/home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153
">
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153

Warning: Attempt to read property "cat_name" on null in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153

Kemper Reports Strong First Quarter 2019 Operating Results

Published

5 years ago

April 29, 2019

Reading Time: 13 minutes

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kemper Corporation (NYSE: KMPR)
reported net income of $155.3 million, or $2.35 per diluted share, for
the first quarter of 2019, compared to $53.8 million, or $1.02 per
diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018. In the first quarter of
2019, net income included a $50.9 million after-tax gain, or $0.77 per
diluted share, attributable to the change in fair value of equity and
convertible securities. As adjusted for the acquisition of Infinity
Property and Casualty Corporation¹, net income was $153.2
million, or $2.32 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019,
compared to $73.9 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, for the first
quarter of 2018.

Adjusted consolidated net operating income¹ was $98.9
million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019,
compared to $57.5 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, for the first
quarter of 2018. These results increased primarily from the continued
profitable growth in Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance segment.

Highlights of the quarter include:

Consolidated earned premiums increased by 76 percent, or $465.0
million in the quarter, as reported, 12 percent, or $111.0 million, as
adjusted ¹
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance segment’s earned premiums
increased by 162 percent, or $450.9 million in the quarter, as
reported, or 15 percent, or $96.9 million, as adjusted ¹

“Kemper delivered strong growth and earnings this quarter with solid
operating performance in our core businesses, including significant
increases in earned premiums, net income, earnings per share and book
value per share,” said Joseph P. Lacher, Jr., President and CEO. “Our
focus on growing, niche and underserved markets and ability to meet the
needs of our customers is driving growth in revenues and profitability.”


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Net Income	$	155.3		$	53.8
Income from Continuing Operations	$	155.3		$	53.6
Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹	$	98.9		$	57.5

Impact of Catastrophe Losses and Related Loss Adjustment Expense (LAE) on Net Income	$	(13.8	)	$	(6.1	)

Diluted Net Income Per Share From:
Net Income	$	2.35		$	1.02
Income from Continuing Operations	$	2.35		$	1.02
Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹	$	1.50		$	1.10

Impact of Catastrophe Losses and Related LAE on Net Income Per Share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.12	)

¹ Non-GAAP financial measure. All Non-GAAP financial measures
are denoted with footnote 1 throughout this release. See “Use of
Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.

Capital

Total Shareholders’ Equity at the end of the quarter was $3,320.1
million, an increase of $270.0 million, or 9 percent, since year-end
2018 driven by net income and unrealized gain on fixed maturity
portfolio, partially offset by dividends paid to shareholders. Kemper
ended the quarter with cash and investments at the holding company of
$118.6 million, and the $300 million revolving credit agreement was
undrawn.

During the first quarter of 2019, Kemper paid dividends of $16.2 million.

Kemper ended the quarter with a book value per share of $51.13, an
increase of 9 percent from $47.10 at the end of 2018. Book value per
share excluding net unrealized gains on fixed maturities¹ was
$47.41, up 4 percent from $45.40 at the end of 2018, driven by net
income, partially offset by dividends paid to shareholders.

Revenues

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2019 increased $543.3 million,
or 78 percent, to $1,236.3 million, compared to the first quarter of
2018, driven by $450.9 million of higher Specialty P&C earned premiums
and by $63.7 million of higher revenues from the increase in the fair
values of equity and convertible securities. Net investment income
increased $3.5 million to $82.7 million in the first quarter of 2019,
primarily from a $14.0 million increase in interest on fixed income
securities primarily from the addition of Infinity’s investment
portfolio, partially offset by a $12.0 million reduction in net
investment income on the alternative investments portfolio. Net realized
investment gains were $16.1 million in the first quarter of 2019,
compared to $2.6 million last year. Other income increased $0.7 million
to $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2019.

On an as adjusted basis¹, Specialty P&C earned premiums for
the first quarter of 2019 increased $96.9 million, or 15 percent, to
$729.3, compared to the first quarter of 2018, primarily from higher
policies in-force.

Segment Results

Unless otherwise noted, (i) the segment results discussed below are
presented on an after-tax basis, (ii) prior-year development includes
both catastrophe and non-catastrophe losses and LAE, (iii) catastrophe
losses and LAE exclude the impact of prior-year development, (iv) loss
ratio includes loss and LAE, and (v) all comparisons are made to the
prior year quarter unless otherwise stated.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Segment Net Operating Income:
Preferred Property & Casualty Insurance	$	2.8		$	13.5
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance	79.6			23.4
Life & Health Insurance	23.1			24.1
Total Segment Net Operating Income	105.5			61.0
Corporate and Other Net Operating Loss	(6.6		)	(3.5		)
Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹	98.9			57.5
Net Income (Loss) From:
Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities	50.9			0.6
Net Realized Gains on Sales of Investments	12.7			2.1
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	(2.8		)	(0.4		)
Acquisition Related Transaction, Integration and Other Costs	(4.4		)	(6.2		)
Income from Continuing Operations	$	155.3		$	53.6

The Preferred Property & Casualty Insurance segment reported net
operating income of $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2019, compared
to $13.5 million in 2018. Results decreased primarily from an elevated
level of catastrophe losses, a reduction in net investment income and
some above normal large loss activity. The Preferred Property & Casualty
Insurance segment’s combined ratio increased 4.4 percentage points to
102.7 percent, while the underlying combined ratio¹ increased
1.1 percentage points to 96.0 percent in the first quarter of 2019,
driven by an increase in the underlying loss ratio¹ in
Homeowners associated with the aforementioned loss activity.

The Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance segment reported net
operating income of $79.6 million for the first quarter of 2019,
compared to $23.4 million in 2018. Results increased primarily from
strong Personal Automobile growth and profitability. On an as adjusted
basis¹, the segment’s net operating income was $75.9 million
in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $49.8 million in 2018. The
segment’s underlying combined ratio¹ improved 1.7 percentage
points to 91.7 percent in the first quarter of 2019, primarily from an
improvement in the underlying loss ratio¹ in both Personal
Automobile and Commercial Automobile.

The Life & Health Insurance segment reported net operating income of
$23.1 million for the first quarter of 2019, compared to $24.1 million
in 2018. Income was lower primarily due to a reduction in net investment
income. Higher sales volumes in both the Life and Health business lines
resulted in increased earned premiums and corresponding variable
compensation expense. The benefits ratio also improved relative to the
first quarter of 2018 which was negatively impacted by a severe flu
season.

Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three
months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Revenues:
Earned Premiums	$	1,074.8		$	609.8
Net Investment Income	82.7			79.2
Other Income	1.9			1.2
Income from Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities	64.4			0.7
Net Realized Gains on Sales of Investments	16.1			2.6
Other-than-temporary Impairment Losses:
Total Other-than-temporary Impairment Losses	(3.5		)	(0.5		)
Portion of Losses Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income	(0.1		)	—
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	(3.6		)	(0.5		)
Total Revenues	1,236.3			693.0
Expenses:
Policyholders’ Benefits and Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	765.4			436.9
Insurance Expenses	234.8			160.1
Interest and Other Expenses	41.4			29.0
Total Expenses	1,041.6			626.0
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	194.7			67.0
Income Tax Expense	(39.4		)	(13.4		)
Income from Continuing Operations	155.3			53.6
Income from Discontinued Operations	—			0.2
Net Income	$	155.3		$	53.8

Income from Continuing Operations Per Unrestricted Share:
Basic	$	2.38		$	1.03
Diluted	$	2.35		$	1.02

Net Income Per Unrestricted Share:
Basic	$	2.38		$	1.03
Diluted	$	2.35		$	1.02

Weighted-average Outstanding (Shares in Thousands):
Unrestricted Shares – Basic	64,815.0			51,502.9
Unrestricted Shares and Equivalent Shares – Diluted	65,606.0			51,868.2

Unaudited business segment revenues for the three months ended
March 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
REVENUES:
Preferred Property & Casualty Insurance:
Earned Premiums:
Preferred Automobile	$	115.4		$	104.9
Homeowners	60.3			61.8
Other Personal	9.9			10.1
Total Earned Premiums	185.6			176.8
Net Investment Income	8.3			13.7
Total Preferred Property & Casualty Insurance Revenues	193.9			190.5
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance:
Earned Premiums:
Specialty Personal Automobile	669.6			266.2
Commercial Automobile Insurance	59.7			12.2
Total Earned Premiums	729.3			278.4
Net Investment Income	21.5			9.9
Other Income	0.8			0.3
Total Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Revenues	751.6			288.6
Life & Health Insurance:
Earned Premiums:
Life	95.8			93.7
Accident & Health	46.9			43.3
Property	17.2			17.6
Total Earned Premiums	159.9			154.6
Net Investment Income	51.7			53.7
Other Income	1.1			0.8
Total Life & Health Insurance Revenues	212.7			209.1
Total Segment Revenues	1,158.2			688.2
Income from Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities	64.4			0.7
Net Realized Gains on Sales of Investments	16.1			2.6
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	(3.6		)	(0.5		)
Other	1.2			2.0
Total Revenues	$	1,236.3		$	693.0

KEMPER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions)
(Unaudited)
	Mar 31, 2019		Dec 31, 2018
Assets:
Investments:
Fixed Maturities at Fair Value	$	6,573.1	$	6,424.2
Equity Securities at Fair Value	916.9		684.4
Equity Securities at Modified Cost	39.2		41.5
Equity Method Limited Liability Investments at Cost Plus Cumulative Undistributed Earnings	197.8		187.0
Convertible Securities at Fair Value	33.8		31.5
Short-term Investments at Cost which Approximates Fair Value	350.4		286.1
Other Investments	425.6		414.8
Total Investments	8,536.8		8,069.5
Cash	107.0		75.1
Receivables from Policyholders	1,048.6		1,007.1
Other Receivables	254.6		245.4
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	499.2		470.0
Goodwill	1,111.5		1,112.4
Current Income Tax Assets	19.7		38.9
Other Assets	604.8		526.5
Total Assets	$	12,182.2	$	11,544.9
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Insurance Reserves:
Life & Health	$	3,568.5	$	3,558.7
Property & Casualty	1,868.7		1,874.9
Total Insurance Reserves	5,437.2		5,433.6
Unearned Premiums	1,499.5		1,424.3
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	82.6		26.2
Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits	3.9		4.4
Collateralized Investment Borrowings at Cost	187.7		10.0
Debt at Amortized Cost	908.5		909.0
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	742.7		687.3
Total Liabilities	8,862.1		8,494.8
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common Stock	6.5		6.5
Paid-in Capital	1,673.0		1,666.3
Retained Earnings	1,489.7		1,355.5
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	150.9		21.8
Total Shareholders’ Equity	3,320.1		3,050.1
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	12,182.2	$	11,544.9

Unaudited selected financial information for the Preferred Property &
Casualty Insurance segment follows.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Results of Operations
Net Premiums Written	$	179.6		$	170.5

Earned Premiums	$	185.6		$	176.8
Net Investment Income	8.3			13.7
Total Revenues	193.9			190.5
Incurred Losses and LAE related to:
Current Year:
Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE	120.8			114.2
Catastrophe Losses and LAE	16.6			7.3
Prior Years:
Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE	(5.1		)	4.2
Catastrophe Losses and LAE	1.0			(5.4		)
Total Incurred Losses and LAE	133.3			120.3
Insurance Expenses	57.3			53.6
Operating Income	3.3			16.6
Income Tax Expense	(0.5		)	(3.1		)
Segment Net Operating Income	$	2.8		$	13.5

Ratios Based On Earned Premiums
Current Year Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	65.1		%	64.6		%
Current Year Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	8.9			4.1
Prior Years Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	(2.7		)	2.4
Prior Years Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	0.5			(3.1		)
Total Incurred Loss and LAE Ratio	71.8			68.0
Insurance Expense Ratio	30.9			30.3
Combined Ratio	102.7		%	98.3		%

Underlying Combined Ratio¹
Current Year Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	65.1		%	64.6		%
Insurance Expense Ratio	30.9			30.3
Underlying Combined Ratio¹	96.0		%	94.9		%

Non-GAAP Measure Reconciliation
Combined Ratio	102.7		%	98.3		%
Current Year Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	8.9			4.1
Prior Years Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	(2.7		)	2.4
Prior Years Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	0.5			(3.1		)
Underlying Combined Ratio¹	96.0		%	94.9		%

Unaudited selected financial information for the Specialty Property &
Casualty Insurance segment follows.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Results of Operations
Net Premiums Written	$	809.1		$	318.4

Earned Premiums	$	729.3		$	278.4
Net Investment Income	21.5			9.9
Other Income	0.8			0.3
Total Revenues	751.6			288.6
Incurred Losses and LAE related to:
Current Year:
Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE	544.3			212.3
Catastrophe Losses and LAE	0.6			0.2
Prior Years:
Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE	(18.3		)	(0.5		)
Catastrophe Losses and LAE	0.2			(0.3		)
Total Incurred Losses and LAE	526.8			211.7
Insurance Expenses	124.8			47.9
Other Expenses	0.6			—
Operating Income	99.4			29.0
Income Tax Benefit	(19.8		)	(5.6		)
Segment Net Operating Income	$	79.6		$	23.4

Ratios Based On Earned Premiums
Current Year Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	74.6		%	76.2		%
Current Year Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	0.1			0.1
Prior Years Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	(2.5		)	(0.2		)
Prior Years Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	—			(0.1		)
Total Incurred Loss and LAE Ratio	72.2			76.0
Insurance Expense Ratio	17.1			17.2
Combined Ratio	89.3		%	93.2		%

Underlying Combined Ratio¹
Current Year Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	74.6		%	76.2		%
Insurance Expense Ratio	17.1			17.2
Underlying Combined Ratio¹	91.7		%	93.4		%

Non-GAAP Measure Reconciliation
Combined Ratio	89.3		%	93.2		%
Current Year Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	0.1			0.1
Prior Years Non-catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	(2.5		)	(0.2		)
Prior Years Catastrophe Losses and LAE Ratio	—			(0.1		)
Underlying Combined Ratio¹	91.7		%	93.4		%

Unaudited selected financial information for the Life & Health
Insurance segment follows.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Results of Operations
Earned Premiums	$	159.9		$	154.6
Net Investment Income	51.7			53.7
Other Income	1.1			0.8
Total Revenues	212.7			209.1
Policyholders’ Benefits and Incurred Losses and LAE	105.4			104.9
Insurance Expenses	78.0			73.9
Operating Profit	29.3			30.3
Income Tax Expense	(6.2		)	(6.2		)
Segment Net Operating Income	$	23.1		$	24.1

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹

Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹ is an after-tax,
non-GAAP financial measure computed by excluding from Income from
Continuing Operations the after-tax impact of 1) loss from change in
fair value of equity and convertible securities, 2) net realized gains
on sales of investments, 3) net impairment losses recognized in earnings
related to investments, 4) acquisition related transaction, integration
and other costs, 5) loss from early extinguishment of debt and 6)
significant non-recurring or infrequent items that may not be indicative
of ongoing operations. Significant non-recurring items are excluded when
(a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably
unlikely to recur within two years and (b) there has been no similar
charge or gain within the prior two years. The most directly comparable
GAAP financial measure is Income from Continuing Operations.

Kemper believes that Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹
provides investors with a valuable measure of its ongoing performance
because it reveals underlying operational performance trends that
otherwise might be less apparent if the items were not excluded. Loss
from Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities, Net
Realized Gains on Sales of Investments and Net Impairment Losses
Recognized in Earnings related to investments included in the Company’s
results may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven
by business decisions and external economic developments such as capital
market conditions that impact the values of the Company’s investments,
the timing of which is unrelated to the insurance underwriting process.
Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt is driven by the Company’s
financing and refinancing decisions and capital needs, as well as
external economic developments such as debt market conditions, the
timing of which is unrelated to the insurance underwriting process.
Acquisition Related Transaction, Integration and Other Costs may vary
significantly between periods and are generally driven by the timing of
acquisitions and business decisions which are unrelated to the insurance
underwriting process. Significant non-recurring items are excluded
because, by their nature, they are not indicative of the Company’s
business or economic trends.

A reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations to Adjusted
Consolidated Net Operating Income¹ for the three months ended
March 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below.


	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Income from Continuing Operations	$	155.3		$	53.6
Less Net Income (Loss) From:
Income from Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities	50.9			0.6
Net Realized Gains on Sales of Investments	12.7			2.1
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	(2.8		)	(0.4		)
Acquisition Related Transaction, Integration and Other Costs	(4.4		)	(6.2		)
Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income¹	$	98.9		$	57.5

Diluted Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income
Per Unrestricted Share¹

Diluted Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income Per Unrestricted Share¹
is a non-GAAP financial measure computed by dividing Adjusted
Consolidated Net Operating Income¹ attributed to unrestricted
shares by the weighted-average unrestricted shares and equivalent shares
outstanding. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is
Diluted Income from Continuing Operations Per Unrestricted Share.

A reconciliation of Diluted Income from Continuing Operations Per
Unrestricted Share to Diluted Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income
Per Unrestricted Share¹ for the three months ended March 31,
2019 and 2018 is presented below.


	Three Months Ended
(Unaudited)	Mar 31, 2019			Mar 31, 2018
Diluted Income from Continuing Operations Per Unrestricted Share	$	2.35		$	1.02
Less Net Income (Loss) Per Unrestricted Share From:
Income from Change in Fair Value of Equity and Convertible Securities	0.77			0.01
Net Realized Gains on Sales of Investments	0.19			0.04
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	(0.04		)	(0.01		)
Acquisition Related Transaction and Integration Costs	(0.07		)	(0.12		)
Diluted Adjusted Consolidated Net Operating Income Per Unrestricted Share¹	$	1.50		$	1.10

Book Value Per Share Excluding Net Unrealized
Gains on Fixed Maturities¹

Book Value Per Share Excluding Net Unrealized Gains on Fixed Maturities¹
is a ratio that uses a non-GAAP financial measure. It is calculated by
dividing shareholders’ equity after excluding the after-tax impact of
net unrealized gains on fixed income securities by total Common Shares
Issued and Outstanding. Book Value Per Share is the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure. Kemper uses the trends in book value
per share, excluding the after-tax impact of net unrealized gains on
fixed income securities, in conjunction with book value per share to
identify and analyze the change in net worth attributable to management
efforts between periods. Kemper believes the non-GAAP financial measure
is useful to investors because it eliminates the effect of items that
can fluctuate significantly from period to period and are generally
driven by economic developments, primarily capital market conditions,
the magnitude and timing of which are not influenced by management.
Kemper believes it enhances understanding and comparability of
performance by highlighting underlying business activity and
profitability drivers.

A reconciliation of the numerator used in the computation of Book Value
Per Share Excluding Net Unrealized Gains on Fixed Maturities¹
and Book Value Per Share at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is
presented below.


(Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited)	Mar 31, 2019		Dec 31, 2018
Shareholders’ Equity	$	3,320.1	$	3,050.1
Net Unrealized Gains on Fixed Maturities	241.9		110.4
Shareholders’ Equity Excluding Net Unrealized Gains on Fixed Maturities¹	$	3,078.2	$	2,939.7

Underlying Combined Ratio¹

Underlying Combined Ratio¹ is a non-GAAP financial measure
that is computed by adding the current year non-catastrophe losses and
LAE ratio with the insurance expense ratio. The most directly comparable
GAAP financial measure is the combined ratio, which is computed by
adding total incurred losses and LAE, including the impact of
catastrophe losses and loss and LAE reserve development from prior
years, with the insurance expense ratio. Kemper believes the underlying
combined ratio is useful to investors and is used by management to
reveal the trends in Kemper’s property and casualty insurance businesses
that may be obscured by catastrophe losses and prior-year reserve
development. These catastrophe losses may cause loss trends to vary
significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of
occurrence and magnitude, and can have a significant impact on incurred
losses and LAE and the combined ratio. Prior-year reserve development is
caused by unexpected loss development on historical reserves. Because
reserve development relates to the re-estimation of losses from earlier
periods, it has no bearing on the performance of the company’s insurance
products in the current period. Kemper believes it is useful for
investors to evaluate these components separately and in the aggregate
when reviewing its underwriting performance. The underlying combined
ratio¹ should not be considered a substitute for the combined
ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of our
business.

As Adjusted for Acquisition¹

As Adjusted for Acquisition¹ amounts are non-GAAP financial
measures. For three months ended March 31, 2019, as adjusted amounts are
computed by subtracting the impact of purchase accounting adjustments
from the comparable consolidated GAAP financial measure reported by
Kemper. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, as adjusted amounts
are computed by adding the historical results of Infinity reported on a
GAAP basis to the comparable consolidated GAAP financial measure
reported by Kemper.

Contacts

Investors: Michael Marinaccio,
312.661.4930, [email protected]

News Media: Barbara Ciesemier,
312.661.4521, [email protected]

Read full story here

Cannabis

Cannabis Concentrate Market to Cross US$2.4 Billion by 2030 amid Rising Medical and Recreational Demand

Published

9 hours ago

April 18, 2024

GlobeNewswire

transfer

IMC to transfer its Oranim Pharmacy shares back to the seller

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

imc-to-transfer-its-oranim-pharmacy-shares-back-to-the-seller

TORONTO and GLIL YAM, Israel, April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IM Cannabis Corp. (CSE: IMCC) (NASDAQ: IMCC) (the “Company” or “IMC“), a leading medical cannabis company with operations in Israel and Germany, is announcing that, further to the news release dated January 12, 2024, the Company has decided not to make remaining installment payments installments (i.e. NIS 5,873K including interest or 2,154K CAD) by IMC Holdings Ltd., and as such will transfer the 51% shares held by IMC Holdings Ltd back to the seller.

“With the April 1^st cannabis legalization in Germany, we are focusing our resources on the German market, where we expect to see the biggest growth potential,” said Oren Shuster, CEO of IMC. “With both of our core markets, Germany and Israel, currently undergoing rapid evolution, we need to assure that we allocate our resources to the growth opportunities where we expect the best return on investment.”

About IM Cannabis Corp.

IMC (Nasdaq: IMCC) (CSE: IMCC) is an international cannabis company that provides premium cannabis products to medical patients in Israel and Germany, two of the largest medical cannabis markets. The Company has recently exited operations in Canada to pivot its focus and resources to achieve sustainable and profitable growth in its highest value markets, Israel and Germany. The Company leverages a transnational ecosystem powered by a unique data-driven approach and a globally sourced product supply chain. With an unwavering commitment to responsible growth and compliance with the strictest regulatory environments, the Company strives to amplify its commercial and brand power to become a global high-quality cannabis player.

The IMC ecosystem operates in Israel through its commercial relationship with Focus Medical Herbs Ltd., which imports and distributes cannabis to medical patients, leveraging years of proprietary data and patient insights. The Company also operates medical cannabis retail pharmacies, online platforms, distribution centers, and logistical hubs in Israel that enable the safe delivery and quality control of IMC’s products throughout the entire value chain. In Germany, the IMC ecosystem operates through Adjupharm GmbH, where it distributes cannabis to pharmacies for medical cannabis patients. Until recently, the Company also actively operated in Canada through Trichome Financial Corp and its wholly owned subsidiaries, where it cultivated, processed, packaged, and sold premium and ultra-premium cannabis at its own facilities under the WAGNERS and Highland Grow brands for the adult-use market in Canada. The Company has exited operations in Canada and considers these operations discontinued.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. In the press release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of growth opportunities and the likelihood of growth potential.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to: the development and introduction of new products; continuing demand for medical and adult-use recreational cannabis in the markets in which the Company operates; the Company’s ability to reach patients through both e-commerce and brick and mortar retail operations; the Company’s ability to maintain and renew or obtain required licenses; the effectiveness of its products for medical cannabis patients and recreational consumers; and the Company’s ability to market its brands and services successfully to its anticipated customers and medical cannabis patients.

The above lists of forward-looking statements and assumptions are not exhaustive. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated or implied by such forward looking statements due to a number of factors and risks. These include: any failure of the Company to maintain “de facto” control over Focus Medical in accordance with IFRS 10; the failure of the Company to comply with applicable regulatory requirements in a highly regulated industry; unexpected changes in governmental policies and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; the effect of the reform on the Company; the Company’s ability to continue to meet the listing requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the NASDAQ Capital Market; any unexpected failure to maintain in good standing or renew its licenses; the ability of the Company and Focus Medical (collectively, the “Group”) to deliver on their sales commitments or growth objectives; the reliance of the Group on third-party supply agreements to provide sufficient quantities of medical cannabis to fulfil the Group’s obligations; the Group’s possible exposure to liability, the perceived level of risk related thereto, and the anticipated results of any litigation or other similar disputes or legal proceedings involving the Group; the impact of increasing competition; any lack of merger and acquisition opportunities; adverse market conditions; the inherent uncertainty of production quantities, qualities and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks of product liability and other safety-related liability from the usage of the Group’s cannabis products; supply chain constraints; reliance on key personnel; the risk of defaulting on existing debt and war, conflict and civil unrest in Eastern Europe and the Middle East

Any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made.

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Company Contacts:

Anna Taranko, Director Investor & Public Relations
IM Cannabis Corp.
+49 157 80554338
[email protected]

Oren Shuster, Chief Executive Officer
IM Cannabis Corp.
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1742228/IM_Cannabis_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/imc-to-transfer-its-oranim-pharmacy-shares-back-to-the-seller-302117984.html