SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FORM 10 - Q
[X] Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999
or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number 0-4625
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware No. 36-2678171
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 312-346-8100
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes _X_ No ____
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this report.
Shares Outstanding
Class September 30, 1999
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Common Stock / $1 par value 126,232,987
There are 14 pages contained in this report.
<PAGE>
2
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Report on Form 10-Q / September 30, 1999
INDEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE NO.
---------
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS 3
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF INCOME 4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7 - 9
MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 10 - 12
PART II OTHER INFORMATION 13 & 14
<PAGE>
3
<TABLE>
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
($ in Millions)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Investments: Held to maturity:
Fixed maturity securities (at amortized cost)
(fair value: $2,281.8 and $2,422.2) $2,270.6 $2,332.3
Other long-term investments (at cost) 39.5 25.1
----------------- -----------------
Total 2,310.1 2,357.5
----------------- -----------------
Available for sale:
Fixed maturity securities (at fair value) (cost: $1,975.9 and $1,877.8) 1,973.5 1,954.4
Equity securities (at fair value) (cost: $126.3 and $117.0) 150.8 164.8
Short-term investments (at fair value which approximates cost) 265.2 377.6
----------------- -----------------
Total 2,389.6 2,497.0
----------------- -----------------
Total investments 4,699.8 4,854.5
----------------- -----------------
Other Assets: Cash 19.5 22.9
Accrued investment income 69.3 71.1
Accounts and notes receivable 316.3 290.0
Reinsurance balances and funds held 76.7 86.3
Reinsurance recoverable: Paid losses 31.6 31.2
Policy and claim reserves 1,310.3 1,292.9
Federal income tax recoverable: Current 3.1 ---
Deferred policy acquisition costs 153.3 143.9
Sundry assets 223.6 226.4
----------------- -----------------
2,204.2 2,165.2
----------------- -----------------
Total Assets $6,904.0 $7,019.7
================= =================
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities, Preferred Stock and
Common Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities: Future policy benefits $131.9 $187.6
Losses, claims and settlement expenses 3,390.3 3,406.5
Unearned premiums 371.3 360.1
Other policyholders' benefits and funds 52.1 52.5
----------------- -----------------
Total policy liabilities and accruals 3,945.6 4,006.9
Commissions, expenses, fees and taxes 158.5 138.8
Reinsurance balances and funds 119.8 130.5
Federal income tax payable:Current --- 6.9
Deferred 198.2 179.8
Debt 150.4 145.1
Sundry liabilities 87.7 105.9
----------------- -----------------
Total liabilities 4,660.5 4,714.2
----------------- -----------------
Preferred
Stock: Convertible preferred stock 0.7 1.2
----------------- -----------------
Common Common stock 156.6 156.3
Shareholders' Additional paid-in capital 627.5 624.5
Equity: Unallocated shares - ESSOP (2.5) (5.1)
Retained earnings 1,840.7 1,709.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income 5.8 70.2
Treasury stock (at cost) (385.6) (251.6)
----------------- -----------------
Total Common Shareholders' Equity 2,242.6 2,304.2
----------------- -----------------
Total Liabilities, Preferred Stock
and Common Shareholders' Equity $6,904.0 $7,019.7
================= =================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
4
<TABLE>
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
($ in Millions, Except Common Share Data)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues: Net premiums earned $389.7 $410.3 $1,173.2 $1,161.6
Title, escrow and other fees 52.0 62.3 169.4 175.7
Net investment income 66.0 68.1 196.8 204.7
Realized investment gains 4.4 6.5 26.0 32.0
Other income 6.2 8.1 21.7 24.5
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net revenues 518.5 555.6 1,587.2 1,598.7
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Expenses: Benefits, claims and settlement expenses 220.0 208.4 614.1 583.2
Underwriting, acquisition and
insurance expenses 241.2 236.9 713.2 662.9
Interest and other expenses 3.4 3.5 10.4 10.7
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total expenses 464.6 449.0 1,337.7 1,256.9
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before income taxes and items below 53.9 106.6 249.5 341.8
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income Taxes: Currently payable 1.6 18.0 18.8 60.1
Deferred 12.3 14.7 54.8 46.8
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total income taxes 13.9 32.7 73.6 106.9
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
39.9 73.8 175.8 234.8
Other items - net -- 0.8 1.8 1.7
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Income: $39.9 $74.6 $177.6 $236.6
================ ================= ================= =================
Net Income
Per Share: Basic $0.31 $0.54 $1.36 $1.71
================ ================= ================= =================
Diluted $0.31 $0.54 $1.35 $1.69
================ ================= ================= =================
Dividends Per
Common Share: Cash dividends $0.130 $0.100 $0.360 $0.287
================ ================= ================= =================
Stock dividends --% --% --% 50%
================ ================= ================= =================
Average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 128,183,125 136,914,815 130,536,390 137,858,216
================ ================= ================= =================
Diluted 128,955,730 138,870,948 131,483,407 139,925,145
================ ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
5
<TABLE>
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
($ in Millions)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------------- ----------------- ------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income as reported $39.9 $74.6 $177.6 $236.6
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment 0.1 (1.2) 1.2 (1.9)
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during period (19.8) 42.3 (75.0) 58.4
Less: elimination of pre-tax realized gains
included in income as reported 4.4 6.5 26.0 32.0
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Pre-tax unrealized gains (losses) on securities
carried at market value (24.3) 35.8 (101.1) 26.4
Deferred income taxes (credits) (8.5) 12.5 (35.5) 9.2
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities (15.7) 23.3 (65.6) 17.2
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net adjustments (15.6) 22.1 (64.3) 15.3
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Comprehensive income $24.3 $96.7 $113.4 $251.9
================ ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
6
<TABLE>
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
($ in Millions)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
------------------------------------
1999 1998
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $177.6 $236.6
Adjustment to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs (9.4) (12.2)
Premiums and other receivables (26.1) (7.2)
Unpaid claims and related items (25.2) (43.3)
Future policy benefits and policyholders' funds 9.1 (8.2)
Income taxes 43.9 43.4
Reinsurance balances and funds (1.4) 1.2
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other 19.8 32.6
----------------- -----------------
Total 188.4 242.9
----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of fixed maturity securities:
Held to maturity:
Maturities and early calls 142.4 136.9
Available for sale:
Maturities and early calls 111.2 88.7
Other 124.4 113.5
Sales of equity securities 33.0 13.4
Sales of other investments 1.0 3.2
Sales of fixed assets for company use 2.1 0.9
Purchases of fixed maturity securities:
Held to maturity (108.2) (217.7)
Available for sale (366.9) (174.2)
Purchases of equity securities (42.3) (70.1)
Purchases of other investments (15.1) (12.0)
Purchases of fixed assets for company use (12.0) (21.2)
Purchases of investments in subsidiaries --- (2.7)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary 25.3 ---
Cash and short-term investments of subsidiary sold (31.4) ---
Other-net (0.1) (4.0)
----------------- -----------------
Total (136.6) (145.3)
----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in term loans 28.0 4.0
Issuance of preferred and common stocks 2.8 16.1
Issuance of debentures and notes --- 0.6
Repayments of term loans (18.0) ---
Redemption of debentures and notes (1.9) (1.5)
Dividends on common shares (46.7) (39.3)
Dividends on preferred shares (0.1) (0.1)
Purchase of treasury stock (133.9) (86.5)
Other-net 2.3 1.2
----------------- -----------------
Total (167.4) (105.6)
----------------- -----------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments (115.7) (8.0)
Cash and short-term investments, beginning of period 400.5 355.0
----------------- -----------------
Cash and short-term investments, end of period $284.8 $347.0
================= =================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for: Interest $5.2 $5.5
================= =================
Income taxes $28.3 $58.2
================= =================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
7
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
($ in Millions, Except Share Data)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation:
The accompanying consolidated summary financial statements have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles as
described in the Corporation's latest annual report to shareholders or as
disclosed herein. The financial accounting and reporting process relies on
estimates and on the exercise of judgement, but in the opinion of management
all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to a
fair presentation of the accompanying statements have been reflected
therein. Realized gains or losses on dispositions of investment securities
have been reflected in the operating results for each period presented.
2. Common Share Data:
Common share data has been retroactively adjusted to reflect all stock
dividends and splits. The following table provides a reconciliation of the
income before extraordinary items and number of shares used in basic and
diluted earnings per share calculations.
<TABLE>
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Income before extraordinary item......................... $ 39.9 $ 74.6 $ 177.6 $ 236.6
Less Preferred stock dividends........................... -- -- .1 .1
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Numerator for basic earnings per share -
income available to common stockholders............... 39.9 74.6 177.5 236.4
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible preferred stock dividends................. -- -- .1 .1
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
income available to common stockholders
after assumed conversions................................ $ 39.9 $ 74.6 $ 177.6 $ 236.6
============= ============= ============= =============
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share -
weighted-average shares............................... 128,183,125 136,914,815 130,536,390 137,858,216
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options......................................... 618,647 1,711,824 762,966 1,826,791
Convertible preferred stock........................... 153,958 244,309 184,051 240,138
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Dilutive potential common shares...................... 772,605 1,956,133 947,017 2,066,929
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
adjusted weighted-average shares and
assumed conversions...................................... 128,955,730 138,870,948 131,483,407 139,925,145
============= ============= ============= =============
Basic earnings per share................................... $ .31 $ .54 $ 1.36 $ 1.71
============= ============= ============= =============
Diluted earnings per share................................. $ .31 $ .54 $ 1.35 $ 1.69
============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
3. Unrealized Appreciation of Investments:
Cumulative net unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities available for
sale and equity securities credited to a separate account in common
shareholders' equity amounted to $14.6 at September 30, 1999. Unrealized
appreciation of investments, before applicable income taxes of $8.1 at
September 30, 1999 included gross unrealized gains and (losses) of $50.7
and $(27.9), respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of deferred income taxes,
amounted to $(65.6) and $17.2, respectively.
<PAGE>
8
4. Information About Segments of Business
The Corporation's business segments are organized as the General Insurance
(property and liability insurance), Mortgage Guaranty, Title Insurance and
Life Insurance Groups. The contributions of Old Republic's insurance
industry segments to consolidated revenues and operating results, and
certain balance sheet data pertaining thereto are shown in the following
tables on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Each of the Corporation's segments underwrites and services only those
insurance coverages which may be written by it pursuant to state insurance
regulations and corporate charter provisions.
<TABLE>
Segment Reporting
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
General Insurance Group:
Net premiums earned.................................... $ 213.7 $ 234.6 $ 635.9 $ 671.4
Net investment income and other income(a).............. 50.3 51.7 150.6 156.9
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total ................................................ $ 264.0 $ 286.4 $ 786.6 $ 828.3
============= ============= ============= =============
Income before taxes (credits).......................... $ 2.4 $ 43.9 $ 65.8 $ 144.5
============= ============= ============= =============
Income tax expense (credit)............................ $ (2.5) $ 18.8 $ 12.4 $ 47.6
============= ============= ============= =============
Mortgage Guaranty Group:
Net premiums earned.................................... $ 72.9 $ 72.0 $ 223.9 $ 216.1
Net investment income and other income(a).............. 13.5 14.2 41.6 41.4
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total ................................................ $ 86.4 $ 86.3 $ 265.5 $ 257.6
============= ============= ============= =============
Income before taxes.................................... $ 44.4 $ 39.6 $ 130.4 $ 116.1
============= ============= ============= =============
Income tax expense..................................... $ 14.7 $ 13.9 $ 43.3 $ 39.5
============= ============= ============= =============
Title Insurance Group:
Net premiums earned.................................... $ 93.0 $ 87.8 $ 273.0 $ 229.8
Title, escrow and other fees ......................... 52.0 62.3 169.4 175.7
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Sub-total.............................................. 145.1 150.1 442.5 405.5
Net investment income and other income(a).............. 5.8 5.1 17.1 15.2
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total ................................................ $ 150.9 $ 155.2 $ 459.7 $ 420.8
============= ============= ============= =============
Income before taxes.................................... $ 4.2 $ 16.3 $ 34.6 $ 47.8
============= ============= ============= =============
Income tax expense..................................... $ 1.3 $ 5.5 $ 11.6 $ 16.2
============= ============= ============= =============
Life Insurance Group (c):
Net premiums earned.................................... $ 10.1 $ 15.8 $ 40.2 $ 44.1
Net investment income and other income(a).............. 2.1 3.3 6.5 10.3
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total ................................................ $ 12.8 $ 19.1 $ 46.7 $ 54.4
============= ============= ============= =============
Income (loss) before taxes (credits)................... $ (.4) $ 1.5 $ (1.8) $ 5.2
============= ============= ============= =============
Income tax expense (credit)............................ $ (.2) $ (8.3) $ (.9) $ (7.0)
============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
9
<TABLE>
Reconciliations of Segments to Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Total revenues for reportable segments................. $ 513.7 $ 547.2 $ 1,558.6 $ 1,561.3
Net realized investment gains.......................... 4.4 6.5 26.0 32.0
Other revenues......................................... 2.1 2.7 6.8 8.6
Elimination of intersegment revenues (b)............... (1.7) (.9) (4.1) (3.3)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total consolidated revenues..................... $ 518.5 $ 555.6 $ 1,587.2 $ 1,598.7
============= ============= ============= =============
Income before taxes:
Total income before taxes of reportable segments....... $ 50.8 $ 101.5 $ 229.0 $ 313.7
Net realized investment gains.......................... 4.4 6.5 26.0 32.0
Other revenues - net................................... (1.3) (1.3) (5.2) (3.3)
Elimination of intersegment profits (b)................ -- (.1) (.3) (.6)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary items............................. $ 53.9 $ 106.6 $ 249.5 $ 341.8
============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
- ---------
In the above tables, net premiums earned on a GAAP basis differ slightly from
statutory amounts due to certain differences in calculations of unearned premium
reserves under each accounting method.
(a) Including unallocated investment income derived from invested capital and
surplus funds./(b) Represents results of holding company parent, consolidation
eliminating adjustments, and general corporate expenses, as applicable./(c)In
the first quarter of 1999, the Company sold its small annuity book of business;
this had no material effect on Old Republic's consolidated results or financial
position.
<PAGE>
10
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW
This analysis pertains to the consolidated accounts of Old Republic
International Corporation. The Company conducts its business through four major
segments, namely its General (property and liability coverages), Mortgage
Guaranty, Title, and Life insurance groups.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Old Republic's financial position at September 30, 1999 reflected decreases in
assets, liabilities and common shareholders' equity of 1.6%, 1.1% and 2.7%,
respectively, when compared to the immediately preceding year-end. Cash and
invested assets represented 69.4% and 70.5% of consolidated assets as of
September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 respectively. Consolidated operating
cash flow was positive at $188.4 million in the latest nine month period,
compared to $242.9 million in the same period of 1998, but the invested asset
base declined principally as a result of the Company's stock buy-back program,
the sale of a largely inactive life insurance subsidiary in early 1999 and a
decrease in the value of bonds and stocks carried at market value.
Relatively high short-term maturity investment positions continued to be
maintained as of September 30, 1999 to provide necessary liquidity for specific
operating needs and to enhance flexibility in investment strategy. Changes in
short-term investments reflect a large variety of seasonal and intermediate-term
factors including seasonal operating cash needs, investment strategy, and
expectations as to trends in investment yields. Accordingly, the future level of
short-term investments will vary and respond to the dynamics of these factors
and may, as a result, increase or decrease from current levels. During the first
nine months of 1999, the Corporation committed substantially all investable
funds in short to intermediate-term fixed maturity securities. Old Republic
continues to adhere to its long-term policy of investing primarily in investment
grade, marketable securities; the Corporation has not directed its investable
funds to so-called "junk bonds" or derivative types of securities. During the
first nine months of 1999, Old Republic's investment in equity securities
decreased by 8.5% vis-a-vis the related invested balance at year-end 1998 due to
securities sales and unrealized losses during the period. At September 30, 1999,
the Company had no investments in default as to principal and/or interest.
The parent holding company has met its liquidity and capital needs principally
through dividends paid by its subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries' ability
to pay cash dividends to the parent company is generally restricted by law or
subject to approval of the insurance regulatory authorities of the states in
which they are domiciled. Additionally, the terms of guarantees by the Company
of bank loans to the trustee of the Company's Employees Savings and Stock
Ownership Plan restrict the amount of debt the Company may incur; this covenant
is being met.
Old Republic's capitalization of $2.39 billion at September 30, 1999 consisted
of debt of $150.4 million, convertible preferred stock of $.7 million, and
common shareholders' equity of $2.24 billion. The decrease in the common
shareholders' equity account during the nine months ended September 30, 1999
reflects primarily the retention of earnings in excess of dividend requirements,
a decrease in the value of bonds and stocks carried at market values and the
reacquisition of $133.9 million of common shares pursuant to previously
announced stock buy-back programs.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues:
Consolidated net premiums and fees earned for the third quarter of 1999 amounted
to $441.8 million, 6.5% below the amount reported for the same quarter of 1998.
For the third quarter of 1999, the Company's General Insurance Group posted a
decrease in earned premium volume of $20.9 million as a result of a continuing
soft pricing environment in this industry segment. Mortgage Guaranty Group
premiums increased by 1.2% to $72.9 million from $72.0 million in the year-ago
quarter. Title Group premium and fee revenues decreased 3.4% to $145.1 million
in the third quarter of 1999 when compared to the same quarter of 1998 due in
large measure to lower mortgage refinancing activity. The Life and Health
Group's premium volume declined to $10.1 million, a reduction of 36.3% when
compared to the same quarter of 1998.
<PAGE>
11
Consolidated net premiums and fees earned in the first nine months of 1999
amounted to $1.34 billion, slightly above the amount reported for the same 1998
period. The General Insurance Group's net premiums earned decreased 5.3% to
$635.9 million in the first nine months of 1999. The Mortgage Guaranty Group
continued to experience volume growth and reported net premiums earned of $223.9
million, an increase of 3.6%. The Title Insurance Group reported premiums and
fees in the first nine months of 1999 of $442.5 million, up from $405.5 million
in the year-ago period. Life and health premiums declined 8.8% to $40.2 million
during the same 1999 period, but remained at approximately 3% of consolidated
premiums and fees.
Consolidated net investment income was $196.8 million in the first nine months
of 1999 and $66.0 million in the third quarter of 1999 compared to $204.7
million and $68.1 million, respectively, in the same quarter and nine month
periods of 1998. This revenue source reflects an invested asset base that is
down slightly from a year ago and a greater commitment to tax-exempt fixed
maturity securities. The average annualized yield on investments was
approximately 5.5% and 5.7% at the end of September 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Yield trends reflect at once the relatively short maturity of Old
Republic's fixed maturity securities portfolio, and the commitment of a larger
percentage of investable funds to tax-exempt fixed maturity securities that
typically bear lower current yields.
The Company's investment policies have not been designed to maximize realized
investment gains. Realized gains of $26.0 million in the first nine months of
1999 were mostly due to the sale of equity securities. Dispositions of
securities were primarily the result of scheduled maturities of bonds and notes
and sales of equity securities. For the first nine months of 1999, 67.1% of
total dispositions represented maturities and early calls of existing holdings;
for the year 1998 these transactions amounted to 58.3% of the total
dispositions.
Expenses:
Consolidated benefit, claim and settlement costs, as a percentage of net
premiums and fees earned, were approximately 46% and 44% in the first nine
months of 1999 and 1998, respectively. For the third quarter of each year, these
ratios were 50% in 1999 and 44% in 1998. Consolidated claims experience for
property and liability coverages was affected by higher severity for the most
recent loss occurrences, most significantly among the Company's truck insurance
coverages. Mortgage Guaranty claim costs were lower during the first nine months
of 1999 compared to the same period in 1998 due principally to stable economic
and employment conditions which generally lead to reduced mortgage defaults.
Title claims costs were basically stable in both periods, while Life Group claim
costs were higher in the latest quarter and nine month periods due to greater
claim frequency and severity in Old Republic's travel accident program in
particular.
The ratio of consolidated underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to
net premiums and fees earned were approximately 53% and 50% in the first nine
months of 1999 and 1998, respectively. These ratios were 55% and 51% for the
third quarters of 1999 and 1998, respectively. Variations in these percentages
reflect a continually changing mix of coverages sold and attendant costs of
producing business. The property and liability segment's expense ratio remained
basically flat for the first nine months of 1999 compared to the same period in
1998. The mortgage guaranty segment's expense ratio moved up slightly due to
higher costs associated with continued enhancement of information systems. The
title insurance expense ratio was higher in the first nine months of 1999
compared to the same period in 1998 due in part to the slowing of the revenue
stream without a proportional reduction of operating costs, and to reserve
additions applicable to ongoing consumer and regulatory litigation in the
Company's California title insurance subsidiary. These additional litigation
costs increased expenses by $10.2 million and $16.2 million in the third quarter
and first nine months of 1999, respectively; comparable additions to these
estimates amounted to $6.5 million and $11.5 million in the same respective
periods of 1998. Consolidated interest and other charges were approximately the
same for both periods.
Pre-Tax and Net Income:
Consolidated income before taxes decreased by 50.6% in the third quarter and
27.9% in the first nine months of 1999 when compared to the same periods one
year ago. The Corporation's Mortgage Guaranty segment reflected higher third
quarter and year to date pre-tax operating earnings; General, Title and Life
Insurance operations posted decreases in pre-tax operating earnings in this
year's third quarter and first nine months; realized gains on sales of
securities were lower in the most recent quarter and for the current year to
date period.
The effective consolidated income tax rate was 26% and 29% in the third quarter
and nine month periods of 1999, respectively, and 31% in both the third quarter
and nine month periods of 1998. The rates for each period reflect primarily the
varying proportions of pre-tax operating income derived from tax-sheltered
investment income (principally tax-exempt interest) on the one hand, and fully
taxable investment and underwriting/service income on the other hand; reduced
income from underwriting and related services in 1999 periods was mostly
responsible for the indicated decline in effective income tax rates.
<PAGE>
12
Year 2000 Issues:
The Company and its subsidiaries have been aware for several years of the issues
associated with programming codes in existing computer systems as the Year 2000
approaches. Most Old Republic subsidiaries are operated with reasonable
autonomy, and, accordingly, Year 2000 issues are independently managed at each
of the operating entities. Simply stated, Year 2000 issues stem from computer
programs that were written in earlier years with only two digits to specify a
year, as opposed to four digits; such programs may therefore be unable to
interpret dates beyond 1999, which could cause a system failure or other
computer errors that could lead to a disruption of operations.
Year 2000 issues could adversely affect the Old Republic subsidiaries' computer
systems, and such other systems as communications, facilities management,
service-related equipment and systems of customers, vendors and other important
third party service providers. Possible adverse consequences include, but are
not limited to, the inability to transact business, inability to execute
transactions through financial institutions and the occurrence of Year
2000-related losses under certain insurance contracts. Accordingly, the Company
could suffer material adverse financial effects if failure by major
subsidiaries, significant vendors, important third parties or various
governmental bodies to properly correct Year 2000 issues were to occur. The
possible financial impact of all such effects cannot currently be estimated
since the Company and its subsidiaries do not operate in a vacuum and cannot
control the situations or actions of the various outside entities with which
they deal.
Old Republic's subsidiaries have completed, the identification and
implementation of changes, and the testing of systems affected by Year 2000
issues. Confirmations of Year 2000 compliance from principal customers, vendors
and other important third party relationships have been circulated. While this
process is not completed, the Company is not currently aware of any principal
customer, vendor, or other important third party whose Year 2000 projects will
not be completed in a timely manner.
The costs of identifying, implementing and testing the required changes have not
been material to operating results. A significant portion of these costs was not
incremental as the Company and its subsidiaries have mostly utilized existing
resources.
The Company's subsidiaries have commenced consideration of contingency plans in
the event remediation efforts of Year 2000 issues are unsuccessful. Such plans
will be more fully developed in the fourth quarter of 1999 to the extent deemed
applicable and practicable.
OTHER INFORMATION
Reference is here made to "Financial Information Relating to Segments of
Business" appearing elsewhere herein.
Historical data pertaining to the operating performance, liquidity, and other
financial matters applicable to an insurance enterprise such as Old Republic are
not necessarily indicative of results to be achieved in succeeding years. In
addition to the factors cited below, the long-term nature of the insurance
business, seasonal and annual patterns in premium production and incidence of
claims, changes in yields obtained on invested assets, changes in government
policies and free markets affecting inflation rates and general economic
conditions, and changes in legal precedents or the application of law affecting
the settlement of disputed claims can have a bearing on period-to-period
comparisons and future operating results.
Any forward-looking commentary or inferences contained in this report involve,
of necessity, assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that may affect the
Company's future performance. With regard to Old Republic's General insurance
segment, its results can be affected in particular by the level of market
competition which is typically a function of available capital and expected
returns on such capital among competitors, the levels of interest and inflation
rates, as well as periodic changes in claim frequency and severity patterns
caused by natural disasters, weather conditions, accidents, illnesses and
work-related injuries. Mortgage Guaranty and Title insurance results can be
affected by such factors as changes in national and regional housing demand and
values, the availability and cost of mortgage loans, employment trends, and
default rates on mortgage loans; mortgage guaranty results may also be affected
by various risk-sharing arrangements with business producers as well as the risk
management and pricing policies of government sponsored enterprises. Life and
disability insurance results can be impacted by the levels of employment and
consumer spending, as well as mortality and health trends. At the holding
company level, operating earnings or losses are generally affected by the amount
of debt outstanding and its cost, as well as interest income on temporary
short-term investments.
Any forward-looking commentaries speak only as of their dates. Old Republic
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise such comments, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise, and accordingly they
may not be unduly relied upon.
<PAGE>
13
OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
FORM 10 - Q
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 6 - Reports on Form 8-K
- ----------------------------
(a) Reports on Form 8-K
1. The registrant has not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter
for which this report is filed.
Items other than those listed are omitted because they are not required.
<PAGE>
14
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Old Republic International Corporation
--------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: November 11, 1999
-------------------
/s/ P. D. Adams
--------------------------------------
P. D. Adams
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Old Republic International's consolidated balance sheet and consolidated
statement of income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,973
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 2,270
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 2,281
<EQUITIES> 150
<MORTGAGE> 7
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 4,699
<CASH> 19
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 31
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 153
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,904
<POLICY-LOSSES> 3,522
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 371
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 52
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 150
0
0
<COMMON> 156
<OTHER-SE> 2,086
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 6,904
1,173
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 196
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 26
<OTHER-INCOME> 21
<BENEFITS> 614
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 165
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 548
<INCOME-PRETAX> 249
<INCOME-TAX> 73
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 177
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 177
<EPS-BASIC> 1.36
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.35
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0
</TABLE>
