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8-K - FORM 8-K - HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INCv423911_8-k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2015 EARNINGS RESULTS

 

FORT WORTH, Texas, (November 5, 2015) - Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALL) today reported third quarter 2015 net income of $6.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, reported for third quarter 2014. Year to date, Hallmark reported net income of $18.4 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, compared to $9.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, reported for the same period the prior year. Total revenues were $93.7 million for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to $81.4 million for the third quarter of 2014. Year to date total revenues for 2015 were $282.3 million as compared to $249.4 million reported for the same period the prior year.

 

“We’re building momentum and are effectively executing on our specialty lines focused underwriting and product strategies. The results for this quarter and year to date reflect the significant work that has taken place across our entire organization to position Hallmark for sustained success,” said Naveen Anand, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to push for and achieve higher rates in all of our segments, however the rate increase trend continues to weaken. I expect we will see further improvement in our Personal Lines business in the near term as we continue to improve underwriting in the current accident year and cull less performing sectors in this portfolio.”

 

Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman of Hallmark, stated, “Book value per share was $13.62 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of 5% over the same date of the prior year. Total cash and investments have increased 6% year over year to $679.0 million, or $35.47 per share. Cash flow from operations was $43.1 million for the year-to-date and our cash balances (including restricted cash) totaled $111.6 million as of September 30, 2015.”

 

Third Quarter    
   2015   2014   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   132,141    122,723    8%
Net premiums written   89,924    84,025    7%
Net premiums earned   88,406    77,147    15%
Investment income, net of expenses   3,495    2,912    20%
Net realized losses   (335)   (23)   nm 
Total revenues   93,684    81,417    15%
Net income   6,698    3,463    93%
Net income per share - basic  $0.35   $0.18    94%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.35   $0.18    94%
Book value per share  $13.62   $12.96    5%
Cash flow from operations   10,223    2,129    380%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-to-Date    
   2015   2014   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   390,708    363,245    8%
Net premiums written   274,603    240,649    14%
Net premiums earned   263,578    237,770    11%
Investment income, net of expenses   10,051    9,139    10%
Net realized gains (losses)   3,688    (122)   nm 
Total revenues   282,331    249,362    13%
Net income   18,417    9,662    91%
Net income per share - basic  $0.96   $0.50    92%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.95   $0.50    90%
Book value per share  $13.62   $12.96    5%
Cash flow from operations   43,101    21,710    99%

 

Third Quarter 2015 Commentary

 

Hallmark reported net income of $6.7 million and $18.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to net income of $3.5 million and $9.7 million for the same periods the prior year. On a diluted basis per share, the Company reported net income of $0.35 per share and $0.95 per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to net income of $0.18 per share and $0.50 per share for the same periods the prior year.

 

Hallmark's consolidated net loss ratio was 63.3% and 65.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to 65.5% and 65.5% for the same periods the prior year. Hallmark's net expense ratio was 27.7% and 28.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to 30.7% and 30.4% for the same periods the prior year. Hallmark’s net combined ratio was 91.0% and 93.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to 96.2% and 95.9% for the same periods the prior year.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Hallmark’s total revenues were $93.7 million and $282.3 million, representing an increase of 15% and 13%, respectively, from the $81.4 million and $249.4 million in total revenues for the same periods of 2014. This increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher net earned premiums, higher realized gains recognized on the investment portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, lower adverse profit share commission revenue adjustments in the Standard Commercial Segment and higher net investment income. The increased net earned premiums were primarily attributable to increased retained premium under a renewed quota share reinsurance agreement effective October 1, 2014 in the Personal Segment and increased premium production in both the Personal Segment and the MGA Commercial Products operating unit.

 

The increase in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was partially offset by increased loss and loss adjustment expenses of $5.5 million and $16.0 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2014. The increase in loss and LAE was primarily the result of an increase in retained losses in the Personal Segment under the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement and higher current accident year loss trends in the Specialty Commercial Segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded favorable prior year net loss reserve development of $4.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Also partially offsetting the increased revenue was increased other operating expenses due mostly to higher production related expenses in the Personal Segment due to the impact of the change in terms of the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement and increased salary and related expenses in the Specialty Commercial and Corporate Segments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 par value)  Sept. 30   Dec. 31 
ASSETS  2015   2014 
Investments:  (unaudited)     
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $524,908 in 2015 and $450,770 in 2014)  $519,163   $450,785 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $24,957 in 2015 and $25,360 in 2014)   48,229    56,444 
Total investments   567,392    507,229 
Cash and cash equivalents   93,049    130,985 
Restricted cash   18,525    11,914 
Ceded unearned premiums   64,115    53,376 
Premiums receivable   86,877    71,003 
Accounts receivable   2,241    3,141 
Receivable for securities   2,354    932 
Reinsurance recoverable   116,342    109,719 
Deferred policy acquisition costs   21,110    20,746 
Goodwill   44,695    44,695 
Intangible assets, net   15,576    17,427 
Deferred federal income taxes, net   2,832    - 
Prepaid expenses   2,920    1,823 
Other assets   10,632    7,879 
Total Assets  $1,048,660   $980,869 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Subordinated debt securities  $56,702   $56,702 
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   451,383    415,135 
Unearned premiums   218,590    196,826 
Reinsurance balances payable   32,832    26,403 
Pension liability   2,481    2,619 
Payable for securities   4,269    1,321 
Federal income tax payable   522    968 
Deferred federal income taxes, net   -    3,092 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   21,089    25,766 
Total Liabilities   787,868    728,832 
Commitments and contingencies          
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and 2014   3,757    3,757 
Additional paid-in capital   123,606    123,194 
Retained earnings   138,055    119,638 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   8,921    17,801 
Treasury stock (1,728,537 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 shares in 2014), at cost   (13,547)   (12,353)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   260,792    252,037 
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity  $1,048,660   $980,869 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $132,141   $122,723   $390,708   $363,245 
Ceded premiums written   (42,217)   (38,698)   (116,105)   (122,596)
Net premiums written   89,924    84,025    274,603    240,649 
Change in unearned premiums   (1,518)   (6,878)   (11,025)   (2,879)
Net premiums earned   88,406    77,147    263,578    237,770 
                     
Investment income, net of expenses   3,495    2,912    10,051    9,139 
Net realized gains (losses)   (335)   (23)   3,688    (122)
Finance charges   1,619    1,300    4,400    4,067 
Commission and fees   60    71    (41)   (1,528)
Other income   439    10    655    36 
Total revenues   93,684    81,417    282,331    249,362 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   56,005    50,509    171,820    155,781 
Operating expenses   26,458    24,409    78,818    75,055 
Interest expense   769    1,140    3,043    3,435 
Amortization of intangible assets   617    631    1,851    1,909 
Total expenses   83,849    76,689    255,532    236,180 
                     
Income before tax   9,835    4,728    26,799    13,182 
Income tax expense   3,137    1,265    8,382    3,520 
Net income  $6,698   $3,463   $18,417   $9,662 
                     
Net income per share:                    
Basic  $0.35   $0.18   $0.96   $0.50 
Diluted  $0.35   $0.18   $0.95   $0.50 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Segment Data
Three Months Ended Sept. 30                   (unaudited)

 

   Standard
Commercial
Segment
   Specialty
Commercial
Segment
   Personal
Segment
   Corporate   Consolidated 
($ in thousands)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $19,225   $20,850   $91,446   $87,886   $21,470   $13,987   $-   $-   $132,141   $122,723 
Ceded premiums written   (4,145)   (1,639)   (28,205)   (25,534)   (9,867)   (11,525)   -    -    (42,217)   (38,698)
Net premiums written   15,080    19,211    63,241    62,352    11,603    2,462    -    -    89,924    84,025 
Change in unearned premiums   2,087    614    (2,909)   (7,736)   (696)   244    -    -    (1,518)   (6,878)
Net premiums earned   17,167    19,825    60,332    54,616    10,907    2,706    -    -    88,406    77,147 
                                                   
Total revenues   18,477    20,985    63,395    57,983    12,716    4,225    (904)   (1,776)   93,684    81,417 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   10,088    12,545    36,186    36,844    9,731    1,120    -    -    56,005    50,509 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   2,893    2,244    11,291    7,653    (224)   662    (4,125)   (5,831)   9,835    4,728 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   58.8%   63.3%   60.0%   67.5%   89.2%   41.4%             63.3%   65.5%
Net expense ratio (1)   32.2%   32.1%   26.1%   25.7%   16.1%   57.9%             27.7%   30.7%
Net combined ratio (1)   91.0%   95.4%   86.1%   93.2%   105.3%   99.3%             91.0%   96.2%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   1,821    (288)   2,048    (2,369)   (783)   1,205    -    -    3,086    (1,452)

 

 

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)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $63,710   $64,477   $263,103   $248,615   $63,895   $50,153   $-   $-   $390,708   $363,245 
Ceded premiums written   (8,178)   (5,870)   (78,804)   (75,260)   (29,123)   (41,466)   -    -    (116,105)   (122,596)
Net premiums written   55,532    58,607    184,299    173,355    34,772    8,687    -    -    274,603    240,649 
Change in unearned premiums   273    56    (4,717)   (4,066)   (6,581)   1,131    -    -    (11,025)   (2,879)
Net premiums earned   55,805    58,663    179,582    169,289    28,191    9,818    -    -    263,578    237,770 
                                                   
Total revenues   58,941    60,667    188,070    179,167    33,096    14,699    2,224    (5,171)   282,331    249,362 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   33,938    41,497    113,168    109,027    24,714    5,257    -    -    171,820    155,781 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   7,247    318    28,739    27,042    (596)   1,916    (8,591)   (16,094)   26,799    13,182 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   60.8%   70.7%   63.0%   64.4%   87.7%   53.5%             65.2%   65.5%
Net expense ratio (1)   32.6%   32.6%   25.7%   25.8%   19.4%   44.9%             28.2%   30.4%
Net combined ratio (1)   93.4%   103.3%   88.7%   90.2%   107.1%   98.4%             93.4%   95.9%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   4,719    4,847    1,852    (2,600)   (2,009)   3,112    -    -    4,562    5,359 

 

 

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.