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8-K

Amerisafe Inc (AMSF)

8-K 2022-07-28 For: 2022-07-28
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Added on April 11, 2026

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): July 28, 2022


AMERISAFE, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)


Texas 001-12251 75-2069407
(State or Other Jurisdiction<br><br> of Incorporation) (Commission<br><br> File Number) (IRS Employer<br><br> Identification No.)

2301 Highway 190 West

DeRidder, Louisiana 70634

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (337) 463-9052


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant

  under any of the following provisions \(see General Instruction A.2. below\):
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class Trading<br><br> <br>Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share AMSF Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Item 2.02.     Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 28, 2022, AMERISAFE, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.  A copy of the Company’s press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Press Release of AMERISAFE, Inc. dated July 28, 2022<br> (Financial Results)
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

AMERISAFE, INC.
By: /s/ Neal A. Fuller
Neal A. Fuller, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: July 28, 2022

Exhibit 99.1

AMERISAFE Announces 2022 Second Quarter Results

Reports Net Combined Ratio of 86.7%

DERIDDER, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2022--AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF), a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on high hazard industries, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 % Change
(in thousands, except per share data) (in thousands, except per share data)
Net premiums earned $ 70,279 $ 69,888 0.6 % $ 137,835 $ 140,634 -2.0 %
Net investment income 6,485 6,730 -3.6 % 12,598 13,313 -5.4 %
Net realized gains on investments (pre-tax) 1,079 1,179 -8.5 % 1,817 1,498 21.3 %
Net unrealized gains (losses) on
equity securities (pre-tax) (9,942 ) 3,286 NM (8,902 ) 8,797 NM
Net income 6,132 23,767 -74.2 % 23,463 43,079 -45.5 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.32 $ 1.23 -74.0 % $ 1.21 $ 2.22 -45.5 %
Operating net income 13,134 20,240 -35.1 % 29,060 34,946 -16.8 %
Operating earnings per share $ 0.68 $ 1.04 -34.6 % $ 1.50 $ 1.80 -16.7 %
Book value per share $ 19.95 $ 24.19 -17.5 % $ 19.95 $ 24.19 -17.5 %
Net combined ratio 86.7 % 74.4 % 83.4 % 79.6 %
Return on average equity 6.3 % 20.8 % 12.0 % 19.0 %

G. Janelle Frost, President and Chief Executive Officer, observed, “Robust payroll audits led to premium growth this quarter, helping to offset premium declines from underlying loss costs decreases. In addition, strong renewal retention continued despite competition not waning in 2022.”


INSURANCE RESULTS

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 % Change
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Gross premiums written $ 74,460 $ 73,724 1.0 % $ 152,251 $ 155,238 -1.9 %
Net premiums earned 70,279 69,888 0.6 % 137,835 140,634 -2.0 %
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred 40,326 32,423 24.4 % 78,067 71,940 8.5 %
Underwriting and certain other operating costs,
commissions, salaries and benefits 19,913 18,455 7.9 % 35,026 37,422 -6.4 %
Policyholder dividends 688 1,117 -38.4 % 1,877 2,467 -23.9 %
Underwriting profit (pre-tax) $ 9,352 $ 17,893 -47.7 % $ 22,865 $ 28,805 -20.6 %
Insurance Ratios:
Current accident year loss ratio 71.0 % 72.0 % 71.0 % 72.0 %
Prior accident year loss ratio -13.6 % -25.6 % -14.4 % -20.8 %
Net loss ratio 57.4 % 46.4 % 56.6 % 51.2 %
Net underwriting expense ratio 28.3 % 26.4 % 25.4 % 26.6 %
Net dividend ratio 1.0 % 1.6 % 1.4 % 1.8 %
Net combined ratio 86.7 % 74.4 % 83.4 % 79.6 %
  • Gross written premiums in the quarter were higher by $0.7 million, or 1.0%, compared with the second quarter of 2021. Voluntary premiums were lower by 5.6% compared to the second quarter of 2021.

  • Payroll audits and related premium adjustments were $5.0 million higher than the second quarter of 2021. Audits and other adjustments increased premiums written by $5.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to an increase in premiums written of $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase was due to payroll audits now occurring on policy years in which payrolls were less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The current accident year loss ratio for the second quarter was 71.0%, one point lower than the 72.0% ratio initially set for accident year 2021. During the quarter, the Company experienced favorable net loss development for prior accident years, which reduced loss and loss adjustment expenses by $9.6 million, primarily from accident years 2020 through 2017.

  • For the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the underwriting expense ratio was 28.3% compared with 26.4% in the same quarter in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher insurance assessments compared with the second quarter of 2021.

  • The effective tax rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 was 13.9%, lower than 18.5% in the second quarter of 2021 due to a higher proportion of income from tax-exempt investments.


INVESTMENT RESULTS

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 % Change
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Net investment income $ 6,485 $ 6,730 -3.6 % $ 12,598 $ 13,313 -5.4 %
Net realized gains on
investments (pre-tax) 1,079 1,179 -8.5 % 1,817 1,498 21.3 %
Net unrealized gains (losses) on
equity securities (pre-tax) (9,942 ) 3,286 NM (8,902 ) 8,797 NM
Pre-tax investment yield 2.5 % 2.3 % 2.4 % 2.3 %
Tax-equivalent yield (1) 2.9 % 2.6 % 2.9 % 2.6 %
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(1) The tax equivalent yield is calculated using the effective interest rate and the appropriate marginal tax rate.
  • Net investment income for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, decreased 3.6% to $6.5 million from $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to lower investment yields on fixed-income securities and slightly lower average invested assets

  • Due to increases in interest rates, the market value of our bond portfolio declined during the quarter.

  • Due to declines in the equity markets, the value of our equity securities were lower by $9.9 million during the quarter, compared to a gain of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. These changes in value are reflected in net income.

  • As of June 30, 2022, the carrying value of AMERISAFE’s investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was $1.1 billion.


CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company repurchased 77,699 shares at an average cost of $46.88 per share for a total of $3.6 million. The remaining outstanding share repurchase authorization as of June 30, 2022 is $19.3 million.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share on June 24, 2022. On July 26, 2022 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share, payable September 23, 2022 to shareholders of record as of September 9, 2022.

Book value per share at June 30, 2022 was $19.95, a decrease of 3.2% from $20.62 at December 31, 2021.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Net income $ 6,132 $ 23,767 $ 23,463 $ 43,079
Less:
Net realized gains on investments 1,079 1,179 1,817 1,498
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities (9,942 ) 3,286 (8,902 ) 8,797
Tax effect (1) 1,861 (938 ) 1,488 (2,162 )
Operating net income (2) $ 13,134 $ 20,240 $ 29,060 $ 34,946
Average shareholders’ equity (3) $ 390,131 $ 457,996 $ 392,156 $ 453,591
Less:
Average accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4,409 ) 16,417 2,332 18,941
Average adjusted shareholders’ equity (2) $ 394,540 $ 441,579 $ 389,824 $ 434,650
Diluted weighted average common shares 19,332,168 19,380,611 19,367,085 19,384,078
Return on average equity (4) 6.3 % 20.8 % 12.0 % 19.0 %
Operating return on average adjusted equity (2) 13.3 % 18.3 % 14.9 % 16.1 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.32 $ 1.23 $ 1.21 $ 2.22
Operating earnings per share (2) $ 0.68 $ 1.04 $ 1.50 $ 1.80

_____________________
(1) The tax effect of net realized losses on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities is calculated with an effective tax rate of 21%.
(2) Operating net income, operating return on average adjusted equity and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that investors’ understanding of core<br> operating performance is enhanced by AMERISAFE’s disclosure of these financial measures.
(3) Average shareholders’ equity is calculated by taking the average of the beginning and ending shareholders’ equity.
(4) Return on average equity is calculated by dividing the annualized net income by the average shareholders’ equity.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

AMERISAFE has scheduled a conference call for July 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results for the quarter and comment on future periods. To participate in the conference call, dial 323-701-0160 (Conference Code 1912102) at least ten minutes before the call begins.

Investors, analysts and the general public will also have the opportunity to listen to the conference call over the Internet by visiting http://www.amerisafe.com. To listen to the live call on the web, please visit the website at least fifteen minutes before the call begins to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, an archive will be available shortly after the call at http://www.amerisafe.com.

ABOUT AMERISAFE

AMERISAFE, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, logging and lumber, agriculture, and manufacturing. AMERISAFE actively markets workers’ compensation insurance in 27 states.


FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” or similar words are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding AMERISAFE’s plans and performance. These statements are based on management’s estimates, assumptions and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance and include statements regarding management’s views and expectations of the workers’ compensation market, the Company’s growth opportunities, underwriting margins and actions by competitors. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these statements if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect or as the results of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Other factors that may affect our results are set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including AMERISAFE’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. AMERISAFE cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. AMERISAFE does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.


A MERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES<br><br> <br>Consolidated Statements of Income<br><br> <br>(in thousands)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenues:
Gross premiums written $ 74,460 $ 73,724 $ 152,251 $ 155,238
Ceded premiums written (2,725 ) (2,486 ) (5,284 ) (5,003 )
Net premiums written $ 71,735 $ 71,238 $ 146,967 $ 150,235
Net premiums earned $ 70,279 $ 69,888 $ 137,835 $ 140,634
Net investment income 6,485 6,730 12,598 13,313
Net realized gains on investments 1,079 1,179 1,817 1,498
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities (9,942 ) 3,286 (8,902 ) 8,797
Fee and other income 135 74 248 266
Total revenues 68,036 81,157 143,596 164,508
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred 40,326 32,423 78,067 71,940
Underwriting and other operating costs 19,913 18,455 35,026 37,422
Policyholder dividends 688 1,117 1,877 2,467
Provision for investment related credit loss
expense (benefit) (14 ) (9 ) 81 (117 )
Total expenses 60,913 51,986 115,051 111,712
Income before taxes 7,123 29,171 28,545 52,796
Income tax expense 991 5,404 5,082 9,717
Net income $ 6,132 $ 23,767 $ 23,463 $ 43,079

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES<br><br> <br>Consolidated Statements of Income (cont.)<br><br> <br>(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Basic EPS:
Net income $ 6,132 $ 23,767 $ 23,463 $ 43,079
Basic weighted average common shares 19,273,934 19,327,422 19,302,805 19,319,608
Basic earnings per share $ 0.32 $ 1.23 $ 1.22 $ 2.23
Diluted EPS:
Net income $ 6,132 $ 23,767 $ 23,463 $ 43,079
Diluted weighted average common shares:
Weighted average common shares 19,273,934 19,327,422 19,302,805 19,319,608
Restricted stock 58,234 53,189 64,280 64,470
Diluted weighted average common shares 19,332,168 19,380,611 19,367,085 19,384,078
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.32 $ 1.23 $ 1.21 $ 2.22

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES<br><br> <br>Consolidated Balance Sheets<br><br> <br>(in thousands)
June 30, December 31,
2022 2021
(unaudited)
Assets
Investments $ 966,400 $ 1,012,571
Cash and cash equivalents 85,318 70,722
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers 118,575 120,561
Premiums receivable, net 143,307 135,100
Deferred income taxes 21,927 14,384
Deferred policy acquisition costs 18,103 17,059
Other assets 28,290 32,327
$ 1,381,920 $ 1,402,724
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses $ 724,891 $ 745,278
Unearned premiums 130,224 121,092
Insurance-related assessments 18,566 16,850
Other liabilities 123,250 120,181
Shareholders’ equity 384,989 399,323
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,381,920 $ 1,402,724

Contacts

Neal A. Fuller, EVP & CFO

        AMERISAFE 

        337.463.9052