e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
|
|
|
þ
|
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
|
|
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2005 |
|
or |
|
o
|
|
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 1-14094
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
Michigan
|
|
38-2626206 |
(State of Incorporation) |
|
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
26255 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48034
(Address, zip code of principal executive offices)
(248) 358-1100
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes þ No o
The aggregate number of shares of the Registrants Common
Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding on May 3, 2005 was
28,997,182.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
|
ITEM 1 |
Financial Statements |
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
(In thousands, | |
|
|
except share data) | |
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
$ |
80,806 |
|
|
$ |
66,178 |
|
|
|
Ceded
|
|
|
(20,019 |
) |
|
|
(16,465 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
|
|
60,787 |
|
|
|
49,713 |
|
|
Net commissions and fees
|
|
|
10,099 |
|
|
|
11,281 |
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
4,091 |
|
|
|
3,597 |
|
|
Net realized losses
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
74,863 |
|
|
|
64,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
|
|
56,342 |
|
|
|
51,414 |
|
|
Reinsurance recoveries
|
|
|
(19,208 |
) |
|
|
(18,905 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
|
|
37,134 |
|
|
|
32,509 |
|
|
Salaries and employee benefits
|
|
|
12,605 |
|
|
|
12,808 |
|
|
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
|
|
|
10,822 |
|
|
|
7,546 |
|
|
Other administrative expenses
|
|
|
7,785 |
|
|
|
6,096 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
69,119 |
|
|
|
59,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before taxes and equity earnings
|
|
|
5,744 |
|
|
|
5,197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal and state income tax expense
|
|
|
1,952 |
|
|
|
1,988 |
|
|
Equity (losses) earnings, of affiliates
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,743 |
|
|
$ |
3,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Weighted average number of common shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
29,072,619 |
|
|
|
29,025,509 |
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
29,481,870 |
|
|
|
29,395,208 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
2
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three | |
|
|
Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,743 |
|
|
$ |
3,232 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities
|
|
|
(4,463 |
) |
|
|
1,734 |
|
|
|
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net
income
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
|
(4,386 |
) |
|
|
1,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive (loss) income
|
|
$ |
(643 |
) |
|
$ |
5,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
3
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, | |
|
|
except share data) | |
ASSETS |
Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized
cost of $361,728 and $324,966)
|
|
$ |
362,397 |
|
|
$ |
332,242 |
|
|
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments
|
|
|
362,397 |
|
|
|
332,281 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
49,860 |
|
|
|
69,875 |
|
|
Accrued investment income
|
|
|
4,393 |
|
|
|
4,331 |
|
|
Premiums and agent balances receivable, net
|
|
|
102,244 |
|
|
|
84,094 |
|
|
Reinsurance recoverable on:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid losses
|
|
|
15,388 |
|
|
|
17,908 |
|
|
|
Unpaid losses
|
|
|
162,747 |
|
|
|
151,161 |
|
|
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
|
|
28,059 |
|
|
|
26,075 |
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
26,763 |
|
|
|
25,167 |
|
|
Deferred federal income taxes
|
|
|
17,265 |
|
|
|
14,956 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
28,997 |
|
|
|
28,997 |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
44,155 |
|
|
|
46,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
842,268 |
|
|
$ |
801,696 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
|
$ |
398,866 |
|
|
$ |
378,157 |
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
|
|
144,489 |
|
|
|
134,302 |
|
|
Debt
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
12,144 |
|
|
Debentures
|
|
|
35,310 |
|
|
|
35,310 |
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
48,375 |
|
|
|
38,837 |
|
|
Reinsurance funds held and balances payable
|
|
|
24,719 |
|
|
|
17,832 |
|
|
Payable to insurance companies
|
|
|
3,966 |
|
|
|
6,990 |
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
9,965 |
|
|
|
10,614 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
675,490 |
|
|
|
634,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.01 stated value; authorized
50,000,000 shares; 29,017,682 and 29,074,832 shares
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
290 |
|
|
|
290 |
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
126,043 |
|
|
|
126,085 |
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
40,867 |
|
|
|
37,175 |
|
|
Note receivable from officer
|
|
|
(864 |
) |
|
|
(868 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
442 |
|
|
|
4,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
166,778 |
|
|
|
167,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$ |
842,268 |
|
|
$ |
801,696 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
4
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March, 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,743 |
|
|
$ |
3,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of other intangible assets
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building
|
|
|
584 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
Net accretion of discount and premiums on bonds
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
Losses on sale of investments, net
|
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
Gain on sale of fixed assets
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based employee compensation
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
Long term incentive plan expense
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax benefit
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease (increase) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and agent balances receivable
|
|
|
(18,150 |
) |
|
|
(10,882 |
) |
|
|
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
|
|
|
(9,067 |
) |
|
|
(2,459 |
) |
|
|
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
|
|
(1,984 |
) |
|
|
(1,638 |
) |
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs
|
|
|
(1,596 |
) |
|
|
(2,946 |
) |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
2,894 |
|
|
|
1,571 |
|
|
Increase (decrease) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
|
|
20,709 |
|
|
|
10,336 |
|
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
|
|
10,187 |
|
|
|
14,876 |
|
|
|
Payable to insurance companies
|
|
|
(3,024 |
) |
|
|
(4,020 |
) |
|
|
Reinsurance funds held and balances payable
|
|
|
6,887 |
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
2,001 |
|
|
|
6,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments
|
|
|
10,426 |
|
|
|
12,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
14,169 |
|
|
|
16,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of debt securities available for sale
|
|
|
(114,889 |
) |
|
|
(38,582 |
) |
|
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available
for sale
|
|
|
95,274 |
|
|
|
13,275 |
|
|
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(11,734 |
) |
|
|
(835 |
) |
|
Purchase of books of business
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
Deconsolidation of subsidiary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,218 |
) |
|
Other investing activities
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
1,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(31,234 |
) |
|
|
(29,051 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from lines of credit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,947 |
|
|
Payment of lines of credit
|
|
|
(2,344 |
) |
|
|
(4,760 |
) |
|
Book overdraft
|
|
|
(254 |
) |
|
|
(445 |
) |
|
Issuance of common stock
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
Retirement of common stock
|
|
|
(308 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other financing activities
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in by financing activities
|
|
|
(2,950 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(20,015 |
) |
|
|
(13,125 |
) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
69,875 |
|
|
|
50,647 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$ |
49,860 |
|
|
$ |
37,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
5
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
|
|
|
Basis of Presentation and Management Representation |
The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after
elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the Company), its
wholly owned subsidiary Star Insurance Company
(Star), and Stars wholly owned subsidiaries,
Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Williamsburg
National Insurance Company, and Ameritrust Insurance Corporation
(which are collectively referred to as the Insurance
Company Subsidiaries), and Preferred Insurance Company,
Ltd. The consolidated financial statements also include
Meadowbrook, Inc., Crest Financial Corporation, and their
subsidiaries. In addition, the consolidated financial statements
also include the equity earnings of the Companys wholly
owned unconsolidated subsidiaries, American Indemnity Insurance
Company, Ltd. and Meadowbrook Capital Trust I.
In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial
statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to
present a fair statement of the results for the interim period.
Preparation of financial statements under generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of
operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005, are
not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full
year.
These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read
in conjunction with the Companys audited financial
statements and accompanying notes included in its annual report
on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, for the year ended December 31,
2004.
Certain amounts in the 2004 financial statements and notes to
consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the 2005 presentation. These amounts specifically
relate to state income tax expense and the allocation of
corporate overhead to the Companys agency operations
segment. State income tax expense has been reclassified from
income before taxes and equity earnings to federal and state
income tax expense. The Companys agency operations segment
has been reclassified to include an allocation of corporate
overhead. Refer to Note 7 Segment
Information for additional information.
Premiums written are recognized as earned on a pro rata basis
over the life of the policy term. Unearned premiums represent
the portion of premiums written that are applicable to the
unexpired terms of policies in force. Provisions for unearned
premiums on reinsurance assumed from others are made on the
basis of ceding reports when received and actuarial estimates.
Certain premiums are subject to retrospective premium
adjustments. Premiums are recognized over the term of the
insurance policy.
Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss
control, and claims services, is recognized in the period the
services are provided. Claims processing fees are recognized as
revenue over the estimated life of the claims, or the estimated
life of the contract. For those contracts that provide services
beyond the expiration or termination of the contract, fees are
deferred in an amount equal to managements estimate of the
Companys obligation to continue to provide services.
Commission income, which includes reinsurance placement, is
recorded on the later of the effective date or the billing date
of the policies on which they were earned. Commission income is
reported net of sub-producer commission expense. Commission and
other adjustments are recorded when they occur and the Company
maintains an allowance for estimated policy cancellations and
commission returns. Profit sharing commissions from insurance
companies are recognized when determinable, which is when such
commissions are received.
The Company reviews, on an ongoing basis, the collectibility of
its receivables and establishes an allowance for estimated
uncollectible accounts.
6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Realized gains or losses on sale of investments are determined
on the basis of specific costs of the investments. Dividend and
interest income are recognized when earned. Discount or premium
on debt securities purchased at other than par value is
amortized using the constant yield method. Investments with
other than temporary declines in fair value are written down to
their estimated net fair value and the related realized losses
are recognized in income.
Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period, while
diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number
of common shares and potential dilution from shares issuable
pursuant to stock options using the treasury stock method.
Outstanding options of 625,002 and 1,036,796 for the periods
ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, have been
excluded from the diluted earnings per share, as they were
anti-dilutive. Shares issuable pursuant to stock options
included in diluted earnings per share were 329,731 and 298,131
for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. In addition, shares issuable pursuant to
outstanding warrants included in diluted earnings per share were
79,520 and 71,568 for the three months ended March 31, 2005
and 2004, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the
requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 148, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement
No. 123, utilizing the prospective method. Under
the prospective method, stock-based compensation expense is
recognized for awards granted after the beginning of the fiscal
year in which the change is made. Upon implementation of
SFAS No. 148 in 2003, the Company is recognizing
stock-based compensation expense for awards granted after
January 1, 2003.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 148, the Company
applied the intrinsic value-based provisions set forth in APB
Opinion No. 25. Under the intrinsic value method,
compensation expense is determined on the measurement date,
which is the first date when both the number of shares the
employee is entitled to receive, and the exercise price are
known. Compensation expense, if any, resulting from stock
options granted by the Company is determined based upon the
difference between the exercise price and the fair market value
of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. The
Companys Stock Option Plan requires the exercise price of
the grants to be at the current fair market value of the
underlying common stock.
The Company, through its 1995 and 2002 Amended and Restated
Stock Option Plans (the Plans), may grant options to
key executives and other members of management of the Company
and its subsidiaries in amounts not to exceed
2,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock
allocated for each plan. The Plans are administered by the
Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board
of Directors. Option shares may be exercised subject to the
terms of the Plans and the terms prescribed by the Committee at
the time of grant. Currently, the Plans options have
either five or ten-year terms and are exercisable and vest in
equal increments over the option term.
In 2004, the Companys Board of Directors approved the
adoption of a Long Term Incentive Plan (the LTIP).
The LTIP provides participants with the opportunity to earn cash
and stock awards based upon the achievement of specified
financial goals over a three-year performance period with the
first performance period commencing January 1, 2004. At the
end of the three-year performance period, and if the performance
target is achieved, the Committee shall determine the amount of
LTIP awards that are payable to participants in the LTIP.
One-half of any LTIP award will be payable in cash and one-half
of the award will be payable in the form of a restricted stock
award. If the Company achieves the three-year performance
target, payment of the award would be made in three annual
installments. The number of shares of Companys common
stock subject to the restricted stock award shall equal the
dollar amount of one-half of the LTIP award divided by the fair
market value of Companys common stock on the first date of
the performance period. The restricted
7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
stock awards shall be made subject to the terms and conditions
of the LTIP and Plans. The Company accrues awards based upon the
criteria set-forth and approved by the Committee, as included in
the LTIP. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the
Company had $1.7 million and $1.3 million accrued
under the LTIP, respectively.
If compensation cost for stock option grants had been determined
based on a fair value method, net income and earnings per share
on a pro forma basis for the three months ending March 31,
2005 and 2004 would be as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net income, as reported
|
|
$ |
3,743 |
|
|
$ |
3,232 |
|
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in
reported income, net of related tax effects
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair-value-based methods for all awards, net of
related tax effects
|
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
$ |
3,686 |
|
|
$ |
3,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic as reported
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
Basic pro forma
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
Diluted as reported
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
Diluted pro forma
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
No options were granted during the three months ended
March 31, 2005 or 2004.
Compensation expense of $13,631 and $26,725 has been recorded in
the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively, under SFAS 148.
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment
(SFAS 123R), which replaces
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. SFAS 123R requires all share-based
payments to employees to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values. The pro forma disclosures
previously permitted under SFAS 123, will no longer be an
alternative to financial statement recognition. Commencing in
the first quarter of 2003, the Company began expensing the fair
value of all stock options granted since January 1, 2003
under the prospective method. Under SFAS 123R, the Company
must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used for
valuing share-based payments, the amortization method for
compensation cost and the transition method to be used at the
date of adoption. The transition methods include prospective and
retroactive adoption options. Under the retroactive options,
prior periods may be restated either as of the beginning of the
year of adoption or for all periods presented. The prospective
method requires that compensation expense be recorded at the
beginning of the first quarter of adoption of SFAS 123R for
all unvested stock options and restricted stock based upon the
previously disclosed SFAS 123 methodology and amounts. The
retroactive methods would record compensation expense beginning
with the first period restated for all unvested stock options
and restricted stock. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and
Exchange Commission adopted a new rule that delays the
compliance dates for SFAS 123R. Under the new rule,
SFAS 123R is effective for public companies for annual,
rather than interim periods, that begin after June 15,
2005. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt SFAS 123R
in the first quarter of 2006, or beginning January 1, 2006.
The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of
SFAS 123R and has not yet determined the method of adoption
or impact SFAS 123R will have on its financial statements.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Insurance Company Subsidiaries cede insurance to other
insurers under pro-rata and excess-of-loss contracts. These
reinsurance arrangements diversify the Companys business
and minimize its exposure to large losses or from hazards of an
unusual nature. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the
original insurer from its primary liability to its policyholder.
In the event that all or any of the reinsuring companies are
unable to meet their obligations, the Insurance Company
Subsidiaries would be liable for such defaulted amounts.
Therefore, the Company is subject to a credit risk with respect
to the obligations of its reinsurers. In order to minimize its
exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies, the
Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and
monitors the economic characteristics of the reinsurers on an
ongoing basis. The Company also assumes insurance from other
insurers and reinsurers, both domestic and foreign, under
pro-rata and excess-of-loss contracts.
Inter-company pooling agreements are commonly entered into
between affiliated insurance companies, so as to allow the
companies to utilize the capital and surplus of all of the
companies, rather than each individual company. Under pooling
arrangements, companies share in the insurance business that is
underwritten and allocate the combined premium, losses and
related expenses between the companies within the pooling
arrangement. Effective January 1, 2005, the Insurance
Company Subsidiaries entered into an Inter-Company Reinsurance
Agreement (the Reinsurance Agreement). This
Reinsurance Agreement includes Star, Ameritrust Insurance
Corporation (Ameritrust), Savers Property and
Casualty Insurance Company (Savers) and Williamsburg
National Insurance Company (Williamsburg). Pursuant
to the Reinsurance Agreement, Savers, Ameritrust and
Williamsburg have agreed to cede to Star and Star has agreed to
reinsure 100% of the liabilities and expenses of Savers,
Ameritrust and Williamsburg, relating to all insurance and
reinsurance policies issued by them. In return, Star agrees to
cede and Savers, Ameritrust and Williamsburg have agreed to
reinsure Star for their respective percentages of the
liabilities and expenses of Star. The Reinsurance Agreement was
filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and was not
disapproved. Any changes to the Reinsurance Agreement must be
submitted to the applicable regulatory authorities for review
and approval.
At March 31, 2005, the Company had reinsurance recoverables
for paid and unpaid losses of $178.1 million. The Company
customarily collateralizes reinsurance balances due from
non-admitted reinsurers through funds withheld trusts or letters
of credit. The largest unsecured reinsurance recoverable is due
from an admitted reinsurer with an A A.M. Best
rating and accounts for 30.8% of the total recoverable for paid
and unpaid losses.
The Company maintains an excess-of-loss reinsurance treaty
designed to protect against large or unusual loss and loss
adjustment expense activity. The Company determines the
appropriate amount of reinsurance based on the Companys
evaluation of the risks accepted and analysis prepared by
consultants and reinsurers and on market conditions including
the availability and pricing of reinsurance. To date, there have
been no material disputes with the Companys excess-of-loss
reinsurers. No assurance can be given, however, regarding the
future ability of any of the Companys excess-of-loss
reinsurers to meet their obligations.
Under the workers compensation reinsurance treaty, the
reinsurers are responsible for 100% of each loss in excess of
$350,000 up to $5.0 million for each claimant. In addition,
there is coverage for loss events involving more than one
claimant up to $50.0 million per occurrence.
Under the core liability reinsurance treaty, the reinsurers are
responsible for 100% of each loss in excess of $350,000, up to
$2.0 million per occurrence. The Company also purchased an
additional $3.0 million of reinsurance clash coverage in
excess of the $2.0 million to cover amounts that may be in
excess of the $2.0 million policy limit, such as expenses
associated with the settlement of claims or awards in excess of
policy limits.
The Company has a separate treaty to cover liability
specifically related to commercial trucking, where reinsurers
are responsible for 100% of each loss in excess of $350,000, up
to $1.0 million. In addition, the
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Company purchased an additional $1.0 million of reinsurance
clash coverage. The Company also established a separate treaty
to cover liability related to chemical distributors and
repackagers, where reinsurers are responsible for 100% of each
loss in excess of $500,000, up to $1.0 million, applied
separately to general liability and auto liability.
Under the property reinsurance treaty, reinsurers are
responsible for 100% of the amount of each loss in excess of
$500,000, up to $5.0 million per location for an
occurrence. In addition, there is coverage for loss events
involving multiple locations up to $20.0 million after the
Company has incurred $750,000 in loss.
Under the semi-automatic facultative umbrella reinsurance
treaties, the reinsurers are responsible for a minimum of 85% of
the first million in coverage and 100% of each of the second
through fifth million of coverage, up to $5.0 million. The
reinsurers provide a ceding commission allowance to cover the
Companys expenses.
Effective September 30, 2004, the Company amended an
existing reinsurance agreement that provided reinsurance
coverage for policies with effective dates from August 1,
2003 to July 31, 2004, which were written in the
Companys public entity excess liability program. This
reinsurance agreement provided coverage on an excess-of-loss
basis for each occurrence in excess of the policyholders
self-insured and the Companys retained limit. This
reinsurance agreement was amended by revising premium rate and
loss coverage terms, which effected the transfer of risk to the
reinsurer and reduced the net estimated costs of reinsurance to
the Company. The amended reinsurance cost for this coverage is a
flat percentage of premium subject to this treaty and provides
reinsurance coverage of $4.0 million in excess of
$1.0 million for each occurrence in excess of the
policyholders self-insured retention. These amended terms
were applicable to the renewal of this reinsurance agreement for
the period August 1, 2004 to January 31, 2006.
In addition, the Company purchased $10.0 million in excess
of $5.0 million for each occurrence, which is above the
underlying $5.0 million of coverage for the Companys
public entity excess liability program. Under this agreement,
reinsurers are responsible for 100% of each loss in excess of
$5.0 million for all lines, except workers
compensation, which is covered by the Companys core
catastrophic workers compensation treaty structure up to
$50.0 million per occurrence.
Additionally, several small programs have separate reinsurance
treaties in place, which limit the Companys exposure to
$300,000 or less.
Facultative reinsurance is purchased for property values in
excess of $5.0 million, casualty limits excess of
$2.0 million, or for coverage not covered by a treaty.
In its risk-sharing programs, the Company is also subject to
credit risk with respect to the payment of claims by its
clients captive, rent-a-captive, large deductible
programs, indemnification agreements, and on the portion of risk
exposure either ceded to the captives, or retained by the
clients. The capitalization and credit worthiness of prospective
risk-sharing partners is one of the factors considered by the
Company in entering into and renewing risk-sharing programs. The
Company collateralizes balances due from its risk-sharing
partners through funds withheld trusts or letters of credit. At
March 31, 2005, the Company had risk exposure in excess of
collateral in the amount of $10.4 million, on these
programs, of which the Company has an allowance of
$8.0 million, related to these exposures. The Company has
historically maintained an allowance for the potential
uncollectibility of certain reinsurance balances due from some
risk-sharing partners, some of which are in litigation with the
Company. At the end of each quarter, an analysis of these
exposures is conducted to determine the potential exposure to
uncollectibility. As of March 31, 2005, management believes
that this allowance is adequate. To date, the Company has not,
in the aggregate, experienced material difficulties in
collecting balances from its risk-sharing partners. No assurance
can be given, however, regarding the future ability of any of
the Companys risk-sharing partners to meet their
obligations. At March 31, 2005, the exposure amount in
litigation with former risk-sharing partners which is not
reserved or collateralized is $1.1 million.
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 3 Debt
On November 12, 2004, the Company entered into a revolving
line of credit for up to $25.0 million. The revolving line
of credit replaces the Companys previous line of credit
and expires on November 11, 2007. The Company has drawn
approximately $9.0 million on this new revolving line of
credit to pay off its former term loan. The Company will use the
revolving line of credit to meet short-term working capital
needs. Under the revolving line of credit, the Company and
certain of its non-regulated subsidiaries pledged security
interest in certain property and assets of the Company and named
subsidiaries.
At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company
had an outstanding balance of $7.0 million and
$9.0 million on the revolving line of credit, respectively.
The revolving line of credit provides for interest at a variable
rate based, at the Companys option, upon either a prime
based rate or LIBOR-based rate. On prime based borrowings, the
applicable margin ranges from 75 to 25 basis points below
prime. On LIBOR-based borrowings, the applicable margin ranges
from 125 to 175 basis points above LIBOR. The margin for
all loans is dependent on the sum of non-regulated earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash
impairment charges related to intangible assets for the
preceding four quarters, plus dividends paid or payable to the
Company from subsidiaries during such period (Adjusted
EBITDA). As of March 31, 2005, the average interest
rate for LIBOR-based borrowings outstanding was 4.1%.
Debt covenants consist of: (1) maintenance of the ratio of
Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense of 2.0 to 1.0,
(2) minimum net worth of $130.0 million and increasing
annually commencing June 30, 2005, by fifty percent of the
prior years positive net income, (3) minimum A.M.
Best rating of B, and (4) minimum Risk Based
Capital Ratio for Star of 1.75 to 1.00. As of March 31,
2005, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
In addition, a non-insurance premium finance subsidiary of the
Company maintains a line of credit with a bank, which permits
borrowings up to 75% of the accounts receivable, which
collateralize the line of credit. At March 31, 2005, this
line of credit had an outstanding balance of $2.8 million.
The interest terms of this line of credit provide for interest
at the prime rate minus 0.5%, or a LIBOR-based rate option, plus
2.0%. At March 31, 2005, the LIBOR-based option was 4.7%
and the average interest rate was 4.5%. The line will expire on
May 14, 2005. Management expects to negotiate an extension
or new line of credit.
On April 29, 2004, the Company issued senior debentures in
the amount of $13.0 million. The senior debentures mature
in thirty years and provide for interest at the three-month
LIBOR, plus 4.00%, which is non-deferrable. The senior
debentures are callable by the Company at par after five years
from the date of issuance. Associated with this transaction the
Company incurred $390,000 of commissions paid to the placement
agents. These issuance costs have been capitalized and are
included in other assets on the balance sheet, which will be
amortized over seven years as a component of interest expense.
On May 26, 2004, the Company issued senior debentures in
the amount of $12.0 million. The senior debentures mature
in thirty years and provide for interest at the three-month
LIBOR, plus 4.20%, which is non-deferrable. The senior
debentures are callable by the Company at par after five years
from the date of issuance. Associated with this transaction the
Company incurred $360,000 of commissions paid to the placement
agents. These issuance costs have been capitalized and are
included in other assets on the balance sheet, which will be
amortized over seven years as a component of interest expense.
The Company contributed $9.9 million of the proceeds to its
Insurance Company Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004. The
remaining proceeds from the issuance of the senior debentures
may be used to
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
support future premium growth through further contributions to
the Insurance Company Subsidiaries and general corporate
purposes.
|
|
|
Junior Subordinated Debentures |
On September 30, 2003, Meadowbrook Capital Trust (the
Trust), an unconsolidated subsidiary trust of the
Company, issued $10.0 million of mandatorily redeemable
trust preferred securities (TPS) to a trust formed
by an institutional investor. Contemporaneously, the Company
issued $10.3 million in junior subordinated debentures,
which includes the Companys investment in the trust of
$310,000. These debentures have financial terms similar to those
of the TPS, which includes the deferral of interest payments at
any time, or from time-to-time, for a period not exceeding five
years, provided there is no event of default. These debentures
mature in thirty years and provide for interest at the
three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%, which started in December 2003.
These debentures are callable by the Company at par beginning in
October 2008.
The Company received a total of $9.7 million in net
proceeds, after the deduction of approximately $300,000 of
commissions paid to the placement agents in the transaction.
These issuance costs have been capitalized and are included in
other assets on the balance sheet, which will be amortized over
seven years as a component of interest expense. The Company
estimates that the fair value of these debentures issued
approximates the gross proceeds of cash received at the time of
issuance.
These debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and
are junior to the right of payment to all senior indebtedness of
the Company. The Company has guaranteed that the payments made
to the Trust will be distributed by the Trust to the holders of
the TPS.
The Company contributed $6.3 million of the proceeds from
the issuance of these debentures to its Insurance Company
Subsidiaries and the remaining balance has been used for general
corporate purposes.
|
|
Note 4 |
Shareholders Equity |
At March 31, 2005, shareholders equity was
$166.8 million, or a book value of $5.75 per common
share, compared to $167.5 million, or a book value of
$5.76 per common share, at December 31, 2004.
On September 17, 2002, the Companys Board of
Directors authorized management to repurchase up to
1,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock in
market transactions for a period not to exceed twenty-four
months. On August 6, 2003, the Companys Board of
Directors authorized management to repurchase up to an
additional 1,000,000 shares of the Companys common
stock under the existing share repurchase plan. The original
share repurchase plan expired on September 17, 2004. On
November 3, 2004, the Companys Board of Directors
authorized management to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares
of its common stock in market transactions for a period not to
exceed twenty-four months. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, the Company purchased and retired
59,400 shares of common stock for a total cost of
approximately $308,000. The Company did not repurchase any
common stock during 2004. As of March 31, 2005, the
cumulative amount the Company has repurchased and retired under
the current share repurchase plan was 59,400 shares of
common stock for a total cost of approximately $308,000. As of
March 31, 2005, the Company has available up to
940,600 shares remaining to be purchased.
|
|
Note 5 |
Regulatory Matters and Rating Agencies |
A significant portion of the Companys consolidated assets
represent assets of the Insurance Company Subsidiaries that at
this time, without prior approval of the State of Michigan
Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS),
cannot be transferred to the holding company in the form of
dividends, loans or advances. The restriction on the
transferability to the holding company from its Insurance
Company Subsidiaries is regulated by Michigan insurance
regulatory statutes which, in general, are as follows: the
maximum discretionary dividend that may be declared, based on
data from the preceding calendar year, is the
12
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
greater of each insurance companys net income (excluding
realized capital gains) or ten percent of the insurance
companys surplus (excluding unrealized gains). These
dividends are further limited by a clause in the Michigan law
that prohibits an insurer from declaring dividends, except from
surplus earnings of the company. Earned surplus balances are
calculated on a quarterly basis. Since Star is the parent
insurance company, its maximum dividend calculation represents
the combined Insurance Company Subsidiaries surplus. Based
upon the 2004 statutory financial statements, Star may only pay
dividends to the Company during 2005 with the prior approval of
OFIS. Stars earned surplus position at December 31,
2004 was negative $13.7 million. At March 31, 2005,
earned surplus was negative $12.0 million. No statutory
dividends were paid in 2004.
Insurance operations are subject to various leverage tests (e.g.
premium to statutory surplus ratios), which are evaluated by
regulators and rating agencies. The Companys targets for
gross and net written premium to statutory surplus are 3.0 to
1.0 and 2.5 to 1.0, respectively. As of March 31, 2005, on
a statutory consolidated basis, the gross and net premium
leverage ratios were 2.6 to 1.0 and 2.0 to 1.0, respectively.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC) has adopted a risk-based capital
(RBC) formula to be applied to all property and
casualty insurance companies. The formula measures required
capital and surplus based on an insurance companys
products and investment portfolio and is used as a tool to
evaluate the capital of regulated companies. The RBC formula is
used by state insurance regulators to monitor trends in
statutory capital and surplus for the purpose of initiating
regulatory action. In general, an insurance company must submit
a calculation of its RBC formula to the insurance department of
its state of domicile as of the end of the previous calendar
year. These laws require increasing degrees of regulatory
oversight and intervention as an insurance companys RBC
declines. The level of regulatory oversight ranges from
requiring the insurance company to inform and obtain approval
from the domiciliary insurance commissioner of a comprehensive
financial plan for increasing its RBC to mandatory regulatory
intervention requiring an insurance company to be placed under
regulatory control in a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding.
At December 31, 2004, all of the Insurance Company
Subsidiaries were in compliance with RBC requirements. Star
reported statutory surplus of $120.7 million at
December 31, 2004, compared to the threshold requiring the
minimum regulatory involvement of $56.9 million in 2004. At
March 31, 2005, Stars statutory surplus was
$122.4 million.
|
|
Note 6 |
Commitments and Contingencies |
On June 6, 2003, the Company entered into a Guaranty
Agreement with a bank. The Company is guaranteeing payment of a
$1.5 million term loan issued by the bank to an
unaffiliated insurance agency. In the event of default on the
term loan by the insurance agency, the Company is obligated to
pay any outstanding principal (up to a maximum of
$1.5 million), as well as any accrued interest on the loan,
and any costs incurred by the bank in the collection process. In
exchange for the Companys guaranty, the president and
member of the unaffiliated insurance agency pledged 100% of the
common stock of two insurance agencies that he wholly owns. In
the event of default of the term loan by the unaffiliated
insurance agency, the Company has the right to sell all or a
portion of the pledged assets (the common stock of the two
insurance agencies) and use the proceeds from the sale to
recover any amounts paid under the Guaranty Agreement. Any
excess proceeds would be paid to the shareholder. As of
March 31, 2005, no liability has been recorded with respect
to the Companys obligations under the Guaranty Agreement,
since the collateral is in excess of the guaranteed amount.
The Company, and its subsidiaries, are subject at times to
various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to
alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance,
claims administration, consulting services and other business
transactions arising in the ordinary course of business. Where
appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims,
lawsuits and proceedings. Some of these claims, lawsuits and
proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or
punitive damages, in amounts
13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
that could, if awarded, be significant. Most of the claims,
lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of
business are covered by errors and omissions insurance or other
appropriate insurance. In terms of deductibles associated with
such insurance, the Company has established provisions against
these items, which are believed to be adequate in light of
current information and legal advice. In accordance with
SFAS No. 5, Accounting for
Contingencies, if it is probable that an asset has
been impaired or a liability has been incurred as of the date of
the financial statements and the amount of loss is estimable, an
accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded by the
Company in its consolidated balance sheets. Period expenses
related to the defense of such claims are included in other
operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements
of income. Management, with the assistance of outside counsel,
adjusts such provisions according to new developments or changes
in the strategy in dealing with such matters. On the basis of
current information, the Company does not expect the outcome of
the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is
subject to, either individually, or in the aggregate, will have
a material adverse effect on the Companys financial
condition. However, it is possible that future results of
operations or cash flows for any particular quarter or annual
period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution
of any such matters.
|
|
Note 7 |
Segment Information |
The Company defines its operations as specialty risk management
operations and agency operations based upon differences in
products and services. The separate financial information of
these segments is consistent with the way results are regularly
evaluated by management in deciding how to allocate resources
and in assessing performance. Intersegment revenue is eliminated
in consolidation. It would be impracticable for the Company to
determine the allocation of assets between the two segments.
|
|
|
Specialty Risk Management Operations |
The specialty risk management operations segment focuses on
specialty or niche insurance business in which it provides
various services and coverages tailored to meet specific
requirements of defined client groups and their members. These
services include, risk management consulting, claims
administration and handling, loss control and prevention, and
reinsurance placement, along with various types of property and
casualty insurance coverage, including workers
compensation, commercial multiple peril, general liability,
commercial auto liability, and inland marine. Insurance coverage
is provided primarily to associations or similar groups of
members and to specified classes of business of the
Companys agent-partners. The Company recognizes revenue
related to the services and coverages the specialty risk
management operations provides within seven categories: net
earned premiums, management fees, claims fees, loss control
fees, reinsurance placement, investment income, and net realized
gains (losses).
The Company earns commissions through the operation of its
retail property and casualty insurance agency, which was formed
in 1955. The agency has grown to be one of the largest agencies
in Michigan and, with acquisitions, has expanded into
California. The agency operations produce commercial, personal
lines, life, and accident and health insurance, for more than
fifty unaffiliated insurance carriers.
14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table sets forth the segment results (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
|
$ |
60,787 |
|
|
$ |
49,713 |
|
|
Management fees
|
|
|
4,196 |
|
|
|
4,711 |
|
|
Claims fees
|
|
|
1,752 |
|
|
|
2,701 |
|
|
Loss control fees
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
545 |
|
|
Reinsurance placement
|
|
|
345 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
Investment income
|
|
|
4,084 |
|
|
|
3,591 |
|
|
Net realized losses
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty risk management
|
|
|
71,623 |
|
|
|
61,288 |
|
|
Agency operations(2)
|
|
|
3,960 |
|
|
|
3,219 |
|
|
Reconciling items
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Intersegment revenue(2)
|
|
|
(727 |
) |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated revenue
|
|
$ |
74,863 |
|
|
$ |
64,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty risk management
|
|
$ |
5,400 |
|
|
$ |
4,607 |
|
|
Agency operations(1)&(2)
|
|
|
1,913 |
|
|
|
1,441 |
|
|
Reconciling items
|
|
|
(1,569 |
) |
|
|
(851 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated pre-tax income
|
|
$ |
5,744 |
|
|
$ |
5,197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The Companys agency operations include an allocation of
corporate overhead. In prior years, corporate overhead was
previously reflected only in the specialty risk management
operations segment. This reclassification for the allocation of
corporate overhead more accurately presents the Companys
segments as a result of improved cost allocation information. As
a result, the segment information for the three months ended
March 31, 2004, has been adjusted to reflect this
allocation. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, and
2004, the allocation of corporate overhead to the agency
operations segment was $725,000 and $731,000, respectively. |
|
(2) |
In addition to the reclassification for the allocation of
corporate overhead as described above, the Company also
reclassified revenues related to the conversion of a west-coast
commercial transportation program, which was converted to a
specialty risk program with one of its insurance subsidiaries,
from the agency operations segment to the specialty risk
management operations segment. Accordingly, the agency
operations revenue and intersegment revenue has been
reclassified. As a result, $1.6 million was reclassified
within the agency operations segment and the intersegment
revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2004. |
The reconciling item included in the revenue relates to interest
income in the holding company. The following table sets forth
the pre-tax income reconciling items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Holding company expenses
|
|
$ |
(704 |
) |
|
$ |
(437 |
) |
Amortization
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
(99 |
) |
Interest expense
|
|
|
(773 |
) |
|
|
(315 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,569 |
) |
|
$ |
(851 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
Note 8 |
Subsequent Events |
On April 19, 2005, the Company announced an upgrade from A.
M. Best of certain of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries from B+
(positive outlook) to B++ (Very Good). The ratings upgrade
applies to Star Insurance Company, Savers Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, and Williamsburg National Insurance Company.
Additionally, A.M. Best reaffirmed the rating for Ameritrust
Insurance Corporation as B+, with a positive outlook.
Effective April 1, 2005, the Company increased its
retention under its workers compensation reinsurance
treaty from $350,000 to $750,000, for losses occurring effective
April 1, 2005. The remainder of the treaty did not change.
16
ITEM 2
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
Forward-Looking
Statements
This quarterly report may provide information including
certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include statements
regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of
management, including, but not limited to, those statements that
use the words believes, expects,
anticipates, estimates, or similar
expressions. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
a number of risks and uncertainties, and results could differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements are: the frequency and severity of
claims; uncertainties inherent in reserve estimates;
catastrophic events; a change in the demand for, pricing of,
availability or collectibility of reinsurance; increased rate
pressure on premiums; obtainment of certain rate increases in
current market conditions; investment rate of return; changes in
and adherence to insurance regulation; actions taken by
regulators, rating agencies or lenders; obtainment of certain
processing efficiencies; changing rates of inflation; general
economic conditions and other risks identified in our reports
and registration statements filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. We are not under any obligation to (and
expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise
Description of Business
We are a publicly traded specialty risk management company, with
an emphasis on alternative market insurance and risk management
solutions for agents, professional and trade associations, and
insureds of all sizes. The alternative market includes a wide
range of approaches to financing and managing risk exposures,
such as captives, rent-a-captives, risk retention and risk
purchasing groups, governmental pools and trusts, and
self-insurance plans. The alternative market developed as a
result of the historical volatility in the cost and availability
of traditional commercial insurance coverages, and usually
involves some form of self-insurance or risk-sharing on the part
of the client. We develop and manage alternative risk management
programs for defined client groups and their members. We also
operate as an insurance agency representing unaffiliated
insurance companies in placing insurance coverages for
policyholders. We define our business segments as specialty risk
management operations and agency operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In certain circumstances, we are required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated
financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these
estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on a
variety of factors. There can be no assurance, however, that
actual results will not be materially different than our
estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of
operation will not be affected by accounting adjustments needed
to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions. The
accounting estimates and related risks described in our annual
report on Form 10-K as filed with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005, are
those that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates.
As of the three months ended March 31, 2005, there have
been no material changes in regard to any of our critical
accounting estimates.
17
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2005 AND 2004
During the first quarter of 2005, our underwriting results
continued to show improvement. This improvement primarily
reflects the earning pattern from our controlled growth of
premiums written in 2004, as well as the impact of rate
increases achieved in 2004. Net income for the first quarter of
2005, continued to demonstrate our commitment to a strong
underwriting discipline, our consistent focus on growing
profitable specialty and fee-for-service programs, along with
our on-going plan to leverage fixed costs. As a result, our
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
combined ratio improved 2.7 percentage points to 99.3% in
the first quarter of 2005 from 102.0% in the comparable period
in 2004.
On April 19, 2005, we announced an upgrade from A.M. Best
of certain of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries from B+
(positive outlook) to B++ (Very Good) by A.M. Best. The ratings
upgrade applies to Star Insurance Company, Savers Property and
Casualty Insurance Company, and Williamsburg National Insurance
Company. Additionally, A.M. Best reaffirmed the rating for
Ameritrust Insurance Corporation as B+, with a positive outlook.
Results of Operations
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was
$3.7 million, or $0.13 per dilutive share, compared to
net income of $3.2 million, or $0.11 per dilutive
share, for the comparable period of 2004. This improvement
primarily reflects the earning pattern from our controlled
growth of premiums written in 2004, the impact from rate
increases achieved in 2004, and the continued leveraging of
fixed costs. In addition, net income was favorably impacted by
approximately $800,000 from profit-sharing commissions, which
were offset by an increase in expenses primarily related to the
implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005,
increased $10.4 million, or 16.1%, to $74.9 million,
from $64.5 million for the comparable period in 2004. This
increase reflects an $11.1 million, or 22.3%, increase in
net earned premiums. The increase in net earned premiums is the
result of the earning pattern from the controlled growth in
written premiums experienced in 2004. This growth was primarily
due to growth in existing programs, which included a west-coast
commercial transportation program, an excess liability program
for public entities, and other various programs. The growth in
net earned premiums was also attributable to new programs
implemented in 2004 which had proven track records of
profitability. The impact of an overall 8.4% rate increase
achieved in 2004 also contributed to the increase in net earned
premiums, as well as an increase in audit related premiums.
Partially offsetting the increase in revenue was the anticipated
reduction in managed fee revenue from two limited duration
administrative services and multi-state claims run-off contract,
terminated in 2004.
18
Specialty Risk Management
Operations
The following table sets forth the revenues and results from
operations for specialty risk management operations (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
|
$ |
60,787 |
|
|
$ |
49,713 |
|
|
Management fees
|
|
|
4,196 |
|
|
|
4,711 |
|
|
Claims fees
|
|
|
1,752 |
|
|
|
2,701 |
|
|
Loss control fees
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
545 |
|
|
Reinsurance placement
|
|
|
345 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
Investment income
|
|
|
4,084 |
|
|
|
3,591 |
|
|
Net realized losses
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$ |
71,623 |
|
|
$ |
61,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty risk management operations
|
|
$ |
5,400 |
|
|
$ |
4,607 |
|
Revenues from specialty risk management operations increased
$10.3 million, or 16.9%, to $71.6 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2005, from $61.3 million
for the comparable period in 2004.
Net earned premiums increased $11.1 million, or 22.3%, to
$60.8 million in the three months ended March 31,
2005, from $49.7 million in the comparable period in 2004.
This increase primarily reflects the earning pattern resulting
from the controlled growth of programs written in 2004, as well
as an increase in audit related premiums.
Management fees decreased $515,000, or 10.9%, to
$4.2 million for the three months ended March 31,
2005, from $4.7 million for the comparable period in 2004.
The decrease in management fees reflects an anticipated shift in
fee-for-service revenue previously generated from a third party
contract to internally generated fee revenue from a specific
renewal rights agreement that is eliminated upon consolidation.
Excluding revenue generated from the third party contract,
management fee revenue increased approximately $533,000 in
comparison to 2004. This increase is primarily the result of
growth in a specific New England based program.
Claim fees decreased $949,000, or 35.1%, to $1.8 million,
from $2.7 million for the comparable period in 2004. This
decrease reflects a similar anticipated shifting of revenue
previously generated from a multi-state claims run-off service
contract, to internally generated fee revenue from a specific
renewal rights agreement that is eliminated upon consolidation.
Excluding revenue generated from the third party contract, claim
fee revenue remained relatively consistent in comparison to 2004.
Net investment income increased $493,000, or 13.7%, to
$4.1 million in 2005, from $3.6 million in 2004.
Average invested assets increased $76.1 million, or 23.0%,
to $407.2 million in 2005, from $331.1 million in
2004. The increase in average invested assets reflects cash
flows from underwriting activities and growth in gross written
premiums during 2004 and 2005, as well, as net proceeds from
capital raised in 2004 through the issuances of debentures. The
average investment yield for March 31, 2005, was 4.0%,
compared to 4.4% for the comparable period in 2004. The current
pre-tax book yield is 4.1% and current after-tax book yield is
3.0%. The decline in investment yield reflects the accelerated
prepayments in mortgage-backed securities and the reinvestment
of cash flows in municipal bonds and other securities with lower
interest rates. Over the past two years, the reinvestment of
cash flows has shifted from maturing securities with higher
yields which have been replaced by securities with lower yields
in a declining interest rate environment.
Specialty risk management operations generated pre-tax income of
$5.4 million for the three months ended March 31,
2005, compared to pre-tax income of $4.6 million for the
comparable period in 2004. This
19
increase in pre-tax income demonstrates a continued improvement
in underwriting results as a result of our controlled growth in
premium volume and our continued focus on leveraging of fixed
costs. The GAAP combined ratio was 99.3% for the three months
ended March 31, 2005, compared to 102.0% for the same
period in 2004.
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE)
increased $4.6 million, or 14.2%, to $37.1 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2005, from
$32.5 million for the same period in 2004. Our loss and LAE
ratio decreased 4.6 percentage points to 65.6% for the
three months ended March 31, 2005, from 70.2% for the same
period in 2004. This ratio is the unconsolidated net loss and
LAE in relation to net earned premiums. The improvement in the
loss and LAE ratio reflects a 1.2 percentage point decrease
in the change in net ultimate loss estimates for prior accident
years in 2005 as compared to 2004. Development on prior accident
year reserves added $1.5 million, or 2.4 percentage
points, to net loss and LAE in 2005, compared to
$1.8 million, or 3.6 percentage points in 2004. In
addition, there was a 1.2 percentage point decrease in the
net loss and LAE ratio as a result of efficiencies within our
claims handling activities. This overall improvement in the loss
and LAE ratio also reflects the impact of earned premiums from
the controlled growth of profitable programs which have had
favorable underwriting experience, as well as, our intended
shift in the balance between workers compensation and
general liability line of business. Historically, the general
liability line of business has a lower loss ratio; however, it
has a higher commission rate. Additional discussion of our
reserve activity is described below within the Other
Items Reserves section.
Our expense ratio increased 1.9 percentage points to 33.7%
for the three months ended March 31, 2005, from 31.8% for
the same period in 2004. This ratio is the unconsolidated policy
acquisition and other underwriting expenses in relation to net
earned premiums. The increase in our expense ratio is primarily
the result of an increase in gross outside commissions, due to a
shift in the balance between workers compensation and
general liability. The general liability line of business has a
higher commission rate and, as previously indicated, a lower
loss ratio. In addition, the increase in the expense ratio was
also impacted by higher insurance related assessments and an
increase in net excess reinsurance costs. Offsetting the
increase in the expense ratio was a favorable impact due to a
decrease in fixed costs.
Agency Operations
The following table sets forth the revenues and results from
agency operations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net commission(1)
|
|
$ |
3,960 |
|
|
$ |
3,219 |
|
Pre-tax income(2)
|
|
$ |
1,913 |
|
|
$ |
1,441 |
|
|
|
(1) |
We reclassified revenues related to the conversion of a west
coast commercial transportation program, which was converted to
a specialty risk program with one of our insurance subsidiaries,
from the agency operations segment to the specialty risk
management operations segment. Accordingly, the agency
operations revenue and intersegment revenue has been
reclassified. As a result, $1.6 million was reclassified
within the agency operations segment and the intersegment
revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2004. |
|
(2) |
Our agency operations include an allocation of corporate
overhead. In prior years, corporate overhead was previously
reflected only in the specialty risk management operations
segment. This reclassification for the allocation of corporate
overhead more accurately presents our segments as a result of
improved cost allocation information. As a result, the segment
information for the three months ended March 31, 2004, has
been adjusted to reflect this allocation. For the three months
ended March 31, 2005, and 2004, the allocation of corporate
overhead to the agency operations segment was $725,000 and
$731,000, respectively. |
Revenue from agency operations, which consists primarily of
agency commission revenue, increased $741,000, or 23.0%, to
$4.0 million for the three months ended March 31,
2005, from $3.2 million for the comparable period in 2004.
This increase is primarily the result of profit sharing
commissions. In addition, the agency operations experienced an
increase in new business, offset by a reduction in renewal rates.
Agency operations generated pre-tax income, before corporate
overhead, of $1.9 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, compared to $1.4 million for the
comparable period in 2004. The improvement
20
in the pre-tax margin is primarily attributable to the overall
increase in commissions and leveraging of fixed costs. Excluding
fixed costs and the allocation of corporate overhead, all other
expenses remained relatively consistent.
Other Items
Reserves
At March 31, 2005, our best estimate for the ultimate
liability for loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance
recoverables, was $236.1 million. We established a
reasonable range of reserves of approximately
$220.8 million to $250.9 million. This range was
established primarily by considering the various indications
derived from standard actuarial techniques and other appropriate
reserve considerations. The following table sets forth this
range by line of business (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum | |
|
Maximum | |
|
|
|
|
Reserve | |
|
Reserve | |
|
Selected | |
Line of Business |
|
Range | |
|
Range | |
|
Reserves | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Workers Compensation(1)
|
|
$ |
128,082 |
|
|
$ |
143,854 |
|
|
$ |
136,099 |
|
Commercial Multiple Peril/ General Liability
|
|
|
41,443 |
|
|
|
49,029 |
|
|
|
44,943 |
|
Commercial Automobile
|
|
|
34,162 |
|
|
|
38,688 |
|
|
|
36,867 |
|
Other
|
|
|
17,084 |
|
|
|
19,327 |
|
|
|
18,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Reserves
|
|
$ |
220,771 |
|
|
$ |
250,898 |
|
|
$ |
236,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes Residual Markets |
Reserves are reviewed by internal and independent actuaries for
adequacy on a quarterly basis. When reviewing reserves, we
analyze historical data and estimate the impact of numerous
factors such as (1) per claim information;
(2) industry and our historical loss experience;
(3) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal
developments in the imposition of damages, and changes in
political attitudes; and (4) trends in general economic
conditions, including the effects of inflation. This process
assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of
current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate
basis for predicting future events. There is no precise method
for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on
the adequacy of reserves, because the eventual deficiency or
redundancy is affected by multiple factors.
The key assumptions used in our selection of ultimate reserves
included the underlying actuarial methodologies, a review of
current pricing and underwriting initiatives, an evaluation of
reinsurance costs and retention levels, and a detailed claims
analysis with an emphasis on how aggressive claims handling may
be impacting the paid and incurred loss data trends embedded in
the traditional actuarial methods. With respect to the ultimate
estimates for losses and LAE, the key assumptions remained
consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and
the year ended December 31, 2004.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we reported an
increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2004
and prior to be $1.5 million, or 0.6% of
$227.0 million of net loss and LAE reserves at
December 31, 2004. The increase in net ultimate loss
estimates reflected revisions in the estimated reserves as a
result of actual claims activity in calendar year 2005 that
differed from the projected activity. There were no significant
changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and
calculations of our reserves during 2004
21
and the three months ended March 31, 2005. The major
components of this change in ultimate loss estimates are as
follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incurred Losses | |
|
Paid Losses | |
|
|
|
|
Reserves at | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Reserves at | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
Current | |
|
Prior | |
|
Total | |
|
Current | |
|
Prior | |
|
|
|
March 31, | |
Line of Business |
|
2004 | |
|
Year | |
|
Years | |
|
Incurred | |
|
Year | |
|
Years | |
|
Total Paid | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Workers Compensation
|
|
$ |
112,086 |
|
|
$ |
15,402 |
|
|
$ |
(9 |
) |
|
$ |
15,393 |
|
|
$ |
(386 |
) |
|
$ |
12,641 |
|
|
$ |
12,255 |
|
|
$ |
115,224 |
|
Residual Markets
|
|
|
19,391 |
|
|
|
3,299 |
|
|
|
315 |
|
|
|
3,614 |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
1,666 |
|
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
20,875 |
|
Commercial Multiple Peril/ General Liability
|
|
|
44,217 |
|
|
|
5,336 |
|
|
|
(615 |
) |
|
|
4,721 |
|
|
|
(112 |
) |
|
|
4,107 |
|
|
|
3,995 |
|
|
|
44,943 |
|
Commercial Automobile
|
|
|
33,235 |
|
|
|
8,226 |
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
|
|
9,608 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
5,257 |
|
|
|
5,976 |
|
|
|
36,867 |
|
Other
|
|
|
18,067 |
|
|
|
3,400 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
3,798 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
3,594 |
|
|
|
3,655 |
|
|
|
18,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Reserves
|
|
|
226,996 |
|
|
$ |
35,663 |
|
|
$ |
1,471 |
|
|
$ |
37,134 |
|
|
$ |
746 |
|
|
$ |
27,265 |
|
|
$ |
28,011 |
|
|
|
236,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance Recoverable
|
|
|
151,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
162,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
$ |
378,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
398,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re-estimated | |
|
Development | |
|
|
Reserves at | |
|
Reserves at | |
|
as a Percentage | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
of Prior Year | |
Line of Business |
|
2004 | |
|
on Prior Years | |
|
Reserves | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Workers Compensation
|
|
$ |
112,086 |
|
|
$ |
112,077 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Commercial Multiple Peril/ General Liability
|
|
|
44,217 |
|
|
|
43,602 |
|
|
|
(1.4 |
%) |
Commercial Automobile
|
|
|
33,235 |
|
|
|
34,617 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
18,067 |
|
|
|
18,465 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-total
|
|
|
207,605 |
|
|
|
208,761 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
Residual Markets
|
|
|
19,391 |
|
|
|
19,706 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Reserves
|
|
$ |
226,996 |
|
|
$ |
228,467 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Workers Compensation Excluding Residual Markets
The projected net ultimate loss estimate for the workers
compensation line of business, excluding residual markets,
decreased $9,000. This net overall decrease reflects increases
of $1.1 million and $936,000, in accident years 2003 and
2002, respectively, due to higher than expected emergence of
claim activity primarily related to a Southeastern
U.S. business based program. This increase was offset by
reductions of $843,000 and $455,000, in the ultimate loss
estimate for accident years 2001 and 1999, respectively. The
decrease in the ultimate loss estimate reflects better than
expected experience on most of our workers compensation
programs. In addition, there was a reallocation of loss reserves
of $2.6 million from accident year 2001 to accident year
2000, to align the incurred but not reported (IBNR)
reserves with the case reserves for a specific Tennessee
program. The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other
accident years was insignificant.
Commercial Multiple Peril and General Liability
The commercial multiple peril and general liability line of
business had a decrease in net ultimate loss estimates of
$615,000, or 1.4% of net commercial multiple peril and general
liability reserves. This decrease was the result of a $262,000,
$892,000, and a $365,000, reduction in the ultimate loss
estimates for accident years 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively.
The improvements in accident years 2002 and 2003 reflect a
reinsurance transaction reallocation of incurred losses from
IBNR to paid losses associated with three specific automobile
line of business claims. The improvement in accident year 2004
reflected better than expected claim emergence on several
programs. These decreases were offset by increases of $166,000
and $535,000 in accident years 1995 and 2000, respectively. The
increase in accident year 1995 reflects slightly higher than
22
expected emergence of claim activity in several different
programs. The increase in accident year 2000 was offset by a
similar decrease in the automobile line of business associated
with a discontinued program. These changes were made to align
the IBNR reserves with the case reserves. The change in ultimate
loss estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.
Commercial Automobile
The projected net ultimate loss estimate for the commercial
automobile line of business increased $1.4 million, or 4.2%
of net commercial automobile reserves. This increase reflects
increases of $443,000, $277,000, and $979,000, in accident years
2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. These increases reflect the
impact from the three automobile line of business claims
mentioned in the above commercial multiple peril and general
liability section. These increases also reflect higher than
expected emergence of claim activity in an inactive program.
Partially offsetting these increases were reductions of $317,000
and $390,000, in the ultimate loss estimates for accident years
2004 and 2000, respectively. The accident year 2004 reduction
reflected better than expected claim emergence from a trucking
program in California. The accident year 2000 reduction reflects
the reallocation in IBNR on a discontinued program mentioned
above. The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other
accident years was insignificant.
Other
The other lines of business had an increase in net ultimate loss
estimates of $398,000, or 2.2% of net reserves on the other
lines of business. This net increase reflects increases of
$655,000 and $239,000, in accident years 2004 and 2003,
respectively, offset by a decrease of $513,000 in accident year
2002. The increases in accident years 2004 and 2003 reflect
higher than expected claims activity and the decrease in
accident year 2002 reflects better than expected claims
activity, all of which were associated with some Michigan
professional liability programs. The change in ultimate loss
estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.
Residual Markets
The workers compensation residual market line of business
had an increase in net ultimate loss estimates of $315,000, or
1.6% of net reserves on the workers compensation residual
market line of business. The change reflects an increase of
$1.8 million in accident year 2003, offset by a
$1.2 million decrease in accident year 2004. We record loss
reserves as reported by the National Council on Compensation
Insurance (NCCI), plus a provision for the reserves
incurred but not yet analyzed and reported to us due to a two
quarter lag in reporting. These changes reflect a difference
between our estimate of the lag between incurred but not
reported and the amounts reported by the NCCI in the quarter.
The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other accident
years was insignificant.
Salary and Employee Benefits
and Other Administrative Expenses
Salary and employee benefits for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, decreased $203,000, or 1.6%, to
$12.6 million, from $12.8 million for the comparable
period in 2004. This decrease primarily reflects both a decrease
in variable compensation, which is directly related to
performance and profitability, as well as, a slight decrease in
staffing levels in comparison to 2004. These decreases were
partially offset by merit increases for associates.
Other administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or
27.7%, to $7.8 million, from $6.1 million for the
comparable period in 2004. This increase is primarily
attributable to consulting and audit expenses associated with
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, this
increase in other administrative expenses is the result of
information technology enhancements, policyholder dividends, and
costs associated with our new building.
Salary and employee benefits and other administrative expenses
include both corporate overhead and the holding company expenses
included in the reconciling items of our segment information.
23
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005,
increased $458,000, or 145.4%, to $773,000, from $315,000 for
the comparable period in 2004. Interest expense is primarily
attributable to our debentures, which are described within the
Liquidity and Capital Resources section of
Managements Discussion and Analysis, as well as our
current lines of credit. Interest expense increased $450,000 as
a result of the debentures. The remaining increase is related to
our lines of credit. This increase is the result of an increase
in the average interest rate, offset by a decrease in the
average outstanding balance. The average outstanding balance
during the three months ending March 31, 2005, was
$11.0 million, compared to $17.6 million for the same
period in 2004. The average interest rate, excluding the
debentures, increased in 2005 to 4.2%, compared to 4.1% in 2004
as a result of increases in the underlying eurocurrency based
rate.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense, which includes both federal and state taxes,
for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was
$2.0 million, or 34.0% of income before taxes. For the same
period last year, we reflected an income tax expense of
$2.0 million, or 38.3% of income before taxes. Our
effective tax rate differs from the 35% statutory rate primarily
due to a shift towards increasing investments in tax-exempt
securities in an effort to maximize after-tax investment yields.
Our current taxes are calculated using a 35% statutory rate
based on taxable income greater than $18.3 million.
Deferred taxes are calculated based on a 34% statutory rate. We
are currently evaluating the expected tax rate for the
realization of the deferred taxes.
Other than Temporary
Impairments
Our policy for the valuation of temporarily impaired securities
is to determine impairment based on analysis of the following
factors: (1) market value less than amortized cost for a
six month period; (2) rating downgrade or other credit
event (e.g., failure to pay interest when due);
(3) financial condition and near-term prospects of the
issuer, including any specific events which may influence the
operations of the issuer such as changes in technology or
discontinuance of a business segment; (4) prospects for the
issuers industry segment; and (5) our intent and
ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient
to allow for anticipated recovery in market value. We evaluate
our investments in securities to determine other than temporary
impairment, no less than quarterly. Investments which are deemed
impaired are written down to their estimated net fair value and
the related losses recognized in income.
At March 31, 2005, we had 234 securities that were in an
unrealized loss position. These investments all had unrealized
losses of less than ten percent. At March 31, 2005, fifteen
of those investments, with an aggregate $14.0 million and
$633,500 fair value and unrealized loss, respectively, have been
in an unrealized loss position for more than eighteen months.
Positive evidence considered in reaching our conclusion that the
investments in an unrealized loss position are not other than
temporarily impaired consisted of: 1) there were no specific
events which caused concerns; 2) there were no past due
interest payments; 3) there has been a rise in market
prices; 4) our ability and intent to retain the investment
for a sufficient amount of time to allow an anticipated recovery
in value; and 5) we also determined that the changes in
market value were considered normal in relation to overall
fluctuations in interest rates.
24
The fair value and amount of unrealized losses segregated by the
time period the investment has been in an unrealized loss
position is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Less than 12 Months | |
|
Greater than 12 Months | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Fair Value of | |
|
Gross | |
|
Fair Value of | |
|
Gross | |
|
|
Investments with | |
|
Unrealized | |
|
Investments with | |
|
Unrealized | |
|
|
Unrealized Losses | |
|
Losses | |
|
Unrealized Losses | |
|
Losses | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Debt Securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by U.S. government and agencies
|
|
$ |
21,527 |
|
|
$ |
(431 |
) |
|
$ |
4,771 |
|
|
$ |
(241 |
) |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
|
|
|
78,763 |
|
|
|
(1,442 |
) |
|
|
10,741 |
|
|
|
(369 |
) |
Corporate securities
|
|
|
43,058 |
|
|
|
(991 |
) |
|
|
7,787 |
|
|
|
(377 |
) |
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
|
|
|
41,473 |
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
9,185 |
|
|
|
(302 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
$ |
184,821 |
|
|
$ |
(3,469 |
) |
|
$ |
32,484 |
|
|
$ |
(1,289 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005, gross unrealized gains and (losses)
on securities were $5.4 million and ($4.8 million),
respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Less than 12 months | |
|
Greater than 12 months | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Fair Value of | |
|
Gross | |
|
Fair Value of | |
|
Gross | |
|
|
Investments with | |
|
Unrealized | |
|
Investments with | |
|
Unrealized | |
|
|
Unrealized Losses | |
|
Losses | |
|
Unrealized Losses | |
|
Losses | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Debt Securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by U.S. government and agencies
|
|
$ |
18,480 |
|
|
$ |
(138 |
) |
|
$ |
4,871 |
|
|
$ |
(150 |
) |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
|
|
|
28,581 |
|
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
Corporate securities
|
|
|
23,323 |
|
|
|
(220 |
) |
|
|
7,450 |
|
|
|
(226 |
) |
Mortgage and asset backed securities
|
|
|
19,583 |
|
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
6,442 |
|
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
$ |
89,967 |
|
|
$ |
(782 |
) |
|
$ |
19,314 |
|
|
$ |
(519 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004, gross unrealized gains and
(losses) on securities were $8.6 million and
($1.3 million), respectively.
25
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of funds, which include both regulated and
non-regulated cash flows, are insurance premiums, investment
income, proceeds from the maturity and sale of invested assets,
risk management fees, and agency commissions. Funds are
primarily used for the payment of claims, commissions, salaries
and employee benefits, other operating expenses, shareholder
dividends, and debt service. Our regulated sources of funds are
insurance premiums, investment income, and proceeds from the
maturity and sale of invested assets. These regulated funds are
used for the payment of claims, policy acquisition and other
underwriting expenses, and taxes relating to the regulated
portion of net income. Our non-regulated sources of funds are in
the form of commission revenue, outside management fees, and
intercompany management fees. These non-regulated sources of
funds are used to service debt, shareholders dividends,
and other operating expenses of the holding company and
non-regulated subsidiaries. The following table illustrates net
income, excluding interest, depreciation, and amortization,
between our regulated and non-regulated subsidiaries, which
reconciles to our consolidated statement of income and statement
of cash flows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,743 |
|
|
$ |
3,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Subsidiaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
2,618 |
|
|
$ |
1,411 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income, excluding interest, depreciation, and amortization
|
|
|
2,618 |
|
|
|
1,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
12,013 |
|
|
|
13,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments
|
|
|
12,720 |
|
|
|
14,056 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$ |
15,338 |
|
|
$ |
15,467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-regulated Subsidiaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
1,125 |
|
|
$ |
1,821 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
676 |
|
|
|
374 |
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income, excluding interest, depreciation, and amortization
|
|
|
2,574 |
|
|
|
2,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities
|
|
|
845 |
|
|
|
(135 |
) |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
(3,139 |
) |
|
|
(996 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total adjustments
|
|
|
(2,294 |
) |
|
|
(1,131 |
) |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(676 |
) |
|
|
(374 |
) |
|
Interest
|
|
|
(773 |
) |
|
|
(378 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
|
$ |
(1,169 |
) |
|
$ |
690 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated total adjustments
|
|
|
10,426 |
|
|
|
12,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$ |
14,169 |
|
|
$ |
16,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
Consolidated cash flow provided by operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2005, was $14.2 million,
compared to consolidated cash flow provided by operations of
$16.2 million for the comparable period in 2004.
Regulated subsidiaries cash flow provided by operations
for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was
$15.3 million, compared to $15.5 million for the
comparable period in 2004. This decrease is the result of a tax
benefit reduction from the utilization of the net operating loss
carryforward in 2004. This reduction was offset by improved
underwriting results and an increase in investment income.
Non-regulated subsidiaries cash flow used in operations
for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was
$1.2 million, compared to $690,000 provided by operations
for the comparable period in 2004. The decrease in non-regulated
cash flow from operations primarily reflects the decrease in net
income as a result of an increase in administrative costs
associated with the implementation of Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, offset by an increase in revenue associated
with profit-sharing commissions. In addition, the decrease in
cash flow from operations is the result of variable compensation
payments made in the first quarter of 2005, related to 2004
performance and profitability. Offsetting these decreases in
cash flow was an increase in cash as a result of tax payments.
In addition to the changes described above in relation to our
cash provided by operations, we had an increase in cash used in
investing activities as a result of an $11.6 cash payment for
our new corporate headquarters. The proceeds from the 2004
issuance of debentures, which are described below, were used for
the purchase of our new building. On January 1, 2005, we
entered into a Lease Agreement for our furniture and phone
system in relation to our new building. As of March 31,
2005, the total liability in relation to this lease was
$1.1 million. Total lease payments made for the three
months ended March 31, 2005, were approximately $52,000.
We anticipate a temporary increase in cash outflows related to
investments in technology as we enhance our operating systems
and controls.
Other Items
On September 30, 2003, an unconsolidated subsidiary trust
of ours issued $10.0 million of mandatory redeemable trust
preferred securities (TPS) to a trust formed by an
institutional investor. Contemporaneously, we issued
$10.3 million in junior subordinated debentures, which
includes our $310,000 investment in the trust. We received a
total of $9.7 million in net proceeds, after the deduction
of approximately $300,000 of commissions paid to the placement
agents in the transaction. These issuance costs have been
capitalized and are included in other assets on the balance
sheet, which will be amortized over seven years as a component
of interest expense. We contributed $6.3 million of the
proceeds to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries and the remaining
balance was used for general corporate purposes. The debentures
mature in thirty years and provide for interest at the
three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%.
On April 29, 2004, we issued senior debentures in the
amount of $13.0 million. The senior debentures mature in
thirty years and provide for interest at the three-month LIBOR,
plus 4.00%, which is non-deferrable. The senior debentures are
callable at par after five years from the date of issuance.
Associated with this transaction we incurred $390,000 of
commissions paid to the placement agents. These issuance costs
have been capitalized and are included in other assets on the
balance sheet, which will be amortized over seven years as a
component of interest expense.
On May 26, 2004, we issued senior debentures in the amount
of $12.0 million. The senior debentures mature in thirty
years and provide for interest at the three-month LIBOR, plus
4.20%, which is non-deferrable. The senior debentures are
callable at par after five years from the date of issuance.
Associated with this transaction we incurred $360,000 of
commissions paid to the placement agents. These issuance costs
have been capitalized and are included in other assets on the
balance sheet, which will be amortized over seven years as a
component of interest expense.
We contributed $9.9 million of the proceeds from the senior
debentures to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2004. The remaining proceeds from the issuance
of the senior debentures
27
may be used to support future premium growth through further
contributions to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries and general
corporate purposes.
On November 12, 2004, we entered into a revolving line of
credit for up to $25.0 million. The revolving line of
credit replaces our previous line of credit and expires on
November 11, 2007. We had drawn approximately
$9.0 million on this new revolving line of credit to pay
off our former term loan. We will use the revolving line of
credit to meet short-term working capital needs. Under the
revolving line of credit, we and certain of our non-regulated
subsidiaries pledged security interest in certain property and
assets of named subsidiaries.
At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had an
outstanding balance of $7.0 million and $9.0 million
on the new revolving line of credit, respectively.
The revolving line of credit provides for interest at a variable
rate based, at our option, upon either a prime based rate or
LIBOR-based rate. On prime based borrowings, the applicable
margin ranges from 75 to 25 basis points below prime. On
LIBOR-based borrowings, the applicable margin ranges from 125 to
175 basis points above LIBOR. The margin for all loans is
dependent on the sum of non-regulated earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash impairment
charges related to intangible assets for the preceding four
quarters, plus dividends paid or payable to us from subsidiaries
during such period (Adjusted EBITDA). As of
March 31, 2005, the average interest rate for LIBOR-based
borrowings outstanding was 4.1%.
Debt covenants consist of: (1) maintenance of the ratio of
Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense of 2.0 to 1.0,
(2) minimum net worth of $130.0 million and increasing
annually commencing June 30, 2005, by fifty percent of the
prior years positive net income, (3) minimum A.M.
Best rating of B, and (4) minimum Risk Based
Capital Ratio for Star of 1.75 to 1.00. As of March 31,
2005, we were in compliance with these covenants.
In addition, our non-insurance premium finance subsidiary
maintains a line of credit with a bank, which permits borrowings
up to 75% of the accounts receivable, which collateralize the
line of credit. At March 31, 2005, this line of credit had
an outstanding balance of $2.8 million. The interest terms
of this line of credit provide for interest at the prime rate
minus 0.5%, or a LIBOR-based rate option, plus 2.0%. At
March 31, 2005, the LIBOR-based option was 4.7% and the
average interest was 4.5%. The line will expire on May 14,
2005. We expect to negotiate an extension or new line of credit.
At March 31, 2005, shareholders equity was
$166.8 million, or $5.75 per common share, compared to
$167.5 million, or $5.76 per common share, at
December 31, 2004.
On September 17, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized
management to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our
common stock in market transactions for a period not to exceed
twenty-four months. On August 6, 2003, our Board of
Directors authorized management to repurchase up to an
additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock under the
existing share repurchase plan. The original share repurchase
plan expired on September 17, 2004. On November 3,
2004, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase
up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in market
transactions for a period not to exceed twenty-four months. For
the three months ended March 31, 2005, we purchased and
retired 59,400 shares of common stock for a total cost of
approximately $308,000. We did not repurchase any common stock
during 2004. As of March 31, 2005, the cumulative amount we
have repurchased and retired was 59,400 shares of common
stock for a total cost of approximately $308,000. As of
March 31, 2005, we have available up to 940,600 shares
remaining to be purchased.
A significant portion of our consolidated assets represent
assets of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries that at this time,
without prior approval of the State of Michigan Office of
Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS), cannot be
transferred to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances.
The restriction on the transferability to us from the Insurance
Company Subsidiaries is regulated by Michigan insurance statutes
which, in general, are as follows: the maximum discretionary
dividend that may be declared, based on data from the preceding
calendar year, is the greater of each insurance companys
net income (excluding realized capital gains) or ten percent of
the insurance companys surplus (excluding unrealized
gains). These
28
dividends are further limited by a clause in the Michigan law
that prohibits an insurer from declaring dividends except out of
surplus earnings of the company. Earned surplus balances are
calculated on a quarterly basis. Since Star is the parent
insurance company, its maximum dividend calculation represents
the combined Insurance Company Subsidiaries surplus. Based
upon the 2004 statutory financial statements, Star may only pay
dividends to us during 2005 with the prior approval of OFIS.
Stars earned surplus position at December 31, 2004
was negative $13.7 million. At March 31, 2005, earned
surplus was negative $12.0 million. No dividends were paid
in 2004.
|
|
|
Contractual Obligations and Commitments |
There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of
our business in relation to our contractual obligations and
commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
Regulatory and Rating Issues
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC) has adopted a risk-based capital
(RBC) formula to be applied to all property and
casualty insurance companies. The formula measures required
capital and surplus based on an insurance companys
products and investment portfolio and is used as a tool to
evaluate the capital of regulated companies. The RBC formula is
used by state insurance regulators to monitor trends in
statutory capital and surplus for the purpose of initiating
regulatory action. In general, an insurance company must submit
a calculation of its RBC formula to the insurance department of
its state of domicile as of the end of the previous calendar
year. These laws require increasing degrees of regulatory
oversight and intervention as an insurance companys RBC
declines. The level of regulatory oversight ranges from
requiring the insurance company to inform and obtain approval
from the domiciliary insurance commissioner of a comprehensive
financial plan for increasing its RBC to mandatory regulatory
intervention requiring an insurance company to be placed under
regulatory control in a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding.
At December 31, 2004, all of our Insurance Company
Subsidiaries were in compliance with RBC requirements. Star
reported statutory surplus of $120.7 million at
December 31, 2004, compared to the threshold requiring the
minimum regulatory involvement of $56.9 million in 2004. At
March 31, 2005, Stars statutory surplus increased
$1.7 million to $122.4 million.
Insurance operations are subject to various leverage tests (e.g.
premium to statutory surplus ratios), which are evaluated by
regulators and rating agencies. Our targets for gross and net
written premium to statutory surplus are 3.0 to 1.0 and 2.5 to
1.0, respectively. As of March 31, 2005, on a statutory
consolidated basis, gross and net premium leverage ratios were
2.6 to 1.0 and 2.0 to 1.0, respectively.
Reinsurance
Inter-company pooling agreements are commonly entered into
between affiliated insurance companies, so as to allow the
companies to utilize the capital and surplus of all of the
companies, rather than each individual company. Under pooling
arrangements, companies share in the insurance business that is
underwritten and allocate the combined premium, losses and
related expenses between the companies within the pooling
arrangement. Effective January 1, 2005, the Insurance
Company Subsidiaries entered into an Inter-Company Reinsurance
Agreement (the Reinsurance Agreement). This
Reinsurance Agreement includes Star, Ameritrust Insurance
Corporation (Ameritrust), Savers Property and
Casualty Insurance Company (Savers) and Williamsburg
National Insurance Company (Williamsburg). Pursuant
to the Reinsurance Agreement, Savers, Ameritrust and
Williamsburg have agreed to cede to Star and Star has agreed to
reinsure 100% of the liabilities and expenses of Savers,
Ameritrust and Williamsburg, relating to all insurance and
reinsurance policies issued by them. In return, Star agrees to
cede and Savers, Ameritrust and Williamsburg have agreed to
reinsure Star for their respective percentages of the
liabilities and expenses of Star. The Reinsurance Agreement was
filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and was not
disapproved. Any changes to the Reinsurance Agreement must be
submitted to the applicable regulatory authorities for review
and approval.
29
Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangements
On June 6, 2003, we entered into a Guaranty Agreement with
a bank. We are guaranteeing payment of a $1.5 million term
loan issued by the bank to an unaffiliated insurance agency. In
the event of default on the term loan by the insurance agency,
we are obligated to pay any outstanding principal (up to a
maximum of $1.5 million), as well as any accrued interest
on the loan, and any costs incurred by the bank in the
collection process. In exchange for our guaranty, the president
and member of the unaffiliated insurance agency pledged 100% of
the common shares of two other insurance agencies that he wholly
owns. In the event of default on the term loan by the
unaffiliated insurance agency, we have the right to sell any or
all of the pledged assets (the common stock of the two insurance
agencies) and use the proceeds from the sale to recover any
amounts paid under the Guaranty Agreement. Any excess proceeds
would be paid to the shareholder. As of March 31, 2005, no
liability has been recorded with respect to our obligations
under the Guaranty Agreement, since the collateral is in excess
of the guaranteed amount.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment
(SFAS 123R), which replaces
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. SFAS 123R requires all share-based
payments to employees to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values. The pro forma disclosures
previously permitted under SFAS 123, will no longer be an
alternative to financial statement recognition. Commencing in
the first quarter of 2003, we began expensing the fair value of
all stock options granted since January 1, 2003 under the
prospective method. Under SFAS 123R, we must determine the
appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing share-based
payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and the
transition method to be used at the date of adoption. The
transition methods include prospective and retroactive adoption
options. Under the retroactive options, prior periods may be
restated either as of the beginning of the year of adoption or
for all periods presented. The prospective method requires that
compensation expense be recorded at the beginning of the first
quarter of adoption of SFAS 123R for all unvested stock
options and restricted stock based upon the previously disclosed
SFAS 123 methodology and amounts. The retroactive methods
would record compensation expense beginning with the first
period restated for all unvested stock options and restricted
stock. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange
Commission adopted a new rule that delays the compliance dates
for SFAS 123R. Under the new rule, SFAS 123R is
effective for public companies for annual, rather than interim
periods, that begin after June 15, 2005. Therefore, we are
required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of 2006,
or beginning January 1, 2006. We are currently evaluating
the requirements of SFAS 123R and have not yet determined
the method of adoption or impact SFAS 123R will have on our
financial statements.
Subsequent Events
On April 19, 2005, we announced an upgrade from A. M. Best
of certain of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries from B+
(positive outlook) to B++ (Very Good). The ratings upgrade
applies to Star Insurance Company, Savers Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, and Williamsburg National Insurance Company.
Additionally, A.M. Best reaffirmed the rating for Ameritrust
Insurance Corporation as B+, with a positive outlook.
Effective April 1, 2005, we increased our retention under
our workers compensation reinsurance treaty from $350,000
to $750,000 for losses occurring effective April 1, 2005.
The remainder of the treaty did not change. We anticipate this
change will result in a slight increase in our net excess
reinsurance costs.
|
|
Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk |
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in
market rates and prices, such as interest rates as well as other
relevant market rate or price changes. The volatility and
liquidity in the markets in which the underlying assets are
traded directly influence market risk. The following is a
discussion of our primary risk exposures and how those exposures
are currently managed as of March 31, 2005. Our market risk
sensitive
30
instruments are primarily related to fixed income securities,
which are available for sale and not held for trading purposes.
Interest rate risk is managed within the context of asset and
liability management strategy where the target duration for the
fixed income portfolio is based on the estimate of the liability
duration and takes into consideration our surplus. The
investment policy guidelines provide for a fixed income
portfolio duration of between three and five years. At
March 31, 2005, our fixed income portfolio had a modified
duration of 3.64, compared to 3.46 at December 31, 2004.
At March 31, 2005 the fair value of our investment
portfolio was $362.4 million. Our market risk to the
investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with debt
securities. Our exposure to equity price risk is not
significant. Our investment philosophy is one of maximizing
after-tax earnings and has historically included significant
investments in tax-exempt bonds. During 2003 and 2004, we began
to increase our holdings of tax-exempt securities based on our
return to profitability and our desire to maximize after-tax
investment income. For our investment portfolio, there were no
significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in
how those exposures are managed compared to the year ended
December 31, 2004. We do not anticipate significant changes
in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures
are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known
or expected to be in effect.
A sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of
potential loss in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of
market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected
hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or
prices over a selected period. In our sensitivity analysis
model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is
expected to reflect reasonable possible near-term changes in
those rates. Near term means a period of up to one
year from the date of the consolidated financial statements. In
our sensitivity model, we use fair values to measure our
potential loss of debt securities assuming an upward parallel
shift in interest rates to measure the hypothetical change in
fair values. The table below presents our models estimate
of changes in fair values given a change in interest rates.
Dollar values are rounded and in thousands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates Down | |
|
Rates | |
|
Rates Up | |
|
|
100bps | |
|
Unchanged | |
|
100bps | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Market Value
|
|
$ |
377,401 |
|
|
$ |
362,397 |
|
|
$ |
347,503 |
|
Yield to Maturity or Call
|
|
|
3.21 |
% |
|
|
4.21 |
% |
|
|
5.21 |
% |
Effective Duration
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
|
4.12 |
|
|
|
4.24 |
|
The other financial instruments, which include cash and cash
equivalents, equity securities, premium receivables, reinsurance
recoverables, line of credit and other assets and liabilities,
when included in the sensitivity model, do not produce a
material loss in fair values.
At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, our
$35.3 million of debentures are subject to variable
interest rates. Thus, our interest expense on these debentures
is directly correlated to market interest rates. At this level,
a 1% change in market rates would change interest expense by
$353,000.
In addition, our credit facility under which we can borrow up to
$25.0 million is subject to variable interest rates. Thus,
our interest expense on the credit facility is directly
correlated to market interest rates. At March 31, 2005, we
had $7.0 million outstanding. At this level, a one percent
change in market rates would change interest expense by $70,000.
At December 31, 2004, we had $9.0 million outstanding.
At this level, a one percent change in market rates would have
changed interest expense by $90,000.
|
|
Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Exchange Act), which we refer to as disclosure
controls, are controls and procedures that are designed with the
objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed
in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this
Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time
31
periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commissions rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also
designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is
accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are
inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system.
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met.
No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been
detected.
As of March 31, 2005, an evaluation was carried out under
the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
disclosure controls. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the
design and operation of our disclosure controls were effective
in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a
timely basis, material information required to be disclosed in
the reports we file under the Exchange Act and is accumulated
and communicated, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no significant changes in our internal control over
financial reporting during the three month period ended
March 31, 2005, which have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
32
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
|
|
Item 1. |
Legal Proceedings |
The information required by this item is included under
Note 6 Commitments and Contingencies of
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Companys Form 10-Q for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
Item 2. |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds |
On November 3, 2004, the Companys Board of Directors
authorized management to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares
of its common stock in market transactions for a period not to
exceed twenty-four months. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, the Company purchased and retired
59,400 shares of common stock for a total cost of
approximately $308,000.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of | |
|
Maximum | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Number of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased as | |
|
Shares that may | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part of Publicly | |
|
yet be | |
|
|
Total | |
|
Average | |
|
Announced | |
|
Repurchased | |
|
|
Number of | |
|
Price Paid | |
|
Plans or | |
|
Under the Plans | |
Period |
|
Shares | |
|
Per Share | |
|
Programs | |
|
or Programs | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
January 1, 2005 January 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
February 1, 2005 February 28, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
March 1, 2005 March 31, 2005
|
|
|
59,400 |
|
|
$ |
5.14 |
|
|
|
59,400 |
|
|
|
940,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
59,400 |
|
|
$ |
5.14 |
|
|
|
59,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.1 |
|
Inter-Company Reinsurance Agreement by and between Star
Insurance Company and Ameritrust Insurance Company, Savers
Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Williamsburg
National Insurance Company, dated January 1, 2005. |
|
|
31 |
.1 |
|
Certification of Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
31 |
.2 |
|
Certification of Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
32 |
.1 |
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, signed by Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation. |
|
|
32 |
.2 |
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, signed by Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. |
33
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
Meadowbrook Insurance
Group, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: May 10, 2005
34
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.1 |
|
Inter-Company Reinsurance Agreement by and between Star
Insurance Company and Ameritrust Insurance Company, Savers
Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Williamsburg
National Insurance Company, dated January 1, 2005. |
|
|
31 |
.1 |
|
Certification of Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
31 |
.2 |
|
Certification of Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
32 |
.1 |
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, signed by Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation. |
|
|
32 |
.2 |
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, signed by Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. |