National Western Life Group, Inc. Announces 2021 First Quarter Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

National Western Life Group, Inc. (NWLI) reported a substantial turnaround in Q1 2021, with consolidated net earnings of $62.1 million or $17.57 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.1 million in the same period last year. Revenues increased to $200.9 million from $155.6 million, bolstered by a reinsurance transaction that enhanced revenue. Annuity sales surged 64% and life insurance sales grew 8%. The book value per share reached $673.95, signaling strong operational performance amidst heightened COVID-19 claims totaling nearly $7 million.

Positive

• Consolidated net earnings of $62.1 million vs a net loss of $2.1 million YoY.
• Total revenues increased to $200.9 million from $155.6 million YoY.
• Annuity sales grew by 64% in Q1 2021, and life insurance sales increased by 8%.
• Book value per share reached $673.95, reflecting strong operating results.

Negative

• COVID-19 related claims amounted to nearly $7 million in Q1 2021.
• Higher COVID-19 death claims compared to 2020.

AUSTIN, Texas, May 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross R. Moody, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced today first quarter 2021 consolidated net earnings of $62.1 million, or $17.57 per diluted Class A common share, compared with a consolidated net loss of $2.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted Class A common share, for 2020. The Company's book value per share as of March 31, 2021 was $673.95.

The Company reported total revenues for the quarter, excluding realized and unrealized gains on index options and investments, of $200.9 million in 2021 compared to $155.6 million in 2020. Mr. Moody noted that the Company's revenues benefited from a previously announced reinsurance transaction executed at the end of 2020. "We achieved our goal last year of transferring a block of annuity business which was experiencing compression on profit margins with a reinsurance transaction. In the first quarter, we received an accounting benefit associated with this structure which resulted in incremental revenues." In addition, Mr. Moody observed that the Company's core business continued to perform observing, "Annuity sales increased 64% in the first quarter over last year and life insurance sales increased 8%. This illustrates the value our products provide in times of financial uncertainty."

Mr. Moody commented on the impact of the pandemic on the Company's financial results. "Like many other insurers releasing their first quarter earnings, we witnessed a higher level of COVID-19 death claims being reported this quarter than during 2020. For our two insurance companies, National Western Life and Ozark National Life, we received combined net claims of just under $7 million where COVID-19 was identified as the primary cause of death." Mr. Moody added that the Company's mortality experience for other than COVID-19 related claims remained within the Company's assumptions for its products.

The Company's book value per share, after adjusting for market value fluctuations recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, surpassed $600 per share for the first time. Mr. Moody stated, "Our core book value growth rate during the quarter was strong and is a reflection of solid operating results and the profitable book of business that we have cultivated over time."

National Western Life Group, Inc. is the parent organization of National Western Life Insurance Company, which is the parent organization of Ozark National Life Insurance Company, both stock life insurance companies in aggregate offering a broad portfolio of individual universal life, whole life and term insurance plans, as well as annuity products. At March 31, 2021, the Company maintained consolidated total assets of $14.6 billion, consolidated stockholders' equity of $2.5 billion, and combined life insurance in force of $21.7 billion.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains statements which are or may be viewed as forward-looking within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 2005. Forward-looking statements relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments, and are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements can be found in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by the Company will not materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Results (Unaudited) (In thousands except per share data)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2021			2020
Revenues:
Revenues, excluding investment and index option	$	200,938			155,632
gains (losses)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on index options		28,024			(106,629)
Realized gains on investments		1,416			3,485
Total revenues		230,378			52,488
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits		37,889			33,634
Amortization of deferred transaction costs		29,989			30,037
Universal life and annuity contract interest		52,845			(28,026)
Other operating expenses		31,335			19,822
Total benefits and expenses		152,058			55,467
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		78,320			(2,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)		16,191			(917)
Net earnings (loss)	$	62,129			(2,062)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Class A shares	$	60,372			(2,004)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Class A Share	$	17.57			(0.58)
Diluted Weighted Average Class A Shares		3,436			3,436
		March 31,			December 31,
		2021			2020
Book value per share	$	673.95			698.50
Less: Per share impact of accumulated other comprehensive income		67.12			108.75
Book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income *	$	606.83			589.75

*

Book value per share excluding accumulated other comprehensive income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $244.0 million at March 31, 2021 and $395.4 million at December 31, 2020. Since accumulated other comprehensive income fluctuates from quarter to quarter due to unrealized changes in the fair value of investments caused primarily by changes in market interest rates, National Western Life Group, Inc. believes this financial measure provides useful supplemental information.

Investor Relations Contact:
Brian M. Pribyl - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(512) 836-1010
bpribyl@nationalwesternlife.com
www.nwlgi.com

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SOURCE National Western Life Group, Inc.

FAQ

What were National Western Life Group's (NWLI) Q1 2021 earnings?

NWLI reported consolidated net earnings of $62.1 million, or $17.57 per diluted share, in Q1 2021.

How did NWLI's total revenues perform in Q1 2021?

Total revenues increased to $200.9 million in Q1 2021, compared to $155.6 million in Q1 2020.

What is the book value per share for NWLI as of March 31, 2021?

The book value per share for NWLI reached $673.95 as of March 31, 2021.

How did the pandemic impact NWLI's financial results for Q1 2021?

NWLI experienced increased COVID-19 related claims totaling nearly $7 million in Q1 2021, impacting overall performance.

What factors contributed to NWLI's revenue growth in Q1 2021?

Revenue growth was driven by a reinsurance transaction and significant increases in annuity and life insurance sales.