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8-K - EVEREST RE GROUP 8-K 4Q2012 - EVEREST RE GROUP LTDgroup8k4q.htm
 
 
 
 
 
NEWS RELEASE
               

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
Wessex House, 45 Reid Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton HM DX, Bermuda
 
 
Contact:  Elizabeth B. Farrell
Vice President, Investor Relations
Everest Global Services, Inc.
908.604.3169
 
For Immediate Release
 
Everest Re Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Earnings

HAMILTON, Bermuda – February 6, 2013 -- Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) today reported fourth quarter 2012 net income of $58.8 million, or $1.13 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $41.0 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2011. After-tax operating income1, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $41.7 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to an after-tax operating loss1 of $50.7 million, or $0.94 per common share, for the same period in 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, net income was $829.0 million, or $15.79 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of $80.5 million, or $1.49 per common share, for 2011. After-tax operating income1, excluding realized capital gains and losses, was $715.2 million, or 13.62 per diluted common share, for the full year 2012, compared to an after-tax operating loss of $93.6 million or $1.73 per common share, for 2011.

Commenting on the Company’s results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph V. Taranto said, “Despite losses from Sandy and the industry suffering record crop losses, Everest had $1.0 billion in comprehensive income for 2012 and increased shareholder value by 18%. These results demonstrate the strength of our organization. We are pleased with how our portfolio is positioned post January renewals and expect another strong year in 2013.”

Operating highlights for the fourth quarter and full year of 2012 included the following:

·  
Gross written premiums were $1.15 billion, an increase of 4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Worldwide reinsurance premiums were generally flat while direct insurance premiums were up 21% in the period. For the full year, gross

 
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written premiums totaled $4.3 billion and, after adjusting for the impact of foreign exchange and reinstatement premiums, were up 2% compared to last year.
·  
The combined ratio was 108.4% for the quarter and 93.8% for the year, compared to 130.3% and 118.5%, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. As previously announced, the fourth quarter included losses for Superstorm Sandy, which, on a net pre-tax basis, after reinstatement premiums, amounted to $287 million. For the full year, net pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $361 million. Excluding catastrophe losses, reinstatement premiums and nominal favorable prior year loss development, the calendar year attritional combined ratio improved 3 points to 85.0% for 2012.
·  
Net investment income amounted to $146 million for the quarter and $600 million for the full year 2012. This included limited partnership income of $17 million and $65 million in each period, respectively.
·  
Net after-tax realized capital gains totaled $17 million for the quarter. For the full year, net after-tax realized and unrealized capital gains totaled $114 million and $154 million, respectively.
·  
Cash flow from operations was $184 million for the quarter and $664 million for the full year 2012. This compared to $113 million and $660 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2011.
·  
For the year, the after-tax operating income1 return on average adjusted shareholders’ equity2 was 12% and net income return on equity was 14%.
·  
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 370,939 of its common shares at an average price of $107.72 and a total cost of $40 million. For the year, the Company repurchased 3.0 million of its common shares for a total cost of $290 million. During January, the Company repurchased an additional 343,981 shares for a total cost of $38 million, which will be reflected in first quarter 2013 reporting. The repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase authorization, provided by the Company’s Board of Directors, under which there remains 4.0 million shares available.
·  
Shareholders’ equity ended the year at $6.7 billion, up 11% from the $6.1 billion at December 31, 2011. Book value per share increased 16% from $112.99 at year-end 2011 to $130.96 at December 31, 2012.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. Federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company.  These risks and uncertainties include the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry, the adequacy of our reserves, our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market fluctuations, trends in insured and paid losses, catastrophes, regulatory and legal uncertainties and other factors described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty
 
 
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insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), Limited provides reinsurance to non-life insurers in Europe. Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company provide property and casualty insurance to policyholders in the U.S. Everest Indemnity Insurance Company offers excess and surplus lines insurance in the U.S. Everest Insurance Company of Canada provides property and casualty insurance to policyholders in Canada. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group’s web site at www.everestregroup.com.

A conference call discussing the fourth quarter results will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 7, 2013. The call will be available on the Internet through the Company’s web site or at www.streetevents.com.

Recipients are encouraged to visit the Company’s web site to view supplemental financial information on the Company’s results. The supplemental information is located at www.everestregroup.com in the “Financial Reports” section of the “Investor Center”. The supplemental financial information may also be obtained by contacting the Company directly.
___________________________

1The Company generally uses after-tax operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its performance.  After-tax operating income (loss) consists of net income (loss) excluding after-tax net realized capital gains (losses) as the following reconciliation displays:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
      (unaudited)     (unaudited)
                                                 
         
Per Diluted
         
Per Diluted
         
Per Diluted
         
Per
 
         
Common
         
Common
         
Common
         
Common
 
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
   
Amount
   
Share
 
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 58,777     $ 1.13     $ 41,042     $ 0.76     $ 828,954     $ 15.79     $ (80,486 )   $ (1.49 )
After-tax net realized capital gains (losses)
    17,126       0.33       91,726       1.70       113,792       2.17       13,114       0.24  
                                                                 
After-tax operating income (loss)
  $ 41,651     $ 0.80     $ (50,684 )   $ (0.94 )   $ 715,162     $ 13.62     $ (93,600 )   $ (1.73 )
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
 
Although net realized capital gains (losses) are an integral part of the Company’s insurance operations, the determination of net realized capital gains (losses) is independent of the insurance underwriting process.  The Company believes that the level of net realized capital gains (losses) for any particular period is not indicative of the performance of the underlying business in that particular period.  Providing only a GAAP presentation of net income (loss) makes it more difficult for users of the financial information to evaluate the Company’s success or failure in its basic business, and may lead to incorrect or misleading assumptions and conclusions.  The Company understands that the equity analysts who follow the Company focus on after-tax operating income (loss) in their analyses for the reasons discussed above.  The Company provides after-tax operating income (loss) to investors so that they have what management believes to be a useful supplement to GAAP information concerning the Company’s performance.
 
2Adjusted shareholders’ equity excludes net after-tax unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of investments.

--Financial Details Follow--
 
 
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EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
     (unaudited)  
 
 
REVENUES:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 1,119,396     $ 1,005,728     $ 4,164,628     $ 4,101,347  
Net investment income
    146,411       126,253       600,202       620,041  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (120 )     (406 )     (10,022 )     (16,223 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                               
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       -  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    19,638       137,689       174,422       23,146  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    19,518       137,283       164,400       6,923  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    (318 )     8,012       (9,738 )     (11,261 )
Other income (expense)
    (12,357 )     8,655       3,318       (23,089 )
Total revenues
    1,272,650       1,285,931       4,922,810       4,693,961  
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    931,275       1,019,928       2,745,265       3,726,204  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    228,327       248,721       952,701       950,521  
Other underwriting expenses
    53,727       42,113       207,659       182,403  
Corporate expenses
    7,293       4,539       23,976       16,461  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    13,930       13,120       53,683       52,319  
Total claims and expenses
    1,234,552       1,328,421       3,983,284       4,927,908  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    38,098       (42,490 )     939,526       (233,947 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (20,679 )     (83,532 )     110,572       (153,461 )
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 58,777     $ 41,042     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    (28,204 )     38,340       174,025       91,481  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (13,974 )     (10,391 )     (19,676 )     (11,340 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    (42,178 )     27,949       154,349       80,141  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (4,427 )     (32,227 )     22,698       (15,969 )
Pension adjustments
    (10,142 )     (31,690 )     (6,976 )     (29,452 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (56,747 )     (35,968 )     170,071       34,720  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 2,030     $ 5,074     $ 999,025     $ (45,766 )
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                               
Basic
  $ 1.14     $ 0.76     $ 15.85     $ (1.49 )
Diluted
    1.13       0.76       15.79       (1.49 )
Dividends declared
    0.48       0.48       1.92       1.92  

 
 

 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
             
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 13,141,657     $ 12,293,524  
    (amortized cost: 2012, $12,444,880; 2011, $11,731,173)
               
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    41,470       113,606  
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2012, $131,630; 2011, $463,620)
    143,493       448,930  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,255,557       1,249,106  
Short-term investments
    860,379       685,332  
Other invested assets (cost: 2012, $596,590; 2011, $558,232)
    596,590       558,232  
Cash
    537,050       448,651  
       Total investments and cash
    16,576,196       15,797,381  
Accrued investment income
    130,209       130,193  
Premiums receivable
    1,237,859       1,077,548  
Reinsurance receivables
    659,081       580,339  
Funds held by reinsureds
    228,375       267,295  
Deferred acquisition costs
    303,268       378,026  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    71,107       85,409  
Deferred tax asset
    262,024       332,783  
Income taxes recoverable
    68,442       41,623  
Other assets
    241,346       202,958  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 19,777,907     $ 18,893,555  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 10,069,055     $ 10,123,215  
Future policy benefit reserve
    66,107       67,187  
Unearned premium reserve
    1,322,525       1,412,778  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    2,755       2,528  
Commission reserves
    65,533       55,103  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    162,778       60,775  
Losses in course of payment
    191,076       18,392  
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014
    249,907       249,858  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    238,357       238,354  
Junior subordinated debt securities payable
    329,897       329,897  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    4,781       4,781  
Equity index put option liability
    79,467       69,729  
Unsettled securities payable
    48,830       8,793  
Other liabilities
    213,372       180,790  
       Total liabilities
    13,044,440       12,822,180  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
               
    no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2012) 67,105
               
    and (2011) 66,455 outstanding before treasury shares
    671       665  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,946,439       1,892,988  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
    (benefit) of $119,629 at 2012 and $112,969 at 2011
    537,049       366,978  
Treasury shares, at cost; 15,687 shares (2012) and 12,719 shares (2011)
    (1,363,958 )     (1,073,970 )
Retained earnings
    5,613,266       4,884,714  
       Total shareholders' equity
    6,733,467       6,071,375  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 19,777,907     $ 18,893,555  

 
 

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
     (unaudited)  
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 58,777     $ 41,042     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    (33,771 )     (75,692 )     (153,694 )     (235,560 )
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    (3,791 )     784       42,298       18,236  
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    (19,302 )     (10,061 )     (55,274 )     97,549  
Decrease (increase) in current income taxes
    (48,217 )     75,497       (26,831 )     82,702  
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset
    16,013       (120,471 )     64,909       (194,029 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    34,759       (3,098 )     16,358       46,374  
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    235,945       247,859       (169,595 )     826,230  
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    374       5,217       (1,080 )     4,185  
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    (46,193 )     39,179       (98,418 )     (39,822 )
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    (64,576 )     20,849       100,566       4,911  
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    85,895       (34,035 )     173,232       18,477  
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    (17,013 )     10,504       (63,779 )     (56,549 )
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    (20,125 )     34,332       76,788       108,611  
Non-cash compensation expense
    9,158       4,740       31,984       17,693  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    16,049       13,488       61,844       47,872  
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
    14       13       52       49  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    (19,518 )     (137,283 )     (164,400 )     (6,923 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    184,478       112,864       663,914       659,520  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    535,686       354,593       1,830,582       1,702,973  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value
    -       -       1,300       12,775  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    273,838       376,593       913,139       1,732,246  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    11,991       2,526       84,917       65,158  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    150,015       -       280,807       27,207  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    171,823       92,480       558,740       247,227  
Distributions from other invested assets
    31,422       23,256       84,454       166,273  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (1,184,638 )     (944,353 )     (3,328,409 )     (3,238,113 )
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (791 )     (2,456 )     (7,955 )     (27,481 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (6,445 )     (7,254 )     (26,571 )     (127,837 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (121,461 )     (70,867 )     (426,507 )     (755,734 )
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    (8,688 )     (7,000 )     (58,369 )     (64,832 )
Cost of businesses acquired
    -       -       -       (63,100 )
Net change in short-term investments
    112,153       149,585       (175,043 )     100,969  
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    (30,872 )     (21,883 )     35,085       13,563  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (65,967 )     (54,780 )     (233,830 )     (208,706 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Common shares issued during the period, net
    1,605       3,761       21,473       12,269  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (39,963 )     (8,251 )     (289,988 )     (92,490 )
Revolving credit borrowings
    -       -       -       (50,000 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (24,735 )     (25,786 )     (100,402 )     (103,848 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (63,093 )     (30,276 )     (368,917 )     (234,069 )
                                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    3,074       (22,863 )     27,232       (26,502 )
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    58,492       4,945       88,399       190,243  
Cash, beginning of period
    478,558       443,706       448,651       258,408  
Cash, end of period
  $ 537,050     $ 448,651     $ 537,050     $ 448,651  
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ 5,291     $ (38,618 )   $ 59,754     $ (44,537 )
Interest paid
    21,072       20,262       53,008       51,647  
                                 
Non-cash transaction:
                               
Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed from business acquisitions
    -       -       -       19,130  
Conversion of equity securities - available for sale, at market value, to fixed
                               
maturity securities - available for sale, at market value, including accrued
                               
interest at time of conversion
    -       -       92,981       -