EAST LANSING, Mich., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Significant Third Quarter 2004 Events * Net income of $4.5 million or $.52 per diluted common share for the quarter * Pre-tax income of $8.1 million in medical professional liability for the quarter * Positive prior year development of $700,000 on medical professional liability reserves * Adverse prior year development of $1.9 million on reserves for other insurance lines * Continued reduction of workers’ compensation and health insurance premiums
American Physicians Capital, Inc. (APCapital) today announced net income of $4.5 million or $.52 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2004. This compares to a net loss of $(77.1) million, or $(9.03) per diluted common share for the 2003 third quarter. Year-to-date through September 30, 2004, the Company has generated net income of $13.5 million or $1.57 per diluted common share compared to a net loss of $(76.9) million or $(8.97) per diluted share in 2003.
“We have completed four consecutive quarters of positive financial results and are now a full year past our reserve adjustment taken in the third quarter of 2003,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer R. Kevin Clinton. “We believe APCapital has made a successful turnaround producing strong financial results and reducing balance sheet risk.”
“We are very pleased with the performance of our core medical professional liability line. Year to date this line has produced pre-tax income totaling $23.9 million. These positive results reflect many of the business initiatives we have implemented since the beginning of 2002.”
Medical Professional Liability Results Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written $70,784 $72,021 $163,841 $150,693 Net Premiums Written $61,149 $61,661 $141,088 $128,395 Net Premiums Earned $44,169 $41,043 $130,184 $118,903 Incurred Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Current Accident Year Losses 36,881 40,823 112,557 118,242 Gerling Commutation 4,139 Prior Year Losses (700) 43,000 (5,549) 44,250 Total 36,181 83,823 111,147 162,492 Underwriting Expenses 9,185 7,770 27,340 22,662 Underwriting Loss (1,197) (50,550) (8,303) (66,251) Net Investment Income and Other 9,300 8,959 32,177 26,318 Pre-tax Income $8,103 $(41,591) $23,874 $(39,933) Loss Ratio: Current Accident Year 83.5% 99.5% 86.5% 99.4% Prior Year Development (including Gerling) -1.6% 104.8% -1.1% 37.2% Calendar Year 81.9% 204.3% 85.4% 136.6% Underwriting Expense Ratio 20.8% 18.9% 21.0% 19.1% Combined Ratio 102.7% 223.2% 106.4% 155.7%
Net premiums earned were up $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2004, or 7.6% compared to the third quarter of 2003 and up $11.3 million, or 9.5% year- to-date. The increase in premiums was the result of the Company’s rate increases in all markets, partially offset by the effects of our exit from the Florida market and a reduced physician count in Kentucky and Ohio. At September 30, 2004, the insured physician count totaled 9,746 which is down 6.6% from December 31, 2003. This decline 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 third quarter of 2004 was 81.9%, and 85.4% year-to- date. Both are down from 204.3% in the third quarter of 2003 and 136.6% year- to-date in 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, the 2003 third quarter results included a $43.0 million adjustment to increase reserves on prior accident years.
The 2004 year-to-date loss ratio includes a $4.1 million increase in incurred losses from the 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.
“Positive trends continued to develop in our key indicators during the third quarter of this year,” stated Clinton. “Our reported professional liability claim count totaled 431 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, which is a drop of 200 claims, or 31.7% from the third quarter of 2003. We continued to strengthen our professional liability reserves in the third quarter of 2004, with average net case reserves per open claim of $103,300, an increase of 25.7% from the third quarter of 2003.”
Underwriting expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of net earned premiums, were up in the 2004 third quarter and year-to-date. Year-to-date, the increases in underwriting expenses were partially attributable to an increase in commissions and premium taxes associated with the higher volume of direct premiums written. In general, expenses were higher due to employee severances and costs related to our initial internal controls audit required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act and related SEC rules.
Other Insurance Lines Results Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written $2,306 $17,939 $8,938 $50,689 Net Premiums Written $2,574 $17,710 $8,716 $50,807 Net Premiums Earned $4,586 $15,545 $23,775 $50,617 Incurred Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Current Accident Year Losses 4,706 12,517 21,088 42,177 Gerling Commutation 271 Prior Year Losses 1,886 381 5,194 (936) Total 6,592 12,898 26,553 41,241 Underwriting Expenses 653 3,951 6,646 14,166 Underwriting Loss (2,659) (1,304) (9,424) (4,790) Net Investment Income and Other 516 1,454 2,964 4,655 Pre-tax Loss $(2,143) $150 $(6,460) $(135) Loss Ratio: Current Accident Year 102.6% 80.5% 88.7% 83.3% Prior Year Development (including Gerling) 41.1% 2.5% 23.0% -1.8% Calendar Year 143.7% 83.0% 111.7% 81.5% Underwriting Expense Ratio 14.2% 25.4% 28.0% 28.0% Combined Ratio 157.9% 108.4% 139.7% 109.5%
The other insurance lines segment includes the run-off results of our workers’ compensation, health, and personal and commercial lines. Through September 30, 2004, our direct premiums written in workers’ compensation were $(10,000) compared to $32.6 million through September 30, 2003. Workers’ Compensation net premiums earned were $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2004 and $15.3 million year-to-date compared to $10.3 million in the third quarter of 2003 and $33.6 million year-to-date in 2003. For the remainder of 2004, we do not expect to write any workers’ compensation written premiums as we continue the non-renewal process. Net premiums earned will continue to decline in 2004 as we earn the balance of premiums written in 2003. As of September 30, 2004, workers’ compensation net unearned premium reserve was $1.4 million.
Health direct premiums written were $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2004 and $8.9 million year-to-date compared to $5.5 million for the third quarter and $18.1 million year-to-date in 2003. Covered lives declined approximately 50% since December 31, 2003 and now stand at 3,274 at September 30, 2004. We began non-renewing all remaining policies on July 1, 2004.
We recorded approximately $2.0 million of adverse development on workers’ compensation reserves during the third quarter of 2004. Reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for workers’ compensation total $51.7 million net of reinsurance assumed and ceded at September 30, 2004.
Our remaining workers’ compensation claims decreased from 2,215 open claims at December 31, 2003 to 1,396 open claims at September 30, 2004. The claim files have been centralized in our Louisville, Kentucky office and management is aggressively working to settle the remaining claims. The projection of reserves in a runoff line of business may be uncertain.
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 third quarter of 2004, a decrease of $453,000 from the third quarter of 2003. Through September 30, 2004, year-to-date investment income was $36.5 million, up $4.2 million from the first nine months of 2003. Year-to-date 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 6.05% for the first nine months of 2004 compared to 5.54% for the first nine months of 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 third quarter of 2004.
Throughout 2004 we have been restructuring our 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. We currently maintain a relatively short investment posture with just under $200 million in cash and other short- term securities. 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 $1.062 billion at September 30, 2004, down $1.2 million from December 31, 2003. At September 30, 2004, the Company’s total shareholders’ equity was $200.7 million, down from $201.8 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease in equity was the result of a decrease in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax, offset by 2004 net income. Net unrealized gains on the Company’s investments increased $1.6 million, net of tax, during the third quarter of 2004, but are down $10.3 million year-to- date. This decrease was due to declines in market values of fixed income securities caused by rising interest rates.
The Company still maintains a 100% valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets of $52.2 million. Once the Company has re-established a 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 $23.54 at September 30, 2004, based on 8,527,677 common shares outstanding, compared to $23.89 at December 31, 2003. Tangible book value per common share was $23.44 at September 30, 2004, compared to $23.71 at December 31, 2003.
Share Repurchase Program
During the third quarter of 2004, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. Under the September 11, 2003 authorization, the Company had approximately 418,500 shares available for repurchase at September 30, 2004. At this time the Company does not anticipate repurchasing any of its shares in the near future.
Outlook
“We are pleased with the progress of our Company and its improved profitability,” said Clinton. “We continue to focus on our core medical professional liability line and we’re working to reduce risk and exposure elsewhere in our organization.”
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 third quarter results on November 9, 2004 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: 75563931. The replay will be available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on November 16, 2004.
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, 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;
* an adverse outcome in the putative shareholder class action lawsuit against us;
* 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 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 September 30, December 31, 2004 2003 (In thousands, except per share data) Assets: Cash and investments $837,262 $834,005 Premiums receivable 61,610 65,362 Reinsurance recoverable 104,138 103,652 Federal income taxes recoverable 1,654 973 Intangibles 854 1,539 Other assets 56,358 57,515 Total assets $1,061,876 $1,063,046 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity: Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $691,560 $673,605 Unearned premiums 102,123 103,806 Note payable, officer - 6,000 Long-term debt 30,928 30,928 Other liabilities 34,375 44,698 Total liabilities 858,986 859,037 Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary 2,181 2,201 Shareholders’ equity 200,709 201,808 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,061,876 $1,063,046 Book value per share: Total $23.54 $23.89 Tangible $23.44 $23.71 Shares outstanding 8,528 8,446 Summary Financial Information APCapital, Inc. Income Statement Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 (In thousands except per share data) Net premiums earned $48,755 $56,588 $153,959 $169,520 Investment income 10,947 11,400 36,451 32,209 Net realized (losses) gains (332) 143 1,233 1,291 Other income 156 161 562 518 Total revenues 59,526 68,292 192,205 203,538 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 42,773 96,721 137,700 203,733 Underwriting expenses 9,838 11,721 33,986 36,828 Other expenses 2,142 2,284 7,389 5,223 Total expenses 54,753 110,726 179,075 245,784 Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest 4,773 (42,434) 13,130 (42,246) Federal income tax expense (benefit) 226 34,621 (374) 34,687 Income (loss) before minority interest 4,547 (77,055) 13,504 (76,933) Minority interest in net loss of consolidated subsidiary 2 - 17 - Net income (loss) $4,549 $(77,055) $13,521 $(76,933) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating income (loss) Net income (loss) 4,549 (77,055) 13,521 (76,933) Add back: Realized losses (gains), net of tax 216 (93) (801) (839) Net operating income (loss) $4,765 $(77,148) $12,720 $(77,772) Ratios: Loss ratio 87.7% 170.9% 89.4% 120.2% Underwriting expense ratio 20.2% 20.7% 22.1% 21.7% Combined ratio 107.9% 191.6% 111.5% 141.9% Earnings per share data: Net income (loss) Basic $0.54 $(9.03) $1.60 $(8.97) Diluted $0.52 $(9.03) $1.57 $(8.97) Net operating income (loss) per share Basic $0.56 $(9.04) $1.51 $(9.07) Diluted $0.54 $(9.04) $1.47 $(9.07) Basic weighted average shares outstanding 8,443 8,534 8,427 8,576 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (1) 8,755 8,534 8,626 8,576
(1) As the Company was in a net loss position for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003, no effect of options or other stock awards was calculated as the impact would have been anti-dilutive.
Summary Financial Information APCapital, Inc. Supplemental Premium Information (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Direct Premiums Written: Medical professional liability $70,784 $72,021 $163,841 $150,693 Workers’ compensation (37) 12,426 (10) 32,594 Health 2,343 5,513 8,948 18,095 Personal and commercial - - - - Total $73,090 $89,960 $172,779 $201,382 Net Premiums Written: Medical professional liability $61,149 $61,661 $141,088 $128,395 Workers’ compensation 344 12,440 253 33,788 Health 2,230 5,270 8,463 17,258 Personal and commercial - - - (239) Total $63,723 $79,371 $149,804 $179,202 Net Premiums Earned: Medical professional liability $44,169 $41,043 $130,184 $118,903 Workers’ compensation 2,356 10,275 15,312 33,598 Health 2,230 5,270 8,463 17,258 Personal and commercial - - - (239) Total $48,755 $56,588 $153,959 $169,520 APCapital, Inc. Supplemental Statistics Medical Professional Liability Reported Claim Count Excluding Total Three Months Ended Florida Florida (All States) 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) September 30, 2004 $42,965 $531 $43,496 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 Three Months Ended Claim Per Open Net Count Claim Paid Claim 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 Ended Ended Ended Year March 31, June 30, September 30, Ended 2004 2004 2004 2003 Illinois 79% 71% 68% 73% Kentucky 81% 80% 77% 69% Michigan 86% 88% 88% 86% New Mexico 91% 92% 91% 93% Ohio 87% 85% 79% 68% Total (all states) 85% 85% 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.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020123/ACAPLOGO )
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020123/ACAPLOGOPRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comAmerican Physicians Capital, Inc.
CONTACT: Ann Storberg, Investor Relations of American PhysiciansCapital, Inc., +1-517-324-6629
Web site: http://www.apcapital.com/