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 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

Form 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For Quarter Ended                                                                                    Commission file number
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      March 31, 2015                                                                                                     0-5534

BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
(State or other jurisdiction of
 Incorporation or organization
35-0160330
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
111 Congressional Boulevard, Carmel, Indiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
46032
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (317) 636-9800

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   ü      No___

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ü      No ____
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ____    Accelerated filer  ü  Non-accelerated filer ____
Small Reporting Company ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ____    No  ü

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of May 1, 2015:

TITLE OF CLASS                                                              NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Common Stock, No Par Value:
Class A (voting)                                                                                                 2,623,109
Class B (nonvoting)                                                                                         12,397,344


Index to Exhibits located on page 24.

 
 
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
             
(in thousands, except share data)
           
             
   
March 31
   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Assets
           
Investments:
           
   Fixed maturities
  $ 450,443     $ 451,809  
   Equity securities
    162,591       162,107  
   Limited partnerships
    84,569       81,230  
   Short-term
    2,968       2,966  
      700,571       698,112  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    48,913       64,632  
Accounts receivable
    93,071       98,144  
Reinsurance recoverable
    214,122       220,221  
Other assets
    67,200       61,447  
Current federal income taxes
    2,581       1,691  
    $ 1,126,458     $ 1,144,247  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
  $ 505,887     $ 506,102  
Reserves for unearned premiums
    33,011       35,019  
Short-term borrowings
    20,000       20,000  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    142,753       163,657  
Deferred federal income taxes
    21,523       19,973  
      723,174       744,751  
Shareholders' equity:
               
   Common stock-no par value:
               
   Class A voting -- authorized 3,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2015 - 2,623,109; 2014 - 2,623,109
    112       112  
   Class B non-voting -- authorized 20,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2015 - 12,397,344; 2014 - 12,356,389
    529       527  
   Additional paid-in capital
    52,816       51,854  
   Unrealized net gains on investments
    52,976       51,840  
   Foreign exchange adjustment
    (389 )     390  
   Retained earnings
    297,240       294,773  
      403,284       399,496  
    $ 1,126,458     $ 1,144,247  




See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
- 1 -

 


Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
           
             
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Revenues
           
Net premiums earned
  $ 66,446     $ 63,842  
Net investment income
    2,815       2,294  
Commissions and other income
    1,297       1,355  
Net realized gains on investments, excluding
               
impairment losses
    3,957       4,175  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments
    (214 )     (105 )
Net realized gains on investments
    3,743       4,070  
      74,301       71,561  
                 
Expenses
               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    41,646       39,289  
Other operating expenses
    23,364       22,833  
      65,010       62,122  
Income before federal income taxes
    9,291       9,439  
Federal income taxes
    3,048       3,078  
Net income
  $ 6,243     $ 6,361  
                 
Per share data:
               
Basic and diluted earnings
  $ .42     $ .42  
                 
    Dividends paid to shareholders
  $ .25     $ .25  
                 
Reconciliation of shares outstanding:
               
   Average shares outstanding - basic
    14,994       14,947  
   Dilutive effect of share equivalents
    24       28  
   Average shares outstanding - diluted
    15,018       14,975  


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 2 -

 

 

Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
           
             
(in thousands)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
             
Net income
  $ 6,243     $ 6,361  
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized net gains on securities:
               
Unrealized net gains arising during the period
    622       5,834  
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses)
               
included in net income
    (514 )     651  
      1,136       5,183  
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (779 )     (501 )
                 
Other comprehensive income
    357       4,682  
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,600     $ 11,043  



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
- 3 -

 
 


Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
             
(in thousands)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
             
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 10,674     $ 9,160  
Investing activities:
               
   Purchases of available-for-sale investments
    (126,146 )     (104,263 )
   Proceeds from sales or maturities
               
       of available-for-sale investments
    104,555       108,087  
   Net purchases of short-term investments
    (3 )     (203 )
   Other investing activities
    (244 )     (2,808 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (21,838 )     813  
Financing activities:
               
   Dividends paid to shareholders
    (3,776 )     (3,753 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,776 )     (3,753 )
                 
   Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (779 )     (501 )
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (15,719 )     5,719  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    64,632       59,297  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 48,913     $ 65,016  



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
- 4 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(All dollar amounts presented in these notes are in thousands, except per share data)

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual audited financial statements and other disclosures included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K.

Investments:  Carrying amounts for fixed maturity securities represent fair value and are based on quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where quoted market prices are not available.  Equity securities are carried at quoted market prices (fair value).  The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to record its proportionate share of the limited partnership’s net income.  To the extent that the limited partnership investees include both realized and unrealized investment gains or losses in the determination of net income or loss, then the Company would also recognize, through its consolidated statements of operations, its proportionate share of the investee’s unrealized as well as realized investment gains or losses.

Other investments, if any, are carried at either fair value or cost, depending on the nature of the investment.  Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates their fair values.

Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of the cost of investments sold and are included in income.  All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders’ equity.  Included within available for sale fixed maturity securities are insurance-linked securities and convertible debt securities.  The changes in fair values of insurance-linked securities and portions of the changes in fair values of convertible debt securities are reflected as a component of net realized gains (losses).


 
- 5 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

With respect to other–than-temporary impairment of investments, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.   For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income).

The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security.  Furthermore, unrealized losses caused by non-credit related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which the Company expects to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
 
The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders’ equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income.  In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost.  For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment, subject to an evaluation as to possible future recovery.  Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment without consideration to the Company’s quantitative criteria defined above.

 

 
- 6 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(2) Investments:
 
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


                           
Net
 
         
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Unrealized
 
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Gains
 
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
(Losses)
 
March 31, 2015
                             
Fixed maturities
                             
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 112,820     $ 112,506     $ 322     $ (8 )   $ 314  
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    6,066       5,820       272       (26 )     246  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    34,465       33,635       1,004       (174 )     830  
   States and municipal obligations
    116,612       115,890       962       (240 )     722  
   Corporate securities
    154,848       157,921       3,084       (6,157 )     (3,073 )
   Foreign government obligations
    25,632       27,027       154       (1,549 )     (1,395 )
      Total fixed maturities
    450,443       452,799       5,798       (8,154 )     (2,356 )
Equity securities:
                                       
   Financial institutions
    24,144       9,732       14,500       (88 )     14,412  
   Industrial & miscellaneous
    138,447       69,000       71,245       (1,798 )     69,447  
      Total equity securities
    162,591       78,732       85,745       (1,886 )     83,859  
      Total
  $ 613,034     $ 531,531     $ 91,543     $ (10,040 )     81,503  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (28,527 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 52,976  
                                         
December 31, 2014
                                       
Fixed maturities
                                       
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 101,094     $ 101,058     $ 108     $ (72 )   $ 36  
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    6,066       5,830       273       (37 )     236  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    36,440       36,210       630       (400 )     230  
   State and municipal obligations
    113,777       113,133       784       (140 )     644  
   Corporate securities
    166,966       170,822       2,005       (5,861 )     (3,856 )
   Foreign government obligations
    27,466       28,332       114       (980 )     (866 )
      Total fixed maturities
    451,809       455,385       3,914       (7,490 )     (3,576 )
Equity securities:
                                       
   Financial institutions
    25,343       10,100       15,303       (60 )     15,243  
   Industrial & miscellaneous
    136,764       68,678       70,260       (2,174 )     68,086  
      Total equity securities
    162,107       78,778       85,563       (2,234 )     83,329  
      Total
  $ 613,916     $ 534,163     $ 89,477     $ (9,724 )     79,753  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (27,913 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 51,840  

 
 
 
- 7 -

 
 
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following table summarizes, for fixed maturity and equity security investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.


   
March 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fixed maturity securities:
                                   
12 months or less
    340     $ 91,663     $ (6,530 )     591     $ 176,756     $ (6,083 )
Greater than 12 months
    99       21,274       (1,624 )     140       27,667       (1,407 )
Total fixed maturities
    439       112,937       (8,154 )     731       204,423       (7,490 )
                                                 
Equity securities:
                                               
12 months or less
    30       17,585       (1,633 )     33       13,538       (2,170 )
Greater than 12 months
    6       850       (253 )     3       686       (64 )
Total equity securities
    36       18,435       (1,886 )     36       14,224       (2,234 )
Total fixed maturity and equity securities
    475     $ 131,372     $ (10,040 )     767     $ 218,647     $ (9,724 )

 
The fair value and the cost or amortized costs of fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Actual maturities may ultimately differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Pre-refunded municipal bonds are classified based on their pre-refunded call dates.


   
Fair Value
   
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
             
One year or less
  $ 90,662     $ 91,130  
Excess of one year to five years
    229,905       233,545  
Excess of five years to ten years
    42,162       42,552  
Excess of ten years
    9,305       8,790  
   Contractual maturities
    372,034       376,017  
Asset-backed securities
    78,409       76,782  
Total
  $ 450,443     $ 452,799  



 
- 8 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Following is a summary of the components of net realized gains on investments for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Fixed maturities:
           
   Gross gains
  $ 1,147     $ 1,839  
   Gross losses
    (1,933 )     (1,226 )
      Net realized gains (losses)
    (786 )     613  
                 
Equity securities:
               
   Gross gains
    749       741  
   Gross losses
    (753 )     (352 )
      Net realized gains (losses)
    (4 )     389  
                 
Limited partnerships - net gain
    4,533       3,068  
                 
                 
      Totals
  $ 3,743     $ 4,070  



Net realized gains activity for investments, as shown in the previous table, are further detailed as follows:


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
             
Realized net gains (losses) on the disposal of securities
  $ (288 )   $ 1,195  
Mark-to-market adjustment
    (288 )     (200 )
Equity in gains of limited partnership
               
  investments - realized and unrealized
    4,533       3,068  
Impairment:
               
  Write-downs based upon objective criteria
    (214 )     (105 )
  Recovery of prior write-downs
               
    upon sale or disposal
    -       112  
                 
Totals
  $ 3,743     $ 4,070  


The mark-to-market adjustments in the table above represent the changes in fair value of (1) options embedded in convertible debt securities and (2) insurance-linked securities held by the Company.


 
- 9 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The income from limited partnerships for the quarter ending March 31, 2015 includes an estimated $1,987 of net unrealized gains reported to the Company as part of the underlying assets of the various limited partnerships.  The value of limited partnerships at March 31, 2015 includes approximately $15,234 of accumulated net unrealized gains reported to the Company as part of the underlying assets of the various limited partnerships. Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2015 includes approximately $30,869, net of federal income taxes, of reported earnings which remain undistributed by limited partnerships.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the Company had committed funds totaling $31,500 to five separate borrowers related to five bridge loan agreements.  The Company retains possession of these funds which will only be loaned in the unlikely event that long-term financing is unavailable to the counter party in the market.

 
(3) Reinsurance:
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s transactions with reinsurers for the 2015 and 2014 comparative periods.
 

   
2015
   
2014
 
Quarter ended March 31:
           
   Premiums ceded to reinsurers
  $ 31,379     $ 31,355  
   Losses and loss expenses
               
      ceded to reinsurers
    16,398       17,914  
   Commissions from reinsurers
    7,614       6,315  

 
(4) Reportable Segments:
 
The Company has two reportable business segments in its operations:  Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance.

The Property and Casualty Insurance segment provides multiple line insurance coverage primarily to fleet transportation companies as well as to independent contractors who contract with fleet transportation companies.  In addition, the Company provides private passenger automobile products to individuals, workers’ compensation coverage to small businesses and professional liability products on a selective basis.


 
- 10 -

 


Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Reinsurance segment currently accepts professional liability cessions from other insurance companies.  From 1992 until July 1, 2014, the Reinsurance segment accepted property cessions from other insurance companies and retrocessions from reinsurance companies, principally reinsuring against catastrophes.  Final exposure to property catastrophe losses will expire on June 30, 2015.

The following table provides certain revenue and profit and loss information for each reportable segment.  All amounts presented are computed based upon U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Segment profit for Property and Casualty Insurance includes the direct marketing agency operations conducted by the parent company for this segment and is computed after elimination of inter-company commissions.


   
2015
   
2014
 
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit
 
                                     
Three months ended March 31:
                                   
                                     
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $ 90,513     $ 59,284     $ 6,324     $ 82,924     $ 51,459     $ 5,342  
Reinsurance
    6,467       7,162       600       11,830       12,383       1,888  
                                                 
Totals
  $ 96,980     $ 66,446     $ 6,924     $ 94,754     $ 63,842     $ 7,230  


The following table reconciles reportable segment income to the Company’s consolidated income before federal income taxes.


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Profit:
           
Segment profit
  $ 6,924     $ 7,230  
Net investment income
    2,815       2,294  
Net gains on investments
    3,743       4,070  
Corporate expenses and other
    (4,191 )     (4,155 )
Income before federal income taxes
  $ 9,291     $ 9,439  


Segment profit includes both net premiums earned and fees and other income associated with the business conducted by the segment.

Management does not identify or allocate assets to reportable segments when evaluating segment performance and depreciation expense is not material for any of the reportable segments.


 
- 11 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(5) Debt:
 
The Company maintains a revolving line of credit with a $40,000 limit and an expiration date of September 23, 2018.  Interest on this line of credit is referenced to LIBOR and can be fixed for periods of up to one year at the Company’s option.  Outstanding drawings on this line of credit were $20,000 as of March 31, 2015 and $20,000 as of December 31, 2014.  At March 31, 2015, the effective interest rate was 1.27%.  The Company has $20,000 remaining unused under the line of credit at March 31, 2015. 

(6) Taxes:
 
As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s calendar years 2011 through 2014 remain subject to examination by the IRS.  The effective federal income tax rate differs from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.

















(Space Intentionally Left Blank)





 
 




 
- 12 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(7) Fair Value:
 
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The following tables summarize fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 

As of March 31, 2015:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
     U.S. government obligations
  $ 112,820     $ -     $ 112,820     $ -  
     Residential mortgage-backed securities
    6,066       -       6,066       -  
     Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    34,465       -       34,007       458  
     State and municipal obligations
    116,612       -       116,612       -  
     Corporate securities
    152,093       -       139,249       12,844  
     Options embedded in convertible securities
    2,755       -       2,755       -  
     Foreign government obligations
    25,632       -       25,632       -  
           Total fixed maturities
    450,443       -       437,141       13,302  
Equity securities:
                               
     Financial institutions
    24,144       24,144       -       -  
     Industrial & miscellaneous
    138,447       138,447       -       -  
           Total equity securities
    162,591       162,591       -       -  
Short term
    2,968       2,968       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    46,384       -       46,384       -  
    $ 662,386     $ 165,559     $ 483,525     $ 13,302  


As of December 31, 2014:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
     U.S. government obligations
  $ 101,094     $ -     $ 101,094     $ -  
     Residential mortgage-backed securities
    6,066       -       6,066       -  
     Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    36,440       -       36,440       -  
     State and municipal obligations
    113,777       -       113,777       -  
     Corporate securities
    164,068       -       151,860       12,208  
     Options embedded in convertible securities
    2,898       -       2,898       -  
     Foreign government obligations
    27,466       -       27,466       -  
           Total fixed maturities
    451,809       -       439,601       12,208  
Equity securities:
                               
     Financial institutions
    25,343       25,343       -       -  
     Industrial & miscellaneous
    136,764       136,764       -       -  
           Total equity securities
    162,107       162,107       -       -  
Short term
    2,966       2,966       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    59,309       -       59,309       -  
    $ 676,191     $ 165,073     $ 498,910     $ 12,208  


 
- 13 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Level inputs, as defined by FASB Fair Value Measurements, are as follows:
Level Input:
  
Input Definition:
     
Level 1
  
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
     
Level 2
  
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
     
Level 3
  
Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:

Cash equivalents:  Cash equivalents primarily consist of highly rated money market funds purchased at par value with specified yield rates. Due to underlying assets of these funds, we designate all cash equivalents as Level 2.

Fixed maturities: Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third party pricing services, which generally use Level 1 or Level 2 inputs for the determination of fair value to facilitate fair value measurements and disclosures.  For securities not actively traded, the third party pricing services may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates and prepayment speeds.  The Level 3 assets consist of a portfolio of corporate convertible bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The assets are valued using various unobservable inputs including extrapolated data, proprietary models and indicative quotes.

Equity securities: Fair values of equity securities are designated as Level 1 and are based on quoted market prices.



 
- 14 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2014:


   
2015
   
2014
 
Beginning of period balance
  $ 12,208     $ -  
Total  gains or losses (realized or unrealized)
               
included in income
    66       -  
Purchases
    1,002       -  
Settlements
    -       -  
Transfers into level 3
    26       12,208  
End of period balance
  $ 13,302     $ 12,208  

 
Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.  There were no significant transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, FASB guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as reserves for losses and loss expenses are excluded from the fair value disclosures.  Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine the Company’s underlying economic value.

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivables, reinsurance recoverable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, income taxes receivable or payable and unearned premiums approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these items.  These assets and liabilities are not included in the table below.

The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Limited partnerships: The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to carry the investment at its proportionate share of the limited partnership’s equity.   The underlying assets of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships are carried primarily at fair value, and, therefore, the Company’s carrying value of limited partnerships approximates fair value.  As these investments are not actively traded and the corresponding inputs are based on data provided by the investees, they are classified as Level 3.


 
- 15 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 

Short-term borrowings: The fair value of our short-term borrowings is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices are available, on the current market interest rates available to us for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.
 
 
A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
 
   
Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                               
March 31, 2015
                             
Assets:   Limited partnerships
  $ 84,569     $ -     $ -     $ 84,569     $ 84,569  
Liabilities:   Short-term borrowings
    20,000       -       20,000       -       20,000  
                                         
December 31, 2014
                                       
Assets:   Limited partnerships
    81,230       -       -       81,230       81,230  
Liabilities:   Short-term borrowings
    20,000       -       20,000       -       20,000  

 
(8) Restricted Stock:
 
The Company grants shares of class B restricted stock to the Company’s outside directors, in lieu of cash, as their annual retainer compensation.  The shares are distributed on the vesting date, one year following the date of grant, and have had an aggregate total value of $440 for each of the annual periods presented.  The table below provides detail of the stock issuances for 2013 and 2014:
 
               
 Value
               
 Per Share
 Effective
 
 Number of Shares
 
 Vesting
 
 Service
 
 on Grant
 Date
 
 Issued
 
 Date
 
 Period
 
 Date
                 
                 
5/7/2013
 
18,106
 
5/7/2014
 
7/1/2013 - 6/30/2014
 
 $24.30
                 
5/8/2014
 
17,237
 
5/8/2015
 
7/1/2014 - 6/30/2015
 
 $25.53

 

 
Compensation expense related to the above stock grant is recognized over the period in which the directors render the services.
 

Effective February 4, 2015, the Company issued 36,646 shares of class B restricted stock to certain of the Company’s executives as a portion of compensation under the Company’s 2014 Executive Incentive Bonus Plan.  The restricted shares will vest ratably over a three year period from the date of grant with acceleration for retirement eligible recipients due to the non-substantive post-grant date vesting clause per Accounting Standards Codification 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits.  Restricted stock was valued based on the closing price of the stock on the day the award was granted.  Each share was valued at $23.29 per share representing a total value of $853.  Non-vested restricted shares will be forfeited should an executive’s employment terminate for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement as defined by the 2014 Executive Incentive Bonus Plan.
 
 
 
- 16 -

 
 
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
(9) Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies:
 
In the ordinary, regular and routine course of their business, the Company and its insurance Subsidiaries are frequently involved in various matters of litigation relating principally to claims for insurance coverage provided.  No currently pending matter is deemed by management to be material to the Company.


(10) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
 
The following table illustrates changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the three months ending March 31, 2015:


         
Unrealized
       
         
holding gains on
       
   
Foreign
   
available-for-sale
       
   
Currency
   
securities
   
Total
 
                   
Beginning balance
  $ 390     $ 51,840     $ 52,230  
                         
   Other comprehensive income
                       
      before reclassifications
    (779 )     622       (157 )
                         
   Amounts reclassified from
                       
      accumulated other
                       
      comprehensive income
    -       514       514  
                         
Net current-period other
                       
   comprehensive income
    (779 )     1,136       357  
                         
Ending balance
  $ (389 )   $ 52,976     $ 52,587  


 (11) Subsequent Events:
 
We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements filed on Form 10-Q with the SEC and no events have occurred during the period which require recognition or disclosure.

 
 
- 17 -

 


ITEM 2  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
              AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company generally experiences positive cash flow from operations resulting from the fact that premiums are collected on insurance policies in advance of the disbursement of funds in payment of claims.  Operating costs of the property/casualty insurance subsidiaries, other than loss and loss expense payments and commissions paid to related agency companies, generally average less than one-third of premiums earned and the remaining amount is available for investment for varying periods of time pending the settlement of claims relating to the insurance coverage provided. The Company’s cash flow relating to premiums is significantly affected by reinsurance programs in effect from time-to-time whereby the Company cedes both premium and risk to other insurance and reinsurance companies.  These programs vary significantly among products and certain contracts call for reinsurance payment patterns which do not coincide with the collection of premium by the Company from its insureds.

For the first three months of 2015, the Company produced positive cash flow from operations totaling $10.7 million, which compares to positive cash flow from operations of $9.2 million generated during the first three months of 2014.  The increase in cash flow from the 2014 period is primarily due to the timing and amount of loss, LAE and other operating expense payments during the 2015 period, principally from property reinsurance losses.  The Company has achieved positive cash flow in 21 of the past 23 quarters averaging $11.9 million per quarter.

The Company's investment philosophy has emphasized the purchase of relatively short-term instruments with maximum quality and liquidity.  The average life of the Company's fixed income (bond and short-term investment) portfolio, using contractual maturities applied to par value, was 5.1 years at March 31, 2015, and the effective duration of the portfolio was 2.1 years, both of which are shorter than the average life of the Company’s liabilities.

Financing activity for the first three months of 2015 included regular dividend payments to shareholders of $3.8 million ($.25 per share).

The Company’s assets at March 31, 2015 included $49.4 million in investments classified as cash equivalents that were readily convertible to cash without significant market penalty.  An additional $93.3 million of fixed maturity investments (at par) will mature within the twelve-month period following March 31, 2015.  The Company believes that these liquid investments are more than sufficient to provide for projected claim payments and operating cost demands.

Consolidated shareholders’ equity is composed largely of GAAP shareholders’ equity of the insurance subsidiaries.  As such, there are statutory restrictions on the transfer of substantial portions of this equity to the parent company.  At March 31, 2015, $59.4 million may be transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company during the remainder of 2015 without approval by, or prior notification to, regulatory authorities.  An additional $244.7 million of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries could, theoretically, be advanced or loaned to the parent company with prior notification to, and approval from, regulatory authorities, although it is unlikely that transfers of this size would be practical.  The Company believes that these restrictions pose no material liquidity concerns to the Company.  The Company also believes that the financial strength and stability of the subsidiaries would permit ready access by the parent company to short-term and long-term sources of credit.  The parent company had cash and marketable securities valued at $9.3 million at March 31, 2015.
 
 
 
- 18 -

 

The Company’s annualized net premiums written to surplus ratio for the first three months of 2015 was approximately 65%.  Regulatory guidelines generally allow for writings of between 100% and 300% of surplus, depending on the line of business.  Accordingly, the Company could increase net premium writings significantly with no need to raise additional capital.  Further, the insurance subsidiaries’ individual capital levels are several times higher than the minimum amounts designated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Results of Operations

Comparison of First Quarter, 2015 to First Quarter, 2014

Direct and assumed premiums written during the first quarter of 2015 increased $2.2 million (2.3%), while net premiums earned increased $2.6 million (4.1%), as compared to the same period of 2014.  The Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance segment reported an increase in premium written of 9.2% and an increase in earned premiums of 15.2%, reflecting higher premium from the Company’s core fleet transportation products, partially offset by the planned reduction in professional liability volume.  The Reinsurance segment reported a decrease in premium written of 45.3% and a decrease in premium earned of 42.2% reflecting the Company’s planned withdrawal from property catastrophe reinsurance which was concluded in 2014.  The difference in the percentage changes for premium written compared to earned is reflective of the normal differences in the recognition of earned premium compared to written as well as the differences in reinsurance ceding rates on the mix of business in force.  The following table provides information regarding premiums written and earned for each segment for the quarter ended March 31 (dollars in thousands):


   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
 
2015
                 
                   
Property & Casualty Insurance
  $ 90,513     $ 58,932     $ 59,284  
Reinsurance
    6,467       6,280       7,162  
                         
Totals
  $ 96,980     $ 65,212     $ 66,446  
                         
2014
                       
                         
Property & Casualty Insurance
  $ 82,924     $ 52,005     $ 51,459  
Reinsurance
    11,830       11,494       12,383  
                         
Totals
  $ 94,754     $ 63,499     $ 63,842  

 
 
- 19 -

 

Premium ceded to reinsurers on insurance business produced by the Property and Casualty Insurance segment averaged 34.9% of premium written for the current quarter compared to 37.3% in the 2014 first quarter, with the decrease associated principally with changes in relative premium earned volume for certain products.  There have been no material changes in the terms of major reinsurance treaties since 2014.

Net investment income, before tax, during the first quarter of 2015 was 22.7% higher than the first quarter of 2014 due primarily to increased pre-tax yields on the Company’s fixed maturity securities resulting from redeployment of assets from lower yielding issues.  Overall investment portfolio after-tax income increased 19% compared to the 2014 first quarter while average invested funds increased 3%.

The first quarter 2015 net realized investment gains of $3.7 million resulted primarily from $4.5 million in gains reported from limited partnerships.  Comparative first quarter 2014 overall net realized investment gains were $4.1 million, consisting primarily of $3.1 million in gains from limited partnerships.  Realized investment gains and losses result from decisions regarding the sale of individual securities and the change in total value of limited partnerships and, as such, should not be expected to be consistent from period to period.

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2015 increased $2.4 million (6.0%).  The loss ratios for each segment were as follows:

 
2015
 
2014
Property and Casualty Insurance
64.4%
 
66.9%
Reinsurance
48.4
 
39.4
Total
62.7
 
61.5

The decrease in loss ratio for the Property and Casualty Insurance segment primarily relates to favorable loss activity in the Company’s core fleet transportation and professional liability products.  The higher Reinsurance segment loss ratio reflects normal fluctuations of results from property reinsurance.

Other operating expenses, for the first quarter of 2015, increased $0.5 million, or 2.3%, from the first quarter of 2014.  The ratio of consolidated other operating expenses to operating revenue was 33.1% during the first quarter of 2015 compared to 33.8% for the 2014 first quarter.

The effective federal tax rate on consolidated income for the first quarter of 2015 was 32.8%.  The effective rate differs from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.

As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income decreased $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the 2014 period.



 
- 20 -

 


Forward-Looking Information

Any forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including without limitation the following:  (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company;  (ii) the Company’s business is highly competitive and the entrance of new competitors into or the expansion of the operations by existing competitors in the Company’s markets and other changes in the market for insurance products could adversely affect the Company’s plans and results of operations;  (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (iv) other risks and factors which may be beyond the control or foresight of the Company.  Readers are     encouraged to review the Company’s annual report for its full statement regarding forward-looking information.


Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in the Company's critical accounting policies as disclosed in the Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2014.


Concentrations of Credit Risk

The insurance subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums to numerous reinsurers under quota share and excess of loss treaties as well as facultative placements.  These reinsurers assume commensurate portions of the risk of loss covered by the contracts.  As losses are reported and reserved, portions of the gross losses attributable to reinsurers are established as receivable assets and losses incurred are reduced.  At March 31, 2015, amounts due from reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses, are estimated to total approximately $211 million.  Of this total, approximately $65 million (31%) represents the Company’s provision for incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to reinsurers.  Because of the large policy limits reinsured by the Company, the ultimate amount of incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to reinsurers could vary significantly from the estimate provided; however, absent the inability to collect from reinsurers, such variance would not result in changes in net claim losses incurred by the Company.

At March 31, 2015, limited partnership investments include approximately $48.9 million consisting of two partnerships which are managed by organizations in which certain of the Company’s directors are officers, directors, general partners or owners.  Each of these investments contains profit sharing agreements to the affiliated organizations.



 
- 21 -

 


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk since the disclosure in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company carried out an evaluation as of December 31, 2014, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the “Exchange Act”. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the Company to material information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act. In addition, based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Company noted no change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Nothing to report.


ITEM 6 (a)  EXHIBITS

Number and caption from Exhibit

Table of Regulation S-K Item 601                                                                                                 Exhibit No.


(31.1)      Certification of CEO                                                                                EXHIBIT 31.1
pursuant to Section 302 of the                                                              Certification of CEO
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(31.2)      Certification of CFO                                                                                EXHIBIT 31.2
pursuant to Section 302 of the                                                              Certification of CFO
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32)         Certification of CEO and CFO                                                                EXHIBIT 32
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as                                                               Certification of CEO and CFO
adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
- 22 -

 


SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.






 BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.





Date     May 7, 2015                                                                       By /s/ Joseph J. DeVito                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                Joseph J. DeVito,
                                                                                                                CEO and President






Date     May 7, 2015                                                                       By /s/ G. Patrick Corydon                                                
              G. Patrick Corydon,
    Executive Vice President – Finance
    (Principal Financial and
    Accounting Officer)


 
 
- 23 -

 







BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.

Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015



INDEX TO EXHIBITS




Begins on sequential
page number of Form
 Exhibit Number                                                                                 10-Q           _

 

 
  EXHIBIT 31.1                                                                              25
         Certification of CEO
                    pursuant to Section 302 of the
        Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  EXHIBIT 31.2                                                                              27
         Certification of CFO
                    pursuant to Section 302 of the
        Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 32                                                                                 29
                    Certification of CEO and CFO
                 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350,
                    as adopted pursuant to Section
                     906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act


 
 
- 24 -