EX-99.1 2 d811083dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO   

NEWS RELEASE

 

   Contact:    Michael Grasher, EVP & CFO
      AMERISAFE, Inc.
      337-463-9052
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

AMERISAFE ANNOUNCES 2014 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Net Income Rises 39.0%

Announces Extraordinary Dividend of $1.00 Per Share

DeRidder, LA – October 29, 2014—AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF), a specialty provider of hazardous workers’ compensation insurance, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014.

 

     Three Months Ended           Nine Months Ended        
     September 30,           September 30,        
     2014     2013     % Change     2014     2013     % Change  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net premiums earned

   $ 95,928      $ 81,596        17.6   $ 278,677      $ 243,288        14.5

Net investment income

     6,495        6,947        -6.5     20,048        20,266        -1.1

Net realized gains (losses) on investments (pre-tax)

     (152     (654     NM        181        (1,921     NM   

Net income

     13,479        9,699        39.0     36,801        26,194        40.5

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.71      $ 0.52        36.5   $ 1.95      $ 1.39        40.3

Operating net income

     13,578        10,124        34.1     36,683        27,443        33.7

Operating earnings per share

   $ 0.72      $ 0.54        33.3   $ 1.94      $ 1.47        32.0

Book value per share

   $ 23.85      $ 21.67        10.0   $ 23.85      $ 21.67        10.0

Net combined ratio

     86.4     92.5       89.5     93.6  

Return on average equity

     12.2     9.8       11.3     8.9  

Allen Bradley, AMERISAFE’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We continue to experience a workers’ compensation market with attractive pricing and modest exposure growth. Looking ahead, as external forces continue to affect the market, we expect prices to plateau while payrolls gradually improve within our niche industries.”


Insurance Results

 

     Three Months Ended           Nine Months Ended        
     September 30,           September 30,        
     2014     2013     % Change     2014     2013     % Change  
     (in thousands)  

Gross premiums written

   $ 93,962      $ 86,137        9.1   $ 303,485      $ 281,075        8.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net premiums earned

     95,928        81,596        17.6     278,677        243,288        14.5

Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred

     61,822        57,046        8.4     185,570        169,860        9.2

Underwriting and certain other operating costs, commissions, salaries and benefits

     21,027        18,472        13.8     63,410        57,012        11.2

Policyholder dividends

     139        38        NM        340        980        NM   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Underwriting profit (pre-tax)

     12,940        6,040        114.2     29,357        15,436        90.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Insurance Ratios:

            

Current accident year loss ratio

     71.5     73.2       71.5     73.2  

Prior accident year loss ratio

     -7.1     -3.3       -4.9     -3.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net loss ratio

     64.4     69.9       66.6     69.8  

Net underwriting expense ratio

     21.9     22.6       22.8     23.4  

Net dividend ratio

     0.1     0.0       0.1     0.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net combined ratio

     86.4     92.5       89.5     93.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

    Voluntary premium for policies written during the quarter increased by 3.6% compared to the prior year quarter.

 

    Gross premiums written in the quarter increased by $7.9 million due to a combination of the higher voluntary premium as well as positive payroll audits and related premium adjustments for policies written in previous periods. Payroll audits and related premium adjustments increased premiums written by $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2014.

 

    In the quarter, the Company experienced favorable loss development for prior accident years which reduced loss and loss adjustment expenses by $6.8 million, attributable to accident years 2012, 2010 and 2005. Our calendar year loss ratio was 64.4%, a 5.5 percentage point improvement from the third quarter of 2013, reflecting favorable frequency trends.


    For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the net underwriting expense ratio declined to 21.9%, 0.7 percentage points lower than the prior year. The improvement reflects the positive operating leverage generated from the growth in premium offset, in part, by lower ceding commission and contingent profit commission accruals resulting from our 2014 reinsurance treaty.

 

    The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was 30.3% compared to 22.1% for the third quarter of 2013. The increase reflects the impact of the company’s improved underwriting results.

G. Janelle Frost, President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, “We were extremely pleased with our results this quarter. We had our strongest quarter this year in terms of gross premiums written. Pricing was slightly down as we expected; however, audit premium continues to add to revenue. Also, our prudent reserve analytics resulted in favorable prior year loss development. These aspects joined with efficiencies from stable fixed costs resulted in an impressive 86.4% combined ratio.”

Investment Results

 

     Three Months Ended           Nine Months Ended        
     September 30,           September 30,        
     2014     2013     %
Change
    2014     2013     %
Change
 
     (in thousands)  

Net investment income

   $ 6,495      $ 6,947        -6.5   $ 20,048      $ 20,266        -1.1

Net realized gains (losses) on investments (pre-tax)

     (152     (654     NM        181        (1,921     NM   

Pre-tax investment yield

     2.4     2.9       2.6     2.9  

Tax equivalent yield (1)

     3.5     3.9       3.5     3.9  

 

(1) The tax equivalent yield is calculated using the effective interest rate and a 35% marginal tax rate.

 

    As of September 30, 2014, the carrying and fair value of AMERISAFE’s investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was $1.1 billion.


Capital Management

During the quarter, the Company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share on September 26, 2014. On October 28, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on December 26, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2014.

On October 28, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared an extraordinary cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on December 26, 2014 to shareholders of record on December 12, 2014.

During the quarter, no shares were repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase plan. On October 28, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors reauthorized the share repurchase program with a limit of $25.0 million. Unless reauthorized, the program will expire on December 31, 2015.

Supplemental Information

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2014     2013     2014     2013  
     (in thousands, except share and per share data)  

Net income

   $ 13,479      $ 9,699      $ 36,801      $ 26,194   

Less: Net realized capital gains (losses)

     (152     (654     181        (1,921

Tax effect (1)

     53        229        (63     672   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating net income (2)

     13,578        10,124        36,683        27,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average shareholders’ equity (3)

     441,984        396,614        432,649        390,967   

Less: Average other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,020        (2,149     (1,109     154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity

     439,964        398,763        433,758        390,813   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

     18,929,777        18,758,346        18,905,880        18,730,729   

Return on average equity (4)

     12.2     9.8     11.3     8.9

Operating return on average equity (2)

     12.3     10.2     11.3     9.4

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.71      $ 0.52      $ 1.95      $ 1.39   

Operating earnings per common share (2)

   $ 0.72      $ 0.54      $ 1.94      $ 1.47   


 

(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 adjusted equity and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that investors’ 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 October 30, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results for the quarter and the outlook for future periods. To participate in the conference call dial 877-225-7695 at least ten 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 November 6, 2014. To access the replay, dial 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 and use the pass code 22021595.

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 internet, 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, manufacturing, oil and gas and agriculture. AMERISAFE actively markets workers’ compensation insurance in 30 states and the District of Columbia.

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, 2013. 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 unless required by law.

- Tables to follow -


AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2014     2013     2014     2013  
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Revenues:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 93,962      $ 86,137      $ 303,485      $ 281,075   

Ceded premiums written

     (3,823     (4,519     (10,655     (13,576
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 90,139      $ 81,618      $ 292,830      $ 267,499   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 95,928      $ 81,596      $ 278,677      $ 243,288   

Net investment income

     6,495        6,947        20,048        20,266   

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (152     (654     181        (1,921

Fee and other income

     65        114        227        393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     102,336        88,003        299,133        262,026   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

        

Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred

     61,822        57,046        185,570        169,860   

Underwriting and other operating costs

     21,027        18,472        63,410        57,012   

Policyholder dividends

     139        38        340        980   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     82,988        75,556        249,320        227,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     19,348        12,447        49,813        34,174   

Income tax expense

     5,869        2,748        13,012        7,980   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 13,479      $ 9,699      $ 36,801      $ 26,194   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income (cont.)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)  

Basic EPS:

           

Net income

   $ 13,479       $ 9,699       $ 36,801       $ 26,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares

     18,676,033         18,395,971         18,603,227         18,343,901   

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.72       $ 0.53       $ 1.98       $ 1.42   

Diluted EPS:

           

Net income

     13,479         9,673         36,801         26,122   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares:

           

Weighted average common shares

     18,676,033         18,395,971         18,603,227         18,343,901   

Stock options and performance shares

     253,744         362,375         302,653         386,828   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

     18,929,777         18,758,346         18,905,880         18,730,729   

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.71       $ 0.52       $ 1.95       $ 1.39   


AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2014      2013  
     (unaudited)         

Assets

     

Investments

   $ 973,602       $ 878,775   

Cash and cash equivalents

     118,544         123,077   

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers

     89,847         75,326   

Premiums receivable, net

     193,615         171,579   

Deferred income taxes

     33,830         33,645   

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     21,016         19,171   

Other assets

     36,930         27,428   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,467,384         1,329,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 676,609       $ 614,557   

Unearned premiums

     178,449         164,296   

Insurance-related assessments

     32,175         25,428   

Other liabilities

     131,668         107,906   

Shareholders’ equity

     448,483         416,814   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,467,384       $ 1,329,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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