Form 10-Q

 

 

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, 2013

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: 1-9518

 

 

THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Ohio   34-0963169

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio   44143
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(440) 461-5000 .

(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 reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Shares, $1.00 par value: 603,170,892 outstanding at March 31, 2013

 

 

 


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

   2013     2012     % Change  
(millions—except per share amounts)                   

Revenues

      

Net premiums earned

   $ 4,179.3     $ 3,861.5       8  

Investment income

     100.5       114.7       (12

Net realized gains (losses) on securities:

      

Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses:

      

Total OTTI losses

     (.2     (.5     (60

Non-credit losses, net of credit losses recognized on previously recorded non-credit OTTI losses

     0       (.4     NM   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (.2     (.9     (78

Net realized gains (losses) on securities

     80.8       78.4       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total net realized gains (losses) on securities

     80.6       77.5       4  

Fees and other revenues

     68.4       65.2       5  

Service revenues

     8.4       8.2       2  

Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

     0       (.7     NM   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

     4,437.2       4,126.4       8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses

      

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     2,985.5       2,762.4       8  

Policy acquisition costs

     358.9       359.6       0  

Other underwriting expenses

     585.6       576.0       2  

Investment expenses

     4.9       4.2       17  

Service expenses

     8.6       8.2       5  

Interest expense

     30.6       31.9       (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total expenses

     3,974.1       3,742.3       6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net Income

      

Income before income taxes

     463.1       384.1       21  

Provision for income taxes

     154.5       126.5       22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

     308.6       257.6       20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

      

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:

      

Net non-credit related OTTI losses, adjusted for valuation changes

     .2       3.0       (93

Other net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     99.0       199.4       (50
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     99.2       202.4       (51

Net unrealized gains on forecasted transactions

     (.3     (.6     (50

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (.2     .5       NM   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other comprehensive income

     98.7       202.3       (51
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Comprehensive income

   $ 407.3     $ 459.9       (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Computation of Net Income Per Share

      

Average shares outstanding - Basic

     600.6       606.2       (1

Net effect of dilutive stock-based compensation

     3.8       3.8       0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total equivalent shares - Diluted

     604.4       610.0       (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Basic: Net income per share

   $ .51     $ .42       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted: Net income per share

   $ .51     $ .42       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0     $ 0    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM = Not Meaningful

1 

Progressive maintains an annual dividend program. See Note 8 - Dividends for further discussion.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

     March 31,     December 31,  

(millions)

   2013     2012     2012  

Assets

      

Investments - Available-for-sale, at fair value:

      

Fixed maturities (amortized cost: $11,686.0, $11,623.7, and $11,373.9)

   $ 12,046.3     $ 11,952.7     $ 11,774.1  

Equity securities:

      

Nonredeemable preferred stocks (cost: $412.5, $434.0, and $404.0)

     820.6       832.4       812.4  

Common equities (cost: $1,388.5, $1,457.3, and $1,370.3)

     2,111.1       2,096.5       1,899.0  

Short-term investments (amortized cost: $2,321.7, $1,520.1, and $1,990.0)

     2,321.7       1,520.1       1,990.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     17,299.7       16,401.7       16,475.5  

Cash

     110.2       156.0       179.1  

Accrued investment income

     87.3       96.8       90.0  

Premiums receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $128.1, $113.9, and $138.6

     3,372.3       3,167.5       3,183.7  

Reinsurance recoverables, including $32.4, $41.6, and $38.9 on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     947.5       818.5       901.0  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     72.8       70.0       66.3  

Deferred acquisition costs

     452.3       441.7       434.5  

Net deferred income taxes

     49.0       80.6       109.4  

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $642.3, $591.4, and $625.0

     935.9       916.4       933.7  

Other assets

     216.5       200.7       321.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 23,543.5     $ 22,349.9     $ 22,694.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

      

Unearned premiums

   $ 5,207.3     $ 4,880.6     $ 4,930.7  

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     7,948.4       7,337.4       7,838.4  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

     1,934.5       1,801.5       1,855.5  

Debt

     2,063.5       2,080.0       2,063.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     17,153.7       16,099.5       16,687.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Shares, $1.00 par value (authorized 900.0; issued 797.6, 797.6, and 797.7 including treasury shares of 194.4, 186.4, and 193.1)

     603.2       611.2       604.6  

Paid-in capital

     1,096.9       1,029.4       1,077.0  

Retained earnings

     3,720.0       3,715.0       3,454.4  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax:

      

Net non-credit related OTTI losses, adjusted for valuation changes

     (.1     (2.4     (.3

Other net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     962.0       887.6       863.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     961.9       885.2       862.7  

Net unrealized gains on forecasted transactions

     5.8       7.3       6.1  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     2.0       2.3       2.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

     969.7       894.8       871.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     6,389.8       6,250.4       6,007.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 23,543.5     $ 22,349.9     $ 22,694.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Consists of both short- and long-term debt. See Note 4 - Debt.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

   2013     2012  
(millions)             

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

    

Net income

   $ 308.6     $ 257.6  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     23.7       22.3  

Amortization of fixed-income securities

     40.0       50.6  

Amortization of equity-based compensation

     17.8       16.8  

Net realized (gains) losses on securities

     (80.6     (77.5

Net (gains) losses on disposition of property and equipment

     1.0       1.1  

(Gains) losses on extinguishment of debt

     0       .7  

Changes in:

    

Premiums receivable

     (188.6     (237.7

Reinsurance recoverables

     (46.5     (.5

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (6.5     (.2

Deferred acquisition costs

     (17.8     (8.1

Income taxes

     129.8       110.4  

Unearned premiums

     276.7       301.1  

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     110.0       91.6  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

     135.1       168.5  

Other, net

     19.4       11.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     722.1       708.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

    

Purchases:

    

Fixed maturities

     (1,950.8     (1,679.3

Equity securities

     (74.1     (29.5

Sales:

    

Fixed maturities

     1,257.3       1,207.5  

Equity securities

     72.5       74.4  

Maturities, paydowns, calls, and other:

    

Fixed maturities

     368.6       287.8  

Equity securities

     16.0       0  

Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - other

     (331.6     32.2  

Net unsettled security transactions

     98.4       74.3  

Purchases of property and equipment

     (27.7     (29.3

Sales of property and equipment

     .8       .8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (570.6     (61.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     0       .5  

Tax benefit from exercise/vesting of equity-based compensation

     6.6       4.1  

Payment of debt

     0       (350.0

Reacquisition of debt

     0       (13.3

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (175.6     (251.0

Acquisition of treasury shares

     (51.3     (37.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (220.3     (647.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (.1     .4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

     (68.9     .3  

Cash, January 1

     179.1       155.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, March 31

   $ 110.2     $ 156.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Progressive maintains an annual dividend program. See Note 8 - Dividends for further discussion.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1 Basis of Presentation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Progressive Corporation, its subsidiaries, a mutual insurance company affiliate, and a limited partnership investment affiliate. All of the subsidiaries and affiliates are wholly owned or controlled. The consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, were necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. These consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with Progressive’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Consistent with the presentation in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, we revised the presentation of our Statement of Comprehensive Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, to correctly classify $65.2 million of fees and other revenues as a component of total revenues. Previously, these items were presented net within our other underwriting expenses. These revisions had no effect on the results of operations (net or comprehensive income), financial condition (shareholders’ equity), or cash flows and are not considered to be material.

Note 2 Investments — The following tables present the composition of our investment portfolio by major security type, consistent with our internal classification of how we manage, monitor, and measure the portfolio:

 

                         Net             % of  
            Gross      Gross     Realized             Total  
            Unrealized      Unrealized     Gains      Fair      Fair  

($ in millions)

   Cost      Gains      Losses     (Losses)1      Value      Value  

March 31, 2013

                

Fixed maturities:

                

U.S. government obligations

   $ 3,015.6      $ 83.6      $ 0     $ 0      $ 3,099.2        17.9

State and local government obligations

     1,771.6        42.8        (.5     0        1,813.9        10.5  

Corporate debt securities

     2,910.8        100.3        (.9     4.1        3,014.3        17.4  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     595.7        33.1        (7.5     0        621.3        3.6  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     2,107.2        76.2        (3.2     0        2,180.2        12.6  

Other asset-backed securities

     929.2        11.0        0       .6        940.8        5.4  

Redeemable preferred stocks

     355.9        32.5        (11.8     0        376.6        2.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     11,686.0        379.5        (23.9     4.7        12,046.3        69.6  

Equity securities:

                

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     412.5        401.7        0       6.4        820.6        4.8  

Common equities

     1,388.5        729.6        (7.0     0        2,111.1        12.2  

Short-term investments:

                

Other short-term investments

     2,321.7        0        0       0        2,321.7        13.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio2,3

   $ 15,808.7      $ 1,510.8      $ (30.9   $ 11.1      $ 17,299.7        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

5


                         Net            % of  
            Gross      Gross     Realized            Total  
            Unrealized      Unrealized     Gains     Fair      Fair  

($ in millions)

   Cost      Gains      Losses     (Losses)1     Value      Value  

March 31, 2012

               

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. government obligations

   $ 3,045.6      $ 96.3      $ (1.8   $ 0     $ 3,140.1        19.1

State and local government obligations

     1,718.3        47.2        (.8     0       1,764.7        10.8  

Corporate debt securities

     2,758.9        105.9        (2.2     5.6       2,868.2        17.5  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     448.5        14.8        (24.6     0       438.7        2.7  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     2,052.2        70.8        (1.3     0       2,121.7        12.9  

Other asset-backed securities

     1,224.4        13.0        (.8     (.1     1,236.5        7.5  

Redeemable preferred stocks

     375.8        25.1        (18.1     0       382.8        2.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     11,623.7        373.1        (49.6     5.5       11,952.7        72.8  

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     434.0        400.3        (1.1     (.8     832.4        5.1  

Common equities

     1,457.3        647.2        (8.0     0       2,096.5        12.8  

Short-term investments:

               

Other short-term investments

     1,520.1        0        0       0       1,520.1        9.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio2,3

   $ 15,035.1      $ 1,420.6      $ (58.7   $ 4.7     $ 16,401.7        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                         Net            % of  
            Gross      Gross     Realized            Total  
            Unrealized      Unrealized     Gains     Fair      Fair  

($ in millions)

   Cost      Gains      Losses     (Losses)1     Value      Value  

December 31, 2012

               

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. government obligations

   $ 2,806.4      $ 90.1      $ 0     $ 0     $ 2,896.5        17.6

State and local government obligations

     1,914.4        50.6        (.6     0       1,964.4        11.9  

Corporate debt securities

     2,982.9        124.7        (1.0     6.4       3,113.0        18.9  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     413.4        24.0        (9.2     0       428.2        2.6  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,963.9        84.9        (.1     0       2,048.7        12.4  

Other asset-backed securities

     936.0        12.9        (.1     (.2     948.6        5.8  

Redeemable preferred stocks

     356.9        30.5        (12.7     0       374.7        2.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     11,373.9        417.7        (23.7     6.2       11,774.1        71.5  

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     404.0        404.6        0       3.8       812.4        4.9  

Common equities

     1,370.3        539.0        (10.3     0       1,899.0        11.5  

Short-term investments:

               

Other short-term investments

     1,990.0        0        0       0       1,990.0        12.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio2,3

   $ 15,138.2      $ 1,361.3      $ (34.0   $ 10.0     $ 16,475.5        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1

Represents net holding period gains (losses) on certain hybrid securities (discussed below).

2

At March 31, 2013, we had $7.5 million of net unsettled security transactions, including collateral on open derivative positions, recognized in other liabilities, compared to $27.4 million in other liabilities at March 31, 2012 and $90.9 million in other assets at December 31, 2012.

3

The total fair value of the portfolio at March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012 included $1.2 billion, $1.5 billion, and $1.4 billion, respectively, of securities held in a consolidated, non-insurance subsidiary of the holding company.

Our other short-term investments include commercial paper, reverse repurchase transactions, and other investments that are expected to mature within one year. We had $620.4 million, $715.6 million, and $581.0 million of open reverse repurchase commitments at March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, respectively. At these dates, we did not hold any repurchase transactions where we lent collateral. To the extent our repurchase transactions were with the same counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, we could elect to offset these transactions. Historically, we have chosen to report these transactions on a gross basis on our balance sheets.

 

6


Included in our fixed-maturity and equity securities are hybrid securities, which are reported at fair value:

 

     March 31,      December 31,  

(millions)

   2013      2012      2012  

Fixed maturities:

        

Corporate debt securities

   $ 175.7      $ 167.7      $ 176.1  

Other asset-backed securities

     16.6        15.8        16.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     192.3        183.5        192.5  

Equity securities:

        

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     55.4        19.7        52.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total hybrid securities

   $ 247.7      $ 203.2      $ 245.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certain corporate debt securities are accounted for as hybrid securities since they were acquired at a substantial premium and contain a change-in-control put option (derivative) that permits the investor, at its sole option if and when a change in control is triggered, to put the security back to the issuer at a 1% premium to par. Due to this change-in-control put option and the substantial market premium paid to acquire these securities, there is the potential that the election to put, upon the change in control, could result in an acceleration of the remaining premium paid on these securities, which would result in a loss of $13.4 million as of March 31, 2013, if all of the bonds experienced a simultaneous change in control and we elected to exercise all of our put options. The put feature limits the potential loss in value that could be experienced in the event a corporate action occurs that results in a change in control that materially diminishes the credit quality of the issuer. We are under no obligation to exercise the put option we hold if a change in control occurs.

The other asset-backed security in the table above represents one hybrid security that was acquired at a deep discount to par due to a failing auction, and contains a put option that allows the investor to put that security back to the auction at par if the auction is restored. This embedded derivative has the potential to more than double our initial investment yield.

The hybrid securities in our nonredeemable preferred stock portfolio are perpetual preferred stocks that have call features with fixed-rate coupons, whereby the change in value of the call features is a component of the overall change in value of the preferred stocks.

Our securities are reported at fair value, with the changes in fair value of these securities (other than hybrid securities and derivative instruments) reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. The changes in fair value of the hybrid securities and derivative instruments are recorded as a component of net realized gains (losses) on securities.

Fixed Maturities The composition of fixed maturities by maturity at March 31, 2013, was:

 

(millions)

   Cost      Fair Value  

Less than one year

   $ 2,001.8      $ 2,043.7  

One to five years

     7,742.5        8,011.0  

Five to ten years

     1,838.7        1,882.4  

Ten years or greater

     103.0        109.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 11,686.0      $ 12,046.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities are classified in the maturity distribution table based upon their projected cash flows. All other securities which do not have a single maturity date are reported at expected average maturity. Contractual maturities may differ from expected maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

Gross Unrealized Losses As of March 31, 2013, we had $23.9 million of gross unrealized losses in our fixed-income securities (i.e., fixed-maturity securities, nonredeemable preferred stocks, and short-term investments) and $7.0 million in our common equities. We currently do not intend to sell the fixed-income securities and determined that it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities for the period of time necessary to recover their cost bases. A review of our fixed-income securities indicated that the issuers were current with respect to their interest obligations and that there was no evidence of any deterioration of the current cash flow projections that would indicate we would not receive the remaining principal at maturity. In addition, 88% of our common stock portfolio was indexed to the Russell 1000; as such, this portfolio may contain securities in a loss position for an extended period of time, subject to possible write-downs, as described below. We may retain these securities as long as the portfolio and index correlation remain similar. To the extent there is issuer specific deterioration, we may write-down the securities of that issuer. The remaining 12% of our common stocks are part of a managed equity strategy selected and administered by external investment advisors. If our strategy were to change and these securities were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, we would recognize a write-down in accordance with our stated policy.

 

7


The following tables show the composition of gross unrealized losses by major security type and by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

     Total      Gross     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater  
     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized  

(millions)

   Value      Losses     Value      Losses     Value      Losses  

March 31, 2013

               

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. government obligations

   $ 40.0      $ 0     $ 40.0      $ 0     $ 0      $ 0  

State and local government obligations

     117.4        (.5     78.7        (.4     38.7        (.1

Corporate debt securities

     267.5        (.9     267.5        (.9     0        0  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     180.5        (7.5     106.7        (2.5     73.8        (5.0

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     348.2        (3.2     343.2        (3.1     5.0        (.1

Other asset-backed securities

     49.7        0       49.7        0       0        0  

Redeemable preferred stocks

     120.6        (11.8     25.0        0       95.6        (11.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,123.9        (23.9     910.8        (6.9     213.1        (17.0

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     0        0       0        0       0        0  

Common equities

     55.1        (7.0     44.3        (5.7     10.8        (1.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     55.1        (7.0     44.3        (5.7     10.8        (1.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 1,179.0      $ (30.9   $ 955.1      $ (12.6   $ 223.9      $ (18.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Total      Gross     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater  
     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized  

(millions)

   Value      Losses     Value      Losses     Value      Losses  

March 31, 2012

               

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. government obligations

   $ 520.6      $ (1.8   $ 520.6      $ (1.8   $ 0      $ 0  

State and local government obligations

     124.7        (.8     111.2        (.7     13.5        (.1

Corporate debt securities

     192.1        (2.2     161.0        (1.7     31.1        (.5

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     286.4        (24.6     21.6        (.5     264.8        (24.1

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     221.9        (1.3     196.6        (1.0     25.3        (.3

Other asset-backed securities

     72.8        (.8     55.0        (.4     17.8        (.4

Redeemable preferred stocks

     193.8        (18.1     43.8        (1.1     150.0        (17.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,612.3        (49.6     1,109.8        (7.2     502.5        (42.4

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     22.0        (1.1     22.0        (1.1     0        0  

Common equities

     92.1        (8.0     73.8        (7.2     18.3        (.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     114.1        (9.1     95.8        (8.3     18.3        (.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 1,726.4      $ (58.7   $ 1,205.6      $ (15.5   $ 520.8      $ (43.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8


     Total      Gross     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater  
     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized     Fair      Unrealized  

(millions)

   Value      Losses     Value      Losses     Value      Losses  

December 31, 2012

               

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. government obligations

   $ 0      $ 0     $ 0      $ 0     $ 0      $ 0  

State and local government obligations

     162.8        (.6     123.1        (.5     39.7        (.1

Corporate debt securities

     128.2        (1.0     128.2        (1.0     0        0  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     149.2        (9.2     40.2        (.6     109.0        (8.6

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     7.1        (.1     2.1        0       5.0        (.1

Other asset-backed securities

     25.0        (.1     20.8        0       4.2        (.1

Redeemable preferred stocks

     155.7        (12.7     24.9        0       130.8        (12.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     628.0        (23.7     339.3        (2.1     288.7        (21.6

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

     0        0       0        0       0        0  

Common equities

     118.2        (10.3     100.7        (8.2     17.5        (2.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     118.2        (10.3     100.7        (8.2     17.5        (2.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 746.2      $ (34.0   $ 440.0      $ (10.3   $ 306.2      $ (23.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (OTTI) The following table shows the total non-credit portion of the OTTI recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, reflecting the original non-credit loss at the time the credit impairment was determined:

 

     March 31,     December 31,  

(millions)

   2013     2012     2012  

Fixed maturities:

      

Residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ (44.2   $ (44.5   $ (44.2

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     (.9     (.9     (.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ (45.1   $ (45.4   $ (45.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables provide rollforwards of the amounts related to credit losses recognized in earnings for the periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, for which portions of the OTTI losses were also recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time the credit impairments were determined and recognized:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  
     Residential      Commercial        
     Mortgage-      Mortgage-        

(millions)

   Backed      Backed     Total  

Beginning balance at January 1, 2013

   $ 27.1      $ .6     $ 27.7  

Credit losses for which an OTTI was previously recognized

     0        0       0  

Credit losses for which an OTTI was not previously recognized

     0        0       0  

Reductions for securities sold/matured

     0        0       0  

Change in recoveries of future cash flows expected to be collected

     .6        (.1     .5  

Reductions for previously recognized credit impairments written-down to fair value

     0        0       0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2013

   $ 27.7      $ .5     $ 28.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


     Three Months Ended March 31, 2012  
     Residential     Commercial        
     Mortgage-     Mortgage-        

(millions)

   Backed     Backed     Total  

Beginning balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 34.5     $ 1.3     $ 35.8  

Credit losses for which an OTTI was previously recognized

     0       0       0  

Credit losses for which an OTTI was not previously recognized

     .1       0       .1  

Reductions for securities sold/matured

     0       (.2     (.2

Change in recoveries of future cash flows expected to be collected

     (2.3     0       (2.3

Reductions for previously recognized credit impairments written-down to fair value

     (4.0     (.3     (4.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2012

   $ 28.3     $ .8     $ 29.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

Reflects expected recovery of prior period impairments that will be accreted into income over the remaining life of the security, net of any current quarter decreases in expected cash flows on previously recorded reductions.

2

Reflects reductions of prior credit impairments where the current credit impairment requires writing securities down to fair value (i.e., no remaining non-credit loss).

Although we determined that it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the securities prior to the recovery of their respective cost bases (which could be maturity), we are required to measure the amount of credit losses on the securities that were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired. In that process, we considered a number of factors and inputs related to the individual securities. The methodology and significant inputs used to measure the amount of credit losses in our portfolio included: current performance indicators on the underlying assets (e.g., delinquency rates, foreclosure rates, and default rates); credit support (via current levels of subordination); historical credit ratings; and updated cash flow expectations based upon these performance indicators. In order to determine the amount of credit loss, if any, the net present value of the cash flows expected (i.e., expected recovery value) was calculated using the current book yield for each security, and was compared to its current amortized value. In the event that the net present value was below the amortized value, a credit loss was deemed to exist, and the security was written down.

Trading Securities At March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, we did not hold any trading securities and did not have any net realized gains (losses) on trading securities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Derivative Instruments We have invested in the following derivative exposures at various times: interest rate swaps, asset-backed credit default swaps, U.S. corporate debt credit default swaps, cash flow hedges, and equity options.

For all derivative positions discussed below, realized holding period gains and losses are netted with any upfront cash that may be exchanged under the contract to determine if the net position should be classified either as an asset or liability. To be reported as an asset and a component of the available-for-sale portfolio, the inception-to-date realized gain on the derivative position at period end would have to exceed any upfront cash received (net derivative asset). On the other hand, a net derivative liability would include any inception-to-date realized loss plus the amount of upfront cash received (or netted, if upfront cash was paid) and would be reported as a component of other liabilities. These net derivative assets/liabilities are not separately disclosed on the balance sheet due to their immaterial effect on our financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

 

10


The following table shows the status of our derivative instruments at March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; amounts are on a pretax basis:

 

(millions)       Balance Sheet2     Comprehensive Income Statement  
                  Assets (Liabilities)     Net Realized
Gains (Losses) on Securities
 
    Notional Value1             Fair Value     Three months ended  
    March 31,     Dec. 31,             March 31,     Dec. 31,     March 31,  

Derivatives designated
as:

  2013     2012     2012     Purpose   Classification   2013     2012     2012     2013     2012  

Hedging instruments

                   

Closed:

                   

Ineffective cash flow hedge

  $ 0      $ 13      $ 31      Manage interest rate risk   NA   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ .3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-hedging instruments

                   

Assets:

                   

Corporate credit default swaps

    0        25        0      Manage credit risk   Investments—fixed maturities     0        .4        0        0        (.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

                   

Interest rate swaps

    1,263        1,263        1,263      Manage portfolio duration   Other liabilities     (87.8     (72.8     (95.5     1.3        (2.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closed:

                   

Corporate credit default swaps

    0        0        25      Manage credit risk   NA     0        0        0        0        0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    NA        NA        NA          $ (87.8   $ (72.4   $ (95.5   $ 1.3      $ (2.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NA= Not Applicable

1 

The amounts represent the value held at quarter and year end for open positions and the maximum amount held during the period for closed positions.

2 

To the extent we hold both derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty, that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, we expect that we will report them on a gross basis on our balance sheets, consistent with our historical presentation.

CASH FLOW HEDGES

We did not repurchase any debt during the quarter ended March 31, 2013. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased, in the open market, $12.6 million and $30.9 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our 6.70% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (the “6.70% Debentures”). For the portion of the 6.70% Debentures we repurchased, we reclassified $0.3 million and $0.6 million, in the respective periods, on a pretax basis, of the unrealized gain on forecasted transactions from accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet to net realized gains on securities on the comprehensive income statement.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS

During the periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, we invested in interest rate swap positions, primarily to manage the fixed-income portfolio duration. At March 31, 2013, we held a 9-year interest rate swap position (opened in 2009) and two 5-year interest rate swap positions (opened in 2011); in each case, we are paying a fixed rate and receiving a variable rate, effectively shortening the duration of our fixed-income portfolio. The combined open positions have generated an aggregate realized loss, as interest rates have fallen since the inception of these positions. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, the balance of the cash collateral that we had delivered to the applicable counterparty on these positions was $93.5 million, $79.7 million, and $105.0 million, respectively.

CORPORATE CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS

Financial Services Sector – We held no credit default swaps in this sector at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012. During the period ended March 31, 2012, we held a position, which was opened during the third quarter 2008, on one corporate issuer within the financial services sector for which we bought credit default protection in the form of a credit default swap for a 5-year time horizon. We held this protection to reduce some of our exposure to additional valuation declines on a preferred stock position of the same issuer. As of March 31, 2012, the balance of the collateral that we had received from the counterparty on the then open position was $0.4 million.

 

11


Note 3 Fair Value — We have categorized our financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the method by which they are valued, into a fair value hierarchy of three levels, as follows:

 

  Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments at the measurement date (e.g., U.S. government obligations, active exchange-traded equity securities, and certain short-term securities).

 

  Level 2: Inputs (other than quoted prices included within Level 1) that are observable for the instrument either directly or indirectly (e.g., certain corporate and municipal bonds and certain preferred stocks). This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments, and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

  Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable. Unobservable inputs reflect our subjective evaluation about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument (e.g., certain structured securities and privately held investments).

Determining the fair value of the investment portfolio is the responsibility of management. As part of the responsibility, we evaluate whether a market is distressed or inactive in determining the fair value for our portfolio. We review certain market level inputs to evaluate whether sufficient activity, volume, and new issuances exist to create an active market. Based on this evaluation, we concluded that there was sufficient activity related to the sectors and securities for which we obtained valuations.

The composition of the investment portfolio by major security type was:

 

     Fair Value         

(millions)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Cost  

March 31, 2013

              

Fixed maturities:

              

U.S. government obligations

   $ 3,099.2      $ 0      $ 0      $ 3,099.2      $ 3,015.6  

State and local government obligations

     0        1,813.9        0        1,813.9        1,771.6  

Corporate debt securities

     0        3,014.3        0        3,014.3        2,910.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     3,099.2        4,828.2        0        7,927.4        7,698.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed

     0        535.7        85.6        621.3        595.7  

Commercial mortgage-backed

     0        2,152.9        27.3        2,180.2        2,107.2  

Other asset-backed

     0        940.8        0        940.8        929.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal asset-backed securities

     0        3,629.4        112.9        3,742.3        3,632.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Redeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     0        132.2        0        132.2        110.7  

Utilities

     0        67.0        0        67.0        64.9  

Industrials

     0        177.4        0        177.4        180.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal redeemable preferred stocks

     0        376.6        0        376.6        355.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,099.2        8,834.2        112.9        12,046.3        11,686.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

              

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     270.3        490.3        33.8        794.4        391.8  

Utilities

     0        26.2        0        26.2        20.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal nonredeemable preferred stocks

     270.3        516.5        33.8        820.6        412.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common equities:

              

Common stocks

     2,099.1        0        0        2,099.1        1,385.3  

Other risk investments

     0        0        12.0        12.0        3.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal common equities

     2,099.1        0        12.0        2,111.1        1,388.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities

     5,468.6        9,350.7        158.7        14,978.0        13,487.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

              

Other short-term investments

     1,984.2        337.5        0        2,321.7        2,321.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 7,452.8      $ 9,688.2      $ 158.7      $ 17,299.7      $ 15,808.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt

   $ 0      $ 2,397.2      $ 0      $ 2,397.2      $ 2,063.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

12


     Fair Value         

(millions)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Cost  

March 31, 2012

              

Fixed maturities:

              

U.S. government obligations

   $ 3,140.1      $ 0      $ 0      $ 3,140.1      $ 3,045.6  

State and local government obligations

     0        1,764.7        0        1,764.7        1,718.3  

Corporate debt securities

     0        2,868.2        0        2,868.2        2,758.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     3,140.1        4,632.9        0        7,773.0        7,522.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed

     0        380.0        58.7        438.7        448.5  

Commercial mortgage-backed

     0        2,098.9        22.8        2,121.7        2,052.2  

Other asset-backed

     0        1,234.7        1.8        1,236.5        1,224.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal asset-backed securities

     0        3,713.6        83.3        3,796.9        3,725.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Redeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     24.8        109.3        0        134.1        120.7  

Utilities

     0        69.4        0        69.4        70.8  

Industrials

     0        179.3        0        179.3        184.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal redeemable preferred stocks

     24.8        358.0        0        382.8        375.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,164.9        8,704.5        83.3        11,952.7        11,623.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

              

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     274.4        511.5        0        785.9        398.7  

Utilities

     0        46.5        0        46.5        35.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal nonredeemable preferred stocks

     274.4        558.0        0        832.4        434.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common equities:

              

Common stocks

     2,085.4        0        0        2,085.4        1,453.9  

Other risk investments

     0        0        11.1        11.1        3.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal common equities

     2,085.4        0        11.1        2,096.5        1,457.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities

     5,524.7        9,262.5        94.4        14,881.6        13,515.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

              

Other short-term investments

     1,179.5        340.6        0        1,520.1        1,520.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 6,704.2      $ 9,603.1      $ 94.4      $ 16,401.7      $ 15,035.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt

   $ 0      $ 2,337.0      $ 0      $ 2,337.0      $ 2,080.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

13


     Fair Value         

(millions)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Cost  

December 31, 2012

              

Fixed maturities:

              

U.S. government obligations

   $ 2,896.5      $ 0      $ 0      $ 2,896.5      $ 2,806.4  

State and local government obligations

     0        1,964.4        0        1,964.4        1,914.4  

Corporate debt securities

     0        3,113.0        0        3,113.0        2,982.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     2,896.5        5,077.4        0        7,973.9        7,703.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed

     0        382.7        45.5        428.2        413.4  

Commercial mortgage-backed

     0        2,023.4        25.3        2,048.7        1,963.9  

Other asset-backed

     0        948.6        0        948.6        936.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal asset-backed securities

     0        3,354.7        70.8        3,425.5        3,313.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Redeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     0        129.7        0        129.7        110.7  

Utilities

     0        66.7        0        66.7        64.9  

Industrials

     0        178.3        0        178.3        181.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal redeemable preferred stocks

     0        374.7        0        374.7        356.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     2,896.5        8,806.8        70.8        11,774.1        11,373.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

              

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

              

Financials

     259.6        494.5        31.9        786.0        383.3  

Utilities

     0        26.4        0        26.4        20.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal nonredeemable preferred stocks

     259.6        520.9        31.9        812.4        404.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common equities:

              

Common stocks

     1,887.0        0        0        1,887.0        1,367.2  

Other risk investments

     0        0        12.0        12.0        3.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal common equities

     1,887.0        0        12.0        1,899.0        1,370.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities

     5,043.1        9,327.7        114.7        14,485.5        13,148.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

              

Other short-term investments

     1,679.9        310.1        0         1,990.0        1,990.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total portfolio

   $ 6,723.0      $ 9,637.8      $ 114.7      $ 16,475.5      $ 15,138.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt

   $ 0      $ 2,394.4      $ 0      $ 2,394.4      $ 2,063.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our portfolio valuations classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the above tables are priced exclusively by external sources, including: pricing vendors, dealers/market makers, and exchange-quoted prices. We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the first quarter of 2013 or 2012. At December 31, 2012, we had one redeemable preferred security with a value of $25.0 million that was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 as it was no longer traded on an exchange. We recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.

Our short-term security holdings classified as Level 1 are considered highly liquid, actively marketed, and have a very short duration, primarily seven days or less to redemption. These securities are held at their original cost, adjusted for any amortization of discount or premium, since that value very closely approximates what an active market participant would be willing to pay for such securities. The remainder of our short-term securities are classified as Level 2 and are not priced externally since these securities continually trade at par value. These securities are classified as Level 2 since they are primarily longer-dated auction securities issued by municipalities that contain a redemption put feature back to the auction pool with a redemption period of less than seven days. The auction pool is created by a liquidity provider and if the auction is not available at the end of the seven days, we have the right to put the security back to the issuer at par.

At March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, vendor-quoted prices represented 57% of our Level 1 classifications (excluding short-term investments). The securities quoted by vendors in Level 1 represent our holdings in U.S. Treasury Notes, which are frequently traded and the quotes are considered similar to exchange-traded quotes. The balance of our Level 1 pricing comes from quotes obtained directly from trades made on an active exchange.

At March 31, 2013, vendor-quoted prices comprised 96% of our Level 2 classifications (excluding short-term investments), while dealer-quoted prices represented 4%, compared to 97% and 3%, and 98% and 2%, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively. In our process for selecting a source (e.g., dealer, pricing service) to provide pricing for securities in our portfolio, we reviewed documentation from the sources that detailed the pricing techniques and methodologies used by these sources and determined if their policies adequately considered market activity, either based on specific transactions for the particular security type or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield, and structure that were recently transacted. Once a

 

14


source is chosen, we continue to monitor any changes or modifications to their processes by reviewing their documentation on internal controls for pricing and market reviews.

As part of our pricing procedures, we obtain quotes from more than one source to help us fully evaluate the market price of securities. However, our internal pricing policy is to use a consistent source for individual securities in order to maintain the integrity of our valuation process. Quotes obtained from the sources are not considered binding offers to transact. Under our policy, when a review of the valuation received from our selected source appears outside what is considered market level activity (which is defined as trading at spreads or yields significantly different than comparable securities or outside the general sector level movement without a reasonable explanation), we may use an alternate source’s price. To the extent we determine that it is prudent to substitute one source’s price for another, we will contact the initial source to obtain an understanding of the factors that may be contributing to the significant price variance, which often leads the source to adjust their pricing input data for future pricing.

To allow us to determine if our initial source is providing a price that is outside of a reasonable range, we review our portfolio pricing on a weekly basis. We frequently challenge prices from our sources when a price provided does not match our expectations based on our evaluation of market trends/activity. Initially, we perform a global review of our portfolio by sector to identify securities whose prices appear outside of a reasonable range. We refine our review to analyze prices by specific criteria, such as whether the security is investment or non-investment-grade, prime or sub-prime, or a consumer product (e.g., auto, credit card). Through this review, we try to determine what contributed to the price variances among sources by analyzing spread movement, comparable security trades, if available, or industry or specific issuer fundamentals. We review quality control measures of our sources as they become available to determine if any significant changes have occurred from period to period that might indicate issues/concerns regarding their evaluation or market coverage. We also review data assumptions as supplied by our sources to determine if that data is relevant to current market conditions. In addition, we independently review each sector for transaction volumes, new issuances, and changes in spreads, as well as the overall movement of interest rates along the yield curve to determine if sufficient activity and liquidity exists to provide a credible source for our market valuations.

During each valuation period, we create internal estimations of portfolio valuation (performance returns), based on current market-related activity (i.e., interest rate and credit spread movements and other credit-related factors) within each major sector of our portfolio. We compare our internally generated portfolio results with those generated based on quotes we received externally and research material valuation differences. We compare our results to index returns for each major sector adjusting for duration and credit quality differences to better understand our portfolio’s results. Additionally, we review on a monthly basis our external sales transactions and compare the actual final market sales price to a previous market valuation price. This review provides us further validation that our pricing sources are providing market level prices, since we are able to explain significant price changes (i.e., greater than 2%) as known events occur in the market place and affect a particular security’s price at sale.

This analysis provides us additional comfort regarding the source’s process, the quality of its review, and its willingness to improve its analysis based on feedback from clients. We believe this effort helps ensure that we are reporting the most representative fair values of our securities.

With limited exceptions, our Level 3 securities are also priced externally; however, due to several factors (e.g., nature of the securities, level of activity, and lack of similar securities trading to obtain observable market level inputs), these valuations are more subjective in nature. Certain private equity investments and fixed-income investments included in the Level 3 category are valued using external pricing supplemented by internal review and analysis.

After all the valuations are received and our review is complete, if the inputs used by vendors are determined to not contain sufficient observable market information, we will reclassify the affected security valuations to Level 3. At March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, securities in our fixed-maturity portfolio listed as Level 3 were comprised substantially of securities that were either: (i) private placement deals, (ii) thinly held and/or traded securities, or (iii) non-investment-grade securities with little liquidity. Based on these factors, it was difficult to independently verify observable market inputs that were used to generate the external valuations we received. At both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had one private common equity security with a value of $11.2 million that was priced internally. The same security had a value of $10.2 million at March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2013, we had one private preferred equity security, with a value of $33.8 million that was priced internally. The same security had a value of $31.9 million at December 31, 2012; we did not hold the security at March 31, 2012. At both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any securities in our fixed-maturity portfolio that were priced internally. At March 31, 2012, we had two fixed-maturity securities with an aggregate value of $0.5 million that were priced internally. Despite the lack of sufficient observable market information, we believe the valuations received in conjunction with our procedures for evaluating third-party prices support the fair values as reported in the financial statements.

We review the prices from our external sources for reasonableness using internally developed assumptions to derive prices for the securities, which are then compared to the prices we received. Based on our review, all prices received from external sources remained unadjusted.

 

 

15


The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value associated with Level 3 assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Level 3 Fair Value  
    Three months ended March 31, 2013  
                            Net                    
    Fair value     Calls/                 Realized           Net     Fair value  
    at Dec. 31,     Maturities/                 (gain)/loss     Change in     Transfers     at March 31,  

(millions)

  2012     Paydowns     Purchases     Sales     on sales     Valuation     in (out)     2013  

Fixed maturities:

               

Asset-backed securities:

               

Residential mortgage-backed

  $ 45.5     $ (5.3   $ 45.2     $ 0     $ 0     $ .2     $ 0     $ 85.6  

Commercial mortgage-backed

    25.3       (.4     0       0       0       2.4       0       27.3  

Other asset-backed

    0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

    70.8       (5.7     45.2       0       0       2.6       0       112.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

               

Financials

    31.9       0       0       0       0       1.9       0       33.8  

Common equities:

               

Other risk investments

    12.0       0       0       0       0       0       0       12.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 securities

  $ 114.7     $ (5.7   $ 45.2     $ 0     $ 0     $ 4.5     $ 0     $ 158.7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

The $1.9 million represents net holding period gains on a hybrid security which is reflected in net realized gains (losses) on securities in the comprehensive income statement.

 

    Level 3 Fair Value  
    Three months ended March 31, 2012  
                            Net                    
    Fair Value     Calls/                 Realized           Net     Fair value  
    at Dec. 31,     Maturities/                 (gain)/loss     Change in     Transfers     at March 31,  

(millions)

  2011     Paydowns     Purchases     Sales     on sales     Valuation     in (out)     2012  

Fixed maturities:

               

Asset-backed securities:

               

Residential mortgage-backed

  $ 62.3     $ (3.7   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ .1     $ 0     $ 58.7  

Commercial mortgage-backed

    21.3       0       0       0       0       1.5       0       22.8  

Other asset-backed

    2.6       (.8     0       0       0       0       0       1.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

    86.2       (4.5     0       0       0       1.6       0       83.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity securities:

               

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

               

Financials

    0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0  

Common equities:

               

Other risk investments

    11.5       0       0       0       0       (.4     0       11.1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 securities

  $ 97.7     $ (4.5   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 1.2     $ 0     $ 94.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

16


The following tables provide a summary of the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for our applicable securities at March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  
    Fair Value             Unobservable  
    at Mar. 31,             Input  

(millions)

  2013     Valuation Technique   Unobservable Input   Assumption  

Fixed maturities:

       

Asset-backed securities:

       

Residential mortgage-backed

  $ .2     External vendor   Prepayment rate     16  

Commercial mortgage-backed

    27.4     External vendor   Prepayment rate     0  
 

 

 

       

Total fixed maturities

    27.6        
 

 

 

       

Equity securities:

       

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

       

Financials

    33.8     Multiple of tangible net book value   Price to book ratio multiple     1.9   

Common equities:

       

Other risk investments

    11.2     Discounted consolidated equity   Discount for lack of marketability     20
 

 

 

       

Total

  $ 72.6        
 

 

 

       

Third-party pricing exemption securities

    86.1        
 

 

 

       

Total Level 3 securities

  $ 158.7        
 

 

 

       

 

1

Assumes that one security has 16% of the principal amount of the underlying loans that will be paid off prematurely in each year.

2

Assumes that three securities have 0% of the principal amount of the underlying loans that will be paid off prematurely in each year.

3

The fair values for these securities were obtained from non-binding external sources where unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to us.

 

    Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  
    Fair Value             Unobservable  
    at Mar. 31,             Input  

(millions)

  2012     Valuation Technique   Unobservable Input   Assumption  

Fixed maturities:

       

Asset-backed securities:

       

Residential mortgage-backed

  $ .3     Prepayment model   Prepayment rate     7  

Commercial mortgage-backed

    .2     Matrix pricing model   Prepayment rate     100  
 

 

 

       

Total fixed maturities

    .5        
 

 

 

       

Equity securities:

       

Nonredeemable preferred stocks:

       

Financials

    0        

Common equities:

       

Other risk investments

    10.2     Discounted consolidated equity   Discount for lack of marketability     20
 

 

 

       

Total

  $ 10.7        
 

 

 

       

Third-party pricing exemption securities

    83.7        
 

 

 

       

Total Level 3 securities

  $ 94.4        
 

 

 

       

 

1 

Assumes that one security has 7% of the principal amount of the underlying loans that will be paid off prematurely in each year.

2

Assumes that one security has 100% of the principal amount of the underlying loans that will be paid off prematurely in each year.

3

The fair values for these securities were obtained from non-binding external sources where unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to us.

Due to the relative size of the securities’ fair values compared to the total portfolio’s fair value, any changes in pricing methodology would not have a significant change in valuation that would materially impact net and comprehensive income. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

 

17


Note 4 Debt — Debt consisted of:

 

     March 31, 2013      March 31, 2012      December 31, 2012  
     Carrying      Fair      Carrying      Fair      Carrying      Fair  

(millions)

   Value      Value      Value      Value      Value      Value  

7% Notes due 2013

   $ 149.9      $ 154.9      $ 149.8      $ 163.1      $ 149.9      $ 157.1  

3.75% Senior Notes due 2021

     497.4        544.7        497.1        532.2        497.3        549.1  

6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2029

     295.2        382.6        295.0        370.2        295.2        385.0  

6.25% Senior Notes due 2032

     394.5        507.1        394.4        486.4        394.5        513.5  

6.70% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067

     726.5        807.9        743.7        785.1        726.2        789.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,063.5      $ 2,397.2      $ 2,080.0      $ 2,337.0      $ 2,063.1      $ 2,394.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We did not repurchase any debt securities in the first quarter of 2013. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased, in the open market, $12.6 million and $30.9 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our 6.70% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (the “6.70% Debentures”). Since the amount paid exceeded the carrying value of the debt we repurchased, we recognized losses on these extinguishments of $0.7 million and $1.8 million in the respective periods. In addition, for the portion of the 6.70% Debentures we repurchased, we reclassified $0.3 million and $0.6 million during these same periods, on a pretax basis, of the unrealized gain on forecasted transactions from accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet to net realized gains on securities on the comprehensive income statement.

Our next scheduled debt maturity is $150 million of our 7% Notes due October 2013.

Note 5 Income Taxes — At March 31, 2013 and 2012, and December 31, 2012, we determined that we did not need a valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset. Although realization of the deferred tax asset is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized based on our expectation that we will be able to fully utilize the deductions that are ultimately recognized for tax purposes. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, there have been no material changes in our uncertain tax positions.

Note 6 Supplemental Cash Flow Information — Cash includes only bank demand deposits. We paid the following in the respective periods:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(millions)

   2013      2012  

Income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 18.0      $ 12.0  

Interest

     19.3        30.6  

Note 7 Segment Information — Our Personal Lines segment writes insurance for personal autos and recreational vehicles. Our Commercial Auto segment writes primary liability and physical damage insurance for automobiles and trucks owned by small businesses in the business auto, for-hire transportation, contractor, for-hire specialty, and tow markets. Our other indemnity businesses manage our run-off businesses, including the run-off of our professional liability insurance for community banks. Our service businesses provide insurance-related services, including processing Commercial Auto Insurance Procedures/Plans (“CAIP”) business and serving as an agent for homeowners, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance through our programs with unaffiliated insurance companies. All segment revenues are generated from external customers.

 

18


Following are the operating results for the respective periods:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2013     2012  
            Pretax           Pretax  
            Profit           Profit  

(millions)

   Revenues      (Loss)     Revenues     (Loss)  

Personal Lines

         

Agency

   $ 2,107.2      $ 174.9     $ 1,960.6     $ 139.2  

Direct

     1,641.6        127.2       1,513.2       61.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Personal Lines

     3,748.8        302.1       3,473.8       200.5  

Commercial Auto

     430.4        15.3       387.3       29.4  

Other indemnity

     .1        .3       .4       (1.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total underwriting operations

     4,179.3        317.7       3,861.5       228.7  

Fees and other revenues

     68.4        NA        65.2       NA   

Service businesses

     8.4        (.2     8.2       0  

Investments

     181.1        176.2       192.2       188.0  

Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

     0        0       (.7     (.7

Interest expense

     NA         (30.6     NA        (31.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated total

   $ 4,437.2      $ 463.1     $ 4,126.4     $ 384.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

Personal auto insurance accounted for 91% of the total Personal Lines segment net premiums earned in both the first quarters of 2013 and 2012; insurance for our special lines products (e.g., motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, mobile homes, watercraft, and snowmobiles) accounted for the balance of the Personal Lines net premiums earned.

2

Pretax profit (loss) for fees and other revenues are allocated to operating segments.

3

Revenues represent recurring investment income and total net realized gains (losses) on securities; pretax profit is net of investment expenses.

NA = Not Applicable

Progressive’s management uses underwriting margin and combined ratio as primary measures of underwriting profitability. Underwriting profitability is calculated by subtracting losses and loss adjustment expenses, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses from the total of net premiums earned and fees and other revenues. The underwriting margin is the pretax underwriting profit (loss) expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned (i.e., revenues from underwriting operations). Combined ratio is the complement of the underwriting margin. Following are the underwriting margins/combined ratios for our underwriting operations:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2013     2012  
     Underwriting     Combined     Underwriting     Combined  
     Margin     Ratio     Margin     Ratio  

Personal Lines

        

Agency

     8.3     91.7     7.1     92.9

Direct

     7.8       92.2       4.1       95.9  

Total Personal Lines

     8.1       91.9       5.8       94.2  

Commercial Auto

     3.5       96.5       7.6       92.4  

Other indemnity

     NM        NM        NM        NM   

Total underwriting operations

     7.6       92.4       5.9       94.1  

 

1

Underwriting margins/combined ratios are not meaningful (NM) for our other indemnity businesses due to the low level of premiums earned by, and the variability of loss costs in, such businesses.

Note 8 Dividends Progressive maintains a policy of paying an annual variable dividend that, if declared, would be payable shortly after the close of the year. This annual variable dividend is based on a target percentage of after-tax underwriting income multiplied by a companywide performance factor (“Gainshare factor”), subject to the limitations discussed below. The target percentage is determined by our Board of Directors on an annual basis and announced to shareholders and the public. For 2013, the Board has determined the target percentage to be 33-1/3% of annual after-tax underwriting income, which is unchanged from the 2012 target percentage.

 

19


The Gainshare factor can range from zero to two and is determined by comparing our operating performance for the year to certain predetermined profitability and growth objectives approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board. This Gainshare factor is also used in the annual cash bonus program currently in place for our employees (our “Gainsharing program”). Although recalibrated every year, the structure of the Gainsharing program generally remains the same. On a year-to-date basis, as of March 31, 2013, the Gainshare factor was 1.15. Since the final factor will be determined based on our results for the full year, the final factor may vary from the current factor.

Our annual dividend program will result in a variable payment to shareholders each year, subject to certain limitations. If the Gainshare factor is zero or if our comprehensive income is less than after-tax underwriting income, no dividend would be payable under our annual variable dividend policy. However, the ultimate decision on whether or not a dividend will be paid is in the discretion of the Board of Directors. If a dividend for 2013 will be paid, the Board would likely declare the 2013 annual dividend in December 2013, with a record date in January 2014 and payment shortly thereafter. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our comprehensive income was $407.3 million, which is higher than the $206.5 million of after-tax underwriting income for the same period.

Progressive paid dividends per common share of $.2845 and $.4072 in February 2013 and 2012, respectively, under our annual variable dividend policy. These dividends were paid pursuant to declarations made by the Board of Directors in December 2012 and 2011. In addition to the annual variable dividend, the Board of Directors declared a $1.00 per common share special dividend in October 2012, which was paid in November 2012.

Note 9 Other Comprehensive Income – The components of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments by income statement line item, were as follows:

 

                       Components of Changes in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (after tax)
 

(millions)

   Pretax total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Total tax
(provision)
benefit
    After tax total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Total net
unrealized
gains (losses)
on securities
     Net
unrealized
gains on
forecasted
transactions
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
 

Balance at December 31, 2012

   $ 1,340.0     $ (469.0   $ 871.0     $ 862.7      $ 6.1     $ 2.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:

             

Investment securities

     227.8       (79.7     148.1       148.1        0       0  

Net non-credit related OTTI losses, adjusted for valuation changes

     .3       (.1     .2       .2        0       0  

Forecasted transactions

     0       0       0       0        0       0  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (.3     .1       (.2     0        0       (.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     227.8       (79.7     148.1       148.3        0       (.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for amounts realized in net income by income statement line item:

             

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (.1     .1       0       0        0       0  

Net realized gains (losses) on securities

     75.6       (26.5     49.1       49.1        0       0  

Interest expense2

     .5       (.2     .3       0        .3       0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reclassification adjustment for amounts realized in net income

     76.0       (26.6     49.4       49.1        .3       0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

     151.8       (53.1     98.7       99.2        (.3     (.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2013

   $ 1,491.8     $ (522.1   $ 969.7     $ 961.9      $ 5.8     $ 2.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

Entered into for the purpose of managing interest rate risk associated with our debt issuances.

2 

We expect to reclassify $2.2 million (pretax) into income during the next 12 months.

 

 

20


Note 10 Litigation — The Progressive Corporation and/or its insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various lawsuits arising out of claims made under insurance policies in the ordinary course of our business. We consider all legal actions relating to such claims in establishing our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.

In addition, The Progressive Corporation and/or its insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in a number of class action or individual lawsuits arising out of the operations of the insurance subsidiaries. These cases include those alleging damages as a result of our practices in evaluating or paying medical or injury claims or benefits, including, but not limited to, personal injury protection, medical payments, and bodily injury benefits; the utilization, content, or appearance of policy documents; labor rates paid to auto body repair shops; and cases challenging other aspects of our claims or marketing practices or other business operations. Other insurance companies face many of these same issues.

We plan to contest the outstanding suits vigorously, but may pursue settlement negotiations in some cases, if appropriate. We establish accruals for lawsuits when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and we can reasonably estimate its potential exposure, which may include a range of loss. As to lawsuits in which the loss is not considered both probable and estimable, or is considered probable but not estimable we have not established a liability at this time in accordance with current accounting guidance. In the event that any one or more of these cases results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, Progressive, the resulting liability could have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, cash flows, and/or results of operations.

For a further discussion on our pending litigation, see Note 12 – Litigation in our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Note 11 Reclassifications — For the period ended March 31, 2012, we reclassified net deferred income taxes to be reported as a separate line item and income taxes currently payable to be reported as a component of other liabilities to conform with the current-year presentation. As a result, total assets and total liabilities increased by $80.6 million, which is not material to the March 31, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

 

21


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

I. OVERVIEW

During the first quarter 2013, The Progressive Corporation’s insurance subsidiaries generated net premiums written and policies in force growth of 7% and 2%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis. Underwriting profitability for the quarter was 7.6%, or $317.7 million, and our investment operations produced investment income of $100.5 million. Our investment income was down on a year-over-year basis, primarily reflecting lower yields. During the quarter, we also recognized $80.6 million of net realized gains on securities. Overall, our net income was up 20% to $308.6 million, or $.51 per share, for the first quarter 2013. Our total capital position (debt plus equity) increased $0.4 billion during the quarter, to $8.5 billion at March 31, 2013.

A. Operations

During the first quarter 2013, we realized a year-over-year increase in net premiums written of 7% on a companywide basis. Our Agency and Direct Personal Lines businesses grew 6% and 8%, respectively, and our Commercial Auto business grew 7%. To analyze growth, we review written premium per policy (i.e., rates), new business applications (i.e., issued policies), and customer retention. For the first quarter 2013, rate increases taken during 2012 have been a significant contributor to the written premium growth, while new business applications decreased from last year in all our products and customer retention was down in personal auto but relatively flat in Commercial Auto and for our special lines products.

Adjusting rates is an ongoing process. In light of rising claims costs, we raised rates primarily in the second and third quarters of 2012 across all of our products, but primarily in personal auto. As a result, we started experiencing increases in personal auto written premium per policy that continued into the first quarter 2013. For the first quarter 2013, on a year-over-year basis, written premium per policy increased 7% and 6% in our Agency and Direct auto businesses, respectively. Commercial Auto premiums per policy increased about 9% for the first quarter 2013, and our special lines products written premium per policy was up 3%. We will continue to evaluate future rate needs and react quickly as we recognize changing trends.

As a result of the rate increases taken, new business applications declined. On a year-over-year basis, Personal Lines new applications decreased 12%, reflecting declines of 15% and 4% in our Agency and Direct auto businesses, respectively, and a 22% decrease in our special lines new applications. The colder weather in the northern states during the first quarter 2013, compared to an early motorcycle riding season last year, also contributed to a decline in our special lines new applications. Our Commercial Auto new applications decreased 5%.

Our renewal applications increased 5% in Personal Lines and 2% in Commercial Auto, primarily reflecting the policies in force growth we generated during 2012. Both our Agency and Direct businesses contributed to the Personal Lines increase.

We continued with the many initiatives we have in place to help stimulate growth and provide consumers with distinctive insurance options. During the quarter, our three primary initiatives all made meaningful progress, including:

 

   

Expansion of our mobile acquisition capabilities – our mobile technology is now able to provide the capability for almost all combinations of cars and drivers quoted on a mobile device.

 

   

Cross-sell our products – our relationships with our non-affiliated homeowner insurance carriers continue to grow and, during the quarter, significant marketing communication plans were developed or implemented to promote the bundling of home and auto insurance to our jointly appointed agents. In addition, we continued to enhance our systems to enable our agents and customer service representatives, as well as our customers, the ability to view all their Progressive products concurrently.

 

   

Snapshot®, our usage-based insurance product – we worked with our agents to “test drive” Snapshot to allow them to experience the product for themselves and to be able to communicate to their customers the ease of using Snapshot and the benefits of capturing the additional driver specific information provided by the device. Also during the quarter, we completed the development of a marketing campaign, which was launched early in the second quarter 2013, to communicate the benefits of Snapshot in a way we believe will help demonstrate the advantages to consumers. Specifically, the messaging focuses on how good drivers are paying more for insurance due to the poorer driving and insurance profile of other drivers.

On a companywide basis, year-over-year, policies in force grew 2%, with Personal Lines growing 2% and Commercial Auto increasing 1%. Our Direct auto business contributed to this increase with policies in force growth of 3%, or 107,200 additional policies; policies in force in our Agency auto business were up 22,800, compared to the first quarter last year. With a 2% increase in our special lines policies over last year, we ended the first quarter with nearly 12.9 million Personal Lines policyholders.

To further grow policies in force, it is critical that we retain our customers for longer periods, which is why increasing retention continues to be one of our most important priorities and why our efforts to increase the number of multi-product households continues to be a key initiative. Policy life expectancy, which is our actuarial estimate of the average length of time that a policy will remain in force before cancellation or lapse in coverage, is one measure of customer retention. Policy life expectancy decreased 3% and 5% for our Agency and Direct auto businesses, respectively, compared to last year, primarily due to rate increases taken during 2012. Our

 

22


policy life expectancy for our Commercial Auto business and our special lines products was relatively flat compared to last year. These declines in retention were not unexpected following the rate increases we took in 2012. As policies begin to renew within the same rate plan, we believe that the decline in policy life expectancy will begin to reverse.

Our 7.6% companywide underwriting profit margin for the first quarter 2013 was 1.7 points better than our margin for the same period last year and exceeded our target of at least 4%. As previously discussed, the rate increases taken primarily in the second and third quarters of 2012 led to increased earned premium per policy in 2013, which was a significant contributor to the increased underwriting profitability. The favorable impact from this increase was partially offset by higher catastrophe losses as well as increased unfavorable development in the first quarter 2013, compared to the first quarter 2012. Hail storms in the southeast during the first quarter were higher than in recent years, adding about 0.7 loss ratio points on a year-over-year basis. In addition, unfavorable prior accident year development, primarily due to higher frequency and severity on late emerging claims in both our personal auto and Commercial Auto products, contributed about 1.6 points to our first quarter combined ratio.

B. Investments and Capital Management

The fair value of our investment portfolio was $17.3 billion at March 31, 2013. Our asset allocation strategy is to maintain 0-25% of our portfolio in Group I securities, with the balance (75%-100%) of our portfolio in Group II securities. We define Group I securities to include:

 

   

common equities

 

   

nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

   

redeemable preferred stocks, except for 50% of investment-grade redeemable preferred stocks with cumulative dividends, and

 

   

all other non-investment-grade fixed-maturity securities

Group II securities include:

 

   

short-term securities, and

 

   

all other fixed-maturity securities

We use the credit ratings from models provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for classifying our residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, excluding interest-only securities, while all other debt securities derive their credit ratings from nationally recognized securities rating organizations (NRSRO) in determining whether securities should be classified as Group I or Group II. At March 31, 2013, 22% of our portfolio was allocated to Group I securities and 78% to Group II securities, compared to 21% and 79%, respectively, at December 31, 2012.

Our investment portfolio produced a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) total return of 2.1% for the first quarter 2013. Our common stock and fixed-income portfolios contributed to this positive total return with FTE returns of 10.6% and 0.9%, respectively. At March 31, 2013, the fixed-income portfolio had a weighted average credit quality of AA-. We continue to maintain our fixed-income portfolio strategy of investing in high-quality securities.

Our recurring investment income generated a pretax book yield of 2.6% for the first quarter 2013. At March 31, 2013, our duration was 1.9 years to limit the potential loss of capital in the event of an increase in interest rates from their present low levels. We remain confident that our preference for shorter duration during times of extremely low interest rates is our best positioning.

At March 31, 2013, we held $13.3 million in Australian Treasury Bills to support our Australian operations; we held no other foreign sovereign debt. We held $621.1 million of U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds, preferred stocks (redeemable and nonredeemable), and other asset-backed securities issued by companies that are domiciled, or whose parent companies are domiciled, in European countries. Of these securities, $527.8 million are corporate bonds from U.K. and other European companies primarily in the consumer, industrial, energy, and communications industries; $6.0 million are U.K.-domiciled other asset-backed securities; and $87.3 million are U.K.-domiciled financial institution nonredeemable preferred stocks. We had no direct exposure to Southern European-domiciled companies at March 31, 2013. In total, our European-domiciled fixed-income securities represented approximately 4% of our portfolio at March 31, 2013.

At March 31, 2013, our total capital (debt plus equity) was $8.5 billion, compared to $8.1 billion at December 31, 2012, and our debt-to-total capital ratio decreased to 24.4% from 25.6% at year-end 2012. We continue to manage our investing and financing activities in order to maintain sufficient capital to support all of the insurance we can profitably write and service.

 

23


II. FINANCIAL CONDITION

A. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Progressive’s insurance operations create liquidity by collecting and investing premiums from new and renewal business in advance of paying claims. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, operations generated positive cash flows of $722.1 million and $708.4 million, respectively.

We held total capital (debt plus equity) of $8.5 billion, at book value, at March 31, 2013, compared to $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Based upon our capital planning and forecasting efforts, we believe that we have sufficient capital resources, cash flows from operations, and borrowing capacity to support our current and anticipated business, scheduled principal and interest payments on our debt, any announced dividends, and other expected capital requirements. The covenants on our existing debt securities do not include any rating or credit triggers that would require an adjustment of the interest rate or an acceleration of principal payments in the event our securities are downgraded by a rating agency. Our next scheduled debt maturity will be in October 2013 of the entire $150 million of our 7% Notes.

We seek to deploy capital in a prudent manner and use multiple data sources and modeling tools to estimate the frequency, severity, and correlation of identified exposures, including, but not limited to, catastrophic losses, natural disasters, and other significant business interruptions to estimate our potential capital needs.

Management views our capital position as consisting of three layers, each with a specific size and purpose:

 

   

The first layer of capital, which we refer to as “regulatory capital,” is the amount of capital we need to satisfy state insurance regulatory requirements and support our objective of writing all the business we can write and service, consistent with our underwriting discipline of achieving a 96 combined ratio. This capital is held by our various insurance entities.

 

   

The second layer of capital we call “extreme contingency.” While our regulatory capital is, by definition, a cushion for absorbing financial consequences of adverse events, such as loss reserve development, litigation, weather catastrophes, or investment market corrections, we view that as a base and hold additional capital for even more extreme conditions. The modeling used to quantify capital needs for these conditions is quite extensive, including tens of thousands of simulations, representing our best estimates of such contingencies based on historical experience. This capital is held either at a non-insurance subsidiary of the holding company or in our insurance entities, where it is potentially eligible for a dividend up to the holding company. Regulatory restrictions on subsidiary dividends are discussed in Note 8—Statutory Financial Information in our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

   

The third layer of capital is capital in excess of the sum of the first two layers and provides maximum flexibility to repurchase stock or other securities, consider acquisitions, and pay dividends to shareholders, among other purposes. This capital is largely held at a non-insurance subsidiary of the holding company.

During the first three months of 2013 and at all times during 2012, our total capital exceeded the sum of our regulatory capital layer plus our self-constructed extreme contingency load.

The amount of capital in our third layer was at a level that allowed our Board of Directors to take several actions to return underleveraged capital to our investors, including:

 

   

Repurchases of our outstanding debt securities. From time to time, we may elect to repurchase our outstanding debt securities in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, when management believes that such securities are attractively priced and capital is available for such a purpose. Although we did not repurchase any debt securities in the first quarter of 2013, during the first quarter of 2012, we repurchased, in the open market, $12.6 million in principal amount of our 6.70% Debentures.

 

24


   

Repurchases of our common shares. In accordance with our financial policies, we continued our practice of repurchasing our common shares. As of March 31, 2013, we had 39.8 million shares remaining under our 2011 Board repurchase authorization. The following table shows our share repurchase activity during the respective periods:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(millions, except per share amounts)

   2013      2012  

Total number of shares purchased

     2.3        1.9  

Total cost

   $ 51.3      $ 37.7  

Average price paid per share

   $ 22.59      $ 20.19  

 

   

Dividends. As part of our capital management activities, in February 2013 and 2012, we paid our annual variable dividend of $.2845 and $.4072 per share, respectively, which were each declared in December of the prior year.

Short-Term Borrowings

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and throughout 2012, we did not engage in short-term borrowings to fund our operations. As discussed above, our insurance operations create liquidity by collecting and investing insurance premiums in advance of paying claims. Information concerning our insurance operations can be found below under Results of Operations—Underwriting, and details about our investment portfolio can be found below under Results of Operations—Investments.

On March 25, 2013, we entered into an unsecured, discretionary line of credit with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) in the maximum principal amount of $100 million. All advances under this agreement are subject to PNC’s discretion, would bear interest at a variable, daily rate, and must be repaid on the earlier of the 30th day after the advance or the expiration date of the facility, March 25, 2014. We did not have any borrowings under this agreement during