurers

     (2,066 )     (30,213 )

Change in other liabilities

     11,557       13,736  

Other, net

     326       (713 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     31,158       48,856  

Investing Activities:

                

Purchase of and additional investments in:

                

Fixed maturity investments

     (83,282 )     (214,478 )

Equity securities

     (2,197 )     (9,561 )

Property and equipment

     (1,058 )     (516 )

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity investments

     18,204       21,820  

Sales of:

                

Fixed maturity investments

     30,563       6,213  

Equity securities

     3,957       3,088  

Property and equipment

     47       4  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (33,766 )     (193,430 )
    


 


Financing Activities:

                

Issuance of term loan

     —         196,300  

Repayments of term loan

     —         (2,250 )

Repayment of note to American Financial Group

     —         (55,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock

     40       40  

Dividends paid on Common Stock

     (1,136 )     (1,127 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (1,096 )     137,963  
    


 


Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3,704 )     (6,611 )

Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period

     125,932       93,230  
    


 


Cash and short-term investments at end of period

   $ 122,228     $ 86,619  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 Formation of the Company

 

Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (“Infinity” or the “Company”) was formed in September 2002 as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”) to acquire and conduct, as a separate public company, AFG’s personal insurance business written through independent agents. Infinity operates through sixteen directly or indirectly wholly-owned personal auto insurance companies (collectively the “NSA Group”).

 

Through a reinsurance transaction effective January 1, 2003, Infinity assumed the personal lines business written through agents (the “Assumed Agency Business”) by AFG’s principal property and casualty subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company (“GAI”). GAI, in turn, transferred to Infinity assets (primarily investment securities) with a market value of $125.3 million, and GAI allows Infinity to continue to write standard and preferred insurance on policies issued by the same GAI companies that had previously issued such policies.

 

In February of 2003, AFG sold 12.5 million shares of Infinity in an initial public offering and sold its remaining 7.9 million shares in a secondary offering in December of 2003. In conjunction with the secondary offering, Infinity sold 170,829 previously unissued shares through an over-allotment option in January 2004.

 

Note 2 Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with Infinity’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, focuses on Infinity’s financial performance since the beginning of the year.

 

These financial statements reflect certain adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of Infinity’s results of operations and financial position. Such adjustments consist of normal, recurring accruals recorded to accurately match expenses with their related revenue streams and the elimination of all significant inter-company transactions and balances. In addition, certain reclassification adjustments have been made to historical results to achieve consistency in presentation.

 

Certain accounts and balances within these financial statements are based upon management’s estimates and assumptions. The amount of reserves for claims not yet paid, for example, is an item that can only be recorded by estimation. Unrealized capital gains and losses on investments are subject to market fluctuations and managerial judgment is required in the determination of whether unrealized losses on certain securities are temporary or other-than-temporary. Should actual results differ significantly from these estimates, the effects on Infinity’s results of operations could be material.

 

For these reasons and others, the results of operations for the periods presented can not necessarily be expected to indicate the Company’s results for the entire year.

 

The acquisition of the Assumed Agency Business has been accounted for at AFG’s historical carrying amount as a transfer of net assets between entities under common control in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.”

 

8


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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

 

Note 3 Stock-Based Compensation

 

Infinity’s Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Plan were established in 2002. There were 2,000,000 and 500,000 shares of Infinity common stock (“Common Stock”) reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Plan, respectively. Through September 30, 2004, Infinity has issued 639,180 options and 134,375 shares of restricted stock. Twelve thousand five hundred options have been exercised or forfeited, leaving 626,680 outstanding as of September 30, 2004. Options generally become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year commencing one year after grant. For restricted stock awards, one-third of the shares vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant of the award.

 

As permitted under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” Infinity accounts for stock options and other stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” The fair value of shares issued under Infinity’s Restricted Stock Plan is recorded as unearned compensation and expensed over the vesting periods of the awards. Under Infinity’s Stock Option Plan, options are granted to officers, directors and key employees at exercise prices equal to the fair value of the shares at the dates of grant. No compensation expense is recognized for stock option grants. On March 31, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (”FASB”) proposed a new standard that would require recognition of compensation expense for employee stock options. On October 13, 2004, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the standard to interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Had the proposed standard been effective in its current form for the periods presented, Infinity does not believe its actual results would have differed materially from the pro forma results shown below.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings (in thousands) and earnings per share had compensation cost related to stock options been determined and recognized based on “fair values” at grant dates consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123. For SFAS No. 123 purposes, the “fair values” were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There is no single reliable method to determine the actual value of options at grant date. Accordingly, the actual value of the option grants may be higher or lower than the SFAS No. 123 “fair value.”

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net earnings, as reported

   $ 22,953     $ 14,953     $ 64,715     $ 38,756  

Pro forma stock option expense

     (259 )     (171 )     (891 )     (355 )
    


 


 


 


Adjusted net earnings

   $ 22,694     $ 14,782     $ 63,824     $ 38,401  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share (as reported):

                                

Basic

   $ 1.12     $ 0.73     $ 3.15     $ 1.90  

Diluted

   $ 1.10     $ 0.72     $ 3.10     $ 1.89  

Earnings per share (adjusted):

                                

Basic

   $ 1.10     $ 0.73     $ 3.11     $ 1.89  

Diluted

   $ 1.09     $ 0.72     $ 3.06     $ 1.87  

 

The following table illustrates the assumptions used to obtain the pro forma stock option expense figures.

 

     As of September 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Assumptions:

                

Options outstanding

     626,680       419,180  

Weighted-average:

                

Fair value per option granted

   $ 8.62     $ 5.98  

Dividend yield

     1.2 %     1.4 %

Expected volatility

     33 %     33 %

Risk-free interest rate

     4.1 %     4.0 %

Expected option life

     7.5 years       7.5 years  

 

9


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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

 

Note 4 Derivatives

 

Infinity entered into an interest rate swap in July 2003 to hedge a portion of the variable interest rate on a $200 million term loan. Periodic changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap were recorded net of tax in unrealized gains and losses as permitted under the accounting rules set forth in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” At September 30, 2003, the value of the interest rate swap was a pretax unrealized loss of $352 thousand. Infinity settled the interest rate swap in February 2004 in conjunction with the retirement of the term loan, and, in doing so, recognized a pretax loss of $0.3 million.

 

Infinity’s investments in equity securities included an investment in common stock warrants until their sale in September, 2003. The warrants were sold for $1.0 million, including a realized gain of $0.1 million.

 

Note 5 Computations of Earnings Per Share

 

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the denominators in Infinity’s computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share figures):

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,


   For the nine months
ended September 30,


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

Net earnings

   $ 22,953    $ 14,953    $ 64,715    $ 38,756
    

  

  

  

Average basic shares outstanding

     20,567      20,348      20,555      20,347
    

  

  

  

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.12    $ 0.73    $ 3.15    $ 1.90
    

  

  

  

Average basic shares outstanding

     20,567      20,348      20,555      20,347

Restricted stock not yet vested

     90      134      98      111

Dilutive effect of assumed option exercises

     184      164      202      98
    

  

  

  

Average diluted shares outstanding

     20,841      20,645      20,855      20,556
    

  

  

  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.10    $ 0.72    $ 3.10    $ 1.89
    

  

  

  

 

Note 6 Long-Term Debt

 

In February 2004, Infinity issued $200 million of Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of $197.2 million were used to repay the $195.5 million balance due on the term loan and for general corporate purposes. Infinity recorded a $3.4 million loss on the term loan extinguishment, which represented the unamortized balance of previously capitalized debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes accrue interest at an effective rate of 5.55% and bear a coupon of 5.5%, payable semiannually. Issue costs of $2.1 million have been capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the Senior Notes. The fair value of the Senior Notes as of September 30, 2004 ($198.4 million) was calculated using a 149.0 basis point spread to the ten-year U.S. Treasury Note of 4.121%, which was obtained from Bloomberg, a national broker quotation network.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

 

Note 7 Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities

 

The change in unrealized gain on marketable securities for the nine-month period ended September 30 included the following (in millions):

 

     Pretax

             
     Fixed
Maturities


    Equity
Securities


    Tax
Effects


    Net

 
2004                                 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period

   $ (3.5 )   $ 3.2     $ 0.1     $ (0.2 )

Realized (gains) losses included in net income

     (1.9 )     (4.0 )     2.3       (3.6 )
    


 


 


 


Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net

   $ (5.4 )   $ (0.8 )   $ 2.4     $ (3.8 )
    


 


 


 


2003                                 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period

   $ 23.8     $ 1.5     $ (9.0 )   $ 16.3  

Realized (gains) losses included in net income

     (1.7 )     0.4       0.4       (0.9 )
    


 


 


 


Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net

   $ 22.1     $ 1.9     $ (8.6 )   $ 15.4  
    


 


 


 


 

Note 8 Effective Tax Rate

 

Infinity’s effective federal income tax rates were:

 

    

For the three months ended

September 30,


   

For the nine months ended

September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Adjustments:

                        

Interest income on tax-exempt securities

   (1.5 )   (2.2 )   (1.5 )   (1.1 )

Dividends received deduction

   (0.1 )   (0.5 )   (0.2 )   (0.4 )

Loss carryforward and alternative minimum tax credits (1)

   (6.7 )   —       (2.2 )   —    

Other

   (0.2 )   —       (0.1 )   0.2  
    

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

   26.5 %   32.3 %   31.0 %   33.7 %
    

 

 

 


(1) Infinity utilized net operating loss carryforwards and alternative minimum tax credits in September 2004, which reduced federal income taxes by $2.1 million and resulted in an increase in basic earnings per share of $0.10 for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004.

 

Note 9 Additional Information

 

In the third quarter of 2004, Infinity recorded a correction of a $2.4 million underaccrual of underwriting expense from the fourth quarter of 2003. Management evaluated the underaccrual as it relates to prior periods and determined that this item was immaterial. Accordingly, no prior period has been restated.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

ITEM 2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Forward-Looking Statements” below.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Infinity continued its strong financial performance for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, reporting net income of $64.7 million, an increase of 67.0% over that of the same period in 2003. Diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 was $3.10, an increase of 64.0% over the $1.89 per share reported for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003. Return on equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 increased to 17.9%, up from 13.2% reported for the same period in 2003.

 

Increased earnings and returns were substantially a result of continued improvements in underwriting profitability. Underwriting profit margins, gross of the physical damage quota share agreements, improved 4.0 points for the first nine months of 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. Infinity experienced favorable reserve development of approximately 1.6 points for the first nine months on 2004, as Infinity continued to see declines in claim frequencies on prior accident periods, particularly related to its California book of business. This compares with unfavorable development of approximately 1.2 points for the same period in the prior year, resulting primarily from increases in the cost of adjusting claims on Infinity’s New York book of business. In addition, Infinity, as well as the industry in general, continued to benefit in the current accident year from moderate inflation in the medical and automobile repair costs.

 

Book value per share increased 16.0%, from $21.72 per share at September 30, 2003 to $25.19 at September 30, 2004, from the contribution of earnings in excess of shareholder dividends.

 

Total revenues increased for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 to $709.1 million, up 28.6% from the same period in 2003, as a result of a lower utilization of reinsurance in 2004 as well as an increase in investment income from a larger investment portfolio, and an increase in capital gains from security sales.

 

As of September 30, 2004, Infinity had 702,000 policies-in-force, a 2.8% decline over the same period last year. It was the decline in policies-in-force in Infinity’s Non-focus States that caused the overall decline, as Infinity continued to reduce business in these states in which underwriting profit goals had not been met. As the business in the Non-focus States was unprofitable, the reduction in policies-in-force for the Non-focus States has contributed favorably to Infinity’s profitability since 2003. Policies-in-force for the 17 states in which Infinity is focused actually grew 0.6% from 651,000 to 655,000 for the same period.

 

Infinity continued to invest over 95% of its investable funds in fixed income and cash-equivalent securities. The average duration of the fixed income portfolio fell to 4.4 years at September 30, 2004 as compared with 4.6 years at December 31, 2003.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Sources of Funds

 

In February 2004, Infinity issued $200 million of Senior Notes due 2014 and obtained a revolving credit line of $20 million. Of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes, $195.5 million was used to repay the outstanding principal balance of Infinity’s term loan. The remaining proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes are unsecured and no sinking fund payments are required. A scheduled interest payment of $5.5 million was made in August 2004 and $11.0 million of interest payments will be made per year through maturity in 2014.

 

In 2004, Infinity’s operating subsidiaries may pay to Infinity up to $46 million of ordinary dividends without prior regulatory approval. Management believes that Infinity’s cash and investment balances and cash flows generated from operations, including dividends and tax payments from its subsidiaries, are adequate to meet its future liquidity needs.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Quota Share Agreements

 

Infinity utilizes the reinsurance market to manage its capital and surplus levels relative to its reserve liabilities, supporting its capacity for growth. Through the first half of 2003, Infinity’s insurance subsidiaries ceded 90% of their personal auto physical damage business on a funds withheld basis to Inter-Ocean Reinsurance Limited (“Inter-Ocean”). The percentage ceded was reduced to 20% for the second half of 2003. Infinity entered into a reinsurance agreement for 2004 with American Re-Insurance Company (“American Re”) on terms substantially equivalent to those in effect in 2003 with Inter-Ocean, except that the minimum percentage of business that may be ceded under the reinsurance agreement was lowered from 20% to 10%, and the Assumed Agency Business was excluded from this agreement. During the first nine months of 2004, Infinity ceded 10% of physical damage premiums to American Re. The Inter-Ocean and American Re agreements are referred to collectively as the “Quota Share Agreements” throughout this document.

 

Premiums ceded under the Quota Share Agreements were $7.5 million and $16.9 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively, versus $9.9 million and $176.2 million for the corresponding periods in 2003. In conjunction with the commutation of the 2003 quota share agreement, Inter-Ocean returned $7.2 million to Infinity, which represented the balance of unearned ceded premiums on the Assumed Agency Business at January 1, 2004.

 

Investments

 

Infinity’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2004 contained approximately $1.3 billion in fixed maturity securities and $19.1 million in equity securities, all carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. At September 30, 2004, Infinity had pretax net unrealized gains of $47.9 million on fixed maturities and $1.4 million on equity securities. Combined, these figures decreased by $6.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 and $11.6 million since September 30, 2003, primarily due to increases in market interest rates.

 

Approximately 95% of Infinity’s investments in fixed maturities at September 30, 2004 were rated “investment grade.” Investment grade securities generally bear lower yields and lower degrees of risk than those that are unrated or non-investment grade. Management believes that a high quality investment portfolio is more likely to generate a stable and predictable investment return.

 

Since all of these securities are carried at market value in the balance sheet, there is virtually no effect on liquidity or financial condition upon the sale and ultimate realization of unrealized gains and losses.

 

The average duration of Infinity’s fixed maturity portfolio was 4.4 years at September 30, 2004.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Summarized information for Infinity’s investment portfolio follows (in millions):

 

     September 30, 2004

      
     Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Market
Value


   % of Total

 

Fixed maturities

   $ 1,255.5    $ 50.0    $ 2.1    $ 1,303.4    99 %

Equities

     17.7      1.9      0.5      19.1    1  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,273.2    $ 51.9    $ 2.6    $ 1,322.5    100 %
    

  

  

  

  

     December 31, 2003

      
     Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Market
Value


   % of Total

 

Fixed maturities

   $ 1,192.4    $ 55.6    $ 2.3    $ 1,245.8    98 %

Equities

     19.2      2.2      —        21.4    2  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,211.6    $ 57.8    $ 2.3    $ 1,267.2    100 %
    

  

  

  

  

 

     September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Number of positions held with unrealized:

            

Gains

   443     456  

Losses

   56     69  

Number of positions held that individually exceed unrealized:

            

gains of $500,000

   10     9  

losses of $500,000

   —       —    

Percentage of positions held with unrealized:

            

gains that were investment grade

   91 %   89 %

losses that were investment grade

   84 %   84 %

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2004 based on their market values, in millions. Securities that do not have a single maturity date are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.

 

     Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains


   Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses


  

Securities
Carried With
Cost Equal
To

Market


   All Fixed
Maturity
Securities


Maturity

                           

One year or less

   $ 47.9    $ —      $ —      $ 47.9

After one year through five years

     380.7      80.9      1.8      463.4

After five years through ten years

     389.1      31.3      1.7      422.1

After ten years

     97.3      5.3      —        102.6

Mortgage-backed securities

     194.7      72.7      —        267.4
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,109.7    $ 190.2    $ 3.5    $ 1,303.4
    

  

  

  

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Underwriting

 

Infinity’s insurance subsidiaries provide personal automobile insurance products with an emphasis on nonstandard auto insurance and to a lesser extent nonstandard commercial auto insurance. Nonstandard coverage is designed for drivers who, due to their driving record, age or vehicle type, represent higher than normal risks and pay higher rates for comparable coverage.

 

Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio, which is a sum of the ratios of losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses to earned premiums. When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable. The combined ratio does not reflect investment income, other income or federal income taxes.

 

In this discussion, underwriting results represent the combined results of the NSA Group and the Assumed Agency Business.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Though it is licensed to write business in all 50 states, Infinity focuses on the 17 “Franchise” and “Resource” states that management believes offer the greatest opportunity for premium growth and profitability. Infinity classifies the states in which it operates into three categories:

 

  “Franchise States” – These states provide Infinity with the best opportunity for profitable growth. They are California, Florida, Georgia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

 

  “Resource States” – In these 12 states, Infinity is strengthening operations while replicating the operating model of the Franchise States. They are Texas, Alaska, Alabama, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Virginia. Indiana and Wisconsin were added based on a periodic evaluation of states for inclusion into Resource States based on potential for profitable growth.

 

  “Non-focus States” – Infinity is either maintaining its renewal writings in these states while increasing insurance rates to achieve underwriting profitability, or ceasing operations in these states.

 

Below is a discussion of the earned premiums and underwriting results for Infinity (in millions):

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,


   

Nine months ended

September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    Change

    %

    2004

    2003

    Change

    %

 

Net Earned Premiums

                                                            

Franchise States

   $ 189.7     $ 183.2     $ 6.5     3.5 %   $ 577.2     $ 567.3     $ 9.9     1.7 %

Resource States (b)

     29.1       29.5       (0.4 )   (1.4 )     83.7       98.0       (14.3 )   (14.6 )

Non-focus States (b)

     13.2       23.7       (10.5 )   (44.3 )     46.2       89.1       (42.9 )   (48.1 )
    


 


 


 

 


 


 


 

Gross written premiums

   $ 232.0     $ 236.4     $ (4.4 )   (1.9 )%   $ 707.2     $ 754.4     $ (47.2 )   (6.3 )%

Ceded reinsurance

     (9.9 )     (9.8 )     (0.1 )   1.0       (24.3 )     (131.6 )(a)     107.3     (81.5 )
    


 


 


 

 


 


 


 

Net written premiums

   $ 222.1     $ 226.6     $ (4.5 )   (2.0 )%   $ 682.9     $ 622.8     $ 60.1     9.6 %

Change in unearned premiums

     (1.6 )     (53.8 )     52.2     (97.0 )     (33.3 )     (118.6 )(a)     85.3     (71.9 )
    


 


 


 

 


 


 


 

Net earned premiums

   $ 220.5     $ 172.8     $ 47.7     27.6 %   $ 649.6     $ 504.2     $ 145.4     28.8 %
    


 


 


 

 


 


 


 


(a) Excludes $48.0 million in unearned premiums transferred to Infinity with the Assumed Agency Business on January 1, 2003.
(b) All periods shown here have been restated to include Indiana and Wisconsin, two new Resource States, in the Resource State category and removing them from the Non-focus State category.

 

Nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus 2003

 

Gross written premiums for all states for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 fell 6.3%, or $47.2 million from the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003. For this period, $42.9 million of the decrease came in the Non-focus States where Infinity is actively reducing its business as the result of historically poor underwriting results. In addition, gross written premiums in Resource States fell $14.3 million, as new products recently introduced in several of the Resource States have not generated sufficient growth to offset the decline in old products. Infinity did experience growth of $9.9 million in gross written premiums in its Franchise States from $567.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 to $577.2 million for the corresponding period in 2004. This growth was due largely to growth in California from the appointment of new agents and the continuing expansion of the Providing Agents Service and Support (“PASS”) incentive program. Infinity also experienced substantial growth in Florida attributable to the introduction of Low Cost and Value-Added products and in Texas due to the introduction of the Value-Added product.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Net written premiums for the first nine months of 2004 increased $60.1 million, or 9.6%, over the same period in 2003. This increase was due both to the reduction of the percentage of physical damage premiums ceded from 90% in the first half of 2003 to 20% effective July 1, 2003, and then to 10% effective January 1, 2004 and the exclusion, effective January 1, 2004, of the Assumed Agency Business from the Quota Share Agreements.

 

Net earned premiums increased $145.4 million, or 28.8% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 from the corresponding period of 2003. This increase was due to the reduction in the percentage of physical damage premiums ceded under the Quota Share Agreements, as discussed above. Excluding this effect, earned premiums fell 4.6% due to the same factors that caused the reduction in gross written premiums described earlier.

 

Three-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus 2003

 

Gross written premiums for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 fell 1.9%, or $4.4 million from the three-month period ended September 30, 2003. Infinity continues to aggressively reduce its writings in Non-focus States, where gross written premiums fell $10.5 million. The reduction in gross written premiums in Infinity’s Resource States slowed further in the third quarter, as recently introduced products in Alabama, Arizona, South Carolina, and Texas have begun to generate new business growth. Infinity plans to continue to introduce its new products in the remaining Resource States. Also in the third quarter, Infinity’s gross written premiums in Franchise States increased 3.5% as compared with the same period in 2003. Three of the Franchise States, Connecticut, Georgia and Pennsylvania, continued to experience reductions in gross written premiums, as recently revised products had not yet begun to grow sufficiently to offset the decline of business on old programs. Florida continued to show strong growth in the third quarter as a result of the successful introduction of both Low Cost and Value-Added products. California, Infinity’s largest state, returned to positive growth in gross written premiums in the third quarter due to increased marketing efforts.

 

Net written premiums fell $4.5 million or 2.0% due to the same factors that caused the reduction in gross written premiums described earlier.

 

Net earned premiums increased $47.7 million, or 27.6%, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 from the corresponding period of 2003. This increase was due to the reduction in the percentage of physical damage premiums ceded under the Quota Share Agreements, as discussed above. Excluding this effect, earned premiums fell 4.1% due to the same factors that caused the reduction in gross written premiums described earlier.

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


 

Combined Ratios :


   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Gross of the Quota Share Agreements:

                        

Loss and LAE ratio

   66.6 %   71.8 %   67.7 %   72.8 %

Underwriting expense ratio

   24.1     21.7     23.1     22.0  
    

 

 

 

Combined ratio

   90.7 %   93.5 %   90.8 %   94.8 %
    

 

 

 

Net of the Quota Share Agreements:

                        

Loss and LAE ratio

   68.7 %   79.1 %   69.2 %   79.3 %

Underwriting expense ratio

   21.3     12.9     20.7     13.5  
    

 

 

 

Combined ratio

   90.0 %   92.0 %   89.9 %   92.8 %
    

 

 

 

 

Nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus 2003

 

Excluding the effects of the Quota Share Agreements, the loss and LAE ratio fell 5.1 percentage points from 72.8% to 67.7% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus the corresponding period in 2003. Infinity experienced $6.8 million of favorable development of prior year accident reserves during the first nine months of 2004, primarily in California, as compared with $8.6 million of unfavorable development in the corresponding period in 2003. Excluding the effects of reserve development from both periods, the loss and LAE ratio for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 was 68.7%, which was 2.9 points lower than the 71.6% loss ratio for the same period in 2003. The three point improvement in the loss ratio was a result of Infinity’s reduction of unprofitable business in Non-focus States, as well as a decrease in the average number of claims per automobile insured, offset only partially by modest increases in the average cost per claim for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus the corresponding period in 2003.

 

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Table of Contents

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Continued

 

The loss and LAE ratio after cessions to the Quota Share Agreements fell from 79.3% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 to 69.2% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004; a more significant improvement than the gross loss and LAE ratio due to the effect of the Quota Share Agreements.

 

The underwriting expense ratio net of the Quota Share Agreements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 was 20.7%, versus 13.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003. This 7.2 percentage point increase was primarily due to the impact of the ceding commission on 90% of physical damage premiums written in the first six months and 20% in the third quarter of 2003 versus ceding only 10% in the first nine months of 2004. In addition, the third quarter of 2004 included the correction of a $2.4 million underaccrual of underwriting expense from the fourth quarter of 2003. Management evaluated the underaccrual as it relates to prior periods and determined that this item was immaterial. Accordingly, no prior period has been restated. Excluding the effects of the Quota Share Agreements and the underaccrual, the underwriting expense ratio increased from 22.0% to 22.8%, due to increases in 2004 in agency incentives, commission rates and employee health insurance costs, as well as a non-recurring ceding commission received in 2003.

 

Three-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus 2003

 

Excluding the effects of the Quota Share Agreements, the loss and LAE ratio fell 5.2 percentage points from 71.8% to 66.6% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 versus the corresponding period in 2003. The improved results were primarily due to the continued reduction of unprofitable business in Infinity’s Non-focus States and a slight decrease in the average cost per claim, partially offset by a slight increase in the average number of claims per insured automobile. Infinity also experienced $4.3 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2004, compared with $3.6 million of unfavorable development for the third quarter of 2003. Infinity’s losses from catastrophes were $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2004, primarily from four hurricanes in Florida. The loss and LAE ratio after cessions to the Quota Share Agreements fell from 79.1% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 to 68.7% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004; a more significant improvement than the gross loss and LAE ratio due to the effect of the Quota Share Agreements.

 

The underwriting expense ratio, net of the Quota Share Agreements, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 was 21.3%, versus 12.9% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003. This 8.4 percentage point increase was primarily due to the impact of the ceding commission on a smaller percentage of physical damage premiums written in the third quarter of 2003 versus in the third quarter of 2004, as well as the correction of the underaccrual. The underwriting expense ratio, excluding the effects of the Quota Share Agreements and the correction of the underaccrual, increased from 21.7% to 23.1% primarily as a result of increases in the third quarter of 2004 in agency incentives, commission rates, and employee health insurance costs.

 

Investment Income

 

Investment income is composed primarily of gross investment revenue, investment management fees and expenses and interest expense incurred on the Quota Share Agreements, as shown in the following table:

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Gross investment income

   $ 16,941     $ 16,511     $ 52,260     $ 48,613  

Investment expenses

     (497 )     (601 )     (1,824 )     (1,710 )

Interest expense on Quota Share Agreements

     (373 )     (1,673 )     (1,274 )     (5,049 )
    


 


 


 


Net investment income

   $ 16,071     $ 14,237     $ 49,162     $ 41,854  
    


 


 


 


 

Changes in investment income reflect fluctuations in market rates and changes in average invested assets. Net investment income increased $1.8 million and $7.3 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively, from the corresponding 2003 periods. These increases were due to higher gross investment income from a 16.6% increase in average invested assets, primarily from the proceeds of the 2003 term loan, partially offset by a decrease in Infinity’s weighted-average gross investment yield from 5.3% to 4.9% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Investment income also increased due to decreases in interest expense associated with the Quota Share Agreements of $1.3 million and $3.8 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively, versus the corresponding 2003 periods, from the lower utilization of the Quota Share Agreements in 2004 as compared to 2003.

 

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Table of Contents

INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Infinity recorded impairments for unrealized losses deemed other-than-temporary and realized gains and losses on sales and disposals as follows (before tax, in thousands):

 

     Three months ended September 30, 2004

   Nine months ended September 30, 2004

     Impairments
on securities
held


   Realized
gains (losses)
on sales


   Total realized
gains (losses)


   Impairments
on securities
held


   Realized
gains (losses)
on sales


   Total realized
gains (losses)


Fixed maturities

   $ 114    $ 755    $ 641    $ 757    $ 2,412    $ 1,655

Equities

     3      2,167      2,164      21      4,217      4,196
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 117    $ 2,922    $ 2,805    $ 778    $ 6,629    $ 5,851
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

     Three months ended September 30, 2003

    Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 
     Impairments
on securities
held


   Realized
gains (losses)
on sales


   Total realized
gains (losses)


    Impairments
on securities
held


   Realized
gains (losses)
on sales


   Total realized
gains (losses)


 

Fixed maturities

   $    $ 1,077    $ 1,077     $ 2,948    $ 4,678    $ 1,730  

Equities

     486      170      (316 )     515      68      (447 )
    

  

  


 

  

  


Total

   $ 486    $ 1,247    $ 761     $ 3,463    $ 4,746    $ 1,283  
    

  

  


 

  

  


 

The other-than-temporary impairments in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 were primarily for fixed income securities from firms in the synthetic fibers industry. The impairments in the 2003 period related primarily to fixed income securities from firms in the airline industry. Realized gains on equity securities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 included a gain on the sale of an inactive insurance subsidiary to GAI, which occurred in March 2004.

 

For Infinity’s remaining securities held with unrealized losses, management believes that, based on its analysis (i) that the bulk of evidence indicates that Infinity will recover its cost basis in these securities in a relatively short period of time and (ii) that Infinity has the ability and intent to hold these securities until they mature or recover in value. Should either of these beliefs change with regard to a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required. While it is not possible to accurately predict if or when a specific security will become impaired, charges for other-than-temporary impairments could be material to results of operations in a future period. Management believes it is not likely that future impairment charges will have a significant effect on Infinity’s liquidity.

 

Had Infinity recorded impairment charges on all its unrealized losses that were at least six months old at September 30, 2004, the after tax earnings impact would have been $0.9 million.

 

Interest Expense

 

The term loan accrued interest at an average variable rate of 3.6% for the portion of the nine-month period in 2004 that it was outstanding. This variable rate was partially hedged by the interest rate swap. The term loan was prepaid in full on February 17, 2004 with proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes. The swap position was closed on that date. Beginning on February 17, 2004, the Senior Notes accrue interest at an effective rate of 5.55%. Interest expense was accrued at a fixed rate of 8.5% on the $55 million note due to AFG until its repayment in mid-July, 2003 from a portion of the proceeds of the term loan.

 

Interest expense was (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


   Nine months ended
September 30,


     2004

   2003

   2004

    2003

AFG $55 million note

   $ —      $ 196    $ —       $ 2,546

Term loan

     —        1,600      947       1,600

Interest rate swap

     —        249      166       249

Senior Notes, issued February 17, 2004

     2,888      —        6,849       —  
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 2,888    $ 2,045    $ 7,962 (a)   $ 4,395
    

  

  


 


(a) Excluding amortization of debt issuance costs of $188, which is included in corporate general and administrative expenses.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Continued

 

Effective Tax Rate

 

Infinity’s effective federal income tax rate for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 was 26.5% versus 32.3% for the corresponding period of 2003. The primary cause for this decrease was a $2.1 million reduction in federal income taxes from the utilization in September 2004 of alternative minimum tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards.

 

Proposed Accounting Standard

 

On March 31, 2004, the FASB issued a proposed accounting standard that, if implemented, would require Infinity to recognize compensation expense for stock option grants. On October 13, 2004, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the standard to interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” Infinity accounts for stock options and other stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” As permitted under this method, Infinity does not record compensation expense for stock option grants. The proforma effects of recognizing this expense are shown in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Infinity does not expect this proposed standard, should it become final in its current form, to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition. Had the proposed standard been effective in its current form as of September 30, 2004, Infinity does not believe its actual results would have differed materially from the pro forma results.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Infinity’s ongoing business operations face a number of risks, including, but not limited to those outlined below. These risks should be read and considered with the other information provided in this report.

 

Because Infinity is primarily a personal automobile insurer, its business may be adversely affected by conditions in that business.

 

Approximately 95% of Infinity’s gross written premiums for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 were generated from personal automobile insurance policies. Adverse developments in the market for personal automobile insurance, or the personal automobile insurance industry in general, could cause the results of operations to suffer. This industry is exposed to the risks of severe weather conditions, such as rainstorms, snowstorms, hail and ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and, to a lesser degree, explosions, terrorist attacks and riots. The automobile insurance business is also affected by cost trends that impact profitability. Factors which negatively affect cost trends include inflation in automobile repair costs, automobile parts costs, used car prices and medical care. Increased litigation of claims may also negatively affect loss costs.

 

Infinity’s results may fluctuate as a result of cyclical changes in the personal auto insurance industry.

 

The personal auto insurance industry historically is cyclical in nature. The industry has been characterized by periods of price competition and excess capacity followed by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity. Adverse future fluctuations in the business cycle would be likely to negatively impact future revenues.

 

Intense competition could adversely affect Infinity’s profitability.

 

The personal automobile insurance business is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, there are relatively few barriers to entry. Infinity competes with both large national writers and smaller regional companies. Some of Infinity’s competitors have more capital and greater resources, and may offer a broader range of products and lower prices. Some competitors that are direct writers may have certain competitive advantages, including increased name recognition, direct relationships with policyholders rather than with independent agents and, potentially, lower cost structures.

 

Infinity is vulnerable to a reduction in the amount of business written by independent agents.

 

Reliance on the independent agency market makes Infinity vulnerable to a reduction in the amount of business written by independent agents. Many competitors share Infinity’s significant reliance on the independent agency market. Approximately two-thirds of all personal automobile insurance sold in the United States is sold direct or through captive agents (agents employed by one company or selling only one company’s products) and approximately one-third is sold by independent agents. A material reduction in the amount of business independent agents sell would negatively impact future revenues.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

If Infinity is not able to attract and retain independent agents, revenues could be negatively affected.

 

Infinity must compete with other insurance carriers for independent agents’ business. Some competitors offer a larger variety of products, lower prices for insurance coverage, higher commissions, or more attractive non-cash incentives. Although Infinity believes that the products, pricing, commissions and services offered to agents are competitive, it may not be able to continue to attract and retain independent agents to sell Infinity insurance products, in which case revenues could be negatively affected.

 

Infinity is subject to comprehensive regulation, and its ability to earn profits may be restricted by these regulations.

 

Infinity is subject to comprehensive regulation by government agencies in the states where Infinity insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled (California, Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas) and where these subsidiaries issue policies and handle claims. Infinity is subject to regulations involving:

 

  the payment of dividends;

 

  the acquisition or disposition of an insurance company or of any company controlling an insurance company;

 

  approval or filing of premium rates and policy forms;

 

  involuntary assignments of high-risk policies, participation in reinsurance facilities and underwriting associations, assessments and other governmental charges;

 

  minimum amounts of capital and surplus that must be maintained;

 

  limitations on types and amounts of investments;

 

  limitation of the right to cancel or non-renew policies;

 

  regulation of the right to withdraw from markets or terminate involvement with agencies;

 

  licensing of insurers and agents;

 

  reporting with respect to financial condition; and

 

  transactions between an insurance company and any of its affiliates.

 

In addition, state insurance department examiners perform periodic financial and market conduct examinations of insurance companies. Such regulation is generally intended for the protection of policyholders rather than security holders.

 

Regulations may become more restrictive in the future.

 

Existing insurance-related laws and regulations may become more restrictive in the future, and new restrictive laws may be enacted. New or more restrictive regulations could make it more expensive to conduct business, limit the premiums Infinity is able to charge, restrict the manner in which Infinity compensates its independent agents, or otherwise change the way Infinity does business.

 

Infinity’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. A failure to meet these requirements could subject Infinity to regulatory action.

 

Infinity’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed under the laws of California, Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. Any failure by an insurance subsidiary to meet the minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed by applicable state law will subject it to corrective action, including requiring the adoption of a comprehensive financial plan, examination and the issuance of a corrective order by the applicable state insurance department, revocation of its license to sell insurance products or placing the subsidiary under state regulatory control. Any new minimum capital and surplus requirements adopted in the future may require increases in Infinity’s capital and surplus levels, which may not be possible. As of September 30, 2004, each insurance company subsidiary had capital and surplus in excess of the currently required amounts of their respective domiciliary state.

 

A failure to maintain a commercially acceptable financial strength rating would significantly and negatively affect Infinity’s ability to implement its business strategy successfully.

 

Financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and may be expected to have an effect on an insurance company’s sales. A.M. Best has currently assigned Infinity’s insurance company subsidiaries a group rating of “A (Excellent)”. According to A.M. Best, “A” ratings are assigned to insurers which have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best and, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. A.M. Best bases its ratings on factors that concern policyholders and not upon factors concerning investor protection. Such ratings are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. There can be no assurance that Infinity’s rating or future changes to its rating will not affect its competitive position.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued

 

Infinity’s reserves may be inadequate.

 

Infinity records reserve liabilities for the estimated payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses for both reported and unreported claims. Due to the inherent uncertainty of estimating reserves, it has been necessary in the past, and may continue to be necessary in the future, to revise estimated liabilities as reflected in reserves for claims and related expenses. To the extent that reserves are inadequate and are strengthened, the amount of such increase is treated as a charge to earnings in the period in which the deficiency is recognized. The historic development of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expense may not necessarily reflect future trends in the development of these amounts. Accordingly, it is not appropriate to extrapolate redundancies or deficiencies based on historical information.

 

Timely compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 cannot be assured.

 

Infinity is undergoing a comprehensive effort to ensure compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”) for the year ended December 31, 2004. This effort requires the allocation of substantial time and personnel, and the exercise by management of significant judgment as to what control documentation and testing methods will enable its auditors to attest to Infinity’s compliance with the new law. As a result, Infinity can neither be certain that it will comply with Section 404 in a timely manner nor predict what impact a failure to comply might have on investor confidence.

 

Litigation involving Infinity could impact its financial results.

 

Infinity is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, including several class actions, and may be the subject of future litigation as a result of a growing trend of plaintiffs and regulators to challenge even customary business practices of property and casualty insurers. Litigation, by its very nature, is uncertain and may, if resolved adversely, negatively impact Infinity’s earnings.

 

Infinity is dependent on key executives.

 

Infinity’s success depends in part upon the continued service of Chief Executive Officer and President, James R. Gober, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Samuel J. Simon, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Roger Smith, and a number of other key executives. Infinity has employment agreements with Mr. Gober, Mr. Simon and Mr. Smith with terms expiring in December 2005. Infinity does not have key person insurance on the lives of any of these individuals. Future success will also depend on the ability of Infinity to attract and retain other key executives and qualified personnel. The loss of key personnel could cause disruption in Infinity’s business.

 

Adverse securities market conditions can have significant and negative effects on Infinity’s investment portfolio.

 

Infinity’s results of operations depend in part on the performance of its invested assets. As of September 30, 2004, 90% of Infinity’s investment portfolio was invested in fixed maturity securities, 9% in cash equivalents, and 1% in equity securities. Certain risks are inherent in connection with fixed maturity securities including loss upon default and price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates and general market factors. An increase in interest rates lowers prices on fixed maturity securities, and any sales during a period of increasing interest rates may result in losses. Conversely, investment income earned from future investments in fixed maturity securities will decrease if interest rates decrease.

 

Infinity’s results may be adversely affected by conditions in the states where its business is concentrated.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, Infinity generated approximately 93% of gross written premiums in its top 17 states. California, Infinity’s largest market, generated approximately 49% of Infinity’s gross written premiums for such period. Revenues and profitability are therefore subject to prevailing regulatory, legal, economic, demographic, competitive and other conditions in these states. Changes in any of these conditions could make it less attractive to do business in those states. Adverse regulatory or judicial developments in any of these states, which could include, among others, reductions in the rates permitted to be charged or the number of insurance programs offered within a given state, restrictions on the type of compensation paid to, or fees charged by, independent brokers, or more fundamental changes in the design or implementation of the automobile insurance regulatory framework, could negatively affect premium revenue or make it more expensive or less profitable to conduct business.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this report not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions, and projections. Statements which include the words “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “should”, “intends”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, or the negative version of those words and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: expectations concerning market and other conditions, future premiums, revenues, earnings and investment activities, expected losses, rate fluctuations and loss experience.

 

Actual results could differ materially from those expected by Infinity depending on: changes in economic conditions and financial markets (including interest rates), the adequacy or accuracy of Infinity’s pricing methodologies, the presence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive prices, the ability to obtain timely approval for requested rate changes, judicial and regulatory developments adverse to the automobile insurance industry, the outcome of pending litigation against Infinity, weather conditions (including the severity and frequency of storms, hurricanes, snowfalls, hail, and winter conditions), changes in driving patterns and loss trends and acts of war and terrorist activities. Infinity undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. For more detailed discussion of some of the foregoing risks and uncertainties, see Infinity’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2003.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

ITEM 3

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk

 

As of September 30, 2004, there were no material changes to the information provided in Infinity’s Form 10-K for 2003 under the caption “Exposure to Market Risk” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

ITEM 4

 

Controls and Procedures

 

Infinity’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with assistance from management, have evaluated Infinity’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that the controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in Infinity’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6

Exhibits

 

(a)   Exhibit 31(a) -    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit 31(b) -    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit 32 -    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION 10-Q

 

Signature

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized.

 

   

Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation

   

BY:

 

/s/ ROGER SMITH


November 10, 2004

     

Roger Smith

       

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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