Old Republic Reports Results For The Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2020
Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI) reported significant improvements in its Q4 and full-year 2020 financial results. Net income for Q4 reached $519.7 million, up from $275.8 million in 2019, with net income per diluted share increasing to $1.74. Excluding investment gains, net income grew by 56% year-over-year. Total premiums and fees earned rose by 13% in Q4, driven by a robust Title Insurance segment, which saw a 30.7% increase in revenues. The company’s combined ratio improved to 90.3% for Q4, indicating increased operational efficiency. However, a slight decrease in net premiums earned in the General Insurance segment was observed.
- Q4 net income increased to $519.7 million, a 88% rise from Q4 2019.
- Net income per diluted share rose to $1.74 from $0.91 in Q4 2019.
- Total premiums and fees earned in Q4 grew by 13% to $1.906 billion.
- Title Insurance segment revenues surged by 30.7% in Q4.
- The company's combined ratio improved to 90.3% in Q4, up from 95.3% in 2019.
- Net premiums earned in the General Insurance segment declined by 2.2% in Q4.
- Net investment income fell by 2.9% in Q4 compared to the previous year.
CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI) today reported the following consolidated results (a):
OVERALL RESULTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Pretax income (loss) | $ | 652.2 | $ | 346.0 | $ | 688.4 | $ | 1,322.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Pretax investment gains (losses) | 374.7 | 167.4 | (142.0) | 636.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pretax income (loss) excluding investment gains (losses) | $ | 277.5 | $ | 178.5 | 55.4 | % | $ | 830.4 | $ | 686.2 | 21.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 519.7 | $ | 275.8 | $ | 558.6 | $ | 1,056.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Net of tax investment gains (losses) | 295.8 | 132.2 | (112.1) | 502.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) excluding investment gains (losses) | $ | 223.8 | $ | 143.5 | 56.0 | % | $ | 670.8 | $ | 554.2 | 21.0 | % | ||||||||||||
PER DILUTED SHARE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1.74 | $ | .91 | $ | 1.87 | $ | 3.51 | ||||||||||||||||
Net of tax investment gains (losses) | .99 | .44 | (.37) | 1.67 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) excluding investment gains (losses) | $ | .75 | $ | .47 | 59.6 | % | $ | 2.24 | $ | 1.84 | 21.7 | % | ||||||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders' equity: Total | $ | 6,186.6 | $ | 6,000.1 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Per Common Share | $ | 20.75 | $ | 19.98 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) All amounts in this report are stated in millions except common stock data and percentages. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Growth in this year's fourth quarter and full year net income, exclusive of all investment gains and (losses) was driven by greater profitability in both the General and Title Insurance segments. Overall, the business produced consolidated combined ratios of
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental responses continued to have a widespread impact on the U.S. economy in the fourth quarter. A majority of Old Republic's approximately 9,000 associates are working remotely. The pandemic's impact on employment levels, businesses, and other economic activities contributed to a slight reduction in earned premiums in the General Insurance segment. The Title Insurance segment experienced strong growth in premium and fee revenues. The RFIG Run-off business produced a small underwriting loss due to elevated delinquencies.
Net investment income decreased for the quarter and year-to-date periods as the ongoing moderate growth in the invested asset base was more than offset by lower investment yields. Financial market performance continued to improve in the fourth quarter, favorably impacting the fair value of the Company's equity and fixed-maturity securities. This favorable valuation coupled with positive earnings outpaced cash dividends to shareholders resulting in book value per share rising to
The economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic could affect future premium and fee revenues in the General Insurance and Title Insurance segments, and conversely underwriting expense ratios could rise. In the RFIG Run-off business, future claims experience could depend upon the continued, mitigating effects of loan forbearance programs mandated by the Federal government, and the rate at which employment levels recover. These outcomes notwithstanding, management firmly believes that the Company's strong financial condition will enable it to weather these challenges, and most importantly allow its insurance subsidiaries to meet their obligations to customers, policyholders and their beneficiaries.
Old Republic's business is necessarily managed for the long run. In this context management's key objectives are to achieve a continuous, long-term improvement in operating results, and to ensure balance sheet strength for the primary needs of the insurance subsidiaries' underwriting and related services business. In this view, the evaluation of periodic and long-term results excludes consideration of all investment gains and (losses). Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), however, net income (loss), which includes all specifically defined realized and unrealized investment gains and (losses), is the measure of total profitability.
In management's opinion, the focus on income (loss) excluding all investment gains and losses provides a better way to realistically analyze, evaluate, and establish accountability for the results and benefits that arise from the basic operations of the business. The inclusion of realized investment gains and (losses) in net income (loss) can mask the reality and trends in the fundamental operating results of the insurance business. That is because their realization is, more often than not, highly discretionary. It is usually affected by such randomly occurring factors as the timing of individual securities sales, tax-planning considerations, and modifications of investment management judgments about the direction of securities markets or the prospects of individual investees or industry sectors. Moreover, the inclusion of unrealized investment gains and (losses) in equity securities can further distort such operating results and trends therein and thus lead to even greater period-to-period fluctuations in reported net income (loss). The impact of the continuous volatility in stock market valuations is most evident in its net of tax effect on net income (loss) for the periods reported upon.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENTS (a): | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums and fees earned | $ | 1,906.1 | $ | 1,686.5 | 13.0 | % | $ | 6,737.8 | $ | 6,241.1 | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||
Net investment income | 109.6 | 112.8 | -2.9 | 438.9 | 450.7 | -2.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income | 32.7 | 35.1 | -6.8 | 131.2 | 132.6 | -1.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 2,048.5 | 1,834.5 | 11.7 | 7,308.0 | 6,824.4 | 7.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment gains (losses): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized from actual transactions | 1.4 | 7.3 | 14.2 | 38.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Realized from impairments | — | — | — | (2.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized from changes in fair value of equity securities | 373.2 | 160.1 | (156.2) | 599.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total investment gains (losses) | 374.7 | 167.4 | (142.0) | 636.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,423.2 | 2,001.9 | 7,166.0 | 7,460.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claim costs | 606.5 | 667.5 | -9.1 | 2,491.4 | 2,572.7 | -3.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Sales and general expenses | 1,152.5 | 979.2 | 17.7 | 3,942.4 | 3,525.4 | 11.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest and other charges | 11.8 | 9.2 | 28.3 | 43.7 | 40.0 | 9.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,770.9 | 1,655.9 | 6.9 | % | 6,477.5 | 6,138.1 | 5.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Pretax income (loss) | 652.2 | 346.0 | 688.4 | 1,322.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (credits) | 132.5 | 70.2 | 129.7 | 265.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 519.7 | $ | 275.8 | $ | 558.6 | $ | 1,056.4 | |||||||||||||||
COMMON STOCK STATISTICS: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Components of net income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) excluding investment gains (losses) | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.48 | 56.3 | % | $ | 2.24 | $ | 1.85 | 21.1 | % | |||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized from actual transactions and impairments | — | 0.02 | 0.04 | 0.10 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized from changes in fair value of equity securities | 0.99 | 0.42 | (0.41) | 1.57 | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) | $ | 1.74 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 1.87 | $ | 3.52 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) excluding investment gains (losses) | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.47 | 59.6 | % | $ | 2.24 | $ | 1.84 | 21.7 | % | |||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized from actual transactions and impairments | — | 0.02 | 0.04 | 0.10 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized from changes in fair value of equity securities | 0.99 | 0.42 | (0.41) | 1.57 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) | $ | 1.74 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 1.87 | $ | 3.51 | |||||||||||||||
Cash dividends on common stock (b) | $ | 1.21 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.80 | |||||||||||||||
Book value per share | $ | 20.75 | $ | 19.98 | 3.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
(a) Certain reclassification adjustments were made to increase 2019 periods' net premiums and fees earned with a corresponding increase to sales and general expenses to conform all prior periods to the presentation adopted in 2020. See Note (a) in Title Insurance Segment Results on page (5). |
(b) Includes special cash dividends of |
Management believes the information in sections A to G and J of the table on the following page highlight the most meaningful, realistic indicators of ORI's segmented and consolidated financial performance. The information underscores the necessity of reviewing reported results by separating the inherent volatility of securities markets and their above-noted impact on reported net income (loss).
Major Segmented and Consolidated Elements of Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||
A. Net premiums, fees, and other income (d): | |||||||||||||||||||||
General insurance | $ | 861.3 | $ | 880.5 | -2.2 | % | $ | 3,394.2 | $ | 3,432.4 | -1.1 | % | |||||||||
Title insurance | 1,031.7 | 789.5 | 30.7 | 3,286.3 | 2,736.0 | 20.1 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate and other | 2.9 | 3.1 | -5.1 | 12.0 | 13.4 | -10.0 | |||||||||||||||
Other income | 32.7 | 35.1 | -6.8 | 131.2 | 132.6 | -1.0 | |||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 1,928.8 | 1,708.3 | 12.9 | 6,823.9 | 6,314.4 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||
RFIG run-off business (c) | 10.0 | 13.3 | -25.2 | 45.1 | 59.2 | -23.8 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 1,938.8 | $ | 1,721.6 | 12.6 | % | $ | 6,869.1 | $ | 6,373.7 | 7.8 | % | |||||||||
B. Underwriting and related services income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||||||
General insurance | $ | 62.2 | $ | 10.2 | N/M | $ | 151.8 | $ | 84.9 | 78.8 | % | ||||||||||
Title insurance | 123.4 | 67.3 | 83.3 | % | 305.8 | 193.4 | 58.0 | ||||||||||||||
Corporate and other | (4.3) | (4.6) | 6.6 | (17.0) | (15.5) | -9.5 | |||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 181.3 | 72.9 | 148.7 | 440.5 | 262.8 | 67.6 | |||||||||||||||
RFIG run-off business (c) | (1.6) | 2.0 | -180.1 | (5.3) | 12.7 | -142.3 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 179.7 | $ | 74.9 | 139.9 | % | $ | 435.2 | $ | 275.6 | 57.9 | % | |||||||||
C. Consolidated underwriting ratio (d): | |||||||||||||||||||||
Claim ratio | 31.8 | % | 39.6 | % | 37.0 | % | 41.2 | % | |||||||||||||
Expense ratio | 58.5 | 55.7 | 56.3 | 54.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Combined ratio | 90.3 | % | 95.3 | % | 93.3 | % | 95.3 | % | |||||||||||||
D. Net investment income: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General insurance | $ | 87.9 | $ | 90.6 | -3.0 | % | $ | 352.2 | $ | 356.4 | -1.2 | % | |||||||||
Title insurance | 10.6 | 10.6 | -0.1 | 42.0 | 41.4 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate and other | 7.6 | 7.2 | 5.4 | 29.4 | 35.1 | -16.2 | |||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 106.1 | 108.4 | -2.1 | 423.6 | 433.0 | -2.2 | |||||||||||||||
RFIG run-off business | 3.4 | 4.3 | -21.0 | 15.2 | 17.6 | -13.4 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 109.6 | $ | 112.8 | -2.9 | % | $ | 438.9 | $ | 450.7 | -2.6 | % | |||||||||
E. Interest and other charges (credits): | |||||||||||||||||||||
General insurance | $ | 15.4 | $ | 16.4 | $ | 64.2 | $ | 71.1 | |||||||||||||
Title insurance | 1.9 | 0.8 | 3.8 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate and other (a) | (5.6) | (8.0) | (24.3) | (35.2) | |||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 11.8 | 9.2 | 43.7 | 40.0 | |||||||||||||||||
RFIG run-off business | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 11.8 | $ | 9.2 | 28.3 | % | $ | 43.7 | $ | 40.0 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||
F. Segmented and consolidated pretax income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
excluding investment gains (losses)(B+D-E): | |||||||||||||||||||||
General insurance | $ | 134.7 | $ | 84.4 | 59.6 | % | $ | 439.8 | $ | 370.2 | 18.8 | % | |||||||||
Title insurance | 132.1 | 77.1 | 71.2 | 344.0 | 230.8 | 49.0 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate and other | 8.8 | 10.5 | -16.5 | 36.7 | 54.8 | -33.1 | |||||||||||||||
Subtotal | 275.7 | 172.1 | 60.1 | 820.5 | 655.9 | 25.1 | |||||||||||||||
RFIG run-off business (c) | 1.8 | 6.4 | -70.9 | 9.8 | 30.3 | -67.4 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 277.5 | 178.5 | 55.4 | % | 830.4 | 686.2 | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Income taxes (credits) on above (b) | 53.7 | 35.0 | 159.6 | 132.0 | |||||||||||||||||
G. Net income (loss) excluding | |||||||||||||||||||||
investment gains (losses) | 223.8 | 143.5 | 56.0 | % | 670.8 | 554.2 | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||||
H. Consolidated pretax investment | |||||||||||||||||||||
gains (losses): | |||||||||||||||||||||
Realized from actual transactions | |||||||||||||||||||||
and impairments | 1.4 | 7.3 | 14.2 | 36.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized from changes in | |||||||||||||||||||||
fair value of equity securities | 373.2 | 160.1 | (156.2) | 599.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 374.7 | 167.4 | (142.0) | 636.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (credits) on above | 78.8 | 35.1 | (29.8) | 133.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Net of tax investment gains (losses) | 295.8 | 132.2 | (112.1) | 502.2 | |||||||||||||||||
I. Net income (loss) | $ | 519.7 | $ | 275.8 | $ | 558.6 | $ | 1,056.4 | |||||||||||||
J. Consolidated operating cash flow | $ | 1,185.0 | $ | 936.2 | |||||||||||||||||
(a) Includes consolidation/elimination entries. (b) The effective tax rates applicable to pretax income excluding investment gains and (losses) were |
General Insurance Segment Results | |||||||||||||||||||||||
General Insurance Summary Operating Results | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums written | $ | 845.2 | $ | 831.8 | 1.6 | % | $ | 3,431.3 | $ | 3,469.0 | -1.1 | % | |||||||||||
Net premiums earned | 861.3 | 880.5 | -2.2 | 3,394.2 | 3,432.4 | -1.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 87.9 | 90.6 | -3.0 | 352.2 | 356.4 | -1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income | 32.5 | 34.9 | -7.0 | 130.3 | 131.9 | -1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | 981.7 | 1,006.0 | -2.4 | 3,876.8 | 3,920.8 | -1.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Claim costs | 581.5 | 642.6 | -9.5 | 2,372.0 | 2,464.6 | -3.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Sales and general expenses | 249.9 | 262.4 | -4.8 | 1,000.7 | 1,014.7 | -1.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest and other charges | 15.4 | 16.4 | -6.1 | 64.2 | 71.1 | -9.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 847.0 | 921.6 | -8.1 | 3,436.9 | 3,550.5 | -3.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Segment pretax operating income (loss) | $ | 134.7 | $ | 84.4 | 59.6 | % | $ | 439.8 | $ | 370.2 | 18.8 | % | |||||||||||
Claim ratio | 67.5 | % | 73.0 | % | 69.9 | % | 71.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
Expense ratio | 25.2 | 25.8 | 25.6 | 25.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Combined ratio | 92.7 | % | 98.8 | % | 95.5 | % | 97.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Effective July 1, 2019, the results of the CCI run-off are being classified in General Insurance for all future periods. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
General Insurance net premiums earned were down slightly for the fourth quarter and full year periods. The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and tightened underwriting standards were mitigated by strong premium rate increases for most insurance products. Declining workers' compensation and general liability premiums were largely offset by rising premiums in commercial auto, financial indemnity and property coverages. Net investment income decreased by
The consolidated General Insurance claim ratio trended down in the fourth quarter and full year primarily driven by better performance in most coverages, primarily due to prior periods' favorable reserve developments. Expense ratios remained relatively consistent with the comparable 2019 periods and are generally reflective of ongoing coverage mix dynamics and the variability of sales and general expenses among such coverages. Together, these factors produced significantly greater pretax operating income for the fourth quarter and year-to-date periods.
The following table shows recent annual and interim periods' claim ratios and the effects of claim development trends:
Effect of Prior Periods' | ||||||||||||||
(Favorable)/ | Claim Ratio Excluding | |||||||||||||
Reported | Unfavorable Claim | Prior Periods' Claim | ||||||||||||
Claim Ratio | Reserves Development | Reserves Development | ||||||||||||
2016 | 73.0 | % | 0.3 | % | 72.7 | % | ||||||||
2017 | 71.8 | 0.7 | 71.1 | |||||||||||
2018 | 72.2 | — | 72.2 | |||||||||||
2019 | 71.8 | 0.4 | 71.4 | |||||||||||
2020 | 69.9 | % | (0.8) | % | 70.7 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2019 | 73.0 | % | 2.9 | % | 70.1 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2020 | 67.5 | % | (1.8) | % | 69.3 | % | ||||||||
Quarterly and annual claim ratios and trends may not be particularly meaningful indicators of future outcomes for an insurance company with a liability-oriented coverage mix and its relatively long claim payment patterns. Management's long-term targets, assuming the current coverage mix, are for annually reported claim ratio averages in the high
Title Insurance Segment Results | |||||||||||||||||||||
Title Insurance Summary Operating Results (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums and fees earned (a) | $ | 1,031.7 | $ | 789.5 | 30.7 | % | $ | 3,286.3 | $ | 2,736.0 | 20.1 | % | |||||||||
Net investment income | 10.6 | 10.6 | -0.1 | 42.0 | 41.4 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||
Other income | 0.2 | 0.1 | 53.7 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 39.1 | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | 1,042.6 | 800.3 | 30.3 | 3,329.3 | 2,778.1 | 19.8 | |||||||||||||||
Claim costs | 14.2 | 14.0 | 1.3 | 75.3 | 67.4 | 11.8 | |||||||||||||||
Sales and general expenses (a) | 894.3 | 708.2 | 26.3 | 2,906.1 | 2,475.7 | 17.4 | |||||||||||||||
Interest and other charges | 1.9 | 0.8 | 146.0 | 3.8 | 4.1 | -7.7 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 910.5 | 723.1 | 25.9 | 2,985.3 | 2,547.3 | 17.2 | |||||||||||||||
Segment pretax operating income (loss) | $ | 132.1 | $ | 77.1 | 71.2 | % | $ | 344.0 | $ | 230.8 | 49.0 | % | |||||||||
Claim ratio | 1.4 | % | 1.8 | % | 2.3 | % | 2.5 | % | |||||||||||||
Expense ratio | 86.7 | 89.7 | 88.4 | 90.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Combined ratio | 88.1 | % | 91.5 | % | 90.7 | % | 93.0 | % | |||||||||||||
(a) Certain reclassification adjustments were made to increase net premiums and fees earned with a corresponding increase to sales and general expenses of | |||||||
Title Insurance operating revenues were up
The Title Insurance claim ratio trended lower for the fourth quarter and full year resulting from a slight increase in favorable development of prior years' claim reserve estimates. Underwriting expense ratios improved in the quarterly and year-to-date periods resulting from greater leverage of this segment's expense structure on significantly higher premium and fee volume. Title Insurance produced significantly greater pretax operating income for 2020's fourth quarter and full year periods.
The following table shows recent annual and interim periods' claim ratios and the effects of claim development trends:
Effect of Prior Periods' | ||||||||||||||
(Favorable)/ | Claim Ratio Excluding | |||||||||||||
Reported | Unfavorable Claim | Prior Periods' Claim | ||||||||||||
Claim Ratio | Reserves Development | Reserves Development | ||||||||||||
2016 | 3.5 | % | (1.0) | % | 4.5 | % | ||||||||
2017 | 0.8 | (3.0) | 3.8 | |||||||||||
2018 | 1.9 | (1.8) | 3.7 | |||||||||||
2019 | 2.5 | (1.2) | 3.7 | |||||||||||
2020 | 2.3 | % | (1.3) | % | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2019 | 1.8 | % | (1.8) | % | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2020 | 1.4 | % | (2.2) | % | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
RFIG Run-off Segment Results | |||||||||||||||||||||
RFIG Run-off Summary Operating Results (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||
A. Mortgage Insurance (MI) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | $ | 10.0 | $ | 13.3 | -25.2 | % | $ | 45.1 | $ | 58.8 | -23.3 | % | |||||||||
Net investment income | 3.4 | 4.3 | -21.0 | 15.2 | 17.3 | -12.0 | |||||||||||||||
Claim costs | 8.4 | 8.2 | 3.3 | 36.9 | 32.3 | 14.1 | |||||||||||||||
MI pretax operating income (loss) | $ | 1.8 | $ | 6.4 | -70.9 | % | $ | 9.8 | $ | 29.2 | -66.2 | % | |||||||||
Claim ratio | 84.9 | % | 61.5 | % | 81.7 | % | 55.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Expense ratio | 31.2 | 23.5 | 30.2 | 24.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Combined ratio | 116.1 | % | 85.0 | % | 111.9 | % | 79.8 | % | |||||||||||||
B. Consumer Credit Indemnity (CCI) (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||
CCI pretax operating income (loss) | $ | — | $ | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||
C. Total MI and CCI Run-off business (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Segment pretax operating income (loss) | $ | 1.8 | $ | 6.4 | -70.9 | % | $ | 9.8 | $ | 30.3 | -67.4 | % | |||||||||
(a) Results for the CCI run-off are expected to be immaterial in the remaining run-off periods. Effective July 1, 2019, these results have been re-classified to General Insurance for all future periods. | |||||||
Pretax operating results of RFIG Run-off reflect the expected, continuing drop in net earned premiums from declining risk in force. Claim costs for the quarter and year-to-date periods reflect greater reserve provisions necessitated by elevated delinquencies and the evolving economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investment income declined primarily as a result of a lower invested asset base and lower investment yields.
As shown in the accompanying tables, current quarter and year-to-date claim ratios reflect the aforementioned increase in reported delinquencies, a declining proportion of which remain under forbearance as compared to earlier 2020 periods. Prior period favorable development is primarily the result of improving trends in claim severity.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated in the far right column of the following table, the RFIG Run-off claim ratios had experienced a fairly consistent decline in recent annual periods largely due to a combination of declining new loan defaults and stable-to-improving cure rates for outstanding delinquent loans.
Effect of Prior Periods' | ||||||||||||||
(Favorable)/ | Claim Ratio Excluding | |||||||||||||
Reported | Unfavorable Claim | Prior Periods' Claim | ||||||||||||
Claim Ratio | Reserves Development | Reserves Development | ||||||||||||
2016 | 34.1 | % | (39.8) | % | 73.9 | % | ||||||||
2017 | 57.6 | (38.3) | 95.9 | |||||||||||
2018 | 43.2 | (27.0) | 70.2 | |||||||||||
2019 | 55.0 | (12.5) | 67.5 | |||||||||||
2020 | 81.7 | % | (26.5) | % | 108.2 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2019 | 61.5 | % | (22.6) | % | 84.1 | % | ||||||||
4th Quarter 2020 | 84.9 | % | (41.0) | % | 125.9 | % | ||||||||
Corporate and Other Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other Summary Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Quarters Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | % Change | 2020 | 2019 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Net life and accident premiums earned | $ | 2.9 | $ | 3.1 | -5.1 | % | $ | 12.0 | $ | 13.4 | -10.0 | % | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 7.6 | 7.2 | 5.4 | 29.4 | 35.1 | -16.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Other operating income | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | 10.5 | 10.3 | 1.8 | 41.4 | 48.5 | -14.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Claim costs | 2.1 | 2.5 | -13.6 | 7.1 | 8.8 | -19.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Insurance expenses | 0.9 | 1.0 | -12.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | -6.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate, interest and other expenses - net | (1.3) | (3.7) | 63.8 | (6.6) | (19.7) | 66.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 1.7 | (0.2) | N/M | 4.7 | (6.3) | 174.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate and other pretax operating income (loss) | $ | 8.8 | $ | 10.5 | -16.5 | % | $ | 36.7 | $ | 54.8 | -33.1 | % | ||||||||||
This segment includes the combination of a small life and accident insurance business and the net costs associated with the parent holding company and its internal corporate services subsidiaries. The segment tends to produce highly variable results stemming from volatility inherent to the small scale of the life and accident insurance line, net investment income, and net interest charges (credits) pertaining to external and intra-system financing arrangements.
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||||||
December 31, | |||||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||
Cash and fixed maturity securities | $ | 11,365.1 | $ | 10,381.5 | |||||
Equity securities | 4,054.8 | 4,030.5 | |||||||
Other invested assets | 115.3 | 115.4 | |||||||
Cash and invested assets | 15,535.3 | 14,527.4 | |||||||
Accounts and premiums receivable | 1,593.9 | 1,466.7 | |||||||
Federal income tax recoverable: Current | — | 5.7 | |||||||
Reinsurance balances recoverable | 4,362.8 | 3,823.9 | |||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | 328.0 | 325.4 | |||||||
Sundry assets | 995.0 | 927.0 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 22,815.2 | $ | 21,076.3 | |||||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: | |||||||||
Policy liabilities | $ | 2,593.1 | $ | 2,419.2 | |||||
Claim reserves | 10,671.0 | 9,929.5 | |||||||
Federal income tax payable: Current | 4.2 | — | |||||||
Deferred | 137.3 | 112.2 | |||||||
Reinsurance balances and funds | 725.4 | 616.0 | |||||||
Debt | 966.4 | 974.0 | |||||||
Sundry liabilities | 1,530.8 | 1,025.1 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 16,628.5 | 15,076.1 | |||||||
Shareholders' equity | 6,186.6 | 6,000.1 | |||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 22,815.2 | $ | 21,076.3 | |||||
Cash, Invested Assets, and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash, Invested Assets, and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
% Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, | Dec. '20/ | Dec. '19/ | ||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | Dec. '19 | Dec. '18 | ||||||||||||||||
Cash and invested assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, cash and other invested assets | $ | 11,480.4 | $ | 10,496.9 | $ | 9,806.4 | 9.4 | % | 7.0 | % | ||||||||||
Equity securities | 4,054.8 | 4,030.5 | 3,380.9 | 0.6 | 19.2 | |||||||||||||||
Total per balance sheet | $ | 15,535.3 | $ | 14,527.4 | $ | 13,187.4 | 6.9 | % | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||
Total at cost for all | $ | 14,151.6 | $ | 13,327.2 | $ | 12,950.6 | 6.2 | % | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||
Composition of shareholders' equity per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity before items below | $ | 17.73 | $ | 17.25 | $ | 17.04 | 2.8 | % | 1.2 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized investment gains (losses) and other | ||||||||||||||||||||
accumulated comprehensive income (loss) | 3.02 | 2.73 | 0.19 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 20.75 | $ | 19.98 | $ | 17.23 | 3.9 | % | 16.0 | % | ||||||||||
Segmented composition of | ||||||||||||||||||||
shareholders' equity per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding RFIG run-off segment | $ | 19.25 | $ | 18.37 | $ | 15.73 | 4.8 | % | 16.8 | % | ||||||||||
RFIG run-off segment | 1.50 | 1.61 | 1.50 | |||||||||||||||||
Consolidated total | $ | 20.75 | $ | 19.98 | $ | 17.23 | 3.9 | % | 16.0 | % | ||||||||||
Old Republic's invested assets portfolio is directed in consideration of enterprise-wide risk management objectives. Most importantly, these are intended to ensure solid funding of the insurance subsidiaries' long-term obligations to policyholders and other beneficiaries, as well as the long-term stability of the subsidiaries' capital accounts. To this end, the investment portfolio contains no significant insurance risk-correlated asset exposures to real estate, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations ("CDO's"), derivatives, hybrid securities, or illiquid private equity and hedge fund investments. Moreover, the Company does not engage in hedging or securities lending transactions, nor does it invest in securities whose values are predicated on non-regulated financial instruments exhibiting amorphous or unfunded counter-party risk attributes.
As of December 31, 2020, the consolidated investment portfolio reflected an allocation of approximately
For the past several years, a significant portion of ORI's investable funds have been directed toward purchasing high-quality common stocks of U.S. companies (currently limited to fewer than 100 issues). We favor those with long-term records of reasonable earnings growth and steadily increasing dividends. Periodic stress tests of this portfolio are made pursuant to enterprise risk management guidelines and controls. Their purpose is to gain reasonable assurance that periodic downdrafts in market prices would not seriously undermine ORI's financial strength and the long-term continuity and prospects of the business.
Changes in shareholders' equity per share are reflected in the following table. As shown, these resulted mostly from net income excluding net investment gains (losses), realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), and dividend payments to shareholders.
Shareholders' Equity Per Share | |||||||||||||
December 31, | |||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 19.98 | $ | 17.23 | $ | 17.72 | |||||||
Changes in shareholders' equity: | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) excluding net investment gains (losses) | 2.24 | 1.85 | 1.89 | ||||||||||
Net of tax realized investment gains (losses) | 0.04 | 0.10 | 0.16 | ||||||||||
Net of tax unrealized investment gains (losses) on | |||||||||||||
securities carried at fair value | 0.50 | 2.53 | (1.38) | ||||||||||
Total net of tax realized and unrealized | |||||||||||||
investment gains (losses) | 0.54 | 2.63 | (1.22) | ||||||||||
Cash dividends (a) | (1.84) | (1.80) | (0.78) | ||||||||||
Other | (0.17) | 0.07 | (0.38) | ||||||||||
Net change | 0.77 | 2.75 | (0.49) | ||||||||||
Ending balance | $ | 20.75 | $ | 19.98 | $ | 17.23 | |||||||
Percentage change for the period | 3.9 | % | 16.0 | % | -2.8 | % | |||||||
(a) Includes special cash dividends of | |||||||
Capitalization | |||||||||||
Capitalization | |||||||||||
December 31, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt: | |||||||||||
$ | 397.9 | $ | 397.3 | $ | 396.8 | ||||||
546.8 | 546.2 | 545.7 | |||||||||
Other miscellaneous debt | 21.7 | 30.4 | 38.8 | ||||||||
Total debt | 966.4 | 974.0 | 981.4 | ||||||||
Common shareholders' equity | 6,186.6 | 6,000.1 | 5,146.2 | ||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 7,153.1 | $ | 6,974.2 | $ | 6,127.6 | |||||
Capitalization ratios: | |||||||||||
Debt | 13.5 | % | 14.0 | % | 16.0 | % | |||||
Common shareholders' equity | 86.5 | 86.0 | 84.0 | ||||||||
Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||
Managing Old Republic's Insurance Business for the Long-Run |
The insurance business is distinguished from most others in that the prices (premiums) charged for various insurance products are set without certainty of the ultimate benefit and claim costs that will emerge, often many years after issuance and expiration of a policy. This basic fact casts Old Republic as a risk-taking enterprise managed for the long run. Old Republic therefore conducts the business with a primary focus on achieving favorable underwriting results over cycles, and on the maintenance of financial soundness in support of the insurance subsidiaries' long-term obligations to policyholders and their beneficiaries.
In this light, the Company's affairs are managed for the long run and without significant regard to quarterly or even annual reporting periods that American industry must observe. In Old Republic's view, such short reporting time frames do not comport well with the long-term nature of much of its business. Management therefore believes that the Company's operating results and financial condition can best be evaluated by observing underwriting and overall operating performance trends over succeeding five- or preferably ten-year intervals. A ten-year period in particular can likely encompass at least one economic and/or underwriting cycle and thereby provide an appropriate time frame for such cycle to run its course, and for premium rate changes and reserved claim costs to be quantified and emerge in financial results with greater finality and effect.
Accompanying Financial Data and Other Information:
- About Old Republic
- Conference Call Information
- Safe Harbor Statement
Financial Supplement:
- A financial supplement to this news release is available on the Company's website: www.oldrepublic.com
About Old Republic
Chicago-based Old Republic International Corporation is one of the nation's 50 largest shareholder-owned insurance businesses. It is a member of the Fortune 500 listing of America's largest companies. The Company is organized as an insurance holding company whose subsidiaries actively market, underwrite, and provide risk management services for a wide variety of coverages mostly in the general and title insurance fields. A long-term interest in mortgage guaranty and consumer credit indemnity coverages has devolved to a run-off operating mode in recent years. Old Republic's general insurance business ranks among the nation's 50 largest, while its title insurance operations are the third largest in its industry.
The nature of Old Republic's business requires that it be managed for the long run, and its cash dividend policy reflects this long-term orientation. The current annualized dividend rate of
ORI | Selected Indices' Compounded | ||||
Annual | Annual | Total Annual Returns | |||
Book Value | Market Value | Nominal | S & P | ||
Compounded | Compounded | Gross | S & P | P&C | |
Total | Total | Domestic | 500 | Insurance | |
Return | Return | Product | Index | Index | |
Ten Years 2001 - 2010 | |||||
Ten Years 2011 - 2020 | |||||
Twenty Years 2001 - 2020 | |||||
According to the most recent edition of Mergent's Dividend Achievers, Old Republic is listed in 58th place among just 113 qualifying publicly held companies, out of thousands considered, that have posted at least 25 consecutive years of annual dividend growth.
Conference Call Information
Old Republic has scheduled a conference call at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT) today, to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2020 performance and to review major operating trends and business developments. To access this call live in listen-only mode:
Log on to the Company's website at www.oldrepublic.com 15 minutes before the call to download the necessary software, or, alternatively
the call can also be accessed by phone at 1-833-494-1487.
Interested parties may also listen to a replay of the call through February 4, 2021 by dialing 1-800-585-8367, passcode 5779285, or by accessing it on Old Republic International's website through February 26, 2021.
Safe Harbor Statement
Historical data pertaining to the operating results, liquidity, and other performance indicators 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 and other claims can have a bearing on period-to-period comparisons and future operating results. Furthermore, due to the financial market and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental responses, it is therefore possible that Old Republic's operating results, business and financial condition could be adversely affected in subsequent periods depending on the length and severity of these disruptions.
Some of the oral or written statements made in the Company's reports, press releases, and conference calls following earnings releases, can constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Of necessity, any such forward-looking statements involve 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 particularly affected 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 investment yields and inflation rates, and periodic changes in claim frequency and severity patterns caused by natural disasters, weather conditions, accidents, illnesses, work-related injuries, and unanticipated external events. Title Insurance and RFIG Run-off results can be affected by similar factors, and by changes in national and regional housing demand and values, the availability and cost of mortgage loans, employment trends, and default rates on mortgage loans. Life and accident insurance earnings can be affected by the levels of employment and consumer spending, changes in mortality and health trends, and alterations in policy lapsation rates. At the parent holding company level, operating earnings or losses are generally reflective of the amount of debt outstanding and its cost, interest income on temporary holdings of short-term investments, and period-to-period variations in the costs of administering the Company's widespread operations.
The General Insurance, Title Insurance, Corporate and Other Segments, and the RFIG Run-off business maintain customer information and rely upon technology platforms to conduct their business. As a result, each of them and the Company are exposed to cyber risk. Many of the Company's operating subsidiaries maintain separate IT systems which are deemed to reduce enterprise-wide risks of potential cybersecurity incidents. However, given the potential magnitude of a significant breach, the Company continually evaluates on an enterprise-wide basis its IT hardware, security infrastructure and business practices to respond to these risks and to detect and remediate in a timely manner significant cybersecurity incidents or business process interruptions.
A more detailed listing and discussion of the risks and other factors which affect the Company's risk-taking insurance business are included in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors, of the Company's 2019 Form 10-K Annual Report filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.
Any forward-looking statements or commentaries speak only as of their dates. Old Republic undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any and all such comments, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, and accordingly they may not be unduly relied upon.
For Old Republic's latest news releases and other corporate documents:
Please visit us at www.oldrepublic.com | ||
Alternatively, please write or call: | ||
Investor Relations | ||
Old Republic International Corporation | ||
307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601 | ||
(312) 346-8100 | ||
At Old Republic:
Craig R. Smiddy, President and CEO
At Financial Relations Board:
Analysts/Investors: Joe Calabrese 212/827-3772
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SOURCE Old Republic International Corporation
FAQ
What were Old Republic's Q4 2020 financial results?
How did Old Republic perform in the Title Insurance segment in Q4 2020?
What is the combined ratio of Old Republic for Q4 2020?
Did Old Republic's net premiums earned increase or decrease in Q4 2020?
What was the change in Old Republic's net income per diluted share in Q4 2020?
