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8-K - FORM 8-K - HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INCv306051_8k.htm

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2011 RESULTS

 

FORT WORTH, Texas, (March 14, 2012) - Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALL) (“Hallmark”) today reported fourth quarter 2011 net income of $0.3 million compared to $0.4 million reported for fourth quarter 2010. Hallmark reported a net loss of $10.8 million for fiscal year 2011, compared to net income of $7.3 million reported for fiscal year 2010. On a fully diluted basis, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $0.02 per share as compared to net income of $0.02 per share for the fourth quarter of 2010. Hallmark reported net loss of $0.55 per diluted share for fiscal year 2011, as compared to net income of $0.36 per diluted share for fiscal year 2010. Total revenues were $83.1 million for the fourth quarter 2011 as compared to $79.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2010. Total revenues for fiscal year 2011 were $322.8 million, up 5% from the $307.1 million reported for fiscal year 2010.

 

Mark J. Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our results for the fourth quarter reflect continued profitable underwriting results by our two commercial segments after a challenging first half of fiscal 2011. Our Standard Commercial Segment reported a profitable combined ratio of 98.0% for the quarter due in large part to exiting certain classes of business that historically contributed to large loss volatility. Our Specialty Commercial Segment also reported improved results as evidenced by its fourth quarter combined ratio of 84.8% compared to 96.5% last quarter. This improvement was primarily driven by improved loss experience in our general aviation business unit.”

 

Mr. Morrison continued, “As we discussed last quarter, we have taken and continue to take aggressive steps to address the unfavorable financial performance of our Personal Lines Segment. As these actions take effect over the next few quarters, we expect this unit to return to an acceptable level of profitability.”

Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman of Hallmark, stated, “Book value per share increased 2% during the fourth quarter but declined 4% for fiscal 2011. Investment income increased 7% to $15.9 million for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Cash flow from operations was $10 million in the fourth quarter and $25 million for fiscal 2011.”

 

“Hallmark utilized $6.4 million of its cash during the year to repurchase 875,712 shares or 4% of its outstanding common stock and also deployed $13.3 million net cash during the year for the acquisitions of Hallmark National Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company. Additionally, total cash and investments increased 2% during fiscal 2011 to $508 million. On a per share basis, total cash and investments increased at a greater rate of 7% during fiscal 2011 to an all-time high of $26.40 per share, due to the repurchase of shares during the year. Hallmark continues to have a significant amount of cash of $83.8 million as of the end of the year,” said Mr. Schwarz.

 

Mr. Schwarz continued, “Since inception of the company’s buyback program, Hallmark has repurchased 1,625,712 shares or 8% of the then outstanding common stock. The total cost of shares repurchased to date is $11.7 million or $7.17 per share, equivalent to 64% of Hallmark’s year-end book value per share of $11.22. There are approximately 2.4 million shares remaining authorized under the Company’s stock buyback program.”

 

 
 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   December 31, 
   2011   2010   % Change  
   ($ in thousands) 
Gross premiums written   84,047    73,735    14%
Net premiums written   70,804    63,666    11%
Net premiums earned   76,282    70,902    8%
Investment income, net of expenses   4,115    4,336    -5%
Net realized gain on investments   456    2,645    -83%
Total revenues   83,102    79,333    5%
Net earnings (1)   303    420    -28%
Net earnings per share - basic  $0.02   $0.02    0%
Net earnings per share - diluted  $0.02   $0.02    0%
Book value per share  $11.22   $11.72    -4%
Cash flow from operations  $9,602   $7,426    29%

 

   Fiscal Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2011   2010   % Change  
   ($ in thousands) 
Gross premiums written   354,881    320,973    11%
Net premiums written   303,876    281,641    8%
Net premiums earned   293,041    278,271    5%
Investment income, net of expenses   15,880    14,849    7%
Net realized gain on investments   3,633    8,402    -57%
Total revenues   322,771    307,060    5%
Net (loss) earnings (1)   (10,821)   7,334    NM 
Net (loss) earnings per share - basic  $(0.55)  $0.36    NM 
Net (loss) earnings per share - diluted  $(0.55)  $0.36    NM 
Book value per share  $11.22   $11.72    -4%
Cash flow from operations  $24,610   $36,360    -32%

 

(1)Net (loss) earnings is net (loss) income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. as reported in the consolidated statements of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2011 Hallmark’s total revenues were $83.1 million representing a 5% increase from the $79.3 million in total revenues for the same period of 2010. This increase in revenue was primarily attributable to increased earned premium due to increased production by the E&S Commercial business unit, a new space risk Specialty Program entered into during the first quarter of 2011 and the acquisition of the Workers Comp business unit during the third quarter of 2011. Further contributing to the increased revenues were favorable profit sharing commission revenue adjustments. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower earned premium in the Standard Commercial business unit due to continued competition and continued soft market conditions and lower recognized gains on our investment portfolio.

  

During fiscal 2011, total revenues were $322.8 million, representing an approximate 5% increase over the $307.1 million in total revenues for fiscal 2010. This increase in revenue was primarily attributable to increased earned premium due to increased production by the Personal Lines and E&S Commercial business units, a new space risk Specialty Program entered into during the first quarter of 2011 and the acquisition of the Workers Comp business unit during the third quarter of 2011. Further contributing to the increased revenues were favorable profit sharing commission revenue adjustments and higher net investment income. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower earned premium in the Standard Commercial business unit due to continued competition and continued soft market conditions and lower recognized gains on Hallmark’s investment portfolio.

 

 
 

 

Hallmark reported $0.3 million of net earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to net earnings of $0.4 million for the same period during 2010. Hallmark reported a net loss of $10.8 million for fiscal 2011, as compared to the $7.3 million net earnings reported for fiscal 2010. On a diluted basis per share, Hallmark reported net income of $0.02 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. On a diluted basis per share, net loss was $0.55 per share for fiscal 2011 as compared to net income of $0.36 per share for fiscal 2010.

 

The increase in revenue for the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 was offset by increased loss and loss adjustment expenses due primarily to higher current accident year loss estimates. The increase in revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 was also offset by unfavorable prior year loss development of $16.4 million recognized during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to unfavorable prior year development of $9.2 million recognized during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Of the $16.4 million unfavorable development recognized for fiscal 2011, $19.7 million was a result of adverse prior year loss reserve development in the Personal Lines Segment, of which $10.3 million was directly attributable to loss development in Florida. In addition, the results for fiscal 2011 include $10.3 million in current accident year net losses from weather related claims, nearly all of which was incurred in the first half of 2011. As a result of the pre-tax loss and an increase in the proportion of tax-exempt income relative to total pre-tax loss, Hallmark reported an income tax benefit of $8.9 million, or an effective income tax rate of 45.3%, for fiscal 2011, as compared to income tax expense of $0.8 million, or an effective rate of 10.0%, for fiscal 2010.

 

Hallmark's consolidated net loss ratio was 75.2% and 81.6% for the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 79.1% and 72.8% for the same periods in 2010. The adverse prior year development and the losses from the weather related claims contributed 9.1% to the 81.6% consolidated net loss ratio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Hallmark's net expense ratio was 29.3% and 30.8% for the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 29.9% and 29.6% for the same periods in 2010. Hallmark’s net combined ratio was 104.5% and 112.4% for the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 109.0% and 102.4% for the same periods in 2010.

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. is an insurance holding company which, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Hallmark’s business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing commercial insurance, personal insurance and general aviation insurance, as well as providing other insurance related services. The Company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and its common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "HALL."

 

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that actual results may differ substantially from such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, continued acceptance of the Company’s products and services in the marketplace, competitive factors, interest rate trends, general economic conditions, the availability of financing, underwriting loss experience and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

For further information, please contact:

Mark J. Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer at 817.348.1600

www.hallmarkgrp.com

 

 
 

 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2011 and 2010

($ in thousands)

 

ASSETS  2011   2010 
Investments:          
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $380,578 in 2011 and $383,530 in 2010)  $380,469   $388,399 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $30,465 in 2011 and $32,469 in 2010)   44,159    44,042 
           
Total investments   424,628    432,441 
           
Cash and cash equivalents   74,471    60,519 
Restricted cash   9,372    5,277 
Ceded unearned premiums   19,470    25,504 
Premiums receivable   53,513    47,337 
Accounts receivable   3,946    7,051 
Receivable for securities   2,617    2,215 
Reinsurance recoverable   42,734    39,505 
Deferred policy acquisition costs   23,408    21,679 
Goodwill   44,695    44,695 
Intangible assets, net   26,654    30,241 
Federal income tax recoverable   6,738    3,645 
Prepaid expenses   1,458    1,987 
Other assets   13,209    15,207 
           
   $746,913   $737,303 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Revolving credit facility payable  $4,050   $2,800 
Subordinated debt securities   56,702    56,702 
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   296,945    251,677 
Unearned premiums   146,104    140,965 
Unearned revenue   55    116 
Reinsurance balances payable   3,139    3,122 
Accrued agent profit sharing   959    1,301 
Accrued ceding commission payable   1,071    4,231 
Pension liability   3,971    2,833 
Payable for securities   203    2,493 
Payable for acquisition   -    14,000 
Deferred federal income taxes, net   434    4,154 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   15,869    15,786 
           
    529,502    500,180 
Commitments and contingencies          
           
Redeemable non-controlling interest   1,284    1,360 
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares in 2011 and 2010; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2011 and 2010   3,757    3,757 
Additional paid-in capital   122,487    121,815 
Retained earnings   94,995    105,816 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   6,446    9,637 
Treasury stock (1,609,374 shares in 2011 and 748,662 in 2010), at cost   (11,558)   (5,262)
           
Total stockholders’ equity   216,127    235,763 
           
   $746,913   $737,303 

 

 
 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   Three Months Ended   Fiscal Year Ended 
   December 31   December 31 
   (unaudited)         
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
                 
Gross premiums written  $84,047   $73,735   $354,881   $320,973 
Ceded premiums written   (13,243)   (10,069)   (51,005)   (39,332)
Net premiums written   70,804    63,666    303,876    281,641 
Change in unearned premiums   5,478    7,236    (10,835)   (3,370)
Net premiums earned   76,282    70,902    293,041    278,271 
                     
Investment income, net of expenses   4,115    4,336    15,880    14,849 
Net realized gains   456    2,645    3,633    8,402 
Finance charges   1,678    1,807    6,826    7,054 
Commission and fees   558    (371)   3,175    (1,575)
Other income   13    14    216    59 
                     
Total revenues   83,102    79,333    322,771    307,060 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   57,394    56,095    239,235    202,544 
Other operating expenses   23,228    22,033    94,998    87,989 
Interest expense   1,161    1,151    4,631    4,598 
Amortization of intangible assets   896    916    3,586    3,665 
                     
Total expenses   82,679    80,195    342,450    298,796 
                     
Income (loss) before tax   423    (862)   (19,679)   8,264 
Income tax (benefit) expense   90    (1,317)   (8,916)   825 
Net income (loss)   333    455    (10,763)   7,439 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest   30    35    58    105 
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.  $303   $420   $(10,821)  $7,334 
                     
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial                    
Services, Inc. common stockholders:                    
Basic  $0.02   $0.02   $(0.55)  $0.36 
Diluted  $0.02   $0.02   $(0.55)  $0.36 

 

 
 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc

Consolidated Segment Data

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 
   Standard   Specialty             
   Commercial   Commercial   Personal         
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Gross premiums written   16,718    47,988    19,341    -    84,047 
Ceded premiums written   (1,423)   (11,702)   (118)   -    (13,243)
Net premiums written   15,295    36,286    19,223    -    70,804 
Change in unearned premiums   1,509    528    3,441    -    5,478 
Net premiums earned   16,804    36,814    22,664    -    76,282 
                          
Total revenues   18,904    38,405    24,795    998    83,102 
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   11,823    20,559    25,012    -    57,394 
                          
Pre-tax  income (loss), net of                         
non-controlling interest   2,213    7,361    (7,274)   (1,907)   393 
                          
Net loss ratio (1)   70.4%   55.8%   110.4%        75.2%
Net expense ratio (1)   27.6%   29.0%   24.3%        29.3%
Net combined ratio (1)   98.0%   84.8%   134.7%      104.5%

 

   Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 
   Standard   Specialty             
   Commercial   Commercial   Personal         
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Gross premiums written   15,357    38,018    20,360    -    73,735 
Ceded premiums written   (1,168)   (8,814)   (87)   -    (10,069)
Net premiums written   14,189    29,204    20,273    -    63,666 
Change in unearned premiums   1,799    2,413    3,024    -    7,236 
Net premiums earned   15,988    31,617    23,297    -    70,902 
                          
Total revenues   17,160    33,573    25,355    3,245    79,333 
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   12,017    20,496    23,582    -    56,095 
                          
Pre-tax  income (loss), net of                         
non-controlling interest   727    3,486    (5,230)   120    (897)
                          
Net loss ratio (1)   75.2%   64.8%   101.2%        79.1%
Net expense ratio (1)   27.0%   30.9%   24.3%        29.9%
Net combined ratio (1)   102.2%   95.7%   125.5%        109.0%

 

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated for the business units that retain 100% of produced premium as total operating expenses for the unit offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. For the business units that do not retain 100% of the produced premium, the net expense ratio is calculated as underwriting expenses of the insurance company subsidiaries for the unit offset by agency fee income, divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.

 

 
 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

Consolidated Segment Data

 

   Fiscal Year Ended  December 31, 2011 
   Standard   Specialty             
   Commercial   Commercial   Personal         
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Gross premiums written   69,420    185,020    100,441    -    354,881 
Ceded premiums written   (5,476)   (40,743)   (4,786)   -    (51,005)
Net premiums written   63,944    144,277    95,655    -    303,876 
Change in unearned premiums   642    (8,784)   (2,693)   -    (10,835)
Net premiums earned   64,586    135,493    92,962    -    293,041 
                          
Total revenues   72,830    142,838    101,351    5,752    322,771 
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   50,940    87,265    101,030    -    239,235 
                          
Pre-tax  income (loss), net of                         
non-controlling interest   1,329    14,421    (29,606)   (5,881)   (19,737)
                          
Net loss ratio (1)   78.9%   64.4%   108.7%        81.6%
Net expense ratio (1)   31.2%   29.8%   26.2%        30.8%
Net combined ratio (1)   110.1%   94.2%   134.9%        112.4%

 

   Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 
   Standard   Specialty             
   Commercial   Commercial   Personal         
   Segment   Segment   Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
                     
Gross premiums written   67,832    157,849    95,292    -    320,973 
Ceded premiums written   (4,260)   (34,876)   (196)   -    (39,332)
Net premiums written   63,572    122,973    95,096    -    281,641 
Change in unearned premiums   1,999    1,125    (6,494)   -    (3,370)
Net premiums earned   65,571    124,098    88,602    -    278,271 
                          
Total revenues   69,670    131,076    96,741    9,573    307,060 
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   51,468    78,911    72,165    -    202,544 
                          
Pre-tax  income (loss), net of                         
non-controlling interest   (2,316)   13,315    (705)   (2,135)   8,159 
                          
Net loss ratio (1)   78.5%   63.6%   81.4%        72.8%
Net expense ratio (1)   30.7%   29.7%   22.4%        29.6%
Net combined ratio (1)   109.2%   93.3%   103.8%        102.4%

 

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated for the business units that retain 100% of produced premium as total operating expenses for the unit offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. For the business units that do not retain 100% of the produced premium, the net expense ratio is calculated as underwriting expenses of the insurance company subsidiaries for the unit offset by agency fee income, divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.