National General Holdings Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2019 Results


NEW YORK, July 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National General Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:NGHC) reported second quarter 2019 net income of $69.0 million or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $36.7 million or $0.34 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2018. Second quarter 2019 operating earnings (non-GAAP)(1) was $78.1 million or $0.67 per diluted share compared to $59.5 million or $0.54 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2018.

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights versus Second Quarter 2018*

  • Net earned premium grew $92.9 million or 10.4% to $984.0 million driven by organic growth in our P&C segment of 11.3% and in our A&H segment of 6.3%.
  • The overall combined ratio(12,13) was 90.9% compared to 92.1% in the prior year’s quarter, excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets. The P&C segment reported a decrease in combined ratio to 92.6% from 92.9% in the prior year’s quarter. The A&H segment reported a decrease in combined ratio to 82.6% from 88.6% in the prior year’s quarter, driven by strong operating results in our small group self-funded and individual products.
  • Service and fee income grew 12.1% to $166.0 million, driven by organic growth primarily in our group administration fees and third party technology services fees within our A&H segment.
  • Stockholders’ equity was $2.48 billion and fully diluted book value per share was $17.48 at June 30, 2019, growth of 11.6% and 14.6%, respectively, from December 31, 2018. Our trailing twelve month operating return on average equity (ROE)(14) was 15.2% as of June 30, 2019.
  • Second quarter 2019 operating earnings (non-GAAP)(1) primarily excludes $4.2 million or $0.04 net loss on investments and $5.6 million or $0.05 per share of non-cash amortization of intangible assets, net of tax.

Barry Karfunkel, National General’s CEO, stated: “Our second quarter 2019 results continue to highlight the earnings capabilities of our platform. Our P&C segment was able to generate a 92.6% combined ratio. Our A&H segment continues to grow profitably with a combined ratio of 82.6% in the quarter, utilizing our suite of products and owned distribution. I am pleased with the continued execution of our strategy of focused underwriting discipline.”

*NOTE: Unless specified otherwise, discussion of our second quarter 2019 and 2018 results do not include financial results from the Reciprocal Exchanges, which are presented within our consolidated financial results within this release but are not included in net income available to NGHC common stockholders.

Overview of Second Quarter 2019 as Compared to Second Quarter 2018

  • Property & Casualty - Gross written premium decreased by 4.2% to $1,021.1 million, net written premium increased by 15.0% to $786.5 million, and net earned premium increased by 11.3% to $818.0 million. Service and fee income grew 7.6% to $113.1 million compared to $105.2 million in the prior year’s quarter. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(12,13) was 92.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 72.6% and an expense ratio(11,13) of 20.0%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 92.9% with a loss and LAE ratio of 73.5% and an expense ratio of 19.4%. The loss and LAE ratio was impacted by pre-tax catastrophe losses of approximately $18.4 million primarily related to weather-related events in the second quarter 2019, compared to $20.5 million of losses in the second quarter 2018. Unfavorable loss development was $10.4 million in the second quarter 2019, compared to favorable loss development of $5.4 million in the second quarter 2018.
     
  • Accident & Health - Gross written premium grew by 9.5% to $171.7 million, net written premium grew by 9.7% to $152.7 million, and net earned premium grew by 6.3% to $166.0 million. The A&H gross written premium increase was driven by the continued growth across the entire book. Service and fee income grew 23.3% to $52.9 million compared to $42.9 million in the prior year’s quarter, primarily driven by group administration fees and third party technology services fees. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(12,13) was 82.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 52.0% and an expense ratio(11,13) of 30.6%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 88.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 56.6% and an expense ratio of 32.0%. The loss and LAE ratio reflects continued strong performance in both small group self-funded and individual products. Favorable loss development was $8.1 million in the second quarter 2019, compared to $8.0 million in the second quarter 2018.
     
  • Reciprocal Exchanges - Results for the Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in net income available to NGHC common stockholders. Gross written premium was $121.1 million, net written premium was $56.2 million, and net earned premium was $46.6 million. Reciprocal Exchanges combined ratio(12,13) excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets was 100.1% with a loss and LAE ratio of 75.7% and an expense ratio(11,13) of 24.4%.

Second quarter 2019 investment income grew to $35.9 million, compared to $26.2 million in the second quarter of 2018, with the growth primarily driven by an increase in our investment portfolio. Total investments and cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) were $4.6 billion as of June 30, 2019. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) increased to a $59.9 million gain at June 30, 2019 from a $52.1 million loss at December 31, 2018, primarily due to the impact of lower interest rates which positively impacted bond valuations.

Interest expense was $12.9 million, down from $15.0 million in the prior year’s quarter. Debt was $708.7 million at June 30, 2019, up from $705.8 million at December 31, 2018.

The second quarter of 2019 provision for income taxes was $22.3 million and the effective tax rate for the quarter was 22.2% compared with income taxes of $9.4 million and an effective rate of 17.5% in the second quarter of 2018. The effective tax rate was impacted by the implementation of tax law changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2018.

Stockholders’ equity was $2,479.3 million at June 30, 2019, growth of 11.6% from $2,220.8 million at December 31, 2018. Fully diluted book value per share was $17.48 at June 30, 2019, growth of 14.6% from $15.25 at December 31, 2018. Our trailing twelve month operating return on average equity (ROE)(14) was 15.2% as of June 30, 2019.

Year-to-Date P&C Segment Notable Large Losses
Year Quarter Event P&C Notable Large
Losses and LAE

($ millions)
 P&C Loss
Ratio Points*
 EPS
Impact
After Tax
2019 Q2 Weather-related Events $18.4 2.2% $0.13
2019 Q1 Winter Weather $12.1 1.6% $0.08
           
2018 Q2 Spring Weather-related and Texas Hail Events $20.5 2.8% $0.15
2018 Q1 Winter Weather $14.2 2.0% $0.10

* Loss and LAE ratio points related to P&C net earned premium in quarter the loss event was recorded.

Additional Items

  • Auto and Homeowners Quota Share Renewals. 

    Effective July 1, 2019, the Company renewed its auto quota share reinsurance agreement for a two year term. Effective July 1, 2019, the Company cedes 10.0% of net liability under new and renewal auto policies with the ability to increase the cession to up to 30.0% and decrease the cession down to 5.0% under certain conditions. The Company receives a 31.2% provisional ceding commission on premiums ceded to the reinsurer during the term of the Auto Quota Share Agreement, subject to a sliding scale adjustment to a maximum of 32.8% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 64.7% or less and a minimum of 30.0% if the loss ratio is 67.5% or higher.

    Effective July 1, 2019, the Company renewed its homeowners quota share reinsurance agreement for a one year term. Effective July 1, 2019, the Company cedes 40.0% of net liability under homeowners policies and receives a 36.0% ceding commission on new and renewal business and a portion of the in-force business. A portion of the in-force business is being run-off under the prior agreements. The weighted average expected ceding commission for all in-force business and new and renewal homeowners business is 37.5% over the contract term.

Conference Call

On Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 9:00 AM ET, Chief Executive Officer Barry Karfunkel and Chief Financial Officer Mike Weiner will review results and discuss business conditions via a conference call that may be accessed as follows:

800 Access Number:800-346-7359
973 Access Number:973-528-0008
Conference Entry Code:620532
Webcast Registration:http://ir.nationalgeneral.com/events-and-presentations

A replay of the conference call will be accessible from 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 to 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 by dialing either 800-332-6854 (toll-free) within the U.S. or 973-528-0005 outside the U.S. and entering passcode 620532. In addition, a replay of the webcast can also be retrieved at http://ir.nationalgeneral.com/events-and-presentations.

About National General Holdings Corp.

National General Holdings Corp., headquartered in New York City, is a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. National General traces its roots to 1939, has a financial strength rating of A- (excellent) from A.M. Best, and provides personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, lender-placed, supplemental health and other niche insurance products.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and “believe” or their variations or similar terminology. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, non-receipt of expected payments from insureds or reinsurers, changes in interest rates, a downgrade in the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, the effect of the performance of financial markets on our investment portfolio, our ability to accurately underwrite and price our products and to maintain and establish accurate loss reserves, estimates of the fair value of investments, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, large loss activity including hurricanes and wildfires, the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage, the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues, the effect of unpredictable catastrophic losses, changes in the demand for our products, our degree of success in integrating acquired businesses, the effect of general economic conditions, state and federal legislation, the effects of tax reform, regulations and regulatory investigations into industry practices, risks associated with conducting business outside the United States, developments relating to existing agreements, disruptions to our business relationships with third party vendors or agencies, breaches in data security or other disruptions involving our technology, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments, and changes in asset valuations. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. Additional information about these risks and uncertainties, as well as others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Income Statement - Second Quarter
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018 
  NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $1,192,762  $121,146  $1,313,908   $1,222,468  $117,981  $1,340,449  
Net written premium 939,178  56,220  995,398   823,127  66,848  889,975  
Net earned premium 984,021  46,630  1,030,651   891,103  51,803  942,906  
               
Ceding commission income 43,346  16,846  60,192   41,982  13,426  55,408  
Service and fee income 166,049  1,516  148,908 (A) 148,108  445  130,501 (G)
Net investment income 35,949  2,124  35,131 (B) 26,183  2,205  25,995 (H)
Net gain (loss) on investments (5,274) 44  (5,230)  (18,736) (968) (19,704) 
Total revenues $1,224,091  $67,160  $1,269,652 (C) $1,088,640  $66,911  $1,135,106 (I)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $680,246  $35,289  $715,535   $628,650  $41,678  $670,328  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 185,951  8,175  194,126   171,300  10,560  181,860  
General and administrative expenses 244,827  21,597  247,767 (D) 219,662  22,819  224,429 (J)
Interest expense 12,925  2,942  12,925 (E) 15,038  2,393  15,038 (K)
Total expenses $1,123,949  $68,003  $1,170,353 (F) $1,034,650  $77,450  $1,091,655 (L)
               
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes $100,142  $(843) $99,299   $53,990  $(10,539) $43,451  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 22,266  (25) 22,241   9,442  (2,901) 6,541  
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 77,876  (818) 77,058   44,548  (7,638) 36,910  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   (818) (818)    (7,638) (7,638) 
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 77,876    77,876   44,548    44,548  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 8,925    8,925   7,875    7,875  
Net income available to common stockholders $68,951  $  $68,951   $36,673  $  $36,673  
                           

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(18,657), (B) $(2,942), (C) $(21,599), (D) $(18,657), (E) $(2,942), (F) $(21,599) || (G) $(18,052), (H) $(2,393), (I) $(20,445), (J) $(18,052), (K) $(2,393) and (L) $(20,445).

Income Statement - Year to Date
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018 
  NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $2,596,971  $226,715  $2,823,686   $2,559,510  $215,670  $2,773,579 (G)
Net written premium 2,054,887  105,175  2,160,062   1,879,192  117,426  1,996,618  
Net earned premium 1,902,520  92,288  1,994,808   1,750,586  97,858  1,848,444  
               
Ceding commission income 94,346  35,380  129,726   74,940  24,936  99,876  
Service and fee income 346,437  2,886  314,415 (A) 302,868  2,891  272,623 (H)
Net investment income 70,232  4,294  68,576 (B) 51,202  4,349  51,006 (I)
Net loss on investments (4,508) (700) (5,208)  (18,487) (1,099) (19,586) 
Total revenues $2,409,027  $134,148  $2,502,317 (C) $2,161,109  $128,935  $2,252,363 (J)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $1,290,030  $77,314  $1,367,344   $1,218,285  $86,209  $1,304,494  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 389,284  16,760  406,044   328,908  21,662  350,570  
General and administrative expenses 487,660  43,109  495,861 (D) 446,955  41,615  455,434 (K)
Interest expense 25,924  5,950  25,924 (E) 26,192  4,545  26,192 (L)
Total expenses $2,192,898  $143,133  $2,295,173 (F) $2,020,340  $154,031  $2,136,690 (M)
               
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes $216,129  $(8,985) $207,144   $140,769  $(25,096) $115,673  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 46,495  (1,748) 44,747   28,013  (5,270) 22,743  
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 169,634  (7,237) 162,397   112,756  (19,826) 92,930  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   (7,237) (7,237)    (19,826) (19,826) 
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 169,634    169,634   112,756    112,756  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 16,800    16,800   15,750    15,750  
Net income available to common stockholders $152,834  $  $152,834   $97,006  $  $97,006  
                           

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(34,908), (B) $(5,950), (C) $(40,858), (D) $(34,908), (E) $(5,950), (F) $(40,858) || (G) $(1,601), (H) $(33,136), (I) $(4,545), (J) $(37,681), (K) $(33,136), (L) $(4,545) and (M) $(37,681).


Earnings and Per Share Data
$ in thousands, except shares and per share data
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income available to common stockholders$68,951  $36,673  $152,834  $97,006 
Basic net income per common share$0.61  $0.34  $1.35  $0.91 
Diluted net income per common share$0.60  $0.34  $1.33  $0.89 
        
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC (non-GAAP)(1)$78,140  $59,484  $167,856  $127,107 
Basic operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$0.69  $0.56  $1.48  $1.19 
Diluted operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$0.67  $0.54  $1.45  $1.16 
        
Dividends declared per common share$0.04  $0.04  $0.08  $0.08 
        
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding113,178,552  106,969,134  113,097,084  106,864,469 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding116,050,267  109,402,465  116,062,721  109,181,041 
Shares outstanding, end of period113,215,632  107,057,771     
Fully diluted shares outstanding, end of period116,087,347  109,374,343     
Book value per share$17.92  $14.59     
Fully diluted book value per share$17.48  $14.28     


Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP)(1)(14)
$ in thousands, except per share data
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income available to common stockholders $68,951  $36,673  $152,834  $97,006 
Add (subtract):        
Net loss on investments 5,274  18,736  4,508  18,487 
Equity in (earnings) losses of equity method investments (731) 834  203  2,303 
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 7,089  8,217  14,305  15,137 
Income tax expense (benefit) (2,443) (4,976) (3,994) (5,826)
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC (non-GAAP)(1) $78,140  $59,484  $167,856  $127,107 
         
Operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1):        
Basic operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1) $0.69  $0.56  $1.48  $1.19 
Diluted operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1) $0.67  $0.54  $1.45  $1.16 


Balance Sheet
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  June 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
ASSETS NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal
Exchanges
 Consolidated 
Total investments (2) $4,325,977  $321,365  $4,539,962 (A) $4,013,699  $314,411  $4,226,806 (H)
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash 244,051  289  244,340   233,383  200  233,583  
Premiums and other receivables, net 1,467,727  65,053  1,532,780   1,338,485  61,327  1,399,812  
Reinsurance balances (3) 1,798,741  253,869  2,052,610   2,023,911  253,501  2,277,412  
Intangible assets, net 365,685  3,315  369,000   376,532  3,405  379,937  
Goodwill 183,430    183,430   180,183    180,183  
Other (4) 751,784  24,024  744,534 (B) 739,068  27,879  741,547 (I)
Total assets $9,137,395  $667,915  $9,666,656 (C) $8,905,261  $660,723  $9,439,280 (J)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Liabilities:              
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $2,692,943  $194,297  $2,887,240   $2,778,689  $178,470  $2,957,159  
Unearned premiums and other revenue 2,099,746  267,086  2,366,832   2,014,965  265,763  2,280,728  
Reinsurance payable 554,685  36,733  591,418   615,872  40,393  656,265  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (5) 305,045  35,402  309,173 (D) 390,338  33,120  398,058 (K)
Debt 708,657  107,380  708,657 (E) 705,795  101,304  705,795 (L)
Other 297,057  45,411  342,468   178,764  61,640  240,404  
Total liabilities $6,658,133  $686,309  $7,205,788 (F) $6,684,423  $680,690  $7,238,409 (M)
Stockholders’ equity:              
Common stock (6) $1,132  $  $1,132   $1,129  $  $1,129  
Preferred stock (7) 450,000    450,000   450,000    450,000  
Additional paid-in capital 1,060,379    1,060,379   1,057,783    1,057,783  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 59,910    59,910   (52,130)   (52,130) 
Retained earnings 907,841    907,841   764,056    764,056  
Total National General Holdings Corp. stockholders’ equity 2,479,262    2,479,262   2,220,838    2,220,838  
Non-controlling interest   (18,394) (18,394)    (19,967) (19,967) 
Total stockholders’ equity $2,479,262  $(18,394) $2,460,868   $2,220,838  $(19,967) $2,200,871  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $9,137,395  $667,915  $9,666,656 (G) $8,905,261  $660,723  $9,439,280 (N)
                           

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(107,380), (B) $(31,274), (C) $(138,654), (D) $(31,274), (E) $(107,380), (F) $(138,654), (G) $(138,654) || (H) $(101,304), (I) $(25,400), (J) $(126,704), (K) $(25,400), (L) $(101,304), (M) $(126,704) and (N) $(126,704).


Segment Information - Second Quarter
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
Gross written premium $1,021,090  $171,672  $1,192,762   $121,146   $1,065,632  $156,836  $1,222,468   $117,981 
Net written premium 786,471  152,707  939,178   56,220   683,869  139,258  823,127   66,848 
Net earned premium 817,972  166,049  984,021   46,630   734,934  156,169  891,103   51,803 
                    
Ceding commission income 39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846   41,720  262  41,982   13,426 
Service and fee income 113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516   105,167  42,941  148,108   445 
Total underwriting revenues $970,502  $222,914  $1,193,416   $64,992   $881,821  $199,372  $1,081,193   $65,674 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense 593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289   540,216  88,434  628,650   41,678 
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 137,950  48,001  185,951   8,175   123,183  48,117  171,300   10,560 
General and administrative expenses 183,535  61,292  244,827   21,597   172,530  47,132  219,662   22,819 
Total underwriting expenses $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061   $835,929  $183,683  $1,019,612   $75,057 
                    
Underwriting income (loss) 55,095  27,297  82,392   (69)  45,892  15,689  61,581   (9,383)
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 5,412  1,677  7,089   12   6,179  2,038  8,217   (26)
Underwriting income (loss) before amortization and impairment $60,507  $28,974  $89,481   $(57)  $52,071  $17,727  $69,798   $(9,409)
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (8) 72.6% 52.0% 69.1%  75.7%  73.5% 56.6% 70.5%  80.5%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 20.7% 31.6% 22.5%  24.5%  20.3% 33.3% 22.5%  37.7%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (10) 93.3% 83.6% 91.6%  100.2%  93.8% 89.9% 93.0%  118.2%
                                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (8) 72.6% 52.0% 69.1%  75.7%  73.5% 56.6% 70.5%  80.5%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (11) 20.0% 30.6% 21.8%  24.4%  19.4% 32.0% 21.6%  37.7%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (12) 92.6% 82.6% 90.9%  100.1%  92.9% 88.6% 92.1%  118.2%

NOTE: Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 included $10,396 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $8,135 of favorable development in the A&H segment, versus $5,383 of favorable development in the P&C segment, and $8,040 of favorable development in the A&H segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Segment Information - Year to Date
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
Gross written premium $2,166,755  $430,216  $2,596,971   $226,715   $2,168,898  $390,612  $2,559,510   $215,670 
Net written premium 1,701,999  352,888  2,054,887   105,175   1,516,581  362,611  1,879,192   117,426 
Net earned premium 1,574,891  327,629  1,902,520   92,288   1,440,541  310,045  1,750,586   97,858 
                    
Ceding commission income 87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380   74,420  520  74,940   24,936 
Service and fee income 232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886   214,740  88,128  302,868   2,891 
Total underwriting revenues $1,895,206  $448,097  $2,343,303   $130,554   $1,729,701  $398,693  $2,128,394   $125,685 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314   1,038,573  179,712  1,218,285   86,209 
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 283,435  105,849  389,284   16,760   237,183  91,725  328,908   21,662 
General and administrative expenses 367,730  119,930  487,660   43,109   349,215  97,740  446,955   41,615 
Total underwriting expenses $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183   $1,624,971  $369,177  $1,994,148   $149,486 
                    
Underwriting income (loss) 125,084  51,245  176,329   (6,629)  104,730  29,516  134,246   (23,801)
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 10,897  3,408  14,305   23   11,579  3,558  15,137   (53)
Underwriting income (loss) before amortization and impairment $135,981  $54,653  $190,634   $(6,606)  $116,309  $33,074  $149,383   $(23,854)
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (8) 71.0% 52.2% 67.8%  83.8%  72.1% 58.0% 69.6%  88.1%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 21.0% 32.1% 22.9%  23.4%  20.6% 32.5% 22.7%  36.2%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (10) 92.0% 84.3% 90.7%  107.2%  92.7% 90.5% 92.3%  124.3%
                                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (8) 71.0% 52.2% 67.8%  83.8%  72.1% 58.0% 69.6%  88.1%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (11) 20.3% 31.1% 22.2%  23.4%  19.8% 31.4% 21.9%  36.3%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (12) 91.3% 83.3% 90.0%  107.2%  91.9% 89.4% 91.5%  124.4%

NOTE: Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 included $4,882 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $18,987 of favorable development in the A&H segment, versus $20,552 of favorable development in the P&C segment, and $11,423 of favorable development in the A&H segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018.


Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)(9,11,13)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061   $835,929  $183,683  $1,019,612   $75,057 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289   540,216  88,434  628,650   41,678 
Less: Ceding commission income 39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846   41,720  262  41,982   13,426 
Less: Service and fee income 113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516   105,167  42,941  148,108   445 
Operating expense 168,955  52,428  221,383   11,410   148,826  52,046  200,872   19,508 
Net earned premium $817,972  $166,049  $984,021   $46,630   $734,934  $156,169  $891,103   $51,803 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 20.7% 31.6% 22.5%  24.5%  20.3% 33.3% 22.5%  37.7%
                                    
Total underwriting expenses $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061   $835,929  $183,683  $1,019,612   $75,057 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289   540,216  88,434  628,650   41,678 
Less: Ceding commission income 39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846   41,720  262  41,982   13,426 
Less: Service and fee income 113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516   105,167  42,941  148,108   445 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 5,412  1,677  7,089   12   6,179  2,038  8,217   (26)
Operating expense before amortization and impairment 163,543  50,751  214,294   11,398   142,647  50,008  192,655   19,534 
Net earned premium $817,972  $166,049  $984,021   $46,630   $734,934  $156,169  $891,103   $51,803 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (11) 20.0% 30.6% 21.8%  24.4%  19.4% 32.0% 21.6%  37.7%

Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)(9,11,13)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019  2018
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183   $1,624,971  $369,177  $1,994,148   $149,486 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314   1,038,573  179,712  1,218,285   86,209 
Less: Ceding commission income 87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380   74,420  520  74,940   24,936 
Less: Service and fee income 232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886   214,740  88,128  302,868   2,891 
Operating expense 330,850  105,311  436,161   21,603   297,238  100,817  398,055   35,450 
Net earned premium $1,574,891  $327,629  $1,902,520   $92,288   $1,440,541  $310,045  $1,750,586   $97,858 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 21.0% 32.1% 22.9%  23.4%  20.6% 32.5% 22.7%  36.2%
                                    
Total underwriting expenses $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183   $1,624,971  $369,177  $1,994,148   $149,486 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314   1,038,573  179,712  1,218,285   86,209 
Less: Ceding commission income 87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380   74,420  520  74,940   24,936 
Less: Service and fee income 232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886   214,740  88,128  302,868   2,891 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 10,897  3,408  14,305   23   11,579  3,558  15,137   (53)
Operating expense before amortization and impairment 319,953  101,903  421,856   21,580   285,659  97,259  382,918   35,503 
Net earned premium $1,574,891  $327,629  $1,902,520   $92,288   $1,440,541  $310,045  $1,750,586   $97,858 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (11) 20.3% 31.1% 22.2%  23.4%  19.8% 31.4% 21.9%  36.3%


Premiums by Product Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
 2019 2018 Change  2019 2018 Change  2019 2018 Change
Property & Casualty                   
Personal Auto$611,312  $632,225  (3.3)%  $511,952  $485,724  5.4%  $542,834  $486,438  11.6%
Homeowners190,037  190,706  (0.4)%  108,404  50,304  nm  102,008  79,658  28.1%
RV/Packaged61,314  59,999  2.2%  58,167  59,118  (1.6)%  49,411  48,993  0.9%
Small Business Auto83,829  84,986  (1.4)%  65,420  63,432  3.1%  60,059  60,104  (0.1)%
Lender-placed insurance58,859  80,599  (27.0)%  37,214  14,887  nm  60,278  53,694  12.3%
Other15,739  17,117  (8.1)%  5,314  10,404  (48.9)%  3,382  6,047  (44.1)%
Total Premium$1,021,090  $1,065,632  (4.2)%  $786,471  $683,869  15.0%  $817,972  $734,934  11.3%
                    
Accident & Health                   
Group75,036  59,233  26.7%  57,960  48,827  18.7%  57,949  48,839  18.7%
Individual82,799  78,464  5.5%  82,652  78,464  5.3%  83,916  79,329  5.8%
International13,837  19,139  (27.7)%  12,095  11,967  1.1%  24,184  28,001  (13.6)%
Total Premium$171,672  $156,836  9.5%  $152,707  $139,258  9.7%  $166,049  $156,169  6.3%
                    
Total National General$1,192,762  $1,222,468  (2.4)%  $939,178  $823,127  14.1%  $984,021  $891,103  10.4%
                    
Reciprocal Exchanges                   
Personal Auto$43,984  $42,065  4.6%  $18,661  $14,520  28.5%  $16,093  $12,462  29.1%
Homeowners76,140  74,895  1.7%  37,211  52,016  (28.5)%  30,225  39,109  (22.7)%
Other1,022  1,021  0.1%  348  312  11.5%  312  232  34.5%
Total Premium$121,146  $117,981  2.7%  $56,220  $66,848  (15.9)%  $46,630  $51,803  (10.0)%
                    
Consolidated Total$1,313,908  $1,340,449  (2.0)%  $995,398  $889,975  11.8%  $1,030,651  $942,906  9.3%
                                   

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Premiums by Product Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
 2019 2018 Change  2019 2018 Change  2019 2018 Change
Property & Casualty                   
Personal Auto$1,377,993  $1,357,437  1.5%  $1,170,872  $1,039,721  12.6%  $1,053,388  $940,654  12.0%
Homeowners342,079  331,993  3.0%  193,649  142,900  35.5%  186,066  161,853  15.0%
RV/Packaged113,165  109,463  3.4%  109,764  108,307  1.3%  99,716  94,682  5.3%
Small Business Auto169,707  171,230  (0.9)%  139,606  128,159  8.9%  127,692  118,666  7.6%
Lender-placed insurance134,797  165,533  (18.6)%  79,284  78,101  1.5%  101,996  114,163  (10.7)%
Other29,014  33,242  (12.7)%  8,824  19,393  (54.5)%  6,033  10,523  (42.7)%
Total Premium$2,166,755  $2,168,898  (0.1)%  $1,701,999  $1,516,581  12.2%  $1,574,891  $1,440,541  9.3%
                    
Accident & Health                   
Group139,974  115,293  21.4%  111,910  94,464  18.5%  111,912  94,478  18.5%
Individual166,991  153,512  8.8%  166,775  153,512  8.6%  166,151  153,195  8.5%
International123,251  121,807  1.2%  74,203  114,635  (35.3)%  49,566  62,372  (20.5)%
Total Premium$430,216  $390,612  10.1%  $352,888  $362,611  (2.7)%  $327,629  $310,045  5.7%
                    
Total National General$2,596,971  $2,559,510  1.5%  $2,054,887  $1,879,192  9.3%  $1,902,520  $1,750,586  8.7%
                    
Reciprocal Exchanges                   
Personal Auto$80,846  $76,362  5.9%  $34,306  $28,015  22.5%  $31,954  $25,459  25.5%
Homeowners143,940  137,416  4.7%  70,227  88,824  (20.9)%  59,716  71,880  (16.9)%
Other1,929  1,892  2.0%  642  587  9.4%  618  519  19.1%
Total Premium$226,715  $215,670  5.1%  $105,175  $117,426  (10.4)%  $92,288  $97,858  (5.7)%
                    
Consolidated Total (A)$2,823,686  $2,773,579  1.8%  $2,160,062  $1,996,618  8.2%  $1,994,808  $1,848,444  7.9%
                                   

NOTES: (A) Consolidated Total includes eliminations between National General and the Reciprocal Exchanges of $(567) in Personal Auto and $(1,034) in Homeowners Gross Written Premium in 2018, respectively.

Fee Income
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Property & Casualty           
Service and Fee Income$113,112  $105,167  7.6% $232,488  $214,740  8.3%
Ceding Commission Income39,418  41,720  (5.5)% 87,827  74,420  18.0%
Property & Casualty$152,530  $146,887  3.8% $320,315  $289,160  10.8%
            
Accident & Health           
Service and Fee Income           
Group$32,862  $24,756  32.7% $63,236  $49,570  27.6%
Individual1,242  2,164  (42.6)% 3,378  3,461  (2.4)%
Third Party Fee18,833  16,021  17.6% 47,335  35,097  34.9%
Total Service and Fee Income52,937  42,941  23.3% 113,949  88,128  29.3%
Ceding Commission Income3,928  262  nm 6,519  520  nm
Accident and Health$56,865  $43,203  31.6% $120,468  $88,648  35.9%
            
Total National General$209,395  $190,090  10.2% $440,783  $377,808  16.7%
            
Reciprocal Exchanges           
Service and Fee Income$1,516  $445  nm $2,886  $2,891  (0.2)%
Ceding Commission Income16,846  13,426  25.5% 35,380  24,936  41.9%
Reciprocal Exchanges$18,362  $13,871  32.4% $38,266  $27,827  37.5%
            
Consolidated Total (A)$209,100  $185,909  12.5% $444,141  $372,499  19.2%
                      

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NOTES: (A) Consolidated Total includes eliminations between National General and the Reciprocal Exchanges in Service and Fee Income of $(18,657) and $(18,052) in the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $(34,908) and $(33,136) in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Additional Disclosures

(1) References to operating earnings and basic and diluted operating earnings per share (“EPS”) are non-GAAP financial measures defined by the Company as net income/loss and basic and diluted earnings per share excluding after-tax net gain or loss on investments (including foreign exchange gain or loss), other-than-temporary impairment losses, earnings or losses of equity method investments (related parties), deferred tax asset impairment, non-cash impairment of goodwill and non-cash amortization of intangible assets, and any significant non-recurring or infrequent items that may not be indicative of ongoing operations. The Company believes operating earnings and basic and diluted operating EPS are relevant measures of the Company’s profitability because operating earnings and basic and diluted operating EPS contain the components of net income upon which the Company’s management has the most influence and excludes factors outside management’s direct control and non-recurring items. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(2) Total investments includes $235,141 and $233,723 in related parties at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(3) Reinsurance balances includes $5,664 and $7,425 from related parties at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(4) Other includes $2,376 and $2,362 from related parties at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(5) Accounts payable and accrued expenses includes $2,454 and $69,874 to related parties at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(6) Common stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 113,215,632 shares - June 30, 2019; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 112,940,595 shares - December 31, 2018.

(7) Preferred stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - June 30, 2019; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - December 31, 2018.

(8) Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (loss ratio) is calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expense by net earned premium.

(9) Operating expense ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company, which is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by dividing operating expense by net earned premium. Operating expense consists of the sum of acquisition and other underwriting costs and general and administrative expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business.

(10) Combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company, which is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by adding the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio(8) and the operating expense ratio (non-GAAP)(9) together. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business, and overall underwriting profit. Management uses operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) and combined ratio (non-GAAP) to evaluate financial performance against historical results and establish targets. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit, while over 100% an underwriting loss.

(11) Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company, which is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by dividing the operating expense before amortization and impairment by net earned premium. Operating expense before amortization and impairment consists of the sum of acquisition and other underwriting costs and general and administrative expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income less non-cash amortization of intangible assets and non-cash impairment of goodwill. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business. Management believes that this measure provides a more useful comparison to the operating expense ratio of other insurance companies involved in fewer acquisitions.

(12) Combined ratio before amortization and impairment is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company, which is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by adding the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio(8) and the operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (non-GAAP)(11) together. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business, and overall underwriting profit. Management believes that this measure of underwriting profitability provides a more useful comparison to the combined ratio of other insurance companies involved in fewer acquisitions. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit, while over 100% an underwriting loss.

(13) Combined ratio (non-GAAP), operating expense ratio (non-GAAP), combined ratio before amortization and impairment (non-GAAP) and operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (non-GAAP) are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules. Other companies may calculate these ratios differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(14) Trailing twelve month operating return on average equity is the ratio of the previous twelve months operating earnings (non-GAAP) to average shareholders’ equity for the same twelve-month period. Average shareholders’ equity is the sum of the shareholders’ equity excluding preferred stock at the beginning and end of the period divided by two. In the opinion of the Company’s management this ratio is an important indicator of how well management creates value for its shareholders through its operating activities and capital management. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of net income to operating earnings, which is the Non-GAAP component of the operating return on average equity.

(15) Combined ratio excluding losses from various weather-related events, is calculated by taking the combined ratio as defined in Note 12, and adjusting it to exclude the total net losses of $18.4 million and $20.5 million from these events for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company believes this measure enhances investors’ understanding of our results by eliminating what we believe are volatile and unusual events.

Year   Combined Ratio
(12)
 Impact of
Weather-related
Events
 Combined Ratio
Excluding
Weather-related
Events (15)
2019 P&C Segment 92.6% 2.2% 90.4%
         
2019 Overall NGHC 90.9% 1.2% 89.7%
         
         
2018 P&C Segment 92.9% 2.8% 90.1%
         
2018 Overall NGHC 92.1% 2.3% 89.8%

(16) Our products in the P&C segment include personal auto, homeowners, RV/Packaged, small business auto, lender-placed insurance and other products. The personal auto product includes policies for standard, preferred and nonstandard automobile insurance. The homeowners product includes multiple-peril policies and personal umbrella coverage to the homeowner. The RV/Packaged product offers policies that include RV automatic personal effects coverage, optional replacement cost coverage, RV storage coverage and full-time liability coverage. The small business auto product offers policies that include liability and physical damage coverage for light-to-medium duty commercial vehicles. The lender-placed insurance product offers fire, home and flood products, as well as collateral protection insurance and guaranteed asset protection products for automobiles. Our products and revenue in the A&H segment include group, individual and third party fees. The group product includes revenue from our small group self-funded product. The individual product line includes revenue from our supplemental products including short-term medical, accident/AD&D, hospital indemnity, cancer/critical illness, dental and term life insurance. Third party fees include commission and general agent fees for selling policies issued by third-party insurance companies, fees generated through selling our technology products to third parties and fees from our international health insurance offerings.

Investor Contact

Investor Relations Department
Phone: 212-380-9462
Email: InvestorRelations@NGIC.COM 


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