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National Press Release

Infinity Property and Casualty Reports Strong Underwriting Results

Published 2009-02-05 07:30
By Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation
    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Infinity Property and
Casualty Corporation (Nasdaq: IPCC), a national provider of personal
automobile insurance, today reported results for the three and twelve months
ended December 31, 2008:



                                Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended
                                   December 31,             December 31,
     (in millions,                            %                          %
      except per share         2008   2007  Change     2008    2007    Change
      amounts and ratios)

    Gross written premiums    $193.0 $221.5  (12.8%)  $896.9 $1,019.0  (12.0%)
    Revenues                  $200.1 $267.1  (25.1%)  $930.9 $1,098.2  (15.2%)

    Net earnings (loss)       ($11.3) $18.8 (159.9%)   $19.3    $71.9  (73.2%)
    Net earnings (loss) per
     diluted share            ($0.77) $1.14 (167.5%)   $1.23    $3.87  (68.2%)

    Operating earnings (1)     $25.8  $19.1   35.3%    $71.1    $75.6   (5.9%)
    Operating earnings per
     diluted share (1)         $1.78  $1.16   53.4%    $4.53    $4.06   11.6%

    Underwriting income (1)    $30.4  $18.1   68.1%    $69.0    $66.8    3.3%
    Combined ratio             86.4%  92.8%  (6.4)pts  92.5%    93.5% (1.0)pts

    Return on equity           (8.3%) 12.7% (21.0)pts   3.4%    11.4% (8.0)pts
    Operating earnings
     return on equity (1)      19.1%  12.9%   6.2 pts  12.6%    11.9%  0.7 pts

    Book value per share                              $37.14   $37.11    0.1%
    Debt to total capital                              27.5%    24.9%  2.6 pts

    (1)  Measures used in this release that are not based on generally
         accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") are defined at the end of
         this release and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measure.


Better than expected underwriting results were more than offset by other-than-temporary impairment charges on securities resulting in a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008. Notwithstanding the other-than-temporary impairment charges, Infinity's capital position remains strong.

Gross written premiums declined 12.8% and 12.0% during the three and twelve months ended December 31 2008, respectively, as compared with the same periods in 2007 primarily from a decline in gross written premiums in California, Florida and Georgia. Partially offsetting premium declines in these states was premium growth in Illinois, Nevada, and Texas as well as the Commercial Vehicle program.

Earnings and underwriting income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2008, included $15.9 million, pre-tax ($0.71 per diluted share after-tax) and $29.4 million, pre-tax ($1.22 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, of favorable development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves compared with $0.9 million, pre-tax ($0.04 per diluted share after-tax) and $13.5 million, pre-tax ($0.47 per diluted share after-tax) of favorable development for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2007, respectively.

During the three months ended December 31, 2008, Infinity recorded $40.3 million, pretax, ($2.78 per diluted share after-tax) of other-than-temporary impairments on investments, of which $12.3 million were previously recorded as unrealized losses. During the three months ended December 31, 2007, Infinity recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $1.4 million, pre-tax, ($0.09 per diluted share after-tax). For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, other-than-temporary impairments recorded were $61.8 million, pre-tax, ($3.94 per diluted share after-tax) and $4.0 million, pre-tax, ($0.22 per diluted share after-tax), respectively.

In determining other-than-temporary impairment charges, Infinity considers the magnitude and length of time a security has been impaired, as well as, the ability and intent to hold the security until its market value fully recovers. The primary influence of the other-than-temporary charges recorded during the fourth quarter was the length and depth of the current bear market for fixed income and equity securities.

Below is a summary of the other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded during the fourth quarter of 2008 by sector (in millions):

                                                                  4th Quarter
                                                                      2008
                                                                   Impairment
    Mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations
     and asset-backed securities:
         Commercial mortgage-backed securities                        $1.4

         Collateralized mortgage obligations:
              Planned amortization class                               4.9
              Sequentials                                              0.9
              Whole loans                                              0.3
              Scheduled                                                0.7
              Accretion directed                                       0.1
                   Total collateralized mortgage obligations           7.0

         Asset-backed securities secured by:
              Equipment leases                                         3.4
              Home equity loans                                        0.4
                   Total asset-backed securities                       3.8

                   Total mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage
                    obligations and asset-backed securities           12.3

    Corporates:
         Investment grade                                              3.2
         Non-investment grade                                          6.2
              Total corporates                                         9.4

    Total fixed maturities                                            21.7
    Equity securities                                                 18.6
         Total investment portfolio                                  $40.3

    Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding


Below is a summary of the unrealized gain (loss) position, pre-tax, as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):


                                           Book                        Fair
                                           Value    Gains   Losses     Value

    U.S. government and agencies:
      U.S. government                     $159.0    $9.2     $ -      $168.3
      Government sponsored agencies         33.2     1.7       -        34.9
        Total U.S. government and agencies 192.2    10.9       -       203.1

    State and municipal                    218.0     4.3    (1.7)      220.6

    Mortgage-backed, collateralized
     mortgage obligations and asset-
     backed securities:
      Residential mortgage-backed
       securities:                         129.7     5.3       -       134.9

      Commercial mortgage-backed securities 37.8     0.1    (2.3)       35.5

      Collateralized mortgage obligations:
        Planned amortization class         126.6     0.8    (3.0)      124.4
        Sequentials                         17.8       -    (1.8)       15.9
        Junior                               0.7     0.1       -         0.8
        Whole loans                         12.1     0.3    (0.8)       11.6
        Scheduled                            3.2       -       -         3.2
        Accretion directed                   1.7       -       -         1.7
          Total collateralized
           mortgage obligations            162.1     1.2    (5.7)      157.6

      Asset-backed securities
       secured by:
        Equipment leases                     9.3       -       -         9.3
        Home equity loans                    7.1       -       -         7.1
        Auto loans                           4.3       -    (0.3)        4.1
          Credit card receivables            1.8       -    (0.1)        1.8
            Total asset-backed securities   22.5       -    (0.4)       22.1

       Collateralized loan obligations       0.4       -       -         0.4

         Total mortgage- backed,
          collateralized mortgage
          obligations and asset-backed
          securities                       352.4     6.6    (8.4)      350.6

    Corporates:
      Investment grade                     218.7     3.1    (5.0)      216.8
      Non-investment grade                  42.8     0.1    (1.8)       41.1
        Total corporates                   261.5     3.2    (6.8)      257.9

    Total fixed maturities               1,024.1    25.0   (16.9)    1,032.2
    Equity securities                       31.2       -       -        31.2
      Total investment portfolio        $1,055.3   $25.0  $(16.9)   $1,063.4

    Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding


2009 Earnings Guidance

Infinity's initial guidance for 2009, based on fully diluted operating earnings, is $3.25 -- $3.75.

Share Repurchase Program

During the fourth quarter of 2008, Infinity repurchased 858,500 shares at an average price, excluding commissions, of $39.63. Infinity has $41.4 million of capacity left under this repurchase program, which expires December 31, 2009.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release not dealing with historical results or current facts are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions, and projections. Statements that include the words "believes," "seeks," "expects," "may," "should," "intends," "likely," "targets," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates" or the negative version of those words and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to expectations concerning market conditions, premiums, growth, earnings, investment performance, expected losses, rate changes and loss experience.

Actual results could differ materially from those expected by Infinity depending on: changes in economic conditions and financial markets (including interest rates), the adequacy or accuracy of Infinity's pricing methodologies, actions of competitors, the approval of requested form and rate changes, judicial and regulatory developments affecting the automobile insurance industry, the outcome of pending litigation against Infinity, weather conditions (including the severity and frequency of storms, hurricanes, snowfalls, hail and winter conditions), changes in driving patterns and loss trends. Infinity undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of some of the foregoing risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Infinity's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2008 results at 11:00 a.m. (ET) today, February 5. There are two alternative communication modes available to listen to the call. Telephone access will be available by dialing 1-888-679-8033 and providing the confirmation code 31832289. Please dial 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A replay of the call will also be available one hour following the completion of the call, at around 1:00 p.m. (ET), and will run until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009. To listen to the replay, dial 1-888-286-8010 and provide the confirmation code 70298012. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet. To listen to the call via the Internet, go to Infinity's website, http://www.ipacc.com , click on Investor Relations and follow the instructions at the webcast link. The archived webcast will be available on Infinity's website approximately one hour following the completion of the call and will be available for one year.



    Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation
    Statement of Earnings
    (in millions, except EPS)

                                     (unaudited)             (unaudited)
                                 For the Three Months   For the Twelve Months
                                  Ended December 31,       Ended December 31,

                                   2008       2007          2008      2007
    Revenues:
      Earned premiums             $222.9     $250.3        $922.5    $1,031.6
      Net investment income         13.7       16.2          58.0        67.4
      Net realized losses on
       investments (1)             (36.6)      (0.1)        (51.4)       (3.1)
      Other income                   0.0        0.7           1.9         2.4
        Total revenues             200.1      267.1         930.9     1,098.2

    Costs and Expenses:
      Loss and loss adjustment
       expenses (2)                148.1      178.9         648.4       727.3
      Commissions and other
       underwriting expenses        44.4       53.3         205.0       237.5
      Interest expense               2.8        2.8          11.1        11.1
      Corporate general and
       administrative expenses       1.4        1.7           7.0         7.8
      Restructuring charge           0.3        0.6           0.8         1.7
      Other expenses                 0.6        2.5           4.6         4.2
        Total costs and expenses   197.7      239.8         876.8       989.5

    Earnings before income taxes     2.4       27.3          54.1       108.7
    Provision for income taxes      13.6        8.4          34.8        36.8
    Net (loss) earnings           $(11.3)     $18.8         $19.3       $71.9

    Net (loss) earnings per
     common share:
      Basic                       ($0.79)     $1.16         $1.25       $3.91
      Diluted                     ($0.77)     $1.14         $1.23       $3.87

    Average number of common
     shares:
      Basic                       14.303     16.248        15.452      18.390
      Diluted                     14.530     16.464        15.680      18.605

    Cash dividends per common
     share                         $0.11      $0.09         $0.44       $0.36

    Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding

    Notes:
    (1)  Net realized losses on investments for the three and twelve months
         ended December 31, 2008, include $40.3 million and $61.8 million,
         respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment charges on
         investments.

         Net realized losses on investments for the three and twelve months
         ended December 31, 2007, include $1.4 million and $4.0 million,
         respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment charges on
         investments.

    (2)  Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and twelve months
         ended December 31, 2008, include $15.9 million and $29.4 million,
         pre-tax, of favorable development on prior accident year loss and
         loss adjustment expense reserves, respectively.

         Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and twelve months
         ended December 31, 2007, include $0.9 million and $13.5 million, pre
         tax, of favorable development on prior accident year loss and loss
         adjustment expense reserves, respectively.



    Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation
    Condensed Balance Sheet
    (in millions, except book value per share)

                                               For the Period Ended
                                       December 31, September 30, December 31,
                                          2008         2008          2007
                                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited)
    Assets:
     Investments:
       Fixed maturities, at fair value  $1,032.2      $1,123.9     $1,226.8
       Equity securities, at fair value     31.2          41.1         49.7
         Total investments               1,063.4       1,165.0      1,276.5
     Cash and cash equivalents             112.8          79.0         46.8
     Accrued investment income              11.0          11.1         13.4
     Agents' balances and premiums
      receivable                           298.4         326.4        334.0
     Prepaid reinsurance premiums            1.4           1.4          1.8
     Recoverables from reinsurers           23.4          24.0         29.5
     Deferred policy acquisition costs      70.1          75.9         75.8
     Current and deferred income taxes      20.9          37.4         31.8
     Receivable for securities sold            -          11.7          0.6
     Prepaid expenses, deferred charges     43.8          40.5         31.1
      and other assets
     Goodwill                               75.3          75.3         75.3
         Total assets                   $1,720.6      $1,847.5     $1,916.6


    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
    Liabilities:
     Unpaid losses and loss adjustment
      expenses                            $544.8        $576.1       $618.4
     Unearned premiums                     380.4         412.1        411.2
     Payable to reinsurers                   0.7           0.2          0.2
     Long-term debt                        199.6         199.5        199.5
     Commissions payable                    22.6          24.7         26.9
     Payable for securities purchased        0.3          31.8          2.1
     Accounts payable, accrued expenses     47.0          47.4         57.0
      and other liabilities
         Total liabilities               1,195.3       1,291.8      1,315.4

    Shareholders' Equity:
     Common stock                           21.0          21.0         20.9
     Additional paid-in capital            341.9         341.8        340.2
     Retained earnings (1)                 439.1         451.9        426.6
     Other comprehensive income (loss)       6.0         (10.4)         8.4
     Treasury stock, at cost  (2)         (282.6)       (248.5)      (194.9)
         Total shareholders' equity        525.3         555.7        601.2
         Total liabilities and
          shareholders' equity          $1,720.6      $1,847.5     $1,916.6

    Shares outstanding                    14.146        15.000       16.200
    Book value per share                  $37.14        $37.05       $37.11

    Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding

    Notes:
    (1)  The change in retained earnings from September 30, 2008 is a result
         of a net loss of $11.3 million less shareholder dividends of $1.6
         million.  The change in retained earnings from December 31, 2007 is a
         result of net earnings of $19.3 million less shareholder dividends of
         $6.8 million.

    (2)  Infinity repurchased 858,500 common shares during the fourth quarter
         of 2008 at an average per share price, excluding commissions, of
         $39.63.  Infinity repurchased 2,087,900 common shares during the
         twelve months ended December 31, 2008 at an average per share price,
         excluding commissions, of $41.97.



    Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial and Operating Measures

Operating earnings are defined as net earnings, before realized gains and losses and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, after tax. Infinity reports this non-GAAP measure because realized gains and losses can be volatile and because it is a measure used often by investors in evaluating insurance companies. Net earnings are the most comparable GAAP measure.

Underwriting income measures the insurer's profit on insurance sales after all losses and expenses have been paid. It is calculated by deducting loss and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses from premiums earned. Infinity reports this non-GAAP measure to show profitability before inclusion of investment income or taxes and because it is a measure used often by investors in evaluating insurance companies. Net earnings are the most comparable GAAP measure.

Below is a schedule that reconciles operating earnings and underwriting income, both non-GAAP measures, to net earnings:


                                          (unaudited)         (unaudited)
                                         For the Three       For the Twelve
                                          Months Ended        Months Ended
                                          December 31,        December 31,

    (in millions, except EPS)            2008      2007      2008       2007

    Earned premiums                     $222.9    $250.3    $922.5   $1,031.6
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses   (148.1)   (178.9)   (648.4)    (727.3)
    Commissions and other underwriting
     expenses                            (44.4)    (53.3)   (205.0)    (237.5)

    Underwriting income                   30.4      18.1      69.0       66.8

    Net investment income                 13.7      16.2      58.0       67.4
    Other income                           0.0       0.7       1.9        2.4
    Interest expense                      (2.8)     (2.8)    (11.1)     (11.1)
    Corporate general and
     administrative expenses              (1.4)     (1.7)     (7.0)      (7.8)
    Restructuring charge                  (0.3)     (0.6)     (0.8)      (1.7)
    Other expenses                        (0.6)     (2.5)     (4.6)      (4.2)

    Pre-tax operating earnings            39.0      27.3     105.5      111.8


       Provision for income taxes        (13.2)     (8.3)    (34.4)     (36.2)

    Operating earnings, after-tax         25.8      19.1      71.1       75.6

       Net realized losses on
        investments, pre-tax             (36.6)     (0.1)    (51.4)      (3.1)
       Provision for income taxes         12.8       0.0      18.0        1.1
       Increase in provision for tax
        valuation allowance              (13.3)     (0.2)    (18.4)      (1.6)
             Net realized losses on
              investments, net of tax    (37.1)     (0.3)    (51.8)      (3.6)

    Net (loss) earnings                 ($11.3)    $18.8     $19.3      $71.9

    Operating earnings per share
     - diluted                           $1.78     $1.16      $4.53     $4.06
    Net realized losses on
     investments, net of tax             (1.64)    (0.01)     (2.12)    (0.10)
    Increase in provision for tax
     valuation allowance                 (0.91)    (0.01)     (1.18)    (0.09)
    Net (loss) earnings per share
     - diluted                          ($0.77)    $1.14      $1.23     $3.87

    Note: Columns may not foot due to rounding


Infinity also makes available an investor supplement on our website. To access the supplemental financial information, go to http://www.ipacc.com and click on "Investor Relations" followed by "Quarterly Reports."

SOURCE Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation



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