Allstate increases profits and growth
Northbrook, ill.--(business wire)--the allstate corporation (nyse: all) today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2018. ($ in millions, except per share data and ratios) * measures used in this release that are not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the united states of america (“non-gaap”) are denoted with an asterisk and defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable gaap measure in the “definitions of non-gaap measures” section of this document. “allstate’s businesses continue to deliver excellent results, growth is accelerating and we are on pace to achieve 2018’s operating priorities,” said tom wilson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the allstate corporation. “net income increased to $637 million in the second quarter of 2018 and return on equity was 17.0% for the latest twelve months. revenues rose to $10.1 billion for the quarter, reflecting higher average premiums and increased policies in force. better serving customers increased the net promoter score for most businesses which, when combined with higher new business levels, supported policy growth for the allstate and esurance property-liability businesses, squaretrade and allstate benefits. increased profitability reflected operational excellence, a decline in auto accident frequency and lower catastrophe losses. we are improving our underlying combined ratio* outlook range by one point to 85 to 87(1) for the full year 2018,” said wilson. _________ (1) a reconciliation of this non-gaap measure to the combined ratio, a gaap measure, is not possible on a forward-looking basis because it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of catastrophes, and prior year reserve reestimates are expected to be zero because reserves are determined based on our best estimate of ultimate loss reserves as of the reporting date. “the strategy to deliver differentiated products to consumers by leveraging our brands, customer base, technology and capital is also on track. the allstate brand is a leader in using technology and analytics to offer telematics based auto insurance and settle claims. esurance is doing the same and has successfully expanded into homeowners insurance. squaretrade is on pace with its acquisition milestones and added 13.2 million policies in twelve months. while investment income is down slightly in the quarter, this reflects very strong performance-based returns last year. allstate’s life, benefits and annuities businesses are on track to meet their goals. shareholders have also benefited from cash returns of almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in the quarter through dividends and share repurchases,” concluded wilson. second quarter 2018 results total revenue of $10.1 billion in the second quarter of 2018 increased 2.9% compared to the prior year quarter. property and casualty insurance premiums earned increased 5.5%. life premiums and contract charges increased 3.6%. net investment income decreased 8.1%. realized capital losses reduced revenues by $25 million, compared to gains which generated $81 million of revenue in the prior year quarter. net income applicable to common shareholders was $637 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $550 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2017. adjusted net income* was $675 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $510 million in the second quarter of 2017, driven by higher premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses, higher favorable prior year reserve releases and a lower u.s. tax rate, partially offset by lower net investment income. property-liability underwriting income of $416 million was $151 million better than the prior year quarter. increased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses, lower auto insurance claim frequency and higher favorable non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates were partially offset by higher claim severity and operating expenses. the underlying combined ratio* of 85.5 for the second quarter of 2018 was 0.6 points higher than the prior year quarter due to increased expenses, primarily related to compensation linked to operating performance. the underlying loss ratio* of 60.2 in the second quarter was essentially flat to the prior year quarter. second quarter results were better than the annual outlook range of 86 to 88 as auto insurance profitability was favorably impacted by a continued reduction in accident frequency. given the positive first half 2018 performance, the underlying combined ratio* is now expected to be within 85 to 87 for the full year of 2018. non-catastrophe prior year reserve releases of $135 million in the second quarter of 2018 included continued favorable personal lines auto injury coverages development and better than anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, partially offset by strengthening in our commercial business. (% to earned premiums) allstate brand auto insurance net written premium grew 5.8% in the second quarter of 2018, reflecting a 4.0% increase in average premium and a 1.3% increase in policies in force. growth in policies in force was driven by continued improvement in the renewal ratio and higher new issued applications. the recorded combined ratio of 93.0 in the second quarter of 2018 was 2.6 points better than the prior year quarter, due to increased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses and a broad-based decline in accident frequency, partially offset by higher severity and expenses, primarily related to agency and employee compensation costs. the underlying combined ratio* of 92.8 in the quarter was 0.2 points higher than the prior year quarter. allstate brand homeowners insurance net written premium increased 5.5% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter, due to increased average premium and policy growth. policies in force increased 0.8% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by improvement in the renewal ratio and increased new issued applications. the recorded combined ratio was 98.3 in the second quarter of 2018, and the underlying combined ratio* of 63.3 was 3.5 points higher than the prior year quarter, mainly driven by adverse non-catastrophe weather and increased expenses. allstate brand other personal lines insurance net written premium of $475 million increased 7.7% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter. the recorded combined ratio of 86.6 was 4.2 points better than the prior year quarter, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses. the underlying combined ratio* of 77.3 in the second quarter of 2018 was 0.2 points higher than the prior year period, primarily due to higher underlying loss costs partially offset by increased earned premium. esurance net written premium grew 12.5% compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting increased average premium in auto and homeowners insurance, and a 4.1% increase in total policies in force. auto policies in force increased 3.2% due to higher retention and new issued applications. the recorded combined ratio of 101.9 in the second quarter of 2018 was 4.2 points better than the prior year quarter, due to improvement in both the loss and expense ratios. the underlying combined ratio* of 95.9 was 4.6 points better than the prior year quarter, as both auto and homeowners insurance results improved. encompass net written premium declined 3.5% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting the continued execution of profit improvement plans. the recorded combined ratio of 98.4 in the second quarter of 2018 was 6.0 points better than the prior year quarter, due to lower catastrophe losses and reduced auto insurance claim frequency, partially offset by a higher expense ratio related to technology initiatives and lower premiums. the underlying combined ratio* of 85.5 for the second quarter was 2.1 points better than the prior year quarter as the improvement in the underlying loss ratio more than offset a higher expense ratio. service businesses policies in force grew to 49.1 million, an increase of 13.0 million compared to the prior year quarter, driven by squaretrade. adjusted net income of $1 million in the second quarter of 2018 was $9 million better than the second quarter of 2017, due to improved loss experience at squaretrade and allstate dealer services. ($ in millions) squaretrade revenue was $122 million in the second quarter, reflecting policies in force growth of 13.2 million compared to the second quarter of 2017 and the adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard. adjusted net income is not impacted by the new accounting standard and was $5 million in the second quarter of 2018 due to improved loss experience. allstate roadside services had revenues of $77 million in the second quarter. the adjusted net loss of $5 million was comparable to the prior year quarter due to continued investments in the provider network and technology, combined with losses from certain wholesale contracts. allstate dealer services revenue grew 7.5% compared to the second quarter of 2017, and adjusted net income was $4 million, reflecting improvement in loss costs. arity had revenues of $21 million in the second quarter of 2018, largely related to contracts with affiliates. the adjusted net loss of $3 million represented continuing investments in business expansion and product development. allstate life adjusted net income was $78 million in the second quarter of 2018, $15 million higher than the prior year quarter, primarily due to a lower effective tax rate, higher premiums and increased net investment income, partially offset by higher contract benefits. premiums and contract charges increased 2.2% in the second quarter compared to the prior year quarter, primarily related to growth in traditional life insurance and lower reinsurance premiums ceded. allstate benefits adjusted net income was $34 million in the second quarter of 2018, $9 million higher than the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased premiums, improved benefit ratio on selected products and a lower effective tax rate, partially offset by higher expenses related to technology investments. premiums and contract charges increased 5.2% in the second quarter compared to the prior year quarter, due to 5.4% growth in policies in force. allstate annuities adjusted net income was $44 million in the second quarter of 2018, $21 million lower than the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower performance-based investment income. allstate investments $83 billion portfolio generated net investment income of $824 million in the second quarter, which was 8.1%, or $73 million, below the prior year quarter. ($ in millions, except ratios) (1) investment expenses are not allocated between market-based and performance-based portfolios with the exception of investee level expenses.(2) excludes $1.2 billion adjustment related to the adoption of recognition and measurement accounting standard in 2018. nm = not meaningful market-based investments contributed $696 million of income in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of 3.6% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily from higher purchase yields and modest duration extension of our fixed-income portfolio. performance-based investments generated income of $176 million in the second quarter of 2018 with a pre-tax annualized yield of 9.0%. investment income decreased 33.1% over a very strong prior year quarter, primarily reflecting more moderate asset appreciation. net realized capital losses were $25 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to gains of $81 million in the prior year quarter. net realized losses for the quarter primarily related to sales of fixed-income securities, partially offset by increased valuation of equity investments. unrealized net capital gains decreased $324 million from the first quarter, as higher market yields resulted in lower fixed-income valuations. total return on the investment portfolio was 0.5% for the second quarter of 2018, which included a stable 1.0% contribution from net investment income, partially offset by lower fixed income valuations of 0.5%. proactive capital management “allstate returned $722 million of capital to our shareholders during the second quarter through a combination of $163 million in common stock dividends and repurchasing $559 million of outstanding shares. as of june 30, 2018, there was $376 million remaining on the $2 billion common share repurchase authorization,” said mario rizzo, chief financial officer. “during the quarter, allstate redeemed $224 million in fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures and repaid $176 million in senior debentures. our adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity* of 15.8% for the 12 months ended june 30, 2018, was an increase of 2.3 points compared to the prior year period. book value per diluted common share of $59.16 was 9.9% higher than june 30, 2017.” visit www.allstateinvestors.com to view additional information about allstate’s results, including a webcast of its quarterly conference call and the call presentation. the conference call will be held at 9 a.m. et on thursday, august 2. forward-looking statements this news release contains “forward-looking statements” that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. these statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the private securities litigation reform act of 1995. these forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. we believe these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. however, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements may be found in our filings with the u.s. securities and exchange commission, including the “risk factors” section in our most recent annual report on form 10-k. forward-looking statements are as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. definitions of non-gaap measures we believe that investors’ understanding of allstate’s performance is enhanced by our disclosure of the following non-gaap measures. our methods for calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. adjusted net income is net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding: realized capital gains and losses, after-tax, except for periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, which are reported with realized capital gains and losses but included in adjusted net income, valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“dac”) and deferred sales inducements (“dsi”), to the extent they resulted from the recognition of certain realized capital gains and losses or valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax, business combination expenses and the amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax, gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax, and adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items, when (a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably unlikely to recur within two years, or (b) there has been no similar charge or gain within the prior two years. net income applicable to common shareholders is the gaap measure that is most directly comparable to adjusted net income. we use adjusted net income as an important measure to evaluate our results of operations. we believe that the measure provides investors with a valuable measure of the company’s ongoing performance because it reveals trends in our insurance and financial services business that may be obscured by the net effect of realized capital gains and losses, valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, business combination expenses and the amortization of purchased intangible assets, gain (loss) on disposition of operations and adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items. realized capital gains and losses, valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged and gain (loss) on disposition of operations may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by business decisions and external economic developments such as capital market conditions, the timing of which is unrelated to the insurance underwriting process. consistent with our intent to protect results or earn additional income, adjusted net income includes periodic settlements and accruals on certain derivative instruments that are reported in realized capital gains and losses because they do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. these instruments are used for economic hedges and to replicate fixed income securities, and by including them in adjusted net income, we are appropriately reflecting their trends in our performance and in a manner consistent with the economically hedged investments, product attributes (e.g. net investment income and interest credited to contractholder funds) or replicated investments. business combination expenses are excluded because they are non-recurring in nature and the amortization of purchased intangible assets is excluded because it relates to the acquisition purchase price and is not indicative of our underlying insurance business results or trends. non-recurring items are excluded because, by their nature, they are not indicative of our business or economic trends. accordingly, adjusted net income excludes the effect of items that tend to be highly variable from period to period and highlights the results from ongoing operations and the underlying profitability of our business. a byproduct of excluding these items to determine adjusted net income is the transparency and understanding of their significance to net income variability and profitability while recognizing these or similar items may recur in subsequent periods. adjusted net income is used by management along with the other components of net income applicable to common shareholders to assess our performance. we use adjusted measures of adjusted net income in incentive compensation. therefore, we believe it is useful for investors to evaluate net income applicable to common shareholders, adjusted net income and their components separately and in the aggregate when reviewing and evaluating our performance. we note that investors, financial analysts, financial and business media organizations and rating agencies utilize adjusted net income results in their evaluation of our and our industry’s financial performance and in their investment decisions, recommendations and communications as it represents a reliable, representative and consistent measurement of the industry and the company and management’s performance. we note that the price to earnings multiple commonly used by insurance investors as a forward-looking valuation technique uses adjusted net income as the denominator. adjusted net income should not be considered a substitute for net income applicable to common shareholders and does not reflect the overall profitability of our business. the following tables reconcile net income applicable to common shareholders and adjusted net income. beginning january 1, 2018, the tax legislation reduced the u.s. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. taxes on adjustments to reconcile net income applicable to common shareholders and adjusted net income generally use a 21% effective tax rate for 2018 and 35% for 2017 and are reported net with the reconciling adjustment. adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity is a ratio that uses a non-gaap measure. it is calculated by dividing the rolling 12-month adjusted net income by the average of common shareholders’ equity at the beginning and at the end of the 12-months, after excluding the effect of unrealized net capital gains and losses. return on common shareholders’ equity is the most directly comparable gaap measure. we use adjusted net income as the numerator for the same reasons we use adjusted net income, as discussed above. we use average common shareholders’ equity excluding the effect of unrealized net capital gains and losses for the denominator as a representation of common shareholders’ equity primarily attributable to the company’s earned and realized business operations because it eliminates the effect of items that are unrealized and vary significantly between periods due to external economic developments such as capital market conditions like changes in equity prices and interest rates, the amount and timing of which are unrelated to the insurance underwriting process. we use it to supplement our evaluation of net income applicable to common shareholders and return on common shareholders’ equity because it excludes the effect of items that tend to be highly variable from period to period. we believe that this measure is useful to investors and that it provides a valuable tool for investors when considered along with return on common shareholders’ equity because it eliminates the after-tax effects of realized and unrealized net capital gains and losses that can fluctuate significantly from period to period and that are driven by economic developments, the magnitude and timing of which are generally not influenced by management. in addition, it eliminates non-recurring items that are not indicative of our ongoing business or economic trends. a byproduct of excluding the items noted above to determine adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity from return on common shareholders’ equity is the transparency and understanding of their significance to return on common shareholders’ equity variability and profitability while recognizing these or similar items may recur in subsequent periods. we use adjusted measures of adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity in incentive compensation. therefore, we believe it is useful for investors to have adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity and return on common shareholders’ equity when evaluating our performance. we note that investors, financial analysts, financial and business media organizations and rating agencies utilize adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity results in their evaluation of our and our industry’s financial performance and in their investment decisions, recommendations and communications as it represents a reliable, representative and consistent measurement of the industry and the company and management’s utilization of capital. adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity should not be considered a substitute for return on common shareholders’ equity and does not reflect the overall profitability of our business. the following tables reconcile return on common shareholders’ equity and adjusted net income return on common shareholders’ equity. _____________ (1) excludes equity related to preferred stock of $2,303 million as of june 30, 2018 and $1,746 million as of june 30, 2017 and june 30, 2016. combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes, prior year reserve reestimates and amortization of purchased intangible assets (“underlying combined ratio”) is a non-gaap ratio, which is computed as the difference between four gaap operating ratios: the combined ratio, the effect of catastrophes on the combined ratio, the effect of prior year non-catastrophe reserve reestimates on the combined ratio, and the effect of amortization of purchased intangible assets on the combined ratio. we believe that this ratio is useful to investors and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our property-liability business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses, prior year reserve reestimates and amortization of purchased intangible assets. catastrophe losses cause our loss trends to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude, and can have a significant impact on the combined ratio. prior year reserve reestimates are caused by unexpected loss development on historical reserves. amortization of purchased intangible assets relates to the acquisition purchase price and is not indicative of our underlying insurance business results or trends. we believe it is useful for investors to evaluate these components separately and in the aggregate when reviewing our underwriting performance. we also provide it to facilitate a comparison to our outlook on the underlying combined ratio. the most directly comparable gaap measure is the combined ratio. the underlying combined ratio should not be considered a substitute for the combined ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of our business. the following tables reconcile the respective combined ratio to the underlying combined ratio. underwriting margin is calculated as 100% minus the combined ratio. property-liability allstate brand - total allstate brand - auto insurance allstate brand - homeowners insurance allstate brand - other personal lines esurance brand - total encompass brand - total
