1
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended Commission file number 0-5534
December 31, 2002
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
---------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana 35-0160330
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1099 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
- ------------------------------------------------- -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (317) 636-9800
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
----
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
(Title of class)
Class A Common Stock, No Par Value
Class B Common Stock, No Par Value
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 periods that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ X }
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ X ] No [ ]
The aggregate market value of Class A and Class B Common Stock held by non-
affiliates of the Registrant as of June 28, 2002, based on the closing trade
prices on that date, was approximately $130,060,000.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock
as of March 18, 2003:
Common Stock, No Par Value:
Class A (voting) 2,666,666 shares
Class B (nonvoting) 11,887,823 shares
The Index to Exhibits is located on pages 66 and 67.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
May 6, 2003 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
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Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana in
1930. Through its divisions and subsidiaries, Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. (referred to
herein as "B&L") specializes in marketing and underwriting property and casualty
insurance. The Company's subsidiaries are: Protective Insurance Company
(referred to herein as "Protective"), with licenses in all 50 states and all
Canadian provinces; Sagamore Insurance Company (referred to herein as
"Sagamore"), which is currently licensed in 43 states; and B & L Insurance, Ltd.
(referred to herein as "BLI"), which is domiciled and licensed in Bermuda. These
subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Insurance
Subsidiaries." The "Company", as used herein, refers to Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
and all its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
Approximately 67% of the gross direct premiums written and assumed by the
Insurance Subsidiaries during 2002 was attributable to business produced
directly by B & L. The remaining 33% consists primarily of business written by
Sagamore originating through an extensive network of independent agents.
The Insurance Subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums written to
several non-affiliated reinsurers under excess of loss and quota-share treaties
and by facultative (individual policy-by-policy) placements. Reinsurance is
ceded to spread the risk of loss among several reinsurers. In addition to the
assumption of voluntary reinsurance, described below, the Insurance Subsidiaries
participate in numerous mandatory government-operated reinsurance pools which
require insurance companies to provide coverages on assigned risks. These
assigned risk pools allocate participation to all insurers based upon each
insurer's portion of premium writings on a state or national level.
The Insurance Subsidiaries serve various specialty markets as follows:
FLEET TRUCKING INSURANCE
- ------------------------
Protective provides coverage for larger customers in the motor carrier industry
which retain substantial amounts of self-insurance as well as for medium-sized
trucking companies on a first dollar or small deductible basis. Large fleet
trucking products are marketed exclusively by the B&L agency organization
directly to trucking clients although broker or agent intermediaries are used on
a limited basis for smaller accounts. The principal types of insurance marketed
by Protective are:
- - Casualty insurance including motor vehicle liability, physical damage and
other liability insurance. - Workers' compensation insurance. - Specialized
accident (medical and indemnity) insurance for independent contractors. -
Fidelity and surety bonds.
- - Inland Marine consisting principally of cargo insurance.
- - "Captive" insurance company products, which are provided through BLI in
Bermuda.
B&L also performs a variety of additional services, primarily for Protective's
insureds, including risk surveys and analyses, government compliance assistance,
loss control and cost studies and research, development, and consultation in
connection with new insurance programs including development of computerized
systems to assist in monitoring accident data. Extensive claims handling
services are also provided, primarily to clients with self-insurance programs.
VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION REINSURANCE
- --------------------------------
Protective accepts cessions and retrocessions from selected insurance and
reinsurance companies, principally reinsuring against catastrophes. Exposures
under these retrocessions are generally in high upper layers, are spread among
several geographic regions and are limited so that only a major catastrophic
event or series of
3
major events would have a material affect on the Company's
financial position. The events of September 11, 2001 materially impacted the
Company's operating results in 2001. See page 24 and Note F to the consolidated
financial statements for further discussion.
PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
- --------------------------------------
Sagamore markets nonstandard private passenger automobile liability and physical
damage coverages to individuals through a network of independent agents in
twenty states.
SMALL FLEET TRUCKING INSURANCE
- ------------------------------
Sagamore provides commercial automobile liability, physical damage and cargo
insurance to truck owner-operators with twenty-five or fewer power units. These
products are marketed through independent agents in the majority of the states
in which Sagamore is licensed.
SMALL BUSINESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------------
Sagamore also markets worker's compensation insurance to selected small
businesses in ten states. This product is marketed through independent agents.
PROPERTY/CASUALTY LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
- -----------------------------------------------------
The consolidated financial statements include the estimated liability for unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") of the Insurance Subsidiaries. The
liabilities for losses and LAE are determined using case basis evaluations and
statistical projections
and represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid losses and LAE
incurred through December 31 of each year. These estimates are subject to the
effects of trends in claim severity and frequency and are continually reviewed
and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the liability is
adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, either positive or negative, are
reflected in current operations.
The Company uses case-basis reserving on the majority of its outstanding losses
(approximately 64% of net outstanding reserves at December 31, 2002). Standard
actuarial methods are employed to determine reserves for incurred but not
reported losses and for loss expenses using the Company's historical data. The
anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating
liabilities for losses and LAE. In addition, frequency and severity of claims
must be projected. The average severity of claims is influenced by a number of
factors that vary with the individual type of policy written. Future average
severities are projected based on historical trends adjusted for anticipated
changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, and general economic and
social trends. These anticipated trends are monitored based on actual
development and are modified as new conditions would suggest that changes are
necessary. These actuarial processes are a combination of objective mathematical
calculations and the application of subjective factors, based on experience and
knowledge of the specific risks being evaluated, to arrive at selected ultimate
reserve amounts. The Company consistently builds conservatism into all
subjective aspects of the actuarial reserving process. While ranges of reserves
are not calculated, it is believed that if ranges were utilized, the Company's
final reserves would always be at or near the high end of such ranges.
Loss reserves related to certain permanent total disability (PTD) workers'
compensation claims have been discounted to present value using tables provided
by the National Council on Compensation Insurance which are based upon a pretax
interest rate of 3.5% and adjusted for losses retained by the insured. The loss
and LAE reserves at December 31, 2002 have been reduced by approximately $6.4
million as a result of such discounting. Had the Company not discounted loss and
LAE reserves, pretax income would have been approximately $1.7 million lower for
the year ended December 31, 2002.
The maximum amount for which the Protective insures a trucking risk is $10
million although, occasionally, limits above $10 million are provided but are
100% reinsured. Certain coverages, such as workers' compensation, provide
essentially unlimited exposure although the Company protects itself to the
extent believed prudent through the purchase of excess insurance for these
coverages. After giving effect to current
4
treaty reinsurance arrangements, for the majority of risks insured, Protective's
maximum exposure to loss from a single occurrence is approximately $1.4 million
(excepting reinsurance assumed). Protective has revised its treaty arrangements
several times in prior years in response to changing market conditions. The
current treaty arrangements are effective until June 1, 2003 and cover the
entire policy period for all business written through that date. Treaty renewals
are expected to occur annually in the foreseeable future. During the past ten
years, Protective's maximum exposure to a single occurrence has ranged from less
than $100,000 to approximately $2 million. Because Protective, on occasion,
writes multiple year policies and because losses from trucking business take
years to develop, losses reported in the current year may be covered by a number
of older reinsurance treaties with higher or lower loss retention by Protective
than the current treaty provisions.
Certain of the previous reinsurance treaties contained aggregate recovery
limitations. To the extent that losses in these layers, in the aggregate, exceed
these limitations, the Company could be liable for amounts that would otherwise
be covered under these reinsurance treaties. No such aggregate limits have been
exceeded as of December 31, 2002.
With respect to Sagamore's private passenger automobile and small fleet trucking
business, the Company's maximum net exposure for a single occurrence is $100,000
through December 31, 2002. Sagamore's retention for workers' compensation
coverages is $50,000 for a single occurrence. Sagamore's retention on prior
year's business has ranged from the current levels to $250,000 per occurrence.
The following table on page 5 sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and
ending loss and LAE liability balances, for 2002, 2001 and 2000. That table is
presented net of reinsurance recoverable to correspond with income statement
presentation. However, a reconciliation of these net reserves to those gross of
reinsurance recoverable, as presented in the balance sheet, is also shown. The
table on page 10 shows the development of the estimated liability, net of
reinsurance recoverable, for the ten years prior to 2002. The table on page 11
is a summary of the reestimated liability, before consideration of reinsurance,
for the ten years prior to 2002 and the related reestimated reinsurance
recoverable for the same periods.
5
RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT
EXPENSES (GAAP BASIS)
Year Ended December 31,
2002 2001 2000
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
NET OF REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE:
Liability for losses and LAE at the
Beginning of the year $137,733 $120,206 $130,702
Provision for losses and LAE:
Claims occurring during the current year 78,115 82,757 65,577
Claims occurring during prior years (10,008) (887) (8,107)
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
68,107 81,870 57,470
Payments of losses and LAE:
Claims occurring during the current year 30,997 33,237 37,671
Claims occurring during prior years 30,249 31,132 30,238
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
61,246 64,369 67,909
Change in the allowance for uncollectible
amounts due from reinsurers 108 26 (57)
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
Liability for losses and LAE at end of year 144,702 137,733 120,206
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
at end of the year 133,042 109,410 62,219
----------------- ------------------ -----------------
Liability for losses and LAE, gross of
reinsurance recoverable, at end of the year $277,744 $247,143 $182,425
================= ================== =================
The reconciliation above shows a $10.0 million (7.3%) savings in the liability
for losses and LAE recorded at December 31, 2001. The net savings is reflected
in 2002 underwriting income. All major product groups produced redundancies
during each of the years 2002, 2001 and 2000 with the exception of reinsurance
assumed in 2001 and private passenger automobile in 2000. The increase in
reserve redundancy from 2001 results primarily from more favorable development
from reinsurance assumed and the increase in retained loss per occurrence for
the Company's large fleet trucking product. During 2001 and 2002, the Company
increased its net retention under treaties covering this product from a maximum
of $100,000 per occurrence to $1,020,000 and $1,400,000 per occurrence,
respectively. The following table is a summary of the above $10.0 million
reserve savings by accident year.
6
Year in Which
Losses Were Reserve at (Savings) Deficiency % (Savings)
Incurred December 31, 2001 Recorded During 2002 Deficiency
------------- ----------------- -------------------- -----------
(in thousands)
2001 $ 49,520 $ (4,206) (8.5%)
2000 12,414 (1,597) (12.9%)
1999 11,699 (1,783) (15.2%)
1998 5,469 (275) (5.0%)
1997 7,948 (2,646) (33.3%)
1996 & prior 50,356 499 1.0%
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$ 137,406 $ (10,008) (7.3%)
============ ============
The savings recorded for these loss years was derived from varied sources, as
follows.
1996
& Prior 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Losses and allocated loss expenses
developed on cases known to
exist at December 31, 2001 $ 336 $ (398) $ (308) $ 275 $ 471 (16)
Losses and allocated loss expenses
reported on cases unknown at
December 31, 2001 1,380 - 150 120 493 2,386
Unallocated loss expenses paid 260 75 134 252 320 924
Change in reserves for incurred but
not reported losses and loss
expenses (1,138) (1,902) (656) (2,042) (1,882) (7,949)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net (savings) deficiency on losses
from directly-produced business 838 (2,225) (680) (1,395) (598) (4,655)
(Savings) deficiency reported
under voluntary reinsurance
assumption agreements and
residual markets (339) (421) 405 (388) (999) 449
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net (savings) deficiency $ 499 $(2,646) $ (275) $(1,783) $(1,597) $(4,206)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
As stated elsewhere in this report, the Company approaches the reserving process
from a conservative standpoint. The Company has not altered any of the key
assumptions used in the reserving process since the mid-1980's and this process
has proven to be fully adequate with no overall deficiencies developed since
1985. There were no significant changes in trends related to the numbers of
claims incurred, average settlement amounts, numbers of claims outstanding at
period ends or the averages per claim outstanding during the year ended December
31, 2002.
In the above table, the amounts identified as "net (savings) deficiency on
losses from directly-produced business" consist of development on cases known at
December 31, 2001, losses reported which were previously unknown at December 31,
2001 (incurred but not reported), unallocated loss expense paid related to
accident years 2001 and prior and changes in the reserves for incurred but not
reported losses and loss expenses. Reserves for incurred but not reported losses
are established to provide for future development on cases known to the Company
at the time the reserve is established as well as for cases unknown at the
reserve date. Changes in the reserves for incurred but not reported losses and
loss expenses occur based upon
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information received on known and newly reported cases during the current year
and the effect of that development on the application of standard actuarial
methods used by the Company.
Also shown in the above table are amounts representing the "(savings) deficiency
reported under reinsurance assumption agreements". These amounts relate
primarily to the Company's participation in property catastrophe pools. The
Company records its share of losses from these pools based on reports from the
pool managers and has no control over the establishment of case reserves related
to this segment of the Company's business. The Company does, however, establish
additional reserves for reinsurance assumed losses to supplement case reserves
reported by the ceding companies, when considered necessary.
As described on pages 3 and 4, changes have occurred in the Company's net per
accident exposure under reinsurance agreements in place during the periods
presented in the above table. It is much more difficult to reserve for losses
where policy limits are as high as $10 million per accident than it is for
losses in the lower layers. There are fewer policy limit losses in the Company's
historical loss database on which to project future loss developments and the
larger the loss, the greater the likelihood that the courts will become involved
in the settlement process. As such, the level of uncertainty in the reserving
process is much greater when dealing with larger losses and will often result in
fluctuations among accident year developments. However, in spite of the
significant changes in reinsurance structure over the past ten years, the
Company's reserving process has produced consistently favorable net developments
on an overall basis.
The differences between the liability for losses and LAE reported in the
accompanying 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and that reported in the annual
statements filed with state and provincial insurance departments in the United
States and Canada in accordance with statutory accounting practices ("SAP") are
as follows:
(IN THOUSANDS)
Liability reported on a SAP basis - net of reinsurance recoverable $145,802
Add differences:
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 133,042
Additional reserve for reinsurance assumed losses not
reported to the Company at the current year end 240
Reclassification of loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers 435
Deduct differences:
Estimated salvage and subrogation recoveries recorded on
a cash basis for SAP and on an accrual basis for GAAP (1,775)
---------
Liability reported on a GAAP basis $277,744
=========
The provision for loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers is
treated as a separate liability for SAP purposes but is classified as an
addition to loss reserves in the GAAP consolidated balance sheets. This
classification was used for GAAP since the uncollectible amounts are, in effect,
a reversal of reinsurance credits taken against gross loss and LAE reserves.
Losses incurred, however, do not include charges for uncollectible reinsurance,
nor do the tables on pages 5, 6 and 10, since the inability to recover these
amounts from insolvent reinsurers is considered to be a credit loss and is not
associated with the Company's reserving process. Accordingly, loss and LAE
developments would be distorted if amounts related to insolvent reinsurance were
included.
The table on page 10 presents the development of GAAP balance sheet liabilities
for each year-end 1992 through 2002, net of all reinsurance credits. The top
line of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE
recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. The
liabilities shown on this line for each year-end have been reduced by amounts
relating to loss reserves ceded attributable to insolvent reinsurers, as
discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph. This liability represents the
estimated amount
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of losses and LAE for claims arising in all prior years that are unpaid at the
balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred, but not yet
reported, to the Company.
The upper portion of the table shows the reestimated amount of the previously
recorded liability based on additional information available to the Company as
of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as
more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of individual
claims.
The "cumulative redundancy" represents the aggregate change in the estimates
over all prior years. For example, the 1992 liability has developed a $38.5
million redundancy over ten years. That amount has been reflected in income over
the ten years, as shown on the table. The effect on income of changes in
estimates of the liability for losses and LAE during the past three years is
shown in the table on page 5.
Historically, the Company's loss developments have been favorable. Reserve
developments for all year-ends 1986 through 2001 have produced redundancies as
of December 31, 2002. In addition to improvements in reserving methods, loss
reserve developments since 1985 have been favorably affected by several other
factors. Perhaps the most significant single factor has been the improvement in
safety programs by the trucking industry in general and by the Company's
insureds specifically. Statistics produced by the American Trucking Association
show that driver quality has improved markedly in the past decade resulting in
fewer fatalities and serious accidents. The Company's experience also shows that
improved safety and hiring programs have a dramatic impact on the frequency and
severity of trucking accidents. Higher self-insured retentions also played a
part in reduced insurance losses during portions of this period. Higher
retentions not only raise the excess insurance entry point but also encourage
trucking company management to focus even more intensely on safety programs.
Further, reserve savings have been achieved by the use of structured settlements
on certain workers' compensation and liability claims of a long-term liability
nature.
The establishment of reserves requires the use of historical data where
available and generally a minimum of ten years of such data is required to
provide statistically valid samples. As previously mentioned, numerous factors
must be considered in reviewing historical data including inflation, tort reform
(or lack thereof), new coverages provided and trends noted in the current book
of business which are different from those present in the historical data.
Clearly, the Company's book of business in 2002 is different from that which
generated much of the ten-year historical loss data used to establish reserves
in the past few years. Savings realized in recent years upon the closing of
claims, as reflected in the tables on pages 5 and 10, are attributable to the
Company's long-standing policy of reserving for losses realistically and a
willingness to settle claims based upon a seasoned evaluation of the underlying
exposures. The Company will continue to review the trends noted and, should it
appear that such trends are permanent and projectable, they will be reflected in
future reserving method refinements.
The lower section of the table on page 10 shows the cumulative amount paid with
respect to the previously recorded liability as of the end of each succeeding
year. For example, as of December 31, 2002, the Company had paid $112.9 million
of losses and LAE that had been incurred, but not paid, as of December 31, 1992;
thus an estimated $36.8 million in losses incurred through 1992 remain unpaid as
of the current financial statement date ($149.7 million incurred less $112.9
million paid).
In evaluating this information, it is important to note that the method of
presentation causes development experience to be duplicated. For example, the
amount of any redundancy or deficiency related to losses settled in 1995, but
incurred in 1992, will be included in the cumulative development amount for
years-end 1992, 1993, and 1994. As such, this table does not present accident or
policy year development data which readers may be more accustomed to analyzing.
Rather, this table is intended to present an evaluation of the Company's ability
to establish its liability for losses and loss expenses at a given balance sheet
date. It is important to note that conditions and trends that have affected
development of the liability in the past may not necessarily occur in the
future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to extrapolate future
redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss
expenses at December 31, 2002 included amounts for liability related to
environmental damage claims. Given the Company's principal business is insuring
trucking companies, it does on occasion receive claims involving a trucking
accident which has resulted in the spill of a pollutant. Certain of the
Company's policies cover these situations on the basis that they were caused by
an accident that resulted in the immediate spill of a pollutant. These claims
are typically reported and resolved within a short period of time.
However, the Company has also received a few environmental claims that did not
result from a "sudden and accidental" event. Some of these claims fall under
policies issued in the 1970's primarily to one account which was involved in the
business of hauling and disposing of hazardous waste. Although the Company had
pollution exclusions in its policies during that period, the courts have ignored
similar exclusions in many environmental cases. During the nine years ended
December 31, 2002, the Company has recorded a total of $9.4 million in losses
incurred with respect to environmental claims. Incurred losses to date include a
reserve for incurred but not reported environmental losses of $3.9 million at
December 31, 2002.
Establishing reserves for environmental claims is subject to uncertainties that
are greater than those represented by other types of claims. Factors
contributing to those uncertainties include a lack of historical data, long
reporting delays, uncertainty as to the number and identity of insureds with
potential exposure, unresolved legal issues regarding policy coverage, and the
extent and timing of any such contractual liability. Courts have reached
different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions as to when the loss occurred
and what policies provide coverage, what claims are covered, whether there is an
insured obligation to defend, how policy limits are determined, how policy
exclusions are applied and interpreted, and whether cleanup costs represent
insured property damage. Management believes that those issues are not likely to
be resolved in the near future.
However, to date, very few environmental claims have been reported to the
Company. In addition, a review of the businesses of our past and current
insureds indicates that exposure to further claims of an environmental nature is
limited because most of the Company's accounts are not currently, and have not
in the past been, involved in the hauling of hazardous substances. Also, the
revision of the pollution exclusion in the Company's policies since 1986 is
expected to further limit exposure to claims from that point forward.
The Company has never been presented with an environmental claim relating to
asbestos and, based on the types of business the Company has insured over the
years, it is not expected that the Company will have any significant asbestos
exposure.
Accordingly, management believes that the Company's exposure to environmental
losses beyond those already provided for in the financial statements is not
material.
10
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE DEVELOPMENT--GAAP BASIS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Year Ended December 31 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
- ---------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and LAE, Net
of Reinsurance
Recoverables * $188,189 $175,395 $175,012 $161,001 $154,039 $151,013 $143,515 $130,345 $119,905 $137,406 $144,267
Liability Reestimated
as of:
One Year Later 174,269 152,146 169,528 148,756 146,201 140,272 132,906 122,238 119,018 127,398
Two Years Later 153,548 147,577 159,000 140,811 135,125 128,743 124,878 124,540 112,558
Three Years Later 156,271 144,526 153,833 130,540 123,775 122,211 124,367 119,379
Four Years Later 155,104 142,178 148,390 122,792 119,862 122,674 121,021
Five Years Later 153,528 137,876 143,478 120,410 121,445 119,632
Six Years Later 150,531 134,744 142,475 122,060 120,995
Seven Years Later 147,992 134,540 144,077 122,162
Eight Years Later 148,555 135,201 143,744
Nine Years Later 149,490 135,103
Ten Years Later 149,689
Cumulative Redundancy $ 38,500 $ 40,292 $ 31,268 $ 38,839 $ 33,044 $ 31,381 $ 22,494 $ 10,966 $ 7,347 $ 10,008
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Cumulative Amount of
Liability Paid
Through:
One Year Later $ 38,511 $ 30,297 $ 45,005 $ 27,825 $ 26,934 $ 25,088 $ 30,214 $ 30,239 $ 31,132 $ 30,249
Two Years Later 59,494 58,969 67,219 43,016 43,280 43,311 48,416 49,068 47,060
Three Years Later 82,122 71,375 76,248 55,515 55,834 55,180 60,594 60,427
Four Years Later 91,794 77,702 85,096 62,740 63,998 64,370 66,679
Five Years Later 96,617 82,792 90,331 69,747 71,089 68,807
Six Years Later 100,299 87,316 95,924 75,496 74,482
Seven Years Later 104,625 90,441 101,073 78,228
Eight Years Later 107,668 94,737 103,499
Nine Years Later 110,740 96,926
Ten Years Later 112,901
* Amounts shown for 1992 through 2002 do not include the unpaid portion of
uncollectible amounts due from insolvent reinsurers which are classified
with loss and LAE reserves for financial statement purposes of $611, $554,
$542, $457, $498, $480, $436, $358, $301, $327 and $435, respectively.
11
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE DEVELOPMENT--GAAP BASIS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
Year Ended December 31 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
- ---------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Direct and Assumed:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses $246,439 $224,219 $235,209 $211,489 $196,939 $197,195 $194,432 $173,473 $182,425 $247,143 $277,744
Liability Reestimated
as of December 31,
2002 249,089 221,224 236,550 165,343 163,085 160,853 168,909 195,980 215,574 253,980
Cumulative (Deficiency)
Redundancy (2,650) 2,995 (1,341) 46,146 33,854 36,342 25,523 (22,507) (33,149) (6,837)
Ceded:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses 58,250 48,824 60,197 50,488 42,900 46,182 50,917 43,128 62,520 109,737 133,477
Liability Reestimated
as of December 31,
2002 99,400 86,121 92,806 43,181 42,090 41,221 47,888 76,601 103,016 126,582
Cumulative (Deficiency)
Redundancy (41,150) (37,297) (32,609) 7,307 810 4,961 3,029 (33,473) (40,496) (16,845)
Net:
Liability for Unpaid
Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses 188,189 175,395 175,012 161,001 154,039 151,013 143,515 130,345 119,905 137,406 144,267
Liability Reestimated
as of December 31,
2002 149,689 135,103 143,744 122,162 120,995 119,632 121,021 119,379 112,558 127,398
Cumulative Redundancy 38,500 40,292 31,268 38,839 33,044 31,381 22,494 10,966 7,347 10,008
12
MARKETING
- ---------
The Company's primary marketing areas are outlined on pages 2 and 3.
Since the mid-1980's, Protective has focused its marketing efforts on large and
medium trucking fleets. Protective has its largest market share in the larger
trucking fleets (over 150 units). These fleets self-insure a portion of their
risk and such self-insurance plans are a specialty of the Company. The indemnity
contract provided to self-insured customers is designed to cover all aspects of
trucking liability, including third party liability, property damage, physical
damage, cargo and workers' compensation, arising from vehicular accident or
other casualty loss. The self-insured program is supplemented with large
deductible workers' compensation policies in states that do not allow for
self-insurance. Protective also offers accident insurance on a group basis to
independent contractors under contract to a fleet sponsor. Throughout the
1990's, the market for Protective's products grew increasingly competitive,
though this competitive pressure has eased recently (see comments under
"Competition" following).
Since 1992, Protective has accepted reinsurance cessions and retrocessions,
principally for catastrophe exposures, from selected reinsurers on an
opportunistic basis. Protective is committed to participation in this market
provided pricing remains conducive to profitable results. As the result of less
favorable pricing in the market, Protective's participation in retrocessions
decreased in 2000 after adjustment for reinstatement premiums discussed later in
the Results of Operations. However, based on improved pricing in the market late
in 2000 and 2001, especially after September 11, 2001, the Company recorded
increases in premium from reinsurance assumed during 2001 and 2002.
During 1995, Sagamore entered the private passenger automobile insurance market
for nonstandard risks. This program is currently being marketed in twenty
mid-western and southern states and further geographic expansion is planned for
2003. Sagamore utilizes state-of-the-art technology extensively in marketing its
nonstandard automobile product in order to provide superior service to its
agents and insureds. Market acceptance to date has been favorable and
approximately $35.5 million of premium was written in this line during 2002.
Sagamore also offers a program of coverages for "small fleet" trucking concerns
(owner-operators with one to twenty-five power units). This program was limited
to a small geographic area composed of Midwestern states through the end of
1997. However, significant geographic expansion began during 1998 and has
continued through 2002. Future expansion into other states is anticipated during
2003. Approximately $10.5 million of premium was written in this program during
2002, a decrease of 10% from the prior year due largely to intense competitive
pressures in this market segment.
During 1997, Sagamore began marketing a small business workers' compensation
product in Missouri. Through 1999, growth in this product had been slow,
resulting mainly from competitive forces. However, recent developments in the
competitive make-up in the states where Sagamore markets this program has
resulted in approximately $6.3 million in premium written during 2002, an
increase of 46% from the prior year. Assuming a continuation of favorable market
conditions, this product will also be expanded geographically in 2003.
INVESTMENTS
- -----------
The Company manages its invested assets to provide a high degree of flexibility
to respond to opportunities in the financial markets and to provide necessary
cash flows for operations. The resulting investment strategies emphasize
relatively short-term maturities and high asset quality and are designed to
produce reasonable returns without jeopardizing principal.
13
At December 31, 2002 the financial statement value of the Company's investment
portfolio was approximately $449 million, including money market instruments
classified as cash equivalents. A comparison of the diversification of the
Company's investment portfolio, using cost as a basis, is as follows:
December 31
2002 2001
------- -------
U.S. Government obligations 27.6% 21.6%
Corporate and other bonds 22.4 24.2
Municipal bonds 16.7 11.7
Common stocks 14.5 18.7
Short-term and other investments 13.2 14.5
Mortgage-backed securities 3.1 3.8
Preferred stocks 2.5 5.5
------- -------
100.0% 100.0%
======= =======
The Company's concentration of invested assets in relatively short-term
investments provides it with a level of liquidity which is more than adequate to
provide for its anticipated cash flow needs. The structure of the investment
portfolio also provides the Company with the ability to restrict premium
writings during periods of intense competition, which typically result in
inadequate premium rates, and allows the Company to respond to new opportunities
in the marketplace as they arise.
The following comparison of the Company's bond and short-term investment
portfolios, using par value as a basis, indicates the changes in contractual
maturities in the portfolio during 2002.
MATURITIES OF BONDS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AT DECEMBER 31 (PAR VALUE)
2002 2001
-------- --------
Less than one year 38.3% 34.7%
1 to 5 years 54.2 51.4
5 to 10 years 1.6 6.0
More than 10 years 5.9 7.9
------- -------
100.0% 100.0%
======= =======
Average life of portfolio (years) 2.9 3.8
======= =======
Fixed income securities (including those classified as short-term) comprised
75.1% of the Company's invested assets at December 31, 2002. With the exception
of U.S. Government obligations, the fixed income portfolio is widely diversified
with no concentrations in any single industry. The largest amount invested in
any single issuer was $5.1 million (1.1% of total invested assets) at December
31, 2002 although most individual investments are less than $500,000. The
Company does not actively trade fixed income securities but typically holds such
investments until maturity. Exceptions exist in instances where the underlying
credit for a specific issue is deemed to be diminished. In such cases, the
security will be considered for disposal prior to maturity. In addition, fixed
income securities will be sold when realignment of the portfolio is considered
beneficial (i.e. moving from taxable to non-taxable issues). The Company had
determined that its insurance subsidiaries will, at all times, hold high grade
fixed income securities with a market value equal to at least 100% of reserves
for losses and loss expenses, net of applicable reinsurance credits. At December
31, 2002, investment grade bonds held by insurance subsidiaries equaled 175% of
net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (without consideration of
short-term investments). Approximately $8.1 million of fixed maturity
investments (1.8% of total invested assets) consists of bonds rated as less than
investment grade at December 31, 2002. All such securities are actively traded
and had readily available market values. The market value of the consolidated
fixed maturity portfolio was $8.8 million greater than cost at December 31,
2002, before income taxes, which compares to a $4.7 million unrealized gain at
December 31, 2001. Individual bonds where the current market
14
value was at least 20% below original or adjusted cost, and the decline was
ongoing for more than 6 months at December 31, 2002, were written down to market
value regardless of the evaluation of the underlying credit of the issue. The
total write down for bonds was $.9 million and was isolated to a small number of
issues. Gross unrealized losses on fixed income securities were less than $.5
million in total at December 31, 2002 with no individual issue having more than
a 6% decline.
Equity securities comprise 23.5% of the financial statement value of the
consolidated investment portfolio at December 31, 2002, down from 31% at the
prior year-end as the result of net disposals of equity securities and the
general decline in the stock markets. The Company's equity securities portfolio
consists of over 150 separate issues with diversification from large to small
capitalization issuers and among several industries. The largest single equity
issue owned has a market value of $6.9 million at December 31, 2002 (original
cost $660,000). In general, the Company maintains a buy-and-hold philosophy with
respect to equity securities. Many current holdings have been continuously owned
for more than ten years. Because of the large amount of high quality, short-term
bonds owned, relative to the Company's loss and loss expense reserves and other
liabilities, amounts invested in equity securities are not needed to fund
current operations and, accordingly, can be committed for long periods of time.
An individual equity security will be disposed of when it is determined that
there is little potential for future appreciation. Securities are not sold to
meet any quarterly or annual earnings quotas but, rather, are disposed of when
market conditions are deemed to dictate, regardless of the impact on current
period earnings. During 2002 as the stock market declined, the Company disposed
of numerous equity securities which were considered to have little near term
potential for improvement. These sales generated both gains and losses but
netted to a realized loss of $7.9 million. In addition, $5.8 million of
unrealized losses on equity securities still owned were reclassified to realized
losses during 2002, reflecting declines in value for eighteen separate
securities. The reclassification of unrealized losses to realized occurred on
each individual issue where the current market value was at least 20% below
original or adjusted cost and the decline was ongoing for more than 6 months at
December 31, 2002, regardless of the evaluation of potential for recovery.
Despite security disposals and write downs, net unrealized gains on the equity
security portfolio decreased $8.6 million to $36.8 million at December 31, 2002
as all equity markets were negatively impacted by the myriad events of the past
three years and the imminent threat of war in the Middle East. The net gain at
year end consisted of $40.1 million of gross unrealized gains and $3.3 million
of gross unrealized losses. The average loss on individual issues where market
was less than adjusted cost was 9.1% and no issue was considered to be other
than temporarily impaired.
Included in short-term and other investments are approximately $6.2 million of
limited partnership investments. The majority of assets underlying the
partnerships consist of marketable securities which are valued at readily
ascertainable market values. Approximately $2.0 million of this balance consists
of real estate and venture capital investments which are non-traded securities.
Valuations for these investments are provided by the general partners and are
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals. These
non-traded securities constitute less than .5% of invested assets. Any decline
in value of a limited partnership investment is treated as realized, regardless
of the character of the underlying partnership asset, and no unrealized losses
exist with respect to this portion of the investment portfolio at December 31,
2002.
15
A comparison of consolidated investment yields, where investment income is
before consideration of investment expenses, is as follows:
2002 2001
-------- --------
Before federal tax:
Investment income 4.1% 5.0%
Investment income plus realized
investment gains (losses) .0 6.3
After federal tax:
Investment income 2.9 3.6
Investment income plus realized
investment gains (losses) .3 4.4
Because of the structure of the Company's investment portfolio, as previously
described, investment yields during 2002 were negatively impacted by the
continuing decline in interest rates and the depressed equity security markets.
Further discussion of the components of investment yields is included in the
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS on page 21.
EMPLOYEES
- ---------
As of March 1, 2003, the Company had 288 employees, representing an increase of
34 employees from March 1, 2002, in response to the demands of increased
business activity.
COMPETITION
- -----------
The insurance brokerage and agency business is highly competitive. B & L
competes with a large number of insurance brokerage and agency firms and
individual brokers and agents throughout the country, many of which are
considerably larger than B & L. B & L also competes with insurance companies
which write insurance directly with their customers.
Insurance underwriting is also highly competitive. The Insurance Subsidiaries
compete with other stock and mutual companies and inter-insurance exchanges
(reciprocals). There are numerous insurance companies offering the lines of
insurance which are currently written or may in the future be written by the
Insurance Subsidiaries. Many of these companies have been in business for longer
periods of time, have significantly larger volumes of business, offer more
diversified lines of insurance coverage and have greater financial resources
than the Company. In many cases, competitors are willing to provide coverage for
rates lower than those charged by the Insurance Subsidiaries. Many potential
clients self-insure workers' compensation and other risks for which the Company
offers coverage, and some concerns have organized "captive" insurance companies
as subsidiaries through which they insure their own operations. Some states have
workers' compensation funds that preclude private companies from writing this
business in those states. Federal law also authorizes the creation of "Risk
Retention Groups" which may write insurance coverages similar to those offered
by the Company.
The Company believes it has a competitive advantage in its major lines of
business as the result of the extensive experience of its long-tenured
management and staff, its superior service and products, its willingness to
custom build insurance programs for its large trucking customers and the
extensive use of technology with respect to its insureds and independent agent
force. However, the Company is not "top-line" oriented and will readily
sacrifice premium volume during periods of unrealistic rate competition.
Accordingly, should competitors determine to "buy" market share with
unprofitable rates, the Company's Insurance Subsidiaries will generally
experience a decline in business until pricing returns to profitable levels.
ITEM 101(b), (c)(1)(i) AND (vii), AND (d) OF REGULATION S-K:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Reference is made to Note J to the consolidated financial statements which
provides information concerning industry segments and is filed herewith under
Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
16
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
----------
The Company leases office space at 1099 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis,
Indiana in the Landmark Building. This building is located approximately one
mile from downtown Indianapolis. The lease covers approximately 67,000 square
feet and expires in August, 2003, with an option to renew for an additional ten
years. The Company's entire operations, with the exception of Baldwin & Lyons,
California, are conducted from these leased facilities.
The Company owns a building and the adjacent real estate approximately two miles
from its main office. This building contains approximately 3,300 square feet of
usable space, and is used primarily as a contingent back up and disaster
recovery site for computer operations.
Baldwin & Lyons, California leases approximately 1,900 square feet of office
space in a suburb of Los Angeles, California. All West Coast operations are
conducted from these facilities.
The current facilities are expected to be adequate for the Company's operations
for the foreseeable future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-----------------
In the ordinary, regular and routine course of their business, the Company and
its Insurance Subsidiaries are frequently involved in various matters of
litigation relating principally to claims for insurance coverage provided. No
currently pending matter is deemed by management to be material to the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
---------------------------------------------------
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 2002.
17
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
-------------------------------------
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
-------------------------------
The Company's Class A and Class B common stocks are traded on The Nasdaq Stock
Market(R) under the symbols BWINA and BWINB, respectively. The Class A and Class
B common shares have identical rights and privileges except that Class B shares
have no voting rights other than on matters for which Indiana law requires class
voting. As of December 31, 2002, there were approximately 400 record holders of
Class A Common Stock and approximately 500 record holders of Class B Common
Stock.
The table below sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for the Class A
and Class B Common Stock for 2002 and 2001, as reported by the National
Association of Security Dealers, Inc. and published in the financial press. The
quotations reflect interdealer prices without retail markup, markdown or
commission and do not necessarily represent actual transactions. All per share
amounts have been adjusted for a five-for-four stock split, effective February
17, 2003.
CLASS A CLASS B CASH
----------------------------- ----------------------------- DIVIDENDS
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW DECLARED
----------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------
Year ended December 31:
2002:
FOURTH QUARTER $19.488 $16.192 $20.799 $16.792 $.08
THIRD QUARTER 18.360 15.600 19.056 15.256 .08
SECOND QUARTER 20.144 16.608 23.072 16.944 .08
FIRST QUARTER 18.216 17.000 21.288 16.000 .08
2001:
Fourth Quarter 18.398 16.193 21.352 13.520 .08
Third Quarter 19.560 15.200 21.200 13.200 .08
Second Quarter 19.920 16.600 21.024 16.400 .08
First Quarter 18.300 15.000 23.000 16.000 .08
The Company expects to continue its policy of paying regular cash dividends
although there is no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent
on future earnings, capital requirements and financial conditions and are
subject to regulatory restrictions as described in Note G to the consolidated
financial statements.
18
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
-----------------------
Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net premiums written $ 109,453 $ 82,645 $ 77,214 $ 72,033 $ 71,943
Net premiums earned 104,392 83,138 77,439 69,114 68,862
Net investment income 14,964 17,626 19,049 18,891 19,060
Realized net gains (losses) on investments (16,445) 5,053 12,473 5,625 2,855
Losses and loss expenses incurred 68,107 81,87057,470 44,911 42,537
Net income 12,366 5,390 19,750 18,616 16,895
Earnings per share -- net income, .84 0.35 1.26 1.10 0.98
Cash dividends per share.32 .32 .32 .32 .32
Investment portfolio448,520 439,434 442,060 440,797 456,735
Total assets 644,462 601,109 552,164 530,677 544,369
Shareholders' equity 284,588 288,360 294,000 284,783 288,592
Book value per share, 19.43 18.98 19.21 17.20 16.73
Underwriting ratios:
Losses and loss expenses 65.2% 98.5% 74.2% 65.0% 61.8%
Underwriting expenses 26.1% 24.3% 28.1% 29.6% 32.0%
Combined 91.3% 122.8% 102.3% 94.6% 93.8%
Earnings and book value per share are adjusted for the dilutive effect of
stock options outstanding.
Data is for all coverages combined and is presented based upon generally
accepted accounting principles.
Includes money market instruments classified with cash in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
All per share amounts have been adjusted for the five-for-four stock split
effective February 17, 2003.
Includes $20,000 relating to the events of September 11, 2001.
19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
---------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------
The primary sources of the Company's liquidity are (1) funds generated from
insurance operations, (2) net investment income and (3) maturing investments.
The Company generally experiences positive cash flow resulting from the fact
that premiums are collected on insurance policies in advance of the disbursement
of funds in payment of claims. Operating costs of the insurance subsidiaries,
other than loss and loss expense payments and commissions paid to the parent
company, generally average less than 30% of premiums earned on a consolidated
basis and the remaining amount is available for investment for varying periods
of time depending on the type of insurance coverage provided. During extended
periods of declining net premium volume, however, operating cash flows may turn
negative as loss settlements on claim reserves established in prior years exceed
net premium revenue and receipts of investment income. During 2002, positive
cash flow from operations totaled $38.1 million, compared to 16.2 million in
2001, as improved market conditions allowed the Company to expand its market
share in all of its major lines of business.
For several years, the Company's investment philosophy has emphasized the
purchase of short-term bonds with maximum quality and liquidity. As interest
rates have declined and yield curves have not provided a strong incentive to
lengthen maturities in recent years, the Company has maintained its short-term
position with respect to the vast majority of its fixed maturity investments.
The average life of the Company's bond and short-term investment portfolio was
2.9 years and 3.8 years for 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company also
remains an active participant in the equity securities market using funds which
are not considered necessary to fund current operations. The long-term nature of
the Company's equity investments allows it to invest in positions where ultimate
value, and not short-term market fluctuations, is the most important feature.
Investments made by the Company's domestic insurance subsidiaries are regulated
by guidelines promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
which are designed to provide protection for both policyholders and
shareholders.
The Company's assets at December 31, 2002 included $46.7 million in short-term
investments which are readily convertible to cash without market penalty and an
additional $76.8 million of fixed income investments maturing in less than one
year. The Company believes that these liquid investments, plus the expected cash
flow from current operations, are far more than sufficient to provide for
projected claim payments and operating cost demands. In addition, the Company's
reinsurance program is structured to avoid serious cash drains that might
accompany catastrophic losses. In the event competitive conditions produce
inadequate premium rates and the Company chooses to restrict volume, the
liquidity of its investment portfolio would permit it to continue to pay claims
as settlements are reached without requiring the disposal of investments at a
loss, regardless of interest rates in effect at the time.
Net premiums written by the Company's U.S. insurance subsidiaries for 2002
equaled approximately 32% of the combined statutory surplus of these
subsidiaries. Premium writings of 200% to 300% of surplus are generally
considered acceptable by regulatory authorities. Further, the statutory capital
of each of the insurance subsidiaries substantially exceeds minimum risk based
capital requirements set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Accordingly, the Company has the ability to significantly increase its business
without seeking additional capital to meet statutory guidelines.
Shareholders' equity decreased to $284.6 million at December 31, 2002, from
$288.4 million at December 31, 2001, including $9.0 million in treasury share
purchases, $4.6 million of cash dividends to shareholders, and a $2.7 million
decrease in unrealized net gains on investments. Book value per common share
outstanding increased 2.4% to $19.43 at December 31, 2002 from $18.98 per share
at December 31, 2001.
20
In connection with the treasury stock purchases mentioned above, the Company
established short-term borrowing facilities with two banks during 2002 in the
total amount of $17 million. Drawings under these facilities totaled $10 million
in 2002 with repayments of $2.5 million, leaving $7.5 million outstanding at
December 31, 2002. These borrowing facilities expire in 2003 but are expected to
be renewed.
As more fully discussed in Note G to the consolidated financial statements, at
December 31, 2002, $55.7 million, or 19.6% of shareholders' equity, represented
net assets of the Company's insurance subsidiaries which, at that time, could
not be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the parent
company because of minimum statutory capital requirements. However, management
believes that these restrictions pose no material liquidity concerns for the
Company. The financial strength and stability of the subsidiaries permit ready
access by the parent company to short-term and long-term sources of credit. The
parent company's assets included cash and marketable investments of
approximately $39.9 million at December 31, 2002.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
2002 COMPARED TO 2001
Direct premiums written for 2002 totaled $164.7 million, an increase of $50.4
million (44%) from 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in
fleet trucking and independent contractor programs of $35.2 million (86%) and
$9.0 million (33%), respectively, from 2001 levels. Direct premium writings from
the Company's private passenger automobile and small business workers'
compensation programs also increased by $5.4 million (18%) and $2.0 million
(46%), respectively. These increases were partially offset by a $1.2 million
(10%) decrease in direct premium written for the Company's small trucking fleet
program. Large trucking fleet volume increased primarily from the addition of 23
new accounts during 2002, bringing Protective's total excess trucking client
count to 71 accounts. Premium rate increases also contributed to higher large
trucking fleet premium in 2002 although rate increases on renewals were not as
significant as in 2001. The higher premium volume from the independent
contractor program resulted from the addition of contractors by existing
accounts. Increases in private passenger automobile and small business workers'
compensation were due primarily to geographic expansion, although modest rate
increases were implemented in both divisions during 2002. The decrease in small
trucking fleet premium resulted from continuing competitive market pressures
within that segment.
Premiums assumed from other reinsurers totaled $8.1 million during 2002, an
increase of $2.5 million (43%) from 2001. Premiums assumed for 2001 included
$1.0 million of reinstatement premiums attributable to losses reported that
year. Without these reinstatement premiums, reinsurance assumed volume would
have increased 74% from the prior year. Improved pricing in this market allowed
the Company to increase its participation via several new treaties since the
2001 period. Premium volume for this division is limited by the Company's
intention to expose itself to a maximum loss of $10 million from a single
catastrophic event. Further, the Company's participation in reinsurance assumed
in the future will be restricted should pricing become less favorable.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $26.2 million (70%) during 2002 to $63.8
million. The percentage of premiums ceded to direct premiums written increased
to 39% for 2002 from 33% for 2001 consistent with the increase in direct
premiums written for the more heavily reinsured large trucking fleet program
discussed above. While the average ceding rate for large fleet trucking was
lower in 2002, a significantly higher portion of consolidated premium revenue
was concentrated in this product line, resulting in the increase in the overall
average ceding rate.
After giving effect to changes in unearned premiums, net premiums earned
increased 26% to $104.4 million for 2002 from $83.1 million for 2001. Net
premiums earned from all trucking-related insurance products increased
21
by $18.6 million (44%). Net premiums earned from the Company's voluntary
reinsurance assumed and small workers' compensation programs increased $2.1
million (37%) and $.7 million (26%), respectively. These increases were
partially offset by a $.3 million (1%) decrease in premiums earned from private
passenger automobile.
Net investment income decreased $2.7 million (15.1%) during 2002 reflecting
lower overall pre-tax yields while average invested assets increased 5%. The
average pre-tax yield on invested assets dropped to 4.1% this year from 5.0%
during 2001. The largest decline in yields came from short-term investments
which averaged 1.4% during 2002 compared to 3.7% last year. Average bond yields
also declined from 6.0% in 2001 to 5.1% in 2002. The short-term nature of the
Company's bond portfolio results in a rapid recognition of changes in interest
rates, either positive or negative. The steady decline in interest rates over
the past few years continues to impact the average yield of the bond portfolio,
as noted above. After-tax yields were 2.9% and 3.6% for 2002 and 2001,
respectively, in line with pre-tax yield changes.
Realized net capital losses were $16.4 million in 2002 compared to gains of $5.1
million for 2001. The current year's net loss consisted of losses on equity
securities of $13.7 million, losses on fixed maturities of $1.9 million, and
losses on other investments of $.8 million. The losses on equity securities
include approximately $13.7 million of losses actually realized by disposal of
securities which were considered to have little potential for near-term recovery
as well as $5.8 million of gains realized on sales. In addition, unrealized
losses on securities still owned which had experienced a decline in market value
of more than 20% for more than six months were reclassified as realized losses
during 2002 in the following amounts: equity securities, $5.8 million; fixed
income securities, $.9 million and other investments $1.1 million. The losses
realized during 2002 reflect the continuing bear market which has resulted from
an unusual combination of factors coming together at approximately the same
time. These factors included, in no particular order, the unwinding of one of
the great speculative bubbles of all time (fueled largely by internet and
technology stocks in which the Company had zero participation), the attack of
September 11, 2001 and the significant change in security measures and attendant
economic friction that resulted therefrom, an ongoing recession, a disputed U.S.
Presidential election, corporate collapses and bankruptcies of historic
proportion, corporate malfeasance and fraud which has resulted in massive
changes in corporate governance regulations, evidence of wrongdoing on the part
of major securities firms, the collapse of the merchant energy industry in the
U.S. and, most recently, the imminent commencement of armed conflict with Iraq.
The largest single losses realized on investments actually sold were $4.2
million realized on the sale of Vanguard Index Trust 500 Fund (S&P 500 index
fund) and $1.6 million on Trenwick Group, Inc. common stock. The largest single
losses reported as realized on investments still owned were $1.4 million on PICO
Holdings, Inc. and $1.2 million on El Paso Corp., both common stocks.
Losses and loss expenses incurred during 2002 decreased $13.8 million (17%) to
$68.1 million. Losses and loss expenses for 2001 included $20 million related to
the events of September 11, 2001 ("WTC loss"). Adjusting 2001 losses and loss
expenses for the WTC loss, losses and loss expenses for 2002 were $6.2 million
(10%) higher due mainly to the increased premium volume during 2002. The 2002
consolidated loss and loss expense ratio was 68.5% compared to 74.4% for 2001,
after adjustment for the WTC loss. All of the
22
Company's individual product lines contributed to the more favorable loss and
loss expense ratio as summarized in the following table.
Loss and loss expense ratios:
2002 2001
-------- --------
Fleet trucking 68.6% 79.0%
Private passenger automobile 63.9 69.5
Small fleet trucking 50.1 71.5
Voluntary reinsurance assumed 61.5 430.0
Small business workers' compensation 54.7 74.2
All lines 65.2 98.5
All lines without WTC 65.2 74.4
The improved loss and loss expense ratios for the Company's private passenger
automobile, small fleet trucking and small business workers' compensation
programs are due primarily to improved underwriting selection and rate
increases. Because of the high limits provided by the Company to its large
trucking fleet insureds, the length of time required to settle larger, more
complex claims and the volatility of the trucking liability insurance business,
the Company believes it is important to have a high degree of conservatism in
its reserving process. As claims are settled in years subsequent to their
occurrence, the Company's claim handling process has, historically, tended to
produce savings from the reserves provided. The Company believes that favorable
loss developments are attributable to the Company's long-standing policy of
reserving for losses realistically and a willingness to settle claims based upon
a seasoned evaluation of its exposures. Changes in both gross premium volumes
and the Company's reinsurance structure for its large trucking fleets can have a
significant impact on future loss developments and, as a result, loss and loss
expense ratios may not be consistent year to year.
Other operating expenses for 2002, before credits for allowances from
reinsurers, increased $5.4 million (16%) to $39.8 million. Gross expenses
increased at a much lower rate than the increase in premium volume because much
of the Company's expense structure is fixed and does not vary directly with
volume. In general, only commissions to independent agents, premium taxes and
other acquisition costs vary directly with premium volume. Personnel related
expenses, including amounts allocated to loss expenses and investment income,
increased 7% due mainly to annual cost of living and merit wage adjustments and
staffing increases necessitated by the increased premium volume. Direct
commission expense increased $1.4 million (19%) primarily as the result of
increased participation in voluntary reinsurance assumed treaties. Substantially
all fleet trucking business is produced by direct sales efforts of Baldwin &
Lyons, Inc. employees and, accordingly, this business does not incur commission
expense on a consolidated basis. Instead, the operating expenses of the agency
operations, including salaries and bonuses of salesmen, travel expenses, etc.
are included in operating expenses. In general, commissions paid by the
insurance subsidiaries to the parent company exceed related acquisition costs
incurred in the production of fleet trucking business. Ceding commission
allowances from reinsurers increased $4.8 million (37%), resulting from
increased premium volume ceded under reinsurance agreements covering
Protective's fleet trucking business. The ratio of net operating expenses of the
insurance subsidiaries to net premiums earned was 26.1% during 2002 compared to
24.3% for 2001, reflecting higher commissions including bonus commissions
measured, in part, on underwriting profitability and from slightly lower rates
for ceding commissions received from reinsurers. Including the agency
operations, and after elimination of inter-company commissions, the ratio of
other operating expenses to operating revenue was 17.8% for 2002 compared with
20.6% for 2001.
The effective federal tax rate for consolidated operations for 2002 was 30.6%.
This rate is lower than the statutory rate primarily because of tax-exempt
investment income.
23
As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income for 2002 was $12.4
million compared to $5.4 million for 2001. Diluted earnings per share increased
to $.84 in 2002 from $.35 in 2001. 2001 results included losses related to the
events of September 11, 2001 equal to $.84 per share. Earnings per share from
operations before realized gains or losses on investments was $1.57 in 2002
compared to $.14 in 2001.
2001 COMPARED TO 2000
Direct premiums written for 2001 totaled $114.3 million, an increase of $17.2
million (18%) from 2000. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in
fleet trucking and independent contractor programs of $13.9 million (52%) and
$4.8 million (21%), respectively, from 2000 levels. Direct premium writings from
the Company's small business workers' compensation and small trucking fleet
programs also increased by $2.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These
increases were partially offset by a $5.6 million (16%) decrease in direct
premium written for the Company's private passenger automobile program. Large
trucking fleet and independent contractor volume increases resulted roughly
equally from the addition of new accounts as well as rate increases on renewed
accounts. Increases in small business workers' compensation and small fleet were
due primarily to geographic expansion, although rates were increased in both
divisions during 2001. The decrease in private passenger automobile premium
resulted from an effort to reunderwrite the program during 2001, including the
implementation of significant rate increases and the termination of producers of
unprofitable business.
Premiums assumed from other reinsurers totaled $5.7 million during 2001, an
increase of $1.5 million (35%) from 2000. Premiums assumed for 2001 and 2000
included $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of reinstatement premiums
attributable to losses reported in those years. Without these reinstatement
premiums, reinsurance assumed volume would have increased 85% from the prior
year. Pricing in this market began to improve toward the end of 2000 and
throughout 2001, and the Company's participation increased as a result.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $13.5 million (56%) during 2001 to $37.7
million. The percentage of premiums ceded to direct premiums written increased
to 33% for 2001 from 25% for 2000 consistent with the increase in direct
premiums written for the more heavily reinsured large trucking fleet program
discussed above.
After giving effect to changes in unearned premiums, net premiums earned
increased 7% to $83.1 million for 2001 from $77.4 million for 2000. Net premiums
earned from all trucking-related insurance products increased by $8.3 million
(25%). Net premiums earned from the Company's small workers' compensation and
voluntary reinsurance assumed programs increased $1.7 million (155%) and $1.1
million (25%), respectively. These increases were partially offset by a $5.7
million (15%) decrease in premiums earned from private passenger automobile.
Net investment income decreased $1.4 million (7.5%) during 2001 reflecting lower
overall pre-tax yields on slightly higher average invested assets. The average
pre-tax yield on invested assets was 5.0% and 5.5% for 2001 and 2000,
respectively. After-tax yields were 3.6% and 3.9% for 2001 and 2000,
respectively.
Realized net capital gains were $5.1 million in 2001 compared to $12.5 million
for 2000. The current year's net gain consisted of gains on equity securities of
$7.3 million and losses on fixed maturities and other investments of $2.2
million. The decrease in realized gains during 2001 was generally reflective of
the substantially less robust stock market during 2001 for reasons described in
the comparison of 2002 to 2001. Gains from equity trading during 2000, of $16.0
million, were unusually high as the result of more favorable market conditions.
Realized net gains for 2001 and 2000 included other than temporary write downs
totaling $2.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The largest single losses
realized on investments actually sold during 2001 were $1.0 million on PICO
Holdings, Inc. and $.4 million on Capital Transamerican Corp.
24
common stocks. The largest single losses reported as realized on investments
still owned were $.6 million on Loral Space and Communication and $.5 million on
Great Lakes Chemical Company common stocks.
Losses and loss expenses incurred during 2001 increased $24.4 million (42%) to
$81.9 million, including a $20 million loss related to the events of September
11, 2001. The 2001 consolidated loss and loss expense ratio was 98.5% compared
to 74.2% for 2000. Adjusted for the September 11, 2001 loss, the consolidated
loss and loss expense ratio was 74.4%. While the adjusted consolidated loss
ratio remained virtually unchanged, individual product lines varied from
year-to-year as less favorable loss development in the Company's large fleet
trucking product was offset by significant improvement in the Company's private
passenger automobile division. The loss and loss expense ratio for private
passenger automobile dropped from 94.5% during 2000 to 69.5% during 2001.
Other operating expenses for 2001, before credits for allowances from
reinsurers, decreased $.3 million (1%) to $34.4 million despite the increase in
premium volume described above. Personnel related expenses, including amounts
allocated to loss expenses and investment income, increased less than 1% as
staff reductions occasioned by the increased use of technology substantially
offset wage increases and higher employee benefit expenses. Direct commission
expense decreased $.4 million (5%) primarily as the result of lower direct
premiums from the Company's private passenger automobile product which carries
higher commission rates than the Company's remaining products. Ceding commission
allowances from reinsurers increased $4.1 million (47%), resulting from
increased premium volume ceded under reinsurance agreements covering
Protective's fleet trucking business. The ratio of net operating expenses of the
insurance subsidiaries to net premiums earned was 24.3% during 2001 compared to
28.0% for 2000, reflecting the higher ceding commission received from
reinsurers. Including the agency operations, and after elimination of
inter-company commissions, the ratio of other operating expenses to operating
revenue was 20.6% for 2001 compared with 26.0% for 2000.
The effective federal tax rate for consolidated operations for 2001 was 16.3%.
This rate is lower than the statutory rate primarily because of tax-exempt
investment income.
As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income for 2001 was $5.4 million
compared to $19.8 million for 2000. Earnings per share decreased to $.35 in 2001
from $1.26 in 2000 due primarily to the losses related to the events of
September 11, 2001. Earnings per share from operations before realized gains on
investments was $.14 in 2001 compared to $.74 in 2000.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- ----------------------------
The Company's significant accounting policies are discussed in Note A to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. The following discussion is provided to
highlight areas of the Company's accounting policies which are both material and
subject to significant degrees of estimation.
INVESTMENT VALUATION
Approximately 70% of the Company's assets are composed of investments at
December 31, 2002. Less than .5% of these investments, consisting of limited
partnership investments in real estate and venture capital assets, do not have
readily determinable market values. For these investments, we estimate fair
value by reference to the underlying assets of the limited partnerships. In
addition, approximately $8.1 million of marketable bonds owned at December 31,
2002 (1.8% of invested assets), are rated below investment grade. All marketable
securities are included in the Company's balance sheet at current fair market
value.
In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other than
temporary, we first make an objective analysis of each individual security where
current market value is less than cost. For any security where the unrealized
loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has
existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other
than temporary impairment, without any subjective evaluation as to possible
future recovery. The only exception exists where substantial recovery to
25
cost has actually occurred prior to the issuance of the financial statements.
For individual issues where the decline in value is less than 20% but the amount
of the decline is considered significant, a similar objective evaluation is
conducted but, in these cases, we will also evaluate the market conditions,
trends of earnings, price multiples and other key measures for the securities to
determine if it appears that the decline is other than temporary. For any
decline which is considered to be other than temporary, we recognize an
impairment loss in the current period operating results as an addition to
realized capital losses. Declines which are considered to be temporary are
recorded as a reduction in shareholders' equity, net of related federal income
tax credits.
It is important to note that all investments included in the Company's financial
statements are valued at current fair market values. The evaluation process for
determination of other than temporary decline in value of investments does not
change these valuations but, rather, determines when the decline in value will
be recognized in the income statement (other than temporary decline) as opposed
to a charge to shareholders' equity (temporary decline). Subsequent recoveries
in value of investments which have incurred an other than temporary impairment
adjustment are accounted for as unrealized gains until the security is actually
disposed. This evaluation process is subject to risks and uncertainties since it
is not always clear what has caused a decline in value of an individual security
or since some declines may be associated with general market conditions or
economic factors which relate to an industry, in general, but not necessarily to
an individual issue. The Company has attempted to minimize many of these
uncertainties by adopting a largely objective evaluation process which results
in automatic income statement recognition of any investment which, over a six
month period, is unable to recover from a 20% decline in value from our cost
basis. However, to the extent that certain declines in value are reported as
unrealized at December 31, 2002, it is possible that future earnings charges
will result should the declines in value increase or persist or should the
security actually be disposed of while market values are less than cost. At
December 31, 2002, the total gross unrealized loss included in the Company's
investment portfolio was $3.8 million. No individual issue constituted a
material amount of this total. Had this entire amount been considered other than
temporary at December 31, 2002, realized capital losses would have increased by
$.32 per share for the year. There would, however, have been no impact on total
shareholders equity or book value per share since the decline in value of these
securities was already recognized as a reduction to shareholders equity at
December 31, 2002.
REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE
Amounts recoverable under the terms of reinsurance contracts comprise almost 21%
of total Company assets as of December 31, 2002. In order to be able to provide
the high limits required by the Company's trucking company insureds, we share a
significant amount of the insurance risk of the underlying contracts with
various insurance entities through the use of reinsurance contracts. Some
reinsurance contracts provide that a loss be shared among the Company and its
reinsurers on a predetermined pro-rata basis ("quota-share") while other
contracts provide that the Company keep a fixed amount of the loss, similar to a
deductible, with reinsurers taking all losses above this fixed amount ("excess
of loss"). Some risks are covered by a combination of quota-share and excess of
loss contracts. The computation of amounts due from reinsurers is based upon the
terms of the various contracts and follows the underlying estimation process for
loss and loss expense reserves, as described below. Accordingly, the
uncertainties inherent in the loss and loss expense reserving process also
affect the amounts recorded as recoverable from reinsurers. Estimation
uncertainties are greatest for claims which have occurred but which have not yet
been reported to the Company. Further, the high limits provided by the Company's
insurance policies for trucking liability and workers' compensation, provide
more variability in the estimation process than lines of business with lower
coverage limits.
It should be noted, however, that a change in the estimate of amounts due from
reinsurers on unpaid claims will not, in itself, result in charges or credits to
losses incurred. This is because any change in estimated recovery follows the
estimate of the underlying loss. Thus, it is the computation of the underlying
loss that is critical.
As with any receivable, credit risk exists in the recoverability of reinsurance.
This is even more pronounced than in normal receivable situations since
recoverable amounts are not due generally until the loss is settled which, in
some cases, may be many years after the contract was written. If a reinsurer is
unable, in the future, to meet it's financial commitments under the terms of the
contracts, the Company would be responsible for the
26
reinsurer's portion of the loss. The financial condition of each of the
Company's reinsurers is initially determined upon the execution of each treaty
and only reinsurers with the highest credit ratings available are utilized.
However, as noted above, reinsurers are often not called upon to satisfy their
obligations for several years and changes in credit worthiness can occur in the
interim period. Reviews of the current financial strength of each reinsurer are
made continually and, should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer be
determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in amounts
sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such charges are
included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses
incurred since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers is a
credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving process.
LOSS AND LOSS EXPENSE RESERVES
The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses ("reserves") are determined
based on complex estimation processes using historical experience, current
economic information and, when necessary, available industry statistics. Our
reserves are evaluated in three basic categories (1) "case basis", (2) "incurred
but not reported" and (3) "loss adjustment expense" reserves. Case basis
reserves are established for specific known loss occurrences at amounts
dependent upon various criteria such as type of coverage, severity and the
underlying policy limits, as examples. Case basis reserves are generally
estimated by experienced claims adjusters using established Company guidelines
and are subject to review by claims management. Incurred but not reported
reserves, which are established for those losses which have occurred, but have
not yet been reported to the Company, are not linked to specific claims but are
computed on a "bulk" basis. Common actuarial methods are used in the
establishment of incurred but not reported loss reserves using company
historical loss data, consideration of changes in the Company's business and
study of current economic trends affecting ultimate claims costs. Loss
adjustment expense reserves, or reserves for the costs associated with the
investigation and settlement of a claim, are also bulk reserves representing the
Company's estimate of the costs associated with the claims handling process.
Loss adjustment expense reserves include amounts ultimately allocable to
individual claims as well as amounts required for the general overhead of the
claims handling operation that are not specifically allocable to individual
claims. Historical analyses of the ratio of loss adjusting expenses to losses
paid on prior closed claims and study of current economic trends affecting loss
settlement costs are used to estimate the loss adjustment reserve needs related
to the established loss reserves. Each of these reserve categories contain
elements of uncertainty which assure variability when compared to the ultimate
costs to settle the underlying claims for which the reserves are established.
The reserving process requires us to continuously monitor and evaluate the life
cycle of claims based on the class of business and the nature of claims. Our
claims range from the very routine private passenger automobile "fender bender"
to the highly complex and costly third party bodily injury claim involving large
tractor-trailer rigs. Reserving for each class of claims requires a set of
assumptions based upon historical experience, knowledge of current industry
trends and seasoned judgment. The high limits provided in the Company's trucking
liability policies provide for greater variation in the reserving process for
more serious claims. Court rulings, tort reform (or lack thereof) and trends in
jury awards also play a significant role in the estimation process of larger
claims. The Company continuously reviews and evaluates loss developments
subsequent to each measurement date and adjusts its reserve estimation
assumptions, as necessary, in an effort to achieve the best possible estimate of
the ultimate remaining loss costs at any point in time. Changes to previously
established reserve amounts are charged or credited to losses and loss expenses
incurred in the accounting periods in which they are determined.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
- ---------------------------
Any forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation,
statements relating to the Company's plans, strategies, objectives,
expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Investors are cautioned
27
that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties including without limitation the following: (i) the Company's
plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change
at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the Company's business is
highly competitive and the entrance of new competitors into or the expansion of
the operations by existing competitors in the Company's markets and other
changes in the market for insurance products could adversely affect the
Company's plans and results of operations; and (iii) other risks and
uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
- ---------------------------------
The liability method is used in accounting for federal income taxes. Using this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences are expected to reverse. The provision for deferred federal income
tax was based on items of income and expense that were reported in different
years in the financial statements and tax returns and were measured at the tax
rate in effect in the year the difference originated. Net deferred tax
liabilities of $5.8 million and $9.9 million were recorded at December 31, 2002
and 2001, respectively. The net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2002
included $4.6 million in special tax deposits covered under Section 847 of the
Internal Revenue Code, as explained in the following paragraph, which compares
to $4.3 million in special tax deposits at December 31, 2001. Adjusted for the
special deposits, a net deferred tax liability of $10.3 million was recorded at
December 31, 2002 compared to a net deferred tax liability of $14.2 million at
December 31, 2001. The decrease in deferred federal taxes payable is primarily
attributable to the decrease in unrealized capital gains in the investment
portfolio.
A provision in the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 created a
mechanism which allows for a recognizable deferred tax asset specifically for
property and casualty loss reserves discounted for tax purposes. Adopted as
Section 847 of the Internal Revenue Code, this provision allows an insurer to
take a special tax deduction equal to the discount on post 1986 accident year
loss and loss expense reserves while making "special estimated tax payments"
equal to the amount of the tax benefit derived from the special deduction. The
"special estimated tax payments" can be carried forward for fifteen years to
offset taxes arising from decreases in the special deduction and can be treated
as regular estimated payments or refunded at the end of the carryforward period.
Based upon the concerns regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets, the
Company adopted the provisions of Section 847 for all tax years 1987 and
subsequent and has taken deductions for the entire amount of discount on
post-1986 loss reserves. As mentioned above, special Section 847 estimated tax
deposits totaling $4.6 million have been paid in connection with this election.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
- -------------------
To the extent possible, the Company attempts to recover the costs of inflation
by increasing the premiums it charges. A majority of the Company's premiums are
charged as a percentage of an insured's gross revenue or payroll. As these
charging bases increase with inflation, premium revenues are immediately
increased. The remaining premium rates charged are adjustable only at periodic
intervals and often require state regulatory approval. Such periodic increases
in premium rates may lag far behind cost increases.
To the extent inflation influences yields on investments, the Company is also
affected. The Company maintains a sizable portion of its investment portfolio in
short-term instruments and changes in current market interest rates
correspondingly affect yields on these investments. Further, as inflation
affects current market rates of return, previously committed investments may
rise or decline in value depending on the type and maturity of investment. (See
comments under Market Risk, following.)
Inflation must also be considered by the Company in the creation and review of
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves since portions of these reserves are
expected to be paid over extended periods of time. The
28
anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly
considered when estimating liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses.
MARKET RISK
- -----------
The Company operates solely within the property and casualty insurance industry
and, accordingly, has significant invested assets which are exposed to various
market risks. These market risks relate to interest rate fluctuations, foreign
currency translation and equities market prices. All of the Company's invested
assets are classified as available for sale and are listed as such in Note B to
the consolidated financial statements.
The most significant of the three identified market risks relates to prices in
the equities market. Though not the largest category of the Company's invested
assets, equity securities have the greatest potential for short-term price
fluctuation. The market value of the Company's equity positions at December 31,
2002 was $105.4 million or approximately 24% of invested assets, including money
market instruments classified as cash. Funds invested in the equities market are
not considered to be assets necessary for the Company to conduct its daily
operations and, therefore, can be committed for extended periods of time. The
long-term nature of the Company's equity investments allows it to invest in
positions where ultimate value, and not short-term market fluctuations, is the
most important feature.
The Company's fixed maturity portfolio totaled $290.2 million at December 31,
2002. Over half of this portfolio is made up of U. S. Government and government
agency obligations and state and municipal debt securities, 94% of the portfolio
matures within 5 years and the average life of the Company's fixed maturity
investments is approximately 2.9 years. Although the Company is exposed to
interest rate risk on its fixed maturity investments, given the anticipated
duration of the Company's liabilities (principally insurance loss and loss
expense reserves) relative to investment maturities, even a 100 to 200 basis
point increase in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the
Company's ability to conduct daily operations or to meet its obligations.
There is an inverse relationship between interest rate fluctuations and the fair
value of the Company's fixed maturity investments. Additionally, the fair value
of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the financial strength
of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments,
liquidity of the investment and other general market conditions. The Company
monitors its sensitivity to interest rate risk by measuring the change in fair
value of its fixed maturity investments relative to hypothetical changes in
interest rates. As previously indicated, several other factors can impact the
fair values of fixed maturity investments and, therefore, significant variations
in market interest rates could produce quite different results from the
hypothetical estimates presented in the following summary.
We estimate that a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have
resulted in a pre-tax loss in the fair value of fixed maturity investments of
approximately $5.6 million at December 31, 2002. Similarly, a 100 basis point
decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated pre-tax
gain in the fair value of these instruments of approximately $6.0 million at
December 31, 2002. Note, however, that the hypothetical loss mentioned above
would only be realized if the Company was obligated, or elected, to sell bonds
prior to maturity, which is extremely unlikely. The aggregate value of money
market and short-term investments, bonds maturing within twelve months and
expected positive cash flow from operations for 2003 is equal to more than 100%
of net loss and loss expense reserves at December 31, 2002.
The Company's exposure to foreign currency risk is not material.
29
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 8--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
30
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
BALDWIN & LYONS, INC.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Baldwin & Lyons,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in equity other than capital, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index
at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Baldwin & Lyons,
Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects,
the information set forth therein.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
February 21, 2003
31
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31
2002 2001
------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities $ 290,155 $ 246,632
Equity securities 105,441 136,399
Short-term and other 9,158 27,584
------------ ------------
404,754 410,615
Cash and cash equivalents 41,699 31,840
Accounts receivable--less allowance
(2002, $1,047; 2001, $1,143) 33,646 25,151
Accrued investment income 4,060 3,875
Reinsurance recoverable 137,870 111,585
Deferred policy acquisition costs 4,177 3,523
Current federal income taxes 1,701 2,590
Property and equipment--less accumulated depreciation
(2002, $8,718; 2001, $8,354) 6,658 7,442
Notes receivable from employees 7,494 2,257
Other assets 2,403 2,231
------------ ------------
$ 644,462 $ 601,109
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses $ 277,744 $ 247,143
Unearned premiums 29,016 23,914
------------ ------------
306,760 271,057
Reinsurance payable 1,592 5,260
Note payable 7,500 -
Accounts payable and other liabilities 38,262 26,523
Deferred federal income taxes 5,760 9,909
------------ ------------
359,874 312,749
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value:
Class A -- authorized 3,000,000 shares;
outstanding -- 2002, 2,666,666 shares;
2001, 2,847,382 shares 114 121
Class B -- authorized 20,000,000 shares;
outstanding -- 2002, 11,882,813 shares;
2001, 12,252,415 shares 507 523
Additional paid-in capital 35,248 36,272
Unrealized net gains on investments 29,640 32,377
Retained earnings 219,079 219,067
------------ ------------
284,588 288,360
------------ ------------
$ 644,462 $ 601,109
============ ============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
32
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Year Ended December 31
2002 2001 2000
---------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Net premiums earned $ 104,392 $ 83,138 $ 77,439
Net investment income 14,964 17,626 19,049
Realized net gains (losses) on investments (16,445) 5,053 12,473
Commissions, service fees and other income 5,219 4,063 3,512
----------- ----------- ----------
108,130 109,880 112,473
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses incurred 68,107 81,870 57,470
Other operating expenses 22,193 21,572 26,039
----------- ----------- -----------
90,300 103,442 83,509
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES 17,830 6,438 28,964
Federal income taxes 5,464 1,048 9,214
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME $ 12,366 $ 5,390 $ 19,750
=========== =========== ===========
PER SHARE DATA:
DILUTED EARNINGS $ .84 $ .35 $1.26
=========== =========== ===========
BASIC EARNINGS $ .85 $ .36 $1.27
=========== =========== ===========
Dividends $ .32 $ .32 $ .32
=========== =========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN CAPITAL
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries
2002 2001 2000
------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCES AT BEGINNING OF YEAR:
Retained earnings $219,067 $220,698 $219,707
Unrealized gains on investments 32,377 36,237 24,711
---------------- --------------- ---------------
251,444 256,935 244,418
CHANGES ARISING FROM INCOME-PRODUCING ACTIVITIES:
Net income 12,366 5,390 19,750
Gains (losses) on investments:
Holding gains (losses) arising during period,
before federal income taxes (20,656) (886) 30,205
Federal income taxes (7,230) (310) 10,572
---------------- --------------- ---------------
(13,426) (576) 19,633
(Gains) losses realized during period