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8-K - FORM 8-K - HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INCv417596_8k.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

ANNOUNCES SECOND QUARTER 2015 EARNINGS RESULTS

 

FORT WORTH, Texas, (August 7, 2015) - Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALL) today reported second quarter 2015 net income of $6.4 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, reported for second quarter 2014. Year to date, Hallmark reported net income of $11.7 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to $6.2 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, reported for the same period the prior year. Total revenues were $97.2 million for the second quarter of 2015 as compared to $80.8 million for the second quarter of 2014. Year to date total revenues for 2015 were $188.6 million as compared to $167.9 million reported for the same period the prior year.

 

“I am pleased to report another quarter of strong earnings with good underwriting results on a growing retained premium base, as well as growing investment income as more of our capital continues to be deployed,” said Naveen Anand, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen overall improvement in our combined ratios for both the quarter and year to date over prior year driven by the consistent and effective execution of our underwriting strategies. We continue to see positive rate momentum in all of our segments in an increasingly competitive environment. Although current results in our Personal Lines Segment are overshadowed by prior year reserve development, I am confident that the fundamental improvement in our current book of business combined with positive underlying trends driven by accelerated pricing and continued underwriting discipline will drive this portfolio to acceptable profit levels in the near term.”

 

Mr. Anand continued, “Also, as we previously announced, effective June 30th, we closed on the agreement to sell the renewal rights to our small, non-core, mono-line workers’ compensation business.”

 

Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman of Hallmark, stated, “Book value per share was $13.63 as of June 30, 2015, an increase of 7% over the same date of the prior year. Total cash and investments have increased 5% year over year to $681.9 million, or $35.43 per share. Cash flow from operations was $29.2 million for the quarter and our cash balances (including restricted cash) totaled $131.2 million as of June 30, 2015.”

 

 

   

 

Second Quarter    
   2015   2014   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   133,508    124,440    7%
Net premiums written   94,305    73,703    28%
Net premiums earned   88,476    78,046    13%
Investment income, net of expenses   3,711    2,986    24%
Net realized gains   3,439    (284)   nm 
Total revenues   97,197    80,836    20%
Net income   6,376    1,651    286%
Net income per share - basic  $0.33   $0.09    267%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.33   $0.09    267%
Book value per share  $13.63   $12.78    7%
Cash flow from operations   29,169    14,474    102%

 

Year-to-Date    
   2015   2014   % Change 
   ($ in thousands, unaudited) 
Gross premiums written   258,567    240,522    8%
Net premiums written   184,679    156,624    18%
Net premiums earned   175,172    160,623    9%
Investment income, net of expenses   6,556    6,227    5%
Net realized gains   4,023    (99)   nm 
Total revenues   188,647    167,945    12%
Net income   11,719    6,199    89%
Net income per share - basic  $0.61   $0.32    91%
Net income per share - diluted  $0.60   $0.32    88%
Book value per share  $13.63   $12.78    7%
Cash flow from operations   32,878    19,581    68%

 

Second Quarter 2015 Commentary

 

Hallmark reported net income of $6.4 million and $11.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to net income of $1.7 million and $6.2 million for the same periods the prior year. On a diluted basis per share, the Company reported net income of $0.33 per share and $0.60 per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to net income of $0.09 per share and $0.32 per share for the same periods the prior year.

 

Hallmark's consolidated net loss ratio was 67.5% and 66.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to 67.3% and 65.5% for the same periods the prior year. Hallmark's net expense ratio was 28.6% and 28.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 30.1% and 30.2% for the same periods the prior year. Hallmark’s net combined ratio was 96.1% and 94.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 97.4% and 95.7% for the same periods the prior year.

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, Hallmark’s total revenues were $97.2 million and $188.6 million, representing an increase of 20% and 12%, respectively, from the $80.8 million and $167.9 million in total revenues for the same periods of 2014. This increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher net earned premiums in the Personal Segment due mostly to an increase in retained premium under a renewed quota share reinsurance agreement effective October 1, 2014, as well as increased premiums produced in the E&S Commercial business unit. Further contributing to the increased revenue were higher realized gains recognized on the investment portfolio, lower adverse profit share commission revenue adjustments in the Standard Commercial Segment and higher net investment income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods of 2014.

 

 

  

 

The increase in revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was partially offset by increased loss and loss adjustment expenses of $7.2 million and $10.5 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2014. The increase in loss and LAE was primarily the result of an increase in retained losses in the Personal Lines Segment under the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement and higher current accident year loss trends in the Specialty Commercial Segment. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded favorable prior year net loss reserve development of $1.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively. Also partially offsetting the increased revenue was increased other operating expenses due mostly to increased salary and related expenses in the Specialty Commercial and Corporate Segments, higher production related expenses in the Personal Segment due to the impact of the change in terms of the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement and higher professional service fees.

 

About Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

 

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 and personal lines of property/casualty insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. Hallmark 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:

Mr. Naveen Anand, President and Chief Executive Officer at 817.348.1600

www.hallmarkgrp.com

 

 

  

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

($ in thousands, except par value)  June 30   Dec. 31 
   2015   2014 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS        
Investments:       
 Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $497,251 in 2015 and $450,770 in 2014)  $494,054   $450,785 
 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $25,080 in 2015 and $25,360 in 2014)   56,629    56,444 
Total investments   550,683    507,229 
Cash and cash equivalents   116,554    130,985 
Restricted cash   14,687    11,914 
Ceded unearned premiums   60,333    53,376 
Premiums receivable   87,602    71,003 
Accounts receivable   2,128    3,141 
Receivable for securities   2,567    932 
Reinsurance recoverable   112,584    109,719 
Deferred policy acquisition costs   21,310    20,746 
Goodwill   44,695    44,695 
Intangible assets, net   16,193    17,427 
Prepaid expenses   2,724    1,823 
Other assets   9,882    7,879 
Total Assets  $1,041,942   $980,869 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
 Subordinated debt securities  $56,702   $56,702 
 Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   444,327    415,135 
 Unearned premiums   213,290    196,826 
 Reinsurance balances payable   32,468    26,403 
 Pension liability   2,527    2,619 
 Payable for securities   3,412    1,321 
 Deferred federal income taxes, net   410    3,092 
 Federal income tax payable   3,007    968 
 Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   23,487    25,766 
Total Liabilities   779,630    728,832 
 Commitments and contingencies          
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and 2014   3,757    3,757 
Additional paid-in capital   123,618    123,194 
Retained earnings   131,357    119,638 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   15,956    17,801 
Treasury stock (1,626,863 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 shares in 2014), at cost   (12,376)   (12,353)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   262,312    252,037 
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity  $1,041,942   $980,869 

 

 

   

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
($ in thousands, except share amounts; unaudited)  June 30   June 30 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $133,508   $124,440   $258,567   $240,522 
Ceded premiums written   (39,203)   (50,737)   (73,888)   (83,898)
Net premiums written   94,305    73,703    184,679    156,624 
Change in unearned premiums   (5,829)   4,343    (9,507)   3,999 
Net premiums earned   88,476    78,046    175,172    160,623 
                     
Investment income, net of expenses   3,711    2,986    6,556    6,227 
Net realized gains (losses)   3,439    (284)   4,023    (99)
Finance charges   1,482    1,383    2,781    2,767 
Commission and fees   (110)   (1,309)   (101)   (1,599)
Other income   199    14    216    26 
Total revenues   97,197    80,836    188,647    167,945 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   59,725    52,502    115,815    105,272 
Operating expenses   26,446    24,510    52,360    50,646 
Interest expense   1,134    1,143    2,274    2,295 
Amortization of intangible assets   617    639    1,234    1,278 
Total expenses   87,922    78,794    171,683    159,491 
                     
Income before tax   9,275    2,042    16,964    8,454 
Income tax expense   2,899    391    5,245    2,255 
Net income  $6,376   $1,651   $11,719   $6,199 
                     
Net income per share:                    
Basic  $0.33   $0.09   $0.61   $0.32 
Diluted  $0.33   $0.09   $0.60   $0.32 

 

 

 

 

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries                    
Consolidated Segment Data                         
Three Months Ended June 30  (unaudited)                                 
                                     
   Standard
Commercial
Segment
   Specialty
Commercial
Segment
   Personal Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
($ in thousands)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $22,176   $22,646   $89,891   $85,807   $21,441   $15,987   $-   $-   $133,508   $124,440 
Ceded premiums written   (2,073)   (2,262)   (27,509)   (35,497)   (9,621)   (12,978)   -    -    (39,203)   (50,737)
Net premiums written   20,103    20,384    62,382    50,310    11,820    3,009    -    -    94,305    73,703 
Change in unearned premiums   (1,029)   (946)   (3,019)   5,090    (1,781)   199    -    -    (5,829)   4,343 
Net premiums earned   19,074    19,438    59,363    55,400    10,039    3,208    -    -    88,476    78,046 
                                                   
Total revenues   20,083    19,341    62,418    58,702    11,727    4,882    2,969    (2,089)   97,197    80,836 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   11,380    16,129    39,649    35,242    8,696    1,131    -    -    59,725    52,502 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   2,468    (3,147)   7,727    9,465    (76)   1,285    (844)   (5,561)   9,275    2,042 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   59.7%   83.0%   66.8%   63.6%   86.6%   35.3%             67.5%   67.3%
Net expense ratio (1)   33.6%   33.0%   25.5%   25.3%   21.8%   43.0%             28.6%   30.1%
Net combined ratio (1)   93.3%   116.0%   92.3%   88.9%   108.4%   78.3%             96.1%   97.4%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   1,536    3,942    (407)   417    (714)   1,249    -    -    415    5,608 

 

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses 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. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Segment Data

Six Months Ended June 30  (unaudited)                 
                     
   Standard
Commercial
Segment
   Specialty
Commercial
Segment
   Personal Segment   Corporate   Consolidated 
($ in thousands)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross premiums written  $44,485   $43,627   $171,657   $160,729   $42,425   $36,166   $-   $-   $258,567   $240,522 
Ceded premiums written   (4,033)   (4,231)   (50,599)   (49,726)   (19,256)   (29,941)   -    -    (73,888)   (83,898)
Net premiums written   40,452    39,396    121,058    111,003    23,169    6,225    -    -    184,679    156,624 
Change in unearned premiums   (1,814)   (558)   (1,808)   3,670    (5,885)   887    -    -    (9,507)   3,999 
Net premiums earned   38,638    38,838    119,250    114,673    17,284    7,112    -    -    175,172    160,623 
                                                   
Total revenues   40,464    39,682    124,675    121,184    20,380    10,474    3,128    (3,395)   188,647    167,945 
                                                   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses   23,850    28,952    76,982    72,183    14,983    4,137    -    -    115,815    105,272 
                                                   
Pre-tax income (loss)   4,354    (1,926)   17,448    19,389    (372)   1,254    (4,466)   (10,263)   16,964    8,454 
                                                   
Net loss ratio (1)   61.7%   74.5%   64.6%   62.9%   86.7%   58.2%             66.1%   65.5%
Net expense ratio (1)   32.7%   32.8%   25.5%   25.9%   21.5%   40.0%             28.4%   30.2%
Net combined ratio (1)   94.4%   107.3%   90.1%   88.8%   108.2%   98.2%             94.5%   95.7%
                                                   
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development   2,898    5,135    (196)   (231)   (1,226)   1,907    -    -    1,476    6,811 

  

1The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses 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.