PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|
|
|
þ |
|
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 or
|
|
|
o |
|
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-16533
ProAssurance Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
|
|
|
Delaware
|
|
63-1261433 |
|
|
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
|
|
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
Incorporation of Organization) |
|
|
|
|
|
100 Brookwood Place, Birmingham, AL
|
|
35209 |
|
|
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
|
(Zip Code) |
(205) 877-4400
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name, Former Address, and Former Fiscal Year,
if Changed Since Last Report)
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 (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
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 (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer þ Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of April 27, 2007 there were 33,335,826 shares of the registrants common stock
outstanding.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this Form 10Q that are not historical facts are specifically identified
as forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon our estimates and anticipation of
future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
vary materially from the expected results described in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as, but not limited to, anticipate,
believe, estimate, expect, hope, hopeful, intend, may, optimistic, preliminary,
project, should, will and other analogous expressions. There are numerous important factors
that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements. Thus, sentences and phrases that we use to convey our view of future events and trends
are expressly designated as forward-looking statements as are sections of this Form 10Q that are
identified as giving our outlook on future business.
Forward-looking statements relating to our business include among other things: statements
concerning liquidity and capital requirements, return on equity, financial ratios, net income,
premiums, losses and loss reserves, premium rates and retention of current business, competition
and market conditions, the expansion of product lines, the development or acquisition of business
in new geographical areas, the availability of acceptable reinsurance, actions by regulators and
rating agencies, court judgment, legislative actions, payment or performance of obligations under
indebtedness, payment of dividends, and other matters.
These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and
uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors that could affect the
actual outcome of future events:
|
- |
|
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market area, that
are worse than anticipated; |
|
|
- |
|
regulatory and legislative actions or decisions that adversely affect our
business plans or operations; |
|
|
- |
|
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment; |
|
|
- |
|
performance of financial markets and/or changes in the securities markets
that adversely affect the fair value of our investments or operations; |
|
|
- |
|
changes in laws or government regulations affecting medical professional liability insurance; |
|
|
- |
|
changes to our ratings assigned by rating agencies; |
|
|
- |
|
the effects of health care changes, including managed care; |
|
|
- |
|
uncertainties inherent in the estimate of loss and loss adjustment expense
reserves and reinsurance, and changes in the availability, cost, quality, or
collectibility of reinsurance; |
|
|
- |
|
bad faith litigation which may arise from our involvement in the settlement
of claims; |
|
|
- |
|
post-trial motions which may produce rulings adverse to us and/or appeals we
undertake that may be unsuccessful; |
|
|
- |
|
significantly increased competition among insurance providers and related
pricing weaknesses in some markets; |
|
|
- |
|
our ability to achieve continued growth through expansion into other states
or through acquisitions or business combinations; |
|
|
- |
|
the expected benefits from acquisitions may not be achieved or may be
delayed longer than expected due to, among other reasons, business disruption,
loss of customers and employees, increased operating costs or inability to
achieve cost savings, and assumption of greater than expected liabilities; |
|
|
- |
|
changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by our
regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and |
|
|
- |
|
changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans. |
Our results may differ materially from those we expect and discuss in any forward-looking
statements. The principal risk factors that may cause these differences are described in various
documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Registration Statement
filed on February 15, 2006 and updated on June 2, 2006, as well as in our periodic reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our current reports on Form 8-K, and our
regular reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, particularly in Item 1A, Risk Factors.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that the factors listed above could affect our
financial performance and could cause actual results for future periods to differ materially from
any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.
Except as required by law or regulations, we do not undertake and specifically decline any
obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the
occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value |
|
$ |
3,080,872 |
|
|
$ |
3,136,222 |
|
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value |
|
|
49,665 |
|
|
|
49,218 |
|
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value |
|
|
6,898 |
|
|
|
7,220 |
|
Equity securities, trading, at fair value |
|
|
8,217 |
|
|
|
7,638 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
326,611 |
|
|
|
184,280 |
|
Business owned life insurance |
|
|
59,293 |
|
|
|
58,721 |
|
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
10,198 |
|
|
|
9,331 |
|
Other |
|
|
72,530 |
|
|
|
39,468 |
|
|
|
|
Total investments |
|
|
3,614,284 |
|
|
|
3,492,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,477 |
|
|
|
29,146 |
|
Premiums receivable |
|
|
123,204 |
|
|
|
113,023 |
|
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
373,374 |
|
|
|
370,763 |
|
Prepaid reinsurance premiums |
|
|
18,766 |
|
|
|
18,954 |
|
Deferred taxes |
|
|
109,039 |
|
|
|
112,201 |
|
Real estate, net |
|
|
23,079 |
|
|
|
23,135 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
194,233 |
|
|
|
183,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,457,456 |
|
|
$ |
4,342,853 |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Policy liabilities and accruals: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
$ |
2,633,624 |
|
|
$ |
2,607,148 |
|
Unearned premiums |
|
|
288,994 |
|
|
|
253,773 |
|
Reinsurance premiums payable |
|
|
110,355 |
|
|
|
106,176 |
|
|
|
|
Total policy liabilities |
|
|
3,032,973 |
|
|
|
2,967,097 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
81,221 |
|
|
|
78,032 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
179,288 |
|
|
|
179,177 |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
3,293,482 |
|
|
|
3,224,306 |
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,456,764 and
33,398,028 shares issued, respectively |
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
501,020 |
|
|
|
495,848 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred tax
expense (benefit) of $866 and $62, respectively |
|
|
1,605 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
661,070 |
|
|
|
622,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,164,030 |
|
|
|
1,118,603 |
|
Less treasury stock, at cost, 121,765 shares |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
1,163,974 |
|
|
|
1,118,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,457,456 |
|
|
$ |
4,342,853 |
|
|
|
|
3
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
Retained |
|
Capital |
|
|
Total |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Earnings |
|
Accounts |
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
1,118,547 |
|
|
$ |
111 |
|
|
$ |
622,310 |
|
|
$ |
496,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change |
|
|
2,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
36,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on
investments, after tax, net of reclassification
adjustments |
|
|
1,494 |
|
|
|
1,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued as compensation |
|
|
2,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock options exercised |
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
1,163,974 |
|
|
$ |
1,605 |
|
|
$ |
661,070 |
|
|
$ |
501,299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
Retained |
|
Capital |
|
|
Total |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Earnings |
|
Accounts |
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
765,046 |
|
|
$ |
(8,834 |
) |
|
$ |
385,885 |
|
|
$ |
387,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
137,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on
investments, after tax, net of reclassification
adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
|
|
(15,652 |
) |
|
|
(15,652 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinued operations |
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued as compensation |
|
|
2,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
|
|
1,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,995 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
|
642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock options exercised |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
892,271 |
|
|
$ |
(24,113 |
) |
|
$ |
523,161 |
|
|
$ |
393,223 |
|
|
|
|
4
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums written |
|
$ |
185,302 |
|
|
$ |
182,187 |
|
|
|
|
Net premiums written |
|
$ |
171,459 |
|
|
$ |
172,632 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
150,685 |
|
|
$ |
152,748 |
|
Premiums ceded |
|
|
(13,508 |
) |
|
|
(10,318 |
) |
|
|
|
Net premiums earned |
|
|
137,177 |
|
|
|
142,430 |
|
Net investment income |
|
|
42,571 |
|
|
|
32,881 |
|
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
|
|
(3,162 |
) |
|
|
144 |
|
Other income |
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
178,877 |
|
|
|
178,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
129,601 |
|
|
|
121,598 |
|
Reinsurance recoveries |
|
|
(30,554 |
) |
|
|
(10,466 |
) |
|
|
|
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
99,047 |
|
|
|
111,132 |
|
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses |
|
|
26,827 |
|
|
|
26,453 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
2,959 |
|
|
|
2,556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
128,833 |
|
|
|
140,141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
|
50,044 |
|
|
|
38,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current expense (benefit) |
|
|
11,598 |
|
|
|
13,474 |
|
Deferred expense (benefit) |
|
|
2,356 |
|
|
|
(3,259 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,954 |
|
|
|
10,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
36,090 |
|
|
|
27,835 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
137,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.51 |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.84 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.21 |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
4.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
33,294 |
|
|
|
31,155 |
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
36,157 |
|
|
|
34,050 |
|
|
|
|
5
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Comprehensive income, after tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
27,835 |
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments,
after tax, net of reclassification adjustments |
|
|
1,494 |
|
|
|
(15,652 |
) |
|
|
|
Comprehensive income, continuing operations |
|
$ |
37,584 |
|
|
$ |
12,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinued operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
109,441 |
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments,
after tax, net of reclassification adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income, discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
109,814 |
|
|
|
|
6
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Continuing Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
27,835 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
3,923 |
|
|
|
5,591 |
|
Net realized investment (gains) losses and net purchases of trading portfolio securities |
|
|
2,892 |
|
|
|
(446 |
) |
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
1,995 |
|
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums receivable |
|
|
(10,181 |
) |
|
|
(7,159 |
) |
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
26,477 |
|
|
|
52,261 |
|
Unearned premiums |
|
|
35,222 |
|
|
|
29,501 |
|
Reinsurance related assets and liabilities |
|
|
1,756 |
|
|
|
(745 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(11,410 |
) |
|
|
6,963 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
87,022 |
|
|
|
115,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities available for sale |
|
|
(370,347 |
) |
|
|
(768,140 |
) |
Equity securities available for sale |
|
|
(95 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other investments |
|
|
(1,571 |
) |
|
|
(364 |
) |
Proceeds from sale or maturities of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities available for sale |
|
|
400,629 |
|
|
|
713,564 |
|
Equity securities available for sale |
|
|
315 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments |
|
|
(142,331 |
) |
|
|
(431,154 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of sales expense paid of $4,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
371,037 |
|
Other |
|
|
(1,469 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations |
|
|
(114,816 |
) |
|
|
(114,873 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash received from options exercises |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
Excess tax benefit from options exercises |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
602 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(27,669 |
) |
|
|
1,644 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
29,146 |
|
|
|
34,506 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
1,477 |
|
|
$ |
36,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant Non-cash Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities securities received as proceeds from sale of discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
24,819 |
|
|
|
|
Fixed
maturity securities transferred, at fair value, to other investments |
|
$ |
34,732 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
7
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of ProAssurance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (ProAssurance). The
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form
10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31,
2007. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in ProAssurances December 31, 2006
report on Form 10-K.
Reclassifications/Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
In 2007,
due to anticipated changes to the significance of the amounts involved, ProAssurance has
separately reported its investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and its equity in the earnings
of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were
included as a component of other investments, and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were
considered as a component of net investment income. Prior period balances in this report have been
reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. The reclassification had no effect on income from
continuing operations, net income or total assets.
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries consist of ownership interests in non-public
investment entities. ProAssurance uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities
in which its ownership interest does not require consolidation but for which ProAssurances
ownership interest is a greater than minor interest. ProAssurance includes its proportionate share
of the income (losses) of its unconsolidated subsidiaries in its results of operations as a
separate line item in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
Accounting Changes
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes (FIN 48), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions.
FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold
that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48
also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. ProAssurance adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. The
cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased retained earnings and reduced tax liabilities by
$2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Developments
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair
Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value under
GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any
new fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November
15,
2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and does
not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its results of operation or
financial condition.
8
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159
allows many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are
not currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value
option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159
also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS
159 on its effective date, but has not completed its determination of the effect, if any, of
adoption on its results of operation or financial condition.
2. Acquisitions
ProAssurance acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Physicians Insurance Company of
Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) on August 1, 2006 as a means of expanding its operations
geographically. PIC Wisconsin is an insurance company that focuses on medical professional
insurance; its largest premium states are Wisconsin and Iowa.
The acquisition was a stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a purchase transaction in
accordance with SFAS 141. The aggregate purchase price of $103.7 million was allocated to the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of
acquisition. Goodwill of $42.7 million was recognized equal to the excess of the purchase price
over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.
For additional information regarding the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin see Note 2 of the Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurances December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form
10K.
3. Discontinued Operations
Effective January 1, 2006 ProAssurance sold its wholly owned subsidiaries, MEEMIC
Insurance Company, Inc. and MEEMIC Insurance Services (collectively, the MEEMIC Companies) to
Motors Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of GMAC Insurance Holdings, Inc., for total
consideration of $400 million before taxes and transaction expenses.
The MEEMIC Companies were the only active entities of ProAssurances personal lines
operations. In accordance with SFAS 144, the assets, liabilities and operating results attributed
to the personal lines operations are reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2006, income from discontinued operations consists solely of
the gain recognized on the sale of $164.0 million net of related taxes of $54.6 million.
For additional information regarding the sale of the MEEMIC Companies see Note 3 of the Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurances December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form
10K.
9
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
4. Investments
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and
equity securities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
Estimated |
|
|
Amortized |
|
Unrealized |
|
Unrealized |
|
Fair |
|
|
Cost |
|
Gains |
|
(Losses) |
|
Value |
|
|
In thousands |
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
3,080,759 |
|
|
$ |
20,468 |
|
|
$ |
(20,355 |
) |
|
$ |
3,080,872 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
4,536 |
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
6,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,085,295 |
|
|
$ |
22,851 |
|
|
$ |
(20,376 |
) |
|
$ |
3,087,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
Estimated |
|
|
Amortized |
|
Unrealized |
|
Unrealized |
|
Fair |
|
|
Cost |
|
Gains |
|
(Losses) |
|
Value |
|
|
In thousands |
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
3,138,648 |
|
|
$ |
22,725 |
|
|
$ |
(25,151 |
) |
|
$ |
3,136,222 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
4,618 |
|
|
|
2,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,143,266 |
|
|
$ |
25,327 |
|
|
$ |
(25,151 |
) |
|
$ |
3,143,442 |
|
|
|
|
In
January 2007, ProAssurance transferred high yield asset backed bonds
(previously considered as available-for-sale securities) having a
fair value of approximately $34.7 million to an investment fund
created for the purpose of managing such investments. ProAssurance
maintains a direct beneficial interest in securities originally
contributed to the fund, and the securities are included in the
ProAssurance Balance Sheet at fair value ($31.5 million at March 31,
2007) as a component of other investments. During the three months
ended March 31, 2007 ProAssurance recognized other-than-temporary
impairments of $4.2 million related to the securities contributed to
the fund.
Cash
flows from this initial investment will be re-invested in an
undivided interest of the fund. The equity method of accounting will
be used to account for this undivided interest, as the investment
will be considered an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities during the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 are $326.6 million and $660.7 million, respectively, including proceeds
from sales of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities of approximately $239.0 million and
$588.3 million, respectively. Purchases of those securities approximated $128.3 million and $623.7
million during the same respective periods.
Net realized investment gains (losses) are comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
In thousands |
Gross realized gains |
|
$ |
442 |
|
|
$ |
723 |
|
Gross realized (losses) |
|
|
(182 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
Other than temporary impairment (losses) |
|
|
(4,174 |
) |
|
|
(571 |
) |
Trading portfolio net gains (losses) |
|
|
752 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
|
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
|
$ |
(3,162 |
) |
|
$ |
144 |
|
|
|
|
5. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying
the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily because a portion of
ProAssurances investment income is tax-exempt.
ProAssurance adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. In accordance with the guidance provided in the
10
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
5. Income Taxes (continued)
statement, the cumulative effect of adoption, a $2.7 million reduction in tax liabilities, was
recorded as an increase to beginning retained earnings.
ProAssurance recognizes tax-related interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. No
interest or penalties were accrued or paid during the three months ended March 31, 2007 nor was
there any liability for such amounts at March 31, 2007.
ProAssurance files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states.
With few exceptions, ProAssurance is no longer subject to examinations by authorities related to
its U.S federal or state income tax filings for years before 2003. Currently, no income tax returns
are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any state or local taxing authority.
6. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of new and renewal
premiums (primarily premium taxes, commissions and underwriting salaries) are deferred to the
extent they are recoverable against unearned premiums and are amortized as related premiums are
earned. Income from continuing operations includes amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs, net of ceding commissions earned, of $13.6 million and $13.0 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
7. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
ProAssurance establishes its reserve for losses based on estimates of individual claims
and actuarially determined estimates of future losses based on ProAssurances past loss experience,
available industry data and projections as to future claims frequency, severity, inflationary
trends and settlement patterns. Estimating reserves, and particularly liability reserves, is a
complex process. Claims may be resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more,
and may be subject to litigation. Estimating losses for liability claims requires ProAssurance to
make and revise judgments and assessments regarding multiple uncertainties over an extended period
of time. As a result, reserve estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. The
assumptions used in establishing ProAssurances reserves are regularly reviewed and updated by
management as new data becomes available. Changes to estimates of previously established reserves
are included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is changed.
ProAssurance recognized favorable net loss development of $15.6 million related to previously
established reserves during the three months ended March 31, 2007. The favorable development
reflects reductions in the Companys estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through
2005 accident years, as well as the impact of the quarterly reevaluation of the Companys loss
reserves for verdicts in excess of policy limits.
Favorable net loss development of $4.0 million was recognized during the three months ended
March 31, 2006, to reflect slight reductions in estimated claim severity for accident years 2003
and 2004.
11
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
8. Long-term Debt
Outstanding long-term debt, as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, consists of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In thousands |
Convertible Debentures due June 2023 (the Convertible
Debentures), unsecured, principal of $107.6 million bearing
a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, net of discounts of
$1.9 million at both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. |
|
$ |
105,750 |
|
|
$ |
105,677 |
|
|
Trust Preferred Subordinated Debentures (the 2034
Subordinated Debentures; the 2032 Subordinated Debentures),
unsecured, bearing interest at a floating rate, adjustable
quarterly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/31/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due |
Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 2032 |
|
9.35 |
% |
|
|
|
15,464 |
|
|
|
15,464 |
|
April 2034 |
|
9.21 |
% |
|
|
|
13,403 |
|
|
|
13,403 |
|
May 2034 |
|
9.21 |
% |
|
|
|
32,992 |
|
|
|
32,992 |
|
|
Surplus Notes due May 2034 (the Surplus Notes), unsecured,
net of discount of $0.3 million, principal of $12.0 million
bearing a fixed interest rate of 7.7%, until May 2009. |
|
|
11,679 |
|
|
|
11,641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
179,288 |
|
|
$ |
179,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Debentures
Holders of the Convertible Debentures may convert their debentures during the following
quarter if the market value of ProAssurance common stock exceeds the product of the conversion
price (currently $41.83) multiplied by 120% for 20 of the last 30 trading days of a quarter. Upon
conversion, holders will receive 23.9037 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of
debentures surrendered for conversion. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007 the criterion
allowing conversion was met and holders may convert through June 30, 2007. To date, no holders have
requested conversion. If converted, ProAssurance has the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock,
cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding the terms of outstanding long-term debt of ProAssurance
see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurances December 31,
2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.
Fair Value
At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the Convertible Debentures is approximately 128% of their
face value of $107.6 million based on available independent market quotes. At March 31, 2007, the
fair value of the Surplus Notes approximates 98% of their face value of $12.0 million based on
available third party valuation information. The fair value of the 2034 and 2032 Subordinated
Debentures approximates the face value of the debentures.
9. Stockholders Equity
At March 31, 2007 ProAssurance had 100 million shares of authorized common stock and 50
million shares of authorized preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to determine
the provisions for the issuance of shares of the preferred stock, including the number of shares to
be issued, the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such shares. At March 31, 2007, the Board of Directors had not authorized the
issuance of any preferred stock nor determined any provisions for the preferred stock.
12
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
9. Stockholders Equity (continued)
As discussed in Note 1, ProAssurance adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. In accordance
with the guidance provided by the interpretation, ProAssurance has reported the cumulative effect
of adoption as an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $2.7 million.
As discussed in Note 13, subsequent to March 31, 2007 the ProAssurance Board authorized a
common stock repurchase program.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
As a result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a
judgment entered against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in
favor of Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (CHW) in the amount of $18.2 million
(the CHW Judgment). The judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
ProAssurance has established a liability related to the judgment of $21.0 million, which includes
the estimated costs associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment
and projected post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the
fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase
price. ProAssurance has posted a $20.5 million appellate bond to secure payment of the CHW judgment
plus interest and costs, in the event the judgment is ultimately affirmed and paid.
ProAssurance is involved in various other legal actions arising primarily from claims against
itself related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims
asserted by policyholders. Such legal actions have been considered by ProAssurance in establishing
its reserves. The outcome of all legal actions is not presently determinable for a number of
reasons. For example, in the event that ProAssurance or its insureds receive adverse verdicts,
post-trial motions may be denied, in whole or in part; any appeals that may be undertaken may be
unsuccessful; ProAssurance may be unsuccessful in legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage
available by its insureds; and ProAssurance may become a party to bad faith litigation over the
amount of the judgment above an insureds policy limits. However, ProAssurances management is of
the opinion, based on consultation with legal counsel, that the resolution of these actions will
not have a material adverse effect on ProAssurances financial position. However, to the extent
that the cost of resolving these actions exceeds the corresponding reserves, the legal actions
could have a material effect on ProAssurances results of operations for the period in which any
such action is resolved.
13
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
11. Earnings Per Share
The following table provides detailed information regarding the calculation of basic and
diluted earnings per share for each period presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
In thousands, except per share data |
Basic earnings per share calculation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
27,835 |
|
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,441 |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
137,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
|
|
33,294 |
|
|
|
31,155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.51 |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share calculation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
27,835 |
|
Effect of assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments |
|
|
742 |
|
|
|
742 |
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operationsdiluted computation |
|
|
36,832 |
|
|
|
28,577 |
|
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,441 |
|
|
|
|
Net incomediluted computation |
|
$ |
36,832 |
|
|
$ |
138,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
|
|
33,294 |
|
|
|
31,155 |
|
Assumed exercise of stock options/issuance of nonvested stock awards |
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
323 |
|
Assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments |
|
|
2,572 |
|
|
|
2,572 |
|
|
|
|
Diluted weighted average equivalent shares |
|
|
36,157 |
|
|
|
34,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.84 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.21 |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
4.05 |
|
|
|
|
In accordance with SFAS 128 Earnings per Share", the diluted weighted average number of
shares outstanding includes an incremental adjustment for the assumed exercise of dilutive stock
options. Stock options are considered dilutive stock options when the option exercise price is
below the average stock price during the quarter and the assumed conversion of the options, using
the treasury stock method as specified by SFAS 128, produces an increased number of outstanding
shares. Approximately 247,000 and 104,000 of ProAssurances outstanding options were not dilutive
for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
14
ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
12. Stock Options and Share-based Payments
ProAssurance provides performance-based stock compensation to employees under the
ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the ProAssurance Corporation Incentive Compensation
Stock Plan. Share-based compensation expense of approximately $2.3 million and a related tax
benefit of approximately $760,000 were recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 ProAssurance granted approximately 135,000
options. The weighted average fair value of each option, as of the date of grant, is estimated as
$17.80, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
Weighted average assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Expected volatility |
|
|
0.24 |
|
Dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
Expected average term (in years) |
|
|
6 |
|
ProAssurance also granted Performance Shares awards to employees in March 2007 under the
ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards were issued to two groups of employees: key
executives and management. The Performance Shares vest at 100% on December 31, 2009 based upon
continued service and attainment of one of two Performance Measures. For both groups one
Performance Measure is achievement of a specified financial goal; the other Performance Measure
requires achievement of a specified peer group ranking. The number of Performance Shares that will
be awarded if vesting criteria are met can vary between approximately 56,000 shares and 94,000
shares, depending upon the degree to which Performance Measures are attained. The fair value of
each Performance Share was estimated on the date of grant as $51.48 per share, based on the market
value of ProAssurance common stock on that date.
13. Subsequent Event
The Board of Directors of ProAssurance authorized $150 million to repurchase shares or
debt securities on April 2, 2007, effective immediately. The timing and quantity of any purchases
are dependent upon market conditions and the changes in ProAssurances capital requirements, as
well as limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New
York Stock Exchange. As of April 27, 2007 ProAssurance had repurchased approximately 155,000 common
shares at total cost of $8.1 million.
15
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto accompanying this report and ProAssurances
Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which includes a Glossary of
insurance terms and phrases. Throughout the discussion, references to ProAssurance, we, us and
our refers to ProAssurance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The discussion contains
certain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. As discussed under
Forward-Looking Statements, our actual financial condition and operating results could differ
significantly from these forward-looking statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Preparation of
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported therein. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on current
and historical developments, market conditions, industry trends and other information that we
believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results
will conform to our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operations will not be
materially affected by changes in these estimates and assumptions.
Management considers the following accounting estimates to be critical because they involve
significant judgment by management and the effect of those judgments could result in a material
effect on our financial statements.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (reserve for losses or reserve)
The largest component of our liabilities is our reserve for losses and the largest component
of expense for our operations is incurred losses. Net losses in any period reflect our estimate of
net losses incurred related to the premiums earned in that period as well as any changes to our
estimates of the reserve established for net losses of prior periods.
The estimation of medical professional liability losses is inherently difficult. Ultimate loss
costs, even for similar events, vary significantly depending upon many factors, including but not
limited to the nature of the injury and the personal situation of the claimant or the claimants
family, the outcome of jury trials, the judicial climate where the insured event occurred, general
economic conditions and the trend of health care costs. Medical liability claims are typically
resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more. The combination of changing
conditions and the extended time required for claim resolution results in a loss cost estimation
process that requires actuarial skill and the application of judgment, and such estimates require
periodic revision.
In establishing our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses management considers a
variety of factors including historical paid and incurred loss development trends, the effect of
inflation on medical care, general economic trends and the legal environment. We perform an
in-depth review of our reserve for losses on a semi-annual basis. Additionally, each reporting
period we update and review the data underlying the estimation of our reserve for losses and make
adjustments that we believe the emerging data indicate. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in
the then-current operations. Due to the size of our reserve for losses, even a small percentage
adjustment to these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations for the
period in which the adjustment is made.
16
Reinsurance
Our receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents our
estimate of the amount of our reserve for losses that will be recoverable under our insurance and
reinsurance programs. Our estimate is based upon our estimates of the ultimate losses that we
expect to incur and the portion of those losses that we expect to be allocable to reinsurers based
upon the terms of our reinsurance agreements. We also estimate premiums ceded under reinsurance
agreements wherein the premium due to the reinsurer, subject to certain maximums and minimums, is
based on losses reimbursed under the agreement. Our estimates of the amounts receivable from and
payable to reinsurers are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes
available. Given the uncertainty of the ultimate amounts of our losses, these estimates may vary
significantly from the eventual outcome. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then-current
operations. Due to the size of our reinsurance balances, even a small adjustment to these estimates
could have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is
made.
We evaluate each of our ceded reinsurance contracts at its inception to determine if there is
sufficient risk transfer to allow the contract to be accounted for as reinsurance under current
accounting guidance. At March 31, 2007 all ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transferring
contracts.
Our assessment of the collectibility of the recorded amounts receivable from reinsurers
considers both the payment history of the reinsurer and publicly available financial and rating
agency data. Appropriate reserves are established for any balances we do not believe will be
ultimately collected.
Investment Valuations
We evaluate our investments on at least a quarterly basis for declines in fair value below
cost for the purpose of determining whether these declines represent other than temporary declines.
Some of the factors we consider in the evaluation of our investments are:
|
- |
|
the extent to which the fair value of the investments is less than its
cost basis, |
|
|
- |
|
the length of time for which the fair value of the investment has been
less than its cost basis, |
|
|
- |
|
the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer underlying
the investment, taking into consideration the economic prospects of the
issuers industry and geographical region, to the extent that information is
publicly available, and |
|
|
- |
|
our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time
sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. |
A decline in the fair value of an investment below cost that we judge to be other than
temporary is realized as a loss in the current period income statement and reduces the cost basis
of the investment. In subsequent periods, we base any measurement of gain or loss or decline in
value upon the adjusted cost basis of the investment. Generally,
adjustments to the cost basis of fixed
maturity securities are accreted to par over the remaining life of the security.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs, primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting salaries, vary
directly with, and are primarily related to, the acquisition of new and renewal premiums. Such
costs are capitalized and charged to expense as the related premium revenue is recognized. We
evaluate the recoverability of our deferred policy acquisition costs and any amounts estimated to
be unrecoverable are charged to expense in the current period.
17
Accounting Changes
We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an
interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48) as of its effective date, January
1, 2007. FIN 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and
clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax
position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also
provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting
for interim periods, disclosure and transition. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased
retained earnings and reduced our tax liability by $2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard
establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair
value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other accounting pronouncements that require or
permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will
adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and do not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a
material effect on our results of operation or financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows
many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are not
currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value
option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159
also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will adopt SFAS 159 on its
effective date, but have not completed our determination of the effect of adoption on our results
of operation or financial condition.
Recent Significant Events
Effective January 1, 2006, we sold our personal lines operations and recognized a gain on the
sale of $109.4 million after consideration of sales expenses and estimated taxes. Additional
information regarding the sale is provided in Note 3, Discontinued Operations of the Notes to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective August 1, 2006 we acquired Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC
Wisconsin) in an all stock merger. The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin allowed ProAssurance to expand
its medical professional liability business into the state of Wisconsin and adjacent states and
into Nevada. This transaction strategically expanded our geographic footprint and is in keeping
with our desire to expand our professional liability operations through selective acquisitions. A
more detailed description of the merger transaction is provided in Note 2 of the Notes to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the first quarter of 2007 we reached a confidential settlement that will end all
litigation and appeals stemming from, and related to, a $217 million malpractice verdict against
insureds of one of our subsidiaries. Judgment on the verdict was entered in Tampa, Florida in
October 2006. The effect of the settlement is reflected in the current quarter.
On April 2, 2007 our Board authorized $150 million to repurchase shares or debt securities,
effective immediately. The timing and quantity of any purchase is dependent upon market conditions
and the changes in ProAssurances capital requirements, as well as limitations imposed by
applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. As of
April 27, 2007 we had repurchased approximately 155,000 common shares at total cost of $8.1
million.
On April 26, 2007 ProAssurance Corporation announced that Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, A. Derrill Crowe, M.D. will retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1,
2007. Dr. Crowe will remain as non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors has
elected W.
18
Stancil Starnes to succeed Dr. Crowe as CEO. Prior to October 2006, Mr. Starnes, an attorney,
served as the Senior and Managing Partner in Starnes & Atchison, and was extensively involved with
ProAssurance and its predecessor companies in the defense of its medical liability claims. Mr.
Starnes has most recently served as President, Corporate Planning and Administration, of Brasfield
& Gorrie, LLC, a large commercial construction firm.
Reclassifications
Because
we anticipate changes in the significance of the amounts involved, we
have separately stated our
investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and our equity in the earnings of unconsolidated
subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were included as a component
of other investments, and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were considered as a component of
net investment income. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations, net
income or total assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources and Financial Condition
Overview
ProAssurance Corporation is a holding company and is a legal entity separate and distinct from
its subsidiaries. Because it has no other business operations, dividends from its operating
subsidiaries represent a significant source of funds for its obligations, including debt service.
The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to limitation by state
insurance regulations. See our discussions under Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from
Our Operating Subsidiaries in Part I, and in Note 15 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements in our December 31, 2006 Form 10K for additional information regarding dividend
limitations. At March 31, 2007 we held cash and investments of approximately $269 million outside
of our insurance subsidiaries that are available for use without regulatory approval.
Cash flows
The principal components of our cash flow are the excess of net investment income and premiums
collected over net losses paid and operating costs, including income taxes. Timing delays exist
between the collection of premiums and the ultimate payment of losses. Premiums are generally
collected within the twelve-month period after the policy is written while our claim payments are
generally paid over a more extended period of time. Likewise timing delays exist in the collection
of reinsurance recoveries.
Our operating activities provided positive cash flows during the three months ended March 31,
2007 and 2006 of $87.0 million and $115.8 million, respectively. Excluding PIC Wisconsin, which we
estimate contributed positive operating cash flows in 2007 of approximately $3.7 million, operating
cash flows were reduced due to a decline in premium and an increase in payments for losses
partially offset by growth in cash flows from investment earnings.
Investments
We manage our investments to ensure that we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our
obligations, taking into consideration the timing of cash flows from our investments as well as the
expected cash flows to be generated by our operations. At our insurance subsidiaries the primary
outflow of cash is related to the payment of claims and expenses. The payment of individual claims
cannot be predicted with certainty; therefore, we rely upon the history of paid claims in
estimating the timing of future claims payments. To the extent that we have an unanticipated
shortfall in cash we may either liquidate securities or borrow funds under previously established
borrowing arrangements. However, given the cash flows being generated by our operations and the
relatively short duration of our investments, we do not foresee any such shortfall.
We held cash and short-term securities of $328.1 million at March 31, 2007 as compared to
$213.4 million at December 31, 2006. The increase in cash and short-term securities is principally
attributable to a reduction in our investments in variable rate demand notes. While, from an asset
allocation perspective, we view such securities as short-term investments, accounting rules require
that
19
we classify such securities as fixed income. During the quarter we reduced our investment in
such securities and invested in other securities classified as short-term.
Our
investment in other investments increased from $39.5 million at
December 31, 2006 to $72.5 million at March 31, 2007. In January 2007
we contributed high-yield asset backed bonds with a carrying value of
approximately $34.7 million from our available-for-sale investment
portfolio to a fund that manages such investments. We maintain a
direct beneficial interest in securities originally contributed to the fund, which are included in
our Balance Sheet as a component of other investments at fair value
($31.5 million at March 31, 2007). During the three months ended
March 31, 2007 we recognized other-than-temporary impairments of $4.2
million related to the securities contributed to the fund. Cash flows
from our initial investment in the fund will be re-invested in an undivided interest of the
fund. The equity method of accounting will be used to account for
this undivided interest, as the investment will be considered an
investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.
As of March 31, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities of $3.08 billion
comprise 85% of our total investments. The $55 million decrease as compared to our December 31,
2006 holdings principally reflects the transfer of high-yield bonds to an investment fund, as
previously discussed, and the re-investment of a portion of the proceeds from sales/maturities of
fixed maturities into short-term securities, offset by the investment of excess cash flows for the
quarter. Substantially all of our fixed maturities are either United States government agency
obligations or investment grade securities as determined by national rating agencies. Our
available-for-sale fixed maturities have a dollar weighted average rating of AA+ at March 31,
2007. The weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2007 is
4.01 years; the weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities and our
short-term securities combined is 3.68 years.
Changes in market interest rate levels generally affect our net income to the extent that
reinvestment yields are different than the yields on maturing securities. Changes in market
interest rates also affect the fair value of our fixed maturity securities. On a pre-tax basis, at
March 31, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized gains of
approximately $100,000 with unrealized losses totaling $20.4 million and unrealized gains of $20.5
million. At December 31, 2006, on a pre-tax basis, our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
had net unrealized losses of approximately $2.5 million with unrealized losses totaling $25.2
million and unrealized gains totaling $22.7 million. Almost all of the unrealized loss positions in
our portfolio are interest-rate related. Due to the short duration of our portfolio and our strong
operating cash flows, we believe we have the ability and intent to hold these bonds to recovery of
book value or maturity and do not consider the declines in value to be other than temporary. In
general, bond interest rates are lower at March 31, 2007 than at December 31, 2006 and the increase
in the net amount of unrealized gains during 2007 is primarily interest rate related. For a
discussion of the potential effects that future changes in interest rates may have on our
investment portfolio see Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Equity investments represent approximately 0.4% of our total investments and approximately
1.3% of our capital at both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. At March 31, 2007, the carrying
value of our equity investments (including equities in our available-for-sale and trading
portfolios) totaled $15.1 million as compared to $14.9 million at December 31, 2006.
Debt
Our long-term debt at March 31, 2007 is comprised of the following (in thousands, except %):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
|
Rate |
|
2007 |
|
Redemption Date |
|
|
|
Convertible Debentures
|
|
3.9%, fixed
|
|
$ |
105,750 |
|
|
July 2008 |
2034 Subordinated Debentures
|
|
9.2%, Libor adjusted
|
|
|
46,395 |
|
|
May 2009 |
2032 Subordinated Debentures
|
|
9.4%, Libor adjusted
|
|
|
15,464 |
|
|
December 2007 |
2034 Surplus Notes
|
|
7.7%, fixed until May 2009
|
|
|
11,679 |
|
|
May 2009* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
179,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Subject to approval by the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance |
Our Convertible Debentures may be converted at the option of holders when the price of
our common stock exceeds a specified price during 20 of the last 30 days of any quarter (see Note 8
to the
20
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Upon conversion, holders will receive 23.9037
shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures surrendered for conversion.
The criterion allowing conversion was met during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and holders may
convert through June 30, 2007. To date, no holders have requested conversion. If converted, we have
the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
A more detailed description of our debt is provided in Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance
We use reinsurance to provide capacity to write larger limits of liability, and to stabilize
underwriting results in years in which higher losses occur. The purchase of reinsurance does not
relieve us from the ultimate risk on our policies, but it does provide reimbursement from the
reinsurer for certain losses paid by us.
Our risk retention level is dependent upon numerous factors including our risk appetite and
the capital we have to support it, the price and availability of reinsurance, volume of business,
level of experience and our analysis of the potential underwriting results within each state.
We purchase reinsurance from a number of companies to mitigate concentrations of credit risk.
Our reinsurance broker assists us in the analysis of the credit quality of our reinsurers. We base
our reinsurance buying decisions on an evaluation of the then-current financial strength, rating
and stability of prospective reinsurers. However, the financial strength of our reinsurers, and
their corresponding ability to pay us, may change in the future due to forces or events we cannot
control or anticipate.
We have not experienced any significant difficulties in collecting amounts due from reinsurers
due to the financial condition of the reinsurer. Should future events lead us to believe that any
reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations to us, adjustments to the amounts recoverable would be
reflected in the results of current operations.
Litigation
We are involved in various legal actions arising primarily from claims against us related to
insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by our
policyholders. Legal actions are generally divided into two categories: Legal actions dealing with
claims and claim-related actions which we consider in our evaluation of our reserve for losses and
legal actions falling outside of these areas which we evaluate and reserve for separately as a part
of our Other Liabilities.
Claim-related actions are considered as a part of our reserving process under the guidance
provided by SFAS 60 Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises. We evaluate the likely
outcomes from these actions giving consideration to appellate issues, coverage issues, potential
recoveries from our insurance and reinsurance programs, and settlement discussions as well as our
historical claims resolution practices. This data is then given consideration in the overall
evaluation of our reserve for losses.
For non-claim-related actions we evaluate each case separately and establish what we believe
is an appropriate reserve under the guidance provided by SFAS 5 Accounting for Contingencies. As a
result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a judgment entered
against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in favor of Columbia
Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (CHW) in the amount of $18.2 million (the CHW judgment).
The CHW judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ProAssurance has
established a liability for this judgment of $21.0 million, which includes the estimated costs
associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment and projected
post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the fair value of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase price.
There are risks, as outlined in our Risk Factors, that individual actions could be settled for
more than our estimates. In particular, we or our insureds may receive adverse verdicts, post-trial
motions may be denied, in whole or in part, any appeals that may be undertaken may be unsuccessful;
we may be unsuccessful in our legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage purchased by insureds;
and we may
21
become a party to bad faith litigation over the settlement of a claim. To the extent that the
cost of resolving these actions exceeds our estimates, the legal actions could have a material
effect on ProAssurances results of operations in the period in which any such action is resolved.
Overview of ResultsThree Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased by 30%
to $36.1 million or $1.02 per diluted share as compared to $27.8 million or $0.84 per diluted share
for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The improvement in earnings is largely attributable to
the recognition of favorable loss development of $15.6 million during the first quarter of 2007
whereas the development recognized in the same period of 2006 was
$4 million. An $9.7 million
increase in net investment income also contributed to the overall increase in earnings.
Our gross premiums written grew by $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2007; however,
increased competition affected our retention rates and the amount of new business written. Net
premiums earned decreased from $142.4 million for the first quarter of 2006 to $137.2 million for
the same period in 2007, reflecting the overall decline in premiums written which occurred in 2006
and in the first quarter of 2007 as well as higher ceded premiums in 2007. Our current accident
year net loss ratio reflects a small increase in 2007 due to variations in the mix of risks insured
during the period but remains within our targeted range. Our calendar year net loss ratio, which
includes the effect of changes in losses for prior accident years, decreased due to reduced loss
estimates for those prior accident years.
22
Results of OperationsThree Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended March
31, 2006
Selected consolidated financial data for each period is summarized in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
$ in thousands |
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums written |
|
$ |
185,302 |
|
|
$ |
182,187 |
|
|
$ |
3,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums written |
|
$ |
171,459 |
|
|
$ |
172,632 |
|
|
$ |
(1,173 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
150,685 |
|
|
$ |
152,748 |
|
|
$ |
(2,063 |
) |
Premiums ceded |
|
|
(13,508 |
) |
|
|
(10,318 |
) |
|
|
(3,190 |
) |
|
|
|
Net premiums earned |
|
|
137,177 |
|
|
|
142,430 |
|
|
|
(5,253 |
) |
Net investment income |
|
|
42,571 |
|
|
|
32,881 |
|
|
|
9,690 |
|
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
|
|
(614 |
) |
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
|
|
(3,162 |
) |
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
(3,306 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
178,877 |
|
|
|
178,191 |
|
|
|
686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
129,601 |
|
|
|
121,598 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
Reinsurance recoveries |
|
|
(30,554 |
) |
|
|
(10,466 |
) |
|
|
(20,088 |
) |
|
|
|
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
99,047 |
|
|
|
111,132 |
|
|
|
(12,085 |
) |
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses |
|
|
26,827 |
|
|
|
26,453 |
|
|
|
374 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
2,959 |
|
|
|
2,556 |
|
|
|
403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
128,833 |
|
|
|
140,141 |
|
|
|
(11,308 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
|
50,044 |
|
|
|
38,050 |
|
|
|
11,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
13,954 |
|
|
|
10,215 |
|
|
|
3,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
36,090 |
|
|
|
27,835 |
|
|
|
8,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,441 |
|
|
|
(109,441 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
36,090 |
|
|
$ |
137,276 |
|
|
$ |
(101,186 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss ratio |
|
|
72.2 |
% |
|
|
78.0 |
% |
|
|
(5.8 |
) |
Underwriting expense ratio |
|
|
19.6 |
% |
|
|
18.6 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
Combined ratio |
|
|
91.8 |
% |
|
|
96.6 |
% |
|
|
(4.8 |
) |
|
|
|
Operating ratio |
|
|
60.8 |
% |
|
|
73.5 |
% |
|
|
(12.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on equity* |
|
|
12.6 |
% |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
|
23
Premiums
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ in thousands |
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums written |
|
$ |
185,302 |
|
|
$ |
182,187 |
|
|
$ |
3,115 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
150,685 |
|
|
$ |
152,748 |
|
|
$ |
(2,063 |
) |
|
|
(1.4 |
%) |
Premiums ceded |
|
|
(13,508 |
) |
|
|
(10,318 |
) |
|
|
(3,190 |
) |
|
|
30.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums earned |
|
$ |
137,177 |
|
|
$ |
142,430 |
|
|
$ |
(5,253 |
) |
|
|
(3.7 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Premiums Written
Gross premiums written have increased in 2007 due to the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin;
however, the increasingly competitive market resulted in a reduction within our organic book of
business. These results are consistent with our strategy to grow through selective acquisitions and
to maintain our underwriting and pricing discipline in periods of market softening.
For the purposes of this discussion and analysis we have segregated our premiums into three
major categories: physician premiums, non-physician premiums and tail premiums.
Physician premiums are our most significant premium source and represent approximately 89% of
gross written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (88% for the three months ended
March 31, 2006). Physician premiums total $164.4 million and $161.1 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately $27.2 million of 2007 physician premiums
are attributable to the PIC Wisconsin acquisition.
Offsetting the additional physician premiums from PIC Wisconsin is a decline in physician
premiums in our organic book of business of approximately $24.0 million. This decline is
attributable to several factors. Competition for physician business continues to be strong, both
from long established providers and from more recent market entrants, including off-shore
providers, self-insurance arrangements and risk retention groups. The competition in our markets is
frequently focused on price and this has both reduced our retention rate and has made it more
difficult for us to attract new business.
We remain committed to an adequate rate structure in a competitive rate environment and will
continue our policy of foregoing any business that cannot be written at our profit goals. We base
our rates on expected loss costs and, in recent years, we increased our rates to compensate for
increased loss costs. As loss costs moderated, the pace of our rate increases slowed. While rates
vary from state to state based on loss expectations, in general, we do not expect premiums written
in 2007 to reflect significant rate increases. In fact, where warranted by expectations of improved
loss costs, we have filed for lower rates (some of which have become effective during the quarter)
or held rates constant in a number of our markets. We do not believe that the rate decreases will
reduce our underwriting profitability since the rate changes are premised on corresponding
decreases in loss costs, and may allow us to improve retention rates or increase the amount of new
business that we write. Our overall retention rate (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin) for the number of
standard physician risks that we insure is 85% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as
compared to 87% for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Our rate increase for physicians
renewing during the three months ended March 31, 2007 (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin), on average, is
less than 1%.
Premiums written for non-physician coverages are $15.4 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (8% and 7% of
gross written premiums, respectively). Premiums for hospital and facility coverages are the most
significant component of non-physician coverages and represent approximately 4% of gross premiums
written for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 3% of gross premiums written for the three
months ended March 31, 2006. The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin contributed $3.8 million of
non-physician premiums in the first quarter of 2007, including premiums for hospital and facility
coverages of $3.1 million.
24
We are required to offer extended reporting endorsement or tail policies to insureds that
are discontinuing their claims-made coverage with us. As competition has increased, it has become
common for insurers to offer prior acts coverage to new insureds which negates the need for tail
coverage for the insureds and has reduced the amount of tail premium that we write. Our preference
is to sell less rather than more tail coverage since it represents a long-term liability with
increased pricing risk. Tail premium decreased by $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31,
2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
Premiums Earned
Because premiums are generally earned pro rata over the entire policy period, fluctuations in
premiums earned tend to lag those of premiums written. Our policies generally carry a term of one
year. Premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to the same period in
2006 reflects changes in written premiums that have occurred during 2006 and 2007, on a pro rata
basis. Tail policies are 100% earned in the period written because the policies insure only
incidents that occurred in prior periods.
Earned premiums decreased in the first quarter of 2007, as compared to 2006, principally due
to a $3.5 million decrease in tail premium written during the quarter, which was somewhat offset by
an increase in earned premiums from non-tail policies of approximately $1.4 million. Exclusive of
tail premiums, earned premium is relatively flat as compared to 2006 because the increase in earned
premiums from the PIC Wisconsin acquisition (which is approximately $19 million) is largely offset
by a decline in earned premiums from our organic book of business of approximately $17.7 million.
As discussed under premiums written, premiums growth was fairly flat during the first quarter of
2007 and may remain flat or even decrease during the remainder of 2007. Unless there is significant
growth in premiums written during the remainder of 2007, earned premiums will continue to reflect
little growth or may decline as compared to the same periods in 2006.
In the twelve months that follow the acquisition of an insurance subsidiary, our premiums
earned include premiums earned related to the subsidiarys unexpired policies on the date of
acquisition (unearned premium). Such premiums are earned over the remaining term of the associated
policy. In 2007, earned premium includes approximately $6.2 million related to the unexpired
policies acquired in the PIC Wisconsin transaction. In 2006, earned premium includes approximately
$6.1 million related to the unexpired policies acquired in the NCRIC transaction.
Premiums Ceded
Premiums ceded represent the portion of earned premiums that we pay our reinsurers for their
assumption of a portion of our losses. The premium that we cede to our reinsurers is determined, in
part, by the loss experience of the business ceded to them.
The reinsurance expense ratio (ceded premiums as a percentage of earned premiums) for the
first quarter of 2007 is 9.0%. The small increase in the ratio, as compared to the adjusted 2006
ratio (see below), is primarily due to premiums ceded by PIC Wisconsin under its reinsurance
agreements.
In the first quarter of 2006 we commuted all our outstanding reinsurance arrangements with the
Converium group of companies for approximately $4.2 million. The transaction resulted in a decrease
in ceded premiums for the first quarter of 2006 of approximately $2.7 million. After adjustment for
this item, our first quarter 2006 reinsurance expense ratio is approximately 8.5%.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The determination of calendar year losses involves the actuarial evaluation of incurred losses
for the current accident year and the actuarial re-evaluation of incurred losses for prior accident
years.
Accident year refers to the accounting period in which the insured event becomes a liability
of the insurer. For occurrence policies the insured event becomes a liability when the event takes
place; for claims-made policies the insured event generally becomes a liability when the event is
first reported to the insurer. We believe that measuring losses on an accident year basis is the
most indicative measure of the underlying profitability of the premiums earned in that period since
it associates policy
25
premiums earned with our estimate of the losses incurred related to those policy premiums.
Calendar year results include the operating results for the current accident year and any changes
in estimates related to prior accident years.
The following table summarizes net losses and net loss ratios for the three months ended March
31, 2007 and 2006 by separating losses between the current accident year and all prior accident
years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Losses |
|
Net Loss Ratios* |
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Change |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Change |
|
|
In millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current accident year |
|
$ |
114.6 |
|
|
$ |
115.1 |
|
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
83.5 |
% |
|
|
80.8 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
|
Prior accident years |
|
|
(15.6 |
) |
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
|
|
(11.3 |
%) |
|
|
(2.8 |
%) |
|
|
(8.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar year |
|
$ |
99.0 |
|
|
$ |
111.1 |
|
|
$ |
(12.1 |
) |
|
|
72.2 |
% |
|
|
78.0 |
% |
|
|
(5.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Net losses as specified divided by net premiums earned. |
Net losses increased by approximately $17.4 million due to the acquisition of PIC
Wisconsin; however, this PIC Wisconsin increase was largely offset by a decrease in the net losses
attributable to our other insurance subsidiaries. This decrease is principally due to the decline
in earned exposures by those subsidiaries and favorable prior year loss development of $15.6
million.
Our consolidated loss ratio for the current accident year increased in the first quarter of
2007 because of the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin, which generally operates at a higher loss ratio,
and because the mix of premiums earned in 2007 was more heavily weighted to states where higher
loss ratios are expected. PIC Wisconsins current accident year net loss ratio is higher than that
of our other subsidiaries primarily because rate increases implemented in 2006 and 2007 have not
yet been fully reflected in earned premiums.
We recognized favorable development of approximately $15.6 million in 2007 related to our
previously established (prior accident year) reserves. The favorable development reflects
reductions in our estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through 2005 accident
years, as well as the impact of the quarterly reevaluation of our loss reserves for verdicts in
excess of policy limits.
During the first quarter of 2006 we recognized favorable development of $4.0 million related
to our previously established (prior accident year) reserves, primarily to reflect reductions in
our estimates of claim severity, within our retained layer of risk, principally for the 2003 and
2004 accident years.
Assumptions used in establishing our reserve are regularly reviewed and updated by management
as new data becomes available. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then current operations.
Due to the size of our reserve, even a small percentage adjustment to the assumptions can have a
material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the change is made.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
Paid to incurred ratio |
|
|
75.9 |
% |
|
|
56.4 |
% |
Paid loss ratio |
|
|
54.8 |
% |
|
|
44.0 |
% |
The increase in the paid to incurred ratio and the paid loss ratio in the first quarter
of 2007 is the result of normal fluctuations in the payment patterns of losses as well as the
natural progression of claims as our growth rate flattens and our book of business matures.
26
Net Investment Income, Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Equity in Earnings of
Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ in thousands |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ |
42,571 |
|
|
$ |
32,881 |
|
|
$ |
9,690 |
|
|
|
29.5% |
|
Net investment income is primarily derived from the interest income earned by our fixed
maturity securities and includes interest income from short-term, trading portfolio and cash
equivalent investments, dividend income from equity securities, earnings from other investments and
increases in the cash surrender value of business owned executive life insurance contracts.
Investment fees and expenses are deducted from investment income.
The 2007 increase in net investment income is due to several factors, the most significant
being higher average invested funds. The PIC Wisconsin merger and positive cash flow generated by
our insurance operations significantly increased average invested funds during the first quarter of
2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
Rising market interest rates of the past several years have further contributed to the
improvement in net investment income. We have been able to invest new and matured funds at higher
rates, which has steadily increased the average yield of our portfolio. Our average yields for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Average income yield |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
Average tax equivalent income yield |
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
Net investment income by investment category is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
In thousands |
|
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
36,318 |
|
|
$ |
27,885 |
|
Equities |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
3,863 |
|
|
|
3,957 |
|
Other invested assets |
|
|
2,883 |
|
|
|
1,276 |
|
Business owned life insurance |
|
|
572 |
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,698 |
|
|
|
33,753 |
|
Investment expenses |
|
|
(1,127 |
) |
|
|
(872 |
) |
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ |
42,571 |
|
|
$ |
32,881 |
|
|
|
|
The increase in investment income from fixed maturities and the increase in investment
expenses are both principally due to the increase in invested funds, including those acquired as a
result of the PIC Wisconsin transaction.
27
The components of net realized investment gains (losses) are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
In thousands |
|
Net gains (losses) from sales |
|
$ |
260 |
|
|
$ |
656 |
|
Other-than-temporary impairment losses |
|
|
(4,174 |
) |
|
|
(571 |
) |
Trading portfolio gains (losses) |
|
|
752 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
|
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
|
$ |
(3,162 |
) |
|
$ |
144 |
|
|
|
|
The 2007 other-than-temporary impairment losses above were recognized to reflect a
significant loss in the fair value of our investment in high yield
asset backed bonds, particularly those with sub-prime loan exposures,
as further discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
$ in thousands |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
$ |
867 |
|
|
$ |
1,481 |
|
|
($ |
614 |
) |
|
|
(41.5%) |
|
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is derived from our ownership interest
in the earnings of investment entities that are accounted for on an equity basis.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses reflect a small increase for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006. The underwriting expense ratio also
increased in 2007 as a result of the decline in net earned premiums in 2007 and higher commission
and premium tax charges.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting Expense Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
$ in thousands |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting, acquisition
and insurance expenses |
|
$ |
26,827 |
|
|
$ |
26,453 |
|
|
$ |
374 |
|
|
|
1.4% |
|
|
|
19.6 |
% |
|
|
18.6 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
|
In both 2007 and 2006 the first quarter period includes expense of approximately $2.3
million and $2.0 million, respectively, that relate to the expensing of stock based compensation.
Approximately $1.0 million of this expense in both periods relates to awards made during the period
to retirement eligible employees. Under SFAS 123R awards issued to retirement eligible employees
are expensed when awarded rather than over the vesting period of the award.
Guaranty fund assessments (net recoveries) totaled approximately ($45,000) and $65,000 for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In 2007, we began to recoup, via premium
surcharges to our Florida insureds, the $2.3 million of assessments previously paid to the Florida
Insurance Guaranty Association. The recouped amounts recognized to-date are approximately $57,000.
28
Interest Expense
The increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the
same period in 2006 is primarily due to the debt of $11.6 million that we assumed in our
acquisition of PIC Wisconsin in August 2006.
Taxes
Our effective tax rate for each period is significantly lower than the 35% statutory rate
because a considerable portion of our net investment income is tax-exempt. The effect of tax-exempt
income on our effective tax rate is shown in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Statutory rate |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
Tax-exempt income |
|
|
(7 |
%) |
|
|
(9 |
%) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
Effective tax rate |
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
|
29
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk related to our
investment operations. These risks are interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk.
As of March 31, 2007, the fair value of our investment in fixed maturity securities was $3.1
billion. These securities are subject primarily to interest rate risk and credit risk. To date, we
have not entered into transactions that require treatment as derivatives pursuant to SFAS 133
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities as amended and interpreted.
Interest Rate Risk
Our fixed maturities portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest
rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise,
market values of fixed income portfolios fall and vice versa. Certain of the securities are held in
an unrealized loss position; we have the current ability and intent to keep such securities until
recovery of book value or maturity.
The following table summarizes estimated changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale
and trading fixed maturity securities for specific hypothetical changes in interest rates as of
March 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
Portfolio |
|
Change in |
|
Effective |
|
Portfolio |
|
Effective |
|
|
Value |
|
Value |
|
Duration |
|
Value |
|
Duration |
Interest Rates |
|
Millions |
|
Millions |
|
Years |
|
Millions |
|
Years |
|
200 basis point rise |
|
$ |
2,867 |
|
|
$ |
(264 |
) |
|
|
4.45 |
|
|
$ |
2,911 |
|
|
|
4.31 |
|
100 basis point rise |
|
$ |
2,999 |
|
|
$ |
(132 |
) |
|
|
4.36 |
|
|
$ |
3,057 |
|
|
|
4.20 |
|
Current rate * |
|
$ |
3,131 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
$ |
3,185 |
|
|
|
3.89 |
|
100 basis point decline |
|
$ |
3,252 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
|
3.61 |
|
|
$ |
3,306 |
|
|
|
3.55 |
|
200 basis point decline |
|
$ |
3,368 |
|
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
|
3.46 |
|
|
$ |
3,422 |
|
|
|
3.51 |
|
|
*Current rates are as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. |
Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on
numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of fixed
income security assets, and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of
the fair value of fixed rate instruments. Actual values may differ from those projections presented
should market conditions vary from assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of
individual securities, including non-parallel shifts in the term structure of interest rates and
changing individual issuer credit spreads.
ProAssurances cash and short-term investment portfolio at March 31, 2007 was on a cost basis
which approximates its fair value. This portfolio lacks significant interest rate sensitivity due
to its short duration.
30
Credit Risk
We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. We control
this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities we
purchase.
As of March 31, 2007, 99.7% of our fixed income portfolio consisted of securities rated
investment grade. We believe that this concentration in investment grade securities reduces our
exposure to credit risk on these fixed income investments to an acceptable level. However, in the
current environment even investment grade securities can rapidly deteriorate and result in
significant losses.
Equity Price Risk
At March 31, 2007 the fair value of our investment in common stocks was $15.1 million. These
securities are subject to equity price risk, which is defined as the potential for loss in market
value due to a decline in equity prices. The weighted average Beta of this group of securities is
0.94. Beta measures the price sensitivity of an equity security or group of equity securities to a
change in the broader equity market, in this case the S&P 500 Index. If the value of the S&P 500
Index increased by 10%, the fair value of these securities would be expected to increase by 9.4% to
$16.5 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the S&P 500 Index would imply a decrease of 9.4% in
the fair value of these securities to $13.7 million. The selected hypothetical changes of plus or
minus 10% do not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios and are used for
illustrative purposes only.
31
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e) as of
March 31, 2007. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, those controls during the
quarter.
Our management excluded PIC Wisconsins systems and processes from the scope of ProAssurances
assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 in reliance on the
guidance set forth in Question 3 of a Frequently Asked Questions interpretive release issued by
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commissions Office of the Chief Accountant and the
Division of Corporation Finance in June 2004 (and revised on October 6, 2004). We excluded PIC
Wisconsin from that scope because we expected substantially all of its significant systems and
processes to be converted to those of ProAssurance during 2007.
32
Part II Other Information
ITEM1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
See Risk Factors in Part 1, Item 1A of the 2006 Form 10K.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required
under SEC rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under
SEC rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required under
SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code,
as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350). |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under
SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code,
as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350). |
33
SIGNATURE
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Edward L. Rand, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward L. Rand, Jr., Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
(Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer) |
|
|
34