10-Q 1 form10q.htm form10q.htm
 




SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

Form 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 


 
 
 For Quarter Ended
September 30, 2010
 Commission file number
0-5534
 



BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
(State or other jurisdiction of
 Incorporation or organization)
35-0160330
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
1099 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
46204
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (317) 636-9800

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   ü       No___

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ü     No ____
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ____    Accelerated filer  ü   Non-accelerated filer ____
Small Reporting Company ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ____    No  ü 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of November 1, 2010:
 
 TITLE OF CLASS  NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
 Common Stock, No Par Value:  
 Class A (voting)  2,623,109
 Class B (nonvoting)  12,191,820
 
 
 
Index to Exhibits located on page 26.

 
- 1 -
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
             
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
             
   
(Unaudited)
       
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Assets
           
Investments:
           
   Fixed maturities
  $ 421,220     $ 379,922  
   Equity securities
    89,785       85,886  
   Limited partnerships
    73,100       69,436  
   Short-term
    4,414       3,703  
      588,519       538,947  
Cash and cash equivalents
    39,601       79,504  
Accounts receivable
    40,506       32,535  
Reinsurance recoverable
    135,753       155,451  
Notes receivable from employees
    1,716       2,054  
Other assets
    34,198       42,824  
    $ 840,293     $ 851,315  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
  $ 345,412     $ 359,031  
Reserves for unearned premiums
    34,696       25,912  
Debt
    7,000       10,000  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    69,354       71,878  
Current federal income taxes
    8,679       6,507  
Deferred federal income taxes
    2,414       5,044  
      467,555       478,372  
Shareholders' equity:
               
   Common stock-no par value:
               
   Class A voting -- authorized 3,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2010, 2,623,109; 2009, 2,623,109
    112       112  
   Class B non-voting -- authorized 20,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2010, 12,191,820; 2009, 12,109,878
    520       517  
   Additional paid-in capital
    47,986       46,337  
   Unrealized net gains on investments
    29,882       31,886  
   Retained earnings
    294,238       294,091  
      372,738       372,943  
    $ 840,293     $ 851,315  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
- 2 -
 
 

 


Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                       
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
                       
                         
(in thousands, except per share data)
                       
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 52,588     $ 45,077     $ 157,277     $ 130,283  
Net investment income
    2,865       3,256       8,833       9,993  
Commissions and other income
    1,603       1,722       5,024       4,847  
Net realized gains on investments, excluding
                               
impairment losses
    10,271       15,460       10,618       29,359  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments
    -       (19 )     (15 )     (2,656 )
Net realized gains on investments
    10,271       15,441       10,603       26,703  
      67,327       65,496       181,737       171,826  
Expenses
                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    36,084       26,714       110,268       72,689  
Other operating expenses
    17,711       17,635       51,583       50,603  
      53,795       44,349       161,851       123,292  
Income before federal income taxes
    13,532       21,147       19,886       48,534  
Federal income taxes
    4,298       6,807       5,121       14,628  
Net income
  $ 9,234     $ 14,340     $ 14,765     $ 33,906  
                                 
Per share data:
                               
Basic and diluted earnings
  $ .62     $ .97     $ 1.00     $ 2.30  
                                 
    Dividends paid to shareholders
  $ .25     $ .25     $ 1.00     $ .75  
                                 
Reconciliation of shares outstanding:
                               
   Average shares outstanding - basic
    14,794       14,733       14,779       14,744  
   Dilutive effect of options outstanding
    15       1       30       -  
   Average shares outstanding - diluted
    14,809       14,734       14,809       14,744  



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
- 3 -
 
 

 
 
 
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
             
(in thousands)
           
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 36,857     $ 13,822  
Investing activities:
               
   Purchases of long-term investments
    (297,065 )     (173,671 )
   Proceeds from sales or maturities
               
       of long-term investments
    241,158       181,291  
   Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments
    (711 )     28,779  
   Other investing activities
    (2,524 )     (2,620 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (59,142 )     33,779  
Financing activities:
               
   Dividends paid to shareholders
    (14,770 )     (11,061 )
   Repayment on notes payable
    (3,000 )     -  
   Cost of treasury stock
    -       (880 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (17,770 )     (11,941 )
                 
   Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    152       827  
                 
       Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (39,903 )     36,487  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    79,504       16,657  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 39,601     $ 53,144  



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
- 4 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Note that all dollar amounts presented in these notes are in thousands, except per share data)

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual audited financial statements and other disclosures included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K.

Investments:  Carrying amounts for fixed maturity securities represent fair value and are based on quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where quoted market prices are not available.  Equity securities are carried at quoted market prices (fair value).  The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to record its proportionate share of the limited partnership’s net income.  To the extent that the limited partnership investees include both realized and unrealized investment gains or losses in the determination of net income or loss, then the Company would also recognize, through its income statement, its proportionate share of the investee’s unrealized as well as realized investment gains or losses.

Other investments, if any, are carried at either market value or cost, depending on the nature of the investment.  Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates their fair values.

Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income.  All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders’ equity.

With respect to other than temporary impairment of investments, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.   For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects

 
- 5 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income).

The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security.  The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security at the date of acquisition.  For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including prepayment speeds, vintage, type of underlying asset, geographic concentrations, default rates, recoveries and changes in value. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default, including changes in credit ratings, and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default.  Furthermore, unrealized losses caused by non-credit related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which the Company expects to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
 
The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders’ equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income.  In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost.   For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment, subject to an evaluation as to possible future recovery.  Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment without consideration to the Company’s quantitative criteria defined above.

Reclassification:  Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation and are of a normal recurring nature.
 











 
- 6 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(2) Investments:

The following is a summary of available-for-sale investments at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:


                           
Net
 
         
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Unrealized
 
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Gains
 
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
(Losses)
 
September 30, 2010:
                             
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 60,039     $ 59,798     $ 241     $ -     $ 241  
   Government sponsored entities
    5,311       5,287       28       (4 )     24  
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    40,973       40,295       962       (284 )     678  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    12,948       12,243       713       (8 )     705  
   Obligations of states and
                                       
       political subdivisions
    211,770       210,092       1,714       (36 )     1,678  
   Corporate debt securities
    72,242       70,660       1,927       (345 )     1,582  
   Foreign government obligations
    17,937       17,438       523       (24 )     499  
      Total fixed maturities
    421,220       415,813       6,108       (701 )     5,407  
   Equity securities
    89,785       49,219       41,386       (820 )     40,566  
      Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 511,005     $ 465,032     $ 47,494     $ (1,521 )     45,973  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (16,091 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 29,882  
                                         
December 31, 2009:
                                       
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 54,632     $ 54,615     $ 86     $ (69 )   $ 17  
   Government sponsored entities
    5,883       5,825       72       (14 )     58  
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    48,377       48,068       572       (263 )     309  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    5,652       5,655       -       (3 )     (3 )
   Obligations of states and
                                       
       political subdivisions
    185,469       182,536       2,940       (7 )     2,933  
   Corporate debt securities
    72,185       70,791       1,572       (178 )     1,394  
   Foreign government obligations
    7,724       7,695       29       -       29  
      Total fixed maturities
    379,922       375,185       5,271       (534 )     4,737  
   Equity securities
    85,886       41,568       44,636       (318 )     44,318  
      Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 465,808     $ 416,753     $ 49,907     $ (852 )     49,055  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (17,169 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 31,886  


The Company has no other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2010.  Additionally, the Company had no other-than-temporary impairment losses relating to fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

 
- 7 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following table summarizes, for fixed maturity and equity security investments in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.


   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fixed maturity securities:
                                   
12 months or less
    83     $ 79,009     $ (692 )     109     $ 70,568     $ (411 )
Greater than 12 months
    8       1,658       (9 )     4       6,220       (123 )
Total fixed maturities
    91       80,667       (701 )     113       76,788       (534 )
Equity securities:
                                               
12 months or less
    19       2,996       (383 )     21       2,032       (147 )
Greater than 12 months
    5       2,441       (437 )     8       2,913       (171 )
Total equity securities
    24       5,437       (820 )     29       4,945       (318 )
Total fixed maturity and equity securities
    115     $ 86,104     $ (1,521 )     142     $ 81,733     $ (852 )
 
The fair value and the cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments, at September 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Actual maturities may ultimately differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Pre-refunded municipal bonds are classified based on their pre-refunded call dates.


   
Fair Value
   
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
             
One year or less
  $ 181,862     $ 181,417  
Excess of one year to five years
    169,645       166,707  
Excess of five years to ten years
    9,164       8,618  
Excess of ten years
    6,628       6,533  
   Total maturities
    367,299       363,275  
Mortgage-backed securities
    53,921       52,538  
    $ 421,220     $ 415,813  



 
- 8 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Following is a summary of the components of net realized gains (losses) on investments for the periods presented in the accompanying statements of income.


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
   Gross gains
  $ 1,311     $ 4,666     $ 3,151     $ 6,415  
   Gross losses
    (293 )     (342 )     (976 )     (973 )
      Net gains
    1,018       4,324       2,175       5,442  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
   Gross gains
    3,339       1,463       5,569       1,078  
   Gross losses
    (365 )     (264 )     (1,080 )     (2,713 )
      Net gains (losses)
    2,974       1,199       4,489       (1,635 )
                                 
Limited partnerships - net gain
    6,279       9,918       3,939       22,896  
                                 
                                 
      Total net gains
  $ 10,271     $ 15,441     $ 10,603     $ 26,703  



Gain and loss activity for investments, as shown in the previous table, include adjustments for other-than-temporary impairment as summarized below:


 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Realized net gains on the disposal of securities
  $ 3,466     $ 1,843     $ 6,153     $ 1,364  
Equity in earnings of limited partnership
                               
  investments - realized and unrealized
    6,279       9,918       3,939       22,896  
Impairment:
                               
  Write-downs based upon objective criteria
    -       (19 )     (15 )     (2,656 )
  Recovery of prior write-downs
                               
    upon sale or disposal
    526       3,699       526       5,099  
                                 
Totals
  $ 10,271     $ 15,441     $ 10,603     $ 26,703  

 


 
- 9 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The net gain from limited partnerships for the quarter and year-to-date ending September 30, 2010 include an estimated $5,016 gain and $2,227 loss, respectively, of unrealized gains and losses reported to the Company as part of the underlying assets of the various limited partnerships.  Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2010 includes approximately $27,130, net of deferred federal income taxes, of earnings undistributed by limited partnerships.

(3) Reinsurance:
The following table summarizes the Company’s transactions with reinsurers for the 2010 and 2009 comparative periods.
 

   
2010
   
2009
 
Quarter ended September 30:
           
   Premiums ceded to reinsurers
  $ 14,428     $ 16,305  
   Losses and loss expenses
               
      ceded to reinsurers
    10,387       3,382  
   Commissions from reinsurers
    2,752       1,422  
                 
Nine months ended September 30:
               
   Premiums ceded to reinsurers
    52,848       42,666  
   Losses and loss expenses
               
      ceded to reinsurers
    8,523       8,298  
   Commissions from reinsurers
    7,246       3,602  


(4) Comprehensive Income or Loss:
Net comprehensive income for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 was $13,525 and compares to net comprehensive income of $22,101 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.  For the first nine months ended September 30, 2010, net comprehensive income was $12,913 and compares to net comprehensive income of $46,143 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

(5) Reportable Segments:
The Company has two reportable business segments in its operations:  Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance.

The Property and Casualty Insurance segment provides multiple line insurance coverage primarily to fleet transportation companies as well as to independent contractors who contract with fleet transportation companies.  In addition, the Company provides private passenger automobile products to individuals, and writes commercial multi-peril and professional liability products on a limited basis.

The Reinsurance segment accepts property and casualty cessions from other insurance companies as well as retrocessions from selected reinsurance companies, principally reinsuring against catastrophes.   Beginning in 2010, the Reinsurance segment accepts selected professional liability cessions from other insurance companies.

 
- 10 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following table provides certain revenue and profit and loss information for each reportable segment.  All amounts presented are computed based upon U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Segment profit for Property and Casualty Insurance includes the direct marketing agency operations conducted by the parent company for this segment and is computed after elimination of inter-company commissions.

   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit (Loss)
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit (Loss)
 
Three months ended September 30:
                                   
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $ 59,084     $ 42,917     $ 4,942     $ 54,507     $ 35,804     $ 5,826  
Reinsurance
    11,671       9,671       (1,476 )     9,327       9,273       415  
Totals
  $ 70,755     $ 52,588     $ 3,466     $ 63,834     $ 45,077     $ 6,241  
                                                 
Nine months ended September 30:
                                               
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $ 185,847     $ 128,225     $ 18,780     $ 149,023     $ 101,525     $ 15,300  
Reinsurance
    33,059       29,052       (9,088 )     29,467       28,758       7,659  
Totals
  $ 218,906     $ 157,277     $ 9,692     $ 178,490     $ 130,283     $ 22,959  


The following table reconciles reportable segment profit to the Company’s consolidated income before federal income taxes, respectively.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Profit:
                       
Segment profit
  $ 3,466     $ 6,241     $ 9,692     $ 22,959  
Net investment income
    2,865       3,256       8,833       9,993  
Net realized gains on investments
    10,271       15,441       10,603       26,703  
Corporate expenses
    (3,070 )     (3,791 )     (9,242 )     (11,121 )
Income before federal income taxes
  $ 13,532     $ 21,147     $ 19,886     $ 48,534  


Segment profit includes both net premiums earned and fees and other income associated with the business conducted by the segment.

Management does not identify or allocate assets to reportable segments when evaluating segment performance and depreciation expense is not material for any of the reportable segments.

 
- 11 -
 
 

 
 
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(6) Loans to Employees:
From 2000 through 2002, the Company provided loans to certain employees for the sole purpose of purchasing the Company’s Class B common stock in the open market.  Principal and interest totaling $1,716 relating to such loans remains outstanding at September 30, 2010 and carry interest rates between 4.75% and 6%, payable annually on the loan anniversary date.  The underlying securities serve as collateral for these loans, which must be repaid no later than 10 years from the date of issue. No additional loans will be made under this program.

(7) Debt:
The Company has $7,000 outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and $10,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2009, under a revolving line of credit at variable interest rates detailed below.  The Company has $13,000 remaining unused under the revolving line of credit at September 30, 2010.  The borrowings were used principally for treasury stock repurchases.


Description
 
Maturity
 
2010
 
2009
 
Interest Rate
 
                   
                   
Revolving line of credit
 
June 23, 2011
  $ 2,000   $ 5,000     0.85 %
Revolving line of credit
 
June 23, 2011
    5,000     5,000     0.99 %
Total Debt
      $ 7,000   $ 10,000        


(8) Taxes:
As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s 2005 and subsequent tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS.  The effective rate differs from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.









(Space intentionally left blank)




 
- 12 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(9) Fair Value:
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The following tables summarize fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 

As of September 30, 2010:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
U.S. government obligations
  $ 60,039     $ -     $ 60,039     $ -  
Government sponsored entities
    5,311       -       5,311       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    40,973       -       40,973       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    12,948       -       12,948       -  
Obligations of states and
                               
       political subdivisions
    211,770       -       211,770       -  
Corporate securities
    72,242       -       55,222       17,020  
Foreign government obligations
    17,937       -       17,937       -  
      Total fixed maturities
    421,220       -       404,200       17,020  
Equity securities
    89,785       89,785       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    39,674       -       39,674       -  
    $ 550,679     $ 89,785     $ 443,874     $ 17,020  



As of December 31, 2009:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
U.S. government obligations
  $ 54,632     $ -     $ 54,632     $ -  
Government sponsored entities
    5,883       -       5,883       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    48,377       -       48,377       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    5,652       -       5,652       -  
Obligations of states and
                               
       political subdivisions
    185,469       -       185,469       -  
Corporate securities
    72,185       -       57,298       14,887  
Foreign government obligations
    7,724       -       7,724       -  
      Total fixed maturities
    379,922       -       365,035       14,887  
Equity securities
    85,886       85,886       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    83,138       -       83,138       -  
    $ 548,946     $ 85,886     $ 448,173     $ 14,887  



 
- 13 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Level inputs, as defined by FASB Fair Value Measurements, are as follows:

Level Input:
  
Input Definition:
     
Level 1
  
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
     
Level 2
  
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
     
Level 3
  
Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.


The Level 3 assets consist of an investment portfolio of insurance-linked securities.  The insurance-linked securities are valued using the average of estimated market quotes from multiple insurance-linked securities brokers.  The broker quotes include Level 3 inputs which are significant to the valuation of the insurance-linked securities. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows:



   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning of period balance
  $ 14,965     $ 15,683     $ 14,887     $ 14,981  
Total gain or losses (realized or unrealized)
                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    600       191       1,498       932  
Included in other comprehensive income
    615       638       (314 )     599  
Purchases, issuances, and settlements
    840       (497 )     949       (497 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
End of period balance
  $ 17,020     $ 16,015     $ 17,020     $ 16,015  


Quoted market prices are obtained for these disclosures whenever possible.  Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present value or other valuation techniques.  These techniques are significantly affected by our assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows.  Potential taxes and other transaction costs have not been considered in estimating fair values.

Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as policy reserve liabilities are excluded from the fair value disclosures.  Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine the underlying economic value to the Company.

 
- 14 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivables, reinsurance recoverable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, income taxes payable, short term borrowings and unearned income approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these items.

There were no significant transfers of assets between level 1 and level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

(10) Restricted Stock:
Effective June 11, 2009, the Company issued 20,900 shares of class B restricted stock to the Company’s outside directors.  The restricted shares became fully vested on May 5, 2010 and were paid in an equal number of shares of the Company’s class B stock.  The shares represent the annual retainer compensation for the outside directors for the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.  Each share was valued at $21.05 per share representing a total value of $440.  Compensation expense related to the above stock grant was recognized over the period in which the directors rendered the services.

Effective February 9, 2010, the Company issued 40,061 shares of class B restricted stock to certain of the Company’s executives.  The restricted shares will be paid solely in the Company’s class B stock.  The restricted shares represent compensation to certain executives under the Company’s 2009 Executive Incentive Bonus Plan and additional stock awards approved by the Board of Directors.  The restricted shares will vest ratably over a three year period from the date of grant and are accelerated for retirement eligible recipients due to the non-substantive post-grant date vesting clause per ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits.  Restricted stock was valued based on the closing price of the stock on the day the award was granted. Non-vested restricted shares will be forfeited should an executive’s employment terminate for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement as defined by the Compensation Committee.

Effective May 4, 2010, the Company issued 17,754 shares of class B restricted stock to the Company’s outside directors.  The restricted shares will be paid solely in the Company’s class B stock.  These restricted shares represent the annual retainer compensation for the outside directors for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 and will vest on May 4, 2011.  Vesting will be accelerated only on the condition of death, disability, or change in control of the Company.  Each restricted share is valued at $24.78 per share representing a total value of $440.  Compensation expense related to the above stock grant is to be recognized over the period in which the directors render the services which will also coincide with the vesting period.

On November 2, 2010, the Company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.25 per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock.  The dividend per share will be payable November 30, 2010 to shareholders of record on November 16, 2010.
 
 



 
- 15 -
 
 

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(11) Subsequent Events:
We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements filed on Form 10-Q with the SEC and no events have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2010 that require recognition or disclosure.
 
 
(12) Pending Accounting Standards:
In October 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the guidance effective January 1, 2012, will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 
- 16 -
 
 

 

ITEM 2  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
              AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company generally experiences positive cash flow from operations resulting from the fact that premiums are collected on insurance policies in advance of the disbursement of funds in payment of claims.  Operating costs of the property/casualty insurance subsidiaries, other than loss and loss expense payments and commissions paid to related agency companies, generally average less than 30% of premiums earned and the remaining amount is available for investment for varying periods of time pending the settlement of claims relating to the insurance coverage provided. The Company’s cash flow relating to premiums is significantly affected by reinsurance programs in effect from time-to-time whereby the Company cedes both premium and risk to other insurance and reinsurance companies.  These programs vary significantly among products. For the first nine months of 2010, the Company experienced positive cash flow from operations totaling $36.9 million which compares to positive cash flow from operations of $13.8 million generated during the first nine months of 2009.  The $23.1 million improvement in cash flow from the 2009 period is primarily due to higher net premiums received that was partially offset by a decline in investment income received.

For several years, the Company's investment philosophy has emphasized the purchase of relatively short-term instruments with maximum quality and liquidity.  The average life of the Company's fixed income (bond and short-term investment) portfolio, using contractual maturities applied to par value, was 3.9 years at September 30, 2010, which is substantially shorter than the Company’s liability average life.

Financing activity for the first nine months of 2010 included regular and extra dividend payments of $14.8 million ($1.00 per share) and the repayment of $3.0 million under the Company’s line of credit.

The Company’s assets at September 30, 2010 included $39.7 million in investments classified as cash equivalents that were readily convertible to cash without significant market penalty.  An additional $185.4 million of fixed maturity investments will mature within the twelve-month period following September 30, 2010.   The Company believes that these liquid investments are more than sufficient to provide for projected claim payments and operating cost demands.

Consolidated shareholders’ equity is composed largely of GAAP shareholders’ equity of the insurance subsidiaries.  As such, there are statutory restrictions on the transfer of portions of this equity to the parent holding company.  At September 30, 2010, $43.7 million may be transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company during the remainder of 2010 without approval by, or prior notification to, regulatory authorities.  An additional $241.6 million of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries could, theoretically, be advanced or loaned to the parent holding company with prior notification to, and approval from, regulatory authorities, although it is unlikely that transfers of this size would be practical.  The Company believes that these restrictions pose no material liquidity concerns to the Company.  The Company also believes that the financial strength and stability of the subsidiaries would permit ready access by the parent

 
- 17 -
 
 

 

company to short-term and long-term sources of credit.  The parent company had cash and marketable securities valued at $7.2 million at September 30, 2010.

The Company’s annualized premium writing to surplus ratio for the first nine months of 2010 was approximately 62%.  Regulatory guidelines generally allow for writings of at least 100% of surplus.  Accordingly, the Company could increase premium writings significantly with no need to raise additional capital.  Further, the insurance subsidiaries’ individual capital levels are several times higher than the minimum amounts designated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Third Quarter, 2010 to Third Quarter, 2009

Net premiums earned during the third quarter of 2010 increased $7.5 million (16.7%) as compared to the same period of 2009.  The Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance segment reported an increase of 19.9% while the Reinsurance segment reported an increase of 4.3%.  These changes are in line with expectations and result from product expansion and continuing marketing efforts in the Property and Casualty Insurance segment and from program changes, effective January 1, 2010, in the Reinsurance segment and introduction of professional liability reinsurance in 2010.  The following table provides information regarding premiums written and earned for major product lines for the quarter ended September 30 (dollars in thousands):


   
2010
 
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
 
                   
Property and Casualty Insurance:
                 
Fleet Transportation
  $ 45,840     $ 31,831     $ 31,753  
Private Passenger Automobile
    6,074       5,984       7,058  
Commercial Mult-Peril
    6,426       6,795       3,820  
Residual Market and All Other
    744       360       286  
      Total Property and Casualty Insurance
    59,084       44,970       42,917  
Reinsurance:
                       
   Property
    8,967       8,654       8,769  
   Casualty
    2,704       2,704       902  
     Total Reinsurance
    11,671       11,358       9,671  
Totals
  $ 70,755     $ 56,328     $ 52,588  


 
- 18 -
 
 

 


   
2009
 
Property and Casualty Insurance:
                 
Fleet Transportation
  $ 40,791     $ 28,223     $ 28,716  
Private Passenger Automobile
    6,406       6,327       5,971  
Commercial Mult-Peril
    7,069       3,462       863  
Residual Market and All Other
    241       244       254  
      Total Property and Casualty Insurance
    54,507       38,256       35,804  
Reinsurance:
                       
   Property
    9,327       9,272       9,273  
   Casualty
    -       -       -  
     Total Reinsurance
    9,327       9,272       9,273  
Totals
  $ 63,834     $ 47,528     $ 45,077  


Premium ceded to reinsurers on insurance business produced by the Property and Casualty Insurance segment averaged 30.4% of premium earned for the current quarter compared to 26.6% a year earlier reflecting higher reinsurance placements on new products and changes in the mix of business.

Net investment income, before tax, during the third quarter of 2010 was 12.0% lower than the third quarter of 2009 due primarily to lower available interest rates.  Pre-tax yields averaged 2.6% during the current quarter compared to 3.1% for the prior year period.  Overall after-tax yields decreased from 2.5% to 1.9%.  The short term nature of the Company’s fixed income portfolio causes changes in available yields to be quickly reflected in investment income.

The third quarter 2010 net realized investment gains of $10.3 million resulted primarily from $6.3 million in gains on limited partnerships and $4.0 million in gains on disposal of securities.  Comparative third quarter 2009 investment gains were $15.4 million; however, investment gains occur based on decisions regarding the sale of individual securities and the change in total value of limited partnerships and, as such, are not expected to be comparable from period to period.  See footnote 2 to the enclosed financial statements for a more detailed discussion regarding the accounting policies and the net gains reported for the Company’s investments in limited partnerships.

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2010 were $9.4 million higher than that experienced during the third quarter of 2009 due primarily to property reinsurance and private passenger automobile losses.  Loss ratios for each of the Company’s major product lines were as follows:

   
2010
   
2009
 
Fleet Transportation
    62.6 %     57.4 %
Private Passenger Automobile
    85.7       67.4  
Commercial Multi-Peril
    49.8       46.5  
Reinsurance - Property
    85.5       61.0  
Reinsurance - Casualty
    60.0       N/A  
All Lines
    68.6       59.3  
 
 
 
- 19 -
 
 

 
Other operating expenses, for the third quarter of 2010 were flat from the third quarter of 2009.  The ratio of consolidated other operating expenses to operating revenue decreased to 31.0% during the third quarter of 2010 compared to 35.2% for the 2009 third quarter, the decline being reflective of the impact of higher premium on largely fixed operating costs and the impact of higher ceding commission offsets related to increased reinsurance ceded.

The effective federal tax rate on consolidated income for the third quarter of 2010 was 31.8%.  The effective rate differs from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.

As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income decreased $5.1 million during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the 2009 period.


Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Net premiums earned during the first nine months of 2010 increased $27.0 million (20.7%) as compared to the same period of 2009.  The Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance segments reported increases of 26.3% and 1.0%, respectively, for the same reasons noted in the quarterly comparison above.  The following table provides information regarding premiums written and earned for major product lines for the nine months ended September 30 (dollars in thousands):



   
2010
 
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
 
Property and Casualty Insurance:
                 
Fleet Transportation
  $ 137,551     $ 96,855     $ 96,378  
Private Passenger Automobile
    22,598       22,345       20,910  
Commercial Mult-Peril
    23,981       13,662       10,048  
Residual Market and All Other
    1,717       1,078       889  
      Total Property and Casualty Insurance
    185,847       133,940       128,225  
Reinsurance:
                       
   Property
    28,357       27,419       27,419  
   Casualty
    4,702       4,702       1,633  
     Total Reinsurance
    33,059       32,121       29,052  
Totals
  $ 218,906     $ 166,061     $ 157,277  


 
- 20 -
 
 

 


   
2009
 
Property and Casualty Insurance:
                 
Fleet Transportation
  $ 116,520     $ 80,927     $ 82,414  
Private Passenger Automobile
    20,372       20,153       17,048  
Commercial Mult-Peril
    10,953       4,834       1,001  
Residual Market and All Other
    1,178       1,179       1,062  
      Total Property and Casualty Insurance
    149,023       107,093       101,525  
Reinsurance:
                       
   Property
    29,467       28,733       28,758  
   Casualty
    -       -       -  
     Total Reinsurance
    29,467       28,733       28,758  
Totals
  $ 178,490     $ 135,826     $ 130,283  


Premium ceded to reinsurers on insurance business produced by the Property and Casualty Insurance segment averaged 30.0% of premium earned for the current year period compared to 27.9% a year earlier reflecting higher reinsurance placements on new products and changes in the mix of business.

Net investment income, before tax, during the first nine months of 2010 was 11.6% lower than the first nine months of 2009 for the same reasons noted in the quarterly comparison.  Pre-tax yields averaged 2.7% during the current period compared to 3.2% for the prior year period.  Overall after-tax yields decreased from 2.7% to 2.0%.

Net realized investment gains for the first nine months of 2010 were $10.6 million, resulting from a $6.7 million gain on disposal of securities and a $3.9 million gain on limited partnerships.  Net realized investment gains were $26.7 million for the same period in 2009; however, investment gains occur based on decisions regarding the sale of individual securities and the change in total value of limited partnerships and, as such, are not expected to be comparable from period to period.  See footnote 2 to the enclosed financial statements for a more detailed discussion regarding the accounting policies and the net gains reported for the Company’s investments in limited partnerships.

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the first nine months of 2010 were $37.6 million higher than that experienced during the first nine months of 2009 with the majority of the increase attributable to catastrophe losses from major earthquakes and windstorms occurring during the first and third quarters of 2010 totaling $24.1 million with the remainder attributable to increased premium volume.  Loss ratios for each of the Company’s major product lines were as follows:

 
- 21 -
 
 

 


   
2010
   
2009
 
Fleet Transportation
    57.6 %     57.1 %
Private Passenger Automobile
    84.6       68.3  
Commercial Multi-Peril
    52.9       51.0  
Reinsurance - Property
    109.2       44.1  
Reinsurance - Casualty
    60.0       N/A  
All Lines
    70.1       55.8  

Other operating expenses, for the first nine months of 2010, increased $1.0 million, or 1.9%, from the 2009 nine-month period.  The majority of this increase relates to expenses that vary directly with increased premium volume.  The ratio of consolidated other operating expenses to operating revenue was 30.1% during the 2010 period compared to 34.9% for the 2009 period, the decline being reflective of the impact of higher premium on largely fixed operating costs, higher ceding commission offsets related to increased reinsurance ceded and the impact of first and third quarter catastrophe losses on contingent commissions due to retrocessionaires (higher losses result in the loss of contingency profit sharing recorded as commission expense).

The effective federal tax rate on consolidated income for the first nine months of 2010 was 25.8%.  The effective rate differs from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.

As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income decreased by $19.1 million as compared with the 2009 period.



Forward-Looking Information

Any forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including without limitation the following:  (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company;  (ii) the Company’s business is highly competitive and the entrance of new competitors into or the expansion of the operations by existing competitors in the Company’s markets and other changes in the market for insurance products could adversely affect the Company’s plans and results of operations;  (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (iv) other risks and factors which may be beyond the control or foresight of the Company.  Readers are encouraged to review the Company’s annual report for its full statement regarding forward-looking information.


 
- 22 -
 
 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in the Company's critical accounting policies as disclosed in the Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2009.


Concentrations of Credit Risk

The insurance subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums to numerous reinsurers under quota share and excess of loss treaties as well as facultative placements.  These reinsurers assume commensurate portions of the risk of loss covered by the contracts.  As losses are reported and reserved, portions of the gross losses attributable to reinsurers are established as receivable assets and losses incurred are reduced.  At September 30, 2010, amounts due from reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses, are estimated to total approximately $136 million.  Of this total, approximately $55 million (40%) represents the Company’s provision for incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to reinsurers.  Because of the large policy limits reinsured by the Company, the ultimate amount of incurred but not reported losses attributable to reinsurers could vary significantly from the estimate provided; however, such variance would not result in changes in net claim losses incurred by the Company.

At September 30, 2010, limited partnership investments include approximately $52.9 million consisting of three partnerships which are managed by organizations in which certain of the Company’s directors are officers, directors, general partners or owners.  Each of these investments contains profit sharing agreements to the affiliated organizations.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk since the disclosure in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  The Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b)  There were no significant changes in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during the Corporation's last fiscal quarter that have affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.


 
- 23 -
 
 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Nothing to report.



ITEM 6 (a)  EXHIBITS

Number and caption from Exhibit


Table of Regulation S-K Item 601                                                                                                 Exhibit No.


(31.1)      Certification of CEO                                                                                EXHIBIT 31.1
pursuant to Section 302 of the                                                              Certification of CEO
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(31.2)      Certification of CFO                                                                                EXHIBIT 31.2
pursuant to Section 302 of the                                                              Certification of CFO
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32.1)      Certification of CEO                                                                                EXHIBIT 32.1
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as                                                              Certification of CEO
adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32.2)      Certification of CFO                                                                                EXHIBIT 32.2
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as                                                              Certification of CFO
adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
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SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.






 BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.





Date     November 4, 2010                                                                       By  /s/ Gary W. Miller         
     Gary W. Miller, Chairman and CEO






Date     November 4, 2010                                                                       By  /s/ G. Patrick Corydon       
     G. Patrick Corydon,
     Executive Vice President – Finance
     (Principal Financial and
      Accounting Officer)
   






















 
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BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.

Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010



INDEX TO EXHIBITS




Begins on sequential
page number of Form
Exhibit Number                                                                                   10-Q               


EXHIBIT 31.1                                                                 electronically filed herewith
Certification of CEO
pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 31.2                                                                 electronically filed herewith
Certification of CFO
pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 32.1                                                                 electronically filed herewith
Certification of CEO
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 32.2                                                                 electronically filed herewith
Certification of CFO
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act







 
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