National General Holdings Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results


NEW YORK, July 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National General Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: NGHC) reported second quarter 2020 net income of $157.6 million or $1.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $69.0 million or $0.60 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2019. Second quarter 2020 operating earnings (non-GAAP)(1) were $157.6 million or $1.36 per diluted share compared to $78.1 million or $0.67 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2019.

Second Quarter 2020 Highlights versus Second Quarter 2019*

  • Gross written premium grew by $50.4 million to $1,243.2 million compared to the prior year’s quarter due to our P&C segment growth of 3.2%, driven by the acquisition of National Farmers Union Property and Casualty Company (“Farmers Union Insurance”) in the third quarter of 2019, and organic growth, largely offset by the premium refund provided due to lower miles driven as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and our A&H domestic segment growth of 20.2%, excluding our previously sold A&H international business.

  • The overall combined ratio(11,12) was 80.5% compared to 90.9% in the prior year’s quarter, excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets. The P&C segment reported an improved combined ratio to 83.6% from 92.6% in the prior year’s quarter driven by our continued strong underwriting and recent declines in miles driven. The P&C combined ratio includes prior year unfavorable loss development of $8.6 million compared to $10.4 million unfavorable loss development in the prior year’s quarter, and $35.3 million of catastrophe losses related to weather-related events compared to $18.4 million of catastrophe losses in the prior year’s quarter. The A&H segment reported a decrease in the combined ratio to 65.0% from 82.6% in the prior year’s quarter, driven by strong operating results in our small group self-funded and individual products, absence of our international business which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2019, and growth in service and fee income of 51.3%. The A&H combined ratio includes $11.4 million of favorable loss development compared to $8.1 million of favorable loss development in the prior year’s quarter.

  • Stockholders’ equity was $3.0 billion and fully diluted book value per share was $22.02 at June 30, 2020, growth of 13.0% and 15.5%, respectively, from December 31, 2019. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, fully diluted book value per share was $20.40 at June 30, 2020, growth of 10.7%, from December 31, 2019. Our trailing twelve-month operating return on average equity (ROE)(13) was 18.1% as of June 30, 2020.

  • Second quarter of 2020 operating earnings (non-GAAP)(1) excludes the following, net of tax: $0.1 million loss on equity method investments, $4.4 million or $0.04 per share of net gain on investments and $4.2 million or $0.04 per share of non-cash amortization of intangible assets.

  • Repurchased 459,083 shares during the second quarter of 2020 as part of our share repurchase program.

  • Agreement announced on July 7, 2020 to be acquired by Allstate for expected total consideration of $34.50 per share cash (consisting of $32.00 in cash and an up to $2.50 per share closing dividend), subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Barry Karfunkel, National General’s CEO, stated: “Our well diversified platform continues to perform well. With our recently announced agreement to be acquired by Allstate, we look forward to contributing to the greater Allstate. I want to personally thank each and every one of the National General team members for their outstanding and continued work during these unprecedented times and for their continuing contribution to the success of the pending acquisition.”

*NOTE: Unless specified otherwise, discussion of our second quarter 2020 and 2019 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 2020 as Compared to Second Quarter 2019

  • Property & Casualty - Gross written premium grew by 3.2% to $1,053.5 million, net written premium increased by 0.4% to $789.4 million, and net earned premium increased by 2.9% to $842.0 million. P&C gross written premium growth was driven by $47.7 million of added premiums from the acquisition of Farmers Union Insurance, and organic growth, largely offset by the premium refund provided due to lower miles driven as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Service and fee income was $112.0 million compared to $113.1 million in the prior year’s quarter. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(11,12) was 83.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 59.8% and an expense ratio(10,12) of 23.8%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 92.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 72.6% and an expense ratio of 20.0%. The loss and LAE ratio was impacted by pre-tax catastrophe losses of approximately $35.3 million primarily related to weather-related events in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $18.4 million of losses in the second quarter of 2019. Unfavorable loss development was $8.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 primarily driven by small business auto, compared to unfavorable loss development of $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2019.
     
  • Accident & Health - Gross written premium grew by $18.0 million compared to the prior year’s quarter due to growth in both our small group self-funded and individual products. Excluding our A&H international business, our A&H domestic segment grew by 20.2% to $189.7 million. Service and fee income grew 51.3% to $80.1 million compared to $52.9 million in the prior year’s quarter. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(11,12) was 65.0% with a loss and LAE ratio of 39.5% and an expense ratio(10,12) of 25.5%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 82.6% with a loss and LAE ratio of 52.0% and an expense ratio of 30.6%. The loss and LAE ratio reflects strong performance in both small group self-funded and individual products. Favorable loss development was $11.4 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to favorable loss development of $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2019.
     
  • Reciprocal Exchanges - Results for the Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in net income available to NGHC common stockholders. Gross written premium was $98.4 million, net written premium was $57.3 million, and net earned premium was $54.8 million. Reciprocal Exchanges combined ratio(11,12) excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets was 83.1% with a loss and LAE ratio of 54.8% and an expense ratio(10,12) of 28.3%.

Second quarter of 2020 net investment income decreased to $30.5 million, compared to $35.9 million in the second quarter of 2019. Total investments and cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) were $5.2 billion as of June 30, 2020. Accumulated other comprehensive income increased to a $186.9 million gain at June 30, 2020, from a $74.5 million gain at December 31, 2019, primarily due to market improvement.

Interest expense was $11.8 million, down from $12.9 million in the prior year’s quarter. Debt was $682.3 million at June 30, 2020, compared to $686.0 million at December 31, 2019.

The second quarter of 2020 provision for income taxes was $49.0 million and the effective tax rate for the quarter was 22.7% compared with income taxes of $22.3 million and an effective rate of 22.2% in the second quarter of 2019.

Stockholders’ equity was $2,995.1 million at June 30, 2020, growth of 13.0% from $2,649.5 million at December 31, 2019. Fully diluted book value per share was $22.02 at June 30, 2020, growth of 15.5% from $19.06 at December 31, 2019. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, fully diluted book value per share was $20.40 at June 30, 2020, growth of 10.7%, from December 31, 2019. Our trailing twelve-month operating return on average equity (ROE)(13) was 18.1% as of June 30, 2020.

Year-to-Date P&C Segment Notable Large Losses
Year Quarter Event P&C Notable Large Losses and LAE
($ millions)
 P&C Loss and LAE Ratio Points* EPS Impact After Tax
2020 Q2 Weather-related Events $35.3 4.2% $0.24
2020 Q1 Weather-related Events $8.1 0.9% $0.06
           
2019 Q2 Weather-related Events $18.4 2.2% $0.13
2019 Q1 Winter Weather $12.1 1.6% $0.08

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

Additional item -

Homeowners Quota Share - Effective July 1, 2020, we cede 20.0% of net liability and receive a 37.0% ceding commission on in-force, new and renewal business, under our homeowners quota share reinsurance agreement.

About National General Holdings Corp.

National General Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: NGHC), 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.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication may be deemed solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of National General Holdings Corp. (the “Company”) by The Allstate Corporation. In connection with the merger, the Company plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and furnish its stockholders a proxy statement. Additionally, the Company will file other relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed transaction.

The materials to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained free of charge at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, stockholders also may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, when available, from the Company by contacting National General Holdings Corp. Investor Relations at 59 Maiden Lane, 38th Floor New York, New York 10038, telephone number (212) 380-9462 or InvestorRelations@ngic.com.

INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED MERGER BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of the Company’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Company’s proxy statement for its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders and the proxy statement and other relevant materials which may be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the merger when and if they become available. Information concerning the interests of the Company’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of the Company’s stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement relating to the merger when and if it becomes available. Additional information regarding the Company’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation is available by reading the Company’s proxy statement for its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.


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 us. 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, plans and expectations related to our proposed merger with The Allstate Corporation (“Allstate”), including anticipated timing for closing of the merger, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement with Allstate, the inability to complete the proposed merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the proposed merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed merger, the possibility that competing offers will be made, 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 potential effect of changes in LIBOR reporting practices, the effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business, including our investment portfolio, and the national and global economy generally, 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,
  2020  2019 
  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $1,243,165  $98,436  $1,341,601   $1,192,762  $121,146  $1,313,908  
Net written premium 957,640  57,268  1,014,908   939,178  56,220  995,398  
Net earned premium 1,010,782  54,785  1,065,567   984,021  46,630  1,030,651  
               
Ceding commission income 35,530  11,110  46,640   43,346  16,846  60,192  
Service and fee income 192,023  2,336  180,592 (A) 166,049  1,516  148,908 (G)
Net investment income 30,523  2,012  31,175 (B) 35,949  2,124  35,131 (H)
Net gain (loss) on investments 5,511  (353) 5,158   (5,274) 44  (5,230) 
Total revenues $1,274,369  $69,890  $1,329,132 (C) $1,224,091  $67,160  $1,269,652 (I)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $570,439  $30,007  $600,446   $680,246  $35,289  $715,535  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 219,278  10,100  229,378   185,951  8,175  194,126  
General and administrative expenses 257,318  18,858  262,409 (D) 244,827  21,597  247,767 (J)
Interest expense 11,779  1,360  11,779 (E) 12,925  2,942  12,925 (K)
Total expenses $1,058,814  $60,325  $1,104,012 (F) $1,123,949  $68,003  $1,170,353 (L)
               
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes $215,555  $9,565  $225,120   $100,142  $(843) $99,299  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 48,981  1,526  50,507   22,266  (25) 22,241  
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 166,574  8,039  174,613   77,876  (818) 77,058  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   8,039  8,039     (818) (818) 
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 166,574    166,574   77,876    77,876  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 8,925    8,925   8,925    8,925  
Net income available to common stockholders $157,649  $  $157,649   $68,951  $  $68,951  

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(13,767), (B) $(1,360), (C) $(15,127), (D) $(13,767), (E) $(1,360), (F) $(15,127), (G) $(18,657), (H) $(2,942), (I) $(21,599), (J) $(18,657), (K) $(2,942) and (L) $(21,599).


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

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2020  2019 
  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $2,627,866  $190,289  $2,818,155   $2,596,971  $226,715  $2,823,686  
Net written premium 2,111,948  112,563  2,224,511   2,054,887  105,175  2,160,062  
Net earned premium 2,028,390  112,383  2,140,773   1,902,520  92,288  1,994,808  
               
Ceding commission income 72,121  24,824  96,945   94,346  35,380  129,726  
Service and fee income 383,180  3,493  360,033 (A) 346,437  2,886  314,415 (G)
Net investment income 60,270  4,195  61,418 (B) 70,232  4,294  68,576 (H)
Net gain (loss) on investments (557) (1,146) (1,703)  (4,508) (700) (5,208) 
Total revenues $2,543,404  $143,749  $2,657,466 (C) $2,409,027  $134,148  $2,502,317 (I)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $1,220,070  $72,374  $1,292,444   $1,290,030  $77,314  $1,367,344  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 437,023  20,597  457,620   389,284  16,760  406,044  
General and administrative expenses 518,197  38,421  529,978 (D) 487,660  43,109  495,861 (J)
Interest expense 23,559  3,047  23,559 (E) 25,924  5,950  25,924 (K)
Total expenses $2,198,849  $134,439  $2,303,601 (F) $2,192,898  $143,133  $2,295,173 (L)
               
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes $344,555  $9,310  $353,865   $216,129  $(8,985) $207,144  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 77,222  1,457  78,679   46,495  (1,748) 44,747  
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 267,333  7,853  275,186   169,634  (7,237) 162,397  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   7,853  7,853     (7,237) (7,237) 
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 267,333    267,333   169,634    169,634  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 16,800    16,800   16,800    16,800  
Net income available to common stockholders $250,533  $  $250,533   $152,834  $  $152,834  

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(26,640), (B) $(3,047), (C) $(29,687), (D) $(26,640), (E) $(3,047), (F) $(29,687) (G) $(34,908), (H) $(5,950), (I) $(40,858), (J) $(34,908), (K) $(5,950) and (L) $(40,858).


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

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net income available to common stockholders$157,649  $68,951  $250,533  $152,834 
Basic net income per common share$1.39  $0.61  $2.21  $1.35 
Diluted net income per common share$1.37  $0.60  $2.17  $1.33 
        
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC (non-GAAP)(1)$157,643  $78,140  $263,402  $167,856 
Basic operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$1.39  $0.69  $2.32  $1.48 
Diluted operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$1.36  $0.67  $2.27  $1.45 
        
Dividends declared per common share$0.05  $0.04  $0.10  $0.08 
        
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding113,542,628  113,178,552  113,549,952  113,097,084 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding115,720,069  116,050,267  115,898,110  116,062,721 
Shares outstanding, end of period113,397,545  113,215,632     
Fully diluted shares outstanding, end of period115,574,986  116,087,347     
Book value per share$22.44  $17.92     
Fully diluted book value per share$22.02  $17.48     


Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP)(1)(13)
$ in thousands, except per share data
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net income available to common stockholders$157,649   $68,951   $250,533   $152,834  
Add (subtract):       
Equity in (earnings) losses of equity method investments160  (731) 3,888  203 
Net (gain) loss on investments(5,511) 5,274  557  4,508 
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets5,343  7,089  11,845  14,305 
Income tax expense (benefit)2  (2,443) (3,421) (3,994)
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC (non-GAAP)(1)$157,643  $78,140  $263,402  $167,856 
        
Operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1):       
Basic operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$1.39  $0.69  $2.32  $1.48 
Diluted operating earnings per common share (non-GAAP)(1)$1.36  $0.67  $2.27  $1.45 
                


Balance Sheet
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  June 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 
ASSETS NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Total investments (2) $4,853,180  $340,103  $5,085,750 (A) $4,632,960  $329,494  $4,854,998 (H)
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash 334,771  237  335,008   163,480  983  164,463  
Premiums and other receivables, net 1,438,085  49,649  1,487,734   1,373,089  55,859  1,428,948  
Reinsurance balances 1,614,713  196,005  1,810,718   1,745,036  225,019  1,970,055  
Intangible assets, net 347,686  3,135  350,821   362,598  3,225  365,823  
Goodwill 179,328    179,328   179,328    179,328  
Other (3) 776,916  29,364  768,484 (B) 798,675  29,070  792,919 (I)
Total assets $9,544,679  $618,493  $10,017,843 (C) $9,255,166  $643,650  $9,756,534 (J)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Liabilities:              
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $2,626,314  $200,270  $2,826,584   $2,680,628  $205,786  $2,886,414  
Unearned premiums and other revenue 2,102,044  226,403  2,328,447   2,059,688  252,553  2,312,241  
Reinsurance payable 437,989  23,907  461,896   527,155  35,689  562,844  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 320,176  45,549  327,929 (D) 306,869  43,323  315,366 (K)
Debt 682,266  107,533  682,266 (E) 686,006  107,456  686,006 (L)
Other 380,766  30,279  411,045   345,366  30,803  376,169  
Total liabilities $6,549,555  $633,941  $7,038,167 (F) $6,605,712  $675,610  $7,139,040 (M)
Stockholders’ equity:              
Preferred stock (4) $450,000  $  $450,000   $450,000  $  $450,000  
Common stock (5) 1,139    1,139   1,134    1,134  
Treasury stock, at cost (6) (8,482)   (8,482)        
Additional paid-in capital 1,069,152    1,069,152   1,065,634    1,065,634  
Accumulated other comprehensive income 186,864    186,864   74,548    74,548  
Retained earnings 1,296,451    1,296,451   1,058,138    1,058,138  
Total National General Holdings Corp. stockholders’ equity 2,995,124    2,995,124   2,649,454    2,649,454  
Noncontrolling interest   (15,448) (15,448)    (31,960) (31,960) 
Total stockholders’ equity $2,995,124  $(15,448) $2,979,676   $2,649,454  $(31,960) $2,617,494  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $9,544,679  $618,493  $10,017,843 (G) $9,255,166  $643,650  $9,756,534 (N)

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(107,533), (B) $(37,796), (C) $(145,329), (D) $(37,796), (E) $(107,533), (F) $(145,329), (G) $(145,329) (H) $(107,456), (I) $(34,826), (J) $(142,282), (K) $(34,826), (L) $(107,456), (M) $(142,282) and (N) $(142,282).


Segment Information - Second Quarter
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2020  2019
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Gross written premium $1,053,508  $189,657  $1,243,165   $98,436   $1,021,090  $171,672  $1,192,762   $121,146 
Net written premium 789,428  168,212  957,640   57,268   786,471  152,707  939,178  56,220 
Net earned premium 841,985  168,797  1,010,782   54,785   817,972  166,049  984,021   46,630 
                    
Ceding commission income 35,059  471  35,530   11,110   39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846 
Service and fee income 111,955  80,068  192,023   2,336   113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516 
Total underwriting revenues $988,999  $249,336  $1,238,335   $68,231   $970,502  $222,914  $1,193,416   $64,992 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense (A) 503,784  66,655  570,439   30,007   593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289 
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 152,384  66,894  219,278   10,100   137,950  48,001  185,951   8,175 
General and administrative expenses 199,327  57,991  257,318   18,858   183,535  61,292  244,827   21,597 
Total underwriting expenses $855,495  $191,540  $1,047,035   $58,965   $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061 
                    
Underwriting income (loss) 133,504  57,796  191,300   9,266   55,095  27,297  82,392   (69)
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 4,041  1,302  5,343   30   5,412  1,677  7,089   12 
Underwriting income (loss) before amortization and impairment $137,545  $59,098  $196,643   $9,296   $60,507  $28,974  $89,481   $(57)
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (7) 59.8% 39.5% 56.4%  54.8%  72.6% 52.0% 69.1%  75.7%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (8) 24.3% 26.3% 24.6%  28.3%  20.7% 31.6% 22.5%  24.5%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 84.1% 65.8% 81.0%  83.1%  93.3% 83.6% 91.6%  100.2%
                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (7) 59.8% 39.5% 56.4%  54.8%  72.6% 52.0% 69.1%  75.7%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10) 23.8% 25.5% 24.1%  28.3%  20.0% 30.6% 21.8%  24.4%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (11) 83.6% 65.0% 80.5%  83.1%  92.6% 82.6% 90.9%  100.1%

(A) Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 included $8,584 of unfavorable loss development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $11,430 of favorable loss development in the A&H segment, versus $10,396 of unfavorable loss development in the P&C segment, and $8,135 of favorable loss development in the A&H segment for the three months ended June 30, 2019.


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

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2020  2019
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Gross written premium $2,251,184  $376,682  $2,627,866   $190,289   $2,166,755  $430,216  $2,596,971   $226,715 
Net written premium 1,775,520  336,428  2,111,948   112,563   1,701,999  352,888  2,054,887  105,175 
Net earned premium 1,694,887  333,503  2,028,390   112,383   1,574,891  327,629  1,902,520   92,288 
                    
Ceding commission income 71,090  1,031  72,121   24,824   87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380 
Service and fee income 222,588  160,592  383,180   3,493   232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886 
Total underwriting revenues $1,988,565  $495,126  $2,483,691   $140,700   $1,895,206  $448,097  $2,343,303   $130,554 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense (A) 1,071,814  148,256  1,220,070   72,374   1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314 
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 301,658  135,365  437,023   20,597   283,435  105,849  389,284   16,760 
General and administrative expenses 400,454  117,743  518,197   38,421   367,730  119,930  487,660   43,109 
Total underwriting expenses $1,773,926  $401,364  $2,175,290   $131,392   $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183 
                    
Underwriting income (loss) 214,639  93,762  308,401   9,308   125,084  51,245  176,329   (6,629)
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 9,228  2,617  11,845   60   10,897  3,408  14,305   23 
Underwriting income (loss) before amortization and impairment $223,867  $96,379  $320,246   $9,368   $135,981  $54,653  $190,634   $(6,606)
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (7) 63.2% 44.5% 60.1%  64.4%  71.0% 52.2% 67.8%  83.8%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (8) 24.1% 27.4% 24.6%  27.3%  21.0% 32.1% 22.9%  23.4%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (9) 87.3% 71.9% 84.7%  91.7%  92.0% 84.3% 90.7%  107.2%
                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (7) 63.2% 44.5% 60.1%  64.4%  71.0% 52.2% 67.8%  83.8%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10) 23.6% 26.6% 24.1%  27.3%  20.3% 31.1% 22.2%  23.4%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (11) 86.8% 71.1% 84.2%  91.7%  91.3% 83.3% 90.0%  107.2%

(A) Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 included $13,055 of unfavorable loss development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $16,238 of favorable loss development in the A&H segment, versus $4,882 of unfavorable loss development in the P&C segment, and $18,987 of favorable loss development in the A&H segment for the six months ended June 30, 2019.


Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)(8,10,12)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2020  2019
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $855,495  $191,540  $1,047,035   $58,965   $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 503,784  66,655  570,439   30,007   593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289 
Less: Ceding commission income 35,059  471  35,530   11,110   39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846 
Less: Service and fee income 111,955  80,068  192,023   2,336   113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516 
Operating expense (Non-GAAP) (8) 204,697  44,346  249,043   15,512   168,955  52,428  221,383   11,410 
Net earned premium $841,985  $168,797  $1,010,782   $54,785   $817,972  $166,049  $984,021   $46,630 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (8) 24.3% 26.3% 24.6%  28.3%  20.7% 31.6% 22.5%  24.5%
                    
Total underwriting expenses $855,495  $191,540  $1,047,035   $58,965   $915,407  $195,617  $1,111,024   $65,061 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 503,784  66,655  570,439   30,007   593,922  86,324  680,246   35,289 
Less: Ceding commission income 35,059  471  35,530   11,110   39,418  3,928  43,346   16,846 
Less: Service and fee income 111,955  80,068  192,023   2,336   113,112  52,937  166,049   1,516 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 4,041  1,302  5,343   30   5,412  1,677  7,089   12 
Operating expense before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10) 200,656  43,044  243,700   15,482   163,543  50,751  214,294   11,398 
Net earned premium $841,985  $168,797  $1,010,782   $54,785   $817,972  $166,049  $984,021   $46,630 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10) 23.8% 25.5% 24.1%  28.3%  20.0% 30.6% 21.8%  24.4%
                            
 


Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)(8,10,12)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2020  2019
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $1,773,926  $401,364  $2,175,290   $131,392   $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,071,814  148,256  1,220,070   72,374   1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314 
Less: Ceding commission income 71,090  1,031  72,121   24,824   87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380 
Less: Service and fee income 222,588  160,592  383,180   3,493   232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886 
Operating expense (Non-GAAP) (8) 408,434  91,485  499,919   30,701   330,850  105,311  436,161   21,603 
Net earned premium $1,694,887  $333,503  $2,028,390   $112,383   $1,574,891  $327,629  $1,902,520   $92,288 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (8) 24.1% 27.4% 24.6%  27.3%  21.0% 32.1% 22.9%  23.4%
                    
Total underwriting expenses $1,773,926  $401,364  $2,175,290   $131,392   $1,770,122  $396,852  $2,166,974   $137,183 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,071,814  148,256  1,220,070   72,374   1,118,957  171,073  1,290,030   77,314 
Less: Ceding commission income 71,090  1,031  72,121   24,824   87,827  6,519  94,346   35,380 
Less: Service and fee income 222,588  160,592  383,180   3,493   232,488  113,949  346,437   2,886 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 9,228  2,617  11,845   60   10,897  3,408  14,305   23 
Operating expense before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10) 399,206  88,868  488,074   30,641   319,953  101,903  421,856   21,580 
Net earned premium $1,694,887  $333,503  $2,028,390   $112,383   $1,574,891  $327,629  $1,902,520   $92,288 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10) 23.6% 26.6% 24.1%  27.3%  20.3% 31.1% 22.2%  23.4%
                            
 


Premiums by Product Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
 2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change
Property & Casualty                   
Personal Auto$612,927  $611,312  0.3%  $533,242  $511,952  4.2%  $561,548  $542,834  3.4%
Homeowners205,211  190,037  8.0%  84,257  108,404  (22.3)%  99,368  102,008  (2.6)%
RV/Packaged57,801  61,314  (5.7)%  55,882  58,167  (3.9)%  46,956  49,411  (5.0)%
Small Business Auto60,717  83,829  (27.6)%  46,429  65,420  (29.0)%  53,733  60,059  (10.5)%
Lender-placed insurance103,922  58,859  76.6%  64,674  37,214  73.8%  71,102  60,278  18.0%
Other12,930  15,739  (17.8)%  4,944  5,314  (7.0)%  9,278  3,382  174.3%
Total Premium$1,053,508  $1,021,090  3.2%  $789,428  $786,471  0.4%  $841,985  $817,972  2.9%
                    
Accident & Health                   
Group89,467  75,036  19.2%  69,217  57,960  19.4%  69,232  57,949  19.5%
Individual100,190  82,799  21.0%  98,995  82,652  19.8%  99,565  83,916  18.6%
Total Premium Domestic$189,657  $157,835  20.2%  $168,212  $140,612  19.6%  $168,797  $141,865  19.0%
International  13,837  (100.0)%    12,095  (100.0)%    24,184  (100.0)%
                    
Total National General$1,243,165  $1,192,762  4.2%  $957,640  $939,178  2.0%  $1,010,782  $984,021  2.7%
Total National General (A)$1,243,165  $1,178,925  5.4%  $957,640  $927,083  3.3%  $1,010,782  $959,837  5.3%
                    
Reciprocal Exchanges                   
Personal Auto$37,382  $43,984  (15.0)%  $34,281  $18,661  83.7%  $31,714  $16,093  97.1%
Homeowners60,160  76,140  (21.0)%  22,667  37,211  (39.1)%  22,741  30,225  (24.8)%
Other894  1,022  (12.5)%  320  348  (8.0)%  330  312  5.8%
Total Premium$98,436  $121,146  (18.7)%  $57,268  $56,220  1.9%  $54,785  $46,630  17.5%
                    
Consolidated Total$1,341,601  $1,313,908  2.1%  $1,014,908  $995,398  2.0%  $1,065,567  $1,030,651  3.4%

(A) Excludes A&H international product line which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2019.


Premiums by Product Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
 2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change
Property & Casualty                   
Personal Auto$1,407,424  $1,377,993  2.1%  $1,235,549  $1,170,872  5.5%  $1,141,050  $1,053,388  8.3%
Homeowners370,464  342,079  8.3%  172,800  193,649  (10.8)%  190,851  186,066  2.6%
RV/Packaged110,929  113,165  (2.0)%  107,860  109,764  (1.7)%  96,248  99,716  (3.5)%
Small Business Auto133,469  169,707  (21.4)%  105,028  139,606  (24.8)%  113,158  127,692  (11.4)%
Lender-placed insurance199,366  134,797  47.9%  142,143  79,284  79.3%  140,769  101,996  38.0%
Other29,532  29,014  1.8%  12,140  8,824  37.6%  12,811  6,033  112.3%
Total Premium$2,251,184  $2,166,755  3.9%  $1,775,520  $1,701,999  4.3%  $1,694,887  $1,574,891  7.6%
                    
Accident & Health                   
Group177,005  139,974  26.5%  138,688  111,910  23.9%  138,702  111,912  23.9%
Individual199,677  166,991  19.6%  197,740  166,775  18.6%  194,801  166,151  17.2%
Total Premium Domestic$376,682  $306,965  22.7%  $336,428  $278,685  20.7%  $333,503  $278,063  19.9%
International  123,251  (100.0)%    74,203  (100.0)%    49,566  (100.0)%
                    
Total National General$2,627,866  $2,596,971  1.2%  $2,111,948  $2,054,887  2.8%  $2,028,390  $1,902,520  6.6%
Total National General (A)$2,627,866  $2,473,720  6.2%  $2,111,948  $1,980,684  6.6%  $2,028,390  $1,852,954  9.5%
                    
Reciprocal Exchanges                   
Personal Auto$69,191  $80,846  (14.4)%  $63,355  $34,306  84.7%  $64,637  $31,954  102.3%
Homeowners119,396  143,940  (17.1)%  48,592  70,227  (30.8)%  47,074  59,716  (21.2)%
Other1,702  1,929  (11.8)%  616  642  (4.0)%  672  618  8.7%
Total Premium$190,289  $226,715  (16.1)%  $112,563  $105,175  7.0%  $112,383  $92,288  21.8%
                    
Consolidated Total$2,818,155  $2,823,686  (0.2)%  $2,224,511  $2,160,062  3.0%  $2,140,773  $1,994,808  7.3%

(A) Excludes A&H international product line which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2019.


Fee Income
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2020 2019 Change 2020 2019 Change
Property & Casualty           
Service and Fee Income$111,955  $113,112  (1.0)% $222,588  $232,488  (4.3)%
Ceding Commission Income35,059  39,418  (11.1)% 71,090  87,827  (19.1)%
Property & Casualty$147,014  $152,530  (3.6)% $293,678  $320,315  (8.3)%
            
Accident & Health           
Service and Fee Income           
Group$43,241  $32,862  31.6% $83,723  $63,236  32.4%
Individual2,265  1,242  82.4% 4,482  3,378  32.7%
Medicare Sales11,078  5,159  114.7% 22,790  12,260  85.9%
Third Party Fee23,484  13,674  71.7% 49,597  35,075  41.4%
Total Service and Fee Income80,068  52,937  51.3% 160,592  113,949  40.9%
Ceding Commission Income471  3,928  (88.0)% 1,031  6,519  (84.2)%
Accident and Health$80,539  $56,865  41.6% $161,623  $120,468  34.2%
            
Total National General$227,553  $209,395  8.7% $455,301  $440,783  3.3%
            
Reciprocal Exchanges           
Service and Fee Income$2,336  $1,516  54.1% $3,493  $2,886  21.0%
Ceding Commission Income11,110  16,846  (34.0)% 24,824  35,380  (29.8)%
Reciprocal Exchanges$13,446  $18,362  (26.8)% $28,317  $38,266  (26.0)%
            
Consolidated Total (A)$227,232  $209,100  8.7% $456,978  $444,141  2.9%

NOTES: (A) Consolidated Total includes eliminations between National General and the Reciprocal Exchanges in Service and Fee Income of $(13,767) and $(18,657) in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(26,640) and $(34,908) in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 credit loss on investments in debt securities and foreign exchange gain or loss), 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 $235,458 and $238,841 from related parties at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

(3) Other includes $2,405 and $2,391 from related parties at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

(4) Preferred stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - June 30, 2020; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - December 31, 2019.

(5) Common stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued 113,856,628 and outstanding 113,397,545 shares - June 30, 2020; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 113,368,811 shares - December 31, 2019.

(6) Treasury stock, at cost: 459,083 shares - June 30, 2020.

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

(8) 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.

(9) 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(7) and the operating expense ratio (non-GAAP)(8) 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.

(10) 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, service and fee income, 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.

(11) 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(7) and the operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (non-GAAP)(10) 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.

(12) 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.

(13) 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.

(14) Combined ratio excluding losses from various weather-related events, is calculated by taking the combined ratio as defined in Note 11, and adjusting it to exclude the total net losses of $35.3 million and $18.4 million from these events for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 (11) Impact of Weather-related Events Combined Ratio Excluding Weather-related Events (14)
2020 P&C Segment 83.6% 4.2% 79.4%
         
2020 Overall NGHC 80.5% 3.5% 77.0%
         
         
2019 P&C Segment 92.6% 2.2% 90.4%
         
2019 Overall NGHC 90.9% 1.2% 89.7%

(15) 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. Medicare fees include commission and general agent fees for selling Medicare policies issued by third-party insurance companies as well as revenue from our Medicare Supplement product. 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.

Investor Contact

Clifford Gallant
SVP of Capital Strategy and Investor Relations
Phone: 212-380-9462
Email: Clifford.Gallant@NGIC.COM