EAST LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Physicians Capital, Inc. (APCapital) today announced net income of $6.5 million or $.73 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter of 2004. This compares to net income of $102,000, or $.01 per diluted common share for the 2003 fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company has generated net income of $20.0 million or $2.30 per diluted common share compared to a net loss of $(76.8) million or $(9.02) per diluted share in 2003.
“In 2004, APCapital completed a successful turnaround,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer R. Kevin Clinton. “We have dramatically improved our operating performance, reduced balance sheet risk and positioned the Company for the future.”
“We remain very pleased with the performance of our core medical professional liability line. In 2004 this line has produced pre-tax income totaling $36.5 million. These positive results reflect many of the business initiatives we have implemented since the beginning of 2002.”
Medical Professional Liability Results (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written $39,193 $45,049 $203,034 $195,742 Net Premiums Written $33,954 $35,762 $175,042 $164,157 Net Premiums Earned $43,651 $39,874 $173,835 $158,777 Incurred Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Current Accident Year Losses 35,673 34,938 148,230 153,180 Gerling Commutation - - 4,139 - Prior Year Losses (1,301) - (6,850) 44,250 Total 34,372 34,938 145,519 197,430 Underwriting Expenses 7,980 8,653 35,320 31,315 Underwriting Income (Loss) 1,299 (3,717) (7,004) (69,968) Net Investment Income and Other 11,299 9,829 43,476 36,147 Pre-tax Income (Loss) $12,598 $6,112 $36,472 $(33,821) Loss Ratio: Current Accident Year 81.7% 87.6% 85.3% 96.5% Prior Year Development (including Gerling) -3.0% - -1.6% 27.8% Calendar Year 78.7% 87.6% 83.7% 124.3% Underwriting Expense Ratio 18.3% 21.7% 20.3% 19.7% Combined Ratio 97.0% 109.3% 104.0% 144.0%
Net premiums earned were up $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, or 9.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2003 and up $15.1 million, or 9.5% for the year. The increase in premiums was the result of the Company’s rate increases in all markets and policyholder growth in New Mexico. These increases were partially offset by the effects of our exit from the Florida market and reduced policies in force in Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio. At December 31, 2004, the policies in force totaled 9,555 which is down 8.8% from December 31, 2003. The decline in these markets was the result of increased price competition in selected segments in our core markets and strict underwriting standards. APCapital remains committed to applying strict underwriting standards and adequate pricing.
The loss ratio in the fourth quarter of 2004 was 78.7%, which lowered the loss ratio for all of 2004 to 83.7%. Both are down from 87.6% in the fourth quarter of 2003 and 124.3% for all of 2003. The improved loss ratio was the result of several factors including rate increases taken by the Company, exiting Florida and certain occurrence-based markets, and stricter underwriting standards. In addition, 2003 results included a $44.3 million adjustment to increase reserves on prior accident years.
The 2004 loss ratio includes a $4.1 million increase in incurred losses and an $800,000 increase in earned premium from the previously announced commutation of our reinsurance treaty with Gerling Global in the second quarter of 2004. Gerling placed its U.S. reinsurance business into run-off and had limited capital to support this line. While Gerling continued to perform in accordance with the terms of our treaty, it represented a significant credit risk on our balance sheet with a gross receivable of $18 million. We were able to commute this treaty and receive a cash payment of approximately $13.5 million in the second quarter of 2004. The Company expects to realize little if any economic loss as the interest income from investing the $13.5 million proceeds over the life of the claims is expected to offset the current book loss.
“We saw several positive trends develop in our key indicators during 2004,” stated Clinton. “Our reported professional liability claim count totaled 1,786 for the year, which is a drop of 871 claims, or 33% from 2003. We strengthened our professional liability reserves in 2004, with average net case reserves per open claim of $117,000, an increase of 33.6% from 2003.”
Underwriting expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of net premiums earned, were down in the fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year fourth quarter. This was caused by the decline in direct premiums written in the fourth quarter and expense reduction efforts. However, the underwriting expense ratio for the year increased from 19.7% in 2003 to 20.3% in 2004 and expenses were up $4.0 million. The increase in underwriting expenses was partially attributable to an increase in commissions and premium taxes associated with the higher volume of direct premiums written. In general, expenses in 2004 were higher as compared to 2003 due to employee severances and costs related to our initial internal controls audit required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act and related SEC rules. These expenses started to abate in the fourth quarter of 2004.
Other Insurance Lines Results (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written $1,973 $9,805 $10,911 $60,494 Net Premiums Written $2,673 $9,683 $11,389 $60,490 Net Premiums Earned $2,969 $15,196 $26,744 $65,813 Incurred Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Current Accident Year Losses 2,283 13,942 23,371 56,119 Gerling Commutation - - 271 - Prior Year Losses 3,431 129 8,625 (807) Total 5,714 14,071 32,267 55,312 Underwriting Expenses 715 5,623 7,361 19,789 Underwriting Loss (3,460) (4,498) (12,884) (9,288) Net Investment Income and Other 546 926 3,510 5,582 Pre-tax Loss $(2,914) $(3,572) $(9,374) $(3,706) Loss Ratio: Current Accident Year 76.9% 91.8% 87.4% 85.3% Prior Year Development (including Gerling) 115.6% 0.8% 33.3% -1.3% Calendar Year 192.5% 92.6% 120.7% 84.0% Underwriting Expense Ratio 24.1% 37.0% 27.5% 30.1% Combined Ratio 216.6% 129.6% 148.2% 114.1%
The other insurance lines segment includes the run-off results of our workers’ compensation, health, and personal and commercial lines. The decrease of direct premiums written in 2004 was the result of our exit from these lines and the non-renewal of business.
We recorded approximately $3.4 million of adverse development on other insurance reserves during the fourth quarter of 2004. Reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for the other insurance segment total $55.5 million net of reinsurance assumed and ceded at December 31, 2004. Management is aggressively working to settle the remaining claims.
Underwriting expenses have decreased due to staffing and overhead reductions associated with the other insurance lines. As we continue exiting the lines, the underwriting expenses should continue to decrease.
Investment Income
Investment income was $10.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, a decrease of $163,000 from the fourth quarter of 2003. For the year, investment income was $47.4 million, up $4.1 million from 2003. Investment income in 2004 has been enhanced by strong returns from our collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and high-yield bond portfolios, $1.5 million of call premiums on our securities and a decrease in the percentage of our investment portfolio that was allocated to short-term investments. The average yield on investments was 5.93% for 2004 compared to 5.55% for 2003. However, due to a decline in the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate and mortgage rates, our CMO performance was not as strong in the fourth quarter of 2004.
Throughout 2004 we have been restructuring our investment portfolio to reduce credit risk. This restructuring has included the sale of our high-yield portfolio and other non-investment grade securities, and the liquidation of most of our real estate and other investment holdings. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we sold another investment property and liquidated most of our equity portfolio. We currently maintain a relatively short investment posture with $191 million in cash and other cash equivalents. Over the next six to nine months we intend to deploy these cash resources in various other securities including taxable municipals, investment-grade corporate bonds and mortgage- backed securities.
Balance Sheet and Equity Information
APCapital’s total assets were $1.070 billion at December 31, 2004, up $6.9 million from December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s total shareholders’ equity was $202.1 million compared to $201.8 million at December 31, 2003. The increase in equity was the result of an increase in 2004 net income offset by a decrease in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax. Net unrealized gains on the Company’s investments decreased $13.9 million, net of tax, during 2004. This decrease was due to declines in market values of fixed income securities caused by rising interest rates and the recognition of some gains during the year. Changes to the net deferred tax asset allowance accounted for an additional $9.3 million negative effect on equity.
The Company still maintains a 100% valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets of $53.4 million. Once the Company has re-established a longer pattern of profitability, the valuation allowance may be reduced, totally or in part, upon evaluation of the availability of future taxable income.
APCapital’s book value per common share was $23.31 at December 31, 2004, based on 8,671,984 common shares outstanding, compared to $23.89 at December 31, 2003. Book value per common share, excluding unrealized gains, was $22.37 at December 31, 2004, up 9.7% from the $20.39 at December 31, 2003.
Share Repurchase Program
During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under the September 11, 2003 authorization. Under this authorization, the Company had approximately 418,500 shares available for repurchase at December 31, 2004.
Outlook
“We are pleased with the turnaround of our Company in 2004,” said Clinton. “We have refocused on our core medical professional liability line and markets. We’ve worked to reduce risk and exposure elsewhere in our organization and to position the Company for a successful future.”
Conference Call
APCapital’s website, http://www.apcapital.com/ , will host a live Webcast of its conference call in a listen-only format to discuss 2004 fourth quarter results on February 25, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. An archived edition of the Webcast can be accessed by going to the Company’s website and selecting “For Investors,” then “Audio Links.” For individuals unable to access the Webcast, a telephone replay will be available by dialing 1-888-286-8010 (international 617-801-6888) and entering the conference passcode: 44302777. The replay will be available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 4, 2005.
Corporate Description
American Physicians Capital, Inc. is a regional provider of medical professional liability insurance focused primarily in the Midwest markets through American Physicians Assurance Corporation and its other subsidiaries. Further information about the companies is available on the Internet at http://www.apcapital.com/ .
Forward-Looking Statement
Certain statements made by American Physicians Capital, Inc. in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. When we use words such as “will,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions, or make statements in the section entitled “Outlook,” we are making forward- looking statements. While we believe any forward-looking statements we have made are reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
* the potential inadequacy of our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, which could require us to make an adjustment to the level of these reserves and that may materially and adversely impact the results of operations for the period any such adjustment is made;
* a deterioration in the current accident year experience could result in a portion or all of our deferred policy acquisition costs not being recoverable, which would result in a charge to income;
* unforeseen costs or the need for additional reserve enhancements associated with our exit from the workers’ compensation, health and personal and commercial insurance lines, which could result in future charges to income;
* substantial jury awards against our insureds could impose liability on us exceeding our policy limits or the funds we have reserved for the payment of claims;
* increased pressures on premium rates and our potential inability to obtain rate increases;
* changes in competitive conditions; * an unanticipated increase in claims frequency or severity patterns;
* our potential inability to obtain adequate and affordable reinsurance coverage from creditworthy reinsurers;
* our potential inability to collect the full amount of our reinsurance recoverables from reinsurers experiencing financial difficulties, which could result in a future charge to income;
* adverse regulatory and market changes in certain states of operation where our business is concentrated;
* the loss of our relationships with medical associations;
* an interruption or change in our principal third-party distribution relationship;
* the potential insolvency of any of the guaranty associations in which we participate;
* the potential inability to obtain regulatory approval of rate increases;
* our potential inability to comply with insurance regulations; * a further reduction in our A.M. Best Company rating; * negative changes in financial market conditions; * a significant increase in short-term interest rates; * a change in real estate market conditions; * a downturn in general economic conditions; and
* any other factors listed or discussed in the reports filed by APCapital with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
APCapital does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter its statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Definition of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate APCapital’s underwriting performance. Operating income (loss) differs from net income (loss) by excluding the after-tax effect of realized capital gains and (losses) and the after-tax effect of changes in accounting principles.
Although the investment of premiums to generate investment income and capital gains or (losses) is an integral part of an insurance company’s operations, the Company’s decisions to realize capital gains or (losses) are independent of the insurance underwriting process. In addition, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, losses may be recognized for accounting purposes as the result of other than temporary declines in the value of investment securities, without actual realization. APCapital believes that the level of realized gains and (losses) for any particular period is not indicative of the performance of our ongoing underlying insurance operations in a particular period. Changes in accounting principles, likewise, are not indicative of the current or future performance of our insurance operations, and have therefore also been excluded in the calculation of operating income (loss). As a result, the Company believes that providing operating income (loss) information makes it easier for users of APCapital’s financial information to evaluate the success of the Company’s underlying insurance operations.
In addition to the Company’s reported loss ratios, management uses accident year loss ratios, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate the Company’s current underwriting performance. The accident year loss ratio excludes the effect of prior years’ loss reserve development. APCapital believes that this ratio is useful to investors as it focuses on the relationships between current premiums earned and losses incurred related to the current year. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of losses incurred related to the current year, the Company believes that the current estimates are reasonable.
Summary Financial Information APCapital, Inc. Balance Sheet Data December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 (In thousands, except per share data) Assets: Cash and investments $858,097 $834,005 Premiums receivable 54,615 65,362 Reinsurance recoverable 103,312 103,652 Federal income taxes recoverable 1,569 973 Intangible assets 625 1,539 Other assets 51,680 57,515 Total assets $1,069,898 $1,063,046 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity: Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $693,630 $673,605 Unearned premiums 90,040 103,806 Long-term debt 30,928 30,928 Other liabilities 50,977 50,698 Total liabilities 865,575 859,037 Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary 2,200 2,201 Shareholders’ equity 202,123 201,808 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,069,898 $1,063,046 Book value per share: Total $23.31 $23.89 Tangible $23.24 $23.71 Shares outstanding 8,672 8,446 Summary Financial Information APCapital, Inc. Income Statement Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 (In thousands, except per share data) Net premiums earned $46,620 $55,070 $200,579 $224,590 Investment income 10,922 11,085 47,373 43,294 Net realized gains 318 1,112 1,551 2,403 Other income 615 586 1,177 1,104 Total revenues 58,475 67,853 250,680 271,391 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 40,086 49,009 177,786 252,742 Underwriting expenses 8,695 14,276 42,681 51,104 Restructuring expenses / exit costs 1,113 808 1,275 808 Other expenses 1,961 2,397 9,188 7,620 Total expenses 51,855 66,490 230,930 312,274 Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests 6,620 1,363 19,750 (40,883) Federal income tax expense (benefit) 84 1,609 (290) 36,296 Income (loss) before minority interests 6,536 (246) 20,040 (77,179) Minority interest in net (income) loss of consolidated subsidiary (27) 348 (10) 348 Net income (loss) $6,509 $102 $20,030 $(76,831) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating income (loss): Net income (loss) $6,509 $102 $20,030 $(76,831) Deduct: Realized gains, net of tax (207) (723) (1,008) (1,562) Operating income (loss) $6,302 $(621) $19,022 $(78,393) Earnings per share data Net income (loss) Basic $0.76 $0.01 $2.37 $(9.02) Diluted $0.73 $0.01 $2.30 $(9.02) Operating income (loss) Basic $0.74 $(0.07) $2.25 $(9.20) Diluted $0.71 $(0.07) $2.18 $(9.20) Basic weighted average shares outstanding 8,539 8,356 8,455 8,520 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 8,881 8,533 8,721 8,520 (1) Loss ratio 86.0% 89.0% 88.6% 112.5% Underwriting ratio 18.7% 25.9% 21.3% 22.8% Combined ratio 104.7% 114.9% 109.9% 135.3%
(1) Incremental shares for the conversion of options are not included in the calculation as they would be anti-dilutive.
Summary Financial Information APCapital, Inc. Line of Business Results (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written: Medical professional liability $39,193 $45,049 $203,034 $195,742 Other insurance lines 1,973 9,805 10,911 60,494 Total $41,166 $54,854 $213,945 $256,236 Net Premiums Written: Medical professional liability $33,954 $35,762 $175,042 $164,157 Other insurance lines 2,673 9,683 11,389 60,490 Total $36,627 $45,445 $186,431 $224,647 Net Premiums Earned: Medical professional liability $43,651 $39,874 $173,835 $158,777 Other insurance lines 2,969 15,196 26,744 65,813 Total $46,620 $55,070 $200,579 $224,590 Loss Ratio (1): Medical professional liability 78.7% 87.6% 83.7% 124.3% Other insurance lines 192.5% 92.6% 120.7% 84.0% Total 86.0% 89.0% 88.6% 112.5% Underwriting Ratio (2): Medical professional liability 18.3% 21.7% 20.3% 19.7% Other insurance lines 24.1% 37.0% 27.5% 30.1% Total 18.7% 25.9% 21.3% 22.8% Combined Ratio (3): Medical professional liability 97.0% 109.3% 104.0% 144.0% Other insurance lines 216.6% 129.6% 148.2% 114.1% Total 104.7% 114.9% 109.9% 135.3%
(1) The loss ratio is calculated by dividing incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses by net premiums earned.
(2) The underwriting ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by net premiums earned.
(3) The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and underwriting ratios. APCapital, Inc. Supplemental Statistics Medical Professional Liability Reported Claim Count Excluding Total Three Months Ended Florida Florida (All States) December 31, 2004 365 6 371 September 30, 2004 424 7 431 June 30, 2004 454 5 459 March 31, 2004 515 10 525 December 31, 2003 467 62 529 September 30, 2003 566 65 631 June 30, 2003 588 106 694 March 31, 2003 602 201 (1) 803 December 31, 2002 668 106 774 September 30, 2002 579 150 729 June 30, 2002 617 131 748 March 31, 2002 648 119 767 Net Premium Earned (in thousands) Excluding Total Three Months Ended Florida Florida (All States) December 31, 2004 $43,452 $199 $43,651 September 30, 2004 43,638 531 44,169 June 30, 2004 43,356 203 43,559 March 31, 2004 42,175 281 42,456 December 31, 2003 38,443 1,431 39,874 September 30, 2003 38,279 2,764 41,043 June 30, 2003 32,463 5,912 38,375 March 31, 2003 34,700 4,785 39,485 December 31, 2002 34,151 6,431 40,582 September 30, 2002 33,608 6,481 40,089 June 30, 2002 28,724 6,300 35,024 March 31, 2002 26,760 6,191 32,951 Average Net Open Case Reserve Average Net Three Months Ended Claim Count Per Open Claim Paid Claim December 31, 2004 3,342 $117,000 $50,500 September 30, 2004 3,803 103,300 78,100 June 30, 2004 3,885 100,100 61,000 (2) March 31, 2004 4,103 95,400 55,200 December 31, 2003 4,447 87,600 55,100 September 30, 2003 4,780 82,200 82,200 June 30, 2003 4,788 79,800 60,300 March 31, 2003 4,830 75,400 71,500 December 31, 2002 4,863 70,900 55,100 September 30, 2002 4,941 67,800 67,200 June 30, 2002 4,878 66,100 74,100 March 31, 2002 4,828 63,400 72,800 Retention Ratio Three Months Six Months Nine Months March 31, June 30, September 30, Year Ended Year Ended 2004 2004 2004 2004 2003 Illinois 79% 71% 68% 67% 73% Kentucky 81% 80% 77% 73% 69% Michigan 86% 88% 88% 88% 86% New Mexico 91% 92% 91% 92% 93% Ohio 87% 85% 79% 79% 68% Total (all states) 85% 85% 83% 83% 68% Notes:
All values, except net premiums earned, exclude experience from investment in Physicians Insurance Company (Florida).
(1) Includes 76 claims reported by 4 physicians at the end of their coverage with the company.
(2) Average net paid claim data excludes the effect of Gerling Global commutation.
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CONTACT: Ann Storberg, Investor Relations of American PhysiciansCapital, Inc., +1-517-324-6629
Web site: http://www.apcapital.com/
