EX-99 2 k20779exv99.htm PRESS RELEASE, DATED OCTOBER 25, 2007 exv99
 

Exhibit 99
(APCAPITAL LOGO)
     
For Immediate Release
  Contact: Ann Storberg, Investor Relations
 
  (517) 324-6629
AMERICAN PHYSICIANS CAPITAL, INC. REPORTS
THIRD QUARTER 2007 RESULTS
East Lansing, Mich. (October 25, 2007) — American Physicians Capital, Inc. (APCapital) (NASDAQ:ACAP) today announced net income of $13.3 million or $1.21 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2007. For the first nine months of 2007, APCapital has generated net income of $40.1 million, or $3.54 per diluted common share. At September 30, 2007, APCapital’s book value per share was $25.61 based on 10,575,799 shares outstanding, an increase of 10.1% from $23.26 at December 31, 2006.
APCapital generated net income of $11.0 million or $.91 per share in the third quarter of 2006 and net income of $30.6 million or $2.47 per share for the first nine months of 2006.
“We continue to be a disciplined underwriter and careful manager of capital,” said President and Chief Executive Officer R. Kevin Clinton. “To remain competitive and maintain our strong retention rate, we have selectively lowered our rates in most of our markets. However, our focus continues to be bottom-line driven. Our commitment to this philosophy has been the main driver for our strong financial results.”

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Consolidated Income Statement
(Dollars in thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
 
                               
Direct Premiums Written
  $ 45,213     $ 51,819     $ 109,362     $ 125,742  
 
                       
Net Premiums Written
  $ 43,626     $ 48,304     $ 105,487     $ 117,351  
 
                       
Net Premiums Earned
  $ 35,516     $ 37,772     $ 105,444     $ 112,635  
Incurred Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
                               
Current Accident Year Losses
    26,191       27,693       78,632       85,352  
Prior Year Losses
    (7,958 )     (3,146 )     (25,121 )     (8,132 )
 
                       
Total
    18,233       24,547       53,511       77,220  
 
                               
Underwriting Expenses
    7,275       7,373       22,202       22,784  
 
                       
Underwriting Income
    10,008       5,852       29,731       12,631  
Investment Income
    10,737       11,338       33,066       34,010  
Other Income (1)
    113       298       435       2,273  
Other Expenses
    (1,361 )     (1,301 )     (4,030 )     (3,938 )
 
                       
Pre-tax Income
    19,497       16,187       59,202       44,976  
Federal Income Taxes
    6,216       5,162       19,083       14,376  
 
                       
Net Income
  $ 13,281     $ 11,025     $ 40,119     $ 30,600  
 
                       
Loss Ratio:
                               
Current Accident Year
    73.7 %     73.3 %     74.5 %     75.8 %
Prior Year Development
    -22.4 %     -8.3 %     -23.8 %     -7.2 %
Calendar Year
    51.3 %     65.0 %     50.7 %     68.6 %
Underwriting Expense Ratio
    20.5 %     19.5 %     21.1 %     20.2 %
Combined Ratio
    71.8 %     84.5 %     71.8 %     88.8 %
 
(1)   Includes realized gains and losses
Direct premiums written were $45.2 million in the third quarter of 2007, down $6.6 million or 12.7% from the same period a year ago. For the first nine months of 2007, direct premiums written were down $16.4 million, or 13.0%. The declines in direct premiums written were primarily the result of selective price reductions in our major markets. We insured 9,313 physicians at September 30, 2007, down just 1.5% from year end 2006.
Net premiums earned in the third quarter of 2007 were down $2.3 million or 6.0% from the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date are down $7.2 million or 6.4%. The declines in net premiums earned were not as great as the declines in direct premiums written due to the reinsurance terms in place for 2007 whereby APCapital retained a greater portion of loss exposure and ceded less premium.

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The 2007 third quarter loss ratio was 51.3% with $8.0 million of positive development from prior accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the loss ratio was 50.7% with $25.1 million of positive prior year development. On an accident year basis, the loss ratio in the third quarter of 2007 was 73.7%, up slightly from the 73.3% reported in the third quarter of 2006. Year-to-date the accident loss ratio was 74.5% in 2007 as compared to 75.8% in 2006. This accident year loss ratio reflects the strong book-of-business we have developed and our adherence to an adequate pricing and strict underwriting philosophy.
We continue to experience favorable development in our reserves. The number of reported claims in the third quarter of 2007 was 191 down 35.7% from the 297 reported in the third quarter of 2006. Year-to-date there have been 707 claims reported in 2007 as compared to 901 through September 30, 2006 — a 21.5% decrease. Claim severity has remained relatively stable and claims have been settling for amounts below established case reserves. As a result of this better than anticipated claim frequency and severity, prior year reserves have continued to develop favorably.
The underwriting expense ratio increased in the third quarter of 2007 to 20.5% from 19.5% in the third quarter of 2006. The 2007 year-to-date underwriting expense ratio was 21.1%, up from 20.2% a year ago. The increases in the underwriting ratio were principally the result of our lower premium volume giving APCapital a smaller base over which to spread its fixed costs. Other expenses in 2007 for the third quarter and year-to-date were approximately the same as a year ago.
Investment income
Investment income was down slightly in the third quarter of 2007 and year-to-date. The overall investment yields decreased from 5.29% in the third quarter 2006 to 4.93% in the third quarter of 2007. For the first nine months of 2007, our investment yield was 5.05% compared to 5.33% a year ago. The decrease in investment yield is a result of a greater allocation of our portfolio to tax-exempt securities.
Balance Sheet and Equity Information
APCapital’s total assets were $1.088 billion at September 30, 2007, down $8.3 million from December 31, 2006. At September 30, 2007, APCapital’s total shareholders’ equity was $270.8 million, up from $268.8 million at December 31, 2006. The increase in shareholders’ equity is a result of net income of $40.1 million for the first nine months of 2007 being partially offset by the use of $37.3 million of equity to repurchase shares and $1.1 million to pay APCapital’s first cash dividend in the third quarter of 2007.

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Capital Management
In the third quarter of 2007 APCapital repurchased 506,400 shares at an average cost of $37.12 per share. Year-to-date, APCapital has repurchased 995,600 shares utilizing $37.3 million of equity. APCapital has the following outstanding share repurchase authorizations:
                         
    Type of     (In thousands)  
    Repurchase     Amount     Amount  
Date Approved By Board   Plan     Authorized     Remaining (2)  
October 27,2006
  Rule 10b5-1   $ 32,000     $ 21,397  
May 22, 2007
  Discretionary (1)   $ 15,000     $ 5,459  
August 16, 2007
  Discretionary (1)   $ 20,000     $ 20,000  
 
                   
 
          $ 67,000     $ 46,856  
 
                   
 
(1)   All shares will be repurchased under management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions during the Company’s normal trading windows.
 
(2)   As of September 30, 2007.
The share repurchase program remains an integral part of APCapital’s capital management program. APCapital seeks to maintain an optimal but flexible level of capital during this softer market cycle.
In the third quarter of 2007, the Board of Directors declared its first regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share, which was paid to shareholders on September 28, 2007. Today, APCapital’s Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.10 per common share payable on December 31, 2007 to shareholders of record on December 13, 2007.
Stock Split
In September 2006, APCapital’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split of its common shares to shareholders. All prior year share and per share numbers disclosed in this press release are split adjusted.
Stilwell Standstill Agreement
APCapital also announced that, by mutual consent of the parties, the Standstill Agreement with Joseph Stilwell, Spencer Schneider and various related parties has been terminated, effective immediately. Mr. Stilwell and Mr. Schneider will continue to serve as directors of APCapital following the termination.

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Conference Call
APCapital’s website, http://www.apcapital.com, will host a live Webcast of its conference call in a listen-only format to discuss 2007 third quarter results on October 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. An archived edition of the Webcast can be accessed by going to APCapital’s website and selecting “For Investors,” then “Webcasts.” For individuals unable to access the Webcast, a telephone replay will be available by dialing 1-888-286-8010 or (617) 801-6888 and entering the conference ID code: 54959353. The replay will be available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on October 31, 2007.
Corporate Description
American Physicians Capital, Inc. is a regional provider of medical professional liability insurance focused primarily in the Midwest markets through American Physicians Assurance Corporation and its other subsidiaries. Further information about the companies is available on the Internet at http://www.apcapital.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made by American Physicians Capital, Inc. in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. When we use words such as “will,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. While we believe any forward-looking statements we have made are reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
    increased competition could adversely affect our ability to sell our products at premium rates we deem adequate, which may result in a decrease in premium volume, a decrease in our profitability, or both;
 
    our reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates that may prove to be inadequate to cover our losses;
 
    tort reform legislation may have adverse or unintended consequences that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition;
 
    if we are unable to obtain or collect on ceded reinsurance, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected;
 
    the insurance industry is subject to regulatory oversight that may impact the manner in which we operate our business;
 
    our geographic concentration in certain Midwestern states and New Mexico ties our performance to the business, economic, regulatory and legislative conditions in those states;
 
    an interruption or change in current marketing and agency relationships could reduce the amount of premium we are able to write;
 
    a downgrade in the financial strength rating of our insurance subsidiaries could reduce the amount of business we are able to write;

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    changes in interest rates could adversely impact our results of operation, cash flows and financial condition;
 
    our status as an insurance holding company with no direct operations could adversely affect our ability to meet our debt obligations and fund future share repurchases;
 
    the loss of one or more of our key employees could adversely affect our business;
 
    unpredictable court decisions could have a material adverse financial impact on our business operations if the amount of the award is expanded beyond the intended insurance coverage;
 
    applicable law and certain provisions in our articles and bylaws may prevent and discourage unsolicited attempts to acquire our Company that may be in the best interest of our shareholders;
 
    any other factors listed or discussed in the reports filed by APCapital with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
APCapital does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter its statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Definition of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
APCapital uses operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate APCapital’s underwriting performance. Operating income differs from net income by excluding the after-tax effect of realized capital gains and (losses).
Although the investment of premiums to generate investment income and capital gains or (losses) is an integral part of an insurance company’s operations, APCapital’s decisions to realize capital gains or (losses) are independent of the insurance underwriting process. In addition, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, losses may be recognized for accounting purposes as the result of other than temporary declines in the value of investment securities, without actual realization. APCapital believes that the level of realized gains and (losses) for any particular period is not indicative of the performance of our ongoing underlying insurance operations in a particular period. As a result, APCapital believes that providing operating income (loss) information makes it easier for users of APCapital’s financial information to evaluate the success of APCapital’s underlying insurance operations.
In addition to APCapital’s reported loss ratios, management also uses accident year loss ratios, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate APCapital’s current underwriting performance. The accident year loss ratio excludes the effect of prior years’ loss reserve development. APCapital believes that this ratio is useful to investors as it focuses on the relationships between current premiums earned and losses incurred related to the current year. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of losses incurred related to the current year, APCapital believes that the current estimates are reasonable.
###

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Summary Financial Information
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
Balance Sheet Data
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Assets:
               
Available-for-sale — bonds
  $ 279,066     $ 255,001  
Held-to-maturity — bonds
    498,940       505,572  
Other invested assets
    12,180       6,476  
Cash and cash equivalents
    81,525       108,227  
 
           
Cash and investments
    871,711       875,276  
 
               
Premiums receivable
    41,342       43,068  
Reinsurance recoverable
    111,573       109,013  
Deferred federal income taxes
    26,643       32,795  
Other assets
    36,277       35,663  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,087,546     $ 1,095,815  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 680,096     $ 688,031  
Unearned premiums
    68,744       70,744  
Long-term debt
    30,928       30,928  
Federal income taxes payable
    2,737       189  
Other liabilities
    34,202       37,113  
 
           
Total liabilities
    816,707       827,005  
 
               
Common stock
           
Additional paid-in-capital
    4,348       41,106  
Retained earnings
    261,992       222,935  
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes
    4,499       4,769  
 
           
Shareholders’ equity
    270,839       268,810  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,087,546     $ 1,095,815  
 
           
 
               
Shares outstanding
    10,576       11,557  
 
               
Book value per share
  $ 25.61     $ 23.26  

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Summary Financial Information
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
Income Statement
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (In thousands, except per share data)     (In thousands, except per share data)  
Direct premiums written
  $ 45,213     $ 51,819     $ 109,362     $ 125,742  
 
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 43,626     $ 48,304     $ 105,487     $ 117,351  
 
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 35,516     $ 37,772     $ 105,444     $ 112,635  
Investment income
    10,737       11,338       33,066       34,010  
Net realized (losses) gains
    (73 )     100       (139 )     1,448  
Other income
    186       198       574       825  
 
                       
Total revenues
    46,366       49,408       138,945       148,918  
 
                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    18,233       24,547       53,511       77,220  
Underwriting expenses
    7,275       7,373       22,202       22,784  
Other expenses
    1,361       1,301       4,030       3,938  
 
                       
Total expenses
    26,869       33,221       79,743       103,942  
 
                       
 
                               
Income before income taxes
    19,497       16,187       59,202       44,976  
Federal income tax expense
    6,216       5,162       19,083       14,376  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 13,281     $ 11,025     $ 40,119     $ 30,600  
 
                       
 
                               
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating income:
                               
Net income
  $ 13,281     $ 11,025     $ 40,119     $ 30,600  
Add back:
                               
Realized losses (gains), net of tax
    47       (65 )     90       (941 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net operating income
  $ 13,328     $ 10,960     $ 40,209     $ 29,659  
 
                       
 
                               
Ratios:
                               
 
                               
Loss ratio (1)
    51.3 %     65.0 %     50.7 %     68.6 %
Underwriting ratio (2)
    20.5 %     19.5 %     21.1 %     20.2 %
Combined ratio (3)
    71.8 %     84.5 %     71.8 %     88.8 %
 
                               
Earnings per share data:
                               
 
                               
Net income
                               
Basic
  $ 1.23     $ 0.93     $ 3.61     $ 2.52  
Diluted
  $ 1.21     $ 0.91     $ 3.54     $ 2.47  
 
                               
Net operating income
                               
Basic
  $ 1.23     $ 0.93     $ 3.61     $ 2.45  
Diluted
  $ 1.21     $ 0.91     $ 3.55     $ 2.39  
 
                               
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    10,801       11,796       11,124       12,123  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    11,015       12,062       11,339       12,390  
 
(1)   The loss ratio is calculated by dividing incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses by net premiums earned.
 
(2)   The underwriting ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by net premiums earned.
 
(3)   The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and underwriting ratios.

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Summary Financial Information
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
Selected Cash Flow Information
                 
    For the Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 39,433     $ 41,145  
 
           
Net cash for investing activities
  $ (28,021 )   $ (237,482 )
 
           
Net cash for financing activities
  $ (38,114 )   $ (26,216 )
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (26,702 )   $ (222,553 )
 
           

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American Physicians Capital, Inc.
Supplemental Statistics
Medical Professional Liability
         
    Reported
Three Months Ended   Claim Count
September 30, 2007
    191  
June 30, 2007
    269  
March 31, 2007
    247  
December 31, 2006
    267  
September 30, 2006
    297  
June 30, 2006
    296  
March 31, 2006
    308  
December 31, 2005
    347  
September 30, 2005
    361  
June 30, 2005
    401  
March 31, 2005
    404  
                         
    Net Premium Earned (in thousands)
    APCapital        
Three Months Ended   Excluding PIC Florida   PIC Florida   Total
September 30, 2007
  $ 35,517     $     $ 35,517  
June 30, 2007
    34,896             34,896  
March 31, 2007
    35,034             35,034  
December 31, 2006
    37,051             37,051  
September 30, 2006
    37,774             37,774  
June 30, 2006
    37,517             37,517  
March 31, 2006
    37,448             37,448  
December 31, 2005
    39,918       671       40,589  
September 30, 2005
    39,305       975       40,280  
June 30, 2005
    39,677       869       40,546  
March 31, 2005
    41,356       799       42,155  
                         
                    Average Net
            Average Net   Paid Claim
    Open   Case Reserve   (Trailing Four
Three Months Ended   Claim Count   Per Open Claim   Quarter Average)
September 30, 2007
    1,913     $ 144,200     $ 70,400  
June 30, 2007
    2,124       136,200       69,600  
March 31, 2007
    2,200       138,800       56,600  
December 31, 2006
    2,256       137,900       59,100  
September 30, 2006
    2,347       138,800       57,600  
June 30, 2006
    2,558       136,300       63,000  
March 31, 2006
    2,976       120,400       78,800  
December 31, 2005
    2,991       122,400       75,900  
September 30, 2005
    3,109       119,100       67,900  
June 30, 2005
    3,211       116,300       68,200  
March 31, 2005
    3,344       114,900       65,200  
                         
    Retention Ratio    
    Nine Months Ended   Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2006   2006   September 30, 2007
Illinois
    82 %     81 %     81 %
Kentucky
    69 %     70 %     85 %
Michigan
    86 %     85 %     86 %
New Mexico
    81 %     82 %     89 %
Ohio
    83 %     83 %     88 %
Total (all states)
    82 %     82 %     86 %
Notes:
All values, except net premiums earned, exclude experience from investment in Physicians Insurance Company (Florida).

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