"Results for the third quarter show continued improvement on both an operating earnings and underwriting basis," states James Gober, Infinity's President and CEO. "We are also pleased to show 14% growth in the franchise states as compared with the third quarter of 2002. This is a reflection of our previously stated goal to focus on having new, profitable programs introduced in the five franchise states."
Franchise States Results
Gross written premiums in Infinity's five franchise states of California, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, which represent 78% of the total business volume, were $183.8 million in the third quarter of 2003 compared with $161.2 million the same period in 2002. Gross written premiums for the franchise states were $569.0 million for the first nine months of 2003, up 4.2% from that in 2002. These gross written premiums reflect gross premiums for the NSA Group and premiums gross of the auto physical damage quota share for the Assumed Agency Business.
Loss Ratios
Loss ratios for the overall business before reinsurance improved from 57.0% to 51.2% from the third quarter of 2002 to the same period in 2003, and from 60.2% for the first nine months of 2002 to 54.6% in the same period in 2003, driven substantially from the reduction of business in the non-focus states as well as the improvement in the loss ratio in the franchise states.
2003/2004 Earnings Guidance
Based on results for the first three quarters of 2003 and expectations for the fourth quarter, Infinity is increasing its guidance on 2003 operating earnings, on a fully diluted basis, from a range of $2.30 to $2.45 to a range of $2.45 to $2.60.
Infinity is also providing guidance for 2004 for the first time. Operating earnings, on a fully diluted basis, are expected to be in the range of $2.80 to $3.00.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this press release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions and projections. Statements which include the words "believes", "expects", "may", "should", "intends", "plans", "anticipates", "estimates", or the negative version of these words and similar statements of a future or forward looking nature identify forward looking statements. Examples of such forward looking statements include statements relating to Infinity's expectations concerning market and other conditions, future premiums, revenues, earnings and investment activities, expected losses, rate increases,
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