UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 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): February 10, 2015

 

 

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Bermuda   1-15259   98-0214719
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

110 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM 08
Bermuda
  P.O. Box HM 1282
Hamilton HM FX
Bermuda
(Address, Including Zip Code,
of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Mailing Address)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (441) 296-5858

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

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:

 

¨ 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)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


ITEM 7.01. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Argo Group”) may make presentations to members of the investment community from time to time using the the presentation materials attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Note: The information in this report and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto are furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. This report will not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information in the report that is required to be disclosed solely by Regulation FD.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain statements that are “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, as amended. Such statements are qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally and also may materially differ from actual future experience involving any one or more of such statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see Argo Group’s filings with the SEC. The inclusion of a forward-looking statement herein should not be regarded as a representation by Argo Group that Argo Group’s objectives will be achieved. Argo Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(d) Exhibits:

 

    99.1 Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. Presentation


SIGNATURE

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.

 

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
By:

/s/ Jay S. Bullock

Dated: February 10, 2015 Name: Jay S. Bullock
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

2

EX-99.1
4Q 2014 Investor Presentation
February 2015
Exhibit 99.1


Forward-Looking Statements
2.
This presentation contains “forward-looking statements” which are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking
statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs concerning future
developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that actual
developments will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results may differ materially
from those projected as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including non-receipt of
the expected payments, changes in interest rates, effect of the performance of financial markets
on investment income and fair values of investments, development of claims and the effect on
loss reserves, accuracy in projecting loss reserves, the impact of competition and pricing
environments, changes in the demand for the Company's products, the effect of general
economic conditions, adverse state and federal legislation, regulations and regulatory
investigations into industry practices,  developments relating to existing agreements, heightened
competition, changes in pricing  environments, and changes in asset valuations. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of events
or developments subsequent to the presentation.  


3.
Argo Group at a Glance
Exchange / Ticker:
NASDAQ / “AGII”
Share Price:
$54.29
Market Capitalization:
$1.4 billion
Annual Dividend / Yield:
$0.72 per share / 1.3%
Gross Written Premium:
$1.9 billion
Capital:
$2.0 billion
Analyst Coverage:
KBW (Outperform) –
Brett Shirreffs
Raymond James (Outperform) –
Greg Peters
Sterne Agee (Buy) –
Dan Farrell
Compass Point (Neutral) –
Ken Billingsley
Dowling & Partners (Neutral) –
Aaron Woomer
William Blair (Market Perform) –
Adam Klauber
Macquarie (Underperform) –
Amit Kumar
Atlanta
Bermuda
Boston
Brussels
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Dubai
Houston
Irvine
London
Los Angeles
Malta
New York
Paris
Peoria
Portland
Richmond
Rio de Janeiro
Rockwood
San Antonio
San Francisco
Sao Paulo
Scottsdale
Seattle
Singapore
Zurich
Note: Market information as of February 2, 2015 and annual performance figures as of TTM December 31, 2014.


4.
Leading Specialty Franchise
Global underwriter of specialty insurance &
reinsurance
Strategically located in major insurance centers
U.S., Bermuda and London
Established presence in attractive markets
Leader in U.S. Excess & Surplus Lines
Top Quartile Lloyd’s Syndicate by stamp
Strong core Commercial Specialty franchise
Flexible reinsurance & excess casualty platform
Primary presence in Brazil
Diversified by geography, product & distribution
Broad and strong producer relationships
Retailers, wholesalers and brokers (Lloyd’s, Re)
“A”
(excellent) A.M. Best rating
Primary
Insurance
Reinsurance
Property
Casualty
GWP by Business Type
GWP by Business Mix
Argo Franchise Overview
~90%
~10%
~90%
~40%
~60%


5.
Maximize
Shareholder
Value
through
growth in
Book Value
per Share
Sustainable competitive advantage
Niche markets
Underwriting expertise
Superior customer service
Product innovation
Profitable organic & strategic growth
Profitable through cycles
Key underwriters/teams
Deals that meet stringent criteria
Deep, tenured management team
Active capital management
Strategy Aligned Toward Shareholder Value


6.
*Excludes GWP recorded in runoff and corporate & other.
Evolution of Growth and Diversification
$622
800
$788
$903
$1,056
$1,153
$1,182
$1,605
$1,987
$1,530
$1,544
$1,744
$1,888
$1,904
400
1,200
1,600
2,000
Risk Management (sold renewal rights in 2005)
International Specialty
Syndicate 1200
Commercial Specialty
Excess & Surplus Lines
15%
30%
32%
23%
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
BVPS
$27.60
$30.46
$35.52
$41.05
$39.62
$47.00
$52.55
$50.54
$55.22
$58.96
$64.04
Total Capital (Millions)
$717
$860
$992
$1,754
$1,763
$1,975
$1,986
$1,840
$1,915
$1,966
$2,025
2001
Acquired Colony
and Rockwood
Founded Trident
(Public Entity)
2005
Sold Risk 
Management
business
2007
Rebranded Argo Group
Completed acquisition
in Bermuda
Formed Argo Re
2008
Acquired Lloyd’s
Syndicate 1200
2011
Established  local
presence in Brazil


7.
Argo Group Business Mix ($1.9b in GWP)
GWP by Segment
Excess &
Surplus Lines
Commercial
Specialty
Syndicate
1200
International
Specialty
30%
15%
32%
GWP by Product
GWP by Geography
United
States
London
Bermuda
23%
15%
Excess &
Surplus Lines
32%
Other
Commercial
Specialty
Property
Public Entity
19%
5%
6%
Marine &
Aerospace
Surety 3%
Alteris
Mining 4%
Emerging Mkts &
Bermuda Long Tail 9%
6%
Emerging Markets 4%
55%
11%
30%
GWP by Business Type
Primary
Insurance
Reinsurance
*Data is based on full year 2014. Excludes GWP recorded in runoff and corporate & other.
~10%
~90%
7.


8.
Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy
Retail Broker
/
Agent
General
Agency
Wholesale
Broker
Lloyd’s
Market
Reinsurance
Broker
Rockwood
X
Argo Insurance
X
Trident
X
Surety
X
X
Commercial Programs
X
Alteris
X
Contract
X
Transportation
X
Casualty
X
E&O
X
X
D&O
X
X
Environmental
X
Allied Medical
X
X
Specialty Property
X
Liability
X
Property
X
Aviation
X
Marine
X
Excess Casualty
X
X
Professional Liability
X
X
Emerging Markets
X
X
Reinsurance
X


9.
-
Adjusted for June 2013 stock dividend
-
2008-2011
restated
to
reflect
adoption
of
ASU
2010-26
(related
to
accounting
for
costs
associated
with
acquiring
or
renewing
insurance
contracts);
2007
and
prior
not
restated
-
2006 and prior years adjusted for PXRE merger
-
2003-2006
includes
impact
of
Series
A
Mandatory
Convertible
Preferred
on
an
as-if
converted
basis.
Preferred
stock
fully
converted
into
common
shares
as
of
Dec.
31,
2007
Maximizing Shareholder Value –
BVPS Growth
Reported Book Value
Cumulative Dividends
Price/Book
$24.75
$27.60
$21.27
$30.46
$35.52
$41.05
$39.62
$47.00
$52.55
$50.54
$55.22
$58.96
$64.04
$21.27
$24.75
$27.60
$30.46
$35.52
$42.55
$41.12
$48.50
$54.49
$52.92
$58.03
$62.36
$68.13
1.1x
1.1x
1.2x
1.6x
1.7x
1.2x
0.9x
0.8x
0.7x
0.7x
0.6x
0.8x
0.9x
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
(1) Book value per common share:
(2) Price / book calculated at 52-week high and most recent book value per share. Stock price adjusted for PXRE merger for 2006 and prior years.
1
2


10.
Scale ($m)
2002
2006
2014
'02-'14 Factor
Gross Written Premiums
$622.1
$1,155.6
$1,905.4
3.1x
Net Written Premiums
484.0
847.0
1,367.9
2.8x
Net Earned Premiums
378.4
813.0
1,338.1
3.5x
Financial Strength ($m)
2002
2006
2014
'02-'14 Factor
Total Assets
$2,208.9
$3,721.5
$6,356.3
2.9x
Total Investments
1,181.3
2,514.1
4,097.9
3.5x
Shareholder's Equity
327.7
847.7
1,646.7
5.0x
Total Capital
$327.7
$992.0
$2,025.2
6.2x
Debt+TRUPs / Total Capital
0.0%
14.5%
18.7%
A.M. Best Rating
A
A
A
Substantial Growth and Financial Strength


11.
2014 YoY Net Earned Premium & Combined Ratio
Consolidated NEP up 2.6% and Combined Ratio improved 1.3% in 2014 vs. 2013
Excess & Surplus Lines
Commercial Specialty
International Specialty
Syndicate 1200
$460.2
$485.2
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
2013
2014
Combined Ratio
88.1%
-3.7%
84.4%
$299.0
$291.9
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
2013
2014
Combined Ratio
97.8%
2.4%
100.2%
$142.4
$148.3
$25
$50
$75
$100
$125
$150
$175
2013
2014
Combined Ratio
95.4%
-6.2%
89.2%
$401.7
$411.1
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
2013
2014
Combined Ratio
92.4%
-1.0%
91.4%


12.
All data in millions except for ratio calculations.
(1)
PTOI = Pre-Tax Operating Income. Excludes interest expense.
Excess & Surplus Lines Segment (32% of 2014 GWP)
88.9%
89.3%
99.6%
97.4%
95.5%
91.9%
93.3%
84.4%
88.1%
About Us
Leader in U.S. Excess & Surplus Lines
Strong relationships with national,
local and regional wholesale brokers
Seasoned U/W expertise is a competitive
advantage
Target all sizes of non-standard (hard-to-place)
risks, with focus on small/medium accounts
Underwrites on both admitted & non-admitted
basis and across all business enterprises via
two brands:
GWP by Business Unit (2014)
Casualty 35%
Transportation 6%
Environmental 6%
Allied Medical 6%
Management Liability 8%
Property 11%
Contract  24%
Errors & Omissions 5%
Combined Ratio
PTOI
Gross Written Premium
PTOI
(1)
& Combined Ratio
2006
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2007
2014
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2006
2012
2007
2014
$101.4
$112.7
$98.3
$64.7
$71.0
$74.4
$83.2
$96.3
$112.3
$753.2
$726.5
$684.3
$642.3
$522.6
$478.9
$513.5
$594.2
$607.2
Colony Specialty
Argo Pro


13.
Restructuring initiatives and strategy enhancement has enabled
Argo to become an industry-leading E&S underwriter
E&S Operating Platform Enhancement
New segment
management team is
formed
Year of restructuring
and strategy
enhancement
Year of execution on
the newly
restructured platform
Continued execution
and Combined Ratio
improvement
97.4%
95.5%
91.9%
88.1%
84.4%
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014


14.
$50.4
$61.3
$43.0
$45.8
$36.3
$1.4
($18.9)
$25.2
$15.5
Commercial Specialty Segment (23% of GWP)
About Us
Business primarily placed through
retail
distribution partners
Argo Insurance –
designs customized
commercial insurance programs for grocers, dry
cleaners, restaurants and other specialty retail
clients
Trident –
2
nd
largest provider of insurance to
small and midsize U.S. public entities
Rockwood –
2
nd
largest provider of commercial
insurance to coal mining industry
Alteris
fee based business where Argo or
others accept the risk
GWP by Business Unit (2014)
U.S. Retail (Argo Insurance) 17%
Restaurants 5%
Grocery 6%
Dry Cleaners 2%
Other Industries 4%
Public Entity
(Trident) 21%
Surety 13%
Mining
(Rockwood) 19%
Other 4%
Alteris Managed Premium 27%
Transportation 2%
State Workers’
Comp Funds 19%
Self Insured Public Entity 6%
89.4%
88.7%
95.6%
98.1%
108.3%
115.1%
96.5%
100.2%
97.8%
Combined Ratio
PTOI
Gross Written Premium
PTOI
(1)
& Combined Ratio
2006
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2007
2014
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2006
2012
2007
2014
All data in millions except for ratio calculations.
(1)
PTOI = Pre-Tax Operating Income. Excludes interest expense and impairment of intangible assets.
$389.1
$420.7
$510.9
$475.7
$428.1
$428.8
$437.0
$419.1
$440.2


15.
($5.2)
$30.0
($27.7)
($63.8)
$31.8
$40.6
$47.3
131.7%
115.2%
Syndicate 1200 Segment (30% of GWP)
General Liability 11%
Prof. Indemnity 14%
Int’l Casualty Treaty 3%
Directors & Officers 4%
Other 2%
About Us
Well-established multi-class
platform at Lloyd’s of London
Ranks among the largest
Syndicates at Lloyd’s by Stamp
Capacity
Lloyd’s market ratings:
‘A’
(Excellent) by A.M. Best
‘A+’
(Strong) by S&P
GWP by Business Unit (2014)
Property 44%
Liability 34%
Specialty 17%
Aerospace 4%
Property Fac 18%
Personal Accident 11%
N. Am. & Int’l Binders 9%
Other 7%
95.8%
112.3%
96.2%
92.4%
Offshore Energy 7%
Onshore Energy 4%
Cargo 3%
Yachts & Hulls 3%
91.4%
Gross Written Premium
PTOI
(1)
& Combined Ratio
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2014
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2014
All data in millions except for ratio calculations.
(1)
PTOI = Pre-Tax Operating Income. Excludes interest expense.
$282.9
$706.0
$389.9
$438.5
$533.4
$583.9
$566.2
Combined Ratio
PTOI


16.
$23.6
$50.3
$36.7
($67.7)
$15.7
$14.6
$24.2
International Specialty Segment (15% of GWP)
About Us
Bermuda team underwrites:
Property cat, short tail per risk and
proportional treaty reinsurance worldwide
Excess casualty and professional liability
for Fortune 1000 accounts
Building diversity through international
expansion:
Established primary operations in Brazil
Established operations in Eurozone
Established regional office in Dubai
Distributes through brokers
GWP by Business Unit (2014)
Excess Casualty 23%
Professional Liability 12%
Brazil 24%
Marine Cargo 10%
Property & Engineering 3%
Motor 5%
Financial Lines 6%
Reinsurance 41%
Other Assumed Re 4%
Property Risk XS 3%
Property Pro Rata 6%
Property Cat 29%
177.5%
71.7%
52.3%
77.9%
97.1%
95.4%
89.2%
Gross Written Premium
PTOI
(1)
& Combined Ratio
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2014
2013
2011
2010
2009
2008
2012
2014
All data in millions except for ratio calculations.
(1)
PTOI = Pre-Tax Operating Income. Excludes interest expense.
$126.4
$162.9
$188.9
$198.2
$260.2
$290.6
$290.2
Combined Ratio
PTOI


17.
4Q 2014 & Full Year 2014 Operating Results
4Q 2014
4Q 2013
Full Year
2014
Full Year
2013
Gross Written Premiums
$425.0
$412.9
$1,905.4
$1,888.4
Net Written Premiums
312.3
307.6
1,367.9
1,351.3
Earned Premiums
338.7
341.6
1,338.1
1,303.8
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
187.9
187.9
747.4
742.0
Other Reinsurance-Related Expenses
0.0
4.8
0.0
19.2
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
139.9
132.8
539.2
510.8
Underwriting Income
$10.9
$16.1
$51.5
$31.8
Net Investment Income
21.9
22.7
86.6
100.0
Fee expense, net
0.7
5.4
0.6
4.9
Interest Expense
4.9
5.1
19.9
20.2
Operating Income
$27.2
$28.3
$117.6
$106.7
Net Realized Investment Gains and Other
51.5
41.7
94.0
71.3
Foreign Currency Exchange (Gain) Loss
(5.0)
3.5
(7.8)
(1.7)
Impairment of Intangible Assets
3.4
0.0
3.4
0.0
Income Before Taxes
$80.3
$66.5
$216.0
$179.7
Provision for Income Taxes
20.6
18.7
32.8
36.5
Net Income
$59.7
$47.8
$183.2
$143.2
Operating Income per Common Share (Diluted)
1
$0.83
$0.82
$3.54
$3.06
Net Income per Common Share (Diluted)
$2.28
$1.74
$6.90
$5.14
Loss Ratio
2
55.5%
55.8%
55.9%
57.8%
Expense Ratio
3
41.3%
39.4%
40.3%
39.7%
Combined Ratio
96.8%
95.2%
96.2%
97.5%
All data in millions except for per share data and ratio calculations.
(1)
Calculated using an assumed tax rate of 20%.
(2)
Defined as Losses & LAE / (Earned Premiums less Other Reinsurance-Related Expenses).
(3)
Defined as Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses / (Earned Premiums less Other Reinsurance-Related Expenses).


As of December 31, 2014
17%
Duration of 2.4 years
Average rating of ‘A1/A+’
Book yield of 2.8%*
Very liquid
Conservatively managed
Portfolio Characteristics
*Book yield is pre-tax & includes all fixed maturities
18.
Equity Investments by Sector
12% Health Care
Energy
24%
9% Financials
6% Industrials
10% Technology
1% Funds
3% Materials
7% Discretionary
Consumer
Staples
26%
Total:
$0.5b
Fixed Maturities by Type
9% Short Term
Corporate     
13% Gov.
19% Structured
State/Muni
Total:
$3.1b*
*$2.8 billion in fixed maturities, $0.3 billion in short term
2% Utilities & Telecom
Asset Allocation
12% Other
Maturities.
7% Short Term
12% Equities
Total:
$4.1b
$81m of cash & cash equivalents not included above
*Duration includes cash & cash equivalents
$81m of cash & cash equivalents not included above
18.
Conservative Investment Strategy
43%.
16%.
69%
Fixed


19.
2010-2014
($millions)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total
Total Shares Outstanding
31,206,796
31,285,469
31,384,271
34,066,889
34,318,224
Less: Treasury Shares
3,363,560
  
4,971,305
  
6,459,613
  
7,558,345
  
8,606,489
  
  Net Shares
27,843,236
26,314,164
24,924,658
26,508,544
25,711,735
Shares Repurchased
3,217,561
  
1,607,745
  
1,488,308
  
1,098,732
  
1,048,144
  
8,460,490
  
  As % of Beg. Net Shares
10%
6%
6%
4%
4%
27%
Avg. Repurchase Price per Share
$33.05
$30.69
$29.89
$41.02
$48.45
$34.99
Total Repurchased ($m)
$106.3
$49.3
$44.5
$45.1
$50.8
$296.0
Dividends per Share
$0.48
$0.48
$0.48
$0.60
$0.69
$2.73
Dividend Payments ($m)
$15.3
$14.2
$13.4
$16.1
$17.9
$76.9
Repurchases + Dividends ($m)
$121.7
$63.6
$57.9
$61.1
$68.7
$373.0
Note: Not adjusted for June 2013 stock dividend.
Active Capital Management
Through share repurchases and dividends, we have returned $373 million of capital
and repurchased 27% of shares outstanding from 2010 through 2014


20.
Source:  SNL Financial (as of 2/2/15).
Note:
Peer
Group
consists
of:
Allied
World,
American
Financial,
Arch
Capital,
Aspen,
AXIS
Capital,
Endurance,
Global
Indemnity,
HCC,
Markel,
Navigators, OneBeacon, RLI Corp, Selective Group, W.R. Berkley.
Stock Price Performance –
Last 2 Years
(10.0%)
+0.0%
+10.0%
+20.0%
+30.0%
+40.0%
+50.0%
+60.0%
+70.0%
+80.0%
Argo Group
Peer Group
S&P 500
+35%
+63%
+33%
Feb-13
Apr
-13
Jun
-13
Aug
-13
Oct-13
Dec-13
Feb-14
Apr
-14
Jun
-14
Aug
-14
Oct-14
Dec-14


21.
Source:  SNL Financial (as of 2/2/15).
Note:  Price to book is average price/book across all peer companies based on latest reported book value.  Peer Group consists of: Allied World,
American Financial, Arch Capital, Aspen, AXIS Capital, Endurance, Global Indemnity, HCC, Markel, Navigators, OneBeacon, RLI Corp, Selective
Group, W.R. Berkley.
Compelling Valuation vs. Peer Group
0.86x
1.23x
0.37x
Difference
Price/Book
Jan-00
Feb-15
Argo
0.70x
0.86x
Peer Avg.
1.17x
1.23x
Difference
0.47x
0.37x
-
0.2x
0.4x
0.6x
0.8x
1.0x
1.2x
1.4x
1.6x
1.8x
2.0x
Jan-00
Jan-02
Jan-04
Jan-06
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Jan-14
Argo
Peer Group


22.
We
believe
that
Argo
Group
has
potential
to
generate
substantial
value
for new and existing investors
Well Positioned for Value Creation in 2015 and Beyond
Compelling investment case
Stock trading at a discount to book value and below peers
Upside potential as past and ongoing efforts continue
Moderate financial leverage
Strong balance sheet with adequate reserves and excellent asset quality
Significant changes to premium composition completed
Results
of
re-underwriting
efforts
emerging
in
financials
Continue to employ and attract some of the best talent in the industry
Incremental yield improvements can have a favorable impact on ROE