- Total Revenue: increased to $57.2 million from $56.6 million the prior year quarter
- Premium Revenue: decreased to $55.7 million compared to $56.5 million the prior year quarter
- Other Revenue: increased to $1.5 million from $141,000 the prior year quarter
- Medical Expenses: increased to $50.7 million (91.1% of premium revenue) from $49.4 million
(87.5%) the prior year quarter
- Administrative Expenses: increased to $7.5 million (13.2% of total revenue) from to $5.6 million (9.9% of total revenue) the prior year quarter
Bend, Ore., November 9, 2009 – Clear One Health Plans, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCBB: CCHN) reported a third quarter 2009 net loss of $2.1 million, or $1.21 per share, compared to earnings of $491,000 for the year ago quarter, or $0.28 per share. The quarterly loss was primarily due to an adverse economy resulting in decreases in premium revenue coupled with increased medical and operating expenses, as well as additional state income taxes paid in the current year. Total revenue increased to $57.2 million for the 2009 third quarter from $56.6 million for the year ago quarter due to increases in revenue from the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Trusteed Plans Service Corporate (TPSC).
Premium revenue decreased to $55.7 million for the 2009 third quarter compared to $56.5 million for the year ago quarter due to the economic downturn resulting in losses in membership. Other revenue increased to $1.5 million compared to $141,000 for the year ago quarter primarily due to the inclusion of TPSC in other revenue in the 2009 quarter. TPSC was acquired on December 31, 2008.
Total medical expenses increased in the 2009 third quarter to $50.7 million, or 91.1% of premium revenue, from $49.4 million, or 87.5% or premium revenue, for the year ago quarter. The rise in total medical expense was the result of increases in frequency and severity of medical utilization among the Company’s insured. Increases in medical expenses compared to total premium revenue was also impacted by the adverse effects of the economy which resulted in unforeseen decreases in employer group size and demographics effecting original underwriting assumptions.
Administrative expenses for the 2009 third quarter increased to $7.5 million representing 13.2% of total revenue, compared with $5.6 million, or 9.9% of total revenue, for the 2008 third quarter due to the acquisition of TPSC at the end of 2008, as well as the additional investments in technology to improve operational efficiency. To further address weaker market conditions, health care reforms necessitating greater efficiency in administration, and to streamline operations, the Company implemented a staff reduction plan in October, 2009.
“While difficult, the staff reduction plan was the most effective means to improving operational efficiency and we believe these changes will have a positive impact next year,” stated Patricia Gibford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear One Health Plans. “Despite third quarter losses, the Company continues to have a strong balance sheet and our investment portfolio has increased in value for the quarter and year to date.”
For the first nine months of 2009, premium revenue decreased slightly to $163.1 million compared with $163.3 million for the comparable prior year period. Other revenue increased to $4.5 million for the first nine months of 2009 from $404,000 for the first nine months in 2008 primarily due to the inclusion of TPSC. Total revenue increased to $167.6 million for the first nine months of 2009, versus $163.7 million the prior year period.
Total medical expenses increased to $145.8 million for the first nine months of 2009, or 89.4% of premium revenue, from $143.7 million, or 88% of premium revenue, for the first nine months of 2008. Administrative expenses totaled $22.9 million for the first nine months of 2009, or 13.6% of total revenue, compared with $18 million, or 11% of total revenue, for the prior year period.
Earnings for the nine months ending September 30, 2009 were a net loss of $1.8 million, or $1.05 per share, compared with net income of $1.8 million, or $0.97 per share, for the prior year period.
Balance Sheet Review
The Company experienced improvement in the investment portfolio and reduced account receivables, which contributed to maintaining a strong balance sheet. Accounts and other receivables decreased to $13.9 million as of September 30, 2009 compared to $23.1 million at December 31, 2008. Investments increased to $47.5 million as of September 30, 2009 from $41.2 million at December 31, 2008 as the result of improved market values in the investment portfolio. Total stockholders’ equity at the close of the 2009 third quarter decreased to $48.5 million from $49.3 million at the end of 2008.
About Clear One Health Plans, Inc.
Clear One Health Plans offers affordable health plans to meet the needs of employers, providers, and consumers. The Company provides health insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, commercial plans, individual plans, and administrative services to individuals and businesses throughout the West. The Company also offers life, disability, dental, vision and voluntary benefits programs, as well as employee benefit services to self-funded employers, associations, Taft-Hartley Trusts, and Chamber of Commerce plans. Clear One is dedicated to the development of community-based employee benefits programs, health insurance, and ancillary plans. For information call 888-863-3637, visit www.clearonehp.com.
Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. The words “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “appears,” “will,” and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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Financial Tables Follow
Contact: Patricia Gibford, President and Chief Executive Officer, 541-330-8114, patricia.gibford@clearonehp.com, or Gunnar Hansen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 541-330-8100, gunnar.hansen@clearonehp.com
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Clear One Health Plans, Inc.
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Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
(dollars in thousands except EPS and shares outstanding; unaudited)
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Quarter Ended
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Nine Months Ended
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09/30/09
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09/30/08
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09/30/09
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09/30/08
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Premium Revenue
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$55,701
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$56,471
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$163,084
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$163,310
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Other Revenues
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1,485
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141
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4,535
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404
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Total Revenue
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57,186
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56,612
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167,619
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163,714
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