SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10–Q
Mark One
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For Quarter Ended March 31, 2001
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0–8804
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
South Carolina | 57–0672136 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) | |
1501 Lady Street (PO Box 1), Columbia, SC | 29201(2) |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (803) 748–2000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: 7,831,690 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value, at May 10, 2001.
PART IFINANCIAL
INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts shown in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)March 31, 2001 |
December 31, 2000 |
|
ASSETS | ||
Investments: | ||
Debt securities, available–for–sale, at market (cost of $30,891 in 2001 and $31,596 in 2000) | $31,750 | $31,990 |
Equity securities, at market (cost of $5,947 in 2001 and $6,344 in 2000) | 6,000 | 6,307 |
Cash and short–term investments | 10,669
|
10,410
|
Total cash and investments | 48,419 | 48,707 |
Accrued investment income | 483 | 749 |
Premiums and agents' balances receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,297 in 2001 and $4,780 in 2000 | 1,401 | 1,637 |
Premium notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $538 in 2001 and $400 in 2000 | 5,963 | 5,260 |
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses | 13,603 | 14,031 |
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses | 46,228 | 50,012 |
Property and equipment, net | 556 | 917 |
Prepaid reinsurance premiumsceded business | 40,304 | 40,997 |
Deferred policy acquisition costs | 400 | 400 |
Goodwill | 4,607 | 4,638 |
Other assets | 3,444
|
3,318
|
Total assets | $165,408
|
$170,666
|
LIABILITIES | ||
Losses and loss adjustment expenses: | ||
Reported and estimated losses and claims retained business | $29,413 | $30,574 |
ceded business | 43,503 | 46,612 |
Adjustment expenses retained business | 5,215 | 5,247 |
ceded business | 2,725 | 3,400 |
Unearned premiums: | ||
Property and casualty retained business | 3,860 | 5,056 |
ceded business | 40,304 | 40,997 |
Balances due other insurance companies | 4,896 | 4,592 |
Debt | 9,550 | 10,159 |
Restructuring accrual | 222 | 276 |
Other liabilities and deferred items | 9,604
|
9,061
|
Total liabilities | 149,292
|
155,974
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SPECIAL STOCK, no par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares | ||
Issued and outstanding 209,000 and 220,000 shares in 2001 and 2000, respectively, of cumulative $0.62, convertible, redeemable, nonvoting, special preferred stock, redemption value $2,090 | 2,090 | 2,200 |
Issued and outstanding 50,000 shares of cumulative $0.625 convertible, redeemable nonvoting, special preferred stock, redemption value $500 | 500
|
500
|
Total special stock | 2,590
|
2,700
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 17,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 7,831,690 shares in 2001 and 2000 | 7,832 | 7,832 |
Additional paid–in–capital | 61,989 | 61,989 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 912 | 357 |
Accumulated deficit | (57,207)
|
(58,186)
|
Total shareholders' equity | 13,526
|
11,992
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $165,408
|
$170,666
|
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(Amounts shown in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
2001 |
2000 |
|
Commission and service income | $9,152 | $11,353 |
Premiums earned | 3,873 | 4,464 |
Net investment income | 651 | 752 |
Other interest income, net | 569 | 280 |
Net realized loss | (218) | (103) |
Policy fees and other income | 720
|
1,444
|
Total revenue | 14,747
|
18,190
|
Expenses: | ||
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | 2,719 | 5,777 |
Policy acquisition costs | 5,639 | 7,825 |
Interest expense | 230 | 322 |
Other operating costs and expenses | 5,140
|
7,179
|
Total expenses | 13,728
|
21,103
|
Income (loss) from operations, before provision for income taxes | 1,019 | (2,913) |
Provision for income taxes | 0
|
0
|
Net income (loss) | 1,019 | (2,913) |
Other comprehensive income: | ||
Change in value of marketable securities, less reclassification adjustments of $0 and $112 for losses included in net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively | 555
|
318
|
Comprehensive net income (loss) | $1,574
|
$(2,595)
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share: | ||
Net income (loss) | $0.12 | $(0.37) |
Weighted average shares outstanding | 7,832
|
7,831
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: | ||
Net income (loss) | $0.12 | $(0.37) |
Weighted average shares outstanding | 8,160
|
7,831
|
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(Amounts shown in thousands)
(Unaudited)
2001 |
2000 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
Net income (loss) | $1,019 | $(2,913) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated subsidiaries | 397 | (43) |
(Recovery of) provision for losses on premium notes and premiums and agents balances receivable, net | (455) | 106 |
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 5,639 | 7,825 |
Depreciation and amortization | 174 | 569 |
Realized loss on sale of investments, net | 0 | 112 |
Realized loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, net | 218 | (9) |
Change in assets and liabilities: | ||
Accrued investment income | 266 | 179 |
Premiums and agents' balances receivable, net | 719 | (2,170) |
Premium notes receivable, net | (841) | (437) |
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss adjustment expenses | 4,212 | 16,156 |
Prepaid reinsurance premiumsceded business | 693 | 915 |
Deferred policy acquisition costs | (5,639) | (6,785) |
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses | (4,977) | (16,186) |
Unearned premiums | (1,889) | (723) |
Balances due other insurance companies | 304 | (3,186) |
Accrued restructuring charges | (54) | 0 |
Other, net | 408
|
(6,061)
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 194
|
(12,651)
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
Proceeds from investments sold or matured | 1,790 | 5,563 |
Cost of investments acquired | (1,071) | (11,602) |
Proceeds from property and equipment sold, net | 2 | 9 |
Purchases of property and equipment | (7)
|
(155)
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 714
|
(6,185)
|
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
Repayment of debt | (609) | (407) |
Dividends paid | (40)
|
(42)
|
Net cash used in financing activities | (649)
|
(449)
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and short–term investments | 259 | (19,285) |
Cash and short–term investments, January 1 | 10,410
|
26,722
|
Cash and short–term investments, March 31 | $10,669
|
$7,437
|
Supplemental cash flow information: | ||
Interest paid | $230 | $423 |
Income taxes paid | 0
|
0
|
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries and have been prepared, without audit, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's unaudited interim financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been recorded. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Description of the Business
The Company provides automobile, flood, and other property and casualty insurance services and products to customers located primarily in the southeastern United States. A significant source of revenue for the Company includes premiums earned from its risk-bearing property and casualty insurance operations. During 2000, however, the Company shifted its emphasis of operations away from its risk-bearing property and casualty insurance operations towards its fee-based products and services, which include the following:
South Carolina Reinsurance Facility (SC Facility)
One of the Companys insurance subsidiaries, Catawba Insurance Company (Catawba), is one of three servicing carriers for the SC Facility, a state-sponsored plan for insuring South Carolina drivers outside of the voluntary market. In its capacity as a servicing carrier, Catawba receives commission and service income from the SC Facility but retains no underwriting risk. The SC Facility began its planned runoff effective March 1, 1999, at which time no new business was accepted into the SC Facility. Effective October 1, 1999, voluntary renewals were no longer accepted by the SC Facility. However, servicing carriers can still cede renewal business to the SC Facility until March 1, 2002, at which time final runoff of the SC Facility will commence. The South Carolina Associated Auto Insurers Plan (SCAAIP) became effective in March 1999 and will survive the SC Facility. The SCAAIP offers the Company access to additional fee-based revenue with no underwriting risk. However, thus far into the runoff of the SC Facility, the Company has not experienced significant activity in the SCAAIP.
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NC Facility)
The NC Facility is a state-sponsored plan for insuring North Carolina drivers outside of the voluntary market. Two of the Companys insurance subsidiaries, South Carolina Insurance Company (SCIC) and Universal Insurance Company (UIC) derive commission and service income from business they cede to the NC Facility, but retain no underwriting risk.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Through its subsidiaries, SCIC and Catawba, the Company continues to be a leading provider, and is an original participant, in the NFIP, a flood insurance program administered by the federal government. In this capacity, the Company receives commissions and fees from the NFIP, but retains no underwriting risk.
Claims Adjusting and Management Services
The Company receives fee-based income from its catastrophe, property and casualty and automobile claims adjusting services and liability runoff management services. The Company's premium concentration in the catastrophe-heavy Southeast led to the creation of a catastrophe adjusting business, Insurance Network Services, Inc. (INS), to manage the Company's internal claims volume. INS has since extended its services to over 50 third party affiliated and unaffiliated customers and currently offers three services: catastrophe claims handling for hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, earthquakes and floods; catastrophe claims supervision; and ordinary claims adjusting.
Flood Zone Determinations and Compliance Tracking Services
In the first quarter of 1998, the Company purchased America's Flood Services, Inc. (AFS) located in Rancho Cordova, California. AFS offers fee-based flood zone determinations and compliance tracking services to a variety of customers and institutions located throughout the United States.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Investments in debt and equity securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. The Company currently holds all securities as available-for-sale, and reports them at fair value, with subsequent changes in value reflected as unrealized investment gains and losses credited or charged directly to accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders' equity. The fair values of debt securities and equity securities were determined from nationally quoted market rates. The fair market value of certain municipal bonds is assumed to be equal to amortized cost where no market quotations exist.
The fair values of the Company's cash and short-term investments approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of those instruments.
Premiums and agents balances receivable and premium notes receivable are carried at historical cost which approximates fair value as a result of timely collections and evaluations of recoverability with a provision for uncollectable amounts. Premium notes receivable are generally short-term in nature, with a duration of approximately six months.
The Companys debt is carried at its outstanding balance, which approximates fair value as a result of its variable market rate of interest.
Cash and Short-term Investments
Cash and short-term investments consists of cash on hand, time deposits and commercial paper. Short-term investments have an original maturity of three months or less and are considered to be cash equivalents.
Premium Notes Receivable
The Company offers premium financing arrangements that require a down payment and payment of the remaining balance in equal installments over the policy term.
Allowance for Uncollectable Accounts
The Company routinely evaluates the collectability of receivables and has established an allowance for uncollectable accounts for agents balances and direct billed balances receivable and premium notes receivable in the amount of approximately $4,835 and $5,180 at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost and, for financial reporting purposes, depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For income tax purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are used. Maintenance and repairs costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and deferred loan costs. Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the fair value of its net assets, reduced by amortization and any subsequent valuation adjustments. The Company amortizes goodwill using the straight-line method over a period not to exceed 40 years. Deferred loan costs are the costs associated with issuing long term debt. The costs are amortized over the life of the debt. Intangible assets are continually evaluated to determine if any portion of the remaining balance may not be recoverable. If circumstances suggest that their value may be impaired and the write-down would be material, an assessment of recoverability is performed and any impairment is recorded through a valuation allowance with a corresponding charge recorded in the statement of operations.
Property and Casualty Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The liability for property and casualty unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) includes:
An accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period.
Estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses based upon past experience and current circumstances.
Estimates of allocated, as well as unallocated, LAE liabilities determined by applying percentage factors to the unpaid loss reserves, with such factors determined on a by-line basis based on past results of paid loss expenses to paid losses.
The deduction of estimated amounts recoverable from salvage, subrogation, and second injury funds.
Estimated losses for reinsurance ceded and assumed.
Management performs a complete review of the above components of the Company's loss reserves to evaluate the adequacy of such reserves. Management believes the reserves are sufficient to prevent prior years' losses from adversely affecting future periods; however, establishing reserves is an estimation process and adverse developments in future years may occur and would be recorded in the year so determined.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. This method also requires the recognition of future tax benefits such as net operating loss carryforwards to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.
Commission and Service Income and Policy Fees
Commission and service income is predominately derived from servicing carrier and managing general agent activities. The commission income related to producing and underwriting the business is recognized in the period in which the business is written. Service income and policy fees related to claims processing are recognized on an accrual basis as earned.
Property and Casualty Premiums
Property and casualty premiums are reflected in income when earned as computed on a monthly pro-rata basis. Written premiums and earned premiums have been reduced by reinsurance placed with other companies, including amounts related to business produced as a servicing carrier.
Other Interest Income
Other interest income includes interest received on reinsurance balances withheld, agents' balances receivable, balances due from the SC Facility and the SCAAIP, and financing of premium notes receivable. Other interest income is recognized on an accrual basis as earned.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs attributable to property and casualty operations represent that portion of the cost of writing business that varies with, and is primarily related to, the production of business. Such costs are deferred and charged against income as the premiums are earned. The deferral of policy acquisition costs is subject to the application of recoverability tests to each primary line or source of business based on past and anticipated underwriting results. The deferred policy acquisition costs that are not recoverable from future policy revenues, if any, are expensed. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining whether premium deficiencies exist.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is a measure of all non-owner changes in equity of an entity and includes net loss plus changes in certain assets and liabilities that are reported directly through equity.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, although, in the opinion of the management, such differences would not be significant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statement established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. This statement could increase volatility in earnings and other comprehensive income. The effective date of this statement was amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138 and, as amended, is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 effective January 1, 2001 and the statement had no material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS
The Companys investments in debt securities are considered available-for-sale securities and carried at market value at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000. Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities are credited or charged directly to accumulated other comprehensive income and included in shareholders' equity.
The Companys equity securities consist of its investments in Sunshine State Holding Corporation (Sunshine) and QualSure Holding Corporation (QualSure). During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company invested $854 in Sunshine for an ownership interest of 21.49%. Sunshine owns 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Sunshine State Insurance Company, a Florida-based writer of homeowners insurance. Effective January 21, 2000, three of the Company's insurance subsidiaries collectively acquired a 30.625% equity ownership interest in QualSure for $4,900. QualSure is the holding company parent of QualSure Insurance Corporation, a homeowners take–out insurance company domiciled in the state of Florida. In connection with this investment, the Company's claims adjusting and management services subsidiary, INS, entered into a Claims Administration Services Agreement with QualSure Insurance Corporation to adjudicate all of its claims for a fee based upon subject earned premium. As each of these investments exceeds 20% of the equity of each respective company, the Company's equity in the undistributed earnings of the unconsolidated affiliates are included in current earnings.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.
NOTE 3. REINSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The Companys risk-bearing property and casualty insurance operations include the active nonstandard automobile operations of UIC, the runoff nonstandard automobile operations of SCIC, and the active commercial lines operations of SCIC. Since December 31, 1999, UIC has operated under a 75% quota share reinsurance agreement for its risk-bearing nonstandard automobile operations. Effective March 31, 1999 and continuing through March 31, 2000, SCIC operated under a 90% quota share reinsurance agreement for its risk-bearing commercial lines operations. This agreement was amended to become a 70% quota share reinsurance agreement effective April 1, 2000. The Company also carries facultative, excess of loss, catastrophe and umbrella reinsurance on its commercial lines.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency.
The Company issues a substantial number of automobile and flood insurance policies for, and fully reinsures those risks with, the SC Facility, the NC Facility and the NFIP. While the amount of reinsurance recoverable under these arrangements is significant, the Company believes the balances due from the SC Facility, the NC Facility and the NFIP are fully collectable due to the governmental agency's ability to assess policyholders and member companies for deficiencies.
NOTE 4. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs incurred and amortized to income on property and casualty business for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 were as follows:
2001 |
2000 |
|
Deferred at the beginning of the period | $400
|
$1,373
|
Costs incurred and deferred during year: | ||
Commissions and brokerage | 4,229 | 5,089 |
Taxes, licenses and fees | 846 | 1,018 |
Other | 564
|
678
|
Total | 5,639
|
6,785
|
Amortization charged to income during the period | (5,639) | (7,825) |
Deferred at the end of the period | $400
|
$333
|
NOTE 5. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 is summarized as follows:
2001 |
2000 |
|
Liability at the beginning of the period: | ||
Gross liability per balance sheet | $85,833 | $113,850 |
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified as an asset | (50,012)
|
(74,017)
|
Net liability | 35,821
|
39,833
|
Provision for claims occurring in the current year | 2,701 | 4,804 |
Increase in estimated losses and LAE for claims occurring in prior years | 18
|
973
|
2,719
|
5,777
|
|
Losses and LAE payments for claims occurring during: | ||
Current year | 844 | 2,104 |
Prior years | 3,068
|
8,062
|
3,912
|
10,166
|
|
Liability for losses and LAE at the end of the year: | ||
Net liability | 34,628 | 35,444 |
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified as an asset | 46,228
|
62,220
|
Gross liability per balance sheet | $80,856
|
$97,664
|
NOTE 6. DEBT
On March 31, 1998, the Company entered into a $15,000 Credit Facility (the Facility) with a major lending institution for the purpose of financing its acquisition activity and other general corporate purposes. Quarterly principal payments began in March 1999 and the final payment of all remaining principal and accrued interest is due in June 2004. Accrued interest is payable monthly on the outstanding balance under the Facility and is calculated, at the Company's discretion, using a pre–determined spread over LIBOR or the prime interest rate of the lending institution. The effective interest rate as of March 31, 2001, December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2000 was 8.63%, 9.44% and 8.69%, respectively. The Facility is secured by a lien on the assets of the Company. As of March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the outstanding balance under the Facility was $9,550 and $10,159, respectively. The underlying Credit Agreement stipulates that the Company demonstrate compliance with a number of affirmative and negative covenants on a quarterly basis. Significant financial covenants include minimum statutory surplus levels, ratios of debt to total capitalization and cash flow coverage. As of March 31, 2001, the Company was in compliance with all amended covenants.
NOTE 7. SPECIAL STOCK
On December 1, 1997, the Company issued 220,000 shares of Cumulative, Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock (the Special Stock) in connection with an acquisition. The Company determined the value of the Special Stock at the issuance date to be $2,200. The Special Stock pays quarterly dividends at an annual rate of $0.62 per share. The Company paid $32 and $34 in special stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, the Company, at its option, may redeem in whole or in part the Special Stock at a price of $15.00 per share. On August 15, 2002, the Company must redeem any remaining shares at a rate of $10.00 per share. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, holders of the shares have the right to convert each share of the Special Stock into 1.25 shares of the Company's common stock. In January 2001, the holders of the Special Stock surrendered, and the Company cancelled, 11,000 shares of the Special Stock to settle a dispute between the Company and the holders.
On March 31, 1998, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Cumulative, Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock (the AFS Special Stock) in connection with its acquisition of AFS. The Company determined the value of the AFS Special Stock at the issuance date to be $500. The AFS Special Stock pays quarterly dividends at an annual rate of $0.625 per share. The Company paid $8 in special stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, the Company, at its option, may redeem in whole or in part the AFS Special Stock at a price of $15.00 per share. On August 15, 2002, the Company must redeem any remaining shares at a rate of $10.00 per share. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, holders of the shares have the right to convert each share of the AFS Special Stock into 1.25 shares of the Company's common stock.
NOTE 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
In accordance with SFAS 128, "Earnings Per Share", the Company measures earnings per share at two levels: basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period, as adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock. The following table shows the computation of earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000:
Income (Numerator) |
Shares (Denominator) |
Share Amount |
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2001: | |||
Net income | $1,019 | ||
Less: Preferred stock dividends | (40)
|
||
Basic earnings per share | 979 | 7,832 | $0.12
|
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||
Convertible preferred stock | 40 | 324 | |
Stock options and warrants | 0
|
4
|
|
Diluted earnings per share | $1,019
|
8,160
|
$0.12
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2000: | |||
Net loss | $(2,913) | ||
Less: Preferred stock dividends | (42)
|
||
Basic and diluted loss per share | $(2,955)
|
7,831
|
$(0.37)
|
NOTE 9. RESTRUCTURING ACCRUAL
In June 2000, the Company announced a restructuring plan (the Restructuring Plan) centering on the discontinuation of its Nashville, Tennessee operations. The Restructuring Plan originally included approximately $16,421 in special charges related primarily to the impairment of long–lived assets associated with the operation, employee severance, and the cancellation of contractual commitments. Restructuring costs included all costs directly related to the Restructuring Plan. Employee termination costs were recognized when benefit arrangements were communicated to affected employees in sufficient detail to enable the employees to determine the amount of benefits to be received upon termination. Other exit costs resulting from the exit plan that were not associated with and that did not benefit continued activities were recognized at the date of commitment to the exit plan. Other costs directly related to the discontinuation of the Nashville operations that were not eligible for recognition at the commitment date, such as relocation costs and estimated operating costs to be incurred during the runoff period, are being expensed as incurred.
Of the $16,421 original restructuring charge, approximately $15,678 related to the impairment of long-lived assets, including $14,915 of goodwill, $580 of fixed assets directly associated with the Nashville operation and $183 of deferred financing costs. The Company evaluated the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining the recoverability of long-lived assets not held for sale. Management measured the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with them. The recoverability of long-lived assets held for sale were then compared to the assets carrying amount less estimated selling costs.
Activity in the restructuring accrual was as follows:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
Severence and Benefits |
Contractual Commitment Cancellation |
All Other |
Total |
|
Initial restructuring plan charge | $15,678 | $304 | $304 | $135 | $16,421 |
Utilization during 2000 | (15,678) | (207) | (63) | (141) | (16,089) |
Estimate revision | 0
|
(47)
|
(38)
|
29
|
(56)
|
Balance, December 31, 2000 | 0 | 50 | 203 | 23 | 276 |
Utilization during 2001 | 0
|
(50)
|
0
|
(4)
|
(54)
|
Balance, March 31, 2001 | $0
|
$0
|
$203
|
$19
|
$222
|
All charges associated with the Restructuring Plan were determined based on the formal plans of management, and approved by the Board of Directors, using the best information available. The amounts ultimately incurred could change as the operations are run off over the rest of 2001.
NOTE 10. SEGMENT REPORTING
Reportable segments are determined based on managements internal reporting approach, which is based on product line and complementary coverages. The reportable segments are comprised of Automobile, Flood, Commercial, Adjusting Services and All Other. The Automobile segment includes the personal lines components of UICs retained risk nonstandard automobile operations, the runoff operations of the Nashville and South Carolina automobile operations, and the fee-based NC Facility, SC Facility and SCAAIP operations. The Flood segment contains all flood operations including the NFIP, flood zone determinations, excess flood and flood compliance tracking, as well as the runoff of the complementary homeowners product line. The Commercial segment includes all commercial operations, as well as the commercial automobile activity for the NC Facility and SC Facility. The Adjusting Services segment contains the catastrophe insurance claims handling for hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, earthquakes and floods; catastrophe claims supervision; and ordinary claims adjusting for both the Company and external insurance companies. The All Other segment includes other runoff operations of the Company, including workers compensation, environmental and general liability. While the majority of revenues and expenses are captured directly by each reportable segment, the Company does have shared revenues and expenses. Shared revenues comprised approximately 3% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, and shared other expenses comprised approximately 3% and 2% of total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. These shared amounts were allocated on a basis proportionate with each reportable segments total net loss and LAE and unearned premium reserves. The results of the reportable segments are included in the following table:
For the ThreeMonths Ended
March 31, |
||
2001 |
2000 |
|
Revenue: | ||
Automobile | $6,689 | $10,834 |
Flood | 4,086 | 3,069 |
Commercial | 1,332 | 677 |
Adjusting Services | 2,412 | 3,262 |
All Other | 228
|
348
|
Total revenue | $14,747
|
$18,190
|
Expenses: | ||
Automobile | $6,453 | $13,229 |
Flood | 3,580 | 3,192 |
Commercial | 553 | 739 |
Adjusting Services | 2,090 | 3,143 |
All Other | 1,052
|
800
|
Total expenses | $13,728
|
$21,103
|
Net income (loss): | ||
Automobile | $236 | $(2,395) |
Flood | 506 | (123) |
Commercial | 779 | (62) |
Adjusting Services | 322 | 119 |
All Other | (824)
|
(452)
|
Total net income (loss) | $1,019
|
$(2,913)
|
The Company's primary operations have historically centered around its Automobile segment, which includes its risk-bearing nonstandard automobile operations in North and South Carolina as well as its fee–based NC Facility, SC Facility and SCAAIP operations. In July 2000, the Company announced its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile insurance market in South Carolina due to that operation's higher than acceptable loss ratios and continued strains on the Company's consolidated earnings and resources. The Company continues to operate the other components of its Automobile segment.
OVERVIEW
Financial
Condition
|
||
March 31, 2001 |
December 31, 2000 |
|
Total cash and investments | $48,419 | $48,707 |
Total assets | 165,408 | 170,666 |
Total liabilities | 149,292 | 155,974 |
Special stock | 2,590 | 2,700 |
Shareholders' equity | 13,526 | 11,992 |
Book value per share | 1.73
|
1.53
|
Results of Operations |
||
For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2001 |
2000 |
|
Commission and service income | $9,152 | $11,353 |
Premiums earned | 3,873 | 4,464 |
Net investment income | 651 | 752 |
Other interest income, net | 569 | 280 |
Net realized loss | (218) | (103) |
Policy fees and other income | 720
|
1,444
|
Total revenue | $14,747
|
$18,190
|
Income (loss) from operations, before provision for income taxes | $1,019 | $(2,913) |
Provision for income taxes | 0
|
0
|
Net income (loss) | $1,019
|
$(2,913)
|
Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||
Basic | 7,832
|
7,831
|
Diluted | 8,160
|
7,831
|
The Company is a provider of a wide range of services to the insurance industry as well as a provider of automobile, flood and other property and casualty insurance products. The Company is committed to providing quality customer service, building strong relationships with its customers, developing and capitalizing on territorial knowledge, and fostering the creativity and innovation of its associates.
The Company conducts business in two primary categories: fee-for-service operations and traditional insurance operations. Its fee-for-service operations include the activities of INS, its flood operations, and its operations as a servicing carrier for the SC Facility and the SCAAIP. INS provides a variety of claims-related management and adjudication services to the insurance industry, including claims handling, networked glass claims handling and automobile appraisals. The Companys flood unit is a leading provider, and is an original participant, in the NFIP, a flood insurance program administered by the federal government. In this capacity, the Company writes flood insurance for the NFIP in 46 states, and it offers excess flood insurance as a broker for Lloyds of London. As such, the Company receives commissions and fees from the NFIP and Lloyds of London, but retains no underwriting risk. The Companys flood operations also offers flood zone determinations and flood compliance tracking services through its subsidiary, AFS. The Company is a servicing carrier for the SC Facility and the SCAAIP. Under both of these pools, the Company issues policies and adjusts claims for a fee. The SC Facility is currently in runoff; however, the Company may continue to cede premiums to the SC Facility through March 1, 2002, at which time final runoff of the SC Facility will commence. The Company is required to continue to adjudicate claims it ceded to the SC Facility during the final runoff, for which it will be paid a fee. The SCAAIP became effective in March 1999 and will survive the SC Facility. Although the SCAAIP offers the Company access to additional fee-based revenue with no underwriting risk, thus far into the runoff of the SC Facility, the Company has not experienced significant activity in the SCAAIP.
The Companys traditional insurance operations include its North Carolina nonstandard automobile subsidiary, UIC, and its commercial lines operations. UIC writes nonstandard automobile insurance primarily in the state of North Carolina. UIC cedes substantially all of its liability premiums to the NC Facility and adjusts the related claims for the NC Facility for a fee. Substantially all of UICs retained risk operations is on physical damage policies, which are minimum limit policies partially reinsured through a quota share reinsurance agreement. The Company also writes commercial lines insurance, which includes business owners policies, commercial package policies and commercial automobile policies. These main street policies are sold primarily to small businesses. The Company reinsures its commercial lines through quota share, facultative, excess of loss, catastrophe and umbrella reinsurance agreements.
The Company seeks to balance its fee-based operations with selective risk underwriting to increase the Company's value for its shareholders, agents and employees by pursuing maximum growth with limited risk exposure.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
Commission and Service Income
Commission and service income decreased $2,201, or 19.4%, to $9,152 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $11,353 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The automobile and commercial reporting segments accounted for $2,431 of the overall net decrease, posting commission and service income of $3,201 for the three months ended March 31, 2001, versus $5,632 for the same period of 2000. These decreases are substantially the result of a decrease in the number of policies in the SC Facility, a residual market for automobile insurance in the state of South Carolina. Effective March 1, 1999, no new policies could be ceded to the SC Facility, and no voluntary renewals could be ceded to the SC Facility after September 1999. Designated agents, such as the Company, are able to renew business in the SC Facility through February 2002. The new SCAAIP provides insurance to drivers unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market. Although the Company has an arrangement with the SCAAIP to handle 50% of the policies written, there has been very little activity to date.
The adjusting services segment accounted for another $780 of the overall decrease, posting commission and service income of $1,914 for the three months ended March 31, 2001, versus $2,694 for the same period of 2000. The largest cause of the decrease is due to the active late 1999 hurricane season compared to 2000, which was one of the Companys lowest years for claims activity on record. Generally, the revenues associated with catastrophe loss administration and adjudication continue for several months past the initial catastrophe, depending upon the severity of the catastrophe. In 1999, hurricanes Floyd and Irene, which made landfall in mid September and mid October 1999, respectively, provided over 5,500 claims for the Companys adjusting services segment to administer on behalf of third party insurance entities. During the fourth quarter of 1999, the adjusting services unit was operating five different catastrophe offices on the east coast ranging from Florida to New Jersey. The first quarter of 2000 included a significant amount of commission and service income as a result of these operations. However, there was no such activity during the first quarter of 2001.
Commission and service income for the flood reporting segment was $4,032 for the three months ended March 31, 2001, versus $3,027 for the same period of 2000, an increase of $1,005. As a servicing carrier for the NFIP, the Company recognizes income for the policies it processes in the amount of 31.7% of gross written premium. Throughout 2000 and continuing through the three months ended March 31, 2001, the Companys NFIP written premium increased at a rate that surpassed that of the NFIP, due primarily to obtaining several large books of flood business from independent insurance agents across the United States. This was facilitated by expanding the Company's product offering to independent agents and the introduction of new technology to its agency force, including internet-based policy rating and flood zone determination services. The Companys NFIP written premium increased $1,858 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. Further, as a result of this premium growth and the retention of its NFIP book of business, the Company received an unanticipated marketing bonus from the NFIP of $553 in March 2001, which was recognized as income during the first quarter.
The remaining $5 increase in commission and service income came from all other operations.
Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned decreased $591, or 13.2%, to $3,873 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $4,464 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The automobile reporting segment accounted for $1,239 of the overall decrease, posting premiums earned of $2,748 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 versus $3,987 for the same period of 2000. The overall decrease is the result of two opposing actions taken by the Company. First, in the second and third quarters of 2000, respectively, the Company announced the discontinuation of its Nashville operations and its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile market in South Carolina. Premiums earned from these operations for the three months ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $1,529, a decrease of $1,280 over the $2,809 earned for the same period of 2000. Second, beginning in January 2001, the Company implemented an initiative designed on growing its book of business written through its North Carolina domiciled subsidiary, UIC. As a result of this initiative, UICs premiums earned increased $277 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. The remaining $236 decrease in premiums earned by the automobile reporting segment came from business the Company is required to assume from the SC Facility, which is in runoff.
Premiums earned by the commercial reporting segment amounted to $1,115 for the three months ended March 31, 2001, versus $451 for the same period of 2000, an increase of $664. The Companys commercial lines have been reinsured primarily through quota share reinsurance agreements since March 31, 1999. For the three months ended March 31, 2000, the Companys commercial lines were subject to a 90% quota share reinsurance agreement. Effective April 1, 2000, the 90% quota share reinsurance agreement was amended to become a 70% quota share reinsurance agreement. The amendment was made to capitalize upon the favorable underwriting results of the commercial book of business. Retaining a larger portion of its commercial book of business had a positive impact on the Companys premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. However, somewhat offsetting this increase was the impact of a decrease in commercial writings for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. In accordance with a mandate from the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Company ceased writing new commercial business in the state of North Carolina at the beginning of the third quarter of 2000. The Company may, however, continue renewing existing commercial business at its discretion.
The remaining $16 decrease in premiums earned came from the Company's runoff operations.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income decreased $101, or 13.4%, to $651 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $752 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. This decrease is substantially the result of the decrease in the Companys cash and short-term investments and bond portfolio which averaged $42,410 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 versus the $49,391 averaged for the same period of 2000. The decrease is primarily due to the use of cash and the liquidation of a portion of the Companys bond portfolio to fund its operations and scheduled debt repayments during the last nine months of 2000 and the first quarter of 2001.
Other Interest Income, Net
Net other interest income increased $289, or 103.2%, to $569 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $280 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The increase is substantially due to the increase in the number of premium financing contracts written by the Companys North Carolina premium financing company, Premium Budget Plan, Inc. (PBP). PBPs premium financing activities are directly correlated with the premium writings of UIC. Beginning in January 2001, the Company implemented an initiative designed on growing its book of business written through UIC. As a result of that initiative, the number of premium financing contracts written by PBP increased 5,318 to 14,516 contracts written for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from 9,198 contracts written for the same period of 2000.
Net Realized Loss
Net realized losses amounted to $218 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 due substantially to the sale of certain automobiles no longer required for operations and the disposal of certain obsolete data processing equipment and software.
Policy Fees and Other Income
Policy fees and other income decreased $724, or 50.1%, to $720 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $1,444 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The Companys primary source of policy fees revenues is its Nashville nonstandard automobile operations, which were placed into runoff in June 2000. As a result of this action, premiums written through the Nashville operation declined to a balance of $(29) for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from a balance of $5,831 for the same period in 2000. Because policy fees are directly correlated to premium writings, the operations policy fees decreased $532 to a balance of $33 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 versus $565 for the same period in 2000.
Also contributing to the overall decrease in policy fees and other income was the Companys net $440 decrease in equity in earnings of its unconsolidated subsidiaries, Sunshine State Holding Corporation and QualSure Holding Corporation from income of $43 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to a loss of $397 for the same period in 2001.
In December 2000, the Company sold its corporate headquarters to its majority shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Directors for a gain of $1,892. Concurrent with this transaction, the Company leased the property back for a fixed period of three years without an option for renewal. The gain resulting from this transaction was deferred and is being amortized into income evenly over the term of the related leaseback. Included in policy fees and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2001 is $158 of amortized gain.
The remaining increase in policy fees and other income of $90 came from all other operations.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and LAE decreased $3,058, or 52.9%, to $2,719 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $5,777 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The automobile reporting segment accounted for $2,611 of the overall decrease, posting incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $2,075 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 versus $4,686 for the same period of 2000. The decrease is primarily the result of the aforementioned discontinuation of the Companys Nashville operations and its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile market in South Carolina.
Furthering the overall decrease in losses and LAE was the $404 decrease posted by the commercial reporting segment. As previously discussed, the Companys commercial operations experienced a decrease in premium writings for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000 due primarily to the mandate from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. In accordance with this mandate, the Company ceased writing new commercial business in the state of North Carolina at the beginning of the third quarter of 2000. The Company may, however, continue renewing existing commercial business at its discretion. Partially offsetting the impact on losses and LAE of the reduced premium writings was an increase in losses and LAE due to the Company retaining a larger portion of its commercial book of business for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. As previously discussed, the commercial operations were subject to a 90% quota share reinsurance agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2000, while subject to only a 70% quota share reinsurance agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2001. The amendment to the quota share reinsurance agreement was made to capitalize upon the favorable underwriting results of the commercial book of business.
The remaining net decrease of $43 came from all other operations.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs decreased $2,186, or 27.9%, to $5,639 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $7,825 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. Fluctuations in policy acquisition costs are directly correlated to fluctuations in direct written premium. Direct written premium for the three months ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $28,194, a $10,931, or 27.9%, decrease from the $39,125 written during the same period in 2000. See Premiums Earned for discussion concerning the decrease in premium volume for the three months ended March 31, 2001 versus the same period of 2000.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $230 and $322 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company's Facility bears interest at a pre–determined spread over LIBOR or the prime interest rate of the lending institution, at the Company's discretion. As the average level of market interest rates remained relatively consistent during the quarters ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, the decrease in interest expense incurred is attributable to interest saved through the pay down of debt. At March 31, 2001, the outstanding balance of the Facility was $9,550, a $2,329 decrease over the balance existing at March 31, 2000.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Other operating costs and expenses decreased $2,039, or 28.4%, to $5,140 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $7,179 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. The most significant causes of the overall decrease are expense reductions directly associated with the Companys discontinuation of its Nashville operations and its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile market in South Carolina in the second and third quarters of 2000, respectively. Most notably, the Company experienced reductions in force between March 31, 2000 and 2001 that led to salary and benefit expense savings of over $1,657. In addition, when announcing the discontinuation of its Nashville operations in June 2000, the Company recorded goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges for assets associated with that operation. This resulted in reduced goodwill amortization and fixed asset depreciation charges of $374 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. The Company also experienced a wide array of other expense reductions directly associated with the Companys decreasing premium volume, including reduced insurance and agency licensing fees; maintenance, repair and occupancy costs; premium taxes; telephone expenses; and travel costs.
Partially offsetting these expense reductions were increased municipal tax expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the same period of 2000. In March 2000, the Company settled a claim with the Municipal Association of South Carolina which claimed it had a potential deficiency of certain South Carolina municipality taxes. The claim was settled for $1,525, resulting in a reduction in expense of $902 that was recorded as an offset to municipal tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2000.
Three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999
Commission & Service Income
Commission and service income decreased $1,072, or 8.6%, to $11,353 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $12,425 for the three months ended March 31, 1999. This decrease is substantially attributable to the Automobile business segment and is a direct result of the aforementioned SC Facility planned runoff that began at the end of the first quarter of 1999.
Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned decreased $6,066, or 57.6%, to $4,464 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $10,530 for the three months ended March 31, 1999. The Automobile business segment contributed $3,987, or 89.3%, of the 2000 earned premium, a decrease of $3,685, or 48.0%, over the $7,672 earned for the same period of 1999. The most notable cause of this decrease relates to the 75% quota share reinsurance agreement the Company effected in the fourth quarter of 1999 in which unearned premiums totaling $13,832 were ceded to the reinsurers. Also contributing to the decrease, though on a much smaller scale, were the early effects of the profitability review of the Nashville operation's book of business that resulted in a reduction of authorized independent agents and more stringent underwriting guidelines.
The Commercial business segment, contributed $451, or 10.1% of the 2000 earned premium, a decrease of $1,725, or 79.3%, over the $2,176 earned in the first quarter of 1999. Effective March 31, 1999, the Company entered into a 90% quota share reinsurance agreement to reinsure its commercial book of business. Therefore, the operation benefited from a full quarters worth of earned premium in the first quarter of 1999 that it did not have for the same period in 2000.
The remaining 0.6% of 2000 earned premium resulted from all other operations.
Net Investment and Other Interest Income
Net investment and other interest income decreased $56 or 5.1%, to $1,032 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $1,088 for the three months ended March 31, 1999 due to the decrease in cash and short term investments.
Realized Losses
There were no realized gains or losses on investments or property and equipment for the three months ended March 31, 1999 compared to a net loss of $103 for the three months ended March 31, 2000. Realized losses on the sale of investments amounted to $112 and resulted from the liquidation of a small portion of the Companys investment portfolio to fund its operations and investing activities. These losses were partially offset by a realized gain on the sale of property and equipment of $9.
Policy Fees and Other Income
Policy fees and other income increased $261, or 22.1%, to a balance of $1,444 for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 from a balance of $1,183 for the corresponding period of 1999. Effective January 21, 2000, three of the Company's insurance subsidiaries collectively acquired a 30.625% equity ownership interest in QualSure Holding Corporation, the holding company parent of QualSure Insurance Corporation, a homeowners take out insurance company domiciled in the state of Florida. In connection with this investment, INS entered into a Claims Administration Services Agreement with QualSure Insurance Corporation to adjudicate all of its claims for a fee based upon subject earned premium. Fee income under this agreement amounted to $503 for the first quarter of 2000. Partially offsetting this increase in policy fees and other income were the early effects of the profitability review of the Nashville operation's book of business that resulted in a reduction of authorized independent agents and more stringent underwriting guidelines.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased $1,772, or 23.5% to $5,777 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $7,549 for the three months ended March 31, 1999. The primary cause of the decrease relates to the Companys 75% quota share reinsurance agreement for its Automobile business segment and its 90% quota share reinsurance agreement for its Commercial business segment. Neither of these agreements existed during the first quarter of 1999.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs decreased $2,292, or 22.7%, to $7,825 for the first quarter of 2000 from $10,117 for the first quarter of 1999. The fluctuation of policy acquisition costs is directly correlated to the fluctuation of direct written premium. Direct written premiums for the first three months of 2000 amounted to $39,125, a $11,463, or 22.7%, decrease from the $50,588 written during the same period of 1999. The vast majority of the decrease is attributable to the Automobile business segment and is a result of a critical profitability review of the Nashville and South Carolina operations books of business that resulted in a reduction of authorized independent agents and more stringent underwriting guidelines.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $322 and $276 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The increase is due to the interest rate fluctuation of the Companys $15 million credit facility. The interest rate in effect at March 31, 2000 was 8.69% versus 7.75% at March 31, 1999.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Other operating costs and expenses increased $1,871, or 35.2%, to $7,179 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $5,308 for the three months ended March 31, 1999. Fiscal year 1999 was a significant period of premium growth for the Company. The beginnings of the growth correlate with the planned runoff of the SC Facility, which began in March 1999. The Company spent the balance of 1999 building the capacity and the staffing to underwrite and service the planned increase in written premium. Furthermore, the Company moved its North Carolina operations back to Winston- Salem, North Carolina in the first and second quarters of 1999 after an attempt to consolidate it with the Nashville operations in 1998. As a result of the growth and the movement of the North Carolina operations back to Winston- Salem, North Carolina, the Company was left with excess capacity and staffing large enough to handle a $70 million premium base while the operation was producing only $24 million in written premiums. In the third quarter of 1999, the Company began cutting its payroll and renegotiated its Nashville, Tennessee facilities lease to reduce approximately 10,000 square feet of space. Other cost control measures and activities consolidations were also implemented to further reduce the Companys expense ratios. A significant portion of the effects of the 1999 written premium growth and the North Carolina operations move back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina had a much more significant impact on the last three quarters of 1999 than it did on the first quarter of 1999. Further, although the above expense reduction actions were implemented in 1999, the full benefit of the changes and cost control measures would not be fully developed until later in 2000.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
(Amounts shown in thousands)
Liquidity relates to the Company's ability to produce sufficient cash to fulfill contractual obligations, primarily to policyholders. Sources of liquidity include service fee income, premium collections, policy fees, investment income and sales and maturities of investments. The principal uses of cash are payments of claims, principal and interest payments on debt, payments for operating expenses and purchases of investments. Cash outflows can be variable because of the uncertainties regarding settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid losses and because of the potential for large losses. Accordingly, the Company maintains investment and reinsurance programs generally intended to avoid the forced sale of investments to meet claims obligations.
Net cash provided by operating activities through March 31, 2001 amounted to $194. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2001 amounted to $1,019 (see Results of Operations). Other significant sources of cash include the net collection of reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and LAE of $4,212; the $693 reduction in reinsurance premiums prepaid to the Companys reinsurers; and the net collection of gross premiums and agents balances receivable of $719. As previously discussed, in the second and third quarters of 2000, respectively, the Company announced the discontinuation of its Nashville operations and its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile market in South Carolina. As this business continued its runoff during the three months ended March 31, 2001, collections on reinsurance and premiums and agents balances outstanding at December 31, 2000 surpassed new recoverables and receivables being generated through this business. Similarly, with substantially less business being subjected to reinsurance, the Company experienced a reduction in the level of reinsurance premiums it had to prepay to the reinsurers.
Another significant source of cash was the $304 net increase in balances due other insurance companies. This net change is primarily the net result of two factors. First, effective February 19, 2001, the Company resolved certain arbitration claims with Generali-U.S. Branch relating to the Companys acquisition of its Nashville operations. As a result of the settlement, preacquisition liabilities assumed by the Company in the acquisition were discharged in exchange for $1,000 in cash and the issuance of warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of the Companys common stock at $1.00 per share and an additional 75,000 shares of the Companys common stock at $2.00 per share. The resolution and ultimate quantification of these preacquisition liabilities resulted in a special items gain of $5,527, which was recorded in December 2000. More than offsetting the $1,000 payment to Generali-U.S. Branch were the increases in balances due the NC Facility and reinsurance premiums payable generated by the Companys North Carolina operations during the quarter. As previously discussed, beginning in January 2001 the Company implemented an initiative designed on growing its book of business written through UIC. As a result of this initiative, UICs direct written premium for the three months ended March 31, 2001 increased $5,841,or 95.8%, over the same period of 2000. UIC cedes substantially all of its liability premiums to the NC Facility while substantially all of its retained risk operations is on physical damage policies, which are minimum limit policies partially reinsured through a quota share reinsurance agreement.
Finally, other, net provided $408 of cash through March 31, 2001. This was primarily driven by increases in unapplied premiums, contingent commissions payable and premium taxes payable associated with the results of the aforementioned UIC business growth initiative.
Significant uses of cash flows from operating activities include reductions in the liability for losses and LAE of $4,977 and the liability for unearned premiums of $1,889. The primary cause of these reductions rests with the discontinuation of the Companys Nashville operations and its withdrawal from the voluntary nonstandard automobile market in South Carolina. As the Nashville and South Carolina voluntary programs continued runoff during the three months ended March 31, 2001, the liabilities for losses and LAE and unearned premiums are being paid down and earned. Since the majority of UICs growth resulting from its recent growth initiative is ceded to the NC Facility, the growth had a minimal impact on the Companys consolidated net reserves.
Finally, another significant use of cash resulted from a significant increase in premiums financed by PBP. PBPs premium financing activities are directly correlated with the premium writings of UIC. As a result of UICs aforementioned growth initiative, the number of premium financing contracts written by PBP increased 5,318 to 14,516 contracts written for the three months ended March 31, 2001 from 9,198 contracts written for the same period of 2000, resulting in an increase to gross premium notes receivable of $841 between December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2001.
Net cash provided by investing activities through March 31, 2001 totaled $714 and is primarily related to the net maturity of the Companys debt securities to fund scheduled debt repayments under the Facility and the $1,000 payment to Generali-U.S. Branch resulting from the aforementioned settlement of preacquisition contingincies.
Net cash used in financing activities through March 31, 2001 totaled $649 and related to repayment of debt principal and payment of dividends on the Company's Special Stock.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Some of the statements discussed or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report on Form 10–Q are "forward–looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding management's current knowledge, expectations, estimates, beliefs and assumptions. All forward–looking statements included in this document or incorporated by reference are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward–looking statements. Results may differ materially because of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties which the Company faces. Factors which could cause results to differ materially from our forward–looking statements include, but are not limited to:
the possibility that the Company will be unable to meet its cash flow requirements; the Company has suffered losses in recent years and the Company may continue to experience losses in the future;
the ability to secure additional sources of revenue;
the ability to secure and maintain long–term relationships with customers and agents;
the effects of economic conditions and conditions which affect the market for property and casualty insurance, including, but not limited to, interest rate fluctuations and flood zone determination services;
the effects and impact of laws, rules and regulations which apply to insurance companies;
geographic concentrations of loss exposure, causing revenues and profitability to be subject to prevailing regulatory, demographic and other conditions in the area in which the Company operates;
the availability
of reinsurance and the ability of the Company's reinsurance arrangements to balance
the geographical concentrations of the Company's risks;
the impact of competition from new and existing competitors, which competitors may have superior financial and marketing resources than the Company;
the impact of the decisions to exit the Graward and South Carolina nonstandard automobile operations;
the ability to successfully implement the restructuring plan and the risk that current initiatives may not be successful;
restrictions on the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends;
the fact that the Company has experienced, and can be expected in the future to experience, storm and weather–related losses, which may result in a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;
the uncertainty associated with estimating loss reserves, and the adequacy of such reserves, capital resources and other financial items;
the outcome of certain litigation and administrative proceedings involving the Company;
control of the Company by a principal shareholder, which shareholder has the ability to exert significant influence over the policies and affairs of the Company;
risks the Company faces in diversifying the services it offers and entering new markets; and
other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actual results will conform to the forward–looking statements discussed or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report on Form 10–Q.
PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A substantial portion of the Companys cash and investments is comprised of investments in market-rate sensitive debt securities. The amortized costs and estimated market values of these market-rate sensitive investments as of March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000 are as follows:
2001 |
2000 |
|||
Amortized
Cost |
Estimated
Market Value |
Amortized
Cost |
Estimated
Market Value |
|
U.S. Government, government agencies and authorities | $13,740 | $14,087 | $14,852 | $15,009 |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 375 | 386 | 375 | 383 |
Corporate bonds | 16,776
|
17,277
|
16,369
|
16,598
|
Total | $30,891
|
$31,750
|
$31,596
|
$31,990
|
The market values of these investments can fluctuate greatly according to changes in the general level of market interest rates. However, in its investment strategy, the Company attempts to match the average duration of its investment portfolio with the approximate duration of its liabilities. All debt securities are considered available for sale and are carried at market value as of March 31, 2001. The weighted-average maturity of the fixed income investments as of March 31, 2001 was approximately 2.06 years.
Interest on the Companys variable rate debt is calculated, at the Company's discretion, using a pre–determined spread over LIBOR or the prime interest rate of the lending institution. The effective interest rate as of March 31, 2001, December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2000 was 8.63%, 9.44% and 8.69%, respectively.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The Company was served with a complaint dated November 19, 1997 by Norwest Financial Resources, Inc. (Norwest) that claimed indemnification from Premium Service Corporation of Columbia (Premium) and Seibels, Bruce & Company (SBC) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 2, 1993 by and among Premium, SBC and Norwest. The indemnification claim relates to certain loans of Premium which later were discovered to be incorrectly recorded as realizable assets. Management is vigorously defending this complaint. This complaint was filed in the state of South Carolina in the Richland County Court of Common Pleas.
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various other lawsuits generally arising in the normal course of their insurance and ancillary businesses. The Company does not believe that the eventual outcome of such suits will have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Item 2. Changes in Securities.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8–K.
(a) | List of exhibits: | ||
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as restated, dated February 12, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.1, for the year ended December 31, 1998. | ||
3.2 | By-laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated, dated February 4, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.2, for the year ended December 31, 1998. | ||
4.1 | The rights of the Companys equity security holders are defined in the Companys Articles of Incorporation, as restated, dated February 12, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.1, for the year ended December 31, 1999. See Exhibit 3.1. | ||
4.2 | Form of the certificate of the Companys common stock, par value $1.00 per share, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 333-24081). | ||
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K: | ||
None. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. | |
(Registrant) | |
Date: May 10, 2001 | |
/s/
John E. Natili
|
|
John E. Natili | |
President and Chief Executive Officer | |
Date: May 10, 2001 | |
/s/
Bryan D. Rivers
|
|
Bryan D. Rivers, CPA | |
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |