Infinity Property and Casualty Reports Strong Underwriting Results and 3.0% Gross Written Premium Growth for the Fourth Quarter of 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (Nasdaq: IPCC), a national provider of personal automobile insurance, today reported results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009:

                                                       Three Months Ended                                              ------------------                                                 December 31,                                                 ------------     (in millions, except per      share amounts and ratios)           2009      2008      % Change     --------------------------           ----      ----      --------          Gross written premiums             $198.9    $193.0           3.0%     Revenues                           $224.8    $200.1          12.3%          Net earnings (loss)                 $34.7    $(11.3)           NM     Net earnings (loss) per      diluted share                      $2.53    $(0.79)           NM          Operating earnings (1)              $31.6     $25.8          22.6%     Operating earnings per      diluted share (1)                  $2.31     $1.78          29.8%          Underwriting income (1)             $42.0     $30.4          38.2%     Combined ratio                       80.0%     86.4%     (6.4) pts          Return on equity                     22.9%     (8.3%)    31.2 pts     Operating income return on      equity (1)                          20.9%     19.1%      1.8 pts          Book value per share     Debt to total capital     Debt to tangible capital                                                      Twelve Months Ended                                            -------------------                                               December 31,                                               ------------     (in millions, except per                                         share amounts and ratios)           2009      2008      % Change     --------------------------           ----      ----      --------          Gross written premiums             $848.8    $896.9          (5.4%)     Revenues                           $883.4    $930.9          (5.1%)          Net earnings (loss)                 $70.6     $19.3         266.6%     Net earnings (loss) per      diluted share                      $5.09     $1.23         313.8%          Operating earnings (1)              $84.6     $71.1          19.0%     Operating earnings per      diluted share (1)                  $6.10     $4.53          34.7%          Underwriting income (1)             $97.8     $69.0          41.7%     Combined ratio                       88.5%     92.5%     (4.0) pts          Return on equity                     12.3%      3.4%      8.9 pts     Operating income return on      equity (1)                          14.8%     12.6%      2.2 pts          Book value per share               $45.80    $37.14          23.3%     Debt to total capital                23.9%     27.5%     (3.6) pts     Debt to tangible capital             26.4%     30.7%     (4.3) pts               NM = not meaningful          (1) Measures used in this release that are not based on generally accepted     accounting principles ("non-GAAP") are defined at the end of this release      and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measure. 

Net and operating earnings increased during the fourth quarter of 2009 as compared with the same period in 2008 primarily as a result of both favorable development on prior accident period loss and loss adjustment reserves, and a decrease in other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net earnings.

Gross written premiums grew 3.0% during the fourth quarter of 2009 as compared with the same period in 2008 primarily from growth in Florida as well as the Commercial Vehicle program.  Other states with premium growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 include Arizona, California, Illinois and Pennsylvania.  Premiums for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 declined 5.4% compared with the same period in 2008 primarily from premium declines in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Texas and the Classic Collector program.

"We are excited that, despite the challenging economic conditions, we were able to grow our gross written premiums in the fourth quarter of 2009," stated James Gober, Infinity's Chairman, President and CEO.  "This is the first time we have had top line growth since the second quarter of 2007 and we believe our prospects for future growth are strong."

Earnings and underwriting income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009, include $32.0 million, pre-tax ($1.52 per diluted share after-tax) and $65.4 million, pre-tax ($3.06 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, of favorable development on prior accident period loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, primarily from favorable development on liability lines in the states of California, Florida and Connecticut related to accident years 2006, 2007 and 2008.  This compares with $15.9 million, pre-tax ($0.71 per diluted share after-tax), and $29.4 million, pre-tax ($1.22 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, of favorable development for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2008.  

During the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2009, Infinity recorded $0.5 million, pre-tax, ($0.03 per diluted share after-tax) and $19.9 million, pre-tax, ($1.43 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment charges on fixed income securities.  During the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2008, Infinity recorded $40.3 million, pre-tax, ($2.78 per diluted share after-tax) and $61.8 million, pre-tax, ($3.94 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment charges on fixed income and equity securities.

Catastrophe losses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009 totaled $0.4 million, pre-tax ($0.02 per diluted share after-tax) and $1.0 million, pre-tax ($0.05 per diluted share after-tax), respectively.  Catastrophe losses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2008 totaled $0.1 million, pre-tax ($0.00 per diluted share after-tax) and $1.8 million, pre-tax ($0.08 per diluted share after-tax), respectively, including $1.1 million from Hurricane Ike.

2010 Earnings Guidance

Infinity's initial guidance for 2010, based on fully diluted operating earnings, is $2.35 - $2.75.  The guidance assumes gross premium growth between 5.0% and 7.5% as compared with the prior year, and an accident year combined ratio, which excludes favorable development on prior accident period loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, between 97.0% and 98.0%.

Share and Debt Repurchase Program

During the fourth quarter of 2009, Infinity repurchased 110,700 shares at an average price, excluding commissions, of $39.94.  Infinity repurchased $5.0 million par value of its 5.5% coupon debt during the fourth quarter of 2009 at a yield of 5.6%.  Infinity has $40.2 million of capacity left under its share and debt repurchase program, which expires December 31, 2010.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, notably "2010 Earnings Guidance", contains certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release not dealing with historical results or current facts are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions, and projections. Statements that include the words "assumes", "believes," "seeks," "expects," "may," "should," "intends," "likely," "targets," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates" or the negative version of those words and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements.

The primary events or circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected by Infinity include determinations with respect to reserve adequacy, realized gains or losses on the investment portfolio including other-than-temporary impairments for credit losses, rising loss cost trends, actions of competitors and natural disasters. Infinity undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of some of the foregoing risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Infinity's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2009 results at 11:00 a.m. (ET) today, February 11.  There are two alternative communication modes available to listen to the call. Telephone access will be available by dialing 1-888-713-4211 and providing the confirmation code 31853938.  Please dial 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A replay of the call will also be available one hour following the completion of the call, at around 1:00 p.m. (ET), and will run until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2009. To listen to the replay, dial 1-888-286-8010 and provide the confirmation code 13847129.  The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet. To listen to the call via the Internet, go to Infinity's website, http://www.ipacc.com, click on Investor Relations and follow the instructions at the webcast link. The archived webcast will be available on Infinity's website approximately two hours following the completion of the call and will be available for one year.

              Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation     Statement of Earnings     (in millions, except EPS)                                     For the Three Months    For the Twelve Months     (unaudited)                  Ended December 31,     Ended December 31,                                  ------------------     ------------------                                  2009          2008     2009          2008                                  ----          ----     ----          ----     Revenues:       Earned premiums          $209.7        $222.9   $848.4        $922.5       Net investment income      11.5          13.7     49.4          58.0       Net realized gains        (losses) on        investments(1)             3.2         (36.6)   (14.8)        (51.4)       Other income                0.3           0.0      0.4           1.9                                   ---           ---      ---           ---          Total revenues         224.8         200.1    883.4         930.9          Costs and Expenses:       Loss and loss        adjustment expenses(2)   121.0         148.1    564.2         648.4       Commissions and other        underwriting expenses     46.7          44.4    186.5         205.0       Interest expense            2.7           2.8     11.1          11.1       Corporate general and        administrative        expenses                   1.5           1.4      6.7           7.0       Restructuring charge          -           0.3     0.0           0.8       Loss on redemption of        debt                       0.0             -      0.0             -       Other expenses              2.1           0.6      3.9           4.6                                   ---           ---      ---           ---          Total costs and           expenses              174.1         197.7    772.3         876.8          Earnings before income      taxes                       50.7           2.4    111.1          54.1     Provision for income      taxes                       16.0          13.6     40.6          34.8                                  ----          ----     ----          ----     Net earnings (loss)         $34.7        $(11.3)   $70.6         $19.3                                 =====        ======    =====         =====          Earnings (loss) per      common share:     Basic                       $2.57        $(0.79)   $5.17         $1.25     Diluted                     $2.53        $(0.79)   $5.09         $1.23          Average number of      common shares:     Basic                      13.498        14.303   13.658        15.452     Diluted                    13.717        14.530   13.870        15.680          Cash dividends per      common share               $0.12         $0.11    $0.48         $0.44               Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding          Notes:          (1) Net realized gains           (losses) before          impairment losses       $3.7          $3.7     $5.0         $10.4              Total other-than          -temporary impairment          (OTTI) losses           (0.0)        (40.3)   (11.9)        (61.8)         Non-credit portion          recognized in other          comprehensive income       -           n/a      3.8           n/a         OTTI losses reclassed          from other          comprehensive income    (0.4)          n/a    (11.8)          n/a                                   ----          ---     -----          ---         Net impairment losses          recognized in net          earnings                (0.5)        (40.3)   (19.9)        (61.8)              Total net realized          gains (losses) on          investments             $3.2        $(36.6)  $(14.8)       $(51.4)                                  ====         ======   ======        ======          Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding          (2)Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and twelve months ended     December 31, 2009, include $32.0 million and $65.4 million, pre-tax, of      favorable development on prior accident period loss and loss adjustment      expense reserves, respectively.            Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and twelve months ended      December 31, 2008, include $15.9 million and $29.4 million, pre-tax, of      favorable development on prior accident period loss and loss adjustment      expense reserves, respectively.                    Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation     Condensed Balance Sheet     (in millions, except book value per share)                                         December 31,   September 30,  December 31,                                    ------------   -------------  ------------                                         2009           2009           2008                                     (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited)                                     -----------    -----------     ---------     Assets:       Investments:         Fixed maturities, at          fair value                  $1,146.7       $1,134.8       $1,032.2         Equity securities, at          fair value                      39.4           39.4           31.2                                          ----           ----           ----           Total investments           1,186.1        1,174.2        1,063.4       Cash and cash equivalents          77.6          104.2          109.3       Accrued investment income          11.2           10.2           11.0       Agents' balances and        premiums receivable              295.7          309.7          300.8       Property, plant and        equipment (net of        depreciation)                     27.9           29.7           33.3       Prepaid reinsurance premiums        1.5            1.9            1.7       Recoverables from reinsurers       18.0           18.4           23.4       Deferred policy acquisition        costs                             68.8           71.2           70.1       Current and deferred income        taxes                             10.3           13.2           20.9       Receivable for securities sold        -            2.3              -       Prepaid expenses, deferred        charges and other assets           9.1            8.4           14.8       Goodwill                           75.3           75.3           75.3                                          ----           ----           ----           Total assets               $1,781.6       $1,818.7       $1,723.9                                      ========       ========       ========          Liabilities and Shareholders'      Equity:     Liabilities:       Unpaid losses and loss        adjustment expenses             $509.1         $532.0         $544.8       Unearned premiums                 376.1          388.0          380.4       Payable to reinsurers               0.1              -            1.0       Long-term debt                    194.7          199.6          199.6       Commissions payable                18.0           23.5           22.6       Payable for securities        purchased                         17.6           36.9            0.3       Accounts payable, accrued        expenses and other liabilities    47.9           46.0           50.0                                          ----           ----           ----           Total liabilities           1,163.4        1,226.0        1,198.6                                       -------        -------        -------          Shareholders' Equity:       Common stock                       21.1           21.1           21.0       Additional paid-in capital        344.0          343.7          341.9       Retained earnings (1)             541.2          508.1          439.1       Accumulated other comprehensive        income, net of tax                19.5           22.9            6.0       Treasury stock, at cost(2)       (307.6)        (303.2)        (282.6)                                        ------         ------         ------           Total shareholders' equity    618.2          592.7          525.3                                         -----          -----          -----           Total liabilities and            shareholders' equity      $1,781.6       $1,818.7       $1,723.9                                      ========       ========       ========          Shares outstanding                 13.497         13.605         14.146     Book value per share               $45.80         $43.56         $37.14               Note:  Columns may not foot due to rounding          Notes:     (1) The change in retained earnings from September 30, 2009 is a result of     net income of $34.7 million less shareholder dividends of $1.6 million.       The change in retained earnings from December 31, 2008 is a result of net      income of $70.6 million less shareholder dividends of $6.6 million and a      reclass made in the second quarter of 2009 of ($38.1) million, after-tax,      from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)      for the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses      previously recognized in retained earnings.          (2) Infinity repurchased 110,700 common shares during the fourth quarter      of 2009 at an average per share price, excluding commissions, of $39.94.       Infinity repurchased 689,500 common shares during the twelve months ended      December 31, 2009 at an average per share price, excluding commissions, of     $36.24.   

Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial and Operating Measures

Operating earnings are defined as net earnings, before realized gains and losses and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, after tax.  Infinity reports this non-GAAP measure because realized gains and losses can be volatile and because it is a measure used often by investors in evaluating insurance companies.  Net earnings are the most comparable GAAP measure.  

Underwriting income measures the insurer's profit on insurance sales after all losses and expenses have been paid.  It is calculated by deducting loss and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses from premiums earned.  Infinity reports this non-GAAP measure to show profitability before inclusion of investment income or taxes and because it is a measure used often by investors in evaluating insurance companies.  Net earnings are the most comparable GAAP measure.  

Below is a schedule that reconciles operating earnings and underwriting income, both non-GAAP measures, to net earnings:

                                        For the Three Months      For the Twelve Months                                Ended December 31,        Ended December 31,                               --------------------      ---------------------                                 2009          2008       2009          2008     (in millions, Except EPS)   ----          ----       ----          ----          Earned premiums           $209.7        $222.9     $848.4        $922.5     Loss and loss      adjustment expenses      (121.0)       (148.1)    (564.2)       (648.4)     Commissions and      other      underwriting      expenses                  (46.7)        (44.4)    (186.5)       (205.0)                                -----         -----     ------        ------          Underwriting income         42.0          30.4       97.8          69.0          Net investment income       11.5          13.7       49.4          58.0     Other income                 0.3           0.0        0.4           1.9     Interest expense            (2.7)         (2.8)     (11.1)        (11.1)     Corporate general and      administrative expenses    (1.5)         (1.4)      (6.7)         (7.0)     Restructuring charge           -          (0.3)      (0.0)         (0.8)     Loss on redemption of      debt                       (0.0)            -       (0.0)            -     Other expenses              (2.1)         (0.6)      (3.9)         (4.6)                                 ----          ----       ----          ----          Pre-tax operating      earnings                   47.5          39.0      126.0         105.5            Provision for        income taxes            (15.8)        (13.2)     (41.4)        (34.4)                                -----         -----      -----         -----          Operating earnings,      after-tax                  31.6          25.8       84.6          71.1            Realized gains        (losses) on        investments,        pre-tax                   3.2         (36.6)     (14.8)        (51.4)       (Provision) Benefit        for income taxes         (1.1)         12.8        5.2          18.0       Decrease (increase)        in provision for        tax valuation        allowance                 0.9         (13.3)      (4.3)        (18.4)                                  ---         -----       ----         -----         Realized gains          (losses) on          investments, net          of tax                  3.0         (37.1)     (14.0)        (51.8)          Net earnings (loss)        $34.7        $(11.3)     $70.6         $19.3                                =====        ======      =====         =====          Operating earnings per      share – diluted           $2.31         $1.78      $6.10         $4.53     Realized gains      (losses) on      investments, net      of tax                     0.15         (1.66)     (0.70)        (2.12)     Decrease (increase) in      provision for tax      valuation allowance        0.07         (0.91)     (0.31)        (1.18)                                 ----         -----      -----         -----     Net earnings (loss)      per share-diluted         $2.53        $(0.79)     $5.09         $1.23                                =====        ======      =====         =====               Note: Columns may not foot due to rounding      

Infinity also makes available an investor supplement on our website.  To access the supplemental financial information, go to www.ipacc.com and click on "Investor Relations" followed by "Quarterly Reports."  

SOURCE Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation