Business & Finance
Business and Finance
Business and Finance
Thu, July 30, 2009
Wed, July 29, 2009 Mercer Insurance Group, Inc.: Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. Reports Earnings for the Six Months and Quarter Ended June 30, 2009
PENNINGTON, NJ--(Marketwire - July 29, 2009) - Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (
2nd Quarter highlights:
-- Net income of $0.60 per diluted share versus $0.51 per diluted share in the prior year's quarter, -- Operating income of $0.55 per diluted share versus $0.49 per diluted share in the prior year's quarter, -- A GAAP combined ratio of 97.4% versus 98.2% in the prior year's quarter, -- Book value per diluted share of $23.87.
Andrew R. Speaker, President and CEO, in commenting on the results, said, "We are extremely pleased with our operating results for the quarter, which were at an all-time high. These results reflect our disciplined underwriting approach and were enhanced by aggressive expense management and reinsurance changes implemented over the past few years."
Speaker noted, "Despite challenges to direct premium writings as a result of the continued slow economic environment, we have had some success with new products we've introduced into our various states. These product introductions have helped offset some of the loss in writings that have occurred as exposures are reduced by the extended recession."
Speaker concluded, "Our capital position grew again during the quarter as our strong investment portfolio performed well. While we recorded a small provision for declines in fair value of securities considered to be other than temporary during the quarter, overall both our fixed income and equity portfolios showed good appreciation in value. Our balance sheet remains strong and we are well positioned from a risk selection standpoint."
Financial Summary (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, (unaudited) (unaudited) ---------------- ---------------- 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total revenue $ 39,530 $ 42,708 $ 78,722 $ 84,781 Net premiums written 40,326 43,749 72,182 78,288 Net premiums earned 34,952 38,644 70,534 77,721 Net investment income 3,625 3,343 7,228 6,704 Net realized gains (losses) on investments 402 157 (79) (663) Net income 3,750 3,233 6,641 5,825 Earnings per share - Basic $ 0.61 $ 0.52 $ 1.07 $ 0.94 Earnings per share - Diluted $ 0.60 $ 0.51 $ 1.06 $ 0.91 Combined ratio 97.4% 98.2% 97.9% 98.2% Book value per share $ 23.87 $ 21.78 Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures: Net income $ 3,750 $ 3,233 $ 6,641 $ 5,825 Net realized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax 266 102 (52) (431) Net operating income 3,484 3,131 6,693 6,256 Operating earnings per share - Basic $ 0.56 $ 0.50 $ 1.08 $ 1.00 Operating earnings per share - Diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.49 $ 1.07 $ 0.98
In the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company reported GAAP net income under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of $3.8 million, or $0.60 per diluted share. This result compares to net income of $3.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the same quarter in the previous year. Operating earnings increased to $3.5 million from the $3.1 million reported in the prior year's quarter.
In the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company reported GAAP net income of $6.6 million, or $1.06 per diluted share. This result compares to net income of $5.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, for the same period in the previous year. Operating earnings increased to $6.7 million from $6.3 million in the prior year.
The Board of Directors of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. has approved a dividend of $0.075 per share, to be paid on September 28, 2009 to shareholders of record on September 11, 2009.
Operating income and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures that we present because we believe they enhance an investor's understanding of Mercer's core operating performance. Operating income and operating earnings per share consist of net earnings adjusted for after-tax net realized investment gains and losses.
Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. offers commercial and personal lines of insurance to businesses and individuals principally in seven states through its insurance subsidiaries: Mercer Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Company of New Jersey, Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company and Franklin Insurance Company.
Certain of the statements in this press release (other than statements of historical facts) are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty that are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control and have been made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management's expectations so that the effect of future developments on Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. will be those anticipated by management. Actual financial results including premium growth and underwriting results could differ materially from those anticipated by Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. depending on the outcome of certain factors, which may include changes in property and casualty loss trends and reserves; catastrophe losses; the insurance product pricing environment; changes in applicable law; government regulation and changes therein that may impede the ability to charge adequate rates; changes in accounting principles; performance of the financial markets; fluctuations in interest rates; availability and price of reinsurance; and the status of the labor markets in which the company operates.
Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands, except per share and share data) Quarter Ended June 30, 2009 2008 (unaudited) (unaudited) Net premiums earned $ 34,952 $ 38,644 Investment income, net of investment expenses 3,625 3,343 Realized investment gains 402 157 Other revenue 551 564 Total revenue 39,530 42,708 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 20,761 23,975 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 9,598 10,341 Other expenses 3,678 3,647 Interest expense 356 337 Total expenses 34,393 38,300 Income before income taxes 5,137 4,408 Income taxes 1,387 1,175 Net income $ 3,750 $ 3,233 Net income per common share: Basic $ 0.61 $ 0.52 Diluted $ 0.60 $ 0.51 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 6,196,311 6,233,796 Diluted 6,298,438 6,387,750 Supplementary Financial Data Net written premiums $ 40,326 $ 43,749 Book value per common share $ 23.87 $ 21.78 GAAP combined ratio 97.4% 98.2% Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands, except per share and share data) Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 2008 (unaudited) (unaudited) Net premiums earned $ 70,534 $ 77,721 Investment income, net of investment expenses 7,228 6,704 Realized investment losses (79) (663) Other revenue 1,039 1,019 Total revenue 78,722 84,781 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 42,960 48,745 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 19,503 20,703 Other expenses 6,569 6,842 Interest expense 708 633 Total expenses 69,740 76,923 Income before income taxes 8,982 7,858 Income taxes 2,341 2,033 Net income $ 6,641 $ 5,825 Net income per common share: Basic $ 1.07 $ 0.94 Diluted $ 1.06 $ 0.91 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 6,188,313 6,226,772 Diluted 6,262,612 6,382,926 Supplementary Financial Data Net written premiums $ 72,182 $ 78,288 GAAP combined ratio 97.9% 98.2% Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands, except share amounts) June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 (unaudited) ASSETS Investments, at fair value: Fixed income securities, available-for sale $ 360,391 $ 334,087 Equity securities, at fair value 8,988 10,203 Total investments 369,379 344,290 Cash and cash equivalents 23,253 37,043 Premiums receivable 39,634 34,165 Reinsurance receivable 79,860 86,443 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 6,188 7,096 Deferred policy acquisition costs 19,586 20,193 Accrued investment income 4,315 3,901 Property and equipment, net 19,543 16,144 Deferred income taxes 8,684 9,814 Goodwill 5,416 5,416 Other assets 4,951 4,481 Total assets $ 580,809 $ 568,986 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 304,041 $ 304,000 Unearned premiums 81,149 80,408 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 10,594 13,283 Other reinsurance balances 13,413 11,509 Trust preferred securities 15,584 15,576 Advances under line of credit 3,000 3,000 Other liabilities 4,598 3,940 Total liabilities $ 432,379 $ 431,716 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, no par value, authorized - - 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding Common stock, no par value, - - authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued 7,074,333 shares, outstanding 6,849,268 and 6,801,095 shares Additional paid-in capital $ 71,777 $ 71,369 Accumulated other comprehensive income 7,367 2,494 Retained earnings 79,850 74,138 Unearned ESOP shares (2,195) (2,505) Treasury Stock, 631,761 and 621,773 shares (8,369) (8,226) Total stockholders' equity 148,430 137,270 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 580,809 $ 568,986
