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8-K - EVEREST RE GROUP 8-K 4Q2014 - EVEREST RE GROUP LTDgroup8k4q2014.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 Record Operating Earnings for 2014;
Net Income Return on Equity of 17%

HAMILTON, Bermuda – February 4, 2015 -- Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) today reported fourth quarter 2014 net income available to common shareholders of $340.1 million, or $7.47 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $364.6 million, or $7.54 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2013. After-tax operating income1 available to common shareholders, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $331.5 million, or $7.28 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to $303.4 million, or $6.28 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2013.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net income available to common shareholders was $1.2 billion, or $25.91 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $1.3 billion, or $25.44 per diluted common share, for 2013. After-tax operating income1 available to common shareholders, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $1.1 billion, or $24.71 per diluted common share, for the full year 2013, compared to $1.1 billion or $21.47 per diluted common share, for 2013.

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic J. Addesso said, “Everest has had another stellar year with 10% growth in premium, 15% growth in operating earnings per share, and 16% growth in book value per share, adjusted for dividends. While it is a challenging marketplace, Everest continues to find and create opportunities for profitable growth due to our broadly diversified platform. Post January renewals, we remain confident in our ability to continue to generate strong returns for our shareholders.”
 
 
1

 
Operating highlights for the fourth quarter and full year of 2014 included the following:

·  
Gross written premiums for the quarter were $1.4 billion, an increase of 7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. For the full year, gross written premiums grew 10% to $5.7 billion with worldwide reinsurance premiums, including the Mt. Logan Re segment, up 15%. Direct insurance premiums were down 4% for the year.
·  
The combined ratio was 80.5% for the quarter and 82.8% for the year, compared to 81.5% and 84.5%, respectively, for the same periods in 2013. The quarter included $15.0 million of catastrophe losses for the Brisbane, Australia hail storm that occurred in November, offset by reserve take downs on prior year catastrophe loss events. For the full year, catastrophe losses, net of reinstatement premiums totaled $56.0 million. Excluding catastrophe losses, reinstatement premiums and favorable prior year loss development, the calendar year attritional combined ratio was 82.0% compared to 81.0% for 2013.
·  
Net investment income amounted to $134.0 million for the quarter and $530.6 million for the full year 2014. This included limited partnership income of $15.2 million and $40.9 million in each period, respectively.
·  
Net after-tax realized capital gains totaled $8.7 million for the quarter and $55.5 million for the full year. Unrealized capital gains, net of tax, amounted to $22.1 million for the full year, largely driven by changes in interest rates.
·  
Cash flow from operations was $387.9 million for the quarter and $1.3 billion for the full year 2014. This compared to $273.3 million and $1.1 billion for the same periods, respectively, in 2013.
·  
For the year, the after-tax operating income1 return on average adjusted shareholders’ equity2 was 16.3% and net income return on equity was 17.1%.
·  
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 590,791 of its common shares at an average price of $169.38 and a total cost of $100.1 million. For the year, the Company repurchased 3.2 million of its common shares for a total cost of $500.0 million. During January, the Company repurchased an additional 213,754 shares for a total cost of $36.0 million, which will be reflected in first quarter 2015 reporting. The repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase authorization, provided by the Company’s Board of Directors, under which there remains 6.1 million shares available.
·  
Shareholders’ equity ended the year at $7.5 billion, up 7% from the $7.0 billion at December 31, 2013. Book value per share increased 14% from $146.57 at year-end 2013 to $166.75 at December 31, 2014.

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.
 
 
2

 
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 fourth quarter results will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 5, 2015. The call will be available on the Internet through the Company’s web site or at www.streetevents.com.

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
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
         
(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)*
  $ 340,123     $ 7.47     $ 364,638     $ 7.54     $ 1,199,156     $ 25.91     $ 1,259,382     $ 25.44  
After-tax net realized capital gains (losses)
    8,655       0.19       61,285       1.27       55,469       1.20       196,829       3.98  
                                                                 
After-tax operating income (loss)*
  $ 331,468     $ 7.28     $ 303,353     $ 6.28     $ 1,143,687     $ 24.71     $ 1,062,553     $ 21.47  
                                                                 
* 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--

 
3

 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
                       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
                       
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
       
REVENUES:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 1,362,330     $ 1,287,496     $ 5,169,135     $ 4,753,543  
Net investment income
    134,046       126,127       530,570       548,509  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (39,007 )     (861 )     (39,502 )     (1,052 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                               
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       -  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    52,359       95,490       123,548       301,279  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    13,352       94,629       84,046       300,227  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    (15,567 )     11,039       (11,599 )     44,044  
Other income (expense)
    24,272       (2,169 )     18,437       (5,487 )
Total revenues
    1,518,433       1,517,122       5,790,589       5,640,836  
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    713,671       725,915       2,906,534       2,800,251  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    315,378       253,858       1,135,586       977,558  
Other underwriting expenses
    68,235       69,419       240,400       237,126  
Corporate expenses
    4,619       8,174       23,421       24,817  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    9,563       7,638       38,533       46,118  
Total claims and expenses
    1,111,466       1,065,004       4,344,474       4,085,870  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    406,967       452,118       1,446,115       1,554,966  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    49,704       85,370       187,652       289,706  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 357,263     $ 366,748     $ 1,258,463     $ 1,265,260  
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (17,140 )     (2,110 )     (59,307 )     (5,878 )
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP
  $ 340,123     $ 364,638     $ 1,199,156     $ 1,259,382  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    (64,614 )     (55,530 )     704       (395,797 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    23,033       534       21,392       (6,977 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    (41,581 )     (54,996 )     22,096       (402,774 )
                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (57,043 )     13,066       (95,417 )     (162 )
                                 
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    (39,110 )     17,837       (39,110 )     17,837  
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    654       1,617       3,020       5,778  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    (38,456 )     19,454       (36,090 )     23,615  
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (137,080 )     (22,476 )     (109,411 )     (379,321 )
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -  
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax attributable to Everest Re Group
    (137,080 )     (22,476 )     (109,411 )     (379,321 )
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 203,043     $ 342,162     $ 1,089,745     $ 880,061  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP:
                               
Basic
  $ 7.54     $ 7.62     $ 26.16     $ 25.67  
Diluted
    7.47       7.54       25.91       25.44  
Dividends declared
    0.95       0.75       3.20       2.19  
 
 

 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
           
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
             
             
   
December 31,
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2014
 
2013
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 13,101,067     $ 12,636,907  
    (amortized cost: 2014, $12,831,159; 2013, $12,391,164)
               
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,509       19,388  
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2014, $148,326; 2013, $148,342)
    140,210       144,081  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,447,820       1,462,079  
Short-term investments
    1,705,932       1,214,199  
Other invested assets (cost: 2014, $601,925; 2013, $508,447)
    601,925       508,447  
Cash
    437,474       611,382  
       Total investments and cash
    17,435,937       16,596,483  
Accrued investment income
    111,075       119,058  
Premiums receivable
    1,397,983       1,453,114  
Reinsurance receivables
    670,854       540,883  
Funds held by reinsureds
    228,192       228,000  
Deferred acquisition costs
    398,408       363,721  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    154,177       81,779  
Income taxes
    184,762       178,334  
Other assets
    236,436       246,664  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 20,817,824     $ 19,808,036  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 9,720,813     $ 9,673,240  
Future policy benefit reserve
    59,820       59,512  
Unearned premium reserve
    1,728,745       1,579,945  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    3,932       2,692  
Commission reserves
    87,990       66,160  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    139,841       116,387  
Losses in course of payment
    157,527       332,631  
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044
    400,000       -  
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014
    -       249,958  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    238,364       238,361  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    3,537       4,781  
Equity index put option liability
    47,022       35,423  
Unsettled securities payable
    41,092       53,867  
Other liabilities
    316,469       333,425  
       Total liabilities
    12,945,152       12,746,382  
                 
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
               
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re
    421,552       93,378  
                 
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; (2014) 68,336
               
    and (2013) 67,965 outstanding before treasury shares
    683       680  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,068,807       2,029,774  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
    (benefit) of $20,715 at 2014 and $57,661 at 2013
    48,317       157,728  
Treasury shares, at cost; 23,650 shares (2014) and 20,422 shares (2013)
    (2,485,897 )     (1,985,873 )
Retained earnings
    7,819,210       6,765,967  
       Total shareholders' equity attributable to Everest Re Group
    7,451,120       6,968,276  
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 20,817,824     $ 19,808,036  
 
 

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
                       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 357,263     $ 366,748     $ 1,258,463     $ 1,265,260  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    300,927       183,945       45,282       (217,678 )
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    5,094       (323 )     (1,835 )     162  
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    70,444       196,128       (186,014 )     118,963  
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
    46,036       83,840       31,340       213,848  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    22,392       8,736       (79,086 )     (12,777 )
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    23,013       (98,134 )     195,524       (374,027 )
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    2,187       (5,743 )     308       (6,595 )
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    (94,388 )     (42,769 )     161,149       261,959  
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    (72,574 )     (108,745 )     29,410       (45,043 )
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    (339,311 )     (262,644 )     (174,206 )     142,192  
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    (15,026 )     (5,212 )     (39,464 )     (45,905 )
Distribution of limited partnership income
    9,955       8,249       51,120       56,982  
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    67,533       10,900       35,419       (57,212 )
Non-cash compensation expense
    6,477       16,756       21,197       31,844  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    11,204       16,181       49,214       66,461  
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
    3       13       46       54  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    (13,352 )     (94,629 )     (84,046 )     (300,227 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    387,877       273,297       1,313,821       1,098,261  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    504,415       502,752       2,142,693       2,415,730  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value
    -       -       875       7,213  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    761,719       247,030       1,811,801       1,092,387  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    12,611       3,175       36,467       21,573  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    5,727       393       16,901       46,142  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    131,555       245,886       584,069       705,831  
Distributions from other invested assets
    56,218       20,392       115,482       100,081  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (943,210 )     (749,741 )     (4,672,633 )     (3,543,776 )
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (414 )     (1,398 )     (24,098 )     (6,196 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (6,143 )     (5,172 )     (18,016 )     (59,756 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (183,586 )     (196,786 )     (446,457 )     (621,038 )
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    (103,829 )     (6,872 )     (224,740 )     (21,935 )
Net change in short-term investments
    (213,161 )     (350,043 )     (497,983 )     (357,451 )
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    (17,929 )     11,710       (4,433 )     (2,808 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    3,973       (278,674 )     (1,180,072 )     (224,003 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Common shares issued during the period, net
    2,374       (172 )     17,839       51,500  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (100,082 )     (71,959 )     (500,024 )     (621,915 )
Net cost of junior subordinated debt securities redemption
    -       -       -       (329,897 )
Net cost of senior notes maturing
    (250,000 )     -       (250,000 )     -  
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes
    -       -       400,000       -  
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest
    -       -       136,200       87,500  
Subscription advances for third party redeemable noncontrolling interest
    40,000       143,000       40,000       143,000  
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (42,879 )     (35,961 )     (145,913 )     (106,681 )
Dividends paid on third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest
    -       -       (10,334 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (350,587 )     34,908       (312,232 )     (776,493 )
                                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    (5,592 )     (7,683 )     4,575       (23,433 )
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    35,671       21,848       (173,908 )     74,332  
Cash, beginning of period
    401,803       589,534       611,382       537,050  
Cash, end of period
  $ 437,474     $ 611,382     $ 437,474     $ 611,382  
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ 6,895     $ 4,384     $ 153,455     $ 69,302  
Interest paid
    24,274       14,866       39,424       38,390