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8-K - FORM 8-K - HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INCv393642_8k.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2014 EARNINGS RESULTS

 

FORT WORTH, Texas, (November 7, 2014) - Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALL) today reported third quarter 2014 net income of $3.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, reported for third quarter 2013. Year to date, Hallmark reported net income of $9.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.8 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the same period the prior year. Total revenues were $81.4 million for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to $108.6 million for the third quarter of 2013. Year to date total revenues for 2014 were $249.4 million as compared to $301.1 million reported for the same period the prior year.

 

“I am pleased to report overall continued improving profitable underwriting results as evidenced by our third quarter combined ratio of 96.2% as compared to 97.4% for the second quarter this year and 98.8% for the third quarter the prior year,” said Naveen Anand, President and Chief Executive Officer. “These results are reflective of solid performance across each of our reporting segments driven by continued favorable rate trends and underwriting actions taken across most lines of business.”

 

Mr. Anand continued, “I am excited for the future prospects of the Company as Hallmark is well positioned with a solid platform to continue to grow into a best-in-class specialty insurance group.”

 

Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman of Hallmark, stated, “Book value per share was $12.96 at the end of the quarter, an increase of 9% since a year ago. Total cash and investments have increased 4% during the first nine months of 2014 to $642.8 million, or $33.61 per share, due in part to cash flow from operations of $21.7 million. Hallmark’s cash balances totaled $176.9 million as of September 30, 2014.”

 

 
 

 

 

  

Third Quarter    
   2014   2013   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   122,723    123,664    -1%
Net premiums written   84,025    102,889    -18%
Net premiums earned   77,147    97,452    -21%
Investment income, net of expenses   2,912    2,965    -2%
Net realized gains (losses)   (23)   6,950    NM 
Total revenues   81,417    108,613    -25%
Net income   3,463    6,274    -45%
Net income per share - basic  $0.18   $0.33    -45%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.18   $0.32    -44%
Book value per share  $12.96   $11.94    9%
Cash flow from operations   2,129    29,487    -93%

 

Year-to-Date    
   2014   2013   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   363,245    351,278    3%
Net premiums written   240,649    296,330    -19%
Net premiums earned   237,770    276,784    -14%
Investment income, net of expenses   9,139    9,871    -7%
Net realized gains (losses)   (122)   9,723    NM 
Total revenues   249,362    301,053    -17%
Net income   9,662    4,817    101%
Net income per share - basic  $0.50   $0.25    100%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.50   $0.25    100%
Book value per share  $12.96   $11.94    9%
Cash flow from operations   21,710    53,520    -59%

 

Third Quarter 2014 Commentary

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Hallmark’s total revenues were $81.4 million and $249.4 million, representing a decrease of 25% and 17%, respectively, from the $108.6 million and $301.1 million in total revenues for the same periods of 2013. This decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to lower net earned premiums in the Personal Segment due to a quota share reinsurance contract entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013 on non-standard automobile risks produced in certain states. Further contributing to the decrease in revenue were significant net realized gains recognized in the Company’s investment portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, lower net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and adverse profit share commission revenue adjustments in the Standard Commercial Segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

 
 

 

 

  

The decrease in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was offset by decreased loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) of $17.6 million and $49.2 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded unfavorable prior year net loss reserve development of $1.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $5.4 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development compared to $8.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in loss and LAE occurred despite a $5.4 million increase in net catastrophe losses to $13.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $8.5 million reported for the same period of 2013. Other operating expenses also decreased due mostly to decreased production related expenses in the Specialty Commercial Segment and Personal Segment, partially offset by $0.7 million of one-time CEO transition costs and $0.2 million of costs related to a previously announced public debt offering.

 

Hallmark reported net income of $3.5 million and $9.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to net income of $6.3 million and $4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. On a diluted basis per share, the Company reported net income of $0.18 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to net income of $0.32 per share for the same period in 2013. On a diluted basis per share, net income per share was $0.50 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to net income per share of $0.25 for the same period during 2013.

 

Hallmark's consolidated net loss ratio was 65.5% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to 69.9% and 74.0% for the same periods in 2013. Hallmark's net expense ratio was 30.7% and 30.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 28.9% and 29.2% for the same periods in 2013. Hallmark’s net combined ratio was 96.2% and 95.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 98.8% and 103.2% for the same periods in 2013.

 

About Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. is an insurance holding company which, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Hallmark’s business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing commercial and personal lines of property/casualty insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. Hallmark is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and its common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "HALL."

 

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that actual results may differ substantially from such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, continued acceptance of the Company’s products and services in the marketplace, competitive factors, interest rate trends, general economic conditions, the availability of financing, underwriting loss experience and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Naveen Anand, President and Chief Executive Officer at 817.348.1600

www.hallmarkgrp.com

 

 
 

 

 

  

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands, except share amounts)  Sept. 30   Dec. 31 
   2014   2013 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Investments:          
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $411,000 in 2014 and $408,627 in 2013)  $411,262   $410,095 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $24,967 in 2014 and $24,902 in 2013)   54,678    51,230 
Total investments   465,940    461,325 
Cash and cash equivalents   160,027    141,666 
Restricted cash   16,882    12,190 
Ceded unearned premiums   61,989    44,988 
Premiums receivable   82,472    71,157 
Accounts receivable   2,754    2,382 
Receivable for securities   2,825    1,320 
Reinsurance recoverable   105,437    76,818 
Deferred policy acquisition costs   20,665    22,586 
Goodwill   44,695    44,695 
Intangible assets, net   18,044    19,953 
Federal income tax recoverable   688    - 
Prepaid expenses   2,031    1,531 
Other assets   7,730    8,412 
Total Assets  $992,179   $909,023 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Revolving credit facility payable  $-   $1,473 
Subordinated debt securities   56,702    56,702 
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   414,752    382,640 
Unearned premiums   205,184    185,303 
Reinsurance balances payable   32,647    20,598 
Pension liability   776    1,433 
Payable for securities   10,086    206 
Deferred federal income taxes, net   3,548    2,825 
Federal income tax payable   -    719 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   20,604    19,006 
Total Liabilities   744,299    670,905 
Commitments and contingencies          
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2014 and 2013   3,757    3,757 
Additional paid-in capital   122,913    122,827 
Retained earnings   115,871    106,209 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   18,276    16,883 
Treasury stock (1,748,840 shares in 2014 and 1,609,374 shares in 2013), at cost   (12,937)   (11,558)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   247,880    238,118 
   $992,179   $909,023 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
($ in thousands, except share amounts; unaudited)  September 30   September 30 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Gross premiums written  $122,723   $123,664   $363,245   $351,278 
Ceded premiums written   (38,698)   (20,775)   (122,596)   (54,948)
Net premiums written   84,025    102,889    240,649    296,330 
Change in unearned premiums   (6,878)   (5,437)   (2,879)   (19,546)
Net premiums earned   77,147    97,452    237,770    276,784 
                     
Investment income, net of expenses   2,912    2,965    9,139    9,871 
Net realized (losses) gains   (23)   6,950    (122)   9,723 
Finance charges   1,300    1,484    4,067    4,396 
Commission and fees   71    (251)   (1,528)   169 
Other income   10    13    36    110 
Total revenues   81,417    108,613    249,362    301,053 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   50,509    68,158    155,781    204,955 
Other operating expenses   24,409    29,139    75,055    83,911 
Interest expense   1,140    1,150    3,435    3,449 
Amortization of intangible assets   631    694    1,909    2,420 
Total expenses   76,689    99,141    236,180    294,735 
                     
Income before tax   4,728    9,472    13,182    6,318 
Income tax expense   1,265    3,198    3,520    1,501 
Net income  $3,463   $6,274   $9,662   $4,817 
                     
Net income (loss) per share:                    
Basic  $0.18   $0.33   $0.50   $0.25 
Diluted  $0.18   $0.32   $0.50   $0.25 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Consolidated Segment Data                
Three Months Ended Sept. 30  (unaudited)                                 
   Standard
Commercial
Segment
   Specialty
Commercial
Segment
   Personal Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
($ in thousands)   2014    2013    2014    2013    2014    2013    2014    2013    2014    2013 
Gross premiums written  $20,850   $21,444   $87,886   $83,453   $13,987   $18,767   $-   $-   $122,723   $123,664 
Ceded premiums written   (1,639)   (1,837)   (25,534)   (17,932)   (11,525)   (1,006)   -    -    (38,698)   (20,775)
Net premiums written   19,211    19,607    62,352    65,521    2,462    17,761    -    -    84,025    102,889 
Change in unearned premiums   614    332    (7,736)   (7,512)   244    1,743    -    -    (6,878)   (5,437)
Net premiums earned   19,825    19,939    54,616    58,009    2,706    19,504    -    -    77,147    97,452 
                                                   
Total revenues   20,985    21,163    57,983    60,787    4,225    21,256    (1,776)   5,407    81,417    108,613 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   12,545    13,537    36,844    37,914    1,120    16,707    -    -    50,509    68,158 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   2,244    1,163    7,653    7,564    662    (1,613)   (5,831)   2,358    4,728    9,472 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   63.3%   67.9%   67.5%   65.4%   41.4%   85.7%             65.5%   69.9%
Net expense ratio (1)   32.1%   32.5%   25.7%   26.8%   57.9%   25.4%             30.7%   28.9%
Net combined ratio (1)   95.4%   100.4%   93.2%   92.2%   99.3%   111.1%             96.2%   98.8%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   (288)   1,408    (2,369)   (1,405)   1,205    (534)   -    -    (1,452)   (531)

 

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.

 

 
 

 

 

  

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Segment Data

Nine Months Ended Sept. 30  (unaudited)                                 
   Standard
Commercial
Segment
   Specialty
Commercial
Segment
   Personal
Segment
   Corporate   Consolidated 
($ in thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Gross premiums written  $64,477   $66,773   $248,615   $225,120   $50,153   $59,385   $-   $-   $363,245   $351,278 
Ceded premiums written   (5,870)   (5,934)   (75,260)   (45,232)   (41,466)   (3,782)   -    -    (122,596)   (54,948)
Net premiums written   58,607    60,839    173,355    179,888    8,687    55,603    -    -    240,649    296,330 
Change in unearned premiums   56    (2,763)   (4,066)   (20,302)   1,131    3,519    -    -    (2,879)   (19,546)
Net premiums earned   58,663    58,076    169,289    159,586    9,818    59,122    -    -    237,770    276,784 
                                                   
Total revenues   60,667    62,160    179,167    168,127    14,699    64,621    (5,171)   6,145    249,362    301,053 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   41,497    42,567    109,027    113,303    5,257    49,085    -    -    155,781    204,955 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   318    641    27,042    11,828    1,916    (3,331)   (16,094)   (2,820)   13,182    6,318 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   70.7%   73.3%   64.4%   71.0%   53.5%   83.0%             65.5%   74.0%
Net expense ratio (1)   32.6%   32.6%   25.8%   27.0%   44.9%   25.7%             30.4%   29.2%
Net combined ratio (1)   103.3%   105.9%   90.2%   98.0%   98.4%   108.7%             95.9%   103.2%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   4,847    3,630    (2,600)   (10,062)   3,112    (1,531)   -    -    5,359    (7,963)

 

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.