MARIETTA, Pa., July 18, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Donegal Group Inc. (Nasdaq:DGICA) (Nasdaq:DGICB) today reported that its net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 was $6,892,918, or $.28 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, compared to $10,780,956, or $.43 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, for the second quarter of 2007. Catastrophe losses in the Company's Midwestern and Southeastern regions impacted second quarter results. Pre-tax weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, totaled approximately $8 million for the second quarter of 2008.
Revenues for the second quarter of 2008 were $93,970,947, an increase of 11.1% over the second quarter of 2007, with net premiums earned of $87,329,195, a 12.6% increase over the year-earlier period. Net premiums written for the second quarter of 2008 were $94,488,556, representing a 13.8% increase over net premiums written of $83,059,396 for the second quarter of 2007. Net premiums written and earned in the 2008 period reflected the impact of an increased pooling allocation of approximately $8 million and benefited from the renewal of the Company's 2008 reinsurance program at lower rates compared to 2007. The lower reinsurance rates were largely due to the Company's decision to increase its per loss retention from $400,000 to $600,000 effective January 1, 2008.
The Company's combined ratio was 96.6% for the second quarter of 2008, reflecting the impact of the previously mentioned weather-related losses. The Company posted a record low quarterly combined ratio of 88.0% for the second quarter of 2007, during which the Company benefited from relatively mild weather conditions in its operating regions and experienced favorable prior accident year reserve development from claim settlements.
The Company's expense ratio decreased to 32.8% for the second quarter of 2008, compared to 35.4% for the second quarter of 2007, reflecting the impact of increased premiums earned as well as lower expenses incurred for underwriting-based incentive costs in regions affected by weather events.
Net investment income increased to $5,793,985 for the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 4.2% over the $5,562,185 reported for the second quarter of 2007. Realized investment losses for the second quarter of 2008 included impairment losses of $780,000 related to declines in the market value of equity securities of financial institutions that the Company determined to be other than temporary in nature.
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $13,617,901, or $.55 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, compared to $16,270,894, or $.65 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The Company's combined ratio for the first six months of 2008 was 97.0%, compared to a combined ratio of 93.2% for the comparable period in 2007. The Company's loss ratio was 64.4% for the first six months of 2008, compared to 59.1% for the first six months of 2007, with the increase reflecting increased weather-related claim activity and less favorable prior accident year reserve development in the first six months of 2008.
"We are disappointed with the decrease in earnings for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year period, but we are pleased to be able to report continued premium growth and profitability in a quarter that contained an unprecedented number of severe weather events in various regions of the country. Challenging conditions notwithstanding, we continue to pursue opportunities for profitable growth and the expansion of our franchise," stated Donald H. Nikolaus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc.
The Company's book value increased to $14.05 per common share at June 30, 2008, representing an increase of 6.7% over the Company's book value of $13.17 per common share at June 30, 2007.
The Company's board of directors yesterday approved a quarterly cash dividend payable August 15, 2008 of $.105 per share of Class A common stock and $.0925 per share of Class B common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 1, 2008.
The Company will hold a conference call and webcast on Friday, July 18, 2008, beginning at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time. You may participate in the conference call by calling 1-866-393-7723 (Conference ID 53270677) or listen via Internet by accessing the "Earnings Release Webcast" link in the Investor Relations area of the Company's web site at www.donegalgroup.com. An instant replay of the conference call will be available until July 24, 2008 by calling 1-800-642-1687 (Conference ID 53270677).
Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries offer personal and commercial property and casualty lines of insurance in five Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania), eight Southeastern states (Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) and five Midwestern states (Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Dakota).
All statements contained in this press release that are not historic facts are based on current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially. The factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to maintain profitable operations, the adequacy of the Company's reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, business and economic conditions in the areas in which the Company operates, severe weather events, competition from various insurance and non-insurance businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments, changes in regulatory requirements and other risks that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Donegal Group Inc.
Financial Highlights
(unaudited)
Quarter Ended June 30
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2008 2007
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Net premiums earned $ 87,329,195 $ 77,574,827
Investment income, net of investment
expenses 5,793,985 5,562,185
Net realized investment gains (losses) (673,627) 60,645
Total revenues 93,970,947 84,605,176
Net income $ 6,892,918 $ 10,780,956
Net income per common share:
Class A common stock - basic $ 0.28 $ 0.44
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Class A common stock - diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.43
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted $ 0.25 $ 0.39
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Six Months Ended June 30
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2008 2007
------------ ------------
Net premiums earned $169,336,961 $154,272,646
Investment income, net of investment
expenses 11,485,726 11,066,244
Net realized investment gains 21,729 165,430
Total revenues 183,763,050 168,287,192
Net income $ 13,617,901 $ 16,270,894
Net income per common share:
Class A common stock - basic $ 0.55 $ 0.66
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Class A common stock - diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.65
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted $ 0.49 $ 0.59
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Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
Quarter Ended June 30
----------------------
2008 2007
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Net premiums earned $ 87,329 $ 77,575
Investment income, net of investment expenses 5,794 5,562
Net realized investment gains (losses) (674) 61
Lease income 230 262
Installment payment fees 1,292 1,145
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Total revenues 93,971 84,605
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Net losses and loss expenses 55,480 40,549
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 14,572 12,532
Other underwriting expenses 14,068 14,926
Other expenses 397 521
Policyholder dividends 217 259
Interest 534 718
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Total expenses 85,268 69,505
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Income before income tax expense 8,703 15,100
Income tax expense 1,810 4,319
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Net income $ 6,893 $ 10,781
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Net income per common share:
Class A common stock - basic $ 0.28 $ 0.44
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Class A common stock - diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.43
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted $ 0.25 $ 0.39
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Supplementary Financial Analysts' Data
Weighted-average number of shares
outstanding:
Class A common stock - basic 19,879,304 19,684,922
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Class A common stock - diluted 19,956,601 19,936,058
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted 5,576,775 5,576,775
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Net written premiums $ 94,488 $ 83,060
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Book value per common share at end of period $ 14.05 $ 13.17
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Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
Six Months Ended June 30
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2008 2007
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Net premiums earned $ 169,337 $ 154,273
Investment income, net of investment expenses 11,486 11,066
Net realized investment gains 22 165
Lease income 474 523
Installment payment fees 2,444 2,260
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Total revenues 183,763 168,287
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Net losses and loss expenses 109,010 91,144
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 28,291 24,950
Other underwriting expenses 26,471 27,111
Other expenses 897 1,013
Policyholder dividends 487 507
Interest 1,146 1,427
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Total expenses 166,302 146,152
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Income before income tax expense 17,461 22,135
Income tax expense 3,843 5,864
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Net income $ 13,618 $ 16,271
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Net income per common share:
Class A common stock - basic $ 0.55 $ 0.66
----------- -----------
Class A common stock - diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.65
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted $ 0.49 $ 0.59
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Supplementary Financial Analysts' Data
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Class A common stock - basic 19,833,576 19,698,486
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Class A common stock - diluted 19,943,640 20,026,067
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Class B common stock - basic and diluted 5,576,775 5,576,775
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Net written premiums $ 194,163 $ 162,979
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Book value per common share at end of period $ 14.05 $ 13.17
Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
----------- -----------
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at amortized cost $ 112,497 $ 154,290
Available for sale, at fair value 425,951 336,318
Equity securities, at fair value 32,926 36,361
Investments in affiliates 8,521 8,649
Short-term investments, at cost 38,288 70,252
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Total investments 618,183 605,870
Cash 4,168 4,289
Premiums receivable 59,186 51,038
Reinsurance receivable 79,483 78,897
Accrued investment income 6,368 5,875
Deferred policy acquisition costs 30,087 26,235
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 53,223 47,286
Property and equipment, net 5,826 5,608
Deferred tax asset, net 11,448 7,026
Federal income tax recoverable 1,843 --
Due from affiliate 957 --
Other assets 1,228 1,972
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Total assets $ 872,000 $ 834,096
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Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(in thousands)
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
----------- -----------
(unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Losses and loss expenses $ 234,679 $ 226,432
Unearned premiums 234,194 203,431
Accrued expenses 10,738 12,313
Subordinated debentures 30,929 30,929
Due to affiliate -- 242
Accounts payable - securities 19 1,820
Other liabilities 4,134 6,239
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Total liabilities 514,693 481,406
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Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock -- --
Class A common stock 204 202
Class B common stock 56 56
Additional paid-in capital 159,778 156,851
Accumulated other comprehensive income 67 6,974
Retained earnings 204,779 193,807
Treasury stock, at cost (7,577) (5,200)
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Total stockholders' equity 357,307 352,690
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 872,000 $ 834,096
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