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8-K - 8-K - UNITED FIRE GROUP INCq32014form8k.htm


Exhibit 99.1
United Fire Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - United Fire Group, Inc. (NASDAQ OMX: UFCS), November 4, 2014 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Consolidated Financial Results - Highlights:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Operating loss (1) per diluted share(2)
$
(0.01
)
 
Operating income(1) per diluted share(2)
$
0.81

Net income per diluted share(2)
$
0.01

 
Net income per diluted share(2)
$
0.95

Net realized investment gains per share(2)
$
0.02

 
Net realized investment gains per share(2)
$
0.14

GAAP combined ratio
107.4
%
 
GAAP combined ratio
103.0
%
 
 
 
Book value per share
$
32.26

 
 
 
Return on equity(3)
4.1
%

United Fire Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ OMX: UFCS) today reported consolidated operating loss(1) of $0.01 per diluted share for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 (the "third quarter") and operating income(1) of $0.81 per diluted share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 ("year-to-date"), compared to operating income of $0.42 and $1.76 per diluted share, respectively, for the same periods in 2013.

The Company reported consolidated net income, including net realized investment gains and losses, of $0.3 million ($0.01 per diluted share) for the third quarter and consolidated net income of $24.3 million ($0.95 per diluted share) year-to-date, compared to consolidated net income of $11.7 million ($0.45 per diluted share) and $49.6 million ($1.94 per diluted share), respectively, for the same periods in 2013.

“Year-to-date results were driven by significant large losses; catastrophe losses; and to a lesser extent, deterioration in our personal lines,” stated Randy A. Ramlo, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I think it is safe to say that so far, 2014 has been disappointing.”

“Entering 2014, we had recorded improved core underwriting results for the previous four consecutive years and we have received overall rate increases for 12 consecutive quarters,” continued Ramlo. “We continue to diversify our book of business by writing more property coverage outside the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions. We continue to see improvement in all major lines of business except our commercial property line and our personal lines. Even so, the significant increase in both frequency and severity in 2014 due to a higher number of large losses and wide-spread convective storms throughout the U.S. during the first half of the year has been enough to hurt our results. It is important to note, however, that frequency was flat or slightly improved when catastrophe losses were excluded."

___________________
(1) Operating income (loss) is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) excluding realized investment gains and losses and related federal income taxes. Because our calculation may differ from similar measures used by other companies, investors should be careful when comparing our measure of operating income to that of other companies. Management evaluates this measure and ratios derived from this measure because we believe it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. See Supplemental Tables - Financial Highlights for a reconciliation of operating income to net income.
(2) Per share amounts are after tax.
(3) Return on equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average year-to-date equity.




1



The Company recognized consolidated net realized investment gains of $0.9 million during the third quarter and $5.8 million year-to-date, compared to consolidated net realized investment gains of $1.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2013.

Consolidated net investment income was $22.8 million for the third quarter, a decrease of 16.3 percent, as compared to net investment income of $27.3 million for the same period in 2013. Year-to-date, consolidated net investment income was $77.2 million, a decrease of 6.7 percent, as compared to net investment income of $82.8 million for the same period in 2013. The quarterly and year-to-date decreases are primarily due to changes in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships, which are recorded on the equity method of accounting. Because the equity method of accounting is based on changing market conditions, the results can be volatile from period to period. Secondarily, these decreases are the result of the decline in the reinvestment interest rates from the continued low interest rate environment.

Consolidated net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, totaled $139.2 million as of September 30, 2014, an increase of $22.6 million or 19.3 percent from December 31, 2013. The increase in net unrealized investment gains resulted from an increase in the fair value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio as a result of interest rate declines at September 30, 2014 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the fair value of our equity investment portfolio due to overall equity market improvement.

Total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2014 were $3.8 billion, which included $3.1 billion of invested assets. The Company's book value per share was $32.26, which is an increase of $1.39 per share or 4.5 percent from December 31, 2013 and is primarily attributed to net income of $24.3 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $22.6 million, net of tax, during the nine months of 2014 offset by stockholder dividends of $14.7 million and share repurchases of $11.2 million.

The annualized return on equity was 4.1 percent as of September 30, 2014.

P&C Segment

Net losses for the property and casualty insurance segment, including net realized investment gains and losses, totaled $1.9 million ($0.07 per diluted share) for the third quarter and net income of $19.5 million ($0.76 per diluted share) year-to-date, compared to net income of $10.3 million ($0.40 per diluted share) and $44.2 million ($1.73 per diluted share), respectively, in the same periods in 2013.

Net premiums earned increased 9.3 percent to $195.2 million in the third quarter, compared to $178.6 million in the same period in 2013. Year-to-date, net premiums earned increased 9.9 percent to $562.5 million, compared to $511.8 million in 2013.

"Modest rate increases still obtainable."

"Commercial lines renewal pricing increased during the quarter with average percentage increases in the low- to mid-single digits on most small and mid-market accounts,"stated Ramlo, "but larger accounts have become more competitive."

"Our workers' compensation line of business continues to improve and has benefited from past rate increases, the elimination of poor performing accounts, and the initiation of various other measures identified earlier," continued Ramlo.
 
"Personal auto lines renewal pricing increases during the quarter decelerated to low-single digits," stated Ramlo, "While homeowners pricing experienced average percentage increases in the mid- to high-single digits, especially in areas affected by large convective storms. Competitive market conditions persisted on new business during the quarter."

"Premiums written from new business remained strong and exceeded the prior quarter and the same quarter in 2013," stated Ramlo. "Our success ratio on quoted accounts was down slightly due to increased competition and our willingness to walk away from business inappropriately priced, especially in personal lines."




2



Catastrophe losses totaled $23.3 million ($0.60 per share after tax) for the third quarter, compared to $8.5 million ($0.21 per share after tax) for the same period in 2013. Year-to-date, catastrophe losses totaled $47.2 million ($1.20 per share after tax), compared to $27.2 million ($0.69 per share after tax) in 2013.

"Late second quarter storms impacted third quarter catastrophe losses."

"Catastrophe losses for the third quarter added 11.9 percentage points to the combined ratio and impacted earnings by $0.60 per diluted share," stated Ramlo. "Although third quarter was a rather benign quarter for catastrophic events, the quarter was affected by carryover losses associated with late second quarter convective storms. The storms were wide-spread throughout the U.S. and involved high winds, very large hail, and to a lesser extent tornadoes. Both commercial and personal property lines were significantly impacted, but commercial roofs were especially difficult and time-consuming to assess. In addition, no one storm produced significant losses; however, in the aggregate, the amount of losses was significant."

"Our expectations for catastrophe losses in any given year is six percentage points of the combined ratio," continued Ramlo. "Year-to-date, catastrophe losses have added 8.4 percentage points to the combined ratio; traditionally, however, the fourth quarter of any given year is generally less impacted by catastrophe losses so our expectation for 2014 is that our catastrophe losses for the year will likely more closely reflect our expectations."

"Large losses significantly impacted third quarter."

"The impact to earnings from large losses, which we define as losses greater than $500,000 net of reinsurance recoveries, was $24.5 million or $0.63 per diluted share," stated Ramlo. "Year-to-date, the impact was $67.1 million or $1.71 per diluted share. It is not unusual in any given quarter to receive a multi-million dollar fire claim; however, during third quarter, we experienced eight such events. A total of 28 large loss claims were processed during third quarter primarily affecting our commercial property business, and to a lesser extent, our commercial auto and general liability lines of business."

"At first glance," continued Ramlo, "The large losses, especially the fire losses, are not showing any patterns due to commonality by branch, state, class of business, or line of business and we did not experience a disproportionate amount of losses from new accounts. Our analysis is ongoing, however."

The property and casualty insurance segment experienced $6.8 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years during the third quarter, compared to $8.6 million of favorable reserve development in the same period in 2013. Year-to-date, the segment experienced $32.5 million of favorable reserve development, compared to $49.0 million in 2013. Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms. During the third quarter, the decrease in favorable reserve development is attributable to the timing of paid claims; however, year-to-date the decline in favorable reserve development also reflects adverse development of large claims from prior accident years. At September 30, 2014, our total reserves remained relatively flat and within our actuarial estimates.

The GAAP combined ratio increased 7.1 percentage points to 107.4 percent for the third quarter, compared to 100.3 percent for the same period of 2013. Year-to-date, the GAAP combined ratio increased 6.2 percentage points to 103.0 percent, compared to 96.8 percent for the same period in 2013.

Expense Levels

The expense ratio for the third quarter was 31.1 percentage points, compared to 30.5 percentage points for the third quarter of 2013. Year-to-date, the expense ratio was 31.4 percentage points compared to 31.9 percentage points in 2013.

"In 2014, the expense ratio will continue to be adversely impacted by an increase in premium taxes and assessments due to premium growth in specific lines of business," stated Ramlo. "An additional third quarter factor is the deterioration in the profitability of certain lines of business caused by an increase in claims severity that limits the amount of underwriting expenses eligible for deferral. Therefore, our current expectation is a gradual return to a more favorable



3



expense ratio consistent with our history as we continue to reap the benefit of economies of scale and the ultimate completion of the integration of the Mercer Insurance Group acquisition. In the short-term, our year-to-date 31.4 percentage point underwriting expense ratio remains higher than our long-term expectations."

Life Segment

Net income for the life insurance segment totaled $2.2 million ($0.09 per share) for the third quarter, compared to $1.4 million ($0.05 per share) for the third quarter of 2013. Year-to-date, net income for the life insurance segment totaled $4.9 million, as compared to $5.4 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in net income for the quarter is primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned from higher sales of single premium whole life policies and a decrease in interest on policyholders' accounts. Year-to-date, however, sales of single premium whole life policies have lagged behind annuity sales due to our efforts to maintain price diligence on our single premium whole life product to achieve adequate rate spreads.

Net premiums earned increased 7.4 percent to $16.8 million for the third quarter, compared to $15.7 million for the third quarter of 2013. Year-to-date, net premiums earned decreased 2.1 percent to $44.7 million, compared to $45.6 million in the same period of 2013. Year-to-date, the decrease in net premiums earned was primarily due to prudent rate increases that negatively impacted the sales of single premium whole life policies; however, some improvement was experienced during third quarter 2014.

Net investment income decreased 6.0 percent to $14.6 million for the third quarter, compared to $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2013. Year-to-date, net investment income decreased 4.7 percent to $46.0 million, compared to $48.3 million in the same period of 2013. The decrease is due to a continuation of the low interest rate environment and a lower asset base due to declining annuity deposits.

Losses and loss settlement expenses decreased $1.0 million for the third quarter and increased $2.5 million year-to-date due to corresponding fluctuations in death benefits paid. Fluctuations in the timing of death benefits occur from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year.

The increase in liability for future policy benefits deteriorated in the three-month period ended September 30, compared to the same period in 2013 due to an increase in sales of life insurance products partially offset by net withdrawals of deferred annuities.

Deferred annuity deposits decreased 28.5 percent and increased 62.2 percent for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with the same periods of 2013. Guaranteed interest rates of our products increased in the second half of 2013 and in the first three months of 2014, resulting in more favorable retention of maturing deferred annuity deposits as opposed to lapse of policies due to maturity, as well as increased deposits due to additional annuity sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014. Since the beginning of the second quarter, guaranteed interest rates of our products have periodically declined resulting in a decrease in deferred annuity deposits for the third quarter as compared with the same period of 2013.

Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $23.8 million for the third quarter and $50.6 million year-to-date compared to a net cash outflow of $17.1 million and $63.2 million in the same periods in 2013. We attribute this to the interest rate activity previously described.

Capital Management

During the third quarter, we declared and paid a $0.20 per share cash dividend to stockholders of record on September 2, 2014. Year-to-date, we have paid dividends amounting to $0.58 per share. We have paid a quarterly dividend every quarter since March 1968.

Under our share repurchase program, we may purchase United Fire common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at management's discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. We are authorized by the Board of Directors to purchase an additional 1,668,598 shares of common stock under our share repurchase program, which expires in August 2016. During the third quarter, 200,003 shares were repurchased under the program at a total cost of $5.7 million and an average share price of $28.41.



4




Earnings Call Access Information

An earnings call will be held at 9:00 am Central Standard Time on November 4, 2014 to allow securities analysts, stockholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the Company's 2014 third quarter results and its expectations for 2014.

Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-877-407-8291. The event will be archived and available for digital replay through November 19, 2014. The replay access information is toll-free 1-877-660-6853; conference ID no. 13591680.

Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the Company's investor relations page at http://ir.unitedfiregroup.com/events.cfm. The archived audio webcast will be available until November 19, 2014.

Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the Company's website soon after the completion of the teleconference.

About United Fire Group, Inc.

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc., through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance and life insurance and selling annuities.

Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 43 states, plus the District of Columbia, and we are represented by approximately 1,200 independent agencies. The United Fire pooled group is rated an "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Our subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, is licensed in 37 states, represented by approximately 1,000 independent life agencies and rated an "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

For more information about United Fire Group, Inc. visit www.unitedfiregroup.com or contact:

Anita Novak, Director of Investor Relations, 319-399-5251 or alnovak@unitedfiregroup.com


Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intends(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s)” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” "remain optimistic," “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will continue,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 5, 2014. The risks identified in our Form 10-K are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.




5



Supplemental Tables

Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data and Ratios)
2014
 
2013
Change %
 
2014
 
2013
Change %
Revenue Highlights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
212,021

 
$
194,219

9.2
 %
 
$
607,189

 
$
557,403

8.9
 %
Net investment income
22,837

 
27,278

(16.3
)%
 
77,202

 
82,761

(6.7
)%
Total revenues
235,865

 
223,024

5.8
 %
 
691,442

 
648,048

6.7
 %
Income Statement Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
(256
)
 
10,951

(102.3
)%
 
20,574

 
44,901

(54.2
)%
After-tax net realized investment gains
581

 
774

(24.9
)%
 
3,767

 
4,713

(20.1
)%
Net income
$
325

 
$
11,725

(97.2
)%
 
$
24,341

 
$
49,614

(50.9
)%
Diluted Earnings Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.42

(102.4
)%
 
$
0.81

 
$
1.76

(54.0
)%
After-tax net realized investment gains
0.02

 
0.03

(33.3
)%
 
0.14

 
0.18

(22.2
)%
Net income
$
0.01

 
$
0.45

(97.8
)%
 
$
0.95

 
$
1.94

(51.0
)%
Catastrophe Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax catastrophe losses
$
23,282

 
$
8,454

175.4
 %
 
$
47,160

 
$
27,186

73.5
 %
Effect on after-tax earnings per share
0.60

 
0.21

185.7
 %
 
1.20

 
0.69

73.9
 %
Effect on combined ratio
11.9
%
 
4.7
%
153.2
 %
 
8.4
%
 
5.3
%
58.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable reserve development experienced on prior accident years
$
6,755

 
$
8,558

(21.1
)%
 
$
32,520

 
$
49,028

(33.7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
107.4
%
 
100.3
%
7.1
 %
 
103.0
%
 
96.8
%
6.2
 %
Return on equity
 
 
 
 
 
4.1
%
 
9.0
%
(54.6
)%
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.20

 
$
0.18

11.1
 %
 
$
0.58

 
$
0.51

13.7
 %
Diluted weighted average shares
 outstanding
25,404,349

 
25,571,621

(0.7
)%
 
25,536,569

 
25,514,211

0.1
 %




6



Consolidated Income Statement
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written (1)
$
207,372

 
$
193,976

 
$
656,612

 
$
599,413

Net premiums earned
$
212,021

 
$
194,219

 
$
607,189

 
$
557,403

Investment income, net of investment expenses
22,837

 
27,278

 
77,202

 
82,761

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment charges

 
(139
)
 

 
(139
)
All other net realized gains
894

 
1,329

 
5,796

 
7,389

Net realized investment gains
894

 
1,190

 
5,796

 
7,250

Other income
113

 
337

 
1,255

 
634

Total Revenues
$
235,865

 
$
223,024

 
$
691,442

 
$
648,048

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
154,346

 
$
131,168

 
$
422,299

 
$
349,073

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
10,552

 
8,415

 
26,450

 
26,520

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
44,644

 
38,767

 
124,374

 
113,556

Other underwriting expenses
21,665

 
21,654

 
68,869

 
67,310

Interest on policyholders’ accounts
7,503

 
8,625

 
23,342

 
27,026

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses
$
238,710

 
$
208,629

 
$
665,334

 
$
583,485

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(2,845
)
 
14,395

 
26,108

 
64,563

Federal income tax expense (benefit)
(3,170
)
 
2,670

 
1,767

 
14,949

Net income
$
325

 
$
11,725

 
$
24,341

 
$
49,614

(1) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.

Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(In Thousands)
 
Total invested assets:
 
 
 
Property and casualty segment
$
1,515,753

 
$
1,446,287

Life insurance segment
1,623,195

 
1,603,850

Total cash and investments
3,210,880

 
3,142,330

Total assets
3,825,328

 
3,720,672

Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
$
2,464,341

 
$
2,432,783

Total liabilities
3,016,894

 
2,937,839

Net unrealized investment gains, after-tax
$
139,152

 
$
116,601

Total stockholders’ equity
808,434

 
782,833

 
 
 
 
Property and casualty insurance statutory capital and surplus (1) (2)
$
664,749

 
$
665,772

Life insurance statutory capital and surplus(2)
164,495

 
157,974

(1) Because United Fire & Casualty Company owns United Life Insurance Company, property and casualty insurance statutory capital and surplus includes life insurance statutory capital and surplus and therefore represents our total consolidated statutory capital and surplus.
(2) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.



7



Property & Casualty Insurance Financial Results
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written (1)
$
190,551

 
$
178,313

 
$
611,941

 
$
553,795

Net premiums earned
$
195,195

 
$
178,553

 
$
562,521

 
$
511,781

Investment income, net of investment expenses
8,190

 
11,691

 
31,191

 
34,464

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment charges

 
(139
)
 

 
(139
)
All other net realized gains (losses)
(22
)
 
955

 
3,682

 
5,544

Net realized investment gains (losses)
(22
)
 
816

 
3,682

 
5,405

Other income (loss)
(102
)
 
145

 
693

 
229

Total Revenues
$
203,261

 
$
191,205

 
$
598,087

 
$
551,879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
148,815

 
$
124,643

 
$
402,964

 
$
332,264

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
42,902

 
37,243

 
119,280

 
108,591

Other underwriting expenses
17,843

 
17,219

 
57,207

 
54,854

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses
$
209,560

 
$
179,105

 
$
579,451

 
$
495,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(6,299
)
 
$
12,100

 
$
18,636

 
$
56,170

Federal income tax expense (benefit)
(4,419
)
 
1,818

 
(835
)
 
11,963

Net income (loss)
$
(1,880
)
 
$
10,282

 
$
19,471

 
$
44,207

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP combined ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio - excluding catastrophes
64.4
%
 
65.1
%
 
63.2
%
 
59.6
%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
11.9

 
4.7

 
8.4

 
5.3

Net loss ratio
76.3
%
 
69.8
%
 
71.6
%
 
64.9
%
Expense ratio
31.1

 
30.5

 
31.4

 
31.9

Combined ratio
107.4
%
 
100.3
%
 
103.0
%
 
96.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory combined ratio:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio - excluding catastrophes
64.0
%
 
65.4
%
 
63.5
%
 
59.9
%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
11.9

 
4.7

 
8.4

 
5.3

Net loss ratio
75.9
%
 
70.1
%
 
71.9
%
 
65.2
%
Expense ratio
32.1

 
32.4

 
31.2

 
31.4

Combined ratio
108.0
%
 
102.5
%
 
103.1
%
 
96.6
%
(1) Data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.



8



Life Insurance Financial Results
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written (1)
$
16,821

 
$
15,663

 
$
44,671

 
$
45,618

Net premiums earned
$
16,826

 
$
15,666

 
$
44,668

 
$
45,622

Investment income, net of investment expenses
14,647

 
15,587

 
46,011

 
48,297

Net realized investment gains
916

 
374

 
2,114

 
1,845

Other income
215

 
192

 
562

 
405

Total Revenues
$
32,604

 
$
31,819

 
$
93,355

 
$
96,169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
5,531

 
$
6,525

 
$
19,335

 
$
16,809

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
10,552

 
8,415

 
26,450

 
26,520

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
1,742

 
1,524

 
5,094

 
4,965

Other underwriting expenses
3,822

 
4,435

 
11,662

 
12,456

Interest on policyholders’ accounts
7,503

 
8,625

 
23,342

 
27,026

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses
$
29,150

 
$
29,524

 
$
85,883

 
$
87,776

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
3,454

 
$
2,295

 
$
7,472

 
$
8,393

Federal income tax expense
1,249

 
852

 
2,602

 
2,986

Net income
$
2,205

 
$
1,443

 
$
4,870

 
$
5,407

(1) Net premiums written is a financial measure prepared in accordance with statutory practices, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.





9



Net Premiums Written by Line of Business
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Net Premiums Written
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability (1)
$
56,942

 
$
51,563

 
$
185,206

 
$
162,704

Fire and allied lines (2)
45,732

 
41,573

 
145,789

 
129,733

Automobile
40,925

 
37,714

 
130,866

 
115,968

Workers’ compensation
20,658

 
19,797

 
71,802

 
67,234

Fidelity and surety
5,566

 
5,079

 
16,222

 
15,035

Miscellaneous
587

 
560

 
2,130

 
1,879

Total commercial lines
$
170,410

 
$
156,286

 
$
552,015

 
$
492,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire and allied lines (3)
$
11,951

 
$
12,485

 
$
33,239

 
$
33,414

Automobile
6,191

 
6,075

 
18,074

 
17,286

Miscellaneous
261

 
259

 
768

 
754

Total personal lines
$
18,403

 
$
18,819

 
$
52,081

 
$
51,454

Reinsurance assumed
1,738

 
3,208

 
7,845

 
9,788

Total
$
190,551

 
$
178,313

 
$
611,941

 
$
553,795

(1) “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured’s premises and products manufactured or sold.
(2) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(3) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.




10



Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business
Three Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
 
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
 
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
Commercial lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
58,807

 
$
32,842

 
55.8
 %
 
$
52,251

 
$
28,406

 
54.4
 %
Fire and allied lines
46,448

 
49,120

 
105.8

 
41,717

 
27,260

 
65.3

Automobile
42,181

 
36,938

 
87.6

 
37,646

 
36,140

 
96.0

Workers' compensation
22,955

 
12,239

 
53.3

 
21,519

 
20,524

 
95.4

Fidelity and surety
5,095

 
150

 
2.9

 
4,877

 
(163
)
 
(3.3
)
Miscellaneous
692

 
(28
)
 
(4.0
)
 
628

 
(104
)
 
(16.6
)
Total commercial lines
$
176,178

 
$
131,261

 
74.5
 %
 
$
158,638

 
$
112,063

 
70.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire and allied lines
$
11,151

 
$
12,163

 
109.1
 %
 
$
10,786

 
$
8,307

 
77.0
 %
Automobile
5,877

 
5,622

 
95.7

 
5,624

 
3,615

 
64.3

Miscellaneous
251

 
1,622

 
NM

 
240

 
1,068

 
NM

Total personal lines
$
17,279

 
$
19,407

 
112.3
 %
 
$
16,650

 
$
12,990

 
78.0
 %
Reinsurance assumed
$
1,738

 
$
(1,853
)
 
(106.6
)%
 
$
3,265

 
$
(410
)
 
(12.6
)%
Total
$
195,195

 
$
148,815

 
76.3
 %
 
$
178,553

 
$
124,643

 
69.8
 %
 
NM= Not meaningful

Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
 
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
 
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
Commercial lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
167,851

 
$
87,704

 
52.3
 %
 
$
146,755

 
$
77,721

 
53.0
 %
Fire and allied lines
133,802

 
126,618

 
94.6

 
122,107

 
71,954

 
58.9

Automobile
121,022

 
88,539

 
73.2

 
108,629

 
91,090

 
83.9

Workers' compensation
64,981

 
46,577

 
71.7

 
60,786

 
51,364

 
84.5

Fidelity and surety
13,654

 
1,145

 
8.4

 
13,684

 
(843
)
 
(6.2
)
Miscellaneous
2,039

 
(18
)
 
(0.9
)
 
1,190

 
555

 
46.6

Total commercial lines
$
503,349

 
$
350,565

 
69.6
 %
 
$
453,151

 
$
291,841

 
64.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire and allied lines
$
33,253

 
$
32,548

 
97.9
 %
 
$
31,911

 
$
25,273

 
79.2
 %
Automobile
17,349

 
16,588

 
95.6

 
16,485

 
11,177

 
67.8

Miscellaneous
742

 
1,710

 
NM

 
528

 
1,969

 
NM

Total personal lines
$
51,344

 
$
50,846

 
99.0
 %
 
$
48,924

 
$
38,419

 
78.5
 %
Reinsurance assumed
$
7,828

 
$
1,553

 
19.8
 %
 
$
9,706

 
$
2,004

 
20.6
 %
Total
$
562,521

 
$
402,964

 
71.6
 %
 
$
511,781

 
$
332,264

 
64.9
 %
NM= Not meaningful




11