NEW YORK, Nov. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National General Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:NGHC) today reported third quarter 2017 net income of $46.2 million or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.9 million or $0.18 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2016. Third quarter 2017 operating earnings(1) was $26.6 million or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to $31.7 million or $0.29 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2016.

Third Quarter 2017 Highlights Versus Third Quarter 2016*

  • Gross written premium grew $249.3 million or 29.3% to $1,100.7 million, driven by added premiums from the acquisitions of Direct General and Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and organic growth within our P&C business of 19.3%, or 26.4% excluding the decline in lender-placed premiums, and continued growth of our A&H segment.
  • The overall combined ratio(10,14) was 98.2% compared to 94.6% in the prior year’s quarter, excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets. The P&C segment reported an increase in combined ratio to 98.1% from 94.5% in the prior year’s quarter, due to $52.4 million of losses, or 7.6 P&C loss ratio points, from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Excluding the aforementioned hurricane-related losses, the P&C segment combined ratio(17) was 90.5% and NGHC overall combined ratio(17) was 91.8%.  The A&H segment reported a combined ratio of 98.6% compared to 95.4% in the prior year’s quarter, with the increase driven by the EuroAccident business.
  • Total revenue grew by $200.1 million or 23.3% to $1.1 billion, primarily driven by the aforementioned premium growth, service and fee income growth of $27.4 million or 26.0%, and an increase in ceding commission income of $28.8 million, primarily related to the new quota share agreements announced in the quarter.
  • Shareholders’ equity was $1.96 billion and fully diluted book value per share was $14.16 at September 30, 2017, growth of 3.4% and 4.7%, respectively, from December 31, 2016. Our trailing twelve month operating return on average equity (ROE)(16) was 7.7% as of September 30, 2017.
  • Third quarter 2017 operating earnings exclude the following material items, net of tax: $31.0 million or $0.29 per share of net gain on investments, $6.0 million or $0.06 per share of non-cash amortization of intangible assets and losses of $2.8 million or $0.03 per share from earnings of equity method investments.
  • We expect to recognize between $40-45 million in pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance, in the fourth quarter of 2017 from the fires that impacted Northern California in October 2017.  This amount excludes reinstatement premiums.

Barry Karfunkel, National General’s President and CEO, stated: “This quarter was one of great accomplishment for National General. We continue to deliver strong organic growth within our auto, home and health lines of business while executing on our plan to return our lender placed business to profitability. We also set the stage for further growth by entering into quota share agreements with a high quality group of reinsurers for our auto and home lines of business. We’re extremely pleased to have closed on the acquisition of our policy administration system, NPS, which is at the heart of National General’s competitive advantage in the Personal Lines marketplace and we look forward to the benefits that will come from owning one of our most important assets.

"We were able to post strong underwriting results despite one of the most active catastrophic loss periods in recent history, from a multitude of hurricanes impacting the Southern region to what will likely be the costliest wildfire in Northern California history.  We are here to support our insureds and I’m proud of the way our team has responded to these events.  Our diversified, niche portfolio was also able to generate profitable returns in our P&C segment despite the losses.

"Finally, I’m excited to announce the addition of Jay Nichols to our Board of Directors.  Jay has a wealth of industry experience that will benefit our growing company.”

*NOTE: Unless specified otherwise, discussion of our third quarter 2017 and 2016 results do not include financial results from the Reciprocal Exchanges, which are presented within our consolidated financial results within this release but are not included in net income available to NGHC common stockholders.

Overview of Third Quarter 2017 as Compared to Third Quarter 2016

Gross written premium grew 29.3% to $1,100.7 million, net written premium decreased by 24.7% to $578.0 million (or grew by 29.7% excluding the quota share) and net earned premium grew 12.0% to $822.3 million. Premium growth was driven by several key factors: underlying organic growth within our P&C segment, continued growth of our A&H segment, and additional premiums from the acquisitions of Direct General and Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company.  The third quarter quota share impact on net written premiums includes both the cession of business written during the quarter and the initial transfer of unearned premium related to policies in force at the treaty effective date.

Service and fee income grew 26.0% to $133.1 million, driven by added service and fee income from our recent completed transactions, primarily the Direct General acquisition which contributed an additional $23.5 million in the quarter.

Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(10,14,15) was 98.2% with a loss ratio(15) of 75.9% and an expense ratio(10,13,15) of 22.3%, compared to a prior year combined ratio of 94.6% with a loss ratio of 67.0% and an expense ratio of 27.6%. In the current year’s quarter, certain costs associated with claims handling were reclassified from general and administrative expenses to loss adjustment expenses when compared with the previous year’s quarter, resulting in an increase in loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and a decrease in expense ratio in corresponding amounts(15).  The expense ratio also benefited from increased ceding commission related to the new quota shares.

Underwriting results detailed by each of our business segments are as follows:

  • Property & Casualty - Gross written premium grew by 29.9% to $979.4 million, net written premium decreased by 31.2% to $467.8 million (grew by 30.2% excluding the quota share), and net earned premium grew by 9.1% to $686.6 million. P&C gross written premium growth was driven by several key factors: organic growth of 19.3%, or 26.4% excluding the decline in lender-placed premiums, $96.1 million from the Direct General acquisition and $11.8 million from the Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in our lender-placed premiums. Service and fee income grew 53.6% to $100.6 million, driven by increased premium volume in the quarter and the addition of service and fee income from acquisitions completed during the prior year, particularly Direct General. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(10,14) was 98.1% with a loss ratio of 77.0% and an expense ratio(10,13) of 21.1%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 94.5% with a loss ratio of 65.9% and an expense ratio of 28.6%. The loss ratio was impacted by pre-tax catastrophe losses of approximately $52.4 million related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Excluding the aforementioned losses, the P&C segment combined ratio(17) was 90.5% in the quarter. In the current year’s quarter, the reclassification of certain costs associated with claims handling from general and administrative expenses to loss adjustment expenses impacted both the loss and expense ratios by identical amounts(15).  The expense ratio also benefited from increased ceding commission related to the new quota shares.
     
  • Accident & Health - Gross written premium grew to $121.3 million, net written premium grew to $110.2 million, and net earned premium grew to $135.7 million, from $97.6 million, $87.4 million, and $105.1 million, respectively, in the prior year’s quarter. The A&H gross written premium increase was driven by the continued growth across the entire book. Service and fee income was $32.5 million compared to $40.2 million in the prior year’s quarter. The decrease in service and fee income primarily relates to mix of business sold in the quarter quarter versus the year-ago quarter. Excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets, the combined ratio(10,14) was 98.6% with a loss ratio of 70.4% and an expense ratio(10,13,15) of 28.2%, versus a prior year combined ratio of 95.4% with a loss ratio of 73.4% and an expense ratio of 22.0%. The increase in the combined ratio was driven by the EuroAccident business.
     
  • Reciprocal Exchanges - Results for the Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in net income available to NGHC common stockholders. Gross written premium was $104.4 million, net written premium was $43.5 million, and net earned premium was $42.0 million. Reciprocal Exchanges combined ratio(10,14,15) excluding non-cash amortization of intangible assets was 94.3% with a loss ratio of 64.0% and an expense ratio(10,13) of 30.3%.

Investment income grew 4.0% to $27.4 million, reflecting an increase in the size of our investment portfolio as compared to the prior year’s quarter. Third quarter 2017 results included $47.7 million of net investment gains compared to a gain of $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2016. Total investments and cash and cash equivalents were $3.9 billion as of September 30, 2017. Accumulated other comprehensive income decreased to $9.3 million at September 30, 2017 from $12.7 million at December 31, 2016.

Interest expense was $11.5 million, up from $10.5 million in the prior year’s quarter due to an increased amount of debt on our balance sheet. Debt was $754.9 million at September 30, 2017, up from $675.5 million at September 30, 2016, as a result of debt assumed from our prior acquisitions.

Earnings of equity investments (predominantly our investment in Life Settlement Entities and alternative investments) was a $4.3 million loss in the third quarter of 2017 versus a $3.0 million gain in the prior year’s quarter primarily reflecting a normalized level of amortization from our real estate investment portfolio and the sale by the life settlement entities of 114 policies in the quarter.

The third quarter of 2017 provision for income taxes was $6.9 million and the effective tax rate for the quarter was 10.5% compared with incomes taxes of $9.1 million and an effective tax rate of 26.5% in the third quarter of 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the reduction of our estimate of annual pre-tax income.

National General Holding Corp.’s shareholders’ equity was $1,957.4 million at September 30, 2017, growth of 3.4% from $1,893.8 million at December 31, 2016. Fully diluted book value per share was $14.16 at September 30, 2017, growth of 4.7% from $13.52 at December 31, 2016. Our trailing twelve month operating return on average equity (ROE)(16) was 7.7% as of September 30, 2017.

 
Year-to-Date P&C Segment Notable Large Losses
2017 Quarter  P&C Notable Large Losses and LAE
($ millions)
 P&C Loss Ratio Points* EPS Impact After Tax
Q3Hurricane Maria $5.0 0.7% $0.03
Q3Hurricane Irma $25.1 3.7% $0.15
Q3Hurricane Harvey $22.3 3.2% $0.13
Q2Hail event $7.0 0.9% $0.04
Q2Increased Loss Estimate from Q1 West Coast Storms $9.1 1.1% $0.05
Q1West Coast Storms $8.9 1.2% $0.05

* Loss ratio points related to P&C net earned premium in quarter the loss event was recorded.

Conference Call

On Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 9:00 AM ET, President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Karfunkel and Chief Financial Officer Mike Weiner will review results and discuss business conditions via a conference call that may be accessed as follows:

Toll-Free U.S. Dial-in:  888-267-2845
International Dial-in:  973-413-6102
Conference Entry Code:  784681
Webcast Registration:  http://ir.nationalgeneral.com/events.cfm

A replay of the conference call will be accessible from 2:00 PM ET on Thursday, November 9, 2017 to 11:59 PM ET on Thursday, November 23, 2017 by dialing either 800-332-6854 (toll-free) within the U.S. or 973-528-0005 outside the U.S. and entering passcode 784681. In addition, a replay of the webcast can also be retrieved at
http://ir.nationalgeneral.com/events.cfm.

About National General Holdings Corp.

National General Holdings Corp., headquartered in New York City, is a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. National General traces its roots to 1939, has a financial strength rating of A- (excellent) from A.M. Best, and provides personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, lender-placed, supplemental health and other niche insurance products.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and “believe” or their variations or similar terminology. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, non-receipt of expected payments from insureds or reinsurers, changes in interest rates, a downgrade in the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, the effect of the performance of financial markets on our investment portfolio, our ability to accurately underwrite and price our products and to maintain and establish accurate loss reserves, estimates of the fair value of life settlement contracts, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, large loss activity including hurricanes and wildfires, accuracy in projecting loss reserves, the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage, the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues, changes in the demand for our products, our degree of success in integrating acquired businesses, the effect of general economic conditions, state and federal legislation, regulations and regulatory investigations into industry practices, risks associated with conducting business outside the United States, developments relating to existing agreements, disruptions to our business relationships with AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Holdings, Ltd., or third party agencies, breaches in data security or other disruptions involving our technology, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments, and changes in asset valuations. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. Additional information about these risks and uncertainties, as well as others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 
Income Statement - Third Quarter
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $1,100,706  $104,406  $1,204,311 (A) $851,371  $80,978  $931,459 (H)
Net written premium 578,021  43,533  621,554   767,319  39,066  806,385  
Net earned premium 822,323  41,978  864,301   734,343  35,507  769,850  
               
Ceding commission income 30,901  19,201  50,102   2,136  12,461  14,597  
Service and fee income 133,057  4,084  122,526 (B) 105,636  1,360  95,662 (I)
Net investment income 27,423  2,189  27,147 (C) 26,368  3,405  27,676 (J)
Net gain (loss) on investments 47,659  (54) 47,605   10,997  96  11,093  
Other-than-temporary impairment loss        (22,102)   (22,102) 
Other income (expense) (3,901)   (3,901)        
Total revenues $1,057,462  $67,398  $1,107,780 (D) $857,378  $52,829  $896,776 (K)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $624,362  $26,856  $651,218   $491,948  $17,905  $509,853  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 146,469  17,116  163,585   135,057  5,683  140,740  
General and administrative expenses 209,923  18,819  214,127 (E) 185,615  24,456  198,737 (L)
Interest expense 11,495  2,465  11,495 (F) 10,455  2,097  10,455 (M)
Total expenses $992,249  $65,256  $1,040,425 (G) $823,075  $50,141  $859,785 (N)
               
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $65,213  $2,142  $67,355   $34,303  $2,688  $36,991  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 6,867  831  7,698   9,090  (285) 8,805  
Income before earnings (losses) of equity method investments 58,346  1,311  59,657   25,213  2,973  28,186  
Earnings (losses) of equity method investments (related parties) (4,297)   (4,297)  2,953    2,953  
Net income before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 54,049  1,311  55,360   28,166  2,973  31,139  
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest   1,311  1,311   36  2,973  3,009  
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 54,049    54,049   28,130    28,130  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 7,875    7,875   8,208    8,208  
Net income available to common stockholders $46,174  $  $46,174   $19,922  $  $19,922  

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(801), (B) $(14,615), (C) $(2,465), (D) $(17,080), (E) $(14,615), (F) $(2,465), (G) $(17,080), (H) $(890), (I) $(11,334), (J) $(2,097), (K) $(13,431), (L) $(11,334), (M) $(2,097) and (N) $(13,431).

 
Income Statement - Year to Date 
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 (1) 
  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Revenues:              
Gross written premium $3,309,912  $285,779  $3,593,289 (A) $2,441,613  $158,148  $2,598,160 (H)
Net written premium 2,603,816  136,477  2,740,293   2,210,225  78,196  2,288,421  
Net earned premium 2,642,957  123,266  2,766,223   2,066,175  71,535  2,137,710  
               
Ceding commission income (loss) 37,047  54,557  91,604   (2,964) 27,370  24,406  
Service and fee income 406,482  7,658  373,644 (B) 302,209  2,555  282,623 (I)
Net investment income 82,872  7,220  82,983 (C) 75,399  5,653  76,874 (J)
Net gain on investments 39,810  6,133  45,943   19,169  237  19,406  
Other-than-temporary impairment loss (25)   (25)  (22,102)   (22,102) 
Other income (expense) (198)   (198)        
Total revenues $3,208,945  $198,834  $3,360,174 (D) $2,437,886  $107,350  $2,518,917 (K)
               
Expenses:              
Loss and loss adjustment expense $1,889,174  $88,776  $1,977,950   $1,355,620  $35,641  $1,391,261  
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 480,845  46,836  527,681   356,343  6,176  362,513 (L)
General and administrative expenses 658,871  62,431  680,806 (E) 538,902  49,717  566,484 (M)
Interest expense 34,590  7,109  34,590 (F) 28,535  4,178  28,535 (N)
Total expenses $3,063,480  $205,152  $3,221,027 (G) $2,279,400  $95,712  $2,348,793 (O)
               
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $145,465  $(6,318) $139,147   $158,486  $11,638  $170,124  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 28,373  (1,345) 27,028   41,998  (559) 41,439  
Income (loss) before earnings (losses) of equity method investments 117,092  (4,973) 112,119   116,488  12,197  128,685  
Earnings (losses) of equity method investments (related parties) (18,258)   (18,258)  16,991    16,991  
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interest and dividends on preferred shares 98,834  (4,973) 93,861   133,479  12,197  145,676  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   (4,973) (4,973)  52  12,197  12,249  
Net income before dividends on preferred shares 98,834    98,834   133,427    133,427  
Less: dividends on preferred shares 23,625    23,625   16,458    16,458  
Net income available to common stockholders $75,209  $  $75,209   $116,969  $  $116,969  

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(2,402), (B) $(40,496), (C) $(7,109), (D) $(47,605), (E) $(40,496), (F) $(7,109), (G) $(47,605), (H) $(1,601), (I) $(22,141), (J) $(4,178), (K) $(26,319), (L) $(6), (M) $(22,135), (N) $(4,178) and (O) $(26,319).

(1) The Reciprocal Exchanges did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016.

 
Earnings and Per Share Data
$ in thousands, except shares and per share data
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income available to common stockholders $46,174  $19,922  $75,209  $116,969 
Basic net income per common share $0.43  $0.19  $0.71  $1.11 
Diluted net income per common share $0.43  $0.18  $0.69  $1.08 
         
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC(1) $26,552  $31,673  $88,841  $122,638 
Basic operating earnings per common share(1) $0.25  $0.30  $0.83  $1.16 
Diluted operating earnings per common share(1) $0.24  $0.29  $0.82  $1.13 
         
Dividends declared per common share $0.04  $0.04  $0.12  $0.10 
         
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding 106,645,601  106,002,337  106,556,662  105,801,817 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 108,520,964  108,423,998  108,690,139  108,053,177 
Shares outstanding, end of period 106,670,768  106,088,008     
Fully diluted shares outstanding, end of period 108,546,131  108,509,669     
Book value per share $14.41  $14.07     
Fully diluted book value per share $14.16  $13.76     


 
Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP)
$ in thousands, except per share data
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
         
Net income available to common stockholders $46,174  $19,922  $75,209  $116,969 
Add (subtract):        
Net (gain) on investments (47,659) (10,997) (39,810) (19,169)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses   22,102  25  22,102 
Other (income) expense 3,901    198   
Equity in (earnings) losses of equity method investments (related parties) 4,297  (2,953) 18,258  (16,991)
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 9,274  9,927  42,301  22,779 
Income tax at 35% 10,565  (6,328) (7,340) (3,052)
Operating earnings attributable to NGHC (1) $26,552  $31,673  $88,841  $122,638 
         
Operating earnings per common share:        
Basic operating earnings per common share $0.25  $0.30  $0.83  $1.16 
Diluted operating earnings per common share $0.24  $0.29  $0.82  $1.13 

NOTE: Our definition of Operating Earnings has been revised and now excludes the impact of equity in (earnings) losses of equity method investments (life settlements and real estate investments).  Previously, Operating Earnings included life settlements and certain real estate investments.

 
Balance Sheet
$ in thousands
 
  September 30, 2017 (unaudited)  December 31, 2016 (audited) 
ASSETS NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated  NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Consolidated 
Total investments (2) $3,580,273  $346,629  $3,837,784 (A) $3,456,112  $306,345  $3,673,449 (J)
Cash and cash equivalents 326,637  4,091  330,728   212,894  7,405  220,299  
Premiums and other receivables, net 1,293,691  47,946  1,340,836 (B) 1,044,272  47,198  1,090,669 (K)
Reinsurance recoverable (3) 1,052,234  87,646  1,139,880   892,264  55,972  948,236  
Intangible assets, net 390,306  3,730  394,036   456,695  11,025  467,720  
Goodwill 190,713    190,713   155,290    155,290  
Other (4) 1,129,992  122,869  1,239,464 (C) 621,679  89,764  689,318 (L)
Total assets $7,963,846  $612,911  $8,473,441 (D) $6,839,206  $517,709  $7,244,981 (M)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Liabilities:              
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $2,426,619  $139,818  $2,566,437   $2,127,997  $137,075  $2,265,072  
Unearned premiums and other revenue 1,772,551  196,745  1,969,296   1,502,562  163,326  1,665,888  
Reinsurance payable (5) 288,622  43,633  331,454 (E) 78,949  20,662  98,810 (N)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (6) 585,719  40,016  612,338 (F) 330,210  13,179  336,991 (O)
Debt 754,922  89,118  754,922 (G) 752,001  89,008  752,001 (P)
Other 178,055  78,476  256,531   153,658  62,784  200,715 (Q)
Total liabilities $6,006,488  $587,806  $6,490,978 (H) $4,945,377  $486,034  $5,319,477 (R)
Stockholders’ equity:              
Common stock (7) $1,067  $  $1,067   $1,064  $  $1,064  
Preferred stock (8) 420,000    420,000   420,000    420,000  
Additional paid-in capital 919,477    919,477   914,706    914,706  
Accumulated other comprehensive income 9,259    9,259   12,710    12,710  
Retained earnings 607,555    607,555   545,106    545,106  
Total National General Holdings Corp. stockholders’ equity 1,957,358    1,957,358   1,893,586    1,893,586  
Non-controlling interest   25,105  25,105   243  31,675  31,918  
Total stockholders’ equity $1,957,358  $25,105  $1,982,463   $1,893,829  $31,675  $1,925,504  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $7,963,846  $612,911  $8,473,441 (I) $6,839,206  $517,709  $7,244,981 (S)

NOTES: Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(89,118), (B) $(801), (C) $(13,397), (D) $(103,316), (E) $(801), (F) $(13,397), (G) $(89,118), (H) $(103,316), (I) $(103,316), (J) $(89,008), (K) $(801), (L) $(22,125), (M) $(111,934), (N) $(801), (O) $(6,398), (P) $(89,008), (Q) $(15,727), (R) $(111,934) and (S) $(111,934).

 
Segment Information - Third Quarter
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Gross written premium $979,440  $121,266  $1,100,706   $104,406   $753,747  $97,624  $851,371   $80,978 
Net written premium 467,824  110,197  578,021   43,533   679,944  87,375  767,319   39,066 
Net earned premium 686,596  135,727  822,323   41,978   629,261  105,082  734,343   35,507 
                    
Ceding commission income 30,675  226  30,901   19,201   1,809  327  2,136   12,461 
Service and fee income 100,565  32,492  133,057   4,084   65,478  40,158  105,636   1,360 
Total underwriting revenues $817,836  $168,445  $986,281   $65,263   $696,548  $145,567  $842,115   $49,328 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense 528,875  95,487  624,362   26,856   414,801  77,147  491,948   17,905 
Acquisition costs and other 112,643  33,826  146,469   17,116   102,221  32,836  135,057   5,683 
General and administrative 171,460  38,463  209,923   18,819   153,246  32,369  185,615   24,456 
Total underwriting expenses $812,978  $167,776  $980,754   $62,791   $670,268  $142,352  $812,620   $48,044 
                    
Underwriting income 4,858  669  5,527   2,472   26,280  3,215  29,495   1,284 
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 7,994  1,280  9,274   (69)  8,368  1,559  9,927   7,000 
Underwriting income before amortization and impairment $12,852  $1,949  $14,801   $2,403   $34,648  $4,774  $39,422   $8,284 
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (9) 77.0% 70.4% 75.9%  64.0%  65.9% 73.4% 67.0%  50.4%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,11) 22.3% 29.2% 23.4%  30.1%  29.9% 23.5% 29.0%  46.0%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,12) 99.3% 99.6% 99.3%  94.1%  95.8% 96.9% 96.0%  96.4%
                                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (9) 77.0% 70.4% 75.9%  64.0%  65.9% 73.4% 67.0%  50.4%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,13) 21.1% 28.2% 22.3%  30.3%  28.6% 22.0% 27.6%  26.2%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10,14) 98.1% 98.6% 98.2%  94.3%  94.5% 95.4% 94.6%  76.6%

NOTE: Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 included $4,961 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $2,738 of unfavorable development in the A&H segment, versus $705 of unfavorable development in the P&C segment, and $450 of favorable development in the A&H segment for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 
Segment Information - Year to Date
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal
Exchanges
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges (1)
Gross written premium $2,865,717  $444,195  $3,309,912   $285,779   $2,086,241  $355,372  $2,441,613   $158,148 
Net written premium 2,194,256  409,560  2,603,816   136,477   1,888,660  321,565  2,210,225   78,196 
Net earned premium 2,243,452  399,505  2,642,957   123,266   1,758,311  307,864  2,066,175   71,535 
                    
Ceding commission income (loss) 36,263  784  37,047   54,557   (4,019) 1,055  (2,964)  27,370 
Service and fee income 298,674  107,808  406,482   7,658   189,739  112,470  302,209   2,555 
Total underwriting revenues $2,578,389  $508,097  $3,086,486   $185,481   $1,944,031  $421,389  $2,365,420   $101,460 
                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,642,053  247,121  1,889,174   88,776   1,123,353  232,267  1,355,620   35,641 
Acquisition costs and other 368,770  112,075  480,845   46,836   275,171  81,172  356,343   6,176 
General and administrative 536,353  122,518  658,871   62,431   445,053  93,849  538,902   49,717 
Total underwriting expenses $2,547,176  $481,714  $3,028,890   $198,043   $1,843,577  $407,288  $2,250,865   $91,534 
                    
Underwriting income (loss) 31,213  26,383  57,596   (12,562)  100,454  14,101  114,555   9,926 
Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 38,006  4,295  42,301   6,909   17,843  4,936  22,779   13,726 
Underwriting income (loss) before amortization and impairment $69,219  $30,678  $99,897   $(5,653)  $118,297  $19,037  $137,334   $23,652 
                    
Underwriting ratios                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (9) 73.2% 61.9% 71.5%  72.0%  63.9% 75.4% 65.6%  49.8%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,11) 25.4% 31.5% 26.3%  38.2%  30.4% 20.0% 28.8%  36.3%
Combined ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,12) 98.6% 93.4% 97.8%  110.2%  94.3% 95.4% 94.4%  86.1%
                                    
Underwriting ratios (before amortization and impairment)                                   
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio (9) 73.2% 61.9% 71.5%  72.0%  63.9% 75.4% 65.6%  49.8%
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) (10,13) 23.7% 30.5% 24.7%  32.6%  29.4% 18.4% 27.7%  17.1%
Combined ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) (10,14) 96.9% 92.4% 96.2%  104.6%  93.3% 93.8% 93.3%  66.9%

NOTES: (1) Reciprocal Exchanges' column for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 excludes its operating results from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included $7,177 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the P&C segment, and $10,106 of favorable development in the A&H segment, versus $6,629 of favorable development in the P&C segment, and $3,134 of unfavorable development in the A&H segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 
Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $812,978  $167,776  $980,754   $62,791   $670,268  $142,352  $812,620   $48,044 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 528,875  95,487  624,362   26,856   414,801  77,147  491,948   17,905 
Less: Ceding commission income 30,675  226  30,901   19,201   1,809  327  2,136   12,461 
Less: Service and fee income 100,565  32,492  133,057   4,084   65,478  40,158  105,636   1,360 
Operating expense 152,863  39,571  192,434   12,650   188,180  24,720  212,900   16,318 
Net earned premium $686,596  $135,727  $822,323   $41,978   $629,261  $105,082  $734,343   $35,507 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) 22.3% 29.2% 23.4%  30.1%  29.9% 23.5% 29.0%  46.0%
                    
Total underwriting expenses $812,978  $167,776  $980,754   $62,791   $670,268  $142,352  $812,620   $48,044 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 528,875  95,487  624,362   26,856   414,801  77,147  491,948   17,905 
Less: Ceding commission income 30,675  226  30,901   19,201   1,809  327  2,136   12,461 
Less: Service and fee income 100,565  32,492  133,057   4,084   65,478  40,158  105,636   1,360 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 7,994  1,280  9,274   (69)  8,368  1,559  9,927   7,000 
Operating expense before amortization and impairment 144,869  38,291  183,160   12,719   179,812  23,161  202,973   9,318 
Net earned premium $686,596  $135,727  $822,323   $41,978   $629,261  $105,082  $734,343   $35,507 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) 21.1% 28.2% 22.3%  30.3%  28.6% 22.0% 27.6%  26.2%


 
Reconciliation of Operating Expense Ratio (Non-GAAP)
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016
  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges  P&C A&H NGHC  Reciprocal Exchanges
Total underwriting expenses $2,547,176  $481,714  $3,028,890   $198,043   $1,843,577  $407,288  $2,250,865   $91,534 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,642,053  247,121  1,889,174   88,776   1,123,353  232,267  1,355,620   35,641 
Less: Ceding commission income (loss) 36,263  784  37,047   54,557   (4,019) 1,055  (2,964)  27,370 
Less: Service and fee income 298,674  107,808  406,482   7,658   189,739  112,470  302,209   2,555 
Operating expense 570,186  126,001  696,187   47,052   534,504  61,496  596,000   25,968 
Net earned premium $2,243,452  $399,505  $2,642,957   $123,266   $1,758,311  $307,864  $2,066,175   $71,535 
Operating expense ratio (Non-GAAP) 25.4% 31.5% 26.3%  38.2%  30.4% 20.0% 28.8%  36.3%
                    
Total underwriting expenses $2,547,176  $481,714  $3,028,890   $198,043   $1,843,577  $407,288  $2,250,865   $91,534 
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,642,053  247,121  1,889,174   88,776   1,123,353  232,267  1,355,620   35,641 
Less: Ceding commission income (loss) 36,263  784  37,047   54,557   (4,019) 1,055  (2,964)  27,370 
Less: Service and fee income 298,674  107,808  406,482   7,658   189,739  112,470  302,209   2,555 
Less: Non-cash amortization of intangible assets 38,006  4,295  42,301   6,909   17,843  4,936  22,779   13,726 
Operating expense before amortization and impairment 532,180  121,706  653,886   40,143   516,661  56,560  573,221   12,242 
Net earned premium $2,243,452  $399,505  $2,642,957   $123,266   $1,758,311  $307,864  $2,066,175   $71,535 
Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (Non-GAAP) 23.7% 30.5% 24.7%  32.6%  29.4% 18.4% 27.7%  17.1%


 
Premiums by Business Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
  2017 2016 Change  2017 2016 Change  2017 2016 Change
Property & Casualty                    
Personal Auto $599,608  $384,670  55.9%  $318,773  $344,605  (7.5)%  $428,112  $312,654  36.9%
Homeowners 154,352  136,437  13.1%  (18,881) 120,242  (115.7)%  68,042  100,875  (32.5)%
RV/Packaged 49,928  42,964  16.2%  49,547  42,705  16.0%  45,742  40,727  12.3%
Small Business Auto 79,296  72,692  9.1%  43,505  66,790  (34.9)%  60,013  59,791  0.4%
Lender-placed insurance 84,447  105,249  (19.8)%  70,581  99,824  (29.3)%  79,048  103,751  (23.8)%
Other 11,809  11,735  0.6%  4,299  5,778  (25.6)%  5,639  11,463  (50.8)%
Property & Casualty 979,440  753,747  29.9%  467,824  679,944  (31.2)%  686,596  629,261  9.1%
                     
Accident & Health 121,266  97,624  24.2%  110,197  87,375  26.1%  135,727  105,082  29.2%
Total National General $1,100,706  $851,371  29.3%  $578,021  $767,319  (24.7)%  $822,323  $734,343  12.0%
                     
Reciprocal Exchanges                    
Personal Auto $39,040  $25,345  54.0%  $12,533  $15,047  (16.7)%  $15,167  $13,860  9.4%
Homeowners 64,240  53,534  20.0%  30,497  22,948  32.9%  26,382  20,275  30.1%
Other 1,126  2,099  (46.4)%  503  1,071  (53.0)%  429  1,372  (68.7)%
Reciprocal Exchanges $104,406  $80,978  28.9%  $43,533  $39,066  11.4%  $41,978  $35,507  18.2%
                       
Consolidated Total (A) $1,204,311  $931,459  29.3%  $621,554  $806,385  (22.9)%  $864,301  $769,850  12.3%

NOTES: (A) Consolidated Total includes eliminations between National General and the Reciprocal Exchanges of $(302) in Personal Auto and $(499) in Homeowners Gross Written Premium in 2017, respectively, and $(286) in Personal Auto and $(604) in Homeowners Gross Written Premium in 2016, respectively.

 
Premiums by Business Line
$ in thousands
(Unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Gross Written Premium  Net Written Premium  Net Earned Premium
  2017 2016 Change  2017 2016 Change  2017 2016 Change
Property & Casualty                    
Personal Auto $1,761,779  $1,107,963  59.0%  $1,387,024  $977,212  41.9%  $1,377,752  $875,480  57.4%
Homeowners 421,061  307,455  37.0%  217,590  276,677  (21.4)%  282,741  256,870  10.1%
RV/Packaged 147,280  129,260  13.9%  146,256  128,582  13.7%  129,706  117,261  10.6%
Small Business Auto 246,562  191,209  28.9%  195,577  174,731  11.9%  193,578  155,105  24.8%
Lender-placed insurance 251,091  325,436  (22.8)%  229,938  317,206  (27.5)%  241,990  335,076  (27.8)%
Other 37,944  24,918  52.3%  17,871  14,252  25.4%  17,685  18,519  (4.5)%
Property & Casualty 2,865,717  2,086,241  37.4%  2,194,256  1,888,660  16.2%  2,243,452  1,758,311  27.6%
                     
Accident & Health 444,195  355,372  25.0%  409,560  321,565  27.4%  399,505  307,864  29.8%
Total National General $3,309,912  $2,441,613  35.6%  $2,603,816  $2,210,225  17.8%  $2,642,957  $2,066,175  27.9%
                     
Reciprocal Exchanges                    
Personal Auto $102,420  $48,466  NA  $51,240  $28,500  NA  $48,523  $26,840  NA
Homeowners 180,616  105,170  NA  83,887  46,483  NA  73,533  39,879  NA
Other 2,743  4,512  NA  1,350  3,213  NA  1,210  4,816  NA
Reciprocal Exchanges (A) $285,779  $158,148  NA  $136,477  $78,196  NA  $123,266  $71,535  NA
                     
Consolidated Total (B) $3,593,289  $2,598,160  38.3%  $2,740,293  $2,288,421  19.7%  $2,766,223  $2,137,710  29.4%

NOTES: (A) The Reciprocal Exchanges did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016.
(B) Consolidated Total includes eliminations between National General and the Reciprocal Exchanges of $(866) in Personal Auto and $(1,536) in Homeowners Gross Written Premium in 2017, respectively, and $(506) in Personal Auto and $(1,095) in Homeowners Gross Written Premium in 2016, respectively.

Additional Disclosures

(1) References to operating earnings and basic and diluted operating earnings per share (“EPS”) are non-GAAP financial measures defined by the Company as net income/loss and basic and diluted earnings per share excluding after-tax net gain or loss on investments (including foreign exchange gain or loss), other-than-temporary impairment losses, bargain purchase gains, earnings or losses of equity method investments (related parties), non-cash impairment of goodwill and non-cash amortization of intangible assets. The Company believes operating earnings and basic and diluted operating EPS are relevant measures of the Company’s profitability because operating earnings and basic and diluted operating EPS contain the components of net income upon which the Company’s management has the most influence and excludes factors outside management’s direct control and non-recurring items. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(2) Total investments includes $352,330 and $390,688 in related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(3) Reinsurance recoverable includes $20,174 and $37,046 from related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(4) Other includes $1,167 and $1,298 from related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(5) Reinsurance payable includes $18,180 and $33,419 due to related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(6) Accounts payable and accrued expenses includes $179,118 and $29,271 to related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(7) Common stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 106,670,768 shares - September 30, 2017; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 106,428,092 shares - December 31, 2016.

(8) Preferred stock: $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,000 shares - September 30, 2017; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,000 shares - December 31, 2016.

(9) Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expense by net earned premium.

(10) Operating expense ratio and combined ratio are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because a component of those ratios, operating expense, is calculated by offsetting acquisition and other underwriting costs and general and administrative expenses by ceding commission income and service and fee income. Management uses operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) and combined ratio (non-GAAP) to evaluate financial performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. The Company believes this presentation enhances the understanding of our results by eliminating what we believe are volatile and unusual events and presenting the ratios with what we believe are the underlying run rates of the business. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and, therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(11) Operating expense ratio is a non-GAAP measure defined by the Company, that is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by dividing operating expense by net earned premium. Operating expense consists of the sum of acquisition and other underwriting costs and general and administrative expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(12) Combined ratio is a non-GAAP measure defined by the Company, that is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by adding the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) together. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business, and overall underwriting profit. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit, while over 100% an underwriting loss. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General.

(13) Operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment is a non-GAAP measure defined by the Company, that is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by dividing the operating expense before amortization and impairment by net earned premium. Operating expense before amortization and impairment consists of the sum of acquisition and other underwriting costs and general and administrative expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income less non-cash amortization of intangible assets and non-cash impairment of goodwill. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(14) Combined ratio before amortization and impairment is a non-GAAP measure defined by the Company, that is commonly used in the insurance industry. The Company calculates the ratio by adding the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the operating expense ratio before amortization and impairment (non-GAAP) together. The ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business, and overall underwriting profit. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit, while over 100% an underwriting loss. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

(15) In the current year’s quarter, certain costs associated with claims handling were prospectively reclassified from general and administrative expenses to loss adjustment expenses. In the year-ago quarter, the corresponding change to the Property and Casualty segment would have been $28.2 million, negligible in the Accident and Health segment and $4.0 million in the Reciprocal Exchange.

(16) Trailing twelve month operating return on average equity is the ratio of the previous twelve months operating earnings to average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. Average shareholders’ equity is the sum of the shareholders’ equity excluding preferred stock at the beginning and end of the period presented divided by two. In the opinion of the Company’s management this ratio is an important indicator of how well management creates value for its shareholders through its operating activities and capital management. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by National General. Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table within this release for the reconciliation of net income to operating earnings, which is the Non-GAAP component of the operating return on average equity.

(17) Combined ratio excluding losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria is calculated by taking the combined ratio as defined in Note 14, and adjusting it to exclude the total net losses of $52.4 million from those three events.  The company believes this measure enhances investors’ understanding of our results by eliminating what we believe are volatile and unusual events.

  Q3’17 Combined
Ratio
 Impact of
Excluding
Hurricane Losses
 Q3’17 Combined
Ratio Excluding
Hurricane Losses
       
Overall NGHC 98.2% 6.4% 91.8%
       
P&C Segment 98.1% 7.6% 90.5%
       

Investor Contact

Christine Worley
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: 212-380-9462
Email: Christine.Worley@NGIC.com