DERIDDER, La., March 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMSF), a specialty provider of hazardous workers' compensation insurance, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.
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Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | % Change | 2011 | 2010 | % Change | |
| (in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||
| Net premiums earned | $66,211 | $56,429 | 17.3% | $251,015 | $218,881 | 14.7% |
| Net investment income | 6,702 | 6,458 | 3.8% | 26,340 | 26,242 | 0.4% |
|
Net realized gains on investments (pre-tax) |
1,468 | 165 | 2,228 | 2,449 | (9.0)% | |
| Net income | 8,058 | 8,547 | (5.7)% | 24,125 | 34,606 | (30.3)% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $ 0.44 | $ 0.45 | (2.2)% | $ 1.29 | $ 1.81 | (28.7)% |
| Book value per share | $19.33 | $17.99 | 7.5% | $ 19.33 | $ 17.99 | 7.5% |
| Net combined ratio | 98.4% | 89.2% | 100.5% | 92.4% | ||
| Return on average equity | 9.3% | 10.5% | 7.1% | 10.9% | ||
Financial data for 2010 included in this release has been adjusted to correct an immaterial error related to the accounting for our estimate of state guaranty fund assessments.
Commenting on these results, Allen Bradley, AMERISAFE's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The workers' compensation market continues to firm as carriers reassess their positions. AMERISAFE is capitalizing on this transition in the marketplace. We will continue to seek growth opportunities but remain committed to enhancing underwriting margins in the process. Fortunately, current market conditions should allow us to accomplish both objectives."
| Insurance Results | ||||||
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | % Change | 2011 | 2010 | % Change | |
| (in thousands) | ||||||
| Gross premiums written | $62,128 | $52,143 | 19.1% | $272,101 | $ 228,424 | 19.1% |
| Net premiums earned | 66,211 | 56,429 | 17.3% | 251,015 | 218,881 | 14.7% |
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred | 49,627 | 39,390 | 26.0% | 189,706 | 157,388 | 20.5% |
|
Underwriting and certain other operating costs, commissions and salaries and benefits |
15,040 | 10,831 | 38.9% | 60,911 | 44,032 | 38.3% |
| Policyholder dividends | 474 | 108 | 1,464 | 834 | 75.5% | |
| Underwriting profit (pre-tax) | 1,070 | 6,100 | (82.5)% | (1,066) | 16,627 | (106.4)% |
| Insurance Ratios: | ||||||
| Current accident year loss ratio | 78.2% | 83.5% | 78.2% | 81.8% | ||
| Prior accident year loss ratio | (3.2)% | (13.7)% | (2.6)% | (9.9)% | ||
| Net loss ratio | 75.0% | 69.8% | 75.6% | 71.9% | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 22.7% | 19.2% | 24.3% | 20.1% | ||
| Net dividend ratio | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.4% | ||
| Net combined ratio | 98.4% | 89.2% | 100.5% | 92.4% | ||
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Gross premiums written increased 19.1% in both the three and twelve month periods. Payroll audits and related premium adjustments for policies written in previous periods increased premiums by $3.8 million in the fourth quarter and $5.9 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. In 2010, these premium adjustments reduced premiums by $2.5 million in the fourth quarter and $27.2 million in the twelve months ended December 31. Additionally, voluntary premiums written increased 5.9% in the quarter and 4.2% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010.
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In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company's current accident year loss ratio for 2011 remained at 78.2%. Also during the quarter, the Company experienced favorable development for prior accident years which reduced loss and loss adjustment expenses by $2.2 million. Favorable development in accident year 2007 was the primary contributor, offset by unfavorable development recognized in accident year 2010.
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For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the underwriting expense ratio was higher compared to the prior year period. Our experience rated commission and ceding commission offset the expense ratio by 3.5 percentage points in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to 6.5 percentage points for the same period in 2010. Also, assessment expense in 2011 was 4.4 percentage points higher than the prior year due to certain rate reductions in 2010. Offsetting these increases, lower fixed costs resulted in a 2.6 percentage point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.
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For the year-ended December 31, 2011, we corrected an immaterial error related to the accounting for our estimate for state guaranty fund assessments. For all years prior to 2011, this correction increased net income by $4.9 million in the aggregate. This correction also reversed the $1.8 million change in estimate for guaranty fund assessments previously recognized in the third quarter of 2011. This correction had a favorable impact on book value of $0.27 per share, in the aggregate, all of which is reflected in periods prior to 2011. Additional information regarding this correction is included in a schedule to this press release.
- The effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was 11.5% compared to 22.0% for the same period in 2010. The decrease in the effective rate resulted from a change in the valuation allowance related to capital loss carry forwards and a larger portion of our net income being comprised of tax exempt investment income. The decrease from the valuation allowance was $1.2 million, or 12.4 percentage points for the fourth quarter and $1.4 million, or 5.3 percentage points for the twelve months ended December 31. This did not impact operating net income.
Geoff Banta, President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, "We are pleased with our fourth quarter results, which included a significant increase in our top line growth, even while we were strengthening our pricing. The quarter also showed improvement in both claims frequency and severity."
| Investment Results | ||||||||||||
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | % Change | 2011 | 2010 | % Change | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Net investment income | $ 6,702 | $ 6,458 | 3.8% | $ 26,340 | $ 26,242 | 0.4% | ||||||
|
Net realized gains on investments (pre-tax) |
1,468 | 165 | 2,228 | 2,449 | (9.0)% | |||||||
| Pre-tax investment yield | 3.2% | 3.2% | 3.1% | 3.2% | ||||||||
| Tax equivalent yield (1) | 4.6% | 4.4% | 4.6% | 4.4% | ||||||||
| (1) The tax equivalent yield is calculated using the effective interest rate and a 35% marginal tax rate. | ||||||||||||
- As of December 31, 2011, the carrying value of AMERISAFE's investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was $851.5 million and the fair value of the portfolio was $890.7 million.
Supplemental Information
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 32,610 shares of its outstanding common stock for $0.6 million at an average price per share of $18.78, including commissions. Since beginning its share repurchase plan, the Company repurchased a total of 1,258,250 shares for $22.4 million at an average per share price of $17.78, including commissions.
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||
| Net income | $ 8,058 | $ 8,547 | $ 24,125 | $ 34,606 | ||||
| Less: Net realized capital gains | 1,468 | 165 | 2,228 | 2,449 | ||||
| Tax effect of gains (1) | (514) | (58) | (780) | (857) | ||||
| Valuation allowance (1) | 1,176 | 81 | 1,442 | 869 | ||||
| Operating net income (2) | 5,928 | 8,359 | 21,235 | 32,145 | ||||
| Average shareholders' equity (3) | $ 346,243 | $ 326,055 | $ 340,522 | $ 318,163 | ||||
| Less: Average other comprehensive income. | 2,229 | 338 | 1,240 | 1,497 | ||||
| Adjusted average shareholders' equity | 344,014 | $ 325,717 | 339,282 | $ 316,666 | ||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares | 18,492,088 | 18,883,302 | 18,700,982 | 19,095,320 | ||||
| Return on average equity (4) | 9.3% | 10.5% | 7.1% | 10.9% | ||||
| Operating return on average equity (2) | 6.9% | 10.3% | 6.3% | 10.2% | ||||
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ 0.44 | $ 0.45 | $ 1.29 | $ 1.81 | ||||
| Operating earnings per common share (2) | $ 0.32 | $ 0.44 | $ 1.14 | $ 1.68 | ||||
| (1) The tax effect of net realized capital gains is calculated assuming an annual tax rate of 35% plus the change in valuation allowance for deferred taxes. | ||||||||
| (2) Operating net income, operating return on average equity and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that investor's understanding of core operating performance is enhanced by AMERISAFE's disclosure of these financial measures. | ||||||||
| (3) Average shareholders' equity is calculated by taking the average of the beginning and ending shareholders' equity. | ||||||||
| (4) Return on average equity is calculated by dividing the annualized net income by the average shareholders' equity. | ||||||||
Conference Call Information
AMERISAFE has scheduled a conference call for March 2, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss the fourth quarter results and the outlook for future periods. To participate in the conference call dial 720-545-0027 at least 10 minutes before the call begins and ask for the AMERISAFE conference call. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the live broadcast ends and will be accessible through March 9, 2012. To access the replay, dial 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 and use the pass code 48928398#.
Investors, analysts and the general public will also have the opportunity to listen to the conference call over the Internet by visiting http://www.amerisafe.com. To listen to the live call on the web, please visit the website at least fifteen minutes before the call begins to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, an archive will be available shortly after the call and will remain available for approximately 60 days at http://www.amerisafe.com.
About AMERISAFE
AMERISAFE, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers' compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking and agriculture. AMERISAFE actively markets workers' compensation insurance in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
The AMERISAFE, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9767
Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as "will," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," or similar words are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding AMERISAFE's plans and performance. These statements are based on management's estimates, assumptions and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance and include statements regarding management's views and expectations of the workers' compensation market, the Company's growth opportunities, underwriting margins and actions by competitors. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these statements as the results of risks, uncertainties and other factors including the factors set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including AMERISAFE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. AMERISAFE cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. AMERISAFE does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.
- Tables to follow -
| AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Income | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||
| Gross premiums written | $ 62,128 | $ 52,143 | $ 272,101 | $ 228,424 | |||||
| Ceded premiums written | (3,394) | (5,973) | (13,881) | (20,549) | |||||
| Net premiums written | $ 58,734 | $ 46,170 | $258,220 | $207,875 | |||||
| Net premiums earned | $ 66,211 | $ 56,429 | $ 251,015 | $ 218,881 | |||||
| Net investment income | 6,702 | 6,458 | 26,340 | 26,242 | |||||
| Net realized gains on investments | 1,468 | 165 | 2,228 | 2,449 | |||||
| Fee and other income | 529 | 89 | 1,080 | 584 | |||||
| Total revenues | 74,910 | 63,141 | 280,663 | 248,156 | |||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred | 49,627 | 39,390 | 189,706 | 157,388 | |||||
| Underwriting and other operating costs | 15,040 | 10,831 | 60,911 | 44,032 | |||||
| Interest expense | 275 | 388 | 1,311 | 1,548 | |||||
| Policyholder dividends | 474 | 108 | 1,464 | 834 | |||||
| Total expenses | 65,416 | 50,717 | 253,392 | 203,802 | |||||
| Income before taxes | 9,494 | 12,424 | 27,271 | 44,354 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 1,436 | 3,877 | 3,146 | 9,748 | |||||
| Net income | $ 8,058 | $ 8,547 | $ 24,125 | $ 34,606 | |||||
| AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Income (cont.) | |||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
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| 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Basic EPS: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ 8,058 | $ 8,547 | $ 24,125 | $ 34,606 | |||||||
| Basic weighted average common shares | 18,082,974 | 18,417,784 | 18,250,173 | 18,637,167 | |||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ 0.45 | $ 0.46 | $ 1.32 | $ 1.86 | |||||||
| Diluted EPS: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ 8,058 | $ 8,547 | $ 24,125 | $ 34,606 | |||||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares: | |||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares | 18,082,974 | 18,417,784 | 18,250,173 | 18,637,167 | |||||||
| Stock options | 405,120 | 460,428 | 439,737 | 448,790 | |||||||
| Restricted stock | 3,994 | 5,090 | 11,072 | 9,363 | |||||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares | 18,492,088 | 18,883,302 | 18,700,982 | 19,095,320 | |||||||
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ 0.44 | $ 0.45 | $ 1.29 | $ 1.81 | |||||||
| AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||
| (in thousands) | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||
| 2011 | 2010 | |||
| (unaudited) | ||||
| Assets | ||||
| Investments | $ 805,974 | $ 765,537 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 45,536 | 60,966 | ||
| Amounts recoverable from reinsurers | 96,212 | 95,133 | ||
| Premiums receivable, net | 121,223 | 122,618 | ||
| Deferred income taxes | 29,286 | 28,837 | ||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | 18,756 | 17,400 | ||
| Deferred charges | 3,120 | 2,936 | ||
| Other assets | 28,402 | 24,496 | ||
| $ 1,148,509 | $ 1,117,923 | |||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ 538,214 | $ 532,204 | ||
| Unearned premiums | 118,699 | 111,494 | ||
| Insurance-related assessments | 21,506 | 18,718 | ||
| Subordinated debt securities | 25,780 | 36,090 | ||
| Other liabilities | 93,458 | 89,225 | ||
| Total shareholders' equity | 350,852 | 330,192 | ||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ 1,148,509 | $ 1,117,923 | ||
| Accounting for Correction to Estimate of State Guaranty Fund Assessments | ||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
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| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | |
| (in thousands, except for per share data) | ||||||
| As Initially Reported | ||||||
| Net income | $50,219 | $43,846 | $46,431 | $33,353 | $6,692 | $17,888 |
| Combined ratio | 85.9% | 81.4% | 86.9% | 93.3% | 98.0% | 99.6% |
| Earnings per share | $2.47 | $2.15 | $2.22 | $1.75 | $0.36 | $0.95 |
| Book value per share | $11.66 | $13.86 | $16.00 | $17.72 | $18.74 | $18.74 |
| Shareholders' equity | $233,570 | $278,272 | $302,417 | $325,223 | $338,486 | $338,486 |
| As Adjusted | ||||||
| Net income | $51,018 | $45,019 | $47,563 | $34,606 | $4,871 | $16,067 |
| Combined ratio | 85.5% | 80.8% | 86.2% | 92.4% | 102.3% | 101.1% |
| Earnings per share | $2.51 | $2.21 | $2.28 | $1.81 | $0.26 | $0.86 |
| Book value per share | $11.73 | $13.99 | $16.20 | $17.99 | $18.91 | $18.91 |
| Shareholders' equity | $234,981 | $280,856 | $306,133 | $330,192 | $341,634 | $341,634 |
| Variance | ||||||
| Net income | $799 | $1,173 | $1,132 | $1,253 | $(1,821) | $(1,821) |
| Combined ratio | (0.4)pp | (0.6)pp | (0.7)pp | (0.9)pp | 4.3pp | 1.6pp |
| Earnings per share | $0.04 | $0.06 | $0.06 | $0.07 | $(0.10) | $(0.09) |
| Book value per share | $0.07 | $0.13 | $0.20 | $0.27 | $0.17 | $0.17 |
| Shareholders' equity | $1,411 | $2,584 | $3,716 | $4,969 | $3,148 | $3,148 |