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                                                                                 Commission file number
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 March 31, 2013                                                                                            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 May 1, 2013:

TITLE OF CLASS                                                              NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Common Stock, No Par Value:
Class A (voting)                                                                                                2,623,109
Class B (nonvoting)                                                                                        12,290,107


Index to Exhibits located on page 26.

 
- 1 -

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
             
(in thousands, except share data)
           
             
   
March 31
   
December 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Assets
           
Investments:
           
   Fixed maturities
  $ 432,621     $ 445,669  
   Equity securities
    115,377       107,582  
   Limited partnerships
    62,668       59,954  
   Short-term
    3,740       4,201  
      614,406       617,406  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    84,278       71,549  
Accounts receivable
    80,680       83,400  
Reinsurance recoverable
    177,482       175,191  
Other assets
    59,873       32,232  
Current federal income taxes
    -       3,246  
    $ 1,016,719     $ 983,024  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
  $ 456,246     $ 455,454  
Reserves for unearned premiums
    33,055       37,273  
Short-term borrowings
    10,000       10,000  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    145,299       125,007  
Current federal income taxes
    2,796       -  
Deferred federal income taxes
    10,751       8,578  
      658,147       636,312  
Shareholders' equity:
               
   Common stock-no par value:
               
   Class A voting -- authorized 3,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2013 - 2,623,109; 2012 - 2,623,109
    112       112  
   Class B non-voting -- authorized 20,000,000 shares;
               
      outstanding -- 2013 - 12,290,107; 2012 - 12,290,035
    524       524  
   Additional paid-in capital
    50,264       50,275  
   Unrealized net gains on investments
    36,358       35,467  
   Foreign exchange adjustment
    1,790       1,976  
   Retained earnings
    269,524       258,358  
      358,572       346,712  
    $ 1,016,719     $ 983,024  


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
- 2 -

 

Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
           
             
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenues
           
Net premiums earned
  $ 61,098     $ 61,551  
Net investment income
    2,410       2,422  
Commissions and other income
    1,383       1,506  
Net realized gains on investments, excluding
               
impairment losses
    14,353       5,381  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments
    (6 )     -  
Net realized gains on investments
    14,347       5,381  
      79,238       70,860  
                 
Expenses
               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    34,533       34,904  
Other operating expenses
    22,026       18,957  
      56,559       53,861  
Income before federal income taxes
    22,679       16,999  
Federal income taxes
    7,736       5,493  
Net income
  $ 14,943     $ 11,506  
                 
Per share data:
               
Basic and diluted earnings
  $ 1.00     $ .78  
                 
    Dividends paid to shareholders
  $ .25     $ .25  
                 
Reconciliation of shares outstanding:
               
   Average shares outstanding - basic
    14,878       14,826  
   Dilutive effect of share equivalents
    33       16  
   Average shares outstanding - diluted
    14,911       14,842  




See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.





 
- 3 -

 






Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
           
             
(in thousands)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
Net income
  $ 14,943     $ 11,506  
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized net gains on securities:
               
Unrealized net gains arising during the period
    7,803       7,639  
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains
               
included in net income
    6,912       (26 )
      891       7,665  
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (186 )     204  
                 
Other comprehensive income
    705       7,869  
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 15,648     $ 19,375  

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




 
- 4 -

 







Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
             
(in thousands)
           
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 12,304     $ 11,666  
Investing activities:
               
   Purchases of available-for-sale investments
    (92,439 )     (104,714 )
   Purchases of limited partnership interests
    -       (1,538 )
   Proceeds from sales or maturities
               
       of available-for-sale investments
    113,044       78,829  
   Net sales of short-term investments
    461       382  
   Other investing activities
    (16,678 )     3,552  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    4,388       (23,489 )
Financing activities:
               
   Dividends paid to shareholders
    (3,777 )     (3,749 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,777 )     (3,749 )
                 
   Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (186 )     204  
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    12,729       (15,368 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    71,549       89,726  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 84,278     $ 74,358  



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
- 5 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(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, 2013.  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 consolidated statements of operations, its proportionate share of the investee’s unrealized as well as realized investment gains or losses.

Other investments, if any, are carried at either fair 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 the 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.  Included within available for sale fixed maturity securities are insurance-linked securities and convertible debt securities.  The changes in fair values of insurance-linked securities and portions of the changes in fair values of convertible debt securities are reflected as a component of net realized gains (losses).


 
- 6 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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 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.  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.


 

 
- 7 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(2) Investments:
 
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:


                           
Net
 
         
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Unrealized
 
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Gains
 
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
(Losses)
 
March 31, 2013
                             
Fixed maturities
                             
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 75,562     $ 75,575     $ 81     $ (94 )   $ (13 )
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    23,190       21,611       1,692       (113 )     1,579  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    12,444       11,663       806       (25 )     781  
   States and municipal obligations
    179,854       179,180       784       (110 )     674  
   Corporate securities
    119,717       117,988       2,861       (1,132 )     1,729  
   Foreign government obligations
    21,854       21,641       300       (87 )     213  
      Total fixed maturities
    432,621       427,658       6,524       (1,561 )     4,963  
Equity securities:
                                       
   Financial institutions
    13,205       5,618       7,627       (40 )     7,587  
   Industrial & miscellaneous
    102,172       58,786       44,261       (875 )     43,386  
      Total equity securities
    115,377       64,404       51,888       (915 )     50,973  
      Total
  $ 547,998     $ 492,062     $ 58,412     $ (2,476 )     55,936  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (19,578 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 36,358  
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Fixed maturities
                                       
   U.S. government obligations
  $ 70,742     $ 70,720     $ 43     $ (21 )   $ 22  
   Residential mortgage-backed securities
    25,040       23,954       1,218       (132 )     1,086  
   Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    11,828       11,006       849       (27 )     822  
   State and municipal obligations
    194,865       194,258       757       (150 )     607  
   Corporate securities
    120,596       118,574       2,923       (901 )     2,022  
   Foreign government obligations
    22,598       22,047       602       (51 )     551  
      Total fixed maturities
    445,669       440,559       6,392       (1,282 )     5,110  
Equity securities:
                                       
   Financial institutions
    12,394       5,925       6,542       (73 )     6,469  
   Industrial & miscellaneous
    95,188       52,202       44,568       (1,582 )     42,986  
      Total equity securities
    107,582       58,127       51,110       (1,655 )     49,455  
      Total
  $ 553,251     $ 498,686     $ 57,502     $ (2,937 )     54,565  
                                         
                           
Applicable federal income taxes
      (19,098 )
                                         
                           
Net unrealized gains - net of tax
    $ 35,467  
 


 
 
- 8 -

 
 
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Company has six other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2013 compared to five such securities at December 31, 2012.  Four of these investments have other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes, for fixed maturity and equity security investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.


   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
   
Number of Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fixed maturity securities:
                                   
12 months or less
    176     $ 65,966     $ (792 )     170     $ 90,607     $ (483 )
Greater than 12 months
    52       24,190       (769 )     58       19,283       (799 )
Total fixed maturities
    228       90,156       (1,561 )     228       109,890       (1,282 )
                                                 
Equity securities:
                                               
12 months or less
    24       14,247       (896 )     20       6,955       (842 )
Greater than 12 months
    2       244       (19 )     11       6,640       (813 )
Total equity securities
    26       14,491       (915 )     31       13,595       (1,655 )
Total fixed maturity and equity securities
    254     $ 104,647     $ (2,476 )     259     $ 123,485     $ (2,937 )
 
The fair value and the cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2013, 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
  $ 145,477     $ 144,847  
Excess of one year to five years
    207,061       205,716  
Excess of five years to ten years
    28,331       27,851  
Excess of ten years
    2,584       2,423  
   Total maturities
    383,453       380,837  
Asset-backed securities
    49,168       46,821  
    $ 432,621     $ 427,658  




 
- 9 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Following is a summary of the components of net realized gains on investments for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Fixed maturities:
           
   Gross gains
  $ 1,419     $ 550  
   Gross losses
    (1,337 )     (971 )
      Net realized gains (losses)
    82       (421 )
                 
Equity securities:
               
   Gross gains
    11,712       524  
   Gross losses
    (1,160 )     (142 )
      Net realized gains
    10,552       382  
                 
Limited partnerships - net gain
    3,713       5,420  
                 
                 
      Totals
  $ 14,347     $ 5,381  



Net realized gains activity for investments, as shown in the previous table, are further detailed as follows:


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
Realized net gains (losses) on the disposal of securities
  $ 9,244     $ (96 )
Mark-to-market adjustment
    210       57  
Equity in gains of limited partnership
               
  investments - realized and unrealized
    3,713       5,420  
Impairment:
               
  Write-downs based upon objective criteria
    (6 )     -  
  Recovery of prior write-downs
               
    upon sale or disposal
    1,186       -  
                 
Totals
  $ 14,347     $ 5,381  


The mark-to-market adjustments in the table above represent the changes in fair value of (1) options embedded in convertible debt securities and (2) insurance-linked securities held by the Company.


 
- 10 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The income from limited partnerships for the quarter ending March 31, 2013 includes an estimated $2,733 of net unrealized gains reported to the Company as part of the underlying assets of the various limited partnerships.  The value of limited partnerships at March 31, 2013 includes approximately $7,173 of net unrealized gains reported to the Company as part of the underlying assets of the various limited partnerships. Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2013 includes approximately $22,114, 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 2013 and 2012 comparative periods.
 

   
2013
   
2012
 
Quarter ended March 31:
           
   Premiums ceded to reinsurers
  $ 27,012     $ 24,748  
   Losses and loss expenses
               
      ceded to reinsurers
    22,134       7,804  
   Commissions from reinsurers
    4,037       3,835  


(4) 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 commercial multi-peril and professional liability products on a selective 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.  In addition, the Reinsurance segment accepts selected professional liability cessions from other insurance companies.



 
 
- 11 -

 

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.


   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit
   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
   
Segment Profit
 
                                     
Three months ended March 31:
                                   
                                     
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $ 70,189     $ 47,860     $ 5,234     $ 75,226     $ 47,909     $ 6,933  
Reinsurance
    13,702       13,238       4,770       14,827       13,642       6,137  
                                                 
Totals
  $ 83,891     $ 61,098     $ 10,004     $ 90,053     $ 61,551     $ 13,070  


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


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Profit (Loss):
           
Segment profit
  $ 10,004     $ 13,070  
Net investment income
    2,410       2,422  
Net gains on investments
    14,347       5,381  
Corporate expenses
    (4,082 )     (3,874 )
Income before federal income taxes
  $ 22,679     $ 16,999  


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.

 

 
- 12 -

 


Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(5) Debt:
 
The Company maintains a revolving line of credit with a $30,000 limit and an expiration date of September 23, 2014.  Interest on this line of credit is referenced to LIBOR and can be fixed for periods of up to one year at the Company’s option.  Outstanding drawings on this line of credit were $10,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2013, the effective interest rate was 1.10%.  The Company has $20,000 remaining unused under the line of credit at March 31, 2013. 

(6) Taxes:
 
As of March 31, 2013, the Company’s 2009 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)





 
 




 
- 13 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(7) 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 March 31, 2013:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
U.S. government obligations
  $ 75,562     $ 75,562     $ -     $ -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    23,190       -       23,190       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    12,444       -       12,444       -  
State and municipal obligations
    179,854       -       179,854       -  
Corporate securities
    117,835       -       107,362       10,473  
Options embedded in convertible securities
    1,882       -       1,882       -  
Foreign government obligations
    21,854       -       21,854       -  
      Total fixed maturities
    432,621       75,562       346,586       10,473  
Equity securities
    115,377       115,377       -       -  
Short term
    3,740       3,740       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    80,032       -       80,032       -  
    $ 631,770     $ 194,679     $ 426,618     $ 10,473  


As of December 31, 2012:
                       
                         
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
U.S. government obligations
  $ 70,742     $ 70,742     $ -     $ -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    25,040       -       25,040       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    11,828       -       11,828       -  
State and municipal obligations
    194,865       -       194,865       -  
Corporate securities
    118,945       -       107,263       11,682  
Options embedded in convertible securities
    1,651       -       1,651       -  
Foreign government obligations
    22,598       -       22,598       -  
      Total fixed maturities
    445,669       70,742       363,245       11,682  
Equity securities
    107,582       107,582       -       -  
Short term
    4,201       4,201       -       -  
Cash equivalents
    64,450       -       64,450       -  
    $ 621,902     $ 182,525     $ 427,695     $ 11,682  


 
- 14 -

 

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 following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:

Cash equivalents:  Cash equivalents primarily consist of highly rated money market funds purchased at par value with specified yield rates. Due to underlying assets of these funds, we designate all cash equivalents as Level 2.

Fixed maturities: Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third party pricing services, which generally use Level 1 or Level 2 inputs for the determination of fair value to facilitate fair value measurements and disclosures. U.S. government obligations represent Level 1 securities, while Level 2 securities primarily include corporate securities, states and municipal obligations, foreign government obligations, and mortgage-backed securities. For securities not actively traded, the third party pricing services may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates and prepayment speeds.

Equity securities: Fair values of equity securities are designated as Level 1 and are based on quoted market prices.
 
 
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 and vary by 0-3% from each other. There was no Level 3 sales, no transfers into Level 3 and no transfers out of Level 3 during 2013 or 2012.  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 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012:



 
- 15 -

 


Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


   
2013
   
2012
 
Beginning of period balance
  $ 11,682     $ 17,050  
Net realized and unrealized gain included in
               
earnings or changes in net assets
    403       1,653  
Purchases
    258       400  
Settlements
    (1,870 )     (7,421 )
End of period balance
  $ 10,473     $ 11,682  

There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.  Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.

In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, FASB guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as reserves for losses and loss expenses are excluded from the fair value disclosures.  Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine the Company’s underlying economic value.

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivables, reinsurance recoverable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, income taxes receivable or payable and unearned premiums approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these items.  These assets and liabilities are not included in the table below.

The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Limited partnerships: The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to carry the investment at its proportionate share of the limited partnership’s equity.   The underlying assets of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships are carried at fair value, and, therefore, the Company’s carrying value of limited partnerships approximates fair value.  As these investments are not actively traded and the corresponding inputs are based on data provided by the investees, they are classified as Level 3.

Short-term borrowings: The fair value of our short-term borrowings is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices are available, on the current market interest rates available to us for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.
 
 

 
- 16 -

 

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 

A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
 

   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
 
   
Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                               
March 31, 2013
                             
Assets:   Limited partnerships
  $ 62,668     $ -     $ -     $ 62,668     $ 62,668  
Liabilities:   Short-term borrowings
    10,000       -       10,000       -       10,000  
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Assets:   Limited partnerships
    59,954       -       -       59,954       59,954  
Liabilities:   Short-term borrowings
    10,000       -       10,000       -       10,000  
 


(8) Restricted Stock:
 
The Company grants shares of class B restricted stock to the Company’s outside directors as their annual retainer compensation.  The shares are distributed on the vesting date, one year following the date of grant, and had a total value of $440 for each of the annual periods presented.  The table below provides detail of the stock issuances for 2011 and 2012:
 

 

 
Effective
 
Number of Shares
 
 Vesting
 Service
 
Value
 
 Date
 
Issued
 
 Date
 Period
 
Per Share
 
                 
5/10/2011
    19,558  
5/10/2012
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012
  $ 22.50  
                     
5/8/2012
    20,119  
5/8/2013
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2013
  $ 21.87  

 
Compensation expense related to the above stock grant is recognized over the period in which the directors render the services.
 
Effective February 4, 2013, the Company issued 52,389 shares of class B restricted stock to certain of the Company’s executives.  The restricted shares were paid solely in the Company’s class B stock.  The restricted shares represent a portion of compensation to certain executives under the Company’s 2012 Executive Incentive Bonus Plan.  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.  Each share was valued at $23.69 per share representing a total value of $1,241.  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.
 

 
 
- 17 -

 
 
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
(9) Commitments and Contingencies:
 
In the ordinary, regular and routine course of their business, the Company and its insurance Subsidiaries are frequently involved in various matters of litigation relating principally to claims for insurance coverage provided.  No currently pending matter is deemed by management to be material to the Company.

In February, 2013, the Company purchased a building in Carmel, Indiana to serve as its future home office.  No external funds were utilized for this purchase.  Rather, short-term investments were and will be liquidated to provide for the purchase and necessary renovations which are expected to be completed in late 2013.  A total of $25 million is expected to be capitalized for the acquisition of the home office building.

(10) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
 
The following table illustrates changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the quarter ending March 31, 2013:


         
Unrealized
       
         
holding gains on
       
   
Foreign
   
available-for-sale
       
   
Currency
   
securities
   
Total
 
                   
Beginning balance
  $ 1,976     $ 35,467     $ 37,443  
                         
   Other comprehensive income
                       
      before reclassifications
    (186 )     7,803       7,617  
                         
   Amounts reclassified from
                       
      accumulated other
                       
      comprehensive income
    -       (6,912 )     (6,912 )
                         
Net current-period other
                       
   comprehensive income
    (186 )     891       705  
                         
Ending balance
  $ 1,790     $ 36,358     $ 38,148  


 (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 during the period which require recognition or disclosure.





 
- 18 -

 

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.

The Company has generated positive cash flow for 15 consecutive quarters.  For the first three months of 2013, the Company experienced positive cash flow from operations totaling $12.3 million, which compares to positive cash flow from operations of $11.7 million generated during the first three months of 2012.  The increase in cash flow from the 2012 period is primarily due to increased premium collections.

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 3.47 years at March 31, 2013, which is substantially shorter than the average life of the Company’s liabilities.

Financing activity for the first three months of 2013 included regular dividend payments to shareholders of $3.8 million ($.25 per share).

The Company’s assets at March 31, 2013 included $80.0 million in investments classified as cash equivalents that were readily convertible to cash without significant market penalty.  An additional $148.8 million of fixed maturity investments (at par) will mature within the twelve-month period following March 31, 2013.   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 substantial portions of this equity to the parent company.  At March 31, 2013, $51.7 million may be transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company during the remainder of 2013 without approval by, or prior notification to, regulatory authorities.  An additional $212.7 million of shareholder’s equity of the insurance subsidiaries could, theoretically, be advanced or loaned to the parent 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 company to short-term and long-term sources of credit.  The parent company had cash and marketable securities valued at $5.0 million at March 31, 2013.
 
 
 
- 19 -

 

The Company’s annualized net premium writing to surplus ratio for the first three months of 2013 was approximately 67%.  Regulatory guidelines generally allow for writings of between 100% and 300% of surplus, depending on the line of business.  Accordingly, the Company could increase net 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 First Quarter, 2013 to First Quarter, 2012

Direct and assumed premiums written during the first quarter of 2013 decreased $6.2 million (6.8%), while net premiums earned decreased only $0.5 million (0.7%), as compared to the same period of 2012.  The Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance segment reported a decrease in premium written of 6.7% and a decrease in earned premiums of 0.1% while the Reinsurance segment reported a decrease in premium written of 7.6% and a decrease in premium earned of 3.0%.  In the Property and Casualty Insurance segment, direct and assumed premiums written were impacted principally by the Company’s planned and announced strategic reduction in property exposure, including withdrawal from the Florida commercial multi-peril market, begun in mid-2012 and, to a lesser degree, lower personal automobile premium resulting from rate increases implemented during 2012.  These decreases were partially offset by increased premium from core fleet transportation products as well as an increase in the professional liability book of business.  The disproportionate impact of the changes on premium written compared to earned is reflective of the normal differences in the recognition of earned premium compared to written as well as the differences in ceding rates on the mix of business inforce.  The decrease to the Reinsurance segment is also associated with strategic reduction in global catastrophe risk implemented effective January 1, 2012.  The following table provides information regarding premiums written and earned for each segment for the quarter ended March 31 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
- 20 -

 


   
Direct and Assumed Premium Written
   
Net Premium Written
   
Net Premium Earned
 
2013
                 
                   
Property & Casualty Insurance
  $ 70,189     $ 45,465     $ 47,860  
Reinsurance
    13,702       13,040       13,238  
                         
Totals
  $ 83,891     $ 58,505     $ 61,098  
                         
2012
                       
                         
Property & Casualty Insurance
  $ 75,226     $ 49,707     $ 47,909  
Reinsurance
    14,827       14,248       13,642  
                         
Totals
  $ 90,053     $ 63,955     $ 61,551  


Premium ceded to reinsurers on insurance business produced by the Property and Casualty Insurance segment averaged 35.2% of premium written for the current quarter compared to 33.9% in the 2012 first quarter, with the increase reflective of routine changes in treaty structures as well as the impact of the proportion of new products which are ceded at generally higher proportions than legacy products.

Net investment income, before tax, during the first quarter of 2013 was slightly lower than the first quarter of 2012 due primarily to lower available interest rates for bonds.  Pre-tax bond yields averaged 2.0% during the current quarter compared to 2.2% for the prior year period.  In addition, receipt of dividends on equity securities was lower in the 2013 quarter.  Overall after-tax yields decreased from 1.6% to 1.5% while average invested funds, bolstered by positive cash flow, were nearly 6% higher.

The first quarter 2013 net realized investment gains of $14.3 million resulted primarily from $9.2 million in gains reported from direct trading, $3.7 million reported by limited partnerships and $1.4 million of mark-to-market and other-than-temporary impairment adjustments.  Comparative first quarter 2012 overall net realized investment gains were $5.4 million, consisting almost entirely of limited partnership results.  Investment gains and losses result from decisions regarding the sale of individual securities and the change in total value of limited partnerships and, as such, should not be expected to be consistent from period to period.

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2013 were generally consistent with the prior year period showing just a $0.4 million decrease.  The loss ratios for each segment were as follows:

   
2013
   
2012
 
Property and Casualty Insurance
    65.7 %     65.4 %
Reinsurance
    23.2       26.0  
Total
    56.5       56.7  

 
 
- 21 -

 
 
Other operating expenses, for the first quarter of 2013, increased $3.1 million, or 16.2%, from the first quarter of 2012.  The ratio of consolidated other operating expenses to operating revenue was 34.0% during the first quarter of 2013 compared to 29.0% for the 2012 first quarter.  This increase was driven by (1) contingent profit accruals related to the excellent property reinsurance results, (2) increased training and administrative costs associated with the Company’s expanded claims operations and (3) the addition to staff in anticipation of expansion of existing product lines.

The effective federal tax rate on consolidated income for the first quarter of 2013 was 34.1%.  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 increased $3.4 million during the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the 2012 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.


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, 2012.

 
 
- 22 -

 

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 March 31, 2013, amounts due from reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses, are estimated to total approximately $172 million.  Of this total, approximately $60 million (35%) 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 and loss adjustment expenses attributable to reinsurers could vary significantly from the estimate provided; however, absent the inability to collect from reinsurers, such variance would not result in changes in net claim losses incurred by the Company.

At March 31, 2013, limited partnership investments include approximately $39.4 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, 2012.


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.


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Nothing to report.


 
 
- 23 -

 
 
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)           Certification of CEO and CFO                                                                           EXHIBIT 32
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as                                                                           Certification of CEO and CFO
adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
- 24 -

 

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     May 7, 2013                                                                By  /s/ Joseph J. DeVito
Joseph J. DeVito, CEO and President






Date     May 7, 2013                                                                By   /s/ G. Patrick Corydon 
G. Patrick Corydon,
Executive Vice President – Finance
(Principal Financial and
  Accounting Officer)

 
- 25 -

 
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
 
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013


                                                                             INDEX TO EXHIBITS




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


EXHIBIT 31.1                                                                               27
Certification of CEO
pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 31.2                                                                               29
Certification of CFO
pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act

EXHIBIT 32                                                                                31
Certification of CEO and CFO
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act








- 26 -