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8-K - EVEREST RE GROUP 8-K 3Q2013 - EVEREST RE GROUP LTDgroup8k3q2013.htm
 
 
 
NEWS RELEASE
 
 
                                
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
 Wessex House, 45 Reid Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton HM DX, Bermuda
 
 Contact:  Elizabeth B. Farrell
 Vice President, Investor Relations
 Everest Global Services, Inc.
 908.604.3169
 
For Immediate Release
 

 
Everest Re Group Reports Third Quarter 2013 Earnings and
Record Underwriting Income of $500 million through Nine Months

HAMILTON, Bermuda – October 23, 2013 -- Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) today reported third quarter 2013 net income available to common shareholders of $234.8 million, or $4.81 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $250.9 million, or $4.82 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2012. After-tax operating income1available to common shareholders, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $205.0 million, or $4.20 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2013, compared to after-tax operating income1 of $210.6 million, or $4.05 per diluted common share, for the same period last year. A significant item impacting the quarter’s earnings was an increase in the annualized effective tax rate, reducing operating income by $24.3 million, or $0.50 per diluted common share. This change in the annualized effective tax rate was driven by lower than planned catastrophe losses in the quarter.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net income available to common shareholders was $894.7 million, or $17.94 per diluted common share, compared to $770.2 million, or $14.61 per diluted common share, for the first nine months of 2012. After-tax operating income1available to common shareholders, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $759.2 million, or $15.22 per diluted common share, compared to $673.5 million or $12.78 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2012.

Commenting on the Company’s results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph V. Taranto said, “Through the first nine months we had $895 million of net income for a 19% return on equity and grew premium by 24%. Over the last several years we have strategically focused on expanding our global footprint and improving our risk adjusted

 
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returns. I want to thank our staff, which I believe is the best in the business, for their terrific work that helped us achieve these goals.”

Operating highlights for the third quarter of 2013 included the following:

·  
Gross written premiums were $1.5 billion, an increase of 22% compared to the third quarter of 2012. Total Reinsurance premiums were up 24% to $1.1 billion with continued strong growth emanating from expansion initiatives in the property reinsurance markets. Insurance premiums also rose with an increase of 12% for the quarter primarily driven by California workers’ compensation and non-standard automobile business.
·  
The combined ratio for the quarter was 88.0% compared to 87.2% in the third quarter of 2012. Excluding catastrophe losses, reinstatement premiums, and prior period loss development, the current quarter attritional combined ratio was 82.3% compared to 84.9% for the same period last year.
·  
Catastrophe losses were $75.0 million for the quarter arising from the German hailstorms and flood events in Canada, including an increase in estimated losses for the flooding in Alberta, Canada due to an escalation of the industry loss. The net impact of these losses in the quarter, after reinstatement premiums and taxes, was $65.0 million.
·  
Net investment income for the quarter was $127.9 million and includes $4.6 million of limited partnership income.
·  
Interest expense on debt has declined from $13.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 to $7.6 million in the current quarter as a result of the redemption of the 6.2% junior subordinated debt securities in May of this year.
·  
Net after-tax realized capital gains amounted to $29.8 million in the quarter, offset, in part, by $22.5 million of unrealized losses, net of tax, on the fixed income portfolio.
·  
Cash flow from operations was $380.4 million compared to $174.9 million for the same period in 2012.
·  
The year-to-date effective tax rate on operating income increased from 12.3% at June 30, 2013 to 15.0% at September 30, 2013 resulting in a $24.3 million, or $0.50 per diluted common share, impact and an effective tax rate of 21.7% for the quarter. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to lower than planned catastrophe losses, resulting in higher than expected income for the year.
·  
Through nine months, the annualized after-tax operating income1 return on average adjusted shareholders’ equity2 was 16.1% compared to 15.3% in 2012. For this same period, the annualized net income return on average adjusted shareholders’ equity2 was 19.0% compared to 17.5% in 2012.
·  
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 724,654 of its common shares at an average price of $137.98 and a total cost of $100.0 million. For the year, the Company repurchased 4.3 million of its common shares for a total cost of $550.0 million. The repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase authorization, provided by the Company’s Board of Directors, under which there remains 5.0 million shares available.

 
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·  
Shareholders’ equity ended the quarter at $6.7 billion, relatively flat to the level at December 31, 2012. Book value per share increased 7% from $130.96 at December 31, 2012 to $140.20 at September 30, 2013.

Effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts and issued non-voting, redeemable preferred shares to capitalize the segregated accounts. Mt. Logan Re meets the definition of a variable interest entity. Accordingly, the financial position and operating results for Mt. Logan Re are consolidated with the Company. The non-controlling interests in Mt. Logan Re’s operating results and equity are presented as separate captions in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s financial supplement, located on the website at www.everestregroup.com, now includes an additional segment for the activities related to Mt. Logan Re to assist investors with the impact of this new entity on the Company’s financials.
 
 

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. Federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company.  These risks and uncertainties include the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry, the adequacy of our reserves, our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market fluctuations, trends in insured and paid losses, catastrophes, regulatory and legal uncertainties and other factors described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), Limited provides reinsurance to non-life insurers in Europe. Mt. Logan Re, a segregated cell company, capitalized by the Company and third party investors, is a specialty reinsurer of catastrophe risks. Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company provide property and casualty insurance to policyholders in the U.S. Everest Indemnity Insurance Company offers excess and surplus lines insurance in the U.S. Everest Insurance Company of Canada provides property and casualty insurance to policyholders in Canada. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group’s web site at www.everestregroup.com.

A conference call discussing the third quarter results will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on October 24, 2013. The call will be available on the Internet through the Company’s web site or at www.streetevents.com.

 
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Recipients are encouraged to visit the Company’s web site to view supplemental financial information on the Company’s results. The supplemental information is located at www.everestregroup.com in the “Financial Reports” section of the “Investor Center”. The supplemental financial information may also be obtained by contacting the Company directly.
___________________________

1The Company generally uses after-tax operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its performance.  After-tax operating income (loss) consists of net income (loss) excluding after-tax net realized capital gains (losses) as the following reconciliation displays:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
         
(unaudited)
               
(unaudited)
       
                                                 
         
Per Diluted
         
Per Diluted
         
Per Diluted
         
Per Diluted
 
         
Common
         
Common
         
Common
         
Common
 
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
 
                                                 
Net income (loss)*
  $ 234,759     $ 4.81     $ 250,922     $ 4.82     $ 894,744     $ 17.94     $ 770,177     $ 14.61  
After-tax net realized capital gains (losses)
    29,781       0.61       40,351       0.78       135,544       2.72       96,665       1.83  
                                                                 
After-tax operating income (loss)*
  $ 204,978     $ 4.20     $ 210,571     $ 4.05     $ 759,200     $ 15.22     $ 673,512     $ 12.78  
                                                                 
* attributable to common shareholders
                                                               
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               

Although net realized capital gains (losses) are an integral part of the Company’s insurance operations, the determination of net realized capital gains (losses) is independent of the insurance underwriting process.  The Company believes that the level of net realized capital gains (losses) for any particular period is not indicative of the performance of the underlying business in that particular period.  Providing only a GAAP presentation of net income (loss) makes it more difficult for users of the financial information to evaluate the Company’s success or failure in its basic business, and may lead to incorrect or misleading assumptions and conclusions.  The Company understands that the equity analysts who follow the Company focus on after-tax operating income (loss) in their analyses for the reasons discussed above.  The Company provides after-tax operating income (loss) to investors so that they have what management believes to be a useful supplement to GAAP information concerning the Company’s performance.
 
2Adjusted shareholders’ equity excludes net after-tax unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of investments.

--Financial Details Follow--

 
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EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
                       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
                       
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
REVENUES:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 1,225,755     $ 1,009,454     $ 3,466,047     $ 3,045,232  
Net investment income
    127,872       152,024       422,382       453,791  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    -       (3,548 )     (191 )     (9,902 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                               
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       -  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    44,958       66,291       205,789       154,784  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    44,958       62,743       205,598       144,882  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    5,639       703       33,005       (9,420 )
Other income (expense)
    (2,726 )     (5,943 )     (3,318 )     15,675  
Total revenues
    1,401,498       1,218,981       4,123,714       3,650,160  
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    770,102       603,654       2,074,336       1,813,990  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    248,587       221,082       723,700       724,374  
Other underwriting expenses
    59,860       55,762       167,707       153,932  
Corporate expenses
    4,758       5,947       16,643       16,683  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    7,637       13,331       38,480       39,753  
Total claims and expenses
    1,090,944       899,776       3,020,866       2,748,732  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    310,554       319,205       1,102,848       901,428  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    72,027       68,283       204,336       131,251  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 238,527     $ 250,922     $ 898,512     $ 770,177  
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (3,768 )     -       (3,768 )     -  
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP
  $ 234,759     $ 250,922     $ 894,744     $ 770,177  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    (20,925 )     116,694       (340,267 )     202,229  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (1,592 )     1,512       (7,511 )     (5,702 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    (22,517 )     118,206       (347,778 )     196,527  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (5,913 )     36,252       (13,228 )     27,125  
Pension adjustments
    1,470       1,199       4,161       3,166  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    (26,960 )     155,657       (356,845 )     226,818  
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -  
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax attributable to Everest Re Group
    (26,960 )     155,657       (356,845 )     226,818  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 207,799     $ 406,579     $ 537,899     $ 996,995  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP:
                               
Basic
  $ 4.85     $ 4.84     $ 18.09     $ 14.66  
Diluted
    4.81       4.82       17.94       14.61  
Dividends declared
    0.48       0.48       1.44       1.44  

 
 

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
           
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 12,690,506     $ 13,141,657  
    (amortized cost: 2013, $12,380,972; 2012, $12,444,880)
               
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    19,780       41,470  
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2013, $143,131; 2012, $131,630)
    139,471       143,493  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,417,398       1,255,557  
Short-term investments
    867,356       860,379  
Other invested assets (cost: 2013, $523,811; 2012, $596,590)
    523,811       596,590  
Cash
    589,534       537,050  
       Total investments and cash
    16,247,856       16,576,196  
Accrued investment income
    120,955       130,209  
Premiums receivable
    1,635,693       1,237,859  
Reinsurance receivables
    724,232       659,081  
Funds held by reinsureds
    226,294       228,375  
Deferred acquisition costs
    353,815       303,268  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    90,642       71,107  
Deferred tax asset
    208,141       262,024  
Income taxes recoverable
    51,579       68,442  
Other assets
    368,713       241,346  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 20,027,920     $ 19,777,907  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 9,737,917     $ 10,069,055  
Future policy benefit reserve
    65,255       66,107  
Unearned premium reserve
    1,622,098       1,322,525  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    2,592       2,755  
Commission reserves
    67,047       65,533  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    224,873       162,778  
Losses in course of payment
    595,304       191,076  
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014
    249,945       249,907  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    238,360       238,357  
Junior subordinated debt securities payable
    -       329,897  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    12,092       4,781  
Equity index put option liability
    46,462       79,467  
Unsettled securities payable
    52,536       48,830  
Other liabilities
    304,721       213,372  
       Total liabilities
    13,219,202       13,044,440  
                 
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
               
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re
    91,268       -  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
               
    no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2013) 67,863
               
    and (2012) 67,105 outstanding before treasury shares
    679       671  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,013,191       1,946,439  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
    (benefit) of $59,848 at 2013 and $119,629 at 2012
    180,204       537,049  
Treasury shares, at cost; 19,949 shares (2013) and 15,687 shares (2012)
    (1,913,914 )     (1,363,958 )
Retained earnings
    6,437,290       5,613,266  
       Total shareholders' equity attributable to Everest Re Group, Ltd.
    6,717,450       6,733,467  
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 20,027,920     $ 19,777,907  

 
 

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
                       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 238,527     $ 250,922     $ 898,512     $ 770,177  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    (181,317 )     (227,333 )     (401,623 )     (119,923 )
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    12,729       37,682       485       46,089  
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    (11,187 )     (22,945 )     (77,165 )     (35,972 )
Decrease (increase) in current income taxes
    15,641       19,927       16,730       21,386  
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset
    57,638       14,935       113,278       48,896  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    (14,605 )     (27,524 )     (21,513 )     (18,401 )
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (100,751 )     (138,310 )     (275,893 )     (405,540 )
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    (285 )     (535 )     (852 )     (1,454 )
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    178,193       121,344       304,728       (52,225 )
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    33,937       138,239       63,702       165,142  
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    174,701       76,527       404,836       87,337  
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    (4,343 )     (18,274 )     (40,693 )     (46,766 )
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    6,754       (11,280 )     (68,112 )     96,913  
Non-cash compensation expense
    4,923       9,452       15,088       22,826  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    14,773       14,829       50,280       45,795  
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
    14       13       41       38  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    (44,958 )     (62,743 )     (205,598 )     (144,882 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    380,384       174,926       776,231       479,436  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    594,260       503,303       1,912,978       1,294,896  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value
    -       1,300       7,213       1,300  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    214,173       217,983       845,357       639,301  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    1,056       11,783       18,398       72,926  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    326       76,000       45,749       130,792  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    101,176       89,311       459,945       386,917  
Distributions from other invested assets
    10,874       32,015       128,422       53,032  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (671,876 )     (889,195 )     (2,794,035 )     (2,143,771 )
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (2,092 )     (1,658 )     (4,798 )     (7,164 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (1,097 )     (7,472 )     (54,584 )     (20,126 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (180,308 )     (111,767 )     (424,252 )     (305,046 )
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    (3,762 )     (21,089 )     (15,063 )     (49,681 )
Net change in short-term investments
    (139,544 )     (24,466 )     (7,408 )     (287,196 )
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    (70,186 )     59,991       (14,518 )     65,957  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (147,000 )     (63,961 )     103,404       (167,863 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Common shares issued during the period, net
    5,103       1,913       51,672       19,868  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (100,001 )     (25,026 )     (549,956 )     (250,025 )
Revolving credit borrowings
    (40,000 )     -       -       -  
Net cost of junior subordinated debt securities maturing
    -       -       (329,897 )     -  
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest
    87,500       -       87,500       -  
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (23,174 )     (24,897 )     (70,720 )     (75,667 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (70,572 )     (48,010 )     (811,401 )     (305,824 )
                                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    (12,414 )     16,752       (15,750 )     24,158  
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    150,398       79,707       52,484       29,907  
Cash, beginning of period
    439,136       398,851       537,050       448,651  
Cash, end of period
  $ 589,534     $ 478,558     $ 589,534     $ 478,558  
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ (1,820 )   $ 30,662     $ 64,918     $ 54,463  
Interest paid
    243       5,851       23,524       31,936  
                                 
Non-cash transaction:
                               
Conversion of equity securities - available for sale, at market value, to fixed
                         
maturity securities - available for sale, at market value, including accrued
                               
interest at time of conversion
    -       -       -       92,981