EMC Insurance Group Inc. Reports 2007 Results and Announces 2008 Guidance
EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Nasdaq: EMCI - News):
|
Fourth Quarter 2007
|
|
Net Income Per Share -- $0.51
|
|
Net Operating Income Per Share -- $0.39
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio - 105.2 percent
|
|
?
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2007
|
|
Net Income Per Share -- $3.09
|
|
Net Operating Income Per Share -- $2.91
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio - 97.6 percent
|
EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Nasdaq: EMCI - News) today reported fourth quarter
operating income of $0.39 per share for the quarter ended December 31,
2007, compared to $0.78 per share for the fourth quarter of 20061.
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $2.91 per
share, compared to $3.70 per share for the same period in 2006.
Net income, including realized investment gains/losses, was $7,058,000
($0.51 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to $11,494,000
($0.84 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2006. Net income for the
year ended December 31, 2007 was $42,478,000 ($3.09 per share), compared
to $53,547,000 ($3.91 per share) for the same period in 2006. ?2007 was another successful year for EMC
Insurance Group Inc.,? stated President and
CEO Bruce G. Kelley. ?We were prepared for the
competitive market conditions that we experienced during the year and we
successfully executed our operating plan. Our results were negatively
impacted by an increase in both large losses and catastrophe and storm
losses, but we saw measurable benefits from the enhancements that we
have made to our marketing and underwriting capabilities over the past
several years. As a result of those enhancements, we are better prepared
to respond to the challenges we face in this competitive environment.? Premiums earned decreased 0.5 percent to $102,240,000 for the three
months ended December 31, 2007 from $102,756,000 for the same period in
2006. For the year ended December 31, 2007, premiums earned increased
0.4 percent to $393,059,000 from $391,615,000 for the same period in
2006. On an overall basis, premium rate competition increased moderately
in the property and casualty insurance marketplace during 2007,
resulting in an approximate 4.9 percent reduction in premium rate
levels. Market conditions are expected to remain competitive in 2008,
which will likely result in a further reduction in premium rate levels. Investment income increased 5.7 percent to $12,587,000 for the fourth
quarter and 3.8 percent to $48,482,000 for the year ended December 31,
2007 from $11,904,000 and $46,692,000 for the same periods in 2006,
primarily as a result of higher average investment balances. The Company experienced $266,000 ($0.01 per share after tax) of adverse
development on prior years? reserves during
the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to $3,438,000 ($0.16 per share after
tax) of favorable development in the fourth quarter of 2006. For the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company had favorable development on
prior years? reserves totaling $38,738,000
($1.83 per share after tax) compared to $41,916,000 ($1.99 per share
after tax) for the same period in 2006. ?Carried loss and settlement expense reserves
were in the upper quarter of the range of actuarial indications at
December 31, 2007, which is similar to our position at year-end 2006,?
stated President and CEO Bruce G. Kelley. ?Much
of the favorable reserve development experienced during the past two
years has resulted from the final settlement of closed claims, which is
a historical trend for the Company. While we expect favorable reserve
development to continue in the future, we anticipate the amounts will be
somewhat lower than the unusually high levels experienced during the
past two years.? Catastrophe and storm losses were $2,040,000 ($0.10 per share after tax)
in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to $1,700,000 ($0.08 per share
after tax) in the fourth quarter of 2006. For the year ended December
31, 2007, catastrophe and storm losses totaled $21,514,000 ($1.02 per
share after tax) compared to $14,635,000 ($0.69 per share after tax) for
the same period in 2006. Included in the amount for the year ended
December 31, 2007 is $6,577,000 ($0.31 per share after tax) of losses
associated with the Greensburg, Kansas tornado. The Company?s GAAP combined ratio was 105.2
percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to 96.3 percent in the
fourth quarter of 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the GAAP
combined ratio was 97.6 percent compared to 92.9 percent for the same
period in 2006. At December 31, 2007, consolidated assets totaled $1.2 billion,
including $1.0 billion in the investment portfolio; stockholders?
equity increased 16.9 percent to $360.4 million; and net book value of
the Company?s stock was $26.15 per share, an
increase of 16.5 percent from $22.44 per share at December 31, 2006. Management is projecting that 2008 operating income will be within a
range of $2.10 per share to $2.35 per share. This estimate is based on a
projected GAAP combined ratio of 101.8 percent and management?s
expectations of continued rate competition in both the property and
casualty insurance marketplace and the reinsurance marketplace. The Company will hold an earnings teleconference call at 11:00 a.m.
eastern standard time on February 28, 2008 to allow securities analysts,
shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear
management discuss the Company?s quarterly
and year-end 2007 results, as well as its expectations for 2008. Dial-in
information for the call is toll-free 1-877-407-0782 (International: 1-201-689-8567). The event will be archived and available for digital
replay through March 13, 2008. The replay access information is
toll-free 1-877-660-6853 (International: 1-201-612-7415); passcodes
required for playback: account number is 286, conference ID number is
271465. Members of the news media, investors and the general public are invited
to access a live webcast of the conference call via http://www.InvestorCalendar.com
or the Company?s investor relations page at www.emcinsurance.com.
The webcast will be archived and available for replay until May 28,
2008. A transcript of the teleconference will also be available on the
Company?s website shortly after the
completion of the teleconference. EMC Insurance Group Inc., the publicly-held insurance holding company of
EMC Insurance Companies, owns subsidiaries with operations in property
and casualty insurance and reinsurance. EMC Insurance Companies is one
of the largest property and casualty entities in Iowa and among the top
60 insurance entities nationwide based on premium volume. For more
information, visit our website www.emcinsurance.com. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides issuers
the opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking
statements. Accordingly, any forward-looking statement contained in this
report is based on management?s current
beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company?s
future performance, taking into account all information currently
available to management. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can
change as the result of many possible events or factors, not all of
which are known to management. If a change occurs, the Company?s
business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans
and objectives may vary materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect
the actual results of the Company include, but are not limited to the
following: catastrophic events and the occurrence of significant severe
weather conditions; the adequacy of loss and settlement expense
reserves; state and federal legislation and regulations; changes in our
industry, interest rates or the performance of financial markets and the
general economy; rating agency actions and other risks and uncertainties
inherent to the Company?s business.
Management intends to identify forward-looking statements when using the
words ?believe?, ?expect?,
?anticipate?, ?estimate?,
or similar expressions. Undue reliance should not be placed on these
forward-looking statements. ?The Company uses a non-GAAP financial
measure called ?operating income?
that management believes is useful to investors because it illustrates
the performance of our normal, ongoing operations, which is important in
understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of
operations. While this measure is consistent with measures utilized by
investors to evaluate performance, it is not a substitute for the U.S.
GAAP financial measure of net income. Therefore, the Company has
provided a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the U.S.
GAAP financial measure of net income in the Consolidated Statements of
Income schedule contained in this release. Management also uses non-GAAP
financial measures for goal setting, determining employee and senior
management awards and compensation, and evaluating performance.
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
?
|
Property and
|
?
|
|
?
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
Casualty
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended December 31, 2007
|
?
|
Insurance
|
?
|
Reinsurance
|
?
|
Company
|
?
|
Consolidated
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned
|
|
$
|
81,377,154
|
|
|
$
|
20,862,508
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
102,239,662
|
|
|
Investment income, net
|
|
|
9,382,499
|
|
|
|
3,176,583
|
|
|
|
27,931
|
|
|
|
12,587,013
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
?
|
161,875
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
161,875
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
90,921,528
|
?
|
|
?
|
24,039,091
|
?
|
|
?
|
27,931
|
?
|
|
?
|
114,988,550
|
?
|
|
Losses and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and settlement expenses
|
|
|
59,561,978
|
|
|
|
13,851,659
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
73,413,637
|
|
|
Dividends to policyholders
|
|
|
1,452,427
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,452,427
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
19,268,359
|
|
|
|
4,241,430
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
23,509,789
|
|
|
Other underwriting expenses
|
|
|
8,859,438
|
|
|
|
306,398
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
9,165,836
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
193,125
|
|
|
|
84,044
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
277,169
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
?
|
134,147
|
?
|
|
?
|
38,572
|
?
|
|
?
|
221,172
|
?
|
|
?
|
393,891
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
89,469,474
|
?
|
|
?
|
18,522,103
|
?
|
|
?
|
221,172
|
?
|
|
?
|
108,212,749
|
?
|
|
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
1,452,054
|
?
|
|
?
|
5,516,988
|
?
|
|
?
|
(193,241
|
)
|
|
?
|
6,775,801
|
?
|
|
Realized investment losses
|
|
?
|
2,271,240
|
?
|
|
?
|
220,450
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
2,491,690
|
?
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
3,723,294
|
?
|
|
?
|
5,737,438
|
?
|
|
?
|
(193,241
|
)
|
|
?
|
9,267,491
|
?
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
(968,671
|
)
|
|
|
1,234,100
|
|
|
|
(67,634
|
)
|
|
|
197,795
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
?
|
1,585,150
|
?
|
|
?
|
426,376
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
2,011,526
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
616,479
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,660,476
|
?
|
|
?
|
(67,634
|
)
|
|
?
|
2,209,321
|
?
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
3,106,815
|
?
|
|
$
|
4,076,962
|
?
|
|
$
|
(125,607
|
)
|
|
$
|
7,058,170
|
?
|
|
Average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,772,257
|
|
|
Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
0.22
|
|
|
$
|
0.30
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease in provision for insured events of prior years
(after tax)
|
|
$
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.17
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses (after tax)
|
|
$
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(0.10
|
)
|
|
Dividends per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
Other Information of Interest:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Written Premiums
|
|
$
|
70,991,975
|
|
|
$
|
19,692,097
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
90,684,072
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in provision for insured events of prior years
|
|
$
|
3,840,226
|
|
|
$
|
(3,574,577
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
265,649
|
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses
|
|
$
|
2,244,945
|
|
|
$
|
(204,787
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,040,158
|
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
|
|
73.2
|
%
|
|
|
66.4
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
71.8
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
|
?
|
36.3
|
%
|
|
?
|
21.8
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
33.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
?
|
109.5
|
%
|
|
?
|
88.2
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
105.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
Property and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casualty
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended December 31, 2006
|
?
|
Insurance
|
?
|
Reinsurance
|
?
|
Company
|
?
|
Consolidated
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned
|
|
$
|
80,985,652
|
|
|
$
|
21,770,274
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
102,755,926
|
|
|
Investment income, net
|
|
|
8,719,294
|
|
|
|
3,113,867
|
|
|
|
70,555
|
|
|
|
11,903,716
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
?
|
94,412
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
94,412
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
89,799,358
|
?
|
|
?
|
24,884,141
|
?
|
|
?
|
70,555
|
?
|
|
?
|
114,754,054
|
?
|
|
Losses and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and settlement expenses
|
|
|
49,798,628
|
|
|
|
14,284,701
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
64,083,329
|
|
|
Dividends to policyholders
|
|
|
2,046,699
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,046,699
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
18,108,742
|
|
|
|
4,678,254
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
22,786,996
|
|
|
Other underwriting expenses
|
|
|
9,039,959
|
|
|
|
1,012,619
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,052,578
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
193,125
|
|
|
|
84,975
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
278,100
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
?
|
181,448
|
?
|
|
?
|
(34,852
|
)
|
|
?
|
227,788
|
?
|
|
?
|
374,384
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
79,368,601
|
?
|
|
?
|
20,025,697
|
?
|
|
?
|
227,788
|
?
|
|
?
|
99,622,086
|
?
|
|
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
10,430,757
|
?
|
|
?
|
4,858,444
|
?
|
|
?
|
(157,233
|
)
|
|
?
|
15,131,968
|
?
|
|
Realized investment losses
|
|
?
|
1,093,321
|
?
|
|
?
|
147,576
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,240,897
|
?
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
11,524,078
|
?
|
|
?
|
5,006,020
|
?
|
|
?
|
(157,233
|
)
|
|
?
|
16,372,865
|
?
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
905,373
|
|
|
|
1,175,422
|
|
|
|
(55,032
|
)
|
|
|
2,025,763
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
?
|
2,636,940
|
?
|
|
?
|
215,907
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
2,852,847
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
3,542,313
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,391,329
|
?
|
|
?
|
(55,032
|
)
|
|
?
|
4,878,610
|
?
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
7,981,765
|
?
|
|
$
|
3,614,691
|
?
|
|
$
|
(102,201
|
)
|
|
$
|
11,494,255
|
?
|
|
Average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,732,573
|
|
|
Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
0.58
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
0.84
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years (after tax)
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses (after tax)
|
|
$
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
Dividends per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.17
|
|
|
Other Information of Interest:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Written Premiums
|
|
$
|
66,302,971
|
|
|
$
|
21,326,227
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
87,629,198
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years
|
|
$
|
(416,821
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3,020,816
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(3,437,637
|
)
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses
|
|
$
|
1,633,936
|
|
|
$
|
65,754
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,699,690
|
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
|
|
61.5
|
%
|
|
|
65.6
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
62.4
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
|
?
|
36.0
|
%
|
|
?
|
26.2
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
33.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
?
|
97.5
|
%
|
|
?
|
91.8
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
96.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
Property and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casualty
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007
|
?
|
Insurance
|
?
|
Reinsurance
|
?
|
Company
|
?
|
Consolidated
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned
|
|
$
|
320,836,066
|
|
|
$
|
72,223,331
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
393,059,397
|
|
|
Investment income, net
|
|
|
36,000,281
|
|
|
|
12,267,193
|
|
|
|
214,513
|
|
|
|
48,481,987
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
?
|
544,422
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
544,422
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
357,380,769
|
?
|
|
?
|
84,490,524
|
?
|
|
?
|
214,513
|
?
|
|
?
|
442,085,806
|
?
|
|
Losses and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and settlement expenses
|
|
|
199,494,325
|
|
|
|
48,344,856
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
247,839,181
|
|
|
Dividends to policyholders
|
|
|
7,632,714
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
7,632,714
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
74,393,683
|
|
|
|
14,336,552
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
88,730,235
|
|
|
Other underwriting expenses
|
|
|
37,125,716
|
|
|
|
2,204,290
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
39,330,006
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
772,500
|
|
|
|
338,969
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,111,469
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
?
|
776,020
|
?
|
|
?
|
519,771
|
?
|
|
?
|
951,510
|
?
|
|
?
|
2,247,301
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
320,194,958
|
?
|
|
?
|
65,744,438
|
?
|
|
?
|
951,510
|
?
|
|
?
|
386,890,906
|
?
|
|
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
37,185,811
|
?
|
|
?
|
18,746,086
|
?
|
|
?
|
(736,997
|
)
|
|
?
|
55,194,900
|
?
|
|
Realized investment gains
|
|
?
|
3,460,933
|
?
|
|
?
|
262,856
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
3,723,789
|
?
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
40,646,744
|
?
|
|
?
|
19,008,942
|
?
|
|
?
|
(736,997
|
)
|
|
?
|
58,918,689
|
?
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
10,428,903
|
|
|
|
5,256,005
|
|
|
|
(257,949
|
)
|
|
|
15,426,959
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
?
|
1,018,095
|
?
|
|
?
|
(4,400
|
)
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,013,695
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
11,446,998
|
?
|
|
?
|
5,251,605
|
?
|
|
?
|
(257,949
|
)
|
|
?
|
16,440,654
|
?
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
29,199,746
|
?
|
|
$
|
13,757,337
|
?
|
|
$
|
(479,048
|
)
|
|
$
|
42,478,035
|
?
|
|
Average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,762,663
|
|
|
Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
2.12
|
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
$
|
3.09
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years (after tax)
|
|
$
|
1.32
|
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1.83
|
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses (after tax)
|
|
$
|
(0.98
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(1.02
|
)
|
|
Dividends per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.69
|
|
|
Book value per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
26.15
|
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.9
|
%
|
|
Annualized net income as a percent of beg. SH equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.8
|
%
|
|
Other Information of Interest:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Written Premiums
|
|
$
|
324,252,764
|
|
|
$
|
71,002,733
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
395,255,497
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years
|
|
$
|
(27,976,811
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10,761,217
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(38,738,028
|
)
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses
|
|
$
|
20,731,825
|
|
|
$
|
782,375
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
21,514,200
|
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
|
|
62.2
|
%
|
|
|
66.9
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
63.1
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
|
?
|
37.1
|
%
|
|
?
|
22.9
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
34.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
?
|
99.3
|
%
|
|
?
|
89.8
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
97.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
Property and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casualty
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2006
|
?
|
Insurance
|
?
|
Reinsurance
|
?
|
Company
|
?
|
Consolidated
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned
|
|
$
|
318,416,718
|
|
|
$
|
73,198,723
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
391,615,441
|
|
|
Investment income, net
|
|
|
34,310,739
|
|
|
|
12,116,726
|
|
|
|
264,464
|
|
|
|
46,691,929
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
?
|
526,617
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
526,617
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
353,254,074
|
?
|
|
?
|
85,315,449
|
?
|
|
?
|
264,464
|
?
|
|
?
|
438,833,987
|
?
|
|
Losses and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and settlement expenses
|
|
|
178,305,327
|
|
|
|
50,147,165
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
228,452,492
|
|
|
Dividends to policyholders
|
|
|
8,663,715
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,663,715
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
71,708,560
|
|
|
|
14,856,471
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
86,565,031
|
|
|
Other underwriting expenses
|
|
|
37,337,648
|
|
|
|
2,681,846
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
40,019,494
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
772,500
|
|
|
|
339,900
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,112,400
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
?
|
1,065,324
|
?
|
|
?
|
61,055
|
?
|
|
?
|
781,383
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,907,762
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
297,853,074
|
?
|
|
?
|
68,086,437
|
?
|
|
?
|
781,383
|
?
|
|
?
|
366,720,894
|
?
|
|
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
55,401,000
|
?
|
|
?
|
17,229,012
|
?
|
|
?
|
(516,919
|
)
|
|
?
|
72,113,093
|
?
|
|
Realized investment gains
|
|
?
|
4,026,538
|
?
|
|
?
|
225,751
|
?
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
4,252,289
|
?
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
?
|
59,427,538
|
?
|
|
?
|
17,454,763
|
?
|
|
?
|
(516,919
|
)
|
|
?
|
76,365,382
|
?
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
16,907,367
|
|
|
|
4,696,561
|
|
|
|
(180,027
|
)
|
|
|
21,423,901
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
?
|
1,446,249
|
?
|
|
?
|
(51,872
|
)
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
1,394,377
|
?
|
|
|
|
?
|
18,353,616
|
?
|
|
?
|
4,644,689
|
?
|
|
?
|
(180,027
|
)
|
|
?
|
22,818,278
|
?
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
41,073,922
|
?
|
|
$
|
12,810,074
|
?
|
|
$
|
(336,892
|
)
|
|
$
|
53,547,104
|
?
|
|
Average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,710,953
|
|
|
Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
3.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.93
|
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
3.91
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years (after tax)
|
|
$
|
1.53
|
|
|
$
|
0.46
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1.99
|
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses (after tax)
|
|
$
|
(0.67
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
Dividends per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.65
|
|
|
Book value per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22.44
|
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.9
|
%
|
|
Annualized net income as a percent of beg. SH equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.5
|
%
|
|
Other Information of Interest:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Written Premiums
|
|
$
|
319,984,030
|
|
|
$
|
66,268,178
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
386,252,208
|
|
|
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years
|
|
$
|
(32,255,312
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,660,943
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(41,916,255
|
)
|
|
Catastrophe and storm losses
|
|
$
|
14,312,793
|
|
|
$
|
322,080
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
14,634,873
|
|
|
GAAP Combined Ratio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
|
|
56.0
|
%
|
|
|
68.5
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
58.3
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
|
?
|
37.0
|
%
|
|
?
|
24.0
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
34.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
?
|
93.0
|
%
|
|
?
|
92.5
|
%
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
92.9
|
%
|
|
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
?
|
December 31,
|
?
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value
$688,728 and $5,768,918)
|
|
$
|
636,969
|
|
$
|
5,679,960
|
|
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost
$766,462,351 and $706,273,867)
|
|
|
785,253,286
|
|
|
716,927,579
|
|
Fixed maturity securities on loan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost
$58,865,232 and $89,841,454)
|
|
|
58,994,666
|
|
|
88,909,477
|
|
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost
$97,847,545 and $77,089,044)
|
|
|
139,427,726
|
|
|
112,527,480
|
|
Other long-term investments, at cost
|
|
|
101,988
|
|
|
552,202
|
|
Short-term investments, at cost
|
|
?
|
53,295,310
|
|
?
|
76,722,652
|
|
Total investments
|
|
|
1,037,709,945
|
|
|
1,001,319,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Balances resulting from related party transactions with
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employers Mutual:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance receivables
|
|
|
33,272,405
|
|
|
37,805,569
|
|
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
|
|
4,465,836
|
|
|
4,807,822
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
34,687,804
|
|
|
33,662,408
|
|
Defined benefit retirement plan, prepaid asset
|
|
|
11,451,758
|
|
|
7,836,958
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
2,488,309
|
|
|
2,410,120
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
262,963
|
|
|
196,274
|
|
Accrued investment income
|
|
|
11,288,005
|
|
|
11,363,814
|
|
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for uncollectible accounts
of $0 and $0)
|
|
|
81,141
|
|
|
205,046
|
|
Income taxes recoverable
|
|
|
3,595,645
|
|
|
1,888,935
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,682,597
|
|
|
12,403,141
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
941,586
|
|
|
941,586
|
|
Securities lending collateral
|
|
?
|
60,785,148
|
|
?
|
91,317,719
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,202,713,142
|
|
$
|
1,206,158,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances resulting from related party transactions with Employers
Mutual:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and settlement expenses
|
|
$
|
551,602,006
|
|
$
|
548,547,982
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
|
|
158,156,683
|
|
|
155,653,799
|
|
Other policyholders' funds
|
|
|
8,273,187
|
|
|
7,320,536
|
|
Surplus notes payable
|
|
|
25,000,000
|
|
|
36,000,000
|
|
Indebtedness to related party
|
|
|
5,918,396
|
|
|
18,621,351
|
|
Employee retirement plans
|
|
|
10,518,351
|
|
|
17,700,372
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
22,107,379
|
|
|
22,702,661
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Securities lending obligation
|
|
?
|
60,785,148
|
|
?
|
91,317,719
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
?
|
842,361,150
|
|
?
|
897,864,420
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding, 13,777,880 shares in 2007 and 13,741,663 shares
in 2006
|
|
|
13,777,880
|
|
|
13,741,663
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
108,030,228
|
|
|
107,016,563
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
42,961,904
|
|
|
24,934,903
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
?
|
195,581,980
|
|
?
|
162,601,193
|
|
Total stockholders' equity
|
|
?
|
360,351,992
|
|
?
|
308,294,322
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
|
$
|
1,202,713,142
|
|
$
|
1,206,158,742
|
The Company had total cash and invested assets with a carrying value of
$1.0 billion as of?December 31, 2007 and?December 31, 2006.?The
following table summarizes the Company's cash and invested assets as of
the dates indicated:
|
|
?
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
?
|
Percent of
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Total
|
|
Carrying
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Value
|
|
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
$
|
689
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
825,328
|
|
|
844,248
|
|
|
81.4
|
%
|
|
|
844,248
|
|
Equity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
97,847
|
|
|
139,428
|
|
|
13.4
|
%
|
|
|
139,428
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
53,295
|
|
|
53,295
|
|
|
5.1
|
%
|
|
|
53,295
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
|
?
|
102
|
|
?
|
102
|
|
?
|
-
|
?
|
|
?
|
102
|
|
|
|
$
|
977,472
|
|
$
|
1,038,025
|
|
?
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,037,973
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Total
|
|
Carrying
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Value
|
|
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity
|
|
$
|
5,680
|
|
$
|
5,769
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
5,680
|
|
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
796,115
|
|
|
805,837
|
|
|
80.4
|
%
|
|
|
805,837
|
|
Equity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
77,089
|
|
|
112,527
|
|
|
11.2
|
%
|
|
|
112,527
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
76,723
|
|
|
76,723
|
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
|
|
76,723
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
|
?
|
552
|
|
?
|
552
|
|
?
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
?
|
552
|
|
|
|
$
|
956,355
|
|
$
|
1,001,604
|
|
?
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,001,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
held-to-maturity and available-for-sale as of December 31, 2007
are as follows:
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Held-to-Maturity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Estimated
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Gains
|
|
Losses
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
$
|
-
|
?
|
|
$
|
689
|
|
Total securities held-to-maturity
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
$
|
-
|
?
|
|
$
|
689
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
|
|
Available-for-Sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
Estimated
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Cost
|
|
Gains
|
|
Losses
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
U.S. treasury securities
|
|
$
|
4,723
|
|
$
|
260
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,983
|
|
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
|
|
|
448,849
|
|
|
4,516
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
453,352
|
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
|
|
|
250,022
|
|
|
9,639
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
259,629
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities
|
|
|
10,241
|
|
|
203
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
10,431
|
|
Public utility securities
|
|
|
6,003
|
|
|
350
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,353
|
|
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
|
|
|
6,756
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,894
|
|
Corporate securities
|
|
?
|
98,734
|
|
?
|
3,948
|
|
?
|
76
|
?
|
|
?
|
102,606
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities
|
|
?
|
825,328
|
|
?
|
19,054
|
|
?
|
134
|
?
|
|
?
|
844,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Common stocks
|
|
|
73,847
|
|
|
44,407
|
|
|
686
|
|
|
|
117,568
|
|
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
|
|
?
|
24,000
|
|
?
|
240
|
|
?
|
2,380
|
?
|
|
?
|
21,860
|
|
Total equity securities
|
|
?
|
97,847
|
|
?
|
44,647
|
|
?
|
3,066
|
?
|
|
?
|
139,428
|
|
Total securities available-for-sale
|
|
$
|
923,175
|
|
$
|
63,701
|
|
$
|
3,200
|
?
|
|
$
|
983,676
|
|
NET WRITTEN PREMIUMS
|
|
|
?
|
Three Months Ended
|
?
|
Twelve Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
Percent of
|
|
|
|
?
|
Percent of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase/
|
|
|
|
|
Increase/
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of
|
|
(Decrease) in
|
|
Percent of
|
|
(Decrease) in
|
|
|
|
|
Net Written
|
|
Net Written
|
|
Net Written
|
|
Net Written
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums
|
|
Premiums
|
|
Premiums
|
|
Premiums
|
|
|
Property and Casualty Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial Lines:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Automobile
|
|
17.9
|
%
|
|
6.8
|
|
%
|
|
18.3
|
%
|
|
0.6
|
|
%
|
|
|
Liability
|
|
17.4
|
%
|
|
8.7
|
|
%
|
|
18.3
|
%
|
|
2.6
|
|
%
|
|
|
Property
|
|
14.2
|
%
|
|
2.1
|
|
%
|
|
15.7
|
%
|
|
0.3
|
|
%
|
|
|
Workers' Compensation
|
|
14.5
|
%
|
|
13.8
|
|
%
|
|
16.3
|
%
|
|
5.6
|
|
%
|
|
|
Other
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
3.6
|
|
%
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
%
|
|
|
Total Commercial Lines
|
|
66.2
|
%
|
|
7.6
|
|
%
|
|
70.7
|
%
|
|
2.1
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Personal Lines:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Automobile
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
|
1.1
|
|
%
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
%
|
|
|
Property
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
8.8
|
|
%
|
|
5.1
|
%
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
%
|
|
|
Liability
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
9.0
|
|
%
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
3.1
|
|
%
|
|
|
Total Personal Lines
|
|
12.1
|
%
|
|
4.5
|
|
%
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
(3.3
|
)
|
%
|
|
|
Total Property and Casualty Insurance
|
|
78.3
|
%
|
|
7.1
|
|
%
|
|
82.0
|
%
|
|
1.3
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
?
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
21.7
|
%
|
|
(7.7
|
)
|
%
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
|
1.9
|
|
%
|
(1
|
)
|
|
Total
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
3.5
|
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
1.4
|
|
%
|
(1
|
)
|
(1) Excludes $3,440,024 negative portfolio adjustment related to the
January 1, 2006 reduced participation in the MRB pool.
|