10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2010

ALLSTATE CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2010

Filed April 28, 2010For Securities:ALLALL-PJALL-PBALL-PHALL-PI

Summary

The Allstate Corporation reported a net income of $120 million for the first quarter of 2010, a significant improvement from a net loss of $274 million in the same period of 2009. This turnaround was driven by a recovery in its Property-Liability segment, which posted a net income of $164 million, compared to $100 million in the prior year, despite a slight decrease in premiums earned. The Allstate Financial segment also showed improvement, moving from a net loss of $327 million to a net income of $4 million. Key factors contributing to the improved results include a reduction in other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments, which decreased significantly from $725 million to $255 million. While net investment income declined due to lower yields and portfolio adjustments, the company managed its expenses effectively, including a notable reduction in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. The Property-Liability combined ratio slightly worsened to 98.9 from 96.8, indicating higher claims and catastrophe losses, particularly in the homeowners line. Overall, the company demonstrated a return to profitability, driven by a more stable investment portfolio and better expense management, although challenges remain in certain areas like homeowners insurance claims and the ongoing legal proceedings. Investors will be looking for continued operational improvements and stability in the coming quarters.

Financial Highlights

34 data points
Beta

Revenue

$7.75B

Net Income

$120.00M

1.5% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.22

Total Assets

$132.39B

Cash & Equivalents

$704.00M

Free Cash Flow

$940.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$7.75B
Interest Expense$92.00M
Net Income$120.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.22
EPS (Diluted)$0.22
Shares Outstanding (Basic)540.50M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)541.80M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated net income turned positive at $120 million, compared to a net loss of $274 million in Q1 2009.
  • 2Property-Liability segment reported a net income of $164 million, up from $100 million in Q1 2009.
  • 3Allstate Financial segment improved significantly, posting a net income of $4 million versus a net loss of $327 million in Q1 2009.
  • 4Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments decreased substantially from $725 million in Q1 2009 to $255 million in Q1 2010.
  • 5Net investment income decreased by 10.7% to $1.05 billion, reflecting lower yields and portfolio management actions.
  • 6The Property-Liability combined ratio was 98.9 in Q1 2010, a slight deterioration from 96.8 in Q1 2009, influenced by higher catastrophe losses in homeowners insurance.
  • 7Book value per diluted share increased by 42.4% year-over-year to $32.26 as of March 31, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the improved financial performance was the significant reduction in other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments, which fell from $725 million in Q1 2009 to $255 million in Q1 2010. Additionally, a turnaround in the Allstate Financial segment from a substantial net loss to a small net income, and effective expense management across segments, contributed to the positive results.

The Property-Liability segment reported a net income of $164 million, an increase from $100 million in the prior year. This improvement was driven by lower impairment losses and better expense management. However, the combined ratio slightly worsened to 98.9 from 96.8, mainly due to higher catastrophe losses, particularly in the homeowners line, and an increase in auto claim frequencies and severities.

As of March 31, 2010, the company's total investments were $100.22 billion. The portfolio is actively managed to mitigate interest rate, equity, and credit risks. The company reduced its exposure to municipal bonds, commercial real estate, and equity markets during the quarter. Unrealized net capital losses on the investment portfolio decreased significantly from $2.32 billion at the end of 2009 to $849 million at the end of Q1 2010, reflecting improved market valuations.

Yes, the company is involved in several legal and regulatory matters, including multi-state market conduct examinations and various lawsuits related to claims handling practices, medical bill review, and total loss automobile valuations. While management believes the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position, they represent ongoing risks. Specifically, the company is vigorously defending matters arising from Hurricane Katrina and is involved in worker classification litigation.