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Dividends
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Dividends
Dividends We maintain a policy of paying an annual variable dividend that, if declared, would be payable shortly after the close of the year. This annual variable dividend is based on a target percentage of after-tax underwriting income multiplied by a companywide performance factor (“Gainshare factor”), subject to the limitations discussed below. The target percentage is determined by our Board of Directors on an annual basis and announced to shareholders and the public. For 2013, the Board has determined the target percentage to be 33-1/3% of annual after-tax underwriting income, which is unchanged from the 2012 target percentage.
The Gainshare factor can range from zero to two and is determined by comparing our operating performance for the year to certain predetermined profitability and growth objectives approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board. This Gainshare factor is also used in the annual cash bonus program currently in place for our employees (our “Gainsharing program”). Although recalibrated every year, the structure of the Gainsharing program generally remains the same. On a year-to-date basis, as of September 30, 2013, the Gainshare factor was 1.15. Since the final factor will be determined based on our results for the full year, the final factor may vary from the current factor.
Our annual dividend program will result in a variable payment to shareholders each year, subject to certain limitations. If the Gainshare factor is zero or if our comprehensive income is less than after-tax underwriting income, no dividend would be payable under our annual variable dividend policy. However, the ultimate decision on whether or not a dividend will be paid is in the discretion of the Board of Directors. If a dividend for 2013 were to be paid, the Board would likely declare the 2013 annual dividend in December 2013, with a record date in January 2014 and payment shortly thereafter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our comprehensive income was $865.5 million, which is higher than the $554.4 million of after-tax underwriting income for the same period.
We paid dividends per common share of $.2845 and $.4072 in February 2013 and 2012, respectively, under our annual variable dividend policy. These dividends were paid pursuant to declarations made by the Board of Directors in December 2012 and 2011. In addition to the annual variable dividend, the Board of Directors declared a $1.00 per common share special dividend in October 2012, which was paid in November 2012.