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BROWN & BROWN, INC. - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
FORM 10-Q 
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 001-13619
 
 
BROWN & BROWN, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Florida
 
bba15.jpg
 
59-0864469
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
220 South Ridgewood Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL
 
 
32114
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (386) 252-9601

  
 
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  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨ 
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
 
 
 
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.10 par value, outstanding as of November 2, 2018 was 279,210,227.
 



Table of Contents

BROWN & BROWN, INC.
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAGE
NO.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Brown & Brown, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”), makes “forward-looking statements” within the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, throughout this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference into this report. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan” and “continue” or similar words. We have based these statements on our current expectations about potential future events. Although we believe the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the reports, statements, information and announcements incorporated by reference into this report are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by us or on our behalf. Many of these factors have previously been identified in filings or statements made by us or on our behalf. Important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this report include but are not limited to the following items, in addition to those matters described in Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”:
 
Future prospects;
Material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve and in the general economy;
Premium rates set by insurance companies and insurable exposure units, which have traditionally varied and are difficult to predict;
Future regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business;
The occurrence of adverse economic conditions, an adverse regulatory climate, or a disaster in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, because a significant portion of business written by us is for customers located in these states;
Our ability to attract, retain and enhance qualified personnel and to maintain our corporate culture;
Competition from others in or entering into the insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and related service business;
Disintermediation within the insurance industry, including increased competition from insurance companies, technology companies and the financial services industry, as well as the shift away from traditional insurance markets;
The integration of our operations with those of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future and the failure to realize the expected benefits of such integration;
Risks that could negatively affect our acquisition strategy, including continuing consolidation among insurance intermediaries and the increasing presence of private equity investors driving up valuations;
Our ability to forecast liquidity needs through at least the end of 2019;
Our ability to renew or replace expiring leases;
Outcomes of existing or future legal proceedings and governmental investigations;
Policy cancellations and renewal terms, which can be unpredictable;
Potential changes to the tax rate that would affect the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the impact on income available for investment or distributable to shareholders;
The inherent uncertainty in making estimates, judgments, and assumptions in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”);
Our ability to effectively utilize technology to provide improved value for our customers or carrier partners as well as applying effective internal controls and efficiencies in operations; and
Other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.

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Assumptions as to any of the foregoing and all statements are not based upon historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events. Forward-looking statements that we make or that are made by others on our behalf are based upon a knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate, but because of the factors listed above, among others, actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Consequently, these cautionary statements qualify all of the forward-looking statements we make herein. We cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for us or affect us, our business or our operations in the way we expect. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — Financial Statements (Unaudited)
BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees
$
529,813

 
$
474,609

 
$
1,502,219

 
$
1,383,899

Investment income
719

 
491

 
2,051

 
1,085

Other income, net
318

 
546

 
1,228

 
22,047

Total revenues
530,850

 
475,646

 
1,505,498

 
1,407,031

EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
268,045

 
246,062

 
790,902

 
736,445

Other operating expenses
83,697

 
72,058

 
243,704

 
210,289

(Gain)/loss on disposal
1,106

 
(1,902
)
 
(1,544
)
 
(1,993
)
Amortization
21,637

 
21,435

 
62,961

 
64,402

Depreciation
5,259

 
5,489

 
16,410

 
17,242

Interest
8,963

 
9,393

 
28,686

 
28,949

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(357
)
 
(1,308
)
 
2,528

 
8,309

Total expenses
388,350

 
351,227

 
1,143,647

 
1,063,643

Income before income taxes
142,500

 
124,419

 
361,851

 
343,388

Income taxes
36,447

 
48,506

 
91,048

 
131,263

Net income
$
106,053

 
$
75,913

 
$
270,803

 
$
212,125

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.38

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.76

Diluted
$
0.38

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.96

 
$
0.74

Dividends declared per share
$
0.075

 
$
0.068

 
$
0.225

 
$
0.203

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
422,971

 
$
573,383

Restricted cash and investments
301,716

 
250,705

Short-term investments
12,843

 
24,965

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable
736,378

 
546,402

Reinsurance recoverable
98,516

 
477,820

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
344,955

 
321,017

Other current assets
95,799

 
47,864

Total current assets
2,013,178

 
2,242,156

Fixed assets, net
89,772

 
77,086

Goodwill
2,929,634

 
2,716,079

Amortizable intangible assets, net
680,226

 
641,005

Investments
17,152

 
13,949

Other assets
72,844

 
57,275

Total assets
$
5,802,806

 
$
5,747,550

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Premiums payable to insurance companies
$
732,550

 
$
685,163

Losses and loss adjustment reserve
98,475

 
476,721

Unearned premiums
344,955

 
321,017

Premium deposits and credits due customers
107,788

 
91,648

Accounts payable
84,228

 
64,177

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
234,731

 
228,748

Current portion of long-term debt
30,000

 
120,000

Total current liabilities
1,632,727

 
1,987,474

Long-term debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
832,361

 
856,141

Deferred income taxes, net
284,330

 
256,185

Other liabilities
113,980

 
65,051

Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 560,000 shares; issued 290,109 shares and outstanding 279,222 shares at 2018, issued 286,929 shares and outstanding 276,210 shares at 2017 - in thousands. 2017 share amounts restated for the 2-for-1 stock split effective March 28, 2018
29,011

 
28,692

Additional paid-in capital
525,465

 
483,730

Treasury stock, at cost at 10,887 shares at 2018 and 10,719 shares at 2017, respectively - in thousands.
(397,572
)
 
(386,322
)
Retained earnings
2,782,504

 
2,456,599

Total shareholders’ equity
2,939,408

 
2,582,699

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
5,802,806

 
$
5,747,550

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) 
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
270,803

 
$
212,125

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization
62,961

 
64,402

Depreciation
16,410

 
17,242

Non-cash stock-based compensation
23,522

 
22,362

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
2,528

 
8,309

Deferred income taxes
(16,416
)
 
23,941

Amortization of debt discount
118

 
119

Amortization and disposal of deferred financing costs
1,102

 
1,309

Accretion of discounts and premiums, investment
(4
)
 
20

Net gain on sales of investments, fixed assets and customer accounts
(1,259
)
 
(1,739
)
Payments on acquisition earn-outs in excess of original estimated payables
(11,775
)
 
(13,800
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from acquisitions and divestitures:
 
 
 
Premiums, commissions and fees receivable (increase)
(24,560
)
 
(23,350
)
Reinsurance recoverables decrease/(increase)
379,304

 
(2,082,203
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (increase)
(23,938
)
 
(23,585
)
Other assets (increase)
(9,052
)
 
(5,314
)
Premiums payable to insurance companies increase
19,179

 
5,585

Premium deposits and credits due customers increase
16,089

 
14,030

Losses and loss adjustment reserve (decrease)/increase
(378,246
)
 
2,082,203

Unearned premiums increase
23,938

 
23,585

Accounts payable increase
27,817

 
22,113

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (decrease)/increase
(21,465
)
 
1,018

Other liabilities (decrease)
(1,539
)
 
(34,802
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
355,517

 
313,570

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to fixed assets
(28,859
)
 
(12,897
)
Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired
(254,836
)
 
(26,478
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts
3,338

 
4,085

Purchases of investments
(8,897
)
 
(10,393
)
Proceeds from sales of investments
17,551

 
5,178

Net cash used in investing activities
(271,703
)
 
(40,505
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Payments on acquisition earn-outs
(13,337
)
 
(25,488
)
Payments on long-term debt
(115,000
)
 
(91,750
)
Deferred debt issuance costs

 
(2,809
)
Issuances of common stock for employee stock benefit plans
19,406

 
17,387

Repurchase shares to fund tax withholdings for non-cash stock-based compensation
(11,928
)
 
(6,791
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(11,250
)
 
(57,389
)
Settlement (prepayment) of accelerated share repurchase program
11,250

 
(7,500
)
Cash dividends paid
(62,356
)
 
(56,801
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(183,215
)
 
(231,141
)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash
(99,401
)
 
41,924

Cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash at beginning of period
824,088

 
781,283

Cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash at end of period
$
724,687

 
$
823,207

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 9 for the reconciliations of cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1· Nature of Operations
Brown & Brown, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”) is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization that markets and sells to its customers, insurance products and services, primarily in the property, casualty and employee benefits areas. Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments: the Retail Segment provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entities, professional and individual customers; the National Programs Segment, acting as a managing general agent (“MGA”), provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches, all of which are delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, including Brown & Brown retail agents; the Wholesale Brokerage Segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, including Brown & Brown Retail offices; and the Services Segment provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and claims adjusting services.
NOTE 2· Basis of Financial Reporting
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. Under ASU 2016-02, the Company will be required to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets with initial maturities greater than one year. In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-11 related to Topic 842. ASU 2018-10 narrows certain aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments within ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 provides entities with an additional transition method to adopt ASU 2016-02. Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASU 2016-02, along with ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-11, will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this pronouncement with the principal impact expected to be that the present value of the remaining lease payments will be presented as a liability on the balance sheet as well as an asset of similar value representing the “Right of Use” for those leased properties. The Company plans to adopt Topic 842 under the transition method provided by ASU 2018-11. The undiscounted contractual cash payments remaining on leased properties were $210.4 million as of December 31, 2017 as indicated in Note 13 of the Company's Form 10-K and $209.8 million as of September 30, 2018 as detailed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” which provides guidance for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)" (“ASU 2016-15”), which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified and applies to all entities, required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. ASU 2016-15 became effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted

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ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2018 and has determined there is no impact on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows. The Company already presented cash paid on contingent consideration in business combination as prescribed by ASU 2016-15 and does not, at this time, engage in the other activities being addressed in this ASU.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”) to clarify certain aspects of the principal-versus-agent guidance included in the new revenue standard ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). The FASB issued the ASU in response to concerns identified by stakeholders, including those related to (1) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal-versus-agent guidance and (2) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue standard’s control principle. The Company adopted ASU 2016-08 effective contemporaneously with ASU 2014-09 beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of ASU 2016-08 was limited to the claims administering activities of one of our businesses within our Services Segment and therefore was not material to the net income of the Company.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“Topic 606”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. Topic 606 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets.  It supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard’s core principle is that a company should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014–09, and all related amendments, which established Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606. The Company adopted these standards by recognizing the cumulative effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method for contracts not completed as of the day of adoption. The cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 on January 1, 2018 was an increase in retained earnings within stockholders’ equity of $117.5 million. Under the modified retrospective method, the Company is not required to restate comparative financial information prior to the adoption of these standards and, therefore, such information presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 continues to be reported under the Company's previous accounting policies.
The following areas are impacted by the adoption of Topic 606:
Historically, approximately 70% of the Company’s commissions and fees are in the form of commissions paid by insurance carriers. These commissions are earned at a point in time upon the effective date of bound insurance coverage, as no significant performance obligation remains after coverage is bound. If there are other services within the contract, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price for each separate performance obligation, and the corresponding apportioned revenue is recognized over a period of time as the performance obligations are fulfilled. In situations where multiple performance obligations exist within a contract, the use of estimates is required to allocate the transaction price on a relative stand-alone selling price basis to each separate performance obligation.
Commission revenues - Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, commission revenues, including those billed on an installment basis, were recognized on the latter of the policy effective date or the date that the premium was billed to the client, with the exception of the Company's Arrowhead businesses, which followed a policy of recognizing these revenues on the latter of the policy effective date or processed date in our systems.  As a result of the adoption of Topic 606, certain revenues associated with the issuance of policies are now recognized upon the effective date of the associated policy. These commission revenues, including those billed on an installment basis, are now recognized earlier than they had been previously. Revenue is now accrued based upon the completion of the performance obligation, thereby creating a current asset for the unbilled revenue, until such time as an invoice is generated, which typically does not exceed twelve months. The Company does not expect the overall impact of these changes to be significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing revenue will impact our fiscal quarters when compared to prior years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 increased base and incentive commissions revenue, as defined in Note 3, by $26.6 million compared to what would have been recognized under the Company's previous accounting policies. Incentive commissions include additional commissions over base commissions received from insurance carriers based on predetermined production levels mutually agreed upon by both parties.
Profit-sharing contingent commissions - Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, revenue that was not fixed and determinable because a contingency existed was not recognized until the contingency was resolved.  Under Topic 606, the Company must estimate the amount of consideration that will be received in the coming year such that a significant reversal of revenue is not probable.  Profit-sharing contingent commissions represent a form of variable consideration associated with the placement of coverage, for which we earn commissions and fees.  In connection with Topic 606, profit-sharing contingent commissions are estimated with a constraint applied and accrued relative to the recognition of the corresponding core commissions.  The resulting effect on the timing of recognizing profit-sharing contingent commissions will now more closely follow a similar pattern as our commissions and fees with any true-ups recognized when payments are received or as additional information that affects the estimate becomes available.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 reduced profit-sharing contingent commissions revenue by $6.9 million compared to what would have been recognized under our previous accounting policies.

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Fee revenues - Approximately 30% of the Company’s commissions and fees are in the form of fees, which are predominantly in the Company's National Programs and Services Segments, and to a lesser extent in the large accounts business within the Company's Retail Segment, where the Company receives fees in lieu of a commission. In accordance with Topic 606, fee revenue from certain agreements are recognized in earlier periods and others in later periods as compared to our previous accounting treatment depending on when the services within the contract are satisfied and when we have transferred control of the related services to the customer. The Company does not expect the overall impact of these changes to be significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing fees revenue will impact our fiscal quarters when compared to prior years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 increased fees revenue by $5.0 million compared to what would have been recognized under our previous accounting policies.
Additionally, the Company has evaluated ASC Topic 340 - Other Assets and Deferred Cost (“ASC 340”) which requires companies to defer certain incremental cost to obtain customer contracts, and certain costs to fulfill customer contracts. 
Incremental cost to obtain - The adoption of ASC 340 resulted in the Company deferring certain costs to obtain customer contracts primarily as they relate to commission-based compensation plans in the Retail Segment, in which the Company pays an incremental amount of compensation on new business. These incremental costs are deferred and amortized over a 15-year period, which is consistent with the analysis performed on acquired customer accounts and referenced in Note 7 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company deferred $10.3 million of incremental cost to obtain customer contracts. The Company expensed $0.3 million of the incremental cost to obtain customer contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Cost to fulfill - The adoption of ASC 340 resulted in the Company deferring certain costs to fulfill contracts and to recognize these costs as the associated performance obligations are fulfilled. In order for contract fulfillment costs to be deferred under ASC 340, the costs must (1) relate directly to a specific contract or anticipated contract, (2) generate or enhance resources that the Company will use in satisfying its obligations under the contract, and (3) be expected to be recovered through sufficient net cash flows from the contract. The Company does not expect the overall impact of these changes to be significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing these expenses will impact quarterly results compared to prior years as such recognition better aligns with the associated revenue. With the modified retrospective adoption of Topic 606, the Company deferred $52.7 million in contract fulfillment costs on its opening balance sheet on January 1, 2018 based upon the estimated average time spent on policy renewals. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had net expense of $3.6 million related to the release of previously deferred contract fulfillment costs associated with performance obligations that were satisfied in the period, net of current year deferrals for costs incurred that related to performance obligations yet to be fulfilled.
In connection with the implementation of this standard, we modified, and in some instances instituted, additional accounting procedures, processes and internal controls. While the relative impacts of this standard to our revenue streams is significant, we do not view these modifications and additions as a material change in our internal controls over financial reporting.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and Accounting Standards Codification Topic 340 – Other Assets and Deferred Cost (the “New Revenue Standard”):
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments due to the New Revenue Standard
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums, commissions and fees receivable
$
546,402

 
$
153,058

 
$
699,460

Other current assets
47,864

 
52,680

 
100,544

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums payable to insurance companies
685,163

 
12,107

 
697,270

Accounts payable
64,177

 
8,747

 
72,924

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
228,748

 
22,794

 
251,542

Deferred income taxes, net
256,185

 
44,575

 
300,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
2,456,599

 
117,515

 
2,574,114



10

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The $52.7 million adjustment to other current assets reflects the deferral of certain cost to fulfill contracts. The $12.1 million adjustment to premiums payable to insurance companies reflects the estimated amount payable to outside brokers on unbilled premiums, commissions and fees receivable.
The following table illustrates the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard has had on our reported results in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income.
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
As reported
 
Impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard
 
Balances without the New Revenue Standard
Statement of Income
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees
$
1,502,219

 
$
24,700

 
$
1,477,519

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
790,902

 
(3,396
)
 
794,298

Other operating expenses
243,704

 
6,996

 
236,708

Income taxes
91,048

 
5,309

 
85,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
270,803

 
$
15,791

 
$
255,012


NOTE 3· Revenues
The following tables present the revenues disaggregated by revenue source:
 
Three months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Base commissions(1)
$
207,703

 
$
92,106

 
$
62,216

 
$

 
$
(11
)
 
$
362,014

Fees(2)
33,915

 
43,168

 
13,887

 
48,054

 
(360
)
 
138,664

Incentive commissions(3)
11,408

 
287

 
44

 

 
16

 
11,755

Profit-sharing contingent commissions(4)
5,280

 
7,786

 
1,261

 

 

 
14,327

Guaranteed supplemental commissions(5)
2,573

 
22

 
458

 

 

 
3,053

Investment income(6)
1

 
138

 
44

 
51

 
485

 
719

Other income, net(7)
207

 
12

 
99

 

 

 
318

    Total Revenues
$
261,087

 
$
143,519

 
$
78,009

 
$
48,105

 
$
130

 
$
530,850

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Base commissions(1)
$
609,252

 
$
249,491

 
$
174,888

 
$

 
$
(42
)
 
$
1,033,589

Fees(2)
94,282

 
106,839

 
37,799

 
137,878

 
(880
)
 
375,918

Incentive commissions(3)
43,356

 
295

 
515

 

 
28

 
44,194

Profit-sharing contingent commissions(4)
17,879

 
17,290

 
4,824

 

 

 
39,993

Guaranteed supplemental commissions(5)
7,277

 
75

 
1,173

 

 

 
8,525

Investment income(6)
2

 
384

 
125

 
160

 
1,380

 
2,051

Other income, net(7)
758

 
60

 
401

 

 
9

 
1,228

    Total Revenues
$
772,806

 
$
374,434

 
$
219,725

 
$
138,038

 
$
495

 
$
1,505,498

(1)
Base commissions generally represent a percentage of the premium paid by an insured and are affected by fluctuations in both premium rate levels charged by insurance companies and the insureds’ underlying “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance

11

Table of Contents

companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, or sales and payroll levels) to determine what premium to charge the insured. Insurance companies establish these premium rates based upon many factors, including loss experience, risk profile and reinsurance rates paid by such insurance companies, none of which we control.
(2)
Fee revenues relate to fees for services other than securing coverage for our customers and fees negotiated in lieu of commissions.
(3)
Incentive commissions include additional commissions over base commissions received from insurance carriers based on predetermined production levels mutually agreed upon by both parties.
(4)
Profit-sharing contingent commissions are based primarily on underwriting results, but may also reflect considerations for volume, growth and/or retention.
(5)
Guaranteed supplemental commissions represent guaranteed fixed-base agreements in lieu of profit-sharing contingent commissions.
(6)
Investment income consists primarily of interest on cash and investments.
(7)
Other income consists primarily of legal settlements and other miscellaneous income.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The balances of contract assets and contract liabilities arising from contracts with customers as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017(1)
Contract assets
$
249,294

 
$
210,323

Contract liabilities
$
63,611

 
$
51,236

(1)
The balances as of December 31, 2017 have been revised to reflect the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard.
Unbilled receivables (contract assets) arise when the Company recognizes revenue for amounts which have not yet been billed in our systems. Deferred revenue (contract liabilities) relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract before the transfer of a good or service to the customer.
As of September 30, 2018, deferred revenue consisted of $53.9 million as current portion to be recognized within one year and $9.7 million in long term to be recognized beyond one year. As of December 31, 2017, deferred revenue consisted of $44.5 million as current portion to be recognized within one year and $6.7 million in long-term deferred revenue to be recognized beyond one year.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the amount of revenue recognized related to performance obligations satisfied in a previous period, inclusive of changes due to estimates, was approximately $8.1 million.
NOTE 4· Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including participating securities) issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding plus equivalent shares, assuming the exercise of stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed by application of the treasury-stock method. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
 
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
106,053

 
$
75,913

 
$
270,803

 
$
212,125

Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock
(2,716
)
 
(1,852
)
 
(6,185
)
 
(5,181
)
Net income attributable to common shares
$
103,337

 
$
74,061

 
$
264,618

 
$
206,944

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
278,132

 
279,512

 
276,744

 
280,024

Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
(7,124
)
 
(6,820
)
 
(6,321
)
 
(6,840
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share
271,008

 
272,692

 
270,423

 
273,184

Dilutive effect of stock options
4,274

 
5,094

 
5,191

 
4,838

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
275,282

 
277,786

 
275,614

 
278,022

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.38

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.76

Diluted
$
0.38

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.96

 
$
0.74



12

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NOTE 5· Business Combinations
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of fifteen insurance intermediaries, all of the stock of three insurance intermediaries and one book of business (customer accounts). Additionally, miscellaneous adjustments were recorded to the purchase price allocation of certain prior acquisitions completed within the last twelve months as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805 — Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Such adjustments are presented in the “Other” category within the following two tables. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions includes an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income when incurred.
The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.
Based on the acquisition date and the complexity of the underlying valuation work, certain amounts included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be provisional and thus subject to further adjustments within the permitted measurement period, as defined in ASC 805. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, adjustments were made within the permitted measurement period that resulted in an increase in the aggregate purchase price of the affected acquisitions of $21.4 thousand relating to the assumption of certain liabilities. These measurement period adjustments have been reflected as current period adjustments in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 in accordance with the guidance in ASU 2015-16 “Business Combinations.” The measurement period adjustments primarily impacted goodwill, with no effect on earnings or cash in the current period.
Cash paid for acquisitions was $265.9 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. We completed eighteen acquisitions (excluding book of business purchases) in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. We completed six acquisitions (excluding book of business purchases) in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.
The following table summarizes the purchase price allocations made as of the date of each acquisition for current year acquisitions and adjustments made during the measurement period for prior year acquisitions. During the measurement periods, the Company will adjust assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. These adjustments are made in the period in which the amounts are determined and the current period income effect of such adjustments will be calculated as if the adjustments had been completed as of the acquisition date.
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
Business
segment
 
Effective
date of
acquisition
 
Cash
paid
 
Other
payable
 
Recorded
earn-out
payable
 
Net assets
acquired
 
Maximum
potential earn-
out payable
Opus Advisory Group, LLC (Opus)
Retail
 
February 1, 2018
 
$
20,400

 
$
200

 
$
2,384

 
$
22,984

 
$
3,600

Kerxton Insurance Agency, Inc. (Kerxton)
Retail
 
March 1, 2018
 
13,177

 
1,490

 
2,080

 
16,747

 
2,920

Automotive Development Group, LLC (ADG)
Retail
 
May 1, 2018
 
29,471

 
559

 
17,545

 
47,575

 
20,000

Servco Pacific, Inc. (Servco)
Retail
 
June 1, 2018
 
76,551

 

 
916

 
77,467

 
7,000

Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company (Tower Hill)
National Programs
 
July 1, 2018
 
20,300

 

 
2,628

 
22,928

 
7,700

Health Special Risk, Inc. (HSR)
National Programs
 
July 1, 2018
 
20,132

 

 
1,991

 
22,123

 
9,000

Professional Disability Associates, LLC (PDA)
Services
 
July 1, 2018
 
15,025

 

 
9,818

 
24,843

 
17,975

Finance & Insurance Resources, Inc. (F&I)
Retail
 
September 1, 2018
 
44,940

 
410

 
9,121

 
54,471

 
19,500

Other
Various
 
Various
 
25,894

 
680

 
5,234

 
31,808

 
10,200

Total
 
 
 
 
$
265,890

 
$
3,339

 
$
51,717

 
$
320,946

 
$
97,895



13

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition and adjustments made during the measurement period of the prior year acquisitions.
(in thousands)
 
Opus
 
Kerxton
 
ADG
 
Servco
 
Tower Hill
 
HSR
 
PDA
 
F&I
 
Other
 
Total
Cash
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,189

 
$

 
$
3,114

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,303

Other current assets
 

 

 
1,500

 
8,075

 

 
818

 
1,762

 
999

 
253

 
13,407

Fixed assets
 
11

 
10

 
67

 
178

 
$

 
$
124

 
$
309

 
$
34

 
$
99

 
$
832

Goodwill
 
17,944

 
13,417

 
36,236

 
53,901

 

 
18,737

 
17,273

 
36,806

 
20,245

 
214,559

Purchased customer accounts
 
5,008

 
4,712

 
9,751

 
16,902

 
22,928

 
5,516

 
7,700

 
16,611

 
12,653

 
101,781

Non-compete agreements
 
21

 
22

 
21

 
1

 

 
65

 
82

 
21

 
273

 
506

Other assets
 

 

 

 
1,528

 

 
21

 
(787
)
 

 

 
762

Total assets acquired
 
22,984

 
18,161

 
47,575

 
88,774

 
22,928

 
28,395

 
26,339

 
54,471

 
33,523

 
343,150

Other current liabilities
 

 
(1,414
)
 

 
(11,307
)
 

 
(5,930
)
 
(1,273
)
 

 
(1,715
)
 
(21,639
)
Other liabilities
 

 

 

 

 

 
(342
)
 
(223
)
 

 

 
(565
)
Total liabilities assumed
 

 
(1,414
)
 

 
(11,307
)
 

 
(6,272
)
 
(1,496
)
 

 
(1,715
)
 
(22,204
)
Net assets acquired
 
$
22,984

 
$
16,747

 
$
47,575

 
$
77,467

 
$
22,928

 
$
22,123

 
$
24,843

 
$
54,471

 
$
31,808

 
$
320,946


The weighted average useful lives for the acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts, 15 years; and non-compete agreements, 5 years.
Goodwill of $214.6 million, which is net of any opening balance sheet adjustments within the allowable measurement period, was allocated to the Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage and Services Segments in the amounts of $173.0 million, $18.7 million, $5.5 million and $17.3 million, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $214.6 million, the amount currently deductible for income tax purposes is $162.9 million and the remaining $51.7 million relates to the recorded earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.
For the acquisitions completed during 2018, the results of operations since the acquisition dates have been combined with those of the Company. The total revenues from the acquisitions completed through September 30, 2018, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, was $29.2 million. The income before income taxes, including the intercompany cost of capital charge, from the acquisitions completed through September 30, 2018, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, was $1.8 million. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the respective periods, the Company’s results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Total revenues
$
533,038

 
$
499,846

 
$
1,547,556

 
$
1,477,640

Income before income taxes
$
143,402

 
$
130,171

 
$
372,204

 
$
360,034

Net income
$
106,742

 
$
79,422

 
$
278,551

 
$
222,407

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.38

 
$
0.28

 
$
1.01

 
$
0.79

Diluted
$
0.38

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.78

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
271,008

 
272,692

 
270,423

 
273,184

Diluted
275,282

 
277,786

 
275,614

 
278,022



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As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820-Fair Value Measurement. The resulting additions, payments, and net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Balance as of the beginning of the period
$
52,540

 
$
57,943

 
$
36,175

 
$
63,821

Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables
29,646

 
1,050

 
51,717

 
1,332

Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(16,521
)
 
(23,511
)
 
(25,112
)
 
(39,288
)
Subtotal
65,665

 
35,482

 
62,780

 
25,865

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(928
)
 
(1,784
)
 
945

 
6,402

Interest expense accretion
571

 
476

 
1,583

 
1,907

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(357
)
 
(1,308
)
 
2,528

 
8,309

Balance as of September 30,
$
65,308

 
$
34,174

 
$
65,308

 
$
34,174


Of the $65.3 million estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of September 30, 2018, $14.1 million was recorded as accounts payable and $51.2 million was recorded as other non-current liabilities. As of September 30, 2018, the maximum future acquisition contingency payments related to all acquisitions was $151.6 million, inclusive of the $65.3 million estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of September 30, 2018. Included within the additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables are any adjustments to opening balance sheet items within the allowable measurement period, which may therefore differ from previously reported amounts.
NOTE 6· Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. The Company completed its most recent annual assessment as of November 30, 2017, and identified no impairment as a result of the evaluation.
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2018
$
1,386,248

 
$
908,472

 
$
286,098

 
$
135,261

 
$
2,716,079

Goodwill of acquired businesses
173,025

 
18,737

 
5,524

 
17,273

 
214,559

Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses

 
(1,004
)
 

 

 
(1,004
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
$
1,559,273

 
$
926,205

 
$
291,622

 
$
152,534

 
$
2,929,634


NOTE 7· Amortizable Intangible Assets
Amortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in thousands)
Gross
carrying
value
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
carrying
value
 
Weighted
average
life
(years)(1)
 
Gross
carrying
value
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
carrying
value
 
Weighted
average
life
(years)(1)
Purchased customer accounts
$
1,565,186

 
$
(886,229
)
 
$
678,957

 
15.0
 
$
1,464,274

 
$
(824,584
)
 
$
639,690

 
15.0
Non-compete agreements
30,753

 
(29,484
)
 
1,269

 
6.7
 
30,287

 
(28,972
)
 
1,315

 
6.8
Total
$
1,595,939

 
$
(915,713
)
 
$
680,226

 
 
 
$
1,494,561

 
$
(853,556
)
 
$
641,005

 
 
(1)
Weighted average life calculated as of the date of acquisition.
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 is estimated to be $84.7 million, $83.4 million, $76.0 million, $72.7 million, and $68.3 million, respectively.

15

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NOTE 8· Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following: 
(in thousands)
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Current portion of long-term debt:
 
 
 
Current portion of 5-year term loan facility expires June 28, 2022
$
30,000

 
$
20,000

4.500% senior notes, Series E, quarterly interest payments, balloon due September 2018

 
100,000

Total current portion of long-term debt
30,000

 
120,000

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
Note agreements:
 
 
 
4.200% senior notes, semi-annual interest payments, net of the unamortized discount, balloon due 2024
499,062

 
498,943

Total notes
499,062

 
498,943

Credit agreements:
 
 
 
5-year term-loan facility, periodic interest and principal payments, LIBOR plus up to 1.750%, expires June 28, 2022
340,000

 
365,000

5-year revolving-loan facility, periodic interest payments, LIBOR plus up to 1.500%, plus commitment fees up to 0.250%, expires June 28, 2022

 

Total credit agreements
340,000

 
365,000

Debt issuance costs (contra)
(6,701
)
 
(7,802
)
Total long-term debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
832,361

 
856,141

Current portion of long-term debt
30,000

 
120,000

Total debt
$
862,361

 
$
976,141


On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a Master Shelf and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with a national insurance company. The initial issuance of notes under the Master Agreement occurred on December 22, 2006, through the issuance of $25.0 million in Series C Senior Notes due December 22, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 5.660% per year. On February 1, 2008, $25.0 million in Series D Senior Notes due January 15, 2015, with a fixed interest rate of 5.370% per year, were issued. On September 15, 2011, and pursuant to a Confirmation of Acceptance, dated January 21, 2011, in connection with the Master Agreement, $100.0 million in Series E Senior Notes were issued with a maturity date of September 15, 2018, with a fixed interest rate of 4.500% per year. The Series E Senior Notes were issued for the sole purpose of retiring existing Senior Notes. On January 15, 2015 the Series D Senior Notes were redeemed at maturity using cash proceeds to pay off the principal of $25.0 million plus any remaining accrued interest. On December 22, 2016, the Series C Senior Notes were redeemed at maturity using cash proceeds to pay off the principal of $25.0 million plus any remaining accrued interest. On May 10, 2018, the principal balance of $100.0 million from the Series E Senior Notes was paid in full, along with accrued interest of $0.7 million and a prepayment premium of $0.7 million. As of September 30, 2018, there was no outstanding debt balance issued under the provisions of the Master Agreement.
On June 28, 2017, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and certain other banks as co-syndication agents and co-documentation agents. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the credit agreement dated April 17, 2014, among such parties (the “Original Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement extends the applicable maturity date of the existing revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) of $800.0 million to June 28, 2022 and re-evidences unsecured term loans at $400.0 million while also extending the applicable maturity date to June 28, 2022. The term loan principal amortization schedule was reset with payments due quarterly. At the time of the execution of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, $67.5 million of principal from the original unsecured term loans was repaid using operating cash balances, and the Company added an additional $2.8 million in debt issuance costs related to the Facility to the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company also expensed to the Consolidated Statements of Income $0.2 million of debt issuance costs related to the Original Credit Agreement due to certain lenders exiting prior to the modified agreement, while also carrying forward $1.6 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheet the unamortized portion of the Original Credit Agreement debt issuance costs which will amortize over the term of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Either or both of the revolving credit facility and the term loans may be extended for two additional one-year periods at the Company’s request and at the discretion of the respective lenders. Interest and facility fees in respect to the Credit Facility are based upon the better of the Company’s net debt leverage ratio or a non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt rating. Based upon the Company’s net debt leverage ratio, the rates of interest charged on the term loan are 1.000% to 1.750%, and the revolving loan is 0.850% to 1.500% above the adjusted LIBOR rate for outstanding amounts drawn. There are fees included in the facility which include a facility fee based upon the revolving credit commitments of the lenders (whether used or unused) at a rate of 0.150% to 0.250% and letter of credit fees based upon the amounts of outstanding secured or unsecured letters of credit. The Amended and

16

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Restated Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers. On June 30, 2018, a scheduled principal payment of $5.0 million was satisfied per the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On September 30, 2018, a scheduled principal payment of $5.0 million was satisfied per the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2018, there was an outstanding debt balance issued under the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement of $370.0 million with no borrowings outstanding against the revolving loan. Per the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, a scheduled principal payment of $5.0 million is due December 31, 2018.
On September 18, 2014, the Company issued $500.0 million of 4.200% unsecured Senior Notes due in 2024. The Senior Notes were given investment grade ratings of BBB-/Baa3 with a stable outlook. The notes are subject to certain covenant restrictions and regulations which are customary for credit rated obligations. At the time of funding, the proceeds were offered at a discount of the original note amount which also excluded an underwriting fee discount. The net proceeds received from the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance of $475.0 million on the revolving Credit Facility and for other general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was an outstanding debt balance of $500.0 million exclusive of the associated discount balance.
The Master Agreement and the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain other covenants. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
The 30-day Adjusted LIBOR Rate as of September 30, 2018 was 2.125%.
NOTE 9· Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Brown & Brown's cash paid during the period for interest and income taxes are summarized as follows: 
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
32,896

 
$
32,504

Income taxes
$
21,380

 
$
110,853

Brown & Brown’s significant non-cash investing and financing activities are summarized as follows:
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Other payable issued for purchased customer accounts
$
3,339

 
$
11,395

Estimated acquisition earn-out payables and related charges
$
51,717

 
$
1,332


Our restricted cash balance is composed of funds held in separate premium trust accounts as required by state law or, in some cases, by agreement with our carrier partners. The following is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.
 
Balance as of September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Table to reconcile cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
422,971

 
$
546,520

Restricted cash
301,716

 
276,687

Total cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash at the end of the period
$
724,687

 
$
823,207

The following is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
Balance as of December 31,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Table to reconcile cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
573,383

 
$
515,646

Restricted cash
250,705

 
265,637

Total cash and cash equivalents inclusive of restricted cash at the end of the period
$
824,088

 
$
781,283


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In the preparation of the Statement of Cash Flows in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, beginning balance sheet balances for 2018 were adjusted to reflect the modified retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update No.2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and Accounting Standards Codification Topic 340 - Other Assets and Deferred Cost, thereby reflecting in the Statement of Cash Flows the change in operating assets and liabilities for the period, excluding the initial impact of adoption of these new accounting standards. Refer to Note 2 in the "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" for the initial impact of adoption of these new accounting standards.
NOTE 10· Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
The Company is involved in numerous pending or threatened proceedings by or against Brown & Brown, Inc. or one or more of its subsidiaries that arise in the ordinary course of business. The damages that may be claimed against the Company in these various proceedings are in some cases substantial, including in certain instances claims for punitive or extraordinary damages. Some of these claims and lawsuits have been resolved; others are in the process of being resolved and others are still in the investigation or discovery phase. The Company will continue to respond appropriately to these claims and lawsuits and to vigorously protect its interests.
During the first quarter of 2017, the Company was successful in settling a lawsuit it had brought against certain former employees of Brown & Brown, their employer, AssuredPartners, Inc. ("AssuredPartners") and certain key executives of AssuredPartners.  The settlement included a payment of $20.0 million by AssuredPartners to Brown & Brown in exchange for releasing certain individuals from restrictive covenants in the employment contracts they had signed with the Company and provides protection for current Brown & Brown teammates from continued solicitation for employment by AssuredPartners.
The proceeds of the settlement were received in March 2017 and were recorded in the other income line in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.
We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could adversely impact the Company’s operating results, cash flows and overall liquidity. The Company maintains third-party insurance policies to provide coverage for certain legal claims, in an effort to mitigate its overall exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. However, as (i) one or more of the Company’s insurance carriers could take the position that portions of these claims are not covered by the Company’s insurance, (ii) to the extent that payments are made to resolve claims and lawsuits, applicable insurance policy limits are eroded and (iii) the claims and lawsuits relating to these matters are continuing to develop, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by unfavorable resolutions of these matters. Based upon the AM Best Company ratings of these third-party insurers, management does not believe there is a substantial risk of an insurer’s material non-performance related to any current insured claims.
On the basis of current information, the availability of insurance and legal advice, in management’s opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, operations and/or cash flows.
NOTE 11· Segment Information
Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments: (1) the Retail Segment, which provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entities, and to professional and individual customers, (2) the National Programs Segment, which acts as a MGA, provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches, all of which are delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and Brown & Brown retail agents, (3) the Wholesale Brokerage Segment, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, as well as Brown & Brown retail agents, and (4) the Services Segment, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services and claims adjusting services.
Brown & Brown conducts all of its operations within the United States of America, except for a wholesale brokerage operation based in London, England, retail operations in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, and national programs operations in Canada. These operations earned $3.7 million and $3.9 million of total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These operations earned $11.3 million and $11.1 million of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Long-lived assets held outside of the United States as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 were not material.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based upon revenues and income before income taxes. Inter-segment revenues are eliminated.
Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following tables. The “Other” column includes any income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments, corporate-related items, including the intercompany interest expense charge to the reporting segment.

18

Table of Contents

 
Three months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
261,087

 
$
143,519

 
$
78,009

 
$
48,105

 
$
130

 
$
530,850

Investment income
$
1

 
$
138

 
$
44

 
$
51

 
$
485

 
$
719

Amortization
$
10,754

 
$
6,736

 
$
2,878

 
$
1,269

 
$

 
$
21,637

Depreciation
$
1,236

 
$
1,346

 
$
385

 
$
393

 
$
1,899

 
$
5,259

Interest expense
$
7,468

 
$
6,147

 
$
1,233

 
$
846

 
$
(6,731
)
 
$
8,963

Income before income taxes
$
61,224

 
$
46,707

 
$
23,614

 
$
6,988

 
$
3,967

 
$
142,500

Total assets
$
4,651,080

 
$
2,933,465

 
$
1,272,795

 
$
448,027

 
$
(3,502,561
)
 
$
5,802,806

Capital expenditures
$
1,467

 
$
2,420

 
$
895

 
$
366

 
$
4,321

 
$
9,469

 
Three months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
234,483

 
$
127,718

 
$
71,574

 
$
41,491

 
$
380

 
$
475,646

Investment income
$
3

 
$
124

 
$

 
$
72

 
$
292

 
$
491

Amortization
$
10,540

 
$
6,913

 
$
2,845

 
$
1,137

 
$

 
$
21,435

Depreciation
$
1,262

 
$
1,412

 
$
471

 
$
402

 
$
1,942

 
$
5,489

Interest expense
$
7,216

 
$
8,304

 
$
1,515

 
$
876

 
$
(8,518
)
 
$
9,393

Income before income taxes
$
54,950

 
$
32,203

 
$
21,219

 
$
7,910

 
$
8,137

 
$
124,419

Total assets
$
4,246,422

 
$
5,026,918

 
$
1,258,783

 
$
432,331

 
$
(3,550,177
)
 
$
7,414,277

Capital expenditures
$
844

 
$
1,357

 
$
214

 
$
364

 
$
1,270

 
$
4,049

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
772,806

 
$
374,434

 
$
219,725

 
$
138,038

 
$
495

 
$
1,505,498

Investment income
$
2

 
$
384

 
$
125

 
$
160

 
$
1,380

 
$
2,051

Amortization
$
31,498

 
$
19,383

 
$
8,537

 
$
3,543

 
$

 
$
62,961

Depreciation
$
3,746

 
$
4,087

 
$
1,238

 
$
1,183

 
$
6,156

 
$
16,410

Interest expense
$
21,377

 
$
20,019

 
$
4,039

 
$
2,023

 
$
(18,772
)
 
$
28,686

Income before income taxes
$
175,984

 
$
91,809

 
$
55,544

 
$
23,889

 
$
14,625

 
$
361,851

Total assets
$
4,651,080

 
$
2,933,465

 
$
1,272,795

 
$
448,027

 
$
(3,502,561
)
 
$
5,802,806

Capital expenditures
$
5,828

 
$
7,313

 
$
1,762

 
$
798

 
$
13,158

 
$
28,859

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
712,739

 
$
342,576

 
$
208,812

 
$
122,397

 
$
20,507

 
$
1,407,031

Investment income
$
6

 
$
279

 
$

 
$
224

 
$
576

 
$
1,085

Amortization
$
31,704

 
$
20,664

 
$
8,621

 
$
3,412

 
$
1

 
$
64,402

Depreciation
$
3,975

 
$
4,975

 
$
1,438

 
$
1,191

 
$
5,663

 
$
17,242

Interest expense
$
23,918

 
$
27,257

 
$
4,803

 
$
2,783

 
$
(29,812
)
 
$
28,949

Income before income taxes
$
151,783

 
$
68,127

 
$
56,569

 
$
22,480

 
$
44,429

 
$
343,388

Total assets
$
4,246,422

 
$
5,026,918

 
$
1,258,783

 
$
432,331

 
$
(3,550,177
)
 
$
7,414,277

Capital expenditures
$
3,384

 
$
3,885

 
$
1,606

 
$
856

 
$
3,166

 
$
12,897




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Table of Contents

NOTE 12· Investments
At September 30, 2018, the Company’s amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity securities are summarized as follows: 
(in thousands)
Cost
 
Gross unrealized
gains
 
Gross unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipalities
$
21,722

 
$
3

 
$
(462
)
 
$
21,263

Corporate debt
622

 

 
(2
)
 
620

Total
$
22,344

 
$
3

 
$
(464
)
 
$
21,883


At September 30, 2018, the Company held $21.3 million in fixed income securities composed of U.S. Treasury securities, securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and municipalities, and $0.6 million issued by corporations with investment grade ratings. Of that total, $4.7 million is classified as short-term investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as maturities are less than one-year, which also includes $8.1 million that is related to time deposits held with various financial institutions.
For securities in a loss position, the following table shows the investments’ gross unrealized loss and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2018:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipalities
$
8,237

 
$
(104
)
 
$
12,727

 
$
(358
)
 
$
20,964

 
$
(462
)
Corporate debt
620

 
(2
)
 

 

 
620

 
(2
)
Total
$
8,857

 
$
(106
)
 
$
12,727

 
$
(358
)
 
$
21,584

 
$
(464
)

The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate increases. At September 30, 2018, the Company had 23 securities in an unrealized loss position. The corporate securities are highly rated securities with no indicators of potential impairment. Based on the ability and intent of the Company to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the bonds were not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2018.
At December 31, 2017, the Company’s amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity securities are summarized as follows:
(in thousands)
Cost
 
Gross unrealized
gains
 
Gross unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipalities
$
29,970

 
$

 
$
(206
)
 
$
29,764

Corporate debt
1,072

 
12

 

 
1,084

Total
$
31,042

 
$
12

 
$
(206
)
 
$
30,848


At December 31, 2017, the Company held $29.8 million in fixed income securities composed of U.S. Treasury securities, securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and municipalities, and $1.1 million issued by corporations with investment grade ratings. Of that total, $16.9 million is classified as short-term investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as maturities are less than one-year, which also includes $8.1 million that is related to time deposits held with various financial institutions.
For securities in a loss position, the following table shows the investments’ gross unrealized loss and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2017:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipalities
$
17,919

 
$
(157
)
 
$
11,845

 
$
(49
)
 
$
29,764

 
$
(206
)
Corporate debt
400

 

 

 

 
400

 

Total
$
18,319

 
$
(157
)
 
$
11,845

 
$
(49
)
 
$
30,164

 
$
(206
)


20

Table of Contents

The unrealized losses from corporate issuers were caused by interest rate increases. At December 31, 2017, the Company had 27 securities in an unrealized loss position. The corporate securities are highly rated securities with no indicators of potential impairment. Based on the ability and intent of the Company to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the bonds were not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018 by contractual maturity are set forth below:
(in thousands)
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
Years to maturity:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
4,771

 
$
4,732

Due after one year through five years
17,341

 
16,920

Due after five years
232

 
231

Total
$
22,344

 
$
21,883

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2017 by contractual maturity are set forth below:
(in thousands)
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
Years to maturity:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
16,934

 
$
16,899

Due after one year through five years
13,876

 
13,708

Due after five years
232

 
241

Total
$
31,042

 
$
30,848


The expected maturities in the foregoing table may differ from the contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty.
Proceeds from the sales and maturity of the Company’s investment in fixed maturity securities were $17.0 million. This along with maturing time deposits yielded total cash proceeds from the sale of investments of $17.6 million in the period of January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018. These proceeds were used to purchase additional fixed maturity securities and time deposits. The gains and losses realized on those sales for the period from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018 were insignificant.
Realized gains and losses are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, with the cost of securities sold determined on a specific identification basis.
At September 30, 2018, investments with a fair value of approximately $4.0 million were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory requirements.
NOTE 13· Reinsurance
Although the reinsurers are liable to the Company for amounts reinsured, our subsidiary, Wright National Flood Insurance Company (“Wright Flood”) remains primarily liable to its policyholders for the full amount of the policies written whether or not the reinsurers meet their obligations to the Company when they become due. The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned are as follows:
 
 
Period from January 1, 2018 to
September 30, 2018
(in thousands)
Written
 
Earned
Direct premiums
$
469,078

 
$
445,140

Ceded premiums
(469,065
)
 
(445,127
)
Net premiums
$
13

 
$
13


All premiums written by Wright Flood under the National Flood Insurance Program are 100% ceded to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for which Wright Flood received a 30.9% expense allowance from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. For the period from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018, the Company ceded $467.7 million of written premiums.

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Table of Contents

Effective April 1, 2014, Wright Flood is also a party to a quota share agreement whereby it cedes 100% of its gross excess flood premiums, excluding fees, to Arch Reinsurance Company and receives a 30.5% commission. Wright Flood ceded $1.4 million for the period from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, Wright Flood had $2.1 million in paid excess flood losses, $92,519 in loss adjustment expenses, case reserves of $161,758 and $1,500 in allocated loss adjustment expense ("ALAE") case reserves and incurred but not reported of $485,000.
Wright Flood also ceded 100% of the homeowners, private passenger auto liability, and other liability occurrence to Stillwater Insurance Company, formerly known as Fidelity National Insurance Company. This business is in runoff. Therefore, only loss data exists on this business. As of September 30, 2018, no ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses or incurred but not reported expenses for homeowners, private passenger auto liability and other liability occurrence existed.
As of September 30, 2018 the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet contained reinsurance recoverable of $98.5 million, prepaid reinsurance premiums of $345.0 million and recoverable on paid losses of $40.9 thousand. There was no net activity in the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense during the period January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018, as Wright Flood’s direct premiums written were 100% ceded to two reinsurers. The balance of the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense, excluding related reinsurance recoverable, as of September 30, 2018 was $98.5 million.
NOTE 14· Statutory Financial Data
Wright Flood maintains capital in excess of the minimum statutory amount of $7.5 million as required by regulatory authorities. The unaudited statutory capital and surplus of Wright Flood was $22.8 million at September 30, 2018 and $28.7 million as of December 31, 2017. For the period from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018, Wright Flood generated statutory net income of $4.3 million. For the period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, Wright Flood generated statutory net income of $4.8 million.
NOTE 15· Subsidiary Dividend Restrictions
Under the insurance regulations of Texas, where Wright Flood is incorporated, the maximum amount of ordinary dividends that Wright Flood can pay to shareholders in a rolling twelve-month period is limited to the greater of 10% of statutory adjusted capital and surplus as shown on Wright Flood’s last annual statement on file with the superintendent of the Texas Department of Insurance or 100% of adjusted net income. There was no dividend payout in 2017 and the maximum dividend payout that may be made in 2018 without prior approval is $4.8 million.
NOTE 16· Shareholders’ Equity
On November 14, 2017, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”) with an investment bank to purchase an aggregate $75.0 million of the Company’s common stock. As part of the ASR, the Company received an initial delivery of 1,290,486 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair market value of approximately $63.8 million. At maturity of the program on February 9, 2018, the Company received an additional 168,227 shares, relating to the remaining balance of the ASR of $11.2 million. The Company received a total of 1,458,713 shares of Company’s common stock under this ASR.
Under the authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors, shares may be purchased from time to time, at the Company’s discretion and subject to the availability of stock, market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, the Company’s financial performance and other potential factors. These purchases may be carried out through open market purchases, block trades, accelerated share repurchase plans of up to $100.0 million each (unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors), negotiated private transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. After completion of the latest ASR transaction, the Company has approval to repurchase up to $227.5 million, in the aggregate, of the Company’s outstanding common stock. See Part II, Item 2 "Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for details.
On March 28, 2018, we effected a 2-for-1 stock split (the “Stock Split”). As a result of the Stock Split, every share of common stock outstanding as of close of business on March 14, 2018 received an additional share of common stock, increasing the number of outstanding shares of common stock from approximately 138 million shares to approximately 276 million shares. The number of authorized shares of our common stock increased from 280 million shares to 560 million shares. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Stock Split. Par value of the Company’s common stock was unchanged as a result of the Stock Split remaining at $0.10 per share. The number of shares of common stock reserved or subject to outstanding grants, the exercise or purchase prices applicable to such outstanding grants and subscriptions, and certain grant limitations under our 1990 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Performance Stock Plan and 2010 Stock Incentive Plan were adjusted as a result of the Stock Split, as required under the terms of those plans. Treasury shares were not adjusted for the Stock Split. All other shares and per share data included within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes, have been adjusted to account for the effect of the Stock Split.


22

Table of Contents

NOTE 17· Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Reform Act”) made significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, but not limited to, the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a participation exemption regime, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company estimated its provision for income taxes in accordance with the 2017 Tax Reform Act and guidance available upon enactment and as a result recorded $120.9 million as a one-time credit in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was signed into law. The 2017 estimate includes a provisional benefit of $124.2 million related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future which was partially offset by a provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings of $3.3 million based on cumulative foreign earnings of $20.9 million. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company posted a $1.6 million credit to taxes related to the previously calculated amount of $3.3 million for the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company has not recorded any additional adjustments to this provisional amount as of September 30, 2018.
On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the current tax expense recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. As noted above, the Company posted a $1.6 million credit to income taxes related to the previously calculated amount of $3.3 million for the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of identification, but no later than one year from the enactment date.
The 2017 Tax Reform Act instituted a number of new provisions effective January 1, 2018, including the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”), Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) and Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”).  The Company prepared reasonable estimates of the impact of each of these provisions of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on its effective tax rate for quarter ended September 30, 2018 and determined that the resulting impact was not material. The Company will continue to refine its provisional estimates related to the GILTI, FDII and BEAT rules as additional information is made available.

NOTE 18· Subsequent Event
On October 22, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with The Hays Group, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“THG”); The Hays Group Of Wisconsin LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THGW”); The Hays Benefits Group, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; PlanIT, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“PlanIT”); The Hays Benefits Group of Wisconsin, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THBGW”), and The Hays Group of Illinois, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THGI”); and Claims Management of Missouri, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (dba MMMA Claims Management) (“MMMA,” and together with THG, THGW, THBG and PlanIT, each a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”), and THG, as the Sellers’ Representative (the “Sellers’ Representative”).
The Agreement contemplates that the Company will purchase certain assets and assume certain liabilities, of the Sellers.  The Company will pay a purchase price of $705.0 million, consisting of $605.0 million in cash and number of shares of common stock, par value $0.10, of the Company equal to $100.0 million (as valued at the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange over the 30-day period prior to the closing of the Acquisition). In addition, the Company may pay additional consideration to the Sellers in the form of earn-out payments in the aggregate amount of up to $25.0 million in cash over three years, which is subject to certain conditions and the successful achievement of average annual EBITDA compound annual growth rate targets for the acquired business during 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Hays Group, Inc. was founded in 1994 providing employee benefits, property & casualty, and personal lines insurance and has grown to be the 22nd largest U.S. broker as measured by Business Insurance magazine. With headquarters in Minneapolis, The Hays Group, Inc. operates across twenty-one states, increasing our presence in the mid-west. This transaction will initially be funded through utilization of the revolving line of credit within our credit facility, details of which can be found in Note 8 to these financial statements.


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ITEM 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion updates the MD&A contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and the two discussions should be read together.
GENERAL
Company Overview — Third Quarter of 2018
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to those Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition, please see “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below regarding important information on non-GAAP financial measures contained in our discussion and analysis.
We are a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. As an insurance intermediary, our principal sources of revenue are commissions paid by insurance companies and, to a lesser extent, fees paid directly by customers. Commission revenues generally represent a percentage of the premium paid by an insured and are affected by fluctuations in both premium rate levels charged by insurance companies and the insureds’ underlying “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, or sales and payroll levels) to determine what premium to charge the insured. Insurance companies establish these premium rates based upon many factors, including loss experience, risk profile and reinsurance rates paid by such insurance companies, none of which we control.
The volume of business from new and existing customers, fluctuations in insurable exposure units, changes in premium rate levels, changes in general economic and competitive conditions, and the occurrence of catastrophic weather events all affect our revenues. For example, level rates of inflation or a general decline in economic activity could limit increases in the values of insurable exposure units. Conversely, increasing costs of litigation settlements and awards could cause some customers to seek higher levels of insurance coverage. Historically, our revenues have typically grown as a result of our focus on net new business growth and acquisitions. We foster a strong, decentralized sales and service culture with the goal of consistent, sustained growth over the long-term.
The term “Organic Revenue,” a non-GAAP measure, is our core commissions and fees less (i) the core commissions and fees earned for the first twelve months by newly-acquired operations, (ii) divested business (core commissions and fees generated from offices, books of business or niches sold or terminated during the comparable period), and (iii) the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and Accounting Standards Codification Topic 340 – Other Assets and Deferred Cost (the “New Revenue Standard”). The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions and guaranteed supplemental commissions, and therefore represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold, and specific fee-based services rendered. “Organic Revenue” is reported in this manner in order to express the current year’s core commissions and fees on a comparable basis with the prior year’s core commissions and fees. The resulting net change reflects the aggregate changes attributable to (i) net new and lost accounts, (ii) net changes in our customers’ exposure units, (iii) net changes in insurance premium rates or the commission rate paid to us by our carrier partners, and (iv) the net change in fees paid to us by our customers. Organic Revenue is reported in “Results of Operations” and in “Results of Operations - Segment Information” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We also earn “profit-sharing contingent commissions,” which are commissions based primarily on underwriting results, but which may also reflect considerations for volume, growth and/or retention. These commissions which are included in our commissions and fees in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, are accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written and are primarily received in the first and second quarters of each year, based upon the aforementioned considerations for the prior year(s). Prior to 2018, these commissions were recorded to income when received. Over the last three years, profit-sharing contingent commissions have averaged approximately 3.2% of the previous year’s commissions and fees revenue. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, profit-sharing contingent commissions were up $10.8 million as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was driven primarily by the adoption of the New Revenue Standard that requires profit-sharing contingent commissions to be estimated and recognized upon the effective dates of the underlying policies, rather than when received per our previous treatment.
Certain insurance companies offer guaranteed fixed-base agreements, referred to as “Guaranteed Supplemental Commissions” (“GSCs”) in lieu of profit-sharing contingent commissions. GSCs are accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written. For the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017, we had earned $10.4 million of GSCs, of which $8.5 million remained accrued at December 31, 2017, the balance of which is typically collected over the first and second quarters. For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we earned and accrued $3.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, from GSCs.
Combined, our profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $11.3 million compared to the third quarter of 2017, driven primarily by the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
Fee revenues primarily relate to services other than securing coverage for our customers, as well as fees negotiated in lieu of commissions, and are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. Fee revenues have historically been generated primarily by: (1) our Services Segment, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social

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Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and claims adjusting services; (2) our National Programs and Wholesale Brokerage Segments, which earn fees primarily for the issuance of insurance policies on behalf of insurance companies; and to a lesser extent (3) our Retail Segment in our large-account customer base. Fee revenues, on a consolidated basis, as a percentage of our total commissions and fees, represented 31.5% in 2017, 31.3% in 2016 and 30.6% in 2015.
For the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, our total commissions and fees growth rate was 11.6%, reflecting the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard along with increased revenue associated with newly acquired businesses, and our consolidated Organic Revenue growth rate of 1.4%. In the event that the gradual increases in insurable exposure units that have occurred in the past few years continue through 2018 and premium rate changes are similar to 2017, we believe we will see positive Organic Revenue growth for the full year of 2018.
Historically, investment income has consisted primarily of interest earnings on operating cash and where permitted, on premiums and advance premiums collected and held in a fiduciary capacity before being remitted to insurance companies. Our policy is to invest available funds in high-quality, short-term fixed income investment securities. Investment income also includes gains and losses realized from the sale of investments. Other income primarily reflects legal settlements and other miscellaneous income.
Income before income taxes for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 increased from the third quarter of 2017 by $18.1 million, primarily as a result of increased revenues and profit reported for the third quarter of 2018 as compared to 2017 due to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard, partially offset by higher employee compensation and benefits expenses and increased other operating expenses.
Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures
In the discussion and analysis of our results of operations, in addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we provide references to the following non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of SEC rules: Organic Revenue, Organic Revenue growth, EBITDAC and EBITDAC Margin. We view these non-GAAP financial measures as important indicators when assessing and evaluating our performance on a consolidated basis and for each of our segments because they allow us to determine a comparable, but non-GAAP, measurement of revenue growth and operating performance that is associated with the revenue sources that were a part of our business in both the current and prior year. We believe that Organic Revenue provides a meaningful representation of our operating performance and view Organic Revenue growth as an important indicator when assessing and evaluating the performance of our four segments. Organic Revenue can be expressed as a dollar amount or a percentage rate when describing Organic Revenue growth. We also use Organic Revenue growth and EBITDAC Margin for incentive compensation determinations for executive officers and other key employees. We view EBITDAC and EBITDAC Margin as important indicators of operating performance, because they allow us to determine more comparable, but non-GAAP, measurements of our operating margins in a meaningful and consistent manner by removing the significant non-cash items of depreciation, amortization and the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables, and also interest expense and taxes, which are reflective of investment and financing activities, not operating performance.
These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to the GAAP information provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We present such non-GAAP supplemental financial information because we believe such information is of interest to the investment community and because we believe they provide additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company’s operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures improve the comparability of results between periods by eliminating the impact of certain items that have a high degree of variability. Our industry peers may provide similar supplemental non-GAAP information with respect to one or more of these measures, although they may not use the same or comparable terminology and may not make identical adjustments. This supplemental financial information should be considered in addition to, not in lieu of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tabular reconciliations of this supplemental non-GAAP financial information to our most comparable GAAP information are contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under “Results of Operation - Segment Information.”
Acquisitions
Part of our continuing business strategy is to attract high-quality insurance intermediaries to join our operations. From 1993 through the third quarter of 2018, we acquired 510 insurance intermediary operations, excluding acquired books of business (customer accounts).
On October 22, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with The Hays Group, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“THG”); The Hays Group Of Wisconsin LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THGW”); The Hays Benefits Group, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; PlanIT, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“PlanIT”); The Hays Benefits Group of Wisconsin, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THBGW”), and The Hays Group of Illinois, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“THGI”); and Claims Management of Missouri, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (dba MMMA Claims Management) (“MMMA,” and together with THG, THGW, THBG and PlanIT, each a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”), and THG, as the Sellers’ Representative (the “Sellers’ Representative”).
The Agreement contemplates that the Company will purchase certain assets and assume certain liabilities, of the Sellers.  The Company will pay a purchase price of $705.0 million, consisting of $605.0 million in cash and number of shares of common stock, par value $0.10, of

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the Company equal to $100.0 million (as valued at the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange over the 30-day period prior to the closing of the Acquisition). In addition, the Company may pay additional consideration to the Sellers in the form of earn-out payments in the aggregate amount of up to $25.0 million in cash over three years, which is subject to certain conditions and the successful achievement of average annual EBITDA compound annual growth rate targets for the acquired business during 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Hays Group, Inc. was founded in 1994 providing employee benefits, property & casualty, and personal lines insurance and has grown to be the 22nd largest U.S. broker as measured by Business Insurance magazine. With headquarters in Minneapolis, The Hays Group, Inc. operates across twenty-one states, increasing our presence in the mid-west. This transaction will initially be funded through utilization of the revolving line of credit within our credit facility, details of which can be found in Note 8 to these financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
We have had no changes to our Critical Accounting Policies as described in our most recent Form 10-K dated December 31, 2017, except for certain changes due to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard. Refer to Note 2 in the "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" for additional information related to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard. We believe that of our significant accounting and reporting policies, the more critical policies include our accounting for revenue recognition, business combinations and purchase price allocations, intangible asset impairments, non-cash stock-based compensation and reserves for litigation. In particular, the accounting for these areas requires significant use of judgment to be made by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. Refer to Note 1 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for details regarding our critical and significant accounting policies.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017
The following discussion and analysis regarding results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.
Financial information relating to our Condensed Consolidated Financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
512,433

 
$
468,574

 
9.4
 %
 
$
1,453,701

 
$
1,330,341

 
9.3
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
14,327

 
3,542

 
NMF

 
39,993

 
45,409

 
(11.9
)%
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
3,053

 
2,493

 
22.5
 %
 
8,525

 
8,149

 
4.6
 %
Investment income
719

 
491

 
46.4
 %
 
2,051

 
1,085

 
89.0
 %
Other income, net
318

 
546

 
(41.8
)%
 
1,228

 
22,047

 
(94.4
)%
Total revenues
530,850

 
475,646

 
11.6
 %
 
1,505,498

 
1,407,031

 
7.0
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
268,045

 
246,062

 
8.9
 %
 
790,902

 
736,445

 
7.4
 %
Other operating expenses
83,697

 
72,058

 
16.2
 %
 
243,704

 
210,289

 
15.9
 %
Loss/(gain) on disposal
1,106

 
(1,902
)
 
NMF

 
(1,544
)
 
(1,993
)
 
(22.5
)%
Amortization
21,637

 
21,435

 
0.9
 %
 
62,961

 
64,402

 
(2.2
)%
Depreciation
5,259

 
5,489

 
(4.2
)%
 
16,410

 
17,242

 
(4.8
)%
Interest
8,963

 
9,393

 
(4.6
)%
 
28,686

 
28,949

 
(0.9
)%
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(357
)
 
(1,308
)
 
(72.7
)%
 
2,528

 
8,309

 
(69.6
)%
Total expenses
388,350

 
351,227

 
10.6
 %
 
1,143,647

 
1,063,643

 
7.5
 %
Income before income taxes
142,500

 
124,419

 
14.5
 %
 
361,851

 
343,388

 
5.4
 %
Income taxes
36,447

 
48,506

 
(24.9
)%
 
91,048

 
131,263

 
(30.6
)%
NET INCOME
$
106,053

 
$
75,913

 
39.7
 %
 
$
270,803

 
$
212,125

 
27.7
 %
Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1)
26.8
%
 
26.2
%
 
 
 
24.0
%
 
24.4
%
 
 
EBITDAC (1)
$
178,002

 
$
159,428

 
11.7
 %
 
$
472,436

 
$
462,290

 
2.2
 %
EBITDAC Margin (1)
33.5
%
 
33.5
%
 
 
 
31.4
%
 
32.9
%
 
 
Organic Revenue growth rate (1)
1.4
%
 
3.4
%
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
2.8
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues
50.5
%
 
51.7
%
 
 
 
52.5
%
 
52.3
%
 
 
Other operating expenses relative to total revenues
15.8
%
 
15.1
%
 
 
 
16.2
%
 
14.9
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
9,469

 
$
4,049

 
133.9
 %
 
$
28,859

 
$
12,897

 
123.8
 %
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
5,802,806

 
$
7,414,277

 
(21.7
)%
 
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
Commissions and Fees
Commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased $55.2 million to $529.8 million, or 11.6% over the same period in 2017. Core commissions and fees revenue for the third quarter of 2018 increased $43.9 million, of which $23.0 million represented core commissions and fees from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; approximately $14.4 million related to the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; approximately $6.7 million represented net new and renewal business, offset by $0.2 million related to commissions and fees revenue from businesses divested in 2017 and 2018, which reflects an Organic Revenue growth rate of 1.4%. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the third quarter of 2018 increased by $11.3 million, or 188.0%, compared to the same period in 2017. The net increase of $11.3

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million in the third quarter was driven primarily by the change in the timing of recording profit-sharing contingent commissions as compared to 2017, as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, increased $118.3 million to $1,502.2 million, or 8.5% over the same period in 2017. Core commissions and fees revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $123.4 million, of which $53.5 million represented net new and renewal business; approximately $39.5 million represented core commissions and fees from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; approximately $31.6 million related to the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard, offset by $1.2 million related to commissions and fees revenue from business divested in 2017 and 2018, which reflects an Organic Revenue growth rate of 4.0%. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased by $5.0 million, or 9.4%, compared to the same period in 2017. The net decrease of $5.0 million in the first nine months of 2018 was driven primarily by the change in the timing of recording profit-sharing contingent commissions as compared to 2017, as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
Investment Income
Investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased $0.2 million, or 46.4% over the same period in 2017. Investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased $1.0 million, or 89.0% over the same period in 2017.The increase was primarily driven by higher interest rates and cash management activities to earn a higher yield on excess cash balances.
Other Income, net
Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $0.3 million, compared with $0.5 million in the same period in 2017. Other income consists primarily of legal settlements and other miscellaneous income.
Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $1.2 million, compared with $22.0 million in the same period in 2017. The $20.8 million decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 versus the comparable period in 2017 was primarily a result of the legal settlement with AssuredPartners recognized in the first quarter of 2017.
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 50.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 51.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Employee compensation and benefits for the third quarter of 2018 increased approximately 8.9%, or $22.0 million, over the same period in 2017. This net increase included (i) $8.9 million of compensation costs related to stand-alone acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2017; (ii) an increase in staff salaries attributable to salary inflation and higher volumes in portions of our business; (iii) an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan and teammate retention; (iv) increased producer commissions due to higher revenue; partially offset by (v) a decrease of approximately $1.3 million as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues increased to 52.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 52.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Employee compensation and benefits for the first nine months of 2018 increased approximately 7.4%, or $54.5 million, over the same period in 2017. This net increase included (i) $11.2 million of compensation costs related to stand-alone acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2017; (ii) an increase in staff salaries attributable to salary inflation and higher volumes in portions of our business; (iii) increased producer commissions due to higher revenue; partially offset by (iv) a decrease of approximately $3.4 million as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
Other Operating Expenses
As a percentage of total revenues, other operating expenses represented 15.8% in the third quarter of 2018, versus 15.1% reported in the third quarter of 2017. Other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2018 increased $11.6 million, or 16.2%, over the same period of 2017. The net increase included (i) increased expenses associated with information technology items related to data processing and value-added consulting services; (ii) approximately $2.3 million as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; partially offset by (iii) the benefits from our strategic purchasing program.
Other operating expenses represented 16.2% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, versus 14.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Other operating expenses for the first nine months of 2018 increased $33.4 million, or 15.9%, over the same period of 2017. The net increase included (i) additional expenses associated with our investment in information technology and higher value-added consulting services; (ii) approximately $7.0 million as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; partially offset by (iii) the benefits from our strategic purchasing program.

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(Gain)/Loss on Disposal
Loss on disposal for the third quarter of 2018 increased $3.0 million from the third quarter of 2017 when we had a gain of $1.9 million. Gain on disposal for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased $0.4 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Changes to the loss/gain on disposal are due to activity associated with book of business sales. Although we are not in the business of selling customer accounts or businesses, we periodically sell an office or a book of business (one or more customer accounts) because we believe doing so is in the Company’s best interest.
Amortization
Amortization expense for the third quarter of 2018 increased $0.2 million, or 0.9%, from the third quarter of 2017. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased $1.4 million, or 2.2%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This decrease reflects certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized, partially offset by amortization of new intangibles from recently acquired businesses.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense for the third quarter of 2018 decreased $0.2 million, or 4.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2017. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased $0.8 million, or 4.8%, over the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These decreases were primarily due to fixed assets which became fully depreciated, net of additions of fixed assets resulting from acquisitions completed since the first nine months of 2017.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2018 decreased $0.4 million, or 4.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2017. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased $0.3 million, or 0.9%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These decreases were due to the prepayment premium associated with the early retirement of the $100.0 million Series E Senior Notes and higher floating interest rates related to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement term loan, offset by a lower average debt principal balance in the second and third quarters of 2018 as compared to the second and third quarters of 2017.
Change in Estimated Acquisition Earn-Out Payables
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805-Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquiring entity to recognize 100% of the fair value of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase price arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. As a result, the recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations are required to be recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income when incurred or reasonably estimated. Estimations of potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired operations or entities, usually for periods ranging from one to three years.
The net charge or credit to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the period is the combination of the net change in the estimated acquisition earn-out payables balance, and the interest expense imputed on the outstanding balance of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated based upon projected operating results and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820-Fair Value Measurement. The resulting net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Change in fair value of estimated acquisition earn-out payables
$
(928
)
 
$
(1,784
)
 
$
945

 
$
6,402

Interest expense accretion
571

 
476

 
1,583

 
1,907

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables
$
(357
)
 
$
(1,308
)
 
$
2,528

 
$
8,309


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For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of estimated earn-out payables was re-evaluated and decreased by $0.9 million and by $1.8 million, respectively, which resulted in credits to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of estimated earn-out payables was re-evaluated and increased by $0.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, which resulted in charges to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.
As of September 30, 2018, estimated acquisition earn-out payables totaled $65.3 million, of which $14.1 million was recorded as accounts payable and $51.2 million was recorded as other non-current liabilities.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 25.6% and 39.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate on income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 25.2% and 38.2%, respectively. These decreases were primarily related to the lower federal statutory tax rate resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — SEGMENT INFORMATION
As discussed in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we operate four reportable segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. On a segmented basis, changes in amortization, depreciation and interest expenses generally result from activity associated with acquisitions. Likewise, other income in each segment reflects net gains primarily from legal settlements and miscellaneous income. As such, in evaluating the operational efficiency of a segment, management focuses upon the Organic Revenue growth rate of core commissions and fees revenue, the ratio of total employee compensation and benefits to total revenues, and the ratio of other operating expenses to total revenues.
The reconciliation of commissions and fees, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to Organic Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Commissions and fees
$
529,813

 
$
474,609

Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(14,327
)
 
(3,542
)
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
(3,053
)
 
(2,493
)
Core commissions and fees
512,433

 
468,574

New Revenue Standard impact on core commissions and fees
(14,385
)
 

Acquisition revenues
(22,968
)
 

Divested business

 
(225
)
Organic Revenue
$
475,080

 
$
468,349


30

Table of Contents

The growth rates for Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, by segment, are as follows:
2018
Retail(1)
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Commissions and fees
$
260,524

 
$
234,414

 
$
143,369

 
$
127,271

 
$
77,866

 
$
71,505

 
$
48,054

 
$
41,419

 
$
529,813

 
$
474,609

Total change
$
26,110

 
 
 
$
16,098

 
 
 
$
6,361

 
 
 
$
6,635

 
 
 
$
55,204

 
 
Total growth %
11.3
%
 
 
 
12.6
 %
 
 
 
8.9
%
 
 
 
16.0
%
 
 
 
11.6
%
 
 
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(5,280
)
 
(1,444
)
 
(7,786
)
 
(1,748
)
 
(1,261
)
 
(350
)
 

 

 
(14,327
)
 
(3,542
)
GSCs
(2,573
)
 
(2,164
)
 
(22
)
 
(5
)
 
(458
)
 
(324
)
 

 

 
(3,053
)
 
(2,493
)
Core commissions and fees
$
252,671

 
$
230,806

 
$
135,561

 
$
125,518

 
$
76,147

 
$
70,831

 
$
48,054

 
$
41,419

 
$
512,433

 
$
468,574

New Revenue Standard
(1,990
)
 

 
(11,609
)
 

 
805

 

 
(1,591
)
 

 
(14,385
)
 

Acquisition revenues
(15,534
)
 

 
(2,579
)
 

 
(699
)
 

 
(4,156
)
 

 
(22,968
)
 

Divested business

 
(243
)
 

 
18

 

 

 

 

 

 
(225
)
Organic Revenue(2)
$
235,147

 
$
230,563

 
$
121,373

 
$
125,536

 
$
76,253

 
$
70,831

 
$
42,307

 
$
41,419

 
$
475,080

 
$
468,349

Organic Revenue growth(2)
$
4,584

 
 
 
$
(4,163
)
 
 
 
$
5,422

 
 
 
$
888

 
 
 
$
6,731

 
 
Organic Revenue growth %(2)
2.0
%
 
 
 
(3.3
)%
 
 
 
7.7
%
 
 
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
1.4
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Retail Segment includes commissions and fees reported in the “Other” column of the Segment Information in Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.

The reconciliation of commissions and fees, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to Organic Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Commissions and fees
$
474,609

 
$
461,652

Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(3,542
)
 
(8,247
)
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
(2,493
)
 
(2,941
)
Core commissions and fees
468,574

 
450,464

Acquisition revenues
(4,337
)
 

Divested business

 
(1,359
)
Organic Revenue
$
464,237

 
$
449,105


31

Table of Contents

The growth rates for Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, by segment, are as follows:
2017
Retail(1)
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
(in thousands, except percentages)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Commissions and fees
$
234,414

 
$
228,468

 
$
127,271

 
$
123,523

 
$
71,505

 
$
70,132

 
$
41,419

 
$
39,529

 
$
474,609

 
$
461,652

Total change
$
5,946

 
 
 
$
3,748

 
 
 
$
1,373

 
 
 
$
1,890

 
 
 
$
12,957

 
 
Total growth %
2.6
%
 
 
 
3.0
%
 
 
 
2.0
%
 
 
 
4.8
%
 
 
 
2.8
%
 
 
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(1,444
)
 
(2,229
)
 
(1,748
)
 
(2,498
)
 
(350
)
 
(3,520
)
 

 

 
(3,542
)
 
(8,247
)
GSCs
(2,164
)
 
(2,516
)
 
(5
)
 
(14
)
 
(324
)
 
(411
)
 

 

 
(2,493
)
 
(2,941
)
Core commissions and fees
$
230,806

 
$
223,723

 
$
125,518

 
$
121,011

 
$
70,831

 
$
66,201

 
$
41,419

 
$
39,529

 
$
468,574

 
$
450,464

Acquisition revenues
(2,726
)
 

 
(1,043
)
 

 
(568
)
 

 

 

 
(4,337
)
 

Divested business

 
(1,306
)
 

 
(53
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,359
)
Organic Revenue(2)
$
228,080

 
$
222,417

 
$
124,475

 
$
120,958

 
$
70,263

 
$
66,201

 
$
41,419

 
$
39,529

 
$
464,237

 
$
449,105

Organic Revenue growth(2)
$
5,663

 
 
 
$
3,517

 
 
 
$
4,062

 
 
 
$
1,890

 
 
 
$
15,132

 
 
Organic Revenue growth %(2)
2.5
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
 
 
 
6.1
%
 
 
 
4.8
%
 
 
 
3.4
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Retail Segment includes commissions and fees reported in the “Other” column of the Segment Information in Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.
The reconciliation of commissions and fees, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to Organic Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Commissions and fees
$
1,502,219

 
$
1,383,899

Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(39,993
)
 
(45,409
)
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
(8,525
)
 
(8,149
)
Core commissions and fees
1,453,701

 
1,330,341

New Revenue Standard impact on core commissions and fees
(31,604
)
 

Acquisition revenues
(39,520
)
 

Divested business

 
(1,195
)
Organic Revenue
$
1,382,577

 
$
1,329,146


32

Table of Contents

The growth rates for Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, by segment, are as follows:
2018
Retail(1)
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Commissions and fees
$
771,152

 
$
711,532

 
$
373,990

 
$
341,910

 
$
219,199

 
$
208,284

 
$
137,878

 
$
122,173

 
$
1,502,219

 
$
1,383,899

Total change
$
59,620

 
 
 
$
32,080

 
 
 
$
10,915

 
 
 
$
15,705

 
 
 
$
118,320

 
 
Total growth %
8.4
%
 
 
 
9.4
%
 
 
 
5.2
%
 
 
 
12.9
%
 
 
 
8.5
%
 
 
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(17,879
)
 
(22,380
)
 
(17,290
)
 
(16,038
)
 
(4,824
)
 
(6,991
)
 

 

 
(39,993
)
 
(45,409
)
GSCs
(7,277
)
 
(7,109
)
 
(75
)
 
(8
)
 
(1,173
)
 
(1,032
)
 

 

 
(8,525
)
 
(8,149
)
Core commissions and fees
$
745,996

 
$
682,043

 
$
356,625

 
$
325,864

 
$
213,202

 
$
200,261

 
$
137,878

 
$
122,173

 
$
1,453,701

 
$
1,330,341

New Revenue Standard
(16,369
)
 
 
 
(11,735
)
 
 
 
927

 
 
 
(4,427
)
 
 
 
(31,604
)
 
 
Acquisition revenues
(29,783
)
 

 
(4,493
)
 

 
(1,087
)
 

 
(4,157
)
 

 
(39,520
)
 

Divested business

 
(1,215
)
 

 
20

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,195
)
Organic Revenue(2)
$
699,844

 
$
680,828

 
$
340,397

 
$
325,884

 
$
213,042

 
$
200,261

 
$
129,294

 
$
122,173

 
$
1,382,577

 
$
1,329,146

Organic Revenue growth(2)
$
19,016

 
 
 
$
14,513

 
 
 
$
12,781

 
 
 
$
7,121

 
 
 
$
53,431

 
 
Organic Revenue growth %(2)
2.8
%
 
 
 
4.5
%
 
 
 
6.4
%
 
 
 
5.8
%
 
 
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Retail Segment includes commissions and fees reported in the “Other” column of the Segment Information in Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.

The reconciliation of commissions and fees, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to Organic Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Commissions and fees
$
1,383,899

 
$
1,329,649

Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(45,409
)
 
(46,586
)
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
(8,149
)
 
(8,893
)
Core commissions and fees
1,330,341

 
1,274,170

Acquisition revenues
(22,936
)
 

Divested business

 
(2,246
)
Organic Revenue
$
1,307,405

 
$
1,271,924


33

Table of Contents

The growth rates for Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, by segment, are as follows:
2017
Retail(1)
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
(in thousands, except percentages)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Commissions and fees
$
711,532

 
$
694,402

 
$
341,910

 
$
332,872

 
$
208,284

 
$
184,673

 
$
122,173

 
$
117,702

 
$
1,383,899

 
$
1,329,649

Total change
$
17,130

 
 
 
$
9,038

 
 
 
$
23,611

 
 
 
$
4,471

 
 
 
$
54,250

 
 
Total growth %
2.5
%
 
 
 
2.7
%
 
 
 
12.8
%
 
 
 
3.8
%
 
 
 
4.1
%
 
 
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
(22,380
)
 
(24,365
)
 
(16,038
)
 
(12,152
)
 
(6,991
)
 
(10,069
)
 

 

 
(45,409
)
 
(46,586
)
GSCs
(7,109
)
 
(7,488
)
 
(8
)
 
(24
)
 
(1,032
)
 
(1,381
)
 

 

 
(8,149
)
 
(8,893
)
Core commissions and fees
$
682,043

 
$
662,549

 
$
325,864

 
$
320,696

 
$
200,261

 
$
173,223

 
$
122,173

 
$
117,702

 
$
1,330,341

 
$
1,274,170

Acquisition revenues
(5,100
)
 

 
(1,201
)
 

 
(15,785
)
 

 
(850
)
 

 
(22,936
)
 

Divested business

 
(2,147
)
 

 
(302
)
 

 

 

 
203

 

 
(2,246
)
Organic Revenue(2)
$
676,943

 
$
660,402

 
$
324,663

 
$
320,394

 
$
184,476

 
$
173,223

 
$
121,323

 
$
117,905

 
$
1,307,405

 
$
1,271,924

Organic Revenue growth(2)
$
16,541

 
 
 
$
4,269

 
 
 
$
11,253

 
 
 
$
3,418

 
 
 
$
35,481

 
 
Organic Revenue growth %(2)
2.5
%
 
 
 
1.3
%
 
 
 
6.5
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
 
 
 
2.8
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Retail Segment includes commissions and fees reported in the “Other” column of the Segment Information in Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.
The reconciliation of income before incomes taxes, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, is as follows:
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Income before income taxes
$
61,224

 
$
46,707

 
$
23,614

 
$
6,988

 
$
3,967

 
$
142,500

Income Before Income Taxes Margin
23.4
%
 
32.5
%
 
30.3
%
 
14.5
%
 
NMF

 
26.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
10,754

 
6,736

 
2,878

 
1,269

 

 
21,637

Depreciation
1,236

 
1,346

 
385

 
393

 
1,899

 
5,259

Interest
7,468

 
6,147

 
1,233

 
846

 
(6,731
)
 
8,963

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(1,068
)
 
594

 
18

 
99

 

 
(357
)
EBITDAC
$
79,614

 
$
61,530

 
$
28,128

 
$
9,595

 
$
(865
)
 
$
178,002

EBITDAC Margin
30.5
%
 
42.9
%
 
36.1
%
 
19.9
%
 
NMF

 
33.5
%
 
NMF = Not a meaningful figure

34

Table of Contents

The reconciliation of income before incomes taxes, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Income before income taxes
 
$
54,950

 
$
32,203

 
$
21,219

 
$
7,910

 
$
8,137

 
$
124,419

Income Before Income Taxes Margin
 
23.4
%
 
25.2
%
 
29.6
%
 
19.1
%
 
NMF

 
26.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
 
10,540

 
6,913

 
2,845

 
1,137

 

 
21,435

Depreciation
 
1,262

 
1,412

 
471

 
402

 
1,942

 
5,489

Interest
 
7,216

 
8,304

 
1,515

 
876

 
(8,518
)
 
9,393

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
 
(1,408
)
 
68

 
32

 

 

 
(1,308
)
EBITDAC
 
$
72,560

 
$
48,900

 
$
26,082

 
$
10,325

 
$
1,561

 
$
159,428

EBITDAC Margin
 
30.9
%
 
38.3
%
 
36.4
%
 
24.9
%
 
NMF

 
33.5
%
 
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The reconciliation of income before incomes taxes, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is as follows:
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Income before income taxes
$
175,984

 
$
91,809

 
$
55,544

 
$
23,889

 
$
14,625

 
$
361,851

Income Before Income Taxes Margin
22.8
%
 
24.5
%
 
25.3
%
 
17.3
%
 
NMF

 
24.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
31,498

 
19,383

 
8,537

 
3,543

 

 
62,961

Depreciation
3,746

 
4,087

 
1,238

 
1,183

 
6,156

 
16,410

Interest
21,377

 
20,019

 
4,039

 
2,023

 
(18,772
)
 
28,686

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
552

 
843

 
1,034

 
99

 

 
2,528

EBITDAC
$
233,157

 
$
136,141

 
$
70,392

 
$
30,737

 
$
2,009

 
$
472,436

EBITDAC Margin
30.2
%
 
36.4
%
 
32.0
%
 
22.3
%
 
NMF

 
31.4
%
 
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The reconciliation of income before incomes taxes, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Retail
 
National Programs
 
Wholesale Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Income before income taxes
 
$
151,783

 
$
68,127

 
$
56,569

 
$
22,480

 
$
44,429

 
$
343,388

Income Before Income Taxes Margin
 
21.3
%
 
19.9
%
 
27.1
%
 
18.4
%
 
NMF

 
24.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
 
31,704

 
20,664

 
8,621

 
3,412

 
1

 
64,402

Depreciation
 
3,975

 
4,975

 
1,438

 
1,191

 
5,663

 
17,242

Interest
 
23,918

 
27,257

 
4,803

 
2,783

 
(29,812
)
 
28,949

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
 
7,567

 
718

 
24

 

 

 
8,309

EBITDAC
 
$
218,947

 
$
121,741

 
$
71,455

 
$
29,866

 
$
20,281

 
$
462,290

EBITDAC Margin
 
30.7
%
 
35.5
%
 
34.2
%
 
24.4
%
 
98.9
%
 
32.9
%

35

Table of Contents

Retail Segment
The Retail Segment provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public, professional and individual insured customers. Approximately 88% of the Retail Segment’s commissions and fees revenue is commission based. Because most of our other operating expenses are not correlated to changes in commissions on insurance premiums, a significant portion of any fluctuation in the commissions we receive, net of related producer compensation and cost to fulfill expense deferrals and releases as required by the New Revenue Standard, will result in a similar fluctuation in our income before income taxes, unless we make incremental investments or modifications to the costs in the organization.
Financial information relating to our Retail Segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
253,026

 
$
230,777

 
9.6
 %
 
$
746,890

 
$
682,310

 
9.5
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
5,280

 
1,444

 
NMF

 
17,879

 
22,380

 
(20.1
)%
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
2,573

 
2,164

 
18.9
 %
 
7,277

 
7,109

 
2.4
 %
Investment income
1

 
3

 
(66.7
)%
 
2

 
6

 
(66.7
)%
Other income, net
207

 
95

 
117.9
 %
 
758

 
934

 
(18.8
)%
Total revenues
261,087

 
234,483

 
11.3
 %
 
772,806

 
712,739

 
8.4
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
140,118

 
128,228

 
9.3
 %
 
416,427

 
385,291

 
8.1
 %
Other operating expenses
41,356

 
35,593

 
16.2
 %
 
123,410

 
110,645

 
11.5
 %
Loss/(gain) on disposal
(1
)
 
(1,898
)
 
(99.9
)%
 
(188
)
 
(2,144
)
 
(91.2
)%
Amortization
10,754

 
10,540

 
2.0
 %
 
31,498

 
31,704

 
(0.6
)%
Depreciation
1,236

 
1,262

 
(2.1
)%
 
3,746

 
3,975

 
(5.8
)%
Interest
7,468

 
7,216

 
3.5
 %
 
21,377

 
23,918

 
(10.6
)%
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(1,068
)
 
(1,408
)
 
(24.1
)%
 
552

 
7,567

 
(92.7
)%
Total expenses
199,863

 
179,533

 
11.3
 %
 
596,822

 
560,956

 
6.4
 %
Income before income taxes
$
61,224

 
$
54,950

 
11.4
 %
 
$
175,984

 
$
151,783

 
15.9
 %
Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1)
23.4
%
 
23.4
%
 
 
 
22.8
%
 
21.3
%
 
 
EBITDAC (1)
$
79,614

 
$
72,560

 
9.7
 %
 
$
233,157

 
$
218,947

 
6.5
 %
EBITDAC Margin (1)
30.5
%
 
30.9
%
 
 
 
30.2
%
 
30.7
%
 
 
Organic Revenue growth rate (1)
2.0
%
 
2.5
%
 
 
 
2.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues
53.7
%
 
54.7
%
 
 
 
53.9
%
 
54.1
%
 
 
Other operating expenses relative to total revenues
15.8
%
 
15.2
%
 
 
 
16.0
%
 
15.5
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
1,467

 
$
844

 
 
 
$
5,828

 
$
3,384

 
72.2
 %
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,651,080

 
$
4,246,422

 
9.5
 %
 
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure.
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
 The Retail Segment’s total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 11.3%, or $26.6 million, from the same period in 2017, to $261.1 million. The $22.2 million increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven by: (i) approximately $15.5 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; (ii) an increase of $4.9 million related to net new and renewal business; (iii) $2.0 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard; and (iv) an offsetting decrease of $0.2 million related to commissions and fees revenue from businesses divested in 2017 and 2018. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the third quarter of 2018 increased 117.7%, or $4.2 million, from the same period in 2017, to $7.9 million. Effective January 1, 2018, as a result of adopting the New Revenue Standard, profit-sharing contingent commissions are accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written. Previously, profit-sharing contingent commissions were recorded throughout the year as cash was received, with a large portion of the annual profit-sharing contingent commissions being received early in the year. The

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$4.2 million increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily a result of the New Revenue Standard increasing profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs by approximately $3.5 million. The Retail Segment’s total commissions and fees increased by 11.3%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 2.0% for the third quarter of 2018. The Organic Revenue growth rate was driven by revenue from net new business written during the preceding twelve months, which was impacted by some exposure unit growth and modest increases in commercial auto rates and employee benefits, partially offset by continued premium rate reductions in workers compensation. Organic Revenue growth was driven by most lines of business with improved performance across employee benefits.
Income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 11.4%, or $6.3 million, from the same period in 2017, to $61.2 million. The primary factors affecting this increase were: (i) the effect of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard and total revenue growth, partially offset by (ii) an increase in intercompany interest charges and amortization, (iii) increased intercompany allocations for technology and the investment to upgrade our Retail Segment's agency management systems, (iv) increased non-cash stock-based compensation, due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan and (v) slightly lower Organic Revenue growth for the quarter.
EBITDAC for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 9.7%, or $7.1 million, from the same period in 2017, to $79.6 million. EBITDAC Margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 30.5% from 30.9% in the same period in 2017. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin was primarily driven by (i) increased intercompany allocations for technology as well as our investment to upgrade our agency management systems, (ii) a gain on an office sale in prior year, (iii) increased non-cash stock-based compensation, due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan and partially offset by (iv) the net increase in revenue of $26.6 million.
The Retail Segment’s total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 8.4%, or $60.1 million, over the same period in 2017, to $772.8 million. The $64.6 million increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven by: (i) approximately $29.8 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; (ii) $19.6 million related to net new and renewal business; (iii) $16.4 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard; and (iv) an offsetting decrease of $1.2 million related to commissions and fees revenue from businesses divested in 2017 and 2018. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the first nine months of 2018 decreased 14.7%, or $4.3 million, from the same period in 2017, to $25.2 million. The $4.3 million reduction in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily a result of the effect of the New Revenue Standard reducing profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs by approximately $5.5 million. The Retail Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 8.4%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 2.8% for the first nine months of 2018. Organic Revenue growth was realized across most lines of business and was driven by revenue from net new business written during the preceding twelve months, which was impacted by some exposure unit growth and modest increases in commercial auto rates and employee benefits, partially offset by continued premium rate reductions in workers compensation.
Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 15.9%, or $24.2 million, over the same period in 2017, to $176.0 million. The primary factors affecting this increase were: (i) the net increase in revenue as described above; (ii) a decrease in the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables of $7.0 million, and (iii) a reduction in intercompany interest charges of $2.5 million; partially offset by (iv) higher employee compensation and benefits costs driven by incremental costs related to revenue growth, increased non-cash stock-based compensation due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan, (v) other operating expenses driven by increased intercompany allocations for technology and the investment to upgrade our Retail Segment's agency management systems.
EBITDAC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 6.5%, or $14.2 million, from the same period in 2017, to $233.2 million. EBITDAC Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 30.2% from 30.7% in the same period in 2017. EBITDAC Margin was impacted by the net increase in revenue as described above, which had higher than average margins associated with the New Revenue Standard. Excluding the impact of the New Revenue Standard, EBITDAC Margin decreased by 200 basis points, driven by the factors impacting employee compensation and benefits as well as other operating expenses described above.

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Table of Contents

National Programs Segment
The National Programs Segment manages over 50 programs supported by approximately 40 well-capitalized carrier partners. In most cases, the insurance carriers that support the programs have delegated underwriting and, in many instances, claims-handling authority to our programs operations. These programs are generally distributed through a nationwide network of independent agents and Brown & Brown retail agents, and offer targeted products and services designed for specific industries, trade groups, professions, public entities and market niches. The National Programs Segment operations can be grouped into five broad categories: Professional Programs, Personal Lines Programs, Commercial Programs, Public Entity-Related Programs and the National Flood Program. The National Programs Segment’s revenue is primarily commission based.
Financial information relating to our National Programs Segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
135,561

 
$
125,518

 
8.0
 %
 
$
356,625

 
$
325,864

 
9.4
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
7,786

 
1,748

 
NMF

 
17,290

 
16,038

 
7.8
 %
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
22

 
5

 
NMF

 
75

 
8

 
NMF

Investment income
138

 
124

 
11.3
 %
 
384

 
279

 
37.6
 %
Other income, net
12

 
323

 
(96.3
)%
 
60

 
387

 
(84.5
)%
Total revenues
143,519

 
127,718

 
12.4
 %
 
374,434

 
342,576

 
9.3
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
54,034

 
50,764

 
6.4
 %
 
161,681

 
148,592

 
8.8
 %
Other operating expenses
26,848

 
28,058

 
(4.3
)%
 
75,505

 
72,147

 
4.7
 %
Loss/(gain) on disposal
1,107

 
(4
)
 
NMF

 
1,107

 
96

 
NMF

Amortization
6,736

 
6,913

 
(2.6
)%
 
19,383

 
20,664

 
(6.2
)%
Depreciation
1,346

 
1,412

 
(4.7
)%
 
4,087

 
4,975

 
(17.8
)%
Interest
6,147

 
8,304

 
(26.0
)%
 
20,019

 
27,257

 
(26.6
)%
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
594

 
68

 
NMF

 
843

 
718

 
17.4
 %
Total expenses
96,812

 
95,515

 
1.4
 %
 
282,625

 
274,449

 
3.0
 %
Income before income taxes
$
46,707

 
$
32,203

 
45.0
 %
 
$
91,809

 
$
68,127

 
34.8
 %
Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1)
32.5
 %
 
25.2
%
 
 
 
24.5
%
 
19.9
%
 
 
EBITDAC (1)
61,530

 
48,900

 
25.8
 %
 
$
136,141

 
$
121,741

 
11.8
 %
EBITDAC Margin (1)
42.9
 %
 
38.3
%
 
 
 
36.4
%
 
35.5
%
 
 
Organic Revenue growth rate (1)
(3.3
)%
 
2.9
%
 
 
 
4.5
%
 
1.3
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues
37.6
 %
 
39.7
%
 
 
 
43.2
%
 
43.4
%
 
 
Other operating expenses relative to total revenues
18.7
 %
 
22.0
%
 
 
 
20.2
%
 
21.1
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
2,420

 
$
1,357

 
 
 
$
7,313

 
$
3,885

 
88.2
 %
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,933,465

 
$
5,026,918

 
(41.6
)%
 
 
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure.
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The National Programs Segment’s revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 12.4%, or $15.8 million, from the same period in 2017, to $143.5 million. The $10.0 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven by: (i) $11.6 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard; (ii) approximately $2.6 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; and (iii) an offsetting decrease of $4.2 million related to net new and renewal business. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs were $7.8 million for the third quarter of 2018, which was an increase of $6.1 million from the third quarter of 2017, of which $5.7 million is associated with adoption of the New Revenue Standard.

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Table of Contents

The National Programs Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 12.6%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was (3.3)% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The Organic Revenue decline was primarily due to lower flood claims volumes/values this year compared to last year, the change in risk appetite by certain of our carrier partners for a certain of our programs, and a decline in the performance of our lender-placed business that is generally counter cyclical.
Income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 45.0%, or $14.5 million, from the same period in 2017, to $46.7 million. The growth rate was higher than the growth rate for revenues due to (i) higher profit-sharing contingent commissions associated with the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; (ii) an increase in commissions and fees of $8.0 million associated with a non-recurring adjustment related to the New Revenue Standard; and (iii) lower intercompany interest $2.2 million; partially offset by higher employee compensation and benefits along with a loss associated with the sale of a business.
EBITDAC for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 25.8%, or $12.6 million, from the same period in 2017, to $61.5 million. EBITDAC Margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased to 42.9% from 38.3% in the same period in 2017. The increase in EBITDAC Margin was related to higher profit-sharing contingent commissions associated with the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard along with the increase in revenue of $8.0 million associated with a non-recurring adjustment related to the New Revenue Standard.
The National Programs Segment’s revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 9.3%, or $31.9 million, from the same period in 2017, to $374.4 million. The $30.8 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven by: (i) $14.6 million related to net new and renewal business; (ii) $11.7 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard; and (ii) approximately $4.5 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs were $17.4 million for the first nine months of 2018, which was an increase of $1.3 million from the same period in 2017, primarily due to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
The National Programs Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 9.4%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 4.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The Organic Revenue growth rate was due to continued growth in our new core commercial program, as well as our commercial and residential earthquake programs.
Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 34.8%, or $23.7 million, from the same period in 2017, to $91.8 million. The growth rate for income before income taxes was higher than the growth rate for revenues due to (i) higher profit-sharing contingent commissions associated with the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; (ii) an increase in revenue of $8.0 million associated with a non-recurring adjustment related to the New Revenue Standard recorded in the third quarter; and (iii) lower intercompany interest $7.2 million; partially offset by higher employee compensation and benefits along with a loss associated with the sale of a business.
EBITDAC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 11.8%, or $14.4 million, from the same period in 2017, to $136.1 million. EBITDAC Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to 36.4% from 35.5% in the same period in 2017. The increase in EBITDAC Margin was related to higher (i) profit-sharing contingent commissions associated with the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard; (ii) an increase in revenue of $8 million associated with a non-recurring adjustment related to the New Revenue Standard; (iii) partially offset by the investment in our new core commercial program.

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Table of Contents

Wholesale Brokerage Segment
The Wholesale Brokerage Segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, including Brown & Brown retail agents. Like the Retail and National Programs Segments, the Wholesale Brokerage Segment’s revenues are primarily commission-based.
Financial information relating to our Wholesale Brokerage Segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
76,147

 
$
70,831

 
7.5
 %
 
$
213,202

 
$
200,261

 
6.5
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
1,261

 
350

 
NMF

 
4,824

 
6,991

 
(31.0
)%
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
458

 
324

 
41.4
 %
 
1,173

 
1,032

 
13.7
 %
Investment income
44

 

 
 %
 
125

 

 
 %
Other income, net
99

 
69

 
43.5
 %
 
401

 
528

 
(24.1
)%
Total revenues
78,009

 
71,574

 
9.0
 %
 
219,725

 
208,812

 
5.2
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
37,027

 
34,678

 
6.8
 %
 
111,985

 
104,098

 
7.6
 %
Other operating expenses
12,854

 
10,814

 
18.9
 %
 
37,348

 
33,259

 
12.3
 %
Loss/(gain) on disposal

 

 
 %
 

 

 
 %
Amortization
2,878

 
2,845

 
1.2
 %
 
8,537

 
8,621

 
(1.0
)%
Depreciation
385

 
471

 
(18.3
)%
 
1,238

 
1,438

 
(13.9
)%
Interest
1,233

 
1,515

 
(18.6
)%
 
4,039

 
4,803

 
(15.9
)%
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
18

 
32

 
(43.8
)%
 
1,034

 
24

 
NMF

Total expenses
54,395

 
50,355

 
8.0
 %
 
164,181

 
152,243

 
7.8
 %
Income before income taxes
$
23,614

 
$
21,219

 
11.3
 %
 
$
55,544

 
$
56,569

 
(1.8
)%
Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1)
30.3
%
 
29.6
%
 
 
 
25.3
%
 
27.1
%
 
 
EBITDAC (1)
28,128

 
26,082

 
7.8
 %
 
$
70,392

 
$
71,455

 
(1.5
)%
EBITDAC Margin (1)
36.1
%
 
36.4
%
 
 
 
32.0
%
 
34.2
%
 
 
Organic Revenue growth rate (1)
7.7
%
 
6.1
%
 
 
 
6.4
%
 
6.5
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues
47.5
%
 
48.5
%
 
 
 
51.0
%
 
49.9
%
 
 
Other operating expenses relative to total revenues
16.5
%
 
15.1
%
 
 
 
17.0
%
 
15.9
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
895

 
$
214

 
 
 
$
1,762

 
$
1,606

 
9.7
 %
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,272,795

 
$
1,258,783

 
1.1
 %
 
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure.
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The Wholesale Brokerage Segment’s total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 9.0%, or $6.4 million, from the same period in 2017, to $78.0 million. The $5.3 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven primarily by: (i) $5.4 million related to net new and renewal business; (ii) $0.7 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; and (iii) an offsetting $0.8 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the third quarter of 2018 increased approximately $1.0 million compared to the third quarter of 2017. Approximately $0.9 million of this increase was driven by adopting the New Revenue Standard. The Wholesale Brokerage Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 8.9%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 7.7% for the third quarter of 2018. The Organic Revenue growth rate was driven by net new business, some rate increases for renewals on coastal properties that suffered a loss associated with the 2017 weather events, some rate increases in the casualty business, and modest increases in exposure units.

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Table of Contents

Income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 11.3%, or $2.4 million from the same period in 2017, to $23.6 million. The growth rate was faster than revenues due to: (i) increased core commissions and fees of $5.3 million; (ii) an increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions of $0.9 million; and (iii) a decrease in the intercompany interest allocation of $0.3 million; partially offset by (iv) an increase in employee compensation and benefits of $2.3 million due to salary inflation, increased producer compensation due to increased core commissions and fees revenue, increases in non-cash stock-based compensation, and compensation related to acquisitions that had no comparable expense in 2017; and (v) an increase of $2.0 million in other operating expenses attributable to increased investments in technology, professional fees, rent, and exchange rate expense.
EBITDAC for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 7.8%, or $2.0 million from the same period in 2017, to $28.1 million. EBITDAC Margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 36.1% from 36.4% in the same period in 2017. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin was primarily driven by: (i) higher employee compensation and benefits costs, (ii) technology investments, and (iii) an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation; partially offset by; (iv) the adoption of the New Revenue Standard which contributed approximately 40 basis points to the EBITDAC Margin compared to the same period in 2017.
The Wholesale Brokerage Segment’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 5.2%, or $10.9 million, from the same period in 2017, to $219.7 million. The $12.9 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven primarily by: (i) $12.7 million related to net new and renewal business; (ii) $1.1 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; and (iii) an offsetting $0.9 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the first nine months of 2018 decreased $2.0 million compared to the same period of 2017, to $6.0 million as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard. The Wholesale Brokerage Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 5.2%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 6.4% for the first nine months of 2018. The Organic Revenue growth rate was driven by net new business, some rate increases for renewals on properties in catastrophe prone locations, some modest rate increases in the casualty sector, and modest increases in exposure units.
Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased 1.8%, or $1.0 million, from the same period in 2017, to $55.5 million. This was due to: (i) the net decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions, as described above; (ii) an increase in employee compensation and benefits of $7.9 million, which includes an increase in staff salaries attributable to salary inflation, increased producer compensation due to higher revenue, and higher non-cash based stock compensation due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan; (iii) a $1.0 million increase related to the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables; (iv) a $4.1 million increase in operating expenses driven by information technology investments and exchange rate expense; partially offset by (v) the increase of $13.0 million of core commissions and fees.
EBITDAC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased 1.5%, or $1.1 million, from the same period in 2017, to $70.4 million. EBITDAC Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 32.0% from 34.2% in the same period in 2017. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin was primarily driven by the net decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions as a result of the adopting the New Revenue Standard. Other items affecting the year-over-year change in EBITDAC Margin include increased non-cash stock-based compensation costs and higher intercompany information technology allocations, which more than offset margin expansion from leveraging of Organic Revenue growth.

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Table of Contents

Services Segment
The Services Segment provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas. The Services Segment also provides Medicare Set-aside account services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and claims adjusting services.
Unlike the other segments, nearly all of the Services Segment’s revenue is generated from fees, which are not significantly affected by fluctuations in general insurance premiums.
Financial information relating to our Services Segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
48,054

 
$
41,419

 
16.0
 %
 
$
137,878

 
$
122,173

 
12.9
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions

 

 
 %
 

 

 
 %
Guaranteed supplemental commissions

 

 
 %
 

 

 
 %
Investment income
51

 
72

 
(29.2
)%
 
160

 
224

 
(28.6
)%
Other income, net

 

 
 %
 

 

 
 %
Total revenues
48,105

 
41,491

 
15.9
 %
 
138,038

 
122,397

 
12.8
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
22,597

 
19,993

 
13.0
 %
 
63,950

 
59,606

 
7.3
 %
Other operating expenses
15,913

 
11,173

 
42.4
 %
 
45,814

 
32,870

 
39.4
 %
Loss/(gain) on disposal

 

 
 %
 
(2,463
)
 
55

 
NMF

Amortization
1,269

 
1,137

 
11.6
 %
 
3,543

 
3,412

 
3.8
 %
Depreciation
393

 
402

 
(2.2
)%
 
1,183

 
1,191

 
(0.7
)%
Interest
846

 
876

 
(3.4
)%
 
2,023

 
2,783

 
(27.3
)%
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
99

 

 
 %
 
99

 

 
 %
Total expenses
41,117

 
33,581

 
22.4
 %
 
114,149

 
99,917

 
14.2
 %
Income before income taxes
$
6,988

 
$
7,910

 
(11.7
)%
 
$
23,889

 
$
22,480

 
6.3
 %
Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1)
14.5
%
 
19.1
%
 
 
 
17.3
%
 
18.4
%
 
 
EBITDAC (1)
9,595

 
10,325

 
(7.1
)%
 
$
30,737

 
$
29,866

 
2.9
 %
EBITDAC Margin (1)
19.9
%
 
24.9
%
 
 
 
22.3
%
 
24.4
%
 
 
Organic Revenue growth rate (1)
2.1
%
 
4.8
%
 
 
 
5.8
%
 
2.9
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues
47.0
%
 
48.2
%
 
 
 
46.3
%
 
48.7
%
 
 
Other operating expenses relative to total revenues
33.1
%
 
26.9
%
 
 
 
33.2
%
 
26.9
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
366

 
$
364

 
 
 
$
798

 
$
856

 
(6.8
)%
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
448,027

 
$
432,331

 
3.6
 %
 
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure.
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The Services Segment’s total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 15.9%, or $6.6 million, over the same period in 2017, to $48.1 million. The $6.6 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven primarily by: (i) $4.2 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017; (ii) $1.6 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard; and (iii) $0.8 million related to net new and renewal business. The Services Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 16.0%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 2.1% for the third quarter of 2018. The Organic Revenue growth rate was primarily due to new business and expansion of the current customer base, with a partial offset for lower revenues associated with weather related events in 2018.
Income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased 11.7%, or $0.9 million, from the same period in 2017, to $7.0 million due to a combination of $0.6 million related to the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard, and to a lesser extent new client on boarding costs, an acquisition during the quarter and lower weather-related claims activity as compared to the prior year.

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EBITDAC for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased 7.1%, or $0.7 million, from the same period in 2017, to $9.6 million. EBITDAC Margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 19.9% from 24.9% in the same period in 2017. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin was primarily driven by the impact of the New Revenue Standard along with higher non-cash stock-based compensation, due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan, the acquisition of a business with an EBITDAC Margin lower than the segmental average and intercompany allocation of technology costs.
The Services Segment’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 12.8%, or $15.6 million, over the same period in 2017, to $138.0 million. The $15.7 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven primarily by: (i) $7.1 million related to net new and renewal business; (ii) $4.4 million related to the impact of the adopting the New Revenue Standard; and (iii) $4.2 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2017. The Services Segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 12.9%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 5.8% for the first nine months of 2018. The increased Organic Revenue growth rate was primarily due to higher new business and expansion of the current customer base, with a partial offset for lower revenues associated with weather-related events in 2018.
Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 6.3%, or $1.4 million, over the same period in 2017, to $23.9 million due to a combination of the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard, leveraging our Organic Revenue growth and lower intercompany interest charges.
EBITDAC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 2.9%, or $0.9 million, over the same period in 2017, to $30.7 million. EBITDAC Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased to 22.3% from 24.4% in the same period in 2017. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin was due to the impact of the New Revenue Standard along with higher non-cash stock-based compensation, due to the better-than-expected Company performance related to our equity compensation plan and intercompany allocation of technology costs offset by the gain on disposal.
Other
As discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the “Other” column in the Segment Information table includes any income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments, and corporate-related items, including the intercompany interest expense charges to reporting segments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our capital requirements to operate as an insurance intermediary are low and we have been able to grow and invest in our business principally through cash that has been generated from operations. If necessary, we also have available our revolving credit facility, which provides up to $800.0 million in available cash. We believe that we have access to additional funds, if needed, through the capital markets in order to obtain further debt financing under current market conditions. The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investment portfolio and funds generated from operations, together with the funds available under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to satisfy our normal liquidity needs, including principal payments on our long-term debt, for at least the next twelve months.
On October 22, 2018 the Company announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of The Hays Group, Inc. and certain of affiliates (the “Acquisition”).  The transaction is expected to close in November 2018, subject to certain closing conditions. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay an initial purchase price of $705.0 million consisting of $605.0 million in cash to be paid at closing of the acquisition along with shares of common stock equal to $100.0 million (as valued at the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange over the 30-day period prior to the closing of the Acquisition). In addition, the terms include earn-out payments in the aggregate amount of up to $25.0 million in cash over three years, which are subject to certain conditions and the successful achievement of average annual EBITDA compound annual growth rate targets for the acquired business during 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Company intends to utilize the aforementioned revolving credit facility to fund the cash amount due at closing.

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Contractual Cash Obligations
As of September 30, 2018, our contractual cash obligations were as follows:
 
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After 5
years
Long-term debt
$
870,000

 
$
30,000

 
$
80,000

 
$
260,000

 
$
500,000

Other liabilities(1)
57,187

 
4,227

 
4,703

 
2,651

 
45,606

Operating leases
209,792

 
42,899

 
72,004

 
46,324

 
48,565

Interest obligations
166,346

 
33,666

 
63,792

 
48,763

 
20,125

Unrecognized tax benefits
1,119

 

 
1,119

 

 

Maximum future acquisition contingency payments(2)
151,634

 
36,913

 
96,889

 
17,832

 

Total contractual cash obligations
$
1,456,078

 
$
147,705

 
$
318,507

 
$
375,570

 
$
614,296

 
(1)
Includes the current portion of other long-term liabilities.
(2)
Includes $65.3 million of current and non-current estimated earn-out payables.
Debt
Total debt at September 30, 2018 was $862.4 million net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, which was a decrease of $113.8 million compared to December 31, 2017. The decrease includes the payment of the principal balance of $100.0 million related to the Series E Senior Notes which was paid in full, the repayment of $15.0 million in principal, net of the amortization of discounted debt related to our 4.200% unsecured Senior Notes due in 2024, and debt issuance cost amortization of $1.1 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Neither we nor our subsidiaries have ever incurred off-balance sheet obligations through the use of, or investment in, off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments or structured finance or special purpose entities organized as corporations, partnerships or limited liability companies or trusts.
For further discussion of our cash management and risk management policies, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. We are exposed to market risk through our investments, revolving credit line, term loan agreements and international operations.
Our invested assets are held primarily as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, available-for-sale marketable debt securities, non-marketable debt securities, certificates of deposit, U.S. treasury securities, and professionally managed short duration fixed income funds. These investments are subject to interest rate risk. The fair values of our invested assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, approximated their respective carrying values due to their short-term duration and therefore, such market risk is not considered to be material.
We do not actively invest or trade in equity securities. In addition, we generally dispose of any significant equity securities received in conjunction with an acquisition shortly after the acquisition date.
As of September 30, 2018, we had $370.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our term loan, which bears interest on a floating basis tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and therefore can result in changes to our associated interest expense. The effect of an immediate hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
We are subject to exchange rate risk primarily in our U.K.-based wholesale brokerage business that has a cost base principally denominated in British pounds and a revenue base in several other currencies, but principally in U.S. dollars. Based upon our foreign currency rate exposure as of September 30, 2018, an immediate 10% hypothetical change of foreign currency exchange rates would not have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation (the “Evaluation”) required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act (“Disclosure Controls”) as of September 30, 2018. Based upon the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our senior management, including our CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Controls
Additional controls have been implemented to address new processes enacted in connection with adopting ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and ASC Topic 340 - Other Assets and Deferred Cost. Other than these new controls, there has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Evaluation that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls and internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.
The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
CEO and CFO Certifications
Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 are the Certifications of the CEO and the CFO, respectively. The Certifications are supplied in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Section 302 Certifications”). This Item 4 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains the information concerning the evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
PART II
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
In Item 3 of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, certain information concerning litigation claims arising in the ordinary course of business was disclosed. Such information was current as of the date of filing. During the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, no new legal proceedings, or material developments with respect to existing legal proceedings, occurred which require disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There were no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.


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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information about our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2018:
 
Total number
of shares
purchased(1)
 
Average price
paid per share
 
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of
publicly
announced
plans or
programs
 
Maximum value that
may yet be purchased
under the plans or
programs(2)
July 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018
1,415

 
$
28.34

 

 
$
227,453,029

August 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018
136,105

 
29.20

 

 
227,453,029

September 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018
9,254

 
30.48

 

 
227,453,029

Total
146,774

 
$
29.27

 

 
$
227,453,029

 
(1)
We purchased 146,774 shares during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 which were acquired from our employees to cover required tax withholdings on the vesting of shares in our equity compensation plans.
(2)
On July 21, 2014, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. On July 20, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $400.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s outstanding Board-approved share repurchase authorization is $227.5 million. A total of 10,886,546 shares had been acquired prior to the Stock Split on March 28, 2018; treasury shares did not participate in the Stock Split.

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ITEM 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Report:
 
 
 
3.1
  
 
 
3.2
  
 
 
31.1
  
 
 
31.2
  
 
 
32.1
  
 
 
32.2
  
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BROWN & BROWN, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ R. Andrew Watts
Date: November 5, 2018
 
 
 
R. Andrew Watts
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
(duly authorized officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)


48