Selective Insurance
SIGI
#3209
Rank
C$6.69 B
Marketcap
C$111.41
Share price
-1.03%
Change (1 day)
-8.39%
Change (1 year)

Selective Insurance - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
PAGE 1

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended ..........March 31, 1997............

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from.................to..................

Commission file number: 0-8641

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


New Jersey 22-2168890
- --------------------------- ----------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)


40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey 07890
------------------------------------------ -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


201-948-3000
-------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)


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 report), 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 latest practicable date:


Common stock, par value $2 per share, outstanding as of April 30, 1997:
14,666,305

PAGE 2


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
==============================

Item 1. Financial Statements.
- ------------------------------

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
-------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheets
-------------------------------

(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

ASSETS March 31 December 31
- ------ 1997 1996
Investments: ------------ ----------
Debt securities, held-to-maturity -
at amortized cost (fair value of
$436,606-1997; $445,273-1996)......... $ 428,238 432,792
Debt securities, available-for-sale -
at fair value (amortized cost of
$1,004,491-1997; $965,965-1996)....... 1,006,919 985,372
Equity securities, available-for-sale -
at fair value (cost of
$100,512-1997; $99,383-1996).......... 166,027 161,096
Short-term investments
(at cost which approximates fair value) 34,953 33,924
Other investments (at cost which approximates
fair value)........................... 10,338 10,530
--------- ---------
Total investments ...................... 1,646,475 1,623,714

Interest and dividends due or accrued ..... 22,849 24,167
Premiums and other receivables............. 159,189 152,008
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses
and loss expenses..................... 10,556 7,863
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and
loss expenses......................... 142,185 150,208
Prepaid reinsurance premiums............... 28,517 30,813
Deferred Federal income tax................ 34,012 30,771
Real estate, furniture and equipment....... 48,467 48,993
Deferred policy acquisition costs.......... 85,600 83,150
Excess of cost over fair value of net
assets acquired....................... 9,778 9,894
Other assets............................... 30,365 22,058
--------- ---------
Total assets............................ $ 2,217,993 2,183,639
========= =========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
- -----------
Reserve for losses......................... $ 1,003,242 1,015,601
Reserve for loss expenses.................. 174,546 174,192
Unearned premiums.......................... 334,347 332,040
Convertible subordinated debentures........ 6,882 6,912
Short-term debt ........................... 35,000 -
Notes payable.............................. 96,857 96,857
Current Federal income tax................. 4,937 3,729
Other liabilities ......................... 82,584 80,009
--------- ---------
Total liabilities....................... 1,738,395 1,709,340
--------- ---------

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


PAGE 3



Stockholders' Equity:
- --------------------
Common stock of $2 par value per share:
Authorized shares-90,000,000
Issued: 18,046,257-1997; 17,911,087-1996 . 36,093 35,822
Additional paid-in capital................. 59,208 53,882
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale
securities, net of deferred income
tax effect............................ 44,163 52,728
Retained earnings.......................... 399,201 386,601
Treasury stock - at cost
(shares: 3,382,477-1997; 3,366,631-1996) (51,334) (50,680)
Deferred compensation expense and notes
receivable from stock sales................ (7,733) (4,054)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity ............. 479,598 474,299
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,217,993 2,183,639
========= =========

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


PAGE 4



SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
================================
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)



(in thousands, except per share data)

Quarter ended
March 31
1997 1996
------ ------
Revenues:
- --------
Net premiums written.................... $ 175,184 173,447
Net (increase) decrease in unearned
premiums and prepaid
reinsurance premiums .............. (4,603) 3,240
------- -------
Net premiums earned .................... 170,581 176,687
Net investment income earned............ 24,432 24,011
Net realized gains on investments....... 978 429
Other income............................ 1,175 758
------- -------
Total revenues....................... 197,166 201,885
------- -------

Expenses:
- --------
Losses incurred ........................ 99,541 115,396
Loss expenses incurred.................. 19,063 19,772
Policy acquisition costs................ 51,653 52,706
Dividends to policyholders.............. 1,205 1,428
Interest expense........................ 2,286 2,323
Other expenses.......................... 1,888 721
------- -------
Total expenses....................... 175,636 192,346
------- -------

Income before Federal income tax 21,530 9,539
------- -------

Federal income tax expense (benefit):
Current................................. 3,458 1,067
Deferred................................ 1,371 (418)
------- -------
Total Federal income tax
expense............................ 4,829 649
------- -------

Net income.............................. $ 16,701 8,890
======= =======

Earnings per share:
- ------------------
Net income-primary................... $ 1.14 0.61

Net income-fully diluted ............ $ 1.11 0.60

Dividends to stockholders............... $ 0.28 0.28

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


PAGE 4



SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Quarter ended March 31
(in thousands) 1997 1996
---- ----

Operating Activities
- --------------------
Net income ................................ $ 16,701 8,890
------ ------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Increase (decrease) in reserves for losses
and loss expenses, net of reinsurance
recoverable on unpaid losses and
loss expenses ........................... (3,982) 21,094
Net increase (decrease) in unearned
premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums 4,603 (3,240)
Decrease (increase) in net Federal income tax 2,579 (706)
Depreciation and amortization.............. 1,904 1,472
(Increase) decrease in premiums and other
receivables.............................. (7,181) 4,837
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy
acquisition costs ....................... (2,450) 515
Decrease in interest and dividends due
and accrued ............................. 1,318 302
Increase in reinsurance recoverable on paid
losses and expenses ..................... (2,693) (507)
Net realized gains on investments ......... (978) (429)
Other - net ............................... (8,566) (13,566)
------ ------
Net adjustments ........................... (15,446) 9,772
------ ------
Net cash provided by operating activities.. 1,255 18,662
------ ------
Investing Activities
- --------------------

Purchase of debt securities, held-to-maturity (8,980) (18,168)
Purchase of debt securities,
available-for-sale ...................... (59,632) (49,841)
Purchase of equity securities,
available-for-sale ...................... (2,270) (17,628)
Sale of debt securities, available-for-sale 16,001 11,200
Redemption and maturities of debt securities,
held-to-maturity ........................ 13,479 27,019
Redemption and maturities of debt securities,
available-for-sale ...................... 5,173 5,644
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale 2,257 739
Proceeds of other investments ............. 196 47
Increase in net payable from security
transactions ............................ 2,810 1,845

Net additions to real estate, furniture and
equipment ............................... (814) (979)
------ ------
Net cash used in investing activities ..... $ (31,780) (40,122)
------ ------


PAGE 5



Financing Activities
- --------------------

Dividends to stockholders ................. $ (4,101) (4,058)
Acquisition of treasury stock ............. (654) (42)
Proceeds from short-term debt ............. 35,000 -
Net proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan 283 286
Net proceeds from stock purchase and
compensation plans ...................... 5,284 3,640
Increase in deferred compensation expense and
proceeds received on notes receivable from
stock sales ............................. (4,258) (2,777)
------ ------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities .............................. 31,554 (2,951)
------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in short-term
investments ............................. 1,029 (24,411)
Short-term investments at beginning of year 33,924 47,306
------ ------
Short-term investments at end of period ... $ 34,953 22,895
====== ======
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
- -------------------------------------------------
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest .................................. $ 2,368 2,687
Federal income tax ........................ 2,250 1,355

Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activity:
- ----------------------------------------------------

Conversion of convertible subordinated
debentures .............................. 30 10







See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


PAGE 6


Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
- ----------------------------------------------------

1. Basis of Presentation
---------------------
The interim financial statements are unaudited but reflect all adjustments
which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to provide a fair
statement of the results of the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its
consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") for the interim
periods presented. References herein to "Selective" are to Selective
Insurance Group, Inc. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature. The results of operations for any interim period are not
necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
--------------------------------
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" ("FASB 128").
FASB 128 supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15 "Earnings
per Share" ("APB 15") and specifies the computation, presentation, and
disclosure requirements for earnings per share ("EPS") for entities with
publicly held common stock or potential common stock (that is, securities
such as options, warrants, convertible securities, or contingent stock
agreements). The objective of FASB 128 is to simplify the computation of
EPS and to make the United States standard for computing EPS more compatible
with the EPS standards of other countries and with that of the International
Accounting Standards Committee. FASB 128 will be effective for financial
statements for both interim and annual periods ending after December 15,
1997. The adoption of FASB 128 is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's EPS disclosures.

The FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 129,
"Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure" ("FASB 129"). FASB 129
specifies required disclosures about capital structure that had already been
included in a number of previously existing separate statements and opinions
and applies to all entities, public and non-public. FASB 129 will be
effective for financial statements for periods ending after December 15,
1997.

3. Lines of Credit
---------------
During the first quarter of 1997, the Company entered into a second
revolving line of credit with a bank under which it may borrow up to
$25,000,000, of which Selective may only borrow up to $20,000,000 of the
line. A commitment fee of .12% on the $25,000,000 is payable annually.
The agreement provides that the principal outstanding on the revolving line
shall bear interest as selected by the Company under either a daily prime
rate quoted by the bank, the London Interbank Offer Rate ("Libor") plus .28%
(Libor loans may be made for interest periods of one, two, three, or six
months), or a daily money market rate quoted by the bank.

At March 31, 1997, there was $35,000,000 of short-term debt outstanding
under the two lines of credit that the Company has available. The weighted
average interest rate on these borrowings was 5.5%.


PAGE 7



4. Reinsurance

The following is a table of assumed and ceded amounts by income statement
caption:
Quarter ended March 31
(in thousands) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written:
Assumed $ 7,687 7,750
Ceded (18,230) (22,969)

Net premiums earned:
Assumed $ 5,795 8,449
Ceded (20,526) (25,370)

Losses incurred:
Assumed $ 3,121 3,395
Ceded (1) (3,423) (30,035)

Loss expenses incurred:
Assumed $ 489 518
Ceded (384) (1,416)


(1) The significant decrease in ceded losses incurred for the first
quarter of 1997 reflected flood and winter storm claims, in 1996,
which generated reinsurance loss recoveries in the first quarter
of 1996 of $13 million and $4 million, respectively. The flood
business is ceded 100% to the National Flood Insurance Program
and therefore, the Company is a servicer and not an underwriter of
this type of insurance and bears no risk of policyholder loss.


5. Reclassifications
-----------------
Certain amounts in the Company's prior year consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation
Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company's net income or
stockholders' equity.


PAGE 8

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
---------------------------------------------------------------
The following discussion relates to the Company's results of operations,
financial condition and liquidity for the interim periods indicated.
References herein to the "Company" are references to Selective Insurance
Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively. References
herein to "Selective" are to Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Comparison of First Quarter of 1997 to First Quarter of 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues
- --------
Net premiums written for the first quarter of 1997 increased 1%, or
$2 million, over the same period in 1996. This growth reflected an
increase of 4%, or $2 million, of net premiums written in the personal
lines Strategic Business Unit ("SBU"), while the commercial SBUs premium
volume remained relatively consistent. The 9% reduction in net premiums
written recorded during 1996, coupled with the modest 1% growth for the
first quarter of 1997, translated into a decline in total net premiums
earned of 3%, or $6 million, in the first quarter of 1997 over the same
period in 1996.

The commercial SBUs net premiums written decreased $424,000 in the first
quarter of 1997. The decrease primarily reflected a reduction in net
premiums written in all commercial SBUs due to: (i) agency terminations of
approximately $6 million; (ii) rate reductions of approximately $5 million
in the workers' compensation line of insurance, principally due to the
impact of improving loss trends; (iii) a reduction in existing business
(renewal retention) attributable to a highly competitive commercial lines
market place; and (iv) a trend towards self-insurance mechanisms and other
alternative markets, particularly in the public entities SBU, which reduced
net premiums written by approximately $6 million. These decreases were
partially offset by a $15 million increase in new business written and a
$5 million increase due to the increased retention of premiums written
resulting from changes in the Company's reinsurance programs.

Net investment income earned for the first quarter of 1997 increased 2% or
$421,000, over the same period in 1996. The modest increase was primarily
due to income generated from investments acquired from cash provided by
operating activities during 1996. The growth in investment income was
partially offset by redemptions and maturities of higher yielding debt
securities reinvested at lower fixed income yields currently available in
the marketplace during the first quarter of 1997 and throughout 1996.
These factors reduced the Company's overall annualized investment yield for
the quarter to 6.1% for 1997, down from 6.2% for the same period one year
ago.


Expenses
- --------
The ratio of losses and loss expenses incurred to net premiums earned for the
first quarter of 1997 was 69.5%, compared to 76.5% for the first quarter of



PAGE 9



1996. The 7.0 point decrease in the loss and loss expense ratio, for the
most part, reflected the numerous 1996 winter storm claims, which primarily
impacted the personal lines, mercantile and service, public entities, and
habitational and recreational SBUs. These weather-related claims, which
amounted to $9 million (net of $4 million of reinsurance) increased the
first quarter of 1996 loss and loss expense ratio by 5.4 points.

Excluding the effects of the 1996 winter storms, the personal lines SBU loss
and loss expense ratio increased from 71.0% for the first quarter of 1996,
to 72.8% for the same period in 1997. The 1.8 point increase was due to an
increase in the personal automobile loss and loss expense ratio, which was
partially offset by an improvement in the homeowners line of insurance due
to rate increases and lower reinsurance costs.

Absent the impact of the 1996 winter storms, the commercial SBUs loss and
loss expense ratio improved 3.1 points, to 68.0%, for the first quarter of
1997. Favorable loss experience in the workers' compensation line of
insurance was experienced throughout most of the commercial SBUs, with
significant improvement in the public entities SBU. The improved workers'
compensation results reflect positive loss trends primarily attributable to:
(i) lower average medical costs due to managed care; (ii) programs which
permit employees to return to work earlier; and (iii) various favorable
legislative reforms. In addition, the mild winter weather during the first
quarter of 1997, coupled with lower reinsurance costs were reflected in
improved commercial property results in most commercial SBUs.

The commercial SBUs with the most significant improvement in the loss and
loss expense ratio were the mercantile and service and habitational
recreational SBUs. This improvement was in most of their business segments
and throughout most of the commercial lines of insurance. These improvements
were partially offset by results in the heavy construction accounts written
through the contractors SBU and school board accounts written through the
public entities SBU, mainly due to the general liability and commercial
automobile lines of insurance. The manufacturing and processing SBU also
experienced unfavorable underwriting results due to one severe claim.

The ratio of policy acquisition costs to net premiums earned for the first
quarter of 1997 increased to 30.3% from 29.8% for the same period in 1996.
Operating expenses that do not directly vary with changes in premium volume,
(ie; labor costs, rent and equipment expense) remained relatively unchanged;
however, this ratio increased due to the lower levels of net premiums
earned.

Total Federal income tax expense increased by $4 million to $5 million for
the first quarter of 1997 compared to $1 million for the first quarter of
1996. The Company's effective tax rate was 22.4% for the first quarter of
1997, compared with 6.8% for the first quarter of 1996. The Company's
effective tax rate differs from the Federal corporate rate of 35% primarily
as a result of the tax-exempt investment income. The effective tax rate for
the first quarter of 1997 was higher than the first quarter of 1996 due to
the higher level of underwriting losses due to the winter storms in 1996.



PAGE 10


Income
- ------
The table below shows operating income, net realized gains, and net income,
including per share amounts for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter ended
($ in thousands, March 31
except for per share data) 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income, excluding
net realized gains
(net of tax) (1) $ 16,065 8,611

Net realized gain,
net of tax 636 279

Net income (1) 16,701 8,890


Per primary share:
Operating income (1) 1.10 .59

Net realized gain .04 .02

Net income (1) 1.14 .61


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Operating and net income for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, include
weather-related storm losses of $6 million, or $.43 per primary share.



Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
- ----------------------------------------------------
Selective is an insurance holding company whose principal assets are its
investments in its insurance subsidiaries. As an insurance holding company,
Selective meets its cash requirements through proceeds from the sales of the
Company's common stock and dividends from its insurance subsidiaries, the
payments of which are subject to state regulatory requirements.

Total assets increased 2%, or $34 million from December 31, 1996 to
March 31, 1997. The growth was due to: (i) an increase in total investments
of $23 million which included cash provided by operating activities of $1
million and the draw of $35 million on the Company's lines of credit,
partially offset by a $13 million decrease in net unrealized gains on
available-for-sale securities; (ii) an increase in premiums and other
receivables of $7 million; and (iii) a $3 million increase in deferred
Federal income taxes which, in part, reflected the benefits recognized on
the decrease in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.

The rise in total liabilities of 2%, or $29 million, from December 31, 1996
to March 31, 1997 was primarily attributable to the $35 million draw on the
Company's two lines of credit that the Company had outstanding at March 31,


PAGE 11



1997. During the first quarter, the Company expanded its lines of credit
from $10 million to $35 million. The lines of credit complement the cash
provided by operating activities and provide the Company with increased
flexibility in its cash management. This increase was partially offset by
a $12 million decrease in outstanding loss and loss expense reserves due to
an increased volume of outstanding claim files being closed with final
settlement as well as lower exposure due to the reduced premium volume in
1996. The rate at which outstanding claims are being closed has increased
due, in part, to the implementation of claims management specialists (CMSs)
in the field and improved litigation management. In preparation of placing
CMSs in the field, the Company actively settled certain of its liability
claims in order that each CMS would have a more manageable number of claims
to handle in the field. In addition, the Company is utilizing its
litigation managers to more actively settle claims. For the most part,
this increased claim settlement was experienced in general liability,
personal and commercial automobile lines of insurance.

The overall obligations and cash outflow of the Company include: claim
settlements; commissions; labor costs; premium taxes; general and
administrative expenses; investment purchases; interest expenses; capital
expenditures with respect to the Company's automation program; principal
payments on the senior notes and dividends to policyholders and stock-
holders. The insurance subsidiaries satisfy their obligations and cash
outflow through premium collections, interest and dividend income and
maturities. For the quarter ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, cash provided by
operating activities amounted to $1 million and $19 million, respectively.
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was mainly a result of
the higher level of claim payments (approximately $11 million) associated
with the aforementioned CMS deployment and increased litigation settlement
activity. In addition, the lower levels of premiums written in 1996 has
also negatively impacted the cash flow from operations during the first
quarter of 1997. The Company expects to continue to generate cash from
operations over the balance of the year.



PAGE 12




Part II OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting")
was held on May 2, 1997.

(b) The names of the directors elected, and the votes cast for the election
of directors, were as follows:

Votes Broker
Name For Withheld Non-votes
- ---- --- -------- ---------
A. David Brown 11,869,454 588,037 0
William M. Kearns, Jr. 11,903,370 554,121 0
S. Griffin McClellan III 11,902,238 555,253 0
Russell R. Moffett 11,881,766 575,725 0
J. Brian Thebault 11,888,745 568,746 0

The names of the directors whose terms of office will continue after the
Annual Meeting are as follows:

Name
- ----
James W. Entringer
C. Edward Herder
William M. Rue
Thomas D. Sayles, Jr.
William A. Dolan, II
William C. Gray, D.V.M.
Frederick H. Jarvis
Joan M. Lamm-Tennant, Ph.D.


(c) The proposal to amend the Selective Stock Option Plan II in order to
increase by 1,000,000 the number of shares of Selective's common stock
available thereunder was approved, and the votes cast were as follows:
Broker
For Against Abstain Non-votes
--- ------- ------- ---------
8,109,515 2,725,301 188,871 1,433,804


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------
(a) Exhibits:

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation SK are listed in
the Exhibit Index, which immediately precedes the exhibits filed
with this Form 10-Q.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the period covered
by this report.



PAGE 13


SIGNATURES
----------
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.


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
-------------------------------
Registrant


Date: May 15, 1996


By: /s/James W. Entringer
-------------------------------------
James W. Entringer,
Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer


Date: May 15, 1996


By: /s/Gregory E. Murphy
-------------------------------------
Gregory E. Murphy,
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer



PAGE 14



SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit No.

10.1 Promissory Note of $25,000,000 Revolving Line of Credit
with State Street Bank and Trust Company


10.2 Commercial Loan Note of $10,000,000 Line of Credit
with Summit Bank

11 Statement Re Computation of per Share Earnings

27 Financial Data Schedule