FedNat Holding Co - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
x
|
Annual
Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of
1934
|
For
the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
or
o
|
Transition
Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
|
For
the
transition period of _____________to_______________
Commission
file number: 0-2500111
21st
Century Holding Company
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
Florida
|
65-0248866
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No)
|
|
3661
West Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 300, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
33311
|
||
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code (954)
581-9993
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title
of Each Class
|
Name
of Each Exchange on Which Registered
|
Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share
|
NASDAQ
Global Market, LLC
|
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See the definition of
“accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer o Accelerated
filer x Non-accelerated
filer o
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act).
Yes
o
No
x
The
aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates
was $73,482,801 on June 29, 2007, computed on the basis of the closing sale
price of the Registrant’s common stock on that date.
As
of
March 14, 2008, the total number of common shares outstanding of Registrant's
common stock was 7,935,619.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions
of the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of the
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III, of this Form
10K.
-1-
21st
Century Holding Company
Table
of
Contents
PART
I
|
3
|
||
ITEM
1
|
BUSINESS
|
3
|
|
ITEM
1A
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
24
|
|
ITEM
1B
|
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
33
|
|
ITEM
2
|
PROPERTIES |
33
|
|
ITEM
3
|
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
33
|
|
ITEM
4
|
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
34
|
|
PART
II
|
34
|
||
ITEM
5
|
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
34
|
|
ITEM
6
|
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
|
37
|
|
ITEM
7
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
39
|
|
ITEM
7A
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK |
64
|
|
ITEM
8
|
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
66
|
|
ITEM
9
|
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
|
106
|
|
ITEM
9A
|
CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
|
106
|
|
ITEM
9B
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
107
|
|
PART
III
|
107
|
||
ITEM
10
|
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
107
|
|
ITEM
11
|
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
|
107
|
|
ITEM
12
|
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
107
|
|
ITEM
13
|
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
|
107
|
|
ITEM
14
|
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
|
107
|
|
PART
IV
|
108
|
||
ITEM
15
|
EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
10-K
|
108
|
|
SIGNATURES
|
111
|
-2-
21st
Century Holding Company
PART
I
SPECIAL
NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain
statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than purely historical
information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our
business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions
upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section
27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words
“believes,” “project,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,”
“strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will
likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on
current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties
which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements. A detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such
forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in
Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report. We undertake no obligation to update
or
revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM
1 BUSINESS
GENERAL
21st
Century
Holding Company (“21st
Century,” “Company,” “we,” “us”) is an insurance holding company, which, through
our subsidiaries and our contractual relationships with our independent agents
and general agents, controls substantially all aspects of the insurance
underwriting, distribution and claims process. We
are
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance, personal automobile insurance and commercial
automobile insurance in various states with various lines of authority through
our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated
National Insurance Company (“Federated National”) and American Vehicle Insurance
Company (“American Vehicle”).
The
insurable events during 2007 and 2006 did not include any weather related
catastrophic events such as the well publicized series of hurricanes that
occurred in Florida during 2005 and 2004. During 2007 and 2006 we processed
property and liability claims stemming from our homeowners’, commercial general
liability and private passenger automobile lines of business. Our automobile
claims generally will exceed commercial general liability and homeowners’ claims
with respect to frequency of claimant activity, however the per-claim severity
in connection with our commercial general liability and homeowner lines would
be
expected to exceed the automobile line. Our reinsurance strategy serves to
smooth the liquidity requirements imposed by the most severe insurable events
and for all other insurable events we manage, at a micro and macro perspective,
in the normal course of business.
Federated
National is authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty insurance
in Florida as an admitted carrier. American
Vehicle is authorized in several states to underwrite commercial general
liability coverage as either an admitted or surplus lines carrier. An
admitted carrier is an insurance company that has received a license from the
state department of insurance giving the company the authority to write specific
lines of insurance in that state. These companies are also bound by rate and
form regulations, and are strictly regulated to protect policy holders from
a
variety of illegal and unethical practices, including fraud. Admitted carriers
are also required to financially contribute to the state guarantee fund, which
is used to pay for losses if an insurance carrier becomes insolvent or unable
to
pay the losses due their policyholders. A non-admitted carrier is not licensed
by the state, but is allowed to do business in that state. Sometimes,
non-admitted carriers are referred to as "excess and surplus" lines carriers.
Non admitted insurers are subject to considerably less regulation with respect
to policy rates and forms.
American
Vehicle has either ongoing operations or operations expected to commence this
year in several states. The table below denotes by state American Vehicle’s
authority, status of operations and where new applications are pending. We
may
not receive authority to write in every state to which we make application
due
to state specific guidelines.
-3-
21st
Century Holding Company
States
|
Admitted
carrier
|
Surplus
lines carrier
|
Ongoing
operations
|
Operations
expected to commence this year
|
Application
pending
|
|||||
Alabama
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Arkansas
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
California
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Florida
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Georgia
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Kentucky
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Louisiana
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Maryland
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Missouri
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Nevada
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Ohio
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
Oklahoma
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
South
Carolina
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Tennessee
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
Texas
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Virginia
|
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|
Additionally,
both Federated National and American Vehicle are authorized to underwrite
personal automobile insurance in Florida as an admitted carrier.
During
2007 American Vehicle applied for and was granted, by the State of Florida
in
January 2008, licenses to underwrite commercial multiple peril, inland marine
and surety lines of business as an admitted carrier. Operations under American
Vehicle’s newly granted line of authority are expected to begin during
2008.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, 74.5%, 24.1% and 1.4% of the premiums we
underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, 74.9%, 21.1% and 4.0% of the premiums
we underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
We
internally process claims made by our insureds through our wholly owned claims
adjusting company, Superior Adjusting, Inc. (“Superior”).
Our
executive offices are located at 3661 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 300,
Lauderdale Lakes, Florida and our telephone number is (954)
581-9993.
Our
web
site is located at www.21centuryholding.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments
to
such reports are available, free of charge, through our website as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material
to
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Further, a copy of this
annual report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov.
-4-
21st
Century Holding Company
RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS
Proposed
Florida Legislation
During
February 2008 Florida’s House Insurance Committee held a workshop on a proposal
and legislation developed by the Florida Department of Financial Services
(“DFS”) regarding a significant reduction of capacity in the Florida Hurricane
Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”), substantially increasing members’ co-insurance
participation and the reorganization of the FHCF under the Florida Cabinet.
Additionally, the Board of Directors of the Florida Insurance Guaranty
Association (“FIGA”) held separate meetings to discuss their continued financial
challenges in connection with the insolvency of a particular insurance company
that was assumed subsequent to the 2005 - 2006 hurricane season. At this time,
we do not know if any new laws or regulations will be adopted in Florida which
will impact our property and casualty insurance business in fiscal 2008 or
any
subsequent years.
BUSINESS
STRATEGY
We
expect
that in 2008 we will capitalize on our operational efficiencies and business
practices by:
· |
expanding
our lines of business such as our recent approval to write commercial
multi-peril, inland marine and surety insurance in the State of Florida.
Although operations are not yet ongoing in connection with the new
lines
of commercial insurance, we expect to commence operations during
2008;
|
· |
continued
expansion of our commercial general liability insurance product into
additional states. In addition to our ongoing operations in nine
states,
we expect to commence operations in four states where we have obtained
licenses to underwrite and sell commercial general liability insurance
in
2008.
Additionally, we have pending applications for a surplus lines licenses
in
three more states;
|
· |
employing
our business practices developed and used in Florida in our expansion
to
other selected states;
|
· |
maintaining
a commitment to provide high quality customer service to our agents
and
insureds;
|
· |
expansion
of our marketing efforts by retaining key personnel and implementing
direct marketing technologies;
|
· |
offering
attractive incentives to our agents to place a high volume of high
quality
business with our companies;
|
· |
assumption
of existing risks from other
carriers;
|
· |
additional
strategies that may include possible acquisitions or further dispositions
of assets, and development of procedures to improve claims history
and
mitigate losses from claims.
|
There
can
be no assurances, however, that any of the foregoing strategies will be
developed or successfully implemented or, if implemented, that they will
positively affect our results of operations.
Additionally,
State of Florida legislative initiatives, increased competition, softening
general market conditions, an unfolding economic downturn and additional loss
development from catastrophic events over two years old suggest that continued
financial challenges exist in 2008.
INSURANCE
OPERATIONS AND RELATED SERVICES
General
We
are
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance, personal automobile insurance and commercial
automobile insurance in various states with various lines of authority through
our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated National and American
Vehicle.
Federated
National is authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty insurance
and personal automobile insurance in Florida as an admitted carrier. American
Vehicle is authorized to underwrite personal and commercial automobile insurance
and commercial general liability coverage in Florida as an admitted carrier.
In
addition, American Vehicle is authorized to underwrite commercial general
liability insurance in thirteen states, of which nine states had ongoing
operations in 2007. American Vehicle has also recently expanded its domestic
authority to include commercial multi peril, inland marine and surety lines
of
business in the State of Florida and will continue its expansion of commercial
general liability insurance into new states.
-5-
21st
Century Holding Company
The
following tables set forth the amount and percentages of our gross premiums
written, premiums ceded to reinsurers and net premiums written by line of
business for the periods indicated.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||||||||||||
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Gross
written premiums:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$
|
1,867
|
1.4
|
%
|
$
|
6,064
|
4.0
|
%
|
$
|
20,665
|
17.3
|
%
|
|||||||
Homeowners'
|
99,502
|
74.5
|
%
|
114,388
|
74.9
|
%
|
76,182
|
63.8
|
%
|
||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
32,222
|
24.1
|
%
|
32,213
|
21.1
|
%
|
22,593
|
18.9
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
gross written premiums
|
$
|
133,591
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
152,665
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
119,440
|
100.0
|
%
|
|||||||
Ceded
premiums:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$
|
-
|
0.0
|
%
|
$
|
-
|
0.0
|
%
|
$
|
(5
|
)
|
0.0
|
%
|
||||||
Homeowners'
|
44,551
|
100.0
|
%
|
67,520
|
100.0
|
%
|
31,419
|
100.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
-
|
0.0
|
%
|
-
|
0.0
|
%
|
-
|
0.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
ceded premiums
|
$
|
44,551
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
67,520
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
31,414
|
100.0
|
%
|
|||||||
Net
written premiums
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$
|
1,867
|
2.1
|
%
|
$
|
6,064
|
7.2
|
%
|
$
|
20,670
|
23.5
|
%
|
|||||||
Homeowners'
|
54,952
|
61.7
|
%
|
46,868
|
55.0
|
%
|
44,763
|
50.9
|
%
|
||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
32,222
|
36.2
|
%
|
32,213
|
37.8
|
%
|
22,593
|
25.6
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
net written premiums
|
$
|
89,041
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
85,145
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
88,026
|
100.0
|
%
|
We
marketed our insurance products through our network of independent agents and
general agents during fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Homeowners’
We
underwrite homeowners’ insurance principally in South and Central Florida.
Homeowners’ insurance generally protects an owner of real and personal property
against covered causes of loss to that property. The table that follows reflects
the number of homeowner policies in force by South Florida counties and all
other Florida counties and reflects our concentrations of risk from catastrophic
events.
|
|
As
of the years ended December 31
|
|||||||||||||||||
In-force
policy count
|
|||||||||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
|||||||||||||||||
County
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
Dade
|
4,587
|
12.7
|
%
|
9,151
|
21.6
|
%
|
11,201
|
27.9
|
%
|
||||||||||
Broward
|
4,446
|
12.3
|
%
|
6,629
|
15.6
|
%
|
6,728
|
16.8
|
%
|
||||||||||
West
Palm Beach
|
14,969
|
41.3
|
%
|
13,539
|
31.9
|
%
|
8,079
|
20.1
|
%
|
||||||||||
All
others
|
12,239
|
33.8
|
%
|
13,099
|
30.9
|
%
|
14,117
|
35.2
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
|
36,241
|
100.0
|
%
|
42,418
|
100.0
|
%
|
40,125
|
100.0
|
%
|
Our
property insurance products typically provide maximum coverage in the amount
of
$750,000, with the aggregate average policy limit being approximately
$1,350,000. The approximate average premium on the policies currently in-force
is $2,769, as compared to $2,727 for 2006, and the typical deductible is $1,000
for non-hurricane-related claims and generally 2% of the coverage amount for
the
structure for
hurricane-related claims.
-6-
21st
Century Holding Company
Premium
rates charged to our property insurance policyholders are continually evaluated
to assure that they meet the expectation, are actuarially sound and produce
a
reasonable level of profit (neither excessive nor inadequate).
An
average rate increase of 38.3% was implemented effective June 1, 2006, followed
by three additional filings in March, May and September of 2007. Both the June
2006 and March 2007 rate filings were on a “use and file” basis. The March 2007
rate filing resulted in an average rate reduction of 15.2%. Our May 2007 and
September 2007 rate reductions were on a “file and use” basis. Our May 2007
revenue neutral rate filing was approved and made effective for new and renewal
policies with policy effective dates of November 1, 2007 and December 1, 2007,
respectively. Our September 2007 “file and use” rate filing reflects an
additional average rate decrease of 11.4% and is pending approval.
The
initial rate increase for policies with an effective date of June 1, 2006
contemplated a 49.9% rate increase, though was ultimately implemented at 38.3%.
Policy holders were refunded approximately $6.0 million, and premiums waived
totaled and resulted in a charge to operations in 2006 of approximately $1.0
million.
Commercial
General Liability
We
underwrite commercial general liability insurance for approximately 250 classes
of artisan and mercantile trades (excluding home-builders and developers),
habitational exposures and certain special events. The limits of liability
range
from $100,000 per occurrence and $200,000 policy aggregate to $1 million per
occurrence and $2 million policy aggregate. We market the commercial general
liability insurance products through a limited number of general agencies
unaffiliated with the Company. The average annual premium on policies, with
deductibles of $250 to $500 per claim, and currently in force is approximately
$798, as compared to $826 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
The
following table sets forth the amounts and percentages of our gross premiums
written in connection with our commercial general liability program by
state:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percentage
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percentage
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percentage
|
|
||||||
|
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||
State
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Alabama
|
$
|
26
|
0.08
|
%
|
$
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
$
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
California
|
23
|
0.07
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
||||||||||
Florida
|
21,192
|
65.77
|
%
|
22,965
|
71.29
|
%
|
18,293
|
80.97
|
%
|
||||||||||
Georgia
|
1,023
|
3.17
|
%
|
1,805
|
5.60
|
%
|
1,258
|
5.57
|
%
|
||||||||||
Kentucky
|
8
|
0.03
|
%
|
9
|
0.03
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
||||||||||
Lousiania
|
5,595
|
17.36
|
%
|
5,743
|
17.83
|
%
|
3,042
|
13.46
|
%
|
||||||||||
South
Carolina
|
182
|
0.57
|
%
|
77
|
0.24
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
||||||||||
Texas
|
4,127
|
12.81
|
%
|
1,604
|
4.98
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
||||||||||
Virginia
|
46
|
0.14
|
%
|
10
|
0.03
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
32,222
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
32,213
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
22,593
|
100.00
|
%
|
In
order
to expand our general liability business, we entered into a 100% quota-share
reinsurance treaty with Republic Underwriters Insurance Company ("Republic")
on
March 28, 2006. This
agreement was in place for approximately one year until March 31, 2007, when
it
was cancelled at the request of Republic.
Republic
is domiciled in the State of Texas and licensed both directly and on a surplus
lines basis in approximately 32 states. Republic has a financial rating of
“A-”
Excellent with A.M. Best. This arrangement would have facilitated the
policyholder who requires their commercial general liability insurance policy
to
come from an insurance company with an A.M. Best rating.
Our
arrangement with Republic allowed for a 4.75% commission on net written premium
and reimbursement for all other costs in connection with the treaty such as
premium taxes and assessments. We also remitted a 1% commission to the
intermediary broker on the same net written premium. Under this agreement,
the
Company assumed approximately $325,000 and $23,000 in premiums in connection
with its operations in the State of Texas during the years ending December
31,
2007 and 2006, respectively. Our operations in Texas began in December 2006.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, this 100% quota-sharing
reinsurance treaty with Republic was cancelled, on a run-off basis, at their
request, effective June 30, 2007.
-7-
21st
Century Holding Company
Personal
Automobile
Personal
automobile insurance markets can be divided into two categories, standard
automobile and nonstandard automobile. Standard personal automobile insurance
is
principally provided to insureds who present an average risk profile in terms
of
driving record, vehicle type and other factors. Nonstandard personal automobile
insurance is principally provided to insureds that are unable to obtain standard
insurance coverage because of their driving record, age, vehicle type or other
factors, including market conditions.
Limits
on
standard personal automobile insurance are generally significantly higher than
those for nonstandard coverage, but typically provide for deductibles and other
restrictive terms. Underwriting criteria for standard coverage has become more
restrictive, thereby requiring more insureds to seek nonstandard coverage and
contributing to the increase in the size of the nonstandard automobile market.
Nonstandard automobile insurance, however, generally involves the potential
for
increased loss exposure and higher claims experience. Loss exposure is mitigated
because premiums usually are written at higher rates than those written for
standard insurance coverage.
Both
of
our insurance subsidiaries currently underwrite nonstandard personal automobile
insurance only in Florida, where the minimum limits are $10,000 per individual,
$20,000 per accident for bodily injury, $10,000 per accident for property
damage, and $50,000 for comprehensive and collision. The average annual premium
on policies currently in force is approximately $1,075, as compared to $860
for
2006, and the nonstandard personal automobile insurance lines represents more
than 99.5% of our written premiums for personal automobile insurance for both
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Both
Federated National and American Vehicle underwrite only renewal policies for
this coverage on primarily an annual basis and to a much lesser extent, on
a
semi-annual basis.
Due
to
the purchasing habits of nonstandard automobile insureds (for example,
nonstandard automobile insureds tend to seek the least expensive insurance
required of the policyholder by statute that satisfies the requirements of
state
laws to register a vehicle), policy renewal rates tend to be low compared to
standard policies. Our experience has been that a significant number of existing
nonstandard policyholders allow their policies to lapse and then reapply for
insurance as new policyholders.
Federated
National underwrites standard personal automobile insurance policies providing
coverage no higher than $100,000 per individual, $300,000 per accident for
bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for property damage and comprehensive and
collision up to $50,000 per accident, with deductibles ranging from $200 to
$1,000. The average premium on the policies currently in force is approximately
$1,346, as compared to $1,599 for 2006, and represents approximately 0.5% of
our
written premiums for personal automobile insurance as of the year ended December
31, 2007.
Flood
We
write
flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). We write
the policy for the NFIP, which assumes 100% of the flood risk while we retain
a
commission for our service. The average flood policy premium is approximately
$400 with limits up to $250,000. Commissions in connection with this program
totaled $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December
31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Assurance
Managing General Agents, Inc. (“Assurance MGA”)
Assurance
MGA, a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as Federated National’s and American
Vehicle’s exclusive managing general agent in the state of Florida. As American
Vehicle continues its expansion into other states we will continue to contract
with general agents to market our commercial general liability insurance product
outside the state of Florida. Assurance MGA currently provides underwriting
policy administration, marketing, accounting and financial services to Federated
National and American Vehicle, and participates in the negotiation of
reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates revenue through a 6% commission
fee from the insurance companies’ gross written premium, policy fee income of
$25 per policy and other administrative fees from the marketing of company
products through the Company’s distribution network. The 6% commission fee from
Federated National and American Vehicle became effective January 1, 2005.
Assurance MGA plans to establish relationships with additional carriers and
servicing additional insurance products in the future.
Superior
Adjusting, Inc.
Superior
processes claims made by insureds from Federated National and American Vehicle.
Our agents have no authority to settle claims or otherwise exercise control
over
the claims process. Furthermore, we believe that the retention of independent
adjusters, in cooperation with our employment of salaried claims personnel,
results in reduced ultimate loss payments, lower LAE and improved customer
service for our policyholders. We also employ an in-house legal department
to
cost-effectively manage claims-related litigation and to monitor our claims
handling practices for efficiency and regulatory compliance.
-8-
21st
Century Holding Company
Federated
Premium Finance, Inc. (“Federated Premium”)
Federated
Premium provides premium financing to Federated National's, American Vehicle’s
and third-party’s insureds. Premium financing has been marketed through our
distribution network of general agents and independent agents.
Premiums
for property and casualty insurance are typically payable at the time a policy
is placed in force or renewed. Federated Premium's services allow the insured
to
pay a portion of the premium when the policy is placed in force and the balance
in monthly installments over a specified term, generally between six and nine
months. As security, Federated Premium retains a contractual right, if a premium
installment is not paid when due, to cancel the insurance policy and to receive
the unearned premium from the insurer, or in the event of insolvency of an
insurer, from FIGA, subject to a $100 per policy deductible. In the event of
cancellation, Federated Premium applies the unearned premium towards the payment
obligation of the insured.
The
following table sets forth the amount and percentages of premiums financed
for
Federated National, American Vehicle and other insurers for the periods
indicated:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|
Premium
|
|
Percent
|
|
||||||
|
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||
Federated
National
|
$
|
2,547
|
62.7
|
%
|
$
|
6,279
|
56.2
|
%
|
$
|
6,893
|
21.5
|
%
|
|||||||
American
Vehicle
|
169
|
4.2
|
%
|
1,981
|
17.7
|
%
|
14,946
|
46.7
|
%
|
||||||||||
Other
insurers
|
1,346
|
33.1
|
%
|
2,917
|
26.1
|
%
|
10,186
|
31.8
|
%
|
||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
4,062
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
11,177
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
32,025
|
100.00
|
%
|
Federated
Premium’s operations were funded by a revolving loan agreement (“Revolving
Agreement”) with FlatIron Funding Company LLC (“Flatiron”). The Revolving
Agreement is structured as a sale of contracts receivable under a sale and
assignment agreement with Westchester Premium Acceptance Corporation (“WPAC”) (a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FlatIron), which gives WPAC the right to sell or
assign these contracts receivable. Federated Premium, which services these
contracts, has recorded transactions under the Revolving Agreement as secured
borrowings. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Agreement
as of December 31, 2007. Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Agreement
as
of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $0.01 million and $0.20
million, respectively. This credit facility terminated, at our request, during
2007.
Finance
contracts receivable decreased $1.4 million, or 77.0%, to $0.4 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $1.8 million as of December 31, 2006. We
anticipate a continued decline in the short-term in connection with premiums
financed contracts. The Company anticipates continued use of the direct bill
feature associated with Federated National and American Vehicle and their
automobile lines of business.
The
direct billing opportunity is very similar to the premium finance arrangement
with respect to down payments and scheduled monthly payments. Direct billing
is
when the insurance company accepts from the insured, as a receivable, a promise
to pay the premium, as opposed to requiring payment of the full amount of the
policy, either directly from the insured or from a premium finance company.
We
believe that the direct billing program does not increase our risk because
the
insurance policy, which serves as collateral, is managed by our computer system.
Underwriting criteria are designed with down payment requirements and monthly
payments that create policyholder equity in the insurance policy. The equity
in
the policy is collateral for the extension of credit to the insured. Through
our
monitoring systems, we track delinquent payments and, in accordance with the
terms of the extension of credit, cancel the policy before the policyholder's
equity is extinguished. If any excess premium remains after cancellation of
the
policy and deduction of applicable penalties, this excess is refunded to the
policyholder. Similarly, we believe that the premium financing that we offer
to
our own insureds involves limited credit risk. By primarily financing policies
underwritten by our own insurance carriers, our credit risks are reduced because
we can more securely rely on the underwriting processes of our own insurance
carriers. Furthermore, the direct bill program enables us to closely manage
our
risk while providing credit to our insureds.
-9-
21st
Century Holding Company
MARKETING
AND DISTRIBUTION
We
are
focusing our marketing efforts on continuing to expand our distribution network
and market our products and services in other regions of Florida and other
states by establishing relationships with additional independent agents and
general agents. As this occurs, we will seek to replicate our distribution
network in those states. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be
able to obtain the required regulatory approvals to offer additional insurance
products or expand into other states.
Our
independent agents and general agents have the authority to sell and bind
insurance coverage in accordance with procedures established by Assurance MGA.
There were no other agency relationships with affiliated captive or franchised
agents for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Assurance MGA
reviews all coverage bound by the agents promptly and generally accepts all
coverage that falls within stated underwriting criteria. For automobile and
commercial general liability policies, Assurance MGA also has the right, within
a period of 60 days from a policy's inception, to cancel any policy, upon 45
days’ notice, even if the risk falls within our underwriting criteria.
During
periods under emergency order as defined by the Florida Office of Insurance
Regulation (“OIR”), there
typically exists a
moratorium on cancellations and non-renewals of various types of insurance
coverage. Our homeowners’ and mobile home policies provide Assurance MGA the
right to cancel any policy within a period of 90 days from the policy's
inception with 25 days’ notice, or after 90 days from policy inception with 95
days’ notice, even if the risk falls within our underwriting
criteria.
We
believe that our integrated computer system, which allows for rapid automated
premium quotation and policy issuance by our agents, is a key element in
providing quality service to both our agents and insureds. For example, upon
entering a customer's basic personal information, the customer's driving record
is accessed and a premium rate is quoted. If the customer chooses to purchase
the insurance, the system can generate the policy on-site.
We
believe that the management of our distribution system now centers on our
ability to capture and maintain relevant data by producing agents, none of
whom
are affiliated with us. We believe that information management of agent
production, coupled with loss experience, will enable us to maximize
profitability.
REINSURANCE
We
follow
industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our risks and paying for that
protection based primarily upon total insured values of all policies in effect
and subject to such reinsurance. Reinsurance involves an insurance company
transferring or “ceding” all or a portion of its exposure on insurance
underwritten by it to another insurer, known as a “reinsurer.” The ceding of
insurance does not legally discharge the insurer from its primary liability
for
the full amount of the policies. If the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations
under the reinsurance agreement, the ceding company is still required to pay
the
insured for the loss. Our reinsurance agreements are designed to coincide with
the seasonality of Florida’s hurricane season.
The
availability and costs associated with the acquisition of reinsurance will
vary
year to year. These fluctuations, which can be significant, are not subject
to
our control and may limit our ability to purchase adequate coverage. The
recovery of increased reinsurance costs through rate action is not immediate
and
can not be presumed, as it is subject to OIR approval.
For
the
2007-2008 hurricane season, the excess of loss and FHCF treaties will insure
us
for approximately $403.0 million of aggregate loss and loss adjustment expenses
(“loss and LAE”) with a maximum single event coverage totaling approximately
$320.0 million, with the Company retaining the first $3.0 million of loss and
LAE. Our reinsurance program included coverage purchased from the private
market, which afforded optional Reinstatement Premium Protection that provides
coverage beyond the first event, along with coverage from the FHCF.
-10-
21st
Century Holding Company
The
FHCF
affords coverage for the entire season, subject to maximum payouts, without
regard to any particular insurable event. The cost to the Company for these
reinsurance products for the 2007-2008 hurricane season, including the prepaid
automatic premium reinstatement protection will be approximately $46.5 million.
The reinsurance companies and their respective A. M. Best rating are listed
in
the table as follows:
Reinsurer
|
A.M.
Best Rating
|
|
UNITED
STATES
|
||
Everest
Reinsurance Company
|
A+
|
|
Folksamerica
Reinsurance Company
|
A-
|
|
GMAC
Re/Motors Insurance Corporation
|
A-
|
|
Munich
Reinsurance America, Inc.
|
A
|
|
Odyssey
America Reinsurance Corporation
|
A
|
|
QBE
Reinsurance Corporation
|
A
|
|
BERMUDA
|
||
ACE
Tempest Reinsurance Limited, Bermuda
|
A+
|
|
Amlin
Bermuda Limited
|
A-
|
|
Ariel
Reinsurance Company Limited, Bermuda
|
A-
|
|
DaVinci
Reinsurance Ltd, Bermuda
|
A
|
|
Flagstone
Reinsurance Limited
|
A-
|
|
Max
Bermuda Limited
|
A-
|
|
New
Castle Reinsurance Company Limited
|
A-
|
|
Renaissance
Reinsurance Ltd, Bermuda
|
A
|
|
UNITED
KINGDOM
|
||
Amlin
Syndicate No. 2001 (AML)
|
A
|
|
Ascot
Underwriting Syndicate No. 1414 (RTH)
|
A
|
|
G.S.
Christensen and Others Syndicate No. 958 (GSC)
|
A
|
|
MAP
Underwriting Syndicate No. 2791 (MAP)
|
A
|
|
Talbot
Underwriting Syndicate No. 1183 (TAL)
|
A
|
|
EUROPE
|
||
Converium
Limited, Switzerland
|
B++
|
To
date,
there have been no claims asserted against any of the 2007-2008 hurricane season
excess of loss and FHCF treaties
We
are
selective in choosing reinsurers and consider numerous factors, the most
important of which are the financial stability of the reinsurer, their history
of responding to claims and their overall reputation. In an effort to minimize
our exposure to the insolvency of a reinsurer, we evaluate the acceptability
and
review the financial condition of the reinsurer at least annually.
-11-
21st
Century Holding Company
For
the
2006-2007 hurricane season, we assembled a range of reinsurance products
designed to insure the Company for an aggregate of approximately $414.5 million
for a minimum of two catastrophic events. The reinsurance treaties contained
several complex features and through a series of fluid retentions, attachment
points and limitations, additional coverage may have been afforded Federated
National for events beyond the first two catastrophic events. Our retention
would have varied depending on the severity and frequency of each catastrophic
event. The reinsurance companies and their respective participation in the
season's program are noted in the table as follows:
First
Event Participation
|
|
Reinstated
Premium Protection
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Current
AM
|
|
|
|
$20m
in excess
|
|
$40m
in excess
|
|
$72m
in excess
of
$75m
and
FHCF
|
|
$20m
in excess
|
|
$40m
in excess
|
|||||||
Best
Rating
|
Reinsurer
|
|
of
$15m
|
|
of
$35m
|
|
participation
|
|
of
$15m
|
|
of
$35m
|
||||||||
A+
|
Ace Tempest Reinsurance Ltd |
7.5
|
%
|
7.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
A
|
Amlin 2001 Syndicate |
5.0
|
%
|
5.0
|
%
|
5.0
|
%
|
5.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
A-
|
Amlin Bermuda Ltd |
2.5
|
%
|
4.0
|
%
|
4.0
|
%
|
2.5
|
%
|
||||||||||
A
|
American Reinsurance Company |
3.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
A
|
Ascot 1414 Syndicate |
6.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
A++
|
National Liability and Fire Company |
33.8
|
%
|
6.6
|
%
|
77.6
|
%
|
||||||||||||
B++
|
Converium AG |
5.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
A+
|
Everest Reinsurance Company |
22.0
|
%
|
4.3
|
%
|
12.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||
NR
|
Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd |
5.0
|
%
|
.
|
5.0
|
%
|
|||||||||||||
A-
|
Flagstone Reinsurance Ltd |
4.3
|
%
|
4.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
A
|
MAP 2791 Syndicate |
2.5
|
%
|
2.5
|
%
|
2.5
|
%
|
2.5
|
%
|
||||||||||
A-
|
New Castle Reinsurance Company Ltd |
2.0
|
%
|
2.0
|
%
|
2.0
|
%
|
2.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
A
|
QBE Reinsurance Corporation |
1.5
|
%
|
1.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
A
|
Renaissance Reinsurance, Ltd |
12.5
|
%
|
12.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
A+
|
XL Re Limited |
2.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
A
|
Odyssey |
3.5
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
A
|
Catlin Insurance Company Ltd |
25.0
|
%
|
25.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
NR
|
Allianz Risk Transfer (Bermuda) Ltd |
33.0
|
%
|
33.0
|
%
|
||||||||||||||
A
|
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company |
34.7
|
%
|
||||||||||||||||
American Vehicle Insurance Company | |||||||||||||||||||
NR4
|
(Affiliated) |
|
25.0
|
%
|
25.0
|
%
|
In
the
discussion that follows it should be noted that all amounts of reinsurance
were
based on management’s analysis of Federated National’s exposure levels to
catastrophic risk. Our data was subjected to exposure level data analysis at
various dates through December 31, 2006.
Our
overall reinsurance structure was divided into four major layers of financial
impact in connection with any single catastrophic event. The bottom layer was
considered the first $15 million of losses. The next layer was considered to
be
greater than $15 million and less than $35 million. The next layer was
considered to be greater than $35 million and less than $233.3 million. The
fourth layer was considered losses greater than $233.3 million and less than
305.3 million.
For
the
first and second catastrophic events equal to or less than $15 million, the
bottom layer, Federated National would have retained 100% of the first $4.3
million and the last $0.7 million of this bottom layer. The FHCF would have
participated 100% for the $10 million in excess of Federated National’s first
$4.3 million.
For
the
first and second catastrophic events with aggregate losses in excess of the
first $15.0 million discussed above and less than $35 million, Federated
National acquired 100% reinsurance protection with a single automatic premium
reinstatement protection provision. The $20 million of coverage afforded in
this
layer was by way of 42% traditional, single season, excess of loss
(“Traditional”) treaties and 58% structured multi-year, excess of loss
(“Structured”) treaties. As noted in the chart above, American Vehicle reinsured
Federated National via a traditional treaty for 25% of this $20 million layer.
Relative to the structured excess of loss reinsurance treaties, terms contained
in these treaties afford capacity in this layer beyond the 2006 - 2007 season
for two additional hurricane seasons. The structured treaties offered respective
coverage for a single event in each of the three hurricane seasons and one
additional respective coverage that could be applied as needed in any one of
the
three hurricane seasons. One of the structured treaties, representing 25% of
this layer, contained a provision that prevented the Company from recovery
if
any single event resulted in damages that exceed $20 billion in the United
States and its territories.
For
the
first and second catastrophic events where aggregate losses exceeded $35
million, but were less than $233.3 million, Federated National acquired 100%
reinsurance protection through a combination of private market reinsurers and
the FHCF program. The private market reinsurers afforded coverage to insure
us
for $40 million against covered losses in excess of $35 million. The FHCF
afforded coverage to insure us for 90% of loss greater than $55.6 million and
less than $231.5 million. The private treaties “wrapped around” the FHCF treaty
afforded coverage, in aggregate, for losses in excess of $35 million but less
than $233.3 million. The FHCF treaty was an aggregate “for the entire season”
treaty while the private market treaties afforded respective per event coverage.
As to reinstatement of coverage for the private market treaties, Federated
National purchased a single automatic premium reinstatement protection provision
that would have provided for an automatic reinstatement for 89% of the $40
million coverage. Federated National would have been responsible for the
remaining premium reinstatement protection and the cost in connection with
that
reinstatement was estimated to be approximately $2.1 million. Federated National
would also have been responsible for seasonal losses beyond what was afforded
through this part of the FHCF coverage.
-12-
21st
Century Holding Company
If
an
event had occurred where aggregate losses exceed $233.3 million, but were less
than $305.3 million, Federated National had acquired traditional reinsurance
treaties representing 65.3% of this layer without a provision for premium
reinstatement protection. Premium reinstatement coverage would have been
prorated as to amount and if the first event exhausted this coverage, then
Federated National would have been responsible for approximately $10.4 million
for reinstatement protection. Additional coverage was afforded to Federated
National via Industry Loss Warrants (“ILW”). The ILW policies provided for
payments to Federated National based solely on industry wide losses to private
and commercial property only in the State of Florida. A payment to Federated
National would only have been considered under the terms of these contracts,
if
insured wind damages incurred in the State of Florida had exceeded amounts
varying between $20 billion and $25 billion excluding public property and
certain other named exclusions.
The
Company would have been responsible for single catastrophic events, with
incurred losses in excess of approximately $305 million subject to the terms
of
the ILW’s above.
The
estimated cost to the Company in connection with this reinsurance structure
was
approximately $73.0 million, which for the most part was payable in quarterly
installments that began July 1, 2006 and were amortized through earned premium
in accordance with the provisions and terms contained in the respective
treaties.
As
a
result of the loss and LAE incurred in connection with the hurricane activity
that occurred in 2004 and 2005, the Company has reflected in its operations
the
effects of each storm as follows:
2004
Hurricanes
|
Claim
Count
|
|
Gross
Losses
|
|
Reinsurance
Recoveries
|
|
Net
Losses
|
|
|||||
|
|
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||
Charley
(August 13)
|
2,572
|
$
|
65.3
|
$
|
55.3
|
$
|
10.0
|
||||||
Frances
(September 3)
|
3,809
|
54.2
|
44.1
|
10.1
|
|||||||||
Ivan
(September 14)
|
1,062
|
26.5
|
-
|
26.5
|
|||||||||
Jeanne
(September 25)
|
1,563
|
14.0
|
-
|
14.0
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
9,006
|
$
|
160.0
|
$
|
99.4
|
$
|
60.6
|
2005
Hurricanes
|
|
Claim
Count
|
|
Gross
Losses
|
|
Reinsurance
Recoveries
|
|
Net
Losses
|
|||||
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Dennis
(July 10)
|
322
|
$
|
2.7
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
2.7
|
||||||
Katrina
(August 25)
|
2,117
|
14.6
|
11.6
|
3.0
|
|||||||||
Rita
(September 20)
|
19
|
0.1
|
-
|
0.1
|
|||||||||
Wilma
(October 24)
|
11,761
|
184.5
|
181.5
|
3.0
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
14,219
|
$
|
201.9
|
$
|
193.1
|
$
|
8.8
|
Our
automobile quota-share reinsurance treaties for 2003 included loss corridors
with varying layers of coverage based on ultimate incurred loss ratio results
whereby the two insurance companies will retain 100% of the losses between
incurred loss ratios of 66% and 86% for policies with an effective date of
2003.
Despite the loss corridor, the reinsurer assumes significant insurance risk
under the reinsured portions of the underlying insurance contracts and it is
reasonably possible that the reinsurer will realize a significant loss from
the
transaction. Our ultimate incurred loss ratios for these treaties as of December
31, 2007 are estimated to be 67.7% and 79.9% for Federated National and American
Vehicle, respectively.
-13-
21st
Century Holding Company
Effective
March 28, 2006, American Vehicle entered into a 100% quota-share reinsurance
treaty with Republic. Republic is domiciled in the State of Texas and licensed
both directly and on a surplus lines basis in approximately 32 states. This
agreement was in place for approximately one year until March 31, 2007, when
it
was cancelled at the request of Republic. Republic has a financial rating of
“A-” Excellent with A.M. Best. This arrangement would have facilitated the
policyholder who requires their commercial general liability insurance policy
to
come from an insurance company with an A.M. Best rating. Our arrangement with
Republic allowed for a 4.75% commission on net written premium and reimbursement
for all other costs in connection with the treaty such as premium taxes and
assessments. We also remit a 1% commission to the intermediary broker on the
same net written premium. Under this agreement, the Company assumed
approximately $348,000 in premiums in connection with its operations in the
State of Texas. Our operations in Texas began in December 2006. During the
three
months ended March 31, 2007, this 100% quota-sharing reinsurance treaty with
Republic was cancelled, on a run-off basis, at their request, effective June
30,
2007.
LIABILITY
FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE
We
are
directly liable for loss and LAE payments under the terms of the insurance
policies that we write. In many cases there may be a time lag between the
occurrence and reporting of an insured loss and our payment of that loss. As
required by insurance regulations and accounting rules, we reflect the liability
for the ultimate payment of all incurred losses and LAE by establishing a
liability for those unpaid losses and LAE for both reported and unreported
claims, which represent estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and
related expenses.
When
a
claim, other than personal automobile, involving a probable loss is reported,
we
establish a liability for the estimated amount of our ultimate losses and LAE
payments. The estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss is based upon such
factors as the type of loss, jurisdiction of the occurrence, knowledge of the
circumstances surrounding the claim, severity of injury or damage, potential
for
ultimate exposure, estimate of liability on the part of the insured, past
experience with similar claims and the applicable policy provisions.
All
newly
reported claims received with respect to personal automobile policies are set
up
with an initial average liability. The average liability for these claims is
determined by dividing the number of reported claims into the total amount
paid
during the same period. If a claim is open more than 45 days, that open case
liability is evaluated and the liability is adjusted upward or downward
according to the facts and circumstances of that particular claim.
In
addition, management provides for a liability on an aggregate basis to provide
for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). We utilize independent actuaries
to help establish liability for unpaid losses and LAE. We do not discount the
liability for unpaid losses and LAE for financial statement purposes.
The
estimates of the liability for unpaid losses and LAE are subject to the effect
of trends in claims severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As
part
of this process, we review historical data and consider various factors,
including known and anticipated legal developments, changes in social attitudes,
inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data become
available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases
or
decreases to the existing liability for unpaid losses and LAE. Adjustments
are
reflected in results of operations in the period in which they are made and
the
liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates. Among our classes
of
insurance, the automobile and homeowners’ liability claims historically tend to
have longer time lapses between the occurrence of the event, the reporting
of
the claim and the final settlement, than do automobile physical damage and
homeowners’ property claims. These liability claims often involve parties filing
suit and therefore may result in litigation. By comparison, property damage
claims tend to be reported in a relatively shorter period of time and settled
in
a shorter time frame with less occurrence of litigation.
There
can
be no assurance that our liability for unpaid losses and LAE will be adequate
to
cover actual losses. If our liability for unpaid losses and LAE proves to be
inadequate, we will be required to increase the liability with a corresponding
reduction in our net income in the period in which the deficiency is identified.
Future loss experience substantially in excess of established liability for
unpaid losses and LAE could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
-14-
21st
Century Holding Company
The
following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending liability
for unpaid losses and LAE as shown in our consolidated financial statements
for
the periods indicated.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|||
|
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Balance
at January 1:
|
$
|
39,615
|
$
|
154,039
|
$
|
46,571
|
||||
Less
reinsurance recoverables
|
(12,382
|
)
|
(128,420
|
)
|
(9,415
|
)
|
||||
Net
balance at January 1
|
$
|
27,233
|
$
|
25,619
|
$
|
37,156
|
||||
Incurred
related to:
|
||||||||||
Current
year
|
$
|
38,452
|
$
|
35,106
|
$
|
42,242
|
||||
Prior
years
|
9,166
|
9,294
|
6,095
|
|||||||
Total
incurred
|
$
|
47,619
|
$
|
44,400
|
$
|
48,336
|
||||
Paid
related to:
|
||||||||||
Current
year
|
$
|
15,628
|
$
|
17,420
|
$
|
25,749
|
||||
Prior
years
|
19,673
|
25,365
|
34,125
|
|||||||
Total
paid
|
$
|
35,301
|
$
|
42,785
|
$
|
59,874
|
||||
Net
balance at year-end
|
$
|
39,551
|
$
|
27,233
|
$
|
25,619
|
||||
Plus
reinsurance recoverables
|
20,133
|
12,382
|
128,420
|
|||||||
Balance
at year-end
|
$
|
59,685
|
$
|
39,615
|
$
|
154,039
|
As
shown
above, and as a result of our review of liability for losses and LAE, which
includes a re-evaluation of the adequacy of reserve levels for prior year’s
claims, we increased the liability for losses and LAE for claims occurring
in
prior years by $9.2 million, $9.3 million and $6.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, we increased incurred losses and LAE for
claims in connection with the hurricanes in 2005 and 2004 by approximately
$1.2
million and increased the incurred loss and LAE in connection with our
automobile and commercial general liability lines of business by $8.0 million.
During
the year ended December 31, 2006, we increased incurred losses and LAE for
claims in connection with the hurricanes in 2005 and 2004 by approximately
$5.0
million and increased the incurred loss and LAE in connection with our
automobile and commercial general liability lines of business by $4.3 million.
There
can
be no assurance concerning future adjustments of reserves, positive or negative,
for claims incurred through December 31, 2007.
Based
upon discussions with our independent actuarial consultants and their statements
of opinion on losses and LAE, we believe that the liability for unpaid losses
and LAE is currently adequate to cover all claims and related expenses which
may
arise from incidents reported and IBNR.
-15-
21st
Century Holding Company
The
following table presents total unpaid loss and LAE, net, and total reinsurance
recoverable, on a run-off basis, due from our automobile reinsurers as shown
in
our consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated.
As
of December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company (A+ A.M. Best Rated):
|
|||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$
|
20,823
|
$
|
113,061
|
|||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
137,546
|
153,114
|
|||||
$
|
158,369
|
$
|
266,175
|
Amounts
due from reinsurers consisted of amounts related to:
|
|||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$
|
137,546
|
$
|
153,114
|
|||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
20,823
|
113,061
|
|||||
Reinsurance
receivable
|
-
|
218
|
|||||
$
|
158,369
|
$
|
266,393
|
In
addition to reinsurance due from our automobile reinsurers, we also have
reinsurance due from our catastrophic reinsurance companies. These reinsurance
recoverables relate to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma from 2005 and
to
the four hurricanes that occurred in August and September of 2004. The following
table presents total unpaid loss and LAE, net, and total reinsurance recoverable
due from our catastrophic reinsurers as shown in our consolidated financial
statements.
As
of December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Catastrophe
Excess of Loss (Various participants) and FHCF
|
|||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$
|
2,771,624
|
$
|
8,260,720
|
|||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
19,971,394
|
12,229,863
|
|||||
$
|
22,743,018
|
$
|
20,490,583
|
Amounts
due from reinsurers consisted of amounts related to:
|
|||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$
|
19,971,394
|
$
|
12,229,863
|
|||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid LAE
|
2,771,624
|
8,260,720
|
|||||
Reinsurance
payable
|
(12,605,238
|
)
|
(24,466,563
|
)
|
|||
$
|
10,137,780
|
$
|
(3,975,980
|
)
|
The
following table presents the liability for unpaid losses and LAE for the years
ended December 31, 1998 through 2007 and does not distinguish between
catastrophic and non-catastrophic events. The top line of the table shows the
estimated net liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE at the balance sheet date
for each of the periods indicated. These figures represent the estimated amount
of unpaid losses and LAE for claims arising in all prior years that were unpaid
at the balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred but not
yet
reported. The portion of the table labeled "Cumulative paid as of" shows the
net
cumulative payments for losses and LAE made in succeeding years for losses
incurred prior to the balance sheet date. The lower portion of the table shows
the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded liability based on experience
as of the end of each succeeding year.
-16-
21st
Century Holding Company
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
|
2002
|
|
2001
|
|
2000
|
|
1999
|
|
1998
|
|||||||||||||
Balance
Sheet Liability
|
$
|
39,929
|
$
|
27,215
|
$
|
25,621
|
$
|
37,156
|
$
|
14,809
|
$
|
9,422
|
$
|
6,207
|
$
|
6,976
|
$
|
4,428
|
$
|
5,366
|
|||||||||||
Cumulative
paid as of:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
year later
|
8,609
|
25,465
|
35,128
|
10,480
|
8,088
|
5,296
|
8,228
|
4,289
|
3,460
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Two
years later
|
34,073
|
48,299
|
12,527
|
9,867
|
7,222
|
9,568
|
5,799
|
4,499
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Three
years later
|
53,621
|
14,220
|
10,411
|
7,711
|
10,101
|
6,328
|
5,111
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Four
years later
|
15,033
|
11,404
|
7,953
|
10,352
|
6,408
|
5,387
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five
years later
|
11,719
|
8,171
|
10,476
|
6,542
|
5,227
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six
years later
|
8,296
|
10,641
|
6,563
|
5,216
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seven
years later
|
10,749
|
6,576
|
5,220
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight
years later
|
6,587
|
5,236
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine
years later
|
5,247
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Re-estimated
net liability as of:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
End
of year
|
$
|
39,929
|
$
|
27,215
|
$
|
25,621
|
$
|
37,156
|
$
|
14,809
|
$
|
9,136
|
$
|
6,207
|
$
|
6,976
|
$
|
4,428
|
$
|
5,366
|
|||||||||||
One
year later
|
35,458
|
35,618
|
44,690
|
14,256
|
10,897
|
6,954
|
9,445
|
5,872
|
4,676
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Two
years later
|
41,280
|
52,317
|
14,273
|
10,625
|
7,842
|
10,200
|
6,284
|
5,157
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Three
years later
|
-
|
56,147
|
14,890
|
10,770
|
8,069
|
10,425
|
6,605
|
5,352
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Four
years later
|
15,854
|
11,650
|
8,312
|
10,616
|
6,561
|
5,515
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five
years later
|
12,365
|
8,542
|
10,782
|
6,664
|
5,384
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six
years later
|
8,621
|
10,945
|
6,644
|
5,396
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seven
years later
|
11,241
|
6,743
|
5,400
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight
years later
|
7,228
|
5,361
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine
years later
|
5,453
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
redundancy
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(deficiency)
|
$
|
(8,243
|
)
|
$
|
(15,659
|
)
|
$
|
(18,991
|
)
|
$
|
(1,045
|
)
|
$
|
(3,229
|
)
|
$
|
(2,414
|
)
|
$
|
(4,265
|
)
|
$
|
(2,800
|
)
|
$
|
(87
|
)
|
||||
Cumulative
redundancy
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(-)
deficiency as a % of
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
reserves
originally
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
established
|
-30.3
|
%
|
-61.1
|
%
|
-51.1
|
%
|
-7.1
|
%
|
-34.3
|
%
|
-38.9
|
%
|
-61.1
|
%
|
-63.2
|
%
|
-1.6
|
%
|
The
cumulative redundancy or deficiency represents the aggregate change in the
estimates over all prior years. A deficiency indicates that the latest estimate
of the liability for losses and LAE is higher than the liability that was
originally estimated and a redundancy indicates that such estimate is lower.
It
should be emphasized that the table presents a run-off of balance sheet
liability for the periods indicated rather than accident or policy loss
development for those periods. Therefore, each amount in the table includes
the
cumulative effects of changes in liability for all prior periods. Conditions
and
trends that have affected liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur
in
the future.
As
noted
above, we have since experienced an $8.2 million cumulative deficiency in
connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred during the year
ended December 31, 2006 and a $15.7 million cumulative deficiency in connection
with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred during the year ended December
31, 2005. Relative to the $8.2 million deficiency, our homeowner, commercial
general liability and automobile losses totaled $2.2, $4.0 and $2.0,
respectively. Relative to the $15.7 million deficiency, our homeowner and
commercial general liability and automobile losses totaled $9.4 million, $3.4
million and $2.8 million, respectively.
As
noted
last year, we experienced a $15.2 million cumulative deficiency recognized
during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 in connection with the
re-estimation of all loss that occurred during the year ended December 31,
2004
and a $10.0 million cumulative deficiency recognized during the year ended
December 31, 2006 in connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred
during the year ended December 31, 2005. Relative to the $15.2 million
deficiency, our homeowner and commercial general liability losses totaled $15.4
million and $0.6 million, respectively offset by automobile redundancies
totaling $0.9 million. Relative to the $10.0 million deficiency, our homeowner
and commercial general liability and automobile losses totaled $7.3 million,
$1.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
-17-
21st
Century Holding Company
As
noted
in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, we experienced
a
$7.0 million cumulative deficiency recognized during the year ended December
31,
2005 in connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred during
the
year ended December 31, 2004. When bifurcated between catastrophic losses and
non-catastrophic losses, the 2004 cumulative deficiency reflects gross
catastrophic losses in connection with the four hurricanes of 2004 totaling
$10.6 million netted against a cumulative redundancy in connection with our
automobile and commercial general liability lines of business totaling $3.7
million.
The
table
below sets forth the differences between loss and LAE reserves as disclosed
for
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) basis compared to Statutory
Accounting Principles (“SAP”) basis of presentation for the years ended 2007,
2006 and 2005.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|||
|
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
GAAP
basis Loss and LAE reserves
|
$
|
59,685
|
$
|
39,615
|
$
|
154,039
|
||||
Less
unpaid Losses and LAE ceded
|
20,133
|
12,401
|
128,418
|
|||||||
Balance
Sheet Liability
|
39,552
|
27,214
|
25,621
|
|||||||
Add
Insurance Apportionment Plan
|
37
|
45
|
112
|
|||||||
SAP
basis Loss and LAE reserves
|
$
|
39,589
|
$
|
27,259
|
$
|
25,733
|
The
table
below sets forth the differences between loss and LAE incurred as disclosed
for
GAAP basis compared to SAP basis presentation for the years ended 2007, 2006
and
2005.
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||
GAAP
basis Loss and LAE incurred
|
$
|
47,619
|
$
|
44,400
|
$
|
48,336
|
||||
Intercompany
adjusting and other expenses
|
7,361
|
6,465
|
7,453
|
|||||||
Insurance
apportionment plan
|
12
|
(294
|
)
|
235
|
||||||
SAP
basis Loss and LAE incurred
|
$
|
54,992
|
$
|
50,571
|
$
|
56,024
|
Underwriting
results of insurance companies are frequently measured by their Combined Ratios.
However, investment income, federal income taxes and other non-underwriting
income or expense are not reflected in the Combined Ratio. The profitability
of
property and casualty insurance companies depends on income from underwriting,
investment and service operations. Underwriting results are considered
profitable when the Combined Ratio is under 100% and unprofitable when the
Combined Ratio is over 100%.
The
following table sets forth Loss Ratios, Expense Ratios and Combined Ratios
for
the periods indicated for the insurance business of Federated National and
American Vehicle for 2007, 2006 and 2005. The ratios, inclusive of unallocated
loss adjustment expenses (“ULAE”), are shown in the table below, and are
computed based upon SAP.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Loss
Ratio
|
54.6
|
%
|
54.8
|
%
|
65.4
|
%
|
||||
Expense
Ratio
|
38.9
|
%
|
42.5
|
%
|
35.3
|
%
|
||||
Combined
Ratio
|
93.5
|
%
|
97.3
|
%
|
100.7
|
%
|
The
main
factor for the improved combined ratios from 2007 as compared to 2006 and 2005
can be related to the financial effect from the hurricanes of 2005 and 2004.
Other factors for our improved combined loss ratio include, but are not limited
to, the termination of unprofitable agency relations, increased scrutiny over
fraudulently asserted claims, streamlined paperless claims processing system,
stronger claims management supervision, in-house legal counsel, as well as
overall stricter underwriting guidelines.
-18-
21st
Century Holding Company
COMPETITION
We
operate in highly competitive markets and face competition from national,
regional and residual market insurance companies in the property and casualty,
commercial general liability and automobile markets, many of whom are larger
and
have greater financial and other resources, have better ratings and offer more
diversified insurance coverage. Our competitors include companies that market
their products through agents, as well as companies that sell insurance directly
to their customers. Large national writers may have certain competitive
advantages over agency writers, including increased name recognition, increased
loyalty of their customer base and reduced policy acquisition costs.
Additional
competition recently emerged as a result of a January 2007 emergency Florida
legislation session wherein, the Florida legislature passed, and the Governor
signed into law, a bill known as “CS/HB-1A.”.
This
law
made fundamental changes to the property and casualty insurance business in
Florida and undertook a multi-pronged approach to address the cost of
residential property insurance in Florida. First, the law increased the capacity
of reinsurance which stabilized the reinsurance market to the benefit of the
insurance companies writing properties lines in the state of Florida. Secondly,
the law provided for rate relief to all policyholders.
The
law
also authorized the state-owned insurance company, Citizens Property Insurance
Company (“Citizens”), which is free of many of the restraints on private
carriers such as surplus, ratios, income taxes and reinsurance expense, to
reduce its premium rates and begin competing against private insurers in the
residential property insurance market and expands the authority of Citizens
to
write commercial insurance. Finally, during 2007 and early 2008, more than
a
dozen new property and casualty companies have received authority by the Florida
OIR to commence business.
We
face
increased competition from existing carriers and new entrants in our niche
markets. In an effort to foster competition, the State of Florida has loaned
money to multiple carriers with certain debt covenants including the maintenance
of minimum written premium. Our competition has attempted to gain market share
through aggressive pricing and generous policy acquisition costs which has
had
an adverse affect on our ability to maintain market share. Although our pricing
is inevitably influenced to some degree by that of our competitors, we believe
that it is generally not in our best interest to compete solely on price. We
compete on the basis of underwriting criteria, our distribution network and
superior service to our agents and insureds.
In
Florida, more than 200 companies are authorized to underwrite homeowners’
insurance. National and regional companies that compete with us in the
homeowners’ market include Allstate Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance
Company, First Floridian Insurance Company and Royal Palm Insurance Company.
In
additional to these nationally recognized names, we also compete with several
Florida domestic property and casualty companies such as Universal Insurance
Company of North America, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company,
Coral Insurance Company, Edison Insurance Company, St. Johns Insurance Company,
Cypress Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Tower Hill Insurance Company,
Florida Family Insurance Company and American Strategic Insurance Company.
During
calendar year 2006, the Florida OIR announced the take over of several of our
major competitors due to the poor financial condition stemming from the effects
of the 2005 catastrophic hurricanes.
Comparable
companies which compete with us in the commercial general liability insurance
market include Century Surety Insurance Company, Atlantic Casualty Insurance
Company, Colony Insurance Company and Burlington/First Financial Insurance
Companies. We also face new competition in Florida from such companies as
Seminole Property and Casualty Insurance Company and U.S. Security Insurance
Company.
With
respect to automobile insurance in Florida, we intentionally market only to
our
existing policyholders by offering to renew the existing policy. Temporarily,
we
have chosen not to compete with the more than 100 companies, which underwrite
personal automobile insurance in Florida. Comparable companies in the personal
automobile insurance market include Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc., which
acquired our non-standard automobile agency business in Florida in December
2004, U.S. Security Insurance Company, United Automobile Insurance Company,
Direct General Insurance Company and Security National Insurance Company, as
well as major insurers such as Progressive Casualty Insurance
Company.
Competition
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and
financial condition.
-19-
21st
Century Holding Company
REGULATION
General
We
are,
or will be, subject to the laws and regulations in Alabama, Arkansas,
California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada,
Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia and regulations
of
any other states in which we seek to conduct business in the future. The
regulations cover all aspects of our business and are generally designed to
protect the interests of insurance policyholders, as opposed to the interests
of
shareholders. Such regulations relate to authorized lines of business, capital
and surplus requirements, allowable rates and forms, investment parameters,
underwriting limitations, transactions with affiliates, dividend limitations,
changes in control, market conduct, maximum amount allowable for premium
financing service charges and a variety of other financial and non-financial
components of our business. Our failure to comply with certain provisions of
applicable insurance laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition,
any
changes in such laws and regulations, including the adoption of consumer
initiatives regarding rates charged for coverage, could materially and adversely
affect our operations or our ability to expand.
A
recent
example of such consumer initiatives may be found with Florida’s property
insurers’ operating under a new emergency rule which require existing premium
rates as of January 25, 2007, to remain in effect until a rate filing reflecting
the provisions as provided in Florida’s newly enacted property insurance
legislation. The legislation, which among other issues, provided low cost
reinsurance to member insurance companies, accelerated rate filings to reflect
the reduced reinsurance costs and expanded the role of Citizens in the market
place. Other provisions contained in the emergency rule prevent non-renewals
and
cancellation (except for material misrepresentation and non-payment of premium)
and new restrictions on coverage are prohibited. We are aware of the continued
financial challenges that face the State of Florida in connection with the
current consumer initiatives. The consumer initiatives stem from the
catastrophic hurricanes during 2004 and 2005. The financial challenges have
affected our business, results of operations and financial condition in the
past
and there can be no assurance that they will not continue to affect business,
results of operations and financial condition in the future. We are unaware
of
any other jurisdictions with similar consumer initiatives that could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Most
states have also enacted laws which restrict an insurer’s underwriting
discretion, such as the ability to terminate policies, terminate agents or
reject insurance coverage applications, and many state regulators have the
power
to reduce, or to disallow increases, in premium rates. These laws may adversely
affect the ability of an insurer to earn a profit on its underwriting
operations.
Most
states also have insurance laws requiring that rate schedules and other
information be filed with the state's insurance regulatory authority, either
directly or through a rating organization with which the insurer is affiliated.
The regulatory authority may disapprove a rate filing if it finds that the
rates
are inadequate, excessive or unfairly discriminatory. Rates, which are not
necessarily uniform for all insurers, vary by class of business, hazard covered,
and size of risk. Certain states have recently adopted laws or are considering
proposed legislation which, among other things, limit the ability of insurance
companies to effect rate increases or to cancel, reduce or non-renew insurance
coverage with respect to existing policies, particularly personal automobile
insurance. As discussed above, the recent consumer initiatives with Florida’s
property insurers’ demonstrate the state’s ability to adopt such laws. Also, the
Florida legislature may adopt additional laws of this type in the future, which
may adversely affect the Company's business.
Most
states require licensure or regulatory approval prior to the marketing of new
insurance products. Typically, licensure review is comprehensive and includes
a
review of a company’s business plan, solvency, reinsurance, character of its
officers and directors, rates, forms and other financial and non-financial
aspects of a company. The regulatory authorities may prohibit entry into a
new
market by not granting a license or by withholding approval.
All
insurance companies must file quarterly and annual statements with certain
regulatory agencies and are subject to regular and special examinations by
those
agencies. The last regulatory examination conducted by the OIR on Federated
National covered the three-year period ended on December 31, 2004. The last
regulatory examination conducted by the OIR on American Vehicle covered the
three-year period ended on December 31, 2005.
Federated
National’s 2004 regularly scheduled statutory triennial examination for the
three years ended December 31, 2004 was performed by the Florida OIR in 2005.
American Vehicle's
examination was for the three years
ended
December 31, 2005 was also performed by the Florida OIR, in 2006. A loss reserve
deficiency totaling approximately $1.3 million (net of income taxes) was
recorded in the fourth quarter of
2006
on American Vehicle in
connection with the OIR examination. We may be the subject of additional
targeted examinations or analysis. These examinations or analysis may result
in
one or more corrective orders being issued by the Florida OIR. Federated
National anticipates a regularly scheduled statutory triennial examination
by
the Florida OIR to occur during 2008 for the three years ended December 31,
2007
however we have not yet received any notice of such examination.
-20-
21st
Century Holding Company
In
some
instances, various states routinely require deposits of assets for the
protection of policyholders either in those states or for all policyholders.
As
an example, the Florida OIR requires Federated National and American Vehicle
to
have securities with a fair market value of $1.0 million held in escrow. As
of
December 31, 2007, Federated National and American Vehicle held investment
securities with a fair value of approximately $1.1 million, each as deposits
with the State of Florida. As of December 31, 2006, Federated National and
American Vehicle each held investment securities with a fair value of
approximately $985,630, as deposits with the State of Florida. Subsequent to
year end, each insurance company contributed an additional $30,000 of investment
securities with the State of Florida to cure their respective
shortfall.
Additionally,
as of December 31, 2007 American Vehicle has cash deposits totaling, $397,102
with the State of Alabama, $153,750 with the State of Arkansas and $113,614
with
the State of Louisiana.
Restrictions
in Payments of Dividends by Domestic Insurance Companies
Under
Florida law, a domestic insurer may not pay any dividend or distribute cash
or
other property to its shareholders except out of that part of its available
and
accumulated capital surplus funds which is derived from realized net operating
profits on its business and net realized capital gains. A Florida domestic
insurer may not make dividend payments or distributions to shareholders without
prior approval of the Florida OIR if the dividend or distribution would exceed
the larger of (i) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of its capital surplus or (b) net
income, not including realized capital gains, plus a two-year carryforward, (ii)
10.0% of capital surplus with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds
minus 25% of unrealized capital gains or (iii) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of
capital surplus or (b) net investment income plus a three-year carryforward
with
dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25.0% of unrealized
capital gains.
Alternatively,
a Florida domestic insurer may pay a dividend or distribution without the prior
written approval of the Florida OIR (i) if the dividend is equal to or less
than
the greater of (a) 10.0% of the insurer’s capital surplus as regards
policyholders derived from realized net operating profits on its business and
net realized capital gains or (b) the insurer’s entire net operating profits and
realized net capital gains derived during the immediately preceding calendar
year, (ii) the insurer will have policy holder capital surplus equal to or
exceeding 115.0% of the minimum required statutory capital surplus after the
dividend or distribution, (iii) the insurer files a notice of the dividend
or
distribution with the Florida OIR at least ten business days prior to the
dividend payment or distribution and (iv) the notice includes a certification
by
an officer of the insurer attesting that, after the payment of the dividend
or
distribution, the insurer will have at least 115% of required statutory capital
surplus as to policyholders. Except as provided above, a Florida domiciled
insurer may only pay a dividend or make a distribution (i) subject to prior
approval by the Florida OIR or (ii) 30 days after the Florida OIR has received
notice of such dividend or distribution and has not disapproved it within such
time.
No
dividends were paid by Federated National or American Vehicle in 2007, 2006
or
2005, and none are anticipated in 2008. Although we believe that amounts
required to meet our financial and operating obligations will be available
from
sources other than dividends from our insurance subsidiaries, there can be
no
assurance in this regard. Further, there can be no assurance that, if requested,
the Florida OIR will allow any dividends in excess of the amount available,
to
be paid by Federated National and American Vehicle to us in the future. The
maximum dividends permitted by state law are not necessarily indicative of
an
insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends or other distributions to a parent
company, which also may be constrained by business and regulatory
considerations, such as the impact of dividends on capital surplus, which could
affect an insurer’s competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be
written and the ability to pay future dividends. Further, state insurance laws
and regulations require that the statutory capital surplus of an insurance
company following any dividend or distribution by it be reasonable in relation
to its outstanding liabilities and adequate for its financial
needs.
While
the
non-insurance company subsidiaries (Assurance MGA, Superior and any other
affiliate) are not subject directly to the dividend and other distribution
limitations, insurance holding company regulations govern the amount that any
affiliate within the holding company system may charge any of the insurance
companies for service (e.g., management fees and commissions).
National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Risk Based Capital
Requirements
In
order
to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the NAIC established risk-based
capital requirements for insurance companies that are designed to assess capital
adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides
for policy holders. These requirements measure three major areas of risk facing
property and casualty insurers: (i) underwriting risks, which encompass the
risk
of adverse loss developments and inadequate pricing; (ii) declines in asset
values arising from credit risk; and (iii) other business risks from
investments. Insurers having less statutory surplus than required will be
subject to varying degrees of regulatory action, depending on the level of
capital inadequacy. The Florida OIR, which follows these requirements, could
require Federated National or American Vehicle to cease operations in the event
they fail to maintain the required statutory capital.
-21-
21st
Century Holding Company
Based
upon the 2007 statutory financial statements for Federated National and American
Vehicle, statutory surplus exceeded all regulatory action levels established
by
the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements. Based upon the 2006 statutory
financial statements for American Vehicle, statutory surplus exceeded all
regulatory action levels established by the NAIC’s risk-based capital
requirements. Based upon the 2006 statutory financial statements for Federated
National, statutory surplus did not exceed company action levels established
by
the NAIC. Federated National’s results required us to submit a plan containing
corrective actions.
Based
on
Risk Based Capital requirements, the extent of regulatory intervention and
action increases as the ratio of an insurer’s statutory surplus to its
Authorized Control Level (“ACL”), as calculated under the NAIC’s requirements,
decreases. The first action level, the Company Action Level, requires an insurer
to submit a plan of corrective actions to the insurance regulators if statutory
surplus falls below 200.0% of the ACL amount. The second action level, the
Regulatory Action Level, requires an insurer to submit a plan containing
corrective actions and permits the insurance regulators to perform an
examination or other analysis and issue a corrective order if statutory surplus
falls below 150.0% of the ACL amount. The third action level, ACL, allows the
regulators to rehabilitate or liquidate an insurer in addition to the
aforementioned actions if statutory surplus falls below the ACL amount. The
fourth action level is the Mandatory Control Level, which requires the
regulators to rehabilitate or liquidate the insurer if statutory surplus falls
below 70.0% of the ACL amount. Federated National’s ratio of statutory surplus
to its ACL was 653.0%, 165.4 % and 154.0% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. American Vehicle’s ratio of statutory surplus to its ACL was
448.5%, 444.2% and 329.7% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
NAIC
Insurance Regulatory Information Systems Ratios
The
NAIC
has also developed Insurance Regulatory Information Systems (“IRIS”) ratios to
assist state insurance departments in identifying companies which may be
developing performance or solvency problems, as signaled by significant changes
in the companies’ operations. Such changes may not necessarily result from any
problems with an insurance company, but may merely indicate changes in certain
ratios outside the ranges defined as normal by the NAIC. When an insurance
company has four or more ratios falling outside “usual ranges,” state regulators
may investigate to determine the reasons for the variance and whether corrective
action is warranted.
As
of
December 31, 2007, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with
respect to its IRIS tests on three out of thirteen ratios. There were two
exceptions in connection with surplus growth and one exception in connection
with adverse homeowner claims in connection with the hurricanes of 2004 and
2005.
As
of
December 31, 2006, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with
respect to its IRIS tests on six out of thirteen ratios. There was one exception
in connection with surplus growth, one exception in connection with liabilities
to liquid assets and four exceptions in connection with adverse homeowner claims
in connection with the 2004 hurricanes.
As
of
December 31, 2007, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for two of
thirteen ratios. The exceptions were in connection with reserve development
in
connection with our Commercial General Liability program.
As
of
December 31, 2006, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for one of
thirteen ratios. The exception was in connection with the net increase in
adjusted policyholders’ surplus. During 2006, net income and a decrease in non
admitted securities were the major contributors to the 2006 change to
policyholder surplus.
We
do not
currently believe that the Florida OIR will take any significant action with
respect to Federated National or American Vehicle regarding the 2007 IRIS
ratios, although there can be no assurance that will be the case.
Insurance
Holding Company Regulation
We
are
subject to laws governing insurance holding companies in Florida where Federated
National and American Vehicle are domiciled. These laws, among other things,
(i)
require us to file periodic information with the Florida OIR, including
information concerning our capital structure, ownership, financial condition
and
general business operations, (ii) regulate certain transactions between us
and
our affiliates, including the amount of dividends and other distributions and
the terms of surplus notes and (iii) restrict the ability of any one person
to
acquire certain levels of our voting securities without prior regulatory
approval. Any purchaser of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our Common
Stock will be presumed to have acquired control of Federated National and
American Vehicle unless the Florida OIR, upon application, determines otherwise.
-22-
21st
Century Holding Company
Finance
Company Regulation
Our
financing program remains subject to certain laws governing the operation of
premium finance companies. These laws pertain to such matters as books and
records that must be kept, forms, licensing, fees and charges. For example,
in
Florida, the maximum late payment fee Federated Premium may charge for personal
line policies is $10 per month.
Underwriting
and Marketing Restrictions
During
the past several years, various regulatory and legislative bodies have adopted
or proposed new laws or regulations to address the cyclical nature of the
insurance industry, catastrophic events and insurance capacity and pricing.
These regulations include (i) the creation of "market assistance plans" under
which insurers are induced to provide certain coverages, (ii) restrictions
on
the ability of insurers to rescind or otherwise cancel certain policies in
mid-term, (iii) advance notice requirements or limitations imposed for certain
policy non-renewals and (iv) limitations upon or decreases in rates permitted
to
be charged.
Legislation
From
time
to time, new regulations and legislation are proposed to limit damage awards,
to
control plaintiffs' counsel fees, to bring the industry under regulation by
the
Federal government, to control premiums, policy terminations and other policy
terms and to impose new taxes and assessments. It is not possible to predict
whether, in what form or in what jurisdictions, any of these proposals might
be
adopted, or the effect, if any, on us.
During
February 2008 Florida’s House Insurance Committee held a workshop on a proposal
and legislation developed by the Florida DFS regarding a significant reduction
of capacity in the FHCF, substantially increasing members’ co-insurance
participation and the reorganization of the FHCF under the Florida Cabinet.
Additionally, the Board of Directors of FIGA held separate meetings to discuss
their continued financial challenges in connection with the insolvency of a
particular insurance company that was assumed subsequent to the 2005 - 2006
hurricane season. Additional assessments by regulatory agencies are possible
though not quantifiable at this time.
Industry
Ratings Services
In
August
2004, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) notified us that Federated National and
American Vehicle were being placed under review with negative implications.
In
connection with this review, we requested that A.M. Best cease its ratings
of
these subsidiaries and assign a rating of “NR-4 - Not rated, company’s request”
to each. The withdrawal of our ratings could limit or prevent us from writing
or
renewing desirable insurance policies, obtaining adequate reinsurance or
borrowing on our line of credit. Federated National and American Vehicle are
currently rated by Demotech as "A" ("Exceptional"), which is the third of seven
ratings, and defined as “Regardless of the severity of a general economic
downturn or deterioration in the insurance cycle, insurers earning a Financial
Stability Rating of “A” possess “Exceptional” financial stability related to
maintaining surplus as regards to policyholders”. Demotech’s ratings are based
upon factors of concern to agents, reinsurers and policyholders and are not
primarily directed toward the protection of investors.
EMPLOYEES
As
of
December 31, 2007, we had approximately 100 employees, including five executive
officers. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and we
have
not experienced work stoppages or strikes as a result of labor disputes. We
consider relations with our employees to be satisfactory.
SENIOR
MANAGEMENT
Set
forth
below is certain information concerning our executive officers who are not
also
directors:
Peter
J.
Prygelski (age 38), who formally served on the Board of Directors of the Company
and as Chairman of its Audit Committee, was appointed to serve as the Company's
Chief Financial Officer, effective as of June 25, 2007. Mr. Prygelski served
as
a Director of the Company and as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the
Company's designated financial expert from January 2004 through June 25, 2007.
He has also served as a member of our Investment Committee and Independent
Director's Committee during that time period. Mr. Prygelski most recently served
as a Senior Manager in the Enterprise Risk Services practice of Deloitte and
Touche from May 2006 to May 2007. Prior to joining Deloitte and Touche, Mr.
Prygelski served in a similar capacity with Ernst & Young from April 2004 to
April 2006. Previously, Mr. Prygelski was a Director of Audit for American
Express Centurion Bank (a subsidiary of American Express), where he began his
career in Corporate Finance and was a member of their Enterprise Risk and
Assurance function from November 1991 to August 2003.
-23-
21st
Century Holding Company
Mr.
Stephen C. Young (age 33), has served as the Company’s President from June 2007
through the present date, and as President of Federated Premium Finance from
January 1998 through the present date. Mr. Young served as Vice President of
Operations of the Company from June 2006 through May 2007. Mr. Young is the
nephew of Mr. Edward J. Lawson, our Chief Executive Officer.
Mr.
James
Gordon Jennings, III, has served as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer from
June 2007 through the present date. Previously, Mr. Jennings served as Chief
Financial Officer of 21st
Century
from August 2002 through June 2007. Mr. Jennings became our Controller in May
2000 and was previously employed by American Vehicle for ten years, where he
was
involved with all aspects of property and casualty insurance. Mr. Jennings’,
formerly a certified public accountant, also holds a Certificate in General
Insurance and an Associate in Insurance Services as designated by the Insurance
Institute of America.
ITEM
1A RISK
FACTORS
We
are
subject to certain risks in our business operations which are described below.
Careful consideration of these risks should be made before making an investment
decision. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones
facing 21st
Century.
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or currently deemed
immaterial may also impair our business operations.
Risks
Related to Our Business
Our
financial condition could be adversely affected by the occurrence of natural
and
man-made disasters.
We
write
insurance policies that cover homeowners', business owners and automobile owners
for losses that result from, among other things, catastrophes. Catastrophic
losses can be caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, wind, hail,
fires, riots and explosions, and their incidence and severity are inherently
unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of two
factors: the total amount of the insurance company's exposure in the area
affected by the event and the severity of the event. Our policyholders are
currently concentrated in South and Central Florida, which is especially subject
to adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes and tropical storms.
During
the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, the State of Florida experienced
nine hurricanes. One of our subsidiaries, Federated National, incurred
significant losses relative to its homeowners’ and mobile homeowners’ insurance
lines of business in connection with these catastrophic weather events.
Aggregate losses in connection with these storms involved over 23,000 claims
at
a cost in excess of $69.4 million, net of our reinsurance
participation.
The
occurrence of claims from catastrophic events could result in substantial
volatility in our results of operations or financial condition for any fiscal
quarter or year. Increases in the values and concentrations of insured property
may also increase the severity of these occurrences in the future. Although
we
attempt to manage our exposure to such events through the use of underwriting
controls and the purchase of third-party reinsurance, catastrophic events are
inherently unpredictable and the actual nature of such events when they occur
could be more frequent or severe than contemplated in our pricing and risk
management expectations. As a result, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic
events could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or
financial condition.
Although
we follow the industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our risks, our costs
of obtaining reinsurance fluctuates and we may not be able to successfully
alleviate risk through reinsurance arrangements.
The
State
of Florida has a history of exposure to extremely volatile weather related
catastrophic events including hurricanes and tornados. The frequency and
severity of these events can have a profound impact on our balance sheet and
statements of operations and cash flows. Though the Company attempts to mitigate
the impact of these events, there can be no assurance that we will be
successful.
We
have a
reinsurance structure that is a combination of private reinsurance and the
FHCF.
Our reinsurance structure is comprised of several reinsurance companies with
varying levels of participation providing coverage for loss and LAE at
pre-established minimum and maximum amounts. Losses incurred in connection
with
a catastrophic event below the minimum and above the maximum are the
responsibility of Federated National.
-24-
21st
Century Holding Company
As
a
result of the nine hurricanes experienced in Florida during the fourteen month
period between August 2004 and October 2005, and changes in Florida law in
2007
regarding the pricing and availability of reinsurance, we continue to review,
and may determine to modify, our reinsurance structure.
Though
there has been no occurrence of hurricanes in Florida within the last two
hurricane seasons, some weather analysts believe that we have entered a period
of greater hurricane activity while others suggest a diminished expectation
for
the near future. To address this risk, we are exploring alternatives to reduce
our exposure to these types of storms. Although these measures may increase
operating expenses, management believes that they will assist us in protecting
long-term profitability, although
there can be no assurances that will
be
the case.
The
availability and costs associated with the acquisition of reinsurance will
vary
year to year. These fluctuations, which can be significant, are not subject
to
our control and may limit our ability to purchase adequate coverage. The
recovery of increased reinsurance costs through rate action is not immediate
and
can not be presumed, as it is subject to OIR approval.
Insolvency
of our primary reinsurer or any of our other current or future reinsurers
including the FHCF, or their inability otherwise to pay claims, would increase
the claims that we must pay, thereby potentially harming significantly our
balance sheet, results of operations and cash flow. In addition, prevailing
market conditions have increased the availability and limited the cost of
reinsurance, although there can be no assurances that these conditions will
persist.
We
may experience financial exposure from climate change.
Our
financial exposure from climate change is most notably associated with losses
in
connection with the occurrence of hurricanes striking Florida. We mitigate
the
risk of financial exposure from climate change by restrictive underwriting
criteria, sensitivity to geographic concentrations and reinsurance.
Restrictive
underwriting criteria can include, but are not limited to, higher premiums
and
deductibles and more specifically excluded policy risks such as fences and
screened-in enclosures. New technological advances in computer generated
geographical mapping afford us an enhanced perspective as to geographic
concentrations of policyholders and proximity to flood prone areas. Our amount
of maximum reinsurance coverage is determined by subjecting our homeowner and
mobile homeowner exposures to statistical forecasting models that are designed
to quantify a catastrophic event in terms of the frequency of a storm occurring
once in every “n” years. Our reinsurance coverage contemplated a catastrophic
event occurring once every 100 years. Our amount of losses retained (our
deductible) in connection with a catastrophic event is determined by market
capacity, pricing conditions and surplus preservation.
Our
loss reserves may be inadequate to cover our actual liability for losses,
causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.
We
maintain reserves to cover our estimated ultimate liabilities for loss and
LAE.
These reserves are estimates based on historical data and statistical
projections of what we believe the settlement and administration of claims
will
cost based on facts and circumstances then known to us. Actual loss and LAE
reserves, however, may vary significantly from our estimates.
Factors
that affect unpaid loss and LAE include the estimates made on a claim-by-claim
basis known as “case reserves” coupled with bulk estimates known as “incurred by
not reported.” Periodic estimates by management of the ultimate costs required
to settle all claim files are based on our analysis of historical data and
estimations of the impact of numerous factors such as (i) per claim information;
(ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii) legislative
enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the awarding of damages,
and changes in political attitudes; and (iv) trends in general economic
conditions, including the effects of inflation. Management revises its estimates
based on the results of its analysis. This process assumes that past experience,
adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is
an
appropriate basis for estimating the ultimate settlement of all claims. There
is
no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor
on the adequacy of the reserves, because the eventual redundancy or deficiency
is affected by multiple factors.
Because
of the uncertainties that surround estimated loss reserves, we cannot be certain
that our reserves will be adequate to cover our actual losses. If our reserves
for unpaid losses and LAE are less than actual losses and LAE, we will be
required to increase our reserves with a corresponding reduction in our net
income in the period in which the deficiency is identified. For example, during
the quarter ended December 31, 2006 we increased our reserves in connection
with
our homeowners’ and commercial general liability insurance programs upon the
advice of our newly appointed actuaries. Future loss experience substantially
in
excess of our reserves for unpaid losses and LAE could substantially harm our
results of operations and financial condition.
-25-
21st
Century Holding Company
Our
revenues and operating performance will fluctuate due to statutorily approved
assessments that support property and casualty insurance pools and
associations.
We
operate in a regulatory environment where certain entities and organizations
have the authority to require us to participate in assessments. Currently these
entities and organizations include, but are not limited to, the Florida Joint
Underwriters Association (“JUA”), FIGA, Citizens and the Florida Hurricane
Catastrophe Fund. The current assessments stem from the catastrophic effects
to
the property insurance industry in the State of Florida from the hurricanes
that
occurred during the fourteen months between August 2004 and October 2005.
Most
of
the recent assessments result in a charge to current operations. The insurance
companies will then pass the assessments on to insurance policies, in the form
of a policy surcharge, and reflect the collection of these assessments as fully
earned credits to operations in the period collected. The collection of these
fees may adversely affect our over all marketing strategy due to the competitive
landscape in Florida. All other pricing considerations remaining the same,
a
newly formed property insurance company would not be subject to the recoupment
of previously imposed assessments.
Future
assessments are likely, however the impact of these assessments on our balance
sheet, results of operations or cash flow are undeterminable at this
time.
Our
investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or losses, which would
significantly reduce our earnings.
As
do
other insurance companies, we depend on income from our investment portfolio
for
a substantial portion of our earnings. During the time that normally elapses
between the receipt of insurance premiums and any payment of insurance claims,
we invest the funds received, together with our other available capital,
primarily in fixed-maturity investments and to a lesser extent in equity
securities, in order to generate investment income.
Our
investment portfolio contains interest rate sensitive instruments, such as
bonds, which may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. A
significant increase in interest rates or decrease in credit worthiness could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of
operations. Generally, bond prices decrease as interest rates rise. Changes
in
interest rates could also have an adverse effect on our investment income and
results of operations. For example, if interest rates decline, investment of
new
premiums received and funds reinvested will earn less than
expected.
For
example, we determined that one of our securities qualified for other than
temporary impairment status during the three months ended September 30, 2007.
In
connection with this process we charged to operations a net realized investment
loss that totaled approximately $797,000, net of an estimated provisional
tax
effect of approximately $481,000. This investment was subsequently sold during
the three months ended December 31, 2007, and we recognized an additional
$200,000 loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately $122,000
in
connection with this security.
We
face risks in connection with potential material weakness resulting from our
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 management report and any related remedial measures
that we undertake.
In
conjunction with our ongoing reporting obligations as a public company and
the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management reported
on
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007. In order to identify any material weaknesses in our internal
control over financial reporting, we engaged in a process to document, evaluate
and test our internal controls and procedures, including corrections to existing
controls and implement additional controls and procedures that we may deem
necessary. As a result of this evaluation and testing process, no material
financial reporting deficiencies were noted.
Although
we did not have any material weaknesses in our internal controls for our fiscal
year ended December 31, 2007, we can not be certain that there will be none
in
the future. In future periods, if the process required by Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act reveals significant deficiencies or material weaknesses,
the
correction of any such significant deficiencies or material weaknesses could
require additional remedial measures that could be costly and time-consuming.
In
addition, the discovery of material weaknesses could also require the
restatement of prior period operating results. If a material weakness exists
as
of a future period year-end (including a material weakness identified prior
to
year-end for which there is an insufficient period of time to evaluate and
confirm the effectiveness of the corrections or related new procedures), our
management will be unable to report favorably as of such future period year-end
as to the effectiveness of our control over financial reporting and we could
lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial
reports, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price and potentially
subject us to litigation.
The
failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition or our results of
operations.
Various
provisions of our policies, such as limitations or exclusions from coverage
which have been negotiated to limit our risks, may not be enforceable in the
manner we intend. At the present time we employ a variety of endorsements to
our
policies that limit exposure to known risks, including, but not limited to,
exclusions relating to types
of
vehicles we insure, specific artisan activities and homes in close proximity
to
the coast line.
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21st
Century Holding Company
In
addition, the policies we issue contain conditions requiring the prompt
reporting of claims to us and our right to decline coverage in the event of
a
violation of that condition. While our insurance product exclusions and
limitations reduce the loss exposure to us and help eliminate known exposures
to
certain risks, it is possible that a court or regulatory authority could nullify
or void an exclusion or legislation could be enacted modifying or barring the
use of such endorsements and limitations in a way that would adversely effect
our loss experience, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition or results of operations.
The
effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are
uncertain.
As
industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other conditions change,
unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge.
These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage
beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims.
In
some instances, these changes may not become apparent until some time after
we
have issued insurance contracts that are affected by the changes. As a result,
the full extent of liability under our insurance contracts may not be known
for
many years after a contract is issued.
Our
failure to pay claims accurately could adversely affect our business, financial
results and capital requirements.
We
must
accurately evaluate and pay claims that are made under our policies. Many
factors affect our ability to pay claims accurately, including the training
and
experience of our claims representatives, the culture of our claims organization
and the effectiveness of our management, our ability to develop or select and
implement appropriate procedures and systems to support our claims functions
and
other factors. Our failure to pay claims accurately could lead to material
litigation, undermine our reputation in the marketplace, impair our image and
negatively affect our financial results.
In
addition, if we do not train new claims adjusting employees effectively or
if we
lose a significant number of experienced claims adjusting employees, our claims
department’s ability to handle an increasing workload as we grow could be
adversely affected. In addition to potentially requiring that growth be slowed
in the affected markets, we could suffer decreased quality of claims work,
which
in turn could lower our operating margins.
If
we are unable to continue our growth because our capital must be used to pay
greater than anticipated claims, our financial results may suffer.
Our
future growth will depend on our ability to expand the types of insurance
products we offer and the geographic markets in which we do business, both
balanced by the business risks we chose to assume and cede. We believe that
our
Company is sufficiently capitalized to operate our business as it now exists
and
as we currently plan to expand it. Our existing sources of funds include
possible sales of our investment securities and our earnings from operations
and
investments. Unexpected catastrophic events in our market areas, such as the
hurricanes experienced in Florida, have resulted and may result in greater
claims losses than anticipated, which could require us to limit or halt our
growth while we redeploy our capital to pay these unanticipated claims.
We
may require additional capital in the future which may not be available or
only
available on unfavorable terms.
Our
future capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to
write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves
at
levels sufficient to cover losses. To the extent that our present capital is
insufficient to meet future operating requirements and/or cover losses, we
may
need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail our growth. Based
on our current operating plan, we believe current capital, together with our
anticipated retained earnings, will support our operations without the need
to
raise additional capital. However, we cannot provide any assurance in that
regard, since many factors will affect our capital needs and their amount and
timing, including our growth and profitability, our claims experience, and
the
availability of reinsurance, as well as possible acquisition opportunities,
market disruptions and other unforeseeable developments. If we had to raise
additional capital, equity or debt financing may not be available at all or
may
be available only on terms that are not favorable to us. In the case of equity
financings, dilution to our stockholders’ ownership could result, and in any
case such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior
to those of existing shareholders. If we cannot obtain adequate capital on
favorable terms or at all, our business, financial condition or results of
operations could be materially adversely affected.
-27-
21st
Century
Holding Company
Our
business is heavily regulated, and changes in regulation may reduce our
profitability and limit our growth.
We
are
subject to extensive regulation in the states in which we conduct business.
This
regulation is generally designed to protect the interests of policyholders,
as
opposed to shareholders and other investors, and relates to authorization for
lines of business, capital and surplus requirements, investment limitations,
underwriting limitations, transactions with affiliates, dividend limitations,
changes in control, premium rates and a variety of other financial and
non-financial components of an insurance company’s business. The NAIC and state
insurance regulators are constantly reexamining existing laws and regulations,
generally focusing on modifications to holding company regulations,
interpretations of existing laws and the development of new laws.
From
time
to time, some states in which we conduct business have considered or enacted
laws that may alter or increase state authority to regulate insurance companies
and insurance holding companies. In other situations, states in which we conduct
business have considered or enacted laws that impact the competitive environment
and marketplace for property and casualty insurance. For example, in 2007
Florida enacted legislation that requires us to charge rates for homeowners
insurance that we believe are inadequate to cover the related underwriting
risk.
This same legislation authorizes a state-owned insurance company to reduce
its
premium rates and begin competing against private insurers in the Florida
residential property insurance market.
Currently
the federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business.
However, in recent years the state insurance regulatory framework has come
under
increased federal scrutiny. Congress and some federal agencies from time to
time
investigate the current condition of insurance regulation in the United States
to determine whether to impose federal regulation or to allow an optional
federal charter, similar to banks. In addition, changes in federal legislation
and administrative policies in several areas, including changes in the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, financial services regulation and federal taxation,
can
significantly impact the insurance industry and us.
We
cannot
predict with certainty the effect any enacted, proposed or future state or
federal legislation or NAIC initiatives may have on the conduct of our business.
Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the regulatory requirements
applicable to our business will not become more stringent in the future or
result in materially higher costs than current requirements. Changes in the
regulation of our business may reduce our profitability, limit our growth or
otherwise adversely affect our operations.
Our
insurance companies are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements,
and
our failure to meet these requirements could subject us to regulatory
action.
Our
insurance companies are subject to risk-based capital standards and other
minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed under applicable state laws,
including the laws of their state of domicile, Florida. The risk-based capital
standards, based upon the Risk-Based Capital Model Act adopted by the NAIC
require our insurance companies to report their results of risk-based capital
calculations to state departments of insurance and the NAIC. These risk-based
capital standards provide for different levels of regulatory attention depending
upon the ratio of an insurance company’s total adjusted capital, as calculated
in accordance with NAIC guidelines, to its authorized control level risk-based
capital. Authorized control level risk-based capital is the number determined
by
applying the NAIC’s risk-based capital formula, which measures the minimum
amount of capital that an insurance company needs to support its overall
business operations.
Any
failure by one of our insurance companies to meet the applicable risk-based
capital or minimum statutory capital requirements imposed by the laws of Florida
or other states where we do business could subject it to further examination
or
corrective action imposed by state regulators, including limitations on our
writing of additional business, state supervision or liquidation. As of December
31, 2007, American Vehicle and Federated National were in compliance with the
NAIC risk-based capital requirements (see “Business-Regulation” for further
discussion).
Any
changes in existing risk-based capital requirements or minimum statutory capital
requirements may require us to increase our statutory capital levels, which
we
may be unable to do.
Our
revenues and operating performance may fluctuate with business cycles in the
property and casualty insurance industry.
Historically,
the financial performance of the property and casualty insurance industry has
tended to fluctuate in cyclical patterns characterized by periods of significant
competition in pricing and underwriting terms and conditions, which is known
as
a "soft" insurance market, followed by periods of lessened competition and
increasing premium rates, which is known as a "hard" insurance market. Although
an individual insurance company's financial performance is dependent on its
own
specific business characteristics, the profitability of most property and
casualty insurance companies tends to follow this cyclical market pattern,
with
profitability generally increasing in hard markets and decreasing in soft
markets. At present, we are experiencing a soft market in the property and
casualty market in Florida because of regulatory changes. We cannot predict,
however, how long these market conditions will persist. We do not compete
entirely on price or targeted market share. Our ability to compete is governed
by our ability to assess and price an insurance product with an acceptable
risk
for obtaining profit.
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21st
Century Holding Company
We
may not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to expand the types of
insurance products we offer or the states in which we
operate.
We
currently have an application pending in Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee to
underwrite and sell commercial general liability insurance. The
insurance regulators in these states may request additional information, add
conditions to the license that we find unacceptable, or deny our application.
This would delay or prevent us from operating in that state. If we want to
operate in any additional states, we must file similar applications for
licenses, which we may not be successful in obtaining.
We
are named as a defendant in a securities class action lawsuit and it may have
an
adverse impact on our business.
From
July
27, 2007 to August 7, 2007, several securities class action lawsuits were filed
against the Company and certain of its executive officers in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all persons
and
entities who purchased the Company's securities during the various class periods
specified in the complaints. A Consolidated Amended Complaint was filed on
behalf of the Class on January 22, 2008. The complaint alleges that the
Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to accurately project
the Company's business and financial performance during the putative class
period. The complaints seek an unspecified amount of damages and claim
violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and Rule 10b-5. The Defendants filed their Motion to dismiss the
Consolidated Amended Complaint on February 25, 2008. Plaintiff’s Response
to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss is currently due April 10, 2008.
While
the
Company believes that the allegations in the complaint are without merit, an
unfavorable resolution of pending litigation could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition. Litigation may result in substantial costs
and expenses and significantly divert the attention of the Company's management
regardless of the outcome. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be
able to achieve a favorable settlement of pending litigation or obtain a
favorable resolution of this litigation if it is not settled. In addition,
current litigation could lead to increased costs or interruptions of normal
business operations of the Company.
Adverse
ratings by insurance rating agencies may adversely impact our ability to write
new policies, renew desirable policies or obtain adequate insurance, which
could
limit or halt our growth and harm our business.
Third-party
rating agencies assess and rate the ability of insurers to pay their claims.
These financial strength ratings are used by the insurance industry to assess
the financial strength and quality of insurers. These ratings are based on
criteria established by the rating agencies and reflect evaluations of each
insurer's profitability, debt and cash levels, customer base, adequacy and
soundness of reinsurance, quality and estimated market value of assets, adequacy
of reserves, and management. Ratings are based upon factors of concern to
agents, reinsurers and policyholders and are not directed toward the protection
of investors, such as purchasers of our common stock.
We
were
rated by A.M. Best until August 2004, but we requested that it stop rating
Federated National and American Vehicle when these entities were placed under
review with negative implications. We expect that this may negatively impact
our
ability to compete in the property and casualty market in Florida.
Federated
National and American Vehicle are currently by rated Demotech as "A"
("Exceptional")
which is the third of seven ratings, and defined as “Regardless of the severity
of a general economic downturn or deterioration in the insurance cycle, insurers
earning a Financial Stability Rating of “A” possess “Exceptional” financial
stability related to maintaining surplus as regards to policyholders”.
Demotech’s ratings are based upon factors of concern to agents, reinsurers and
policyholders and are not primarily directed toward the protection of investors.
The
withdrawal of our ratings by rating agencies could limit or prevent us from
writing or renewing desirable insurance policies and from obtaining adequate
reinsurance.
We
rely on independent and general agents to write our insurance policies, and
if
we are not able to attract and retain independent and general agents, our
revenues would be negatively affected.
We
currently market and distribute Federated National's and American Vehicle's
products and services through contractual relationships with a network of
approximately 1,500 independent agents and a selected number of general agents.
Our independent agents are our primary source for our automobile and property
insurance policies. Many of our competitors also rely on independent agents.
As
a result, we must compete with other insurers for independent agents' business.
Our competitors may offer a greater variety of insurance products, lower
premiums for insurance coverage, or higher commissions to their agents. If
our
products, pricing and commissions do not remain competitive, we may find it
more
difficult to attract business from independent agents to sell our products.
A
material reduction in the amount of our products that independent agents sell
could negatively affect our revenues.
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21st
Century Holding Company
We
rely on our information technology and telecommunications systems, and the
failure of these systems could disrupt our operations.
Our
business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning
of our current information technology and telecommunications systems. We rely
on
these systems to process new and renewal business, provide customer service,
make claims payments and facilitate collections and cancellations, as well
as to
perform actuarial and other analytical functions necessary for pricing and
product development. As a result, the failure of these systems could interrupt
our operations and adversely affect our financial results.
Nonstandard
automobile insurance historically has a higher frequency of claims than standard
automobile insurance, thereby increasing our potential for loss exposure beyond
what we would be likely to experience if we offered only standard automobile
insurance.
Nonstandard
automobile insurance is provided to insureds that are unable to obtain preferred
or standard insurance coverage because of their payment histories, driving
records, age, vehicle types, or prior claims histories. This type of automobile
insurance historically has a higher frequency of claims than does preferred
or
standard automobile insurance policies, although the average dollar amount
of
the claims is usually smaller under nonstandard insurance policies. As a result,
we are exposed to the possibility of increased loss exposure and higher claims
experience than would be the case if we offered only standard automobile
insurance.
Florida's
personal injury protection insurance statute contains provisions that favor
claimants, causing us to experience a higher frequency of claims than might
otherwise be the case if we operated only outside of Florida.
Florida's
personal injury protection insurance statute limits an insurer's ability to
deny
benefits for medical treatment that is unrelated to the accident, that is
unnecessary, or that is fraudulent. In addition, the statute allows claimants
to
obtain awards for attorney's fees. Although this statute has been amended
several times in recent years, primarily to address concerns over fraud, the
Florida legislature has been only marginally successful in implementing
effective mechanisms that allow insurers to combat fraud and other abuses.
We
believe that this statute contributes to a higher frequency of claims under
nonstandard automobile insurance policies in Florida, as compared to claims
under standard automobile insurance policies in Florida and nonstandard and
standard automobile insurance polices in other states. Although we believe
that
we have successfully offset these higher costs with premium increases, because
of competition, we may not be able to do so with as much success in the future.
Our
success depends on our ability to accurately price the risks we
underwrite.
The
results of our operations and the financial condition of our insurance companies
depend on our ability to underwrite and set premium rates accurately for a
wide
variety of risks. Rate adequacy is necessary to generate sufficient premiums
to
pay losses, LAE and underwriting expenses and to earn a profit. In order to
price our products accurately, we must collect and properly analyze a
substantial amount of data; develop, test and apply appropriate rating formulas;
closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both
severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy. Our ability to
undertake these efforts successfully, and as a result price our products
accurately, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which
are
outside our control, including:
· |
the
availability of sufficient reliable data and our ability to properly
analyze available data;
|
· |
the
uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and
assumptions;
|
· |
our
selection and application of appropriate rating and pricing techniques;
|
· |
changes
in legal standards, claim settlement practices, medical care expenses
and
restoration costs; and
|
· |
legislatively
imposed consumer initiatives.
|
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21st
Century Holding Company
Consequently,
we could under-price risks, which would negatively affect our profit margins,
or
we could overprice risks, which could reduce our sales volume and
competitiveness. In either event, the profitability of our insurance companies
could be materially and adversely affected.
Current
operating resources are necessary to develop future new insurance
products.
We
currently intend to expand our product offerings by underwriting additional
insurance products and programs, and marketing them through our distribution
network. Expansion of our product offerings will result in increases in expenses
due to additional costs incurred in actuarial rate justifications, software
and
personnel. Offering additional insurance products may also require regulatory
approval, further increasing our costs. There can be no assurance that we will
be successful bringing new insurance products to our marketplace.
Our
business strategy is to avoid competition based on price to the extent possible.
This strategy, however, may result in the loss of business in the short term.
Comparable
companies which compete with us in the homeowners’ market include Allstate
Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance Company, First Floridian Insurance
Company and Royal Palm Insurance Company. In addition to these nationally
recognized names, we also compete with several Florida domestic property and
casualty companies such as Universal Insurance Company of North America,
Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Coral Insurance Company,
Edison Insurance Company, St. Johns Insurance Company, Cypress Property and
Casualty Insurance Company, Tower Hill Insurance Company, Florida Family
Insurance Company and American Strategic Insurance Company.
Additional
competition recently emerged as a result of a January 2007 emergency Florida
legislation session wherein, the Florida legislature passed and the Governor
signed into law a bill known as “CS/HB-1A.”.
This
law
made fundamental changes to the property and casualty insurance business in
Florida and undertook a multi-pronged approach to address the cost of
residential property insurance in Florida. First, the law increased the capacity
of reinsurance which stabilized the reinsurance market to the benefit of the
insurance companies writing properties lines in the state of Florida. Secondly,
the law provided for rate relief to all policyholders.
The
law
also authorized the state-owned insurance company, Citizens, which is free
of
many of the restraints on private carriers such as surplus, ratios, income
taxes
and reinsurance expense, to reduce its premium rates and begin competing against
private insurers in the residential property insurance market and expands the
authority of Citizens to write commercial insurance. Finally, during 2007 and
early 2008, more than a dozen new property and casualty companies have received
authority by the Florida OIR to commence business.
We
face
increased competition from existing carriers and new entrants in our niche
markets. In an effort to foster competition, the State of Florida has loaned
money to multiple carriers with certain debt covenants including the maintenance
of minimum written premium. Our competition has attempted to gain market share
through aggressive pricing and generous policy acquisition costs which has
had
an adverse affect on our ability to maintain market share. Although our pricing
is inevitably influenced to some degree by that of our competitors, we believe
that it is generally not in our best interest to compete solely on price. We
compete on the basis of underwriting criteria, our distribution network and
superior service to our agents and insureds.
Comparable
companies which compete with us in the commercial general liability insurance
market include Century Surety Insurance Company, Atlantic Casualty Insurance
Company, Colony Insurance Company and Burlington/First Financial Insurance
Companies. We also face new competition in Florida from such companies as
Seminole Property and Casualty Insurance Company and U.S. Security Insurance
Company.
With
respect to automobile insurance in Florida, we intentionally market only to
our
existing policyholders by offering to renew the existing policy. Temporarily,
we
have chosen not to compete with more than 100 companies, which underwrite
personal automobile insurance in Florida. Comparable companies in the personal
automobile insurance market include Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc., which
acquired our non-standard automobile agency business in Florida in December
2004, U.S. Security Insurance Company, United Automobile Insurance Company,
Direct General Insurance Company and Security National Insurance Company, as
well as major insurers such as Progressive Casualty Insurance
Company.
Competition
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and
financial condition. If we do not meet the prices offered by our competitors,
we
may lose business in the short term, which could also result in reduced
revenues.
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21st
Century Holding Company
Our
senior management team is critical to the strategic direction of our company.
If
there were an unplanned loss of service by any of our officers our business
could be harmed.
We
depend, and will continue to depend, on the services of our founder and
principal shareholder, Edward J. Lawson, who is also our chairman of the board
and chief executive officer. Our success also will depend in part upon our
ability to attract and retain qualified executive officers, experienced
underwriting talent and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about
our
business. We rely substantially upon the services of our executive management
team which includes Steve Young, our President, Michael Braun, our Chief
Operations Officer and President of Federated National, and Pete Prygelski,
our
Chief Financial Officer. If we were to lose the services of members of our
executive management team, our business could be adversely affected. We believe
we have been successful in attracting and retaining key personnel throughout
our
history. We have employment agreements with select members of our executive
management team.
During
2007, we maintained a $3.0 million key man life insurance on the life of Mr.
Lawson and a $1.0 million key man life insurance policy on the life of Mr.
Jennings We do not expect to continue these key man life insurance policies
in
2008.
Nevertheless,
because of the executive management role and involvement in developing and
implementing our current business strategy, any unplanned loss of service could
substantially harm our business
Risks
Related to an Investment in Our Shares
Our
largest shareholders currently control approximately 10% of the voting power
of
our outstanding common stock, which could discourage potential acquirers and
prevent changes in management.
Edward
J.
Lawson and Michele V. Lawson beneficially own approximately 10% of our
outstanding common stock. As our largest shareholders, the Lawson’s have
significant influence over the outcome of any shareholder vote. This voting
power may discourage takeover attempts, changes in our officers and directors
or
other changes in our corporate governance that other shareholders may desire.
We
have authorized but unissued preferred stock, which could affect rights of
holders of common stock.
Our
articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of preferred stock with
designations, rights and preferences determined from time to time by our board
of directors. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without
shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividends, liquidation,
conversion, voting or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power
or other rights of the holders of common stock. In addition, the preferred
stock
could be issued as a method of discouraging a takeover attempt. Although we
do
not intend to issue any preferred stock at this time, we may do so in the
future.
Our
articles of incorporation, bylaws and Florida law may discourage takeover
attempts and may result in entrenchment of management.
Our
articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage
takeover attempts and may result in entrenchment of management.
●
|
Our
board of directors is elected in classes, with only two or three
of the
directors elected each year. As a result, shareholders would not
be able
to change the membership of the board in its entirety in any one
year.
Shareholders would also be unable to bring about, through the election
of
a new board of directors, changes in our officers.
|
●
|
Our
articles of incorporation prohibit shareholders from acting by written
consent, meaning that shareholders will be required to conduct a
meeting
in order to vote on any proposals or take any action.
|
●
|
Our
bylaws require at least 60 days' notice if a shareholder desires
to submit
a proposal for a shareholder vote or to nominate a person for election
to
our board of directors.
|
-32-
21st
Century Holding Company
In
addition, Florida has enacted legislation that may deter or frustrate takeovers
of Florida corporations, such as our company.
·
|
The
Florida Control Share Act provides that shares acquired in a "control
share acquisition" will not have voting rights unless the voting
rights
are approved by a majority of the corporation's disinterested
shareholders. A "control share acquisition" is an acquisition, in
whatever
form, of voting power in any of the following ranges: (a) at least
20% but
less than 33-1/3% of all voting power, (b) at least 33-1/3% but less
than
a majority of all voting power; or (c) a majority or more of all
voting
power.
|
·
|
The
Florida Affiliated Transactions Act requires supermajority approval
by
disinterested shareholders of certain specified transactions between
a
public company and holders of more than 10% of the outstanding voting
shares of the corporation (or their affiliates).
|
As
a holding company, we depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries and their
ability to pay management fees and dividends to the holding company as the
primary source of our income.
We
are an
insurance holding company whose primary assets are the stock of our
subsidiaries. Our operations, and our ability to service future potential debt,
are limited by the earnings of our subsidiaries and their payment of their
earnings to us in the form of management fees, commissions, dividends, loans,
advances or the reimbursement of expenses. These payments can be made only
when
our subsidiaries have adequate earnings. In addition, dividend payments made
to
us by our insurance subsidiaries are restricted by Florida law governing the
insurance industry. Generally, Florida law limits the dividends payable by
insurance companies under complicated formulas based on the subsidiary's
available capital and earnings.
No
dividends were declared or paid by our insurance subsidiaries in 2007, 2006
or
2005. Under these laws, neither Federated National nor American Vehicle may
be
permitted to pay dividends to 21st Century in 2008. Whether our subsidiaries
will be able to pay dividends in 2008 depends on the results of their operations
and their expected needs for capital. We do not anticipate that our subsidiaries
will begin to pay dividends to the parent company during 2008.
ITEM
1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM
2 PROPERTIES
Our
executive offices are located at 3661 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderdale
Lakes, Florida in a 39,250 square feet office facility. All of our operations
are consolidated within this facility.
Effective
March 1, 2005, Federated National sold its interest in the Lauderdale Lakes
property to 21st
Century
at the property’s net book value of approximately $2.9 million. Effective on or
about March 1, 2006, 21st
Century
sold the property to an unrelated party for approximately $5.0 million cash
and
a $0.9 million six year 5% note. As part of the transaction, 21st
Century
has agreed to lease the same facilities for a six year term. Our lease for
this
office space expires in December 2011.
We
believe that the facilities are well maintained, in substantial compliance
with
environmental laws and regulations, and adequately covered by insurance. We
also
believe that these leased facilities are not unique and could be replaced,
if
necessary, at the end of the lease term.
ITEM
3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We
are
involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of
business. These proceedings are set forth below as either resolved or ongoing.
Resolved
legal proceeding:
Specifically
related to our ordinary course of business, we were a party to approximately
four lawsuits in connection with coverage disputes associated with claims
resulting from Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne. Hurricane Ivan occurred on September
14, 2004. Hurricane Jeanne occurred on September 25, 2004. During the three
months ended September 30, 2006, the resolution of other lawsuits involving
similarly styled coverage issues involving other property insurers came to
fruition. Accordingly, based on the resolution of these lawsuits involving
similarly styled coverage issues we charged operations with approximately $3.9
million of additional loss and LAE during the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
Additional development for approximately $1.0 million occurred relative to
these
claims during the three months ended March 31, 2007. Predominately, only the
underlying legal fees associated with these particular proceedings remain
uncertain and continue to be negotiated.
-33-
21st
Century Holding Company
In
the
opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not
have a
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results
of
operations, or liquidity.
Ongoing
legal proceedings
From
July
27, 2007 to August 7, 2007, several securities class action lawsuits were filed
against the Company and certain of its executive officers in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all persons
and
entities who purchased the Company's securities during the various class periods
specified in the complaints. A Consolidated Amended Complaint was filed on
behalf of the Class on January 22, 2008. The complaint alleges that the
Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to accurately project
the Company's business and financial performance during the putative class
period. The complaints seek an unspecified amount of damages and claim
violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and Rule 10b-5. The Defendants filed their Motion to dismiss the
Consolidated Amended Complaint on February 25, 2008. Plaintiff’s Response
to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss is currently due April 10, 2008.
While
the
Company believes that the allegations in the complaint are without merit, an
unfavorable resolution of pending litigation could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition. Litigation may result in substantial costs
and expenses and significantly divert the attention of the Company's management
regardless of the outcome. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be
able to achieve a favorable settlement of pending litigation or obtain a
favorable resolution of this litigation if it is not settled. In addition,
current litigation could lead to increased costs or interruptions of normal
business operations of the Company.
ITEM
4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
PART
II
ITEM
5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Our
common stock has been listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under
the
symbol “TCHC” since November 5, 1998. The following table sets out the high and
low closing sale prices as
reported on the NASDAQ Global Market. These reported prices reflect inter-dealer
prices without adjustments for retail markups, markdowns or
commissions.
Quarter
Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||
March
31, 2007
|
$
|
23.03
|
$
|
17.60
|
|||
June
30, 2007
|
$
|
19.99
|
$
|
9.85
|
|||
September
30, 2007
|
$
|
14.60
|
$
|
10.03
|
|||
December
31, 2007
|
$
|
17.31
|
$
|
12.38
|
|||
March
31, 2006
|
$
|
18.99
|
$
|
15.97
|
|||
June
30, 2006
|
$
|
18.46
|
$
|
12.68
|
|||
September
30, 2006
|
$
|
18.46
|
$
|
12.19
|
|||
December
31, 2006
|
$
|
28.55
|
$
|
18.20
|
As
of
March 14, 2008, there were 59 holders of record of our common stock. We believe
that the number of beneficial owners of our common stock is in excess of
5,100.
DIVIDENDS
During
2007 and 2006 we have paid quarterly dividends of $0.18 and $0.12 per share,
respectively. Payment of dividends in the future will depend on our earnings
and
financial position and such other factors, as our Board of Directors deems
relevant. Moreover, our ability to continue to pay dividends may be restricted
by regulatory limits on the amount of dividends that Federated National and
American Vehicle are permitted to pay to the parent company.
-34-
21st
Century
Holding Company
SECURITIES
AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The
following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of December 31,
2007. All equity compensation plans were approved by stock holders.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
|
||||||||||
Plan
category
|
Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,
warrants
and rights
(a)
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
|
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column
(a))
(c)
|
|||||||
Equity
compensation plans approved by stock holders*
|
812,908
|
$
|
14.00
|
1,142,546
|
* |
Includes
options from the 1998 Stock Option Plan, 2001 Franchise
Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option
Plan.
|
For
additional information concerning our capitalization please see Note 16 to
our
Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Report on Form
10-K.
ISSUER
REPURCHASES
On
May
14, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, pursuant to Section 12 of
the Securities Exchange Act, the repurchase of up to $5.0 million of its common
stock. Acting upon the Board’s authorization, the Company repurchased, for
approximately $1.8 million, 135,277 shares for an average price of $13.44
between November 12, 2007 and November 28, 2007; for approximately $2.0 million,
47,433 shares for an average price of $10.16 between July 12, 2007 and July
18,
2007; and for approximately $1.5 million, 138,261 shares for an average price
of
$11.01 between May 16, 2007 and May 21, 2007. The table below provides, in
tabular format, information about our purchase of equity securities during
the
quarter ended December 31, 2007 that are registered by the Company.
Period
|
Total
Number of Shares Purchased
|
Average
Price Paid per Share
|
Total
Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
or
Programs
|
Approximate
Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the
Plan
|
|||||||||
October-07
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
$
|
3.0
million
|
||||||||
November-07
|
135,277
|
$
|
13.44
|
135,277
|
$
|
1.2
million
|
|||||||
December-07
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
$
|
1.2
million
|
SALES
OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
During
the fourth quarter of 2007, several employees exercised an aggregate of 7,500
options under our 2002 Stock Option Plan. The shares issued to the employees
were registered on a registration statement on Form S-8, so the shares issued
to
the employees do not contain any restrictive legends.
On
December 12, 2005, our Independent Directors repriced an aggregate of 92,000
options under the Company's 2002 Stock Option Plan, (“old options”)
to $16 per share
(“new
options”);
77,000 old options were granted to six employees at $20.00 per option and 15,000
old options were granted to two general agents at $16.67 per option. We
issued the new options in exchange for the old options in reliance upon the
exemption contained in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and these individuals were knowledgeable, sophisticated and had access
to comprehensive information about us. No commission or other remuneration
was
paid in connection with this exchange. We placed legends on the options stating
that the securities were not registered under the Securities Act and set forth
restrictions on their transferability and sale.
-35-
21st
Century
Holding Company
STOCK
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The
following graph shows the cumulative total shareholder return on our common
stock over the last five fiscal years as compared to the total returns of the
Nasdaq Composite Index and the SNL Property & Casualty Insurance Index. In
accordance with SEC rules, this graph includes indices that we believe are
comparable and appropriate.
Period
Ending
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Index
|
12/31/02
|
12/31/03
|
12/31/04
|
12/31/05
|
12/31/06
|
12/31/07
|
|||||||||||||
21st
Century Holding Company
|
100.00
|
169.06
|
168.46
|
202.35
|
288.40
|
170.40
|
|||||||||||||
NASDAQ
Composite
|
100.00
|
150.01
|
162.89
|
165.13
|
180.85
|
198.60
|
|||||||||||||
SNL
Property & Casualty Insurance Index
|
100.00
|
123.73
|
135.62
|
148.25
|
172.81
|
186.59
|
Source:
SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA
©
2008
Returns
are based on the change in year-end to year-end price. The graph assumes $100
was invested on December 31, 2002 in our common stock, the Nasdaq Composite
Index and the SNL Property & Casualty Insurance Index and that all dividends
were reinvested. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future
results.
Our
filings with the SEC may incorporate information by reference, including this
Form 10-K. Unless we specifically state otherwise, the information under this
heading "Stock Performance Graph" shall not be deemed to be "soliciting
materials" and shall not be deemed to be "filed" with the SEC or incorporated
by
reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
-36-
21st
Century
Holding Company
ITEM
6 SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
The
following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As
of the years ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
(Amounts
in 000's except Book value per share)
|
||||||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
||||||||||||
Balance
sheet data
|
||||||||||||||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
219,361
|
$
|
207,897
|
$
|
290,155
|
$
|
163,601
|
$
|
106,696
|
||||||
Investments
|
136,224
|
124,834
|
100,086
|
84,382
|
47,290
|
|||||||||||
Finance
contracts, consumer loans and pay advances receivable,
net
|
420
|
1,831
|
7,313
|
8,289
|
9,892
|
|||||||||||
Total
liabilities
|
138,104
|
141,704
|
249,387
|
138,625
|
74,649
|
|||||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
59,685
|
39,615
|
154,039
|
46,571
|
24,570
|
|||||||||||
Unearned
premiums
|
56,394
|
77,829
|
61,839
|
50,153
|
34,123
|
|||||||||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
81,257
|
66,193
|
40,767
|
24,977
|
32,046
|
|||||||||||
Book
value per share
|
$
|
10.32
|
$
|
8.38
|
$
|
6.02
|
$
|
4.13
|
$
|
5.89
|
-37-
21st
Century
Holding Company
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
(Amounts
in 000's except EPS and Dividends)
|
||||||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
||||||||||||
Operations
Data:
|
||||||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross
premiums written
|
$
|
133,591
|
$
|
152,665
|
$
|
119,440
|
$
|
100,662
|
$
|
72,991
|
||||||
Gross
premiums ceded
|
(44,551
|
)
|
(67,520
|
)
|
(31,414
|
)
|
(15,486
|
)
|
(22,091
|
)
|
||||||
Net
premiums written
|
89,041
|
85,145
|
88,026
|
85,176
|
50,901
|
|||||||||||
(Decrease)
Increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
(11,251
|
)
|
20,193
|
6,623
|
(2,905
|
)
|
(3,428
|
)
|
||||||||
Decrease
(Increase) in unearned premiums
|
21,435
|
(15,990
|
)
|
(11,686
|
)
|
(16,030
|
)
|
(5,188
|
)
|
|||||||
Net
change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
||||||||||||||||
and
unearned
premiums
|
10,184
|
4,203
|
(5,063
|
)
|
(18,935
|
)
|
(8,616
|
)
|
||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
99,224
|
89,348
|
82,963
|
66,241
|
42,285
|
|||||||||||
Commission
income
|
7,214
|
1,679
|
409
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Finance
revenue
|
545
|
1,686
|
3,567
|
3,668
|
4,328
|
|||||||||||
Managing
general agent fees
|
2,035
|
2,625
|
2,420
|
2,040
|
2,329
|
|||||||||||
Net
investment income
|
7,964
|
5,933
|
3,841
|
3,172
|
1,624
|
|||||||||||
Net
realized investment (losses) gains
|
(145
|
)
|
1,063
|
458
|
689
|
2,231
|
||||||||||
Other
income
|
2,296
|
1,581
|
1,010
|
762
|
792
|
|||||||||||
Total
revenue
|
119,132
|
103,915
|
94,669
|
76,571
|
53,588
|
|||||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
Loss
and loss adjustment expense
|
47,619
|
44,400
|
48,336
|
74,993
|
27,509
|
|||||||||||
Operating
and underwriting expenses
|
12,684
|
13,160
|
8,219
|
8,140
|
7,249
|
|||||||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
6,732
|
7,011
|
6,384
|
6,134
|
5,426
|
|||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
173
|
656
|
1,398
|
1,087
|
607
|
|||||||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
19,420
|
17,395
|
14,561
|
8,423
|
(854
|
)
|
||||||||||
Total
expenses
|
86,627
|
82,622
|
78,899
|
98,777
|
39,937
|
|||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for
income tax expense
|
32,505
|
21,293
|
15,771
|
(22,206
|
)
|
13,652
|
||||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income tax expense
|
11,226
|
7,396
|
4,690
|
(8,601
|
)
|
4,358
|
||||||||||
Net
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
21,280
|
13,896
|
11,081
|
(13,605
|
)
|
9,294
|
||||||||||
Discontinued
operations:
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations (including 2005,
2004 and 2003 gain on disposal of $1,630, $5,384,
and $0, respectively)
|
-
|
-
|
1,630
|
4,484
|
(1,365
|
)
|
||||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income tax expense
|
-
|
-
|
595
|
1,737
|
(436
|
)
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
1,035
|
2,747
|
(929
|
)
|
||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$
|
21,280
|
$
|
13,896
|
$
|
12,116
|
$
|
(10,858
|
)
|
$
|
8,365
|
|||||
Earnings
per share data
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share from continuing
operations
|
$
|
2.69
|
$
|
1.84
|
$
|
1.78
|
$
|
(2.33
|
)
|
$
|
1.96
|
|||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share from discontinued
operations
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
0.17
|
$
|
0.47
|
$
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share
|
$
|
2.69
|
$
|
1.84
|
$
|
1.95
|
$
|
(1.86
|
)
|
$
|
1.76
|
|||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing
operations
|
$
|
2.65
|
$
|
1.72
|
$
|
1.67
|
$
|
(2.33
|
)
|
$
|
1.85
|
|||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued
operations
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
0.16
|
$
|
0.47
|
$
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share
|
$
|
2.65
|
$
|
1.72
|
$
|
1.83
|
$
|
(1.86
|
)
|
$
|
1.67
|
|||||
Dividends
paid per share
|
$
|
0.72
|
$
|
0.48
|
$
|
0.32
|
$
|
0.32
|
$
|
0.25
|
-38-
21st Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
ITEM
7 MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We
are an
insurance holding company, which, through our subsidiaries and our contractual
relationships with our independent agents and general agents, controls
substantially all aspects of the insurance underwriting, distribution and claims
process. We are authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty
insurance, commercial general liability insurance, personal automobile insurance
and commercial automobile insurance in various states with various lines of
authority through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated National and American
Vehicle.
The
insurable events during 2007 and 2006 did not include any weather related
catastrophic events such as the well publicized series of hurricanes that
occurred in Florida during 2005 and 2004. During 2007 and 2006 we processed
liability claims stemming from our automobile and commercial general liability
lines of business and physical damage claims in connection with our homeowners’
line of business and to a much less extent our automobile physical damage line
of business. Our automobile claims generally will exceed commercial general
liability and homeowners’ claims with respect to frequency of claimant activity,
however the per-claim severity in connection with our commercial general
liability and homeowner lines would be expected to exceed the automobile line.
Our reinsurance strategy serves to smooth the liquidity requirements imposed
by
the most severe insurable events and for all other insurable events we manage,
at a micro and macro perspective, in the normal course of business.
We
are
not certain how hurricanes and other insurable events will affect our future
results of operations and liquidity. Loss and LAE are affected by a number
of
factors including:
· the
quality of the insurable risks underwritten;
· the
nature and severity of the loss;
· weather-related
patterns;
· the
availability, cost and terms of reinsurance;
· underlying
settlement costs, including medical and legal costs.
We
continue to manage the foregoing to the extent within our control. Many of
the
foregoing are partially, or entirely, outside our control.
Assurance
MGA, a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as Federated National’s and American
Vehicle’s exclusive managing general agent. Assurance MGA currently provides all
underwriting policy administration, marketing, accounting and financial services
to Federated National and American Vehicle, and participates in the negotiation
of reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates revenue through policy fee
income and other administrative fees from the marketing of companies’ products
through our distribution network.
Our
business, results of operations and financial condition are subject to
fluctuations due to a variety of factors. Abnormally high severity or frequency
of claims in any period could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. Also, if our estimated
liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE are less than actual losses and LAE,
we
will be required to increase reserves with a corresponding reduction in our
net
income in the period in which the deficiency is identified.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts
reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events
and
their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the
determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results
inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be
material to the financial statements.
The
most
significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial
statements include estimates associated with management’s evaluation of the
determination of liability for unpaid loss and LAE. In addition, significant
estimates form the basis for our reserves with respect to finance contracts,
premiums receivable and deferred income taxes. Various assumptions and other
factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates.
-39-
21st
Century
Holding Company
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The
process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into
account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic
conditions, and in the case of unpaid loss and LAE, an actuarial valuation.
Management regularly reevaluates these significant factors and makes adjustments
where facts and circumstances dictate. In selecting the best estimate, we
utilize various actuarial methodologies. Each of these methodologies is designed
to forecast the number of claims we will be called upon to pay and the amounts
we will pay on average to settle those claims. In arriving at our best estimate,
our actuaries consider the likely predictive value of the various loss
development methodologies employed in light of underwriting practices, premium
rate changes and claim settlement practices that may have occurred, and weight
the credibility of each methodology. Our actuarial methodologies take into
account various factors, including, but not limited to, paid losses, liability
estimates for reported losses, paid allocated LAE, salvage and other recoveries
received, reported claim counts, open claim counts and counts for claims closed
with and without payment of loss.
Accounting
for loss contingencies pursuant to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards
(“SFAS”), 5 involves the existence of a condition, situation or set of
circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately
be
resolved when one or more future event(s) occur or fail to occur. Additionally,
accounting for a loss contingency requires management to assess each event
as
probable, reasonably possible or remote. Probable is defined as the future
event
or events are likely to occur. Reasonably possible is defined as the chance
of
the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than probable,
while remote is defined as the chance of the future event or events occurring
is
slight. An estimated loss in connection with a loss contingency shall be
recorded by a charge to current operations if both of the following conditions
are met: First, the amount can be reasonably estimated, and second, the
information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates
that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the
financial statements. It is implicit in this condition that it is probable
that
one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of the loss or
incurrence of a liability.
SFAS
115
addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in equity securities
that
have readily determinable fair values and (b) all investments in debt
securities. SFAS 115 requires that these securities be classified into one
of
three categories, Held-to-maturity, Trading securities or Available-for-sale.
Investments
classified as held-to-maturity include debt securities wherein the Company’s
intent and ability are to hold the investment until maturity. The accounting
treatment for held-to-maturity investments is to carry them at amortized cost
without consideration to unrealized gains or losses. Investments classified
as
trading securities include debt and equity securities bought and held primarily
for the sale in the near term. The accounting treatment for trading securities
is to carry them at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included
in current period operations. Investments classified as available-for-sale
include debt and equity securities that are not classified as held-to-maturity
or as trading security investments. The accounting treatment for
available-for-sale securities is to carry them at fair value with unrealized
holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate
component of shareholders’ equity, namely “Other Comprehensive
Income”.
The
following is an overview of management’s loss reserving
process
The
Company’s loss reserves can generally be categorized into two
distinct groups.
One group is short-tail classes of business consisting principally of property
risks in connection with homes and automobiles. The other group is long-tail
casualty classes of business which include primarily commercial general
liability and to a much lesser extent, homeowner and automobile liability.
For
operations writing short-tail coverages our loss reserves were generally geared
toward determining an expected loss ratio for current business rather than
maintaining a reserve for the outstanding exposure. Estimations of ultimate
net
loss reserves for long-tail casualty classes of business is a more complex
process and depends on a number of factors including class and volume of
business involved. Experience in the more recent accident years of long-tail
casualty classes of business shows limited statistical credibility in reported
net losses because a relatively low proportion of net losses would be reported
claims and expenses and even smaller percentage would be net losses paid.
Therefore, IBNR would constitute a relatively high proportion of net
losses.
Additionally,
the different methodologies are utilized the same, regardless of the line of
business. However, the final selection of ultimate loss and LAE is certain
to
vary by both line of business and by accident period maturity. There is no
prescribed combination of line of business, accident year maturity, and
methodologies; consistency in results of the different methodologies and
reasonableness of the result are the primary factors that drive the final
selection of ultimate loss and LAE.
Methods
used to estimate loss & LAE reserves
The
methods we use for our short-tail business do not differ from the methods we
use
for our long-tail business. The Incurred and Paid Development Methods
intrinsically recognize the unique development characteristics contained within
the
-40-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
historical
experience of each material short-tail and long-tail line of business. The
Incurred and Paid Cape Cod Methods reflect similar historical development unique
to each material short-tail and long-tail line of business.
We
apply
the following general methods in projecting loss and LAE reserves:
· Paid
and Incurred Loss Development Method
· Paid
and
Incurred Cape Cod Method
Description
of ultimate loss estimation methods
The
incurred loss development method relies on the assumption that, at any given
state of maturity, ultimate losses can be predicted by multiplying cumulative
reported losses (paid losses plus case reserves) by a cumulative development
factor. The validity of the results of this method depends on the stability
of
claim reporting and settlement rates, as well as the consistency of case reserve
levels. Case reserves do not have to be adequately stated for this method to
be
effective; they only need to have a fairly consistent level of adequacy at
all
stages of maturity. Historical “age-to-age” loss development factors were
calculated to measure the relative development of an accident year from one
maturity point to the next. We then selected appropriate age-to-age loss
development factors based on these historical factors and use the selected
factors to project the ultimate losses.
The
Paid
Loss Development method is mechanically identical to the Incurred Loss
Development method described above. The paid method does not rely on case
reserves or claim reporting patterns in making projections.
The
validity of the results from using a loss development approach can be affected
by many conditions, such as internal claim department processing changes, a
shift between single and multiple claim payments, legal changes, or variations
in a company’s mix of business from year to year. Also, since the percentage of
losses paid for immature years is often low, development factors are volatile.
A
small variation in the number of claims paid can have a leveraging effect that
can lead to significant changes in estimated ultimates. Therefore, ultimate
values for immature accident years are often based on alternative estimation
techniques such as Cape Cod.
The
Reported Cape Cod method is based on reported loss data and relies on the
assumption that remaining unreported losses are a function of the total expected
losses. The total expected losses used in this analysis are calculated as earned
premium multiplied by the ratio of reported losses during the experience period
to a percentage of earned premium. This percentage of earned premium is
based on the historical loss reporting patterns and represents the amount of
earned premium that has been "used" when compared to reported losses. The
total expected losses are multiplied by the unreported percentage to produce
expected unreported losses. The unreported percentage is calculated as one
minus
the reciprocal of the selected reported loss development factors. Finally,
the
expected unreported losses are added to the current reported losses to produce
ultimate loss estimations.
The
calculations underlying the Paid Cape Cod method are similar to the Reported
Cape Cod method calculations with the exception that paid losses, unpaid
percentages, and loss payment patterns replace reported losses, unreported
percentages, and loss reporting patterns.
The
Cape
Cod method is most useful as an alternative to other models for immature
accident years. For these immature years, the amounts reported or paid may
be
small and unstable and therefore not predictive of future development.
Therefore, future development is assumed to follow an expected pattern that
is
supported by more stable historical data or by emerging trends. This method
is
also useful when changing reporting patterns or payment patterns distort the
historical development of losses.
Reserves
are estimates because there are uncertainties inherent in the determination
of
ultimate losses. Court decisions, regulatory changes and economic conditions
can
affect the ultimate cost of claims that occurred in the past as well as create
uncertainties regarding future loss cost trends.
We
compute our estimated ultimate liability using the most appropriate principles
and procedures applicable to the lines of business written. However, because
the
establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process, we cannot
be
certain that ultimate losses will not exceed the established loss reserves
and
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial
condition. Changes in estimates, or differences between estimates and amounts
ultimately paid, are reflected in the operating results of the period during
which such adjustments are made. Accordingly, the ultimate liability for unpaid
losses and loss settlement expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded
at December 31, 2007.
-41-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
following describes the extent of our procedures for determining the reserve
for
loss and LAE on both an annual and interim reporting basis:
Annually
- Our policy is to select a single point estimate that best reflects our
in-house actuarial determination for unpaid loss and LAE. Our independent
actuaries, examining the exact same data set, will independently select a point
estimate which determines a high point and low point range. Both processes
rely
on objective and subjective determinations. If our point estimate falls within
the range determined from the point estimate of our actuaries, then no
adjustments by management would be required. In consideration thereof,
management does not have a policy for adjusting the liability for unpaid loss
and LAE to an amount that is different than an amount set forth within the
range
determined by the independent actuaries.
Interim
-
During 2007 for Federated National’s homeowners program, our selection of loss
reserves was weighted more to the Paid Loss Development Method and the Incurred
Loss Development Method. American Vehicle’s commercial general liability
program relied upon the Cape Cod Method on both a paid and incurred basis as
well as the Paid Loss Development Method and the Incurred Loss Development
Method. During 2006 our selection of loss reserves were weighted more to the
short-tail targeted loss ratio methods employing loss ratio factors from prior
accident year indications. During the year-end process for 2007, we were able
to
employ long-tail methodologies to our commercial general liability program’s
loss reserve process based on no specific event other than newly available
in-house resources. The estimated pretax charge to operations in connection
with
the change in methods for estimating commercial general liability unpaid loss
and loss adjustment totaled approximately $2.0 million.
A
key
assumption underlying the estimation of the reserve for losses and LAE is that
past experience serves as the most reliable estimator of future events. This
assumption may materially affect the estimates when the insurance market, the
regulatory environment, the legal environment, the economic environment, the
book of business, the claims handling department, or other factors have varied
(known or unknown) over time during the experience period and / or will vary
(expectedly or unexpectedly) in the future.
A
number
of other actuarial assumptions are generally made in the review of reserves
for
each class of business. For the long-tail classes of business, other actuarial
assumptions generally are made with respect to the following:
· Loss
trend factors which are used to establish expected loss ratios for subsequent
accident years based on the projected loss ratio for prior accident
years.
· Expected
loss ratios for the latest accident year and, in some cases for accident years
prior to the latest accident year. The expected loss ratio generally reflects
the projected loss ratio from prior accident years, adjusted for the loss trend
and the effect of rate changes and other quantifiable factors on the loss
ratio.
In
practice there are factors that change over time; however, many (such as
inflation) are intrinsically reflected in the historical development patterns,
and others typically do not materially affect the estimate of the reserve for
losses and LAE. Therefore, no specific adjustments have been incorporated
for such contingencies projecting future development of losses and LAE. There
are no key assumptions as of December 31, 2007 premised on future emergence
inconsistent with historical loss reserve development patterns.
-42-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
table
below distinguishes total loss reserves between IBNR, as discussed above, and
case estimates for specific claims as established by routine claims
management.
Reserves
for unpaid loss and
|
IBNR
Reserves |
|
|
Reinsurance
Recoverable on Unpaid Loss |
||||||||||||
LAE
net of reinsurance
|
Case
Loss
|
|
|
Case
LAE
|
|
|
Total
Case
|
|
|
(Including
|
|
|
and
Loss
|
|||
recoverable
as of December 31, 2007
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
LAE)
|
|
|
Expenses
|
||
(Dollars
in
Thousands)
|
Homeowners'
|
$
|
6,995
|
$
|
781
|
$
|
7,776
|
$
|
22,909
|
$
|
19,971
|
||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
4,780
|
635
|
5,415
|
17,890
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Automobile
|
373
|
157
|
530
|
5,164
|
162
|
|||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
12,148
|
$
|
1,573
|
$
|
13,721
|
$
|
45,963
|
$
|
20,133
|
Reserves
for unpaid loss and
|
IBNR
Reserves |
|
|
Reinsurance
Recoverable on Unpaid Loss |
||||||||||||
LAE
net of reinsurance
|
Case
Loss
|
|
|
Case
LAE
|
|
|
Total
Case
|
|
|
(Including
|
|
|
and
Loss
|
|||
recoverable
as of December 31, 2006
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
LAE)
|
|
|
Expenses
|
||
(Dollars
in
Thousands)
|
Homeowners'
|
$
|
3,998
|
$
|
527
|
$
|
4,525
|
$
|
17,263
|
$
|
12,211
|
||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
2,628
|
393
|
3,021
|
8,178
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Automobile
|
3,802
|
332
|
4,134
|
2,494
|
171
|
|||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
10,428
|
$
|
1,252
|
$
|
11,680
|
$
|
27,935
|
$
|
12,382
|
Our
reported results, financial position and liquidity would be affected by likely
changes in key assumptions that determine our net loss reserves. The table
below
illustrates the change to equity that would occur as a result of a change
in
loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||||
Change
in loss and
|
Adjusted
loss and
|
Percentage
|
Adjusted
loss and
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||
LAE
reserves, net of
|
LAE
reserves, net
|
change
in
|
LAE
reserves, net
|
change
in
|
|||||||||
reinsurance
|
of
reinsurance
|
equity
(1)
|
of
reinsurance
|
equity
(1)
|
|||||||||
-10.0%
|
35,596
|
3.1
|
%
|
24,510
|
2.7
|
%
|
|||||||
-7.5%
|
36,585
|
2.4
|
%
|
25,191
|
2.0
|
%
|
|||||||
-5.0%
|
37,574
|
1.6
|
%
|
25,872
|
1.3
|
%
|
|||||||
-2.5%
|
38,563
|
0.8
|
%
|
26,553
|
0.7
|
%
|
|||||||
Base
|
39,551
|
-
|
27,233
|
-
|
|||||||||
2.5%
|
40,540
|
-0.8
|
%
|
27,914
|
-0.7
|
%
|
|||||||
5.0%
|
41,529
|
-1.6
|
%
|
28,595
|
-1.3
|
%
|
|||||||
7.5%
|
42,518
|
-2.4
|
%
|
29,276
|
-2.0
|
%
|
|||||||
10.0%
|
43,507
|
-3.1
|
%
|
29,957
|
-2.7
|
%
|
(1)
Net
of tax
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007 our actuarial firm determined range of loss and
LAE
reserves on a net basis range from a low of $37.9 million to a high of
$45.6 million, with a best estimate of $42.1 million. The Company’s net
loss and LAE reserves are carried at $40.0 million. Management’s point
estimate of reserves are 5.2% below our actuary’s best estimate in recognition
of the inherent uncertainty in assessing the potential ultimate liabilities
given legal developments as well as evolution in its operations.
-43-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
For
the
year ended December 31, 2006 our actuarial firm determined range of loss and
LAE
reserves on a net basis range from a low of $27.2 million to a high of
$34.7 million. The Company’s net loss and LAE reserves are carried at
$27.3 million. Management’s point estimate of reserves is at the lowest end
of its actuarially determined range in recognition of the inherent uncertainty
in assessing the potential ultimate liabilities given legal developments as
well
as evolution in its operations.
We
are
required to review the contractual terms of all our reinsurance purchases to
ensure compliance with SFAS 113,
"Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration
Contracts”.
The
statement establishes the conditions required for a contract with a reinsurer
to
be accounted for as reinsurance and prescribes accounting and reporting
standards for those contracts. Contracts that do not result in the reasonable
possibility that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the insurance
risk assumed generally do not meet the conditions for reinsurance accounting
and
must be accounted for as deposits. SFAS 113 also requires us to disclose the
nature, purpose and effect of reinsurance transactions, including the premium
amounts associated with reinsurance assumed and ceded. It also requires
disclosure of concentrations of credit risk associated with reinsurance
receivables and prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Please
see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
discussions regarding critical accounting policies.
RECENT
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In
June
2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued interpretation
No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”
which
clarifies the accounting for income tax reserves and contingencies recognized
in
an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
disclosure, and transition. This Interpretation was effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company evaluated the impact that FIN
48
will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, we have
developed a process to capture and quantify any such effect that FIN 48 could
have on the Company and concluded there was no impact on our consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.
See
Note
2(n), “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting
Pronouncements” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their effect, if any,
on the Company.
ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
As
of December 31, 2007 Compared to December 31, 2006
Total
Investments
SFAS
115
addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in equity securities
that
have readily determinable fair values and (b) all investments in debt
securities. SFAS 115 requires that these securities be classified into one
of
three categories, Held-to-maturity, Trading securities or Available-for-sale.
Investments classified as held-to-maturity include debt securities wherein
the
Company’s intent and ability are to hold the investment until maturity. The
accounting treatment for held-to-maturity investments is to carry them at
amortized cost without consideration to unrealized gains or losses. Investments
classified as trading securities include debt and equity securities bought
and
held primarily for the sale in the near term. The accounting treatment for
trading securities is to carry them at fair value with unrealized holding gains
and losses included in current period operations. Investments classified as
available-for-sale include debt and equity securities that are not classified
as
held-to-maturity or as trading security investments. The accounting treatment
for available-for-sale securities is to carry them at fair value with unrealized
holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate
component of shareholders’ equity, namely “Other Comprehensive Income”. We did
not hold any non-traded investment securities during 2007 or 2006.
As
of
December 31, 2007 and 2006 we have classified $20.2 million and $19.7 million,
respectively, of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity. The decision to
classify this layer of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity was predicated
on
our intention and ability to hold these securities until maturity. Additionally,
we have and may continue to use this position to secure irrevocable letters
of
credit to facilitate business opportunities in connection with our commercial
general liability program. During April 2006, American Vehicle finalized a
$15.0
million irrevocable letter of credit in conjunction with the 100% Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement with Republic which was terminated in April 2007. As
of
December 31, 2007 the letter of credit in favor of Republic totaled $10.0
million. During January 2008 this letter of credit was reduced to $3.0 million.
-44-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Total
Investments increased $11.4 million, or 9.1%, to $136.2 million as of December
31, 2007, compared to $124.8 million
as of December 31, 2006. The
increase is primarily in connection with decreased prepaid reinsurance
requirements and deferred policy acquisition costs.
The
fixed
maturities and the equity securities that are available for sale and carried
at
fair value represent 85.2% of total investments as of December 31, 2007, as
compared to 84.2% as of December 31, 2006. The investments held at December
31,
2007 and December 31, 2006 were comprised mainly of United States government
and
agency bonds as well as municipal bonds which are viewed by the Company as
conservative and less risky holdings, though sensitive to interest rate changes.
There is a smaller concentration of corporate bonds predominantly held in the
financial and conglomerate industries. Our equity holdings held at December
31,
2007 were primarily in trust companies, financial companies and mutual funds;
and our equity holdings at December 31, 2006 were primarily in trust companies
and mutual funds.
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2007
and
2006.
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
||||||||||||
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
||||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
Fixed
maturities, at market:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
$
|
61,308
|
45.01
|
%
|
$
|
97,314
|
77.95
|
%
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
17,777
|
13.05
|
%
|
17,804
|
14.26
|
%
|
|||||||
Corporate
securities
|
40,609
|
29.81
|
%
|
3,075
|
2.46
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
119,694
|
87.87
|
%
|
118,193
|
94.67
|
%
|
|||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
16,530
|
12.13
|
%
|
6,641
|
5.33
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
investments
|
$
|
136,224
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
124,834
|
100.00
|
%
|
Below
is
a summary of net unrealized gains and (losses) at December 31, 2007 and December
31, 2006 by category.
Net
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
|||||||
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Fixed
maturities:
|
|||||||
U.S.
government obligations
|
$
|
(68,975
|
)
|
$
|
(688,190
|
)
|
|
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
(1,706
|
)
|
(145,505
|
)
|
|||
(70,681
|
)
|
(833,695
|
)
|
||||
Corporate
securities:
|
|||||||
Communications
|
(3,481
|
)
|
6,842
|
||||
Financial
|
(16,984
|
)
|
(18,790
|
)
|
|||
Other
|
(25,852
|
)
|
(73,983
|
)
|
|||
(46,317
|
)
|
(85,931
|
)
|
||||
Equity
securities:
|
|||||||
Common
stocks
|
(3,989,319
|
)
|
(631,000
|
)
|
|||
Total
fixed, corporate and equity securities
|
$
|
(4,106,317
|
)
|
$
|
(1,550,626
|
)
|
Additional
provisions contained in SFAS 115 address the determination as to when an
investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than
temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The Company’s policy for
the valuation of temporarily impaired securities is to determine impairment
based on the analysis of the following factors:
· |
rating
downgrade or other credit event (eg., failure to pay interest when
due);
|
-45-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
· |
financial
condition and near term prospects of the issuer, including any specific
events which may influence the operations of the issuer such as changes
in
technology or discontinuance of a business
segment;
|
· |
prospects
for the issuer’s industry segment;
|
· |
intent
and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period
of time
sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in market
value.
|
The
Company evaluates its investments in securities to determine other than
temporary impairment, no less than quarterly. Investments that are deemed other
than temporarily impaired are written down to their estimated net fair value
and
the related losses recognized in operations in the period of determination.
We
determined that one of our securities qualified for other than temporary
impairment status during the three months ended September 30, 2007. In
connection with this process we charged to operations a net realized investment
loss that totaled approximately $797,000, net of an estimated provisional tax
effect of approximately $481,000. This investment was subsequently sold during
the three months ended December 31, 2007, and we recognized an additional
$200,000 loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately $122,000 in
connection with this security.
There
were no impaired investments written down as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005.
Cash
and Short Term Investments
Cash
and
short term investments, which include cash, certificates of deposits, and money
market accounts increased $4.6 million, or 25.7%, to $22.5 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $17.9 million as of December 31, 2006. These
balances are held primarily in money market accounts at amounts deemed
sufficient to meet short-term cash requirements. Our excess cash and short
term
investments are invested in accordance with our liquidity
requirements.
Receivable
for Investments Sold
Receivable
for investments sold increased to $6.4 million, as of December 31, 2007,
compared to nothing as of December 31, 2006. The increase is a result of
investment trading activity that occurred in late December and did not settle
until early January 2008.
Finance
Contracts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses
Finance
contracts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, decreased $1.4
million, or 77.1%, to $0.4 million as of December 31, 2007, compared to $1.8
million as of December 31, 2006. The decrease is primarily due to our sale
in
December 2004 of our assets related to our non-standard automobile insurance
agency business in Florida and the associated financed contracts. We anticipate
a continued decline in the financed contracts receivable, net over the future
short term and its related conversion to cash and short term investments and
investments.
Prepaid
Reinsurance Premiums
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums decreased $6.0 million, or 41.4%, to $8.5 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $14.5 million as of December 31, 2006. The
decrease is due primarily to reduced reinsurance costs as compared to the prior
year in connection with our homeowners’ book of business.
Premiums
Receivable, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses
Premiums
receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, decreased $3.4 million, or
47.4%, to $3.8 million as of December 31, 2007, compared to $7.2 million as
of
December 31, 2006.
Our
homeowners’ insurance premiums receivable decreased $2.3 million, or 55.1%, to
$1.9 million as of December 30, 2007, compared to $4.2 million as of December
31, 2006. The change can be attributed to a decrease in written
premiums.
Our
commercial general liability insurance premiums receivable decreased $0.1
million, or 5.2%, to $2.6 million as of December 30, 2007, compared to $2.7
million as of December 31, 2006.
-46-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Premiums
receivable in connection with our automobile line of business decreased $0.8
million, or 69.2%, to $0.4 million as of December 31, 2007, compared to $1.2
million as of December 31, 2006. The decrease in automobile related premiums
receivable is associated with our current policy to underwrite renewal policies
only and not take any new policy applicants.
The
activity in the allowance for credit losses for premiums receivable was as
follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Allowance
for credit losses at beginning of year
|
$
|
66,125
|
$
|
158,151
|
|||
Additions
charged to bad debt expense
|
854,005
|
1,404,002
|
|||||
Write-downs
charged against the allowance
|
(631,757
|
)
|
(1,496,028
|
)
|
|||
Allowance
for credit losses at end of year
|
$
|
288,373
|
$
|
66,125
|
Reinsurance
Recoverable, net
Reinsurance
recoverable, net increased $2.7 million, or 13.4%, to $22.9 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $20.2 million as of December 31, 2006. The
increase is due to payment patterns by our reinsurers. All amounts are current
and deemed collectable. We have not recorded a valuation allowance in connection
with our reinsurance recoverable, net.
Deferred
Policy Acquisition Costs
Deferred
policy acquisition costs decreased $2.2 million, or 19.7%, to $9.0 million
as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $11.2 million as of December 31, 2006. The change
in this asset is due to the decrease in our homeowners’ insurance production
volume.
An
analysis of deferred acquisition costs follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Balance,
beginning of year
|
$
|
11,153,168
|
$
|
9,183,654
|
|||
Acquisition
costs deferred
|
17,224,942
|
19,614,691
|
|||||
Amortization
expense during year
|
(19,419,915
|
)
|
(17,645,177
|
)
|
|||
Balance,
end of year
|
$
|
8,958,195
|
$
|
11,153,168
|
Deferred
Income Taxes, net
Deferred
income taxes, net, increased $2.0 million, or 56.2%, to $5.6 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $3.6 million as of December 31, 2006.
The increase
is comprised primarily of $0.9 million related to unrealized losses on
investment securities, $0.8 million in connection with deferred policy
acquisition costs, $0.7 million related to unpaid losses and LAE, and $0.7
million related to regulatory assessments, offset by $0.8 million related to
unearned premiums, $0.2 million in connection with the sale of our property
in
Lauderdale Lakes and $0.2 million related to unearned commissions.
Income
Taxes Receivable
Income
taxes receivable decreased to nothing as of December 31, 2007, compared to
$0.8
million as of December 31, 2006. The decrease is due to tax payment patterns
in
connection with our tax liabilities. The 2004, 2003 and 2002 consolidated
Federal Income Tax Returns filed by the Company have been examined by the
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) during 2006 and 2005. We have concurred with
certain IRS conclusions and have appealed other conclusions. Irrespective of
the
ongoing appellate process, we do not believe that a material adjustment will
occur. Income taxes receivable are net of $160,000 reserve established in
conjunction with this process.
Property,
Plant and Equipment, net
Property,
plant and equipment, net, decreased $0.2 million, or 19.3%, to $1.0 million
as
of December 31, 2007, compared to $1.3 million as of December 31, 2006. The
decrease is primarily due to depreciation and amortization of our existing
property, plant and equipment.
-47-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Other
Assets
Other
assets decreased $1.6 million, or 36.0%, to $2.9 million as of December 31,
2007, compared to $4.6 million as of December 31, 2006. Major components of
other assets are as follows:
December
31,
2007 |
December
31,
2006 |
||||||
Accrued
interest income receivable
|
$
|
1,429,844
|
$
|
1,515,584
|
|||
Notes
receivable
|
807,275
|
1,027,958
|
|||||
Revenue
sharing due from reinsurer
|
-
|
979,677
|
|||||
Unamortized
loan costs
|
-
|
61,572
|
|||||
Compensating
cash balances
|
-
|
9,911
|
|||||
Due
from sale of discontinued operations, net
|
-
|
320,000
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
547,542
|
531,008
|
|||||
Other
|
133,639
|
110,642
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
2,918,300
|
$
|
4,556,352
|
Unpaid
Losses and LAE
Unpaid
losses and LAE increased $20.1 million, or 50.7%, to $59.7 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $39.6 million as of December 31, 2006. The
increase in unpaid losses and LAE relates primarily to our loss reserve
strengthening relative to the commercial general liability and property lines
of
business. The composition of unpaid loss and LAE by product line is as
follows:
December
31,
2007 |
December
31,
2006 |
||||||
Homeowners'
|
$
|
30,689,760
|
$
|
21,788,126
|
|||
Commercial
General Liability
|
22,843,372
|
11,100,116
|
|||||
Automobile
|
6,151,658
|
6,727,236
|
|||||
$
|
59,684,790
|
$
|
39,615,478
|
Factors
that affect unpaid losses and LAE include the estimates made on a claim-by-claim
basis known as “case reserves” coupled with bulk estimates known as incurred but
not yet reported (“IBNR”). Periodic estimates by management of the ultimate
costs required to settle all claim files are based on the Company’s analysis of
historical data and estimations of the impact of numerous factors such as (i)
per claim information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience;
(iii) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the
awarding of damages, and changes in political attitudes; and (iv) trends in
general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Management
revises its estimates based on the results of its analysis. This process assumes
that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and
anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for estimating the ultimate
settlement of all claims. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating
the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of the reserves, because
the
eventual redundancy or deficiency is affected by multiple factors.
The
process of determining significant unpaid losses and LAE estimates is fact
specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current
and expected economic conditions, and an actuarial valuation. Management
regularly reevaluates these significant factors and makes adjustments where
facts and circumstances dictate. In selecting the best estimate, we utilize
various actuarial methodologies. Each of these methodologies is designed to
forecast the number of claims we will be called upon to pay and the amounts
we
will pay on average to settle those claims. In arriving at our best estimate,
our actuaries consider the likely predictive value of the various loss
development methodologies employed in light of underwriting practices, premium
rate changes and claim settlement practices that may have occurred, and weight
the credibility of each methodology. Our actuarial methodologies take into
account various factors, including, but not limited to, paid losses, liability
estimates for reported losses, paid allocated LAE, salvage and other recoveries
received, reported claim counts, open claim counts and counts for claims closed
with and without payment of loss.
The
incurred loss development method relies on the assumption that, at any given
state of maturity, ultimate losses can be predicted by multiplying cumulative
reported losses (paid losses plus case reserves) by a cumulative development
factor. The validity of the results of this method depends on the stability
of
claim reporting and settlement rates, as well as the consistency of case reserve
levels. Case reserves do not have to be adequately stated for this method to
be
effective; they only need to have a fairly consistent level of adequacy at
all
stages of maturity. Historical “age-to-age” loss development factors were
calculated to measure the relative development of an accident year from one
maturity point to the next. We then selected appropriate age-to-age loss
development factors based on these historical factors and use the selected
factors to project the ultimate losses.
-48-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Unearned
Premium
Unearned
premiums decreased $21.4 million, or 27.5%, to $56.4 million as of December
31,
2007, compared to $77.8 million as of December 31, 2006. The decrease was due
to
a $19.4 million decrease in unearned homeowners’ insurance premiums, a $0.5
million decrease in unearned commercial general liability premiums, and a $1.5
million decrease in unearned automobile premiums. Generally, as is in this
case,
a decrease in unearned premium directly relates to a decrease in written premium
on a rolling twelve-month basis. Conversely, in periods of increased written
premium on a rolling twelve-month basis, unearned premium generally would be
expected to rise.
Premium
Deposits and Customer Credit Balances
Premium
deposits and customer credit balances decreased $1.0 million, or 27.2%, to
$2.8
million as of December 31, 2007, compared to $3.8 million as of December 31,
2006. Premium deposits are monies received on policies not yet in force as
of
December 31, 2007.
Bank
Overdraft
Bank
overdraft increased $0.6 million, or 7.2%, to $8.7 million as of December 31,
2007, compared to $8.1 million as of December 31, 2006. The bank overdraft
relates primarily to loss and LAE disbursements paid but not yet presented
for
payment by the policyholder or vendor. The increase relates to our payment
patterns in relationship to the rate at which those cash disbursements are
presented to the bank for payment.
Income
Taxes Payable
Income
taxes payable increased to $4.2 million as of December 31, 2007, compared to
nothing as of December 31, 2006. The change is due to tax payment patterns
in
connection with our tax liabilities.
Subordinated
Debt
Subordinated
Debt decreased to nothing as of December 31, 2007, compared to $4.2 million
as
of December 31, 2006. The decrease is due to the maturity of the notes issued
in
the 2004 private placement on September 30, 2007 and our final principal and
interest payment on these notes.
Deferred
Gain from Sale of Property
Deferred
gain from sale of property decreased $0.5 million, or 19.0%, to $2.0 million
as
of December 31, 2007, compared to $2.5 million as of December 31, 2006. In
accordance with the provisions of SFAS 13, we are amortizing the deferred gain
over the term of the leaseback, which is scheduled to end in December
2011.
Accounts
Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 24.1%, to $4.3 million
as of December 31, 2007, compared to $5.7 million as of December 31, 2006.
This
decrease is due to our cash management efforts and timing of payments with
our
trade vendors.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Year
Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31,
2006
Gross
Premiums Written
Gross
premiums written decreased $19.1 million, or 12.5%, to $133.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $152.7 million for year ended December
31, 2006. The following table denotes gross premiums written by major product
line.
-49-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||||
Amount
|
|
Percentage
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percentage
|
|||||||
Homeowners'
|
$
|
99,502,479
|
74.48
|
%
|
$
|
114,388,069
|
74.93
|
%
|
|||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
32,221,551
|
24.12
|
%
|
32,213,179
|
21.10
|
%
|
|||||||
Automobile
|
1,867,304
|
1.40
|
%
|
6,063,645
|
3.97
|
%
|
|||||||
Gross
written premiums
|
$
|
133,591,334
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
152,664,893
|
100.00
|
%
|
The
following table sets forth the amounts and percentages of our gross premiums
written in connection with our commercial general liability program by state:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
State
|
|||||||||||||
Alabama
|
$
|
26
|
0.08
|
%
|
$
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||
California
|
23
|
0.07
|
%
|
- |
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
Florida
|
21,192
|
65.77
|
%
|
22,965
|
71.29
|
%
|
|||||||
Georgia
|
1,023
|
3.17
|
%
|
1,805
|
5.60
|
%
|
|||||||
Kentucky
|
8
|
0.03
|
%
|
9 |
0.03
|
%
|
|||||||
Lousiania
|
5,595
|
17.36
|
%
|
5,743
|
17.83
|
%
|
|||||||
South
Carolina
|
182
|
0.57
|
%
|
77
|
0.24
|
%
|
|||||||
Texas
|
4,127
|
12.81
|
%
|
1,604
|
4.98
|
%
|
|||||||
Virginia
|
46
|
0.14
|
%
|
10
|
0.03
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
|
$
|
32,222
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
32,213
|
100.00
|
%
|
The
Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies decreased $14.9 million, or 13.0% to
$99.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $114.4 million
for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease is primarily due to the
soft
market conditions prevailing in the State of Florida. The soft market conditions
are lead by Citizens, the state run insurance company. We believe that the
competition in this market is based primarily on pricing insurance products
at
rates that do not reflect current economic conditions. We do not intend to
compete with others solely on the basis of pricing mechanisms. Where our rates
are competitive (and there are territories in Florida that so exist) we will
continue to market our property insurance product.
The
Company’s sale of auto insurance policies decreased by $4.2 million, or 69.2%,
to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $6.1 million
for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Gross
Premiums Ceded
Gross
premiums ceded decreased $23.0 million, or 34.0%, to $44.6 million for the
year
ended December 31, 2007, compared to $67.5 million for the year ended December
31, 2006.
(Decrease)
Increase in Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
The
(decrease) increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums was ($11.3) million for
the
year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $20.2 million for year ended December
31, 2006. The change in this account is primarily associated with the timing
of
our reinsurance payments measured against the term of the underling reinsurance
policies.
Decrease
(Increase) in Unearned Premiums
The
decrease (increase) in unearned premiums was $21.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to ($16.0) million for year ended December 31,
2006.
The change was due to a $19.4 million decrease in unearned homeowners’ insurance
premiums, a $0.5 million decrease in unearned commercial general liability
premiums, and a $1.5 million decrease in unearned automobile premiums. These
changes are a result of our decreased premium volume during this period. See
Gross Premiums Written.
-50-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Net
Premiums Earned
Net
premiums earned increased $9.9 million, or 11.1%, to $99.2 million for the
year
ended December 31, 2007, compared to $89.3 million for year ended December
31,
2006. The following table denotes net premiums earned by major product line.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$
|
63,121,360
|
63.62
|
%
|
$
|
48,206,614
|
53.95
|
%
|
|||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
32,738,178
|
32.99
|
%
|
27,658,007
|
30.96
|
%
|
|||||||
Automobile
|
3,364,583
|
3.39
|
%
|
13,483,633
|
15.09
|
%
|
|||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$
|
99,224,121
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
89,348,254
|
100.00
|
%
|
As
noted
above, the Company’s efforts to expand its commercial general liability lines of
insurance products is coming to fruition, as reflected by increased net premiums
earned of $5.1 million, or 18.4 % to $32.7 million for the year ended December
31, 2007, compared to $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Commission
Income
Commission
income increased $5.5 million, to $7.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2007,
compared to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Recurring
components of our commission income totaled $1.4 million. Non-reoccurring
components of our commission income totaled $5.8 million stemming from two
separate events. First and pursuant to provisions contained in the three-year
reinsurance treaties, we were afforded the right to cancel the remaining two
years and be entitled to receive a no loss experience commission. In connection
with this treaty, we reported approximately $2.8 million during the year ended
December 31, 2007. The second non-reoccurring operating event was in connection
with commission income totaling approximately $3.0 million in connection with
our participation in a Citizens take out program in 2004, wherein the commission
was earned by us upon the successful retention of the policyholder for
thirty-six months.
Finance
Revenue
Finance
revenue decreased $1.1 million, or 67.7%, to $0.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $1.7 million for year ended December 31, 2006.
The change is primarily due to the Company’s decreased emphasis on automobile
insurance and the finance revenue derived there-from.
Managing
General Agent Fees
Managing
general agent fees decreased $0.6 million, or 22.5%, to $2.0 million for the
year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $2.6 million for year ended December
31, 2006.
Net
Investment Income
Net
investment income increased $2.0 million, or 34.2%, to $8.0 million for the
year
ended December 31, 2007,
compared to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase
in
investment income is primarily a result of the additional amounts of invested
assets. Also affecting our net investment income was an increase in overall
yield to 6.10 % for the year ended December 30, 2007 compared to a yield of
5.28
% for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Net
Realized Investment (Losses) Gains
Net
realized investment (losses) gains were ($0.1) million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $1.1 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The
table below depicts (losses) gains by investment category.
-51-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Realized gains: | |||||||
Fixed
securities
|
$
|
17,587
|
$ | 151 | |||
Equity
securities
|
2,115,461
|
1,471,307
|
|||||
Total
realized gains
|
2,133,048
|
1,471,458
|
|||||
Realized
losses:
|
|||||||
Fixed
securities
|
(384
|
)
|
(66,722
|
)
|
|||
Equity
securities
|
(2,278,083
|
)
|
(341,874
|
)
|
|||
Total
realized losses
|
(2,278,467
|
)
|
(408,596
|
)
|
|||
Net
realized (losses) gains on investments
|
$
|
(145,419
|
)
|
$
|
1,062,862
|
Other
Income
Other
income increased $0.7 million, or 45.2%, to $2.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2006. Major components of other income for the year ended December 31, 2007
included approximately $1.7 million in connection with FIGA recoupment, $0.5
million in partial recognition of our gain on the sale of our Lauderdale Lakes
property and $0.1 million of rental income, interest income and miscellaneous
income.
Loss
and LAE
Loss
and
LAE, our most significant expense, represent actual payments made and changes
in
estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of our policyholders,
including expenses required to settle claims and losses. We revise our estimates
based on the results of analysis of estimated future payments to be made. This
process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current
developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting
future events.
Loss
and
LAE increased by $3.2 million, or 7.3%, to $47.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $44.4 million for year ended December 31, 2006.
The increase includes $1.2 million adverse development associated with the
2004
hurricanes.
We
continue to revise our estimates of the ultimate financial impact of past
storms. The revisions to our estimates are based on our analysis of subsequent
information that we receive regarding various factors, including: (i) per claim
information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii)
legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the awarding
of damages, and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the
effects of inflation. Management revises its estimates based on the results
of
its analysis. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the
effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis
for estimating the ultimate settlement of all claims. There is no precise method
for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy
of
the reserves, because the eventual redundancy or deficiency is affected by
multiple factors.
The
table
below reflects no impact to operations during the year ended December 31, 2007
from the four hurricanes that occurred in July, August, September and October
of
2005.
-52-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
2005
Hurricanes
|
Claim
Count
|
Gross
Losses
|
Reinsurance
Recoveries
|
Net
Losses
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Dennis
(July 10)
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
Katrina
(August 25)
|
4
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
-
|
|||||||||
Rita
(September 20)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Wilma
(October 24)
|
205
|
20.5
|
20.5
|
-
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
209
|
$
|
20.6
|
$
|
20.6
|
$
|
-
|
The
following table reflects the changes during the year ended December 31, 2007
in
connection with the four hurricanes that occurred in August and September
of
2004. A charge of $1.2 million occurred during the year ended December 31,
2007
in connection with these storms.
Claim
|
Gross
|
Reinsurance
|
Net
|
||||||||||
2004
Hurricanes
|
Count
|
Losses
|
Recoveries
|
Losses
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Charley
(August 13)
|
1
|
$
|
2.2
|
$
|
2.2
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
Frances
(September 3)
|
-
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
-
|
|||||||||
Ivan
(September 14)
|
-
|
1.0
|
-
|
1.0
|
|||||||||
Jeanne
(September 25)
|
1
|
0.2
|
-
|
0.2
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
2
|
$
|
4.2
|
$
|
3.0
|
$
|
1.2
|
Our
loss
ratio, as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the year ended December 31,
2007 was 48.0%, compared to 49.7% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The
table below reflects the loss ratios by product line.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Homeowners'
|
37.4
|
%
|
46.7
|
%
|
|||
Commercial
General Liability
|
58.9
|
%
|
38.2
|
%
|
|||
Automobile
|
140.0
|
%
|
84.4
|
%
|
|||
All
lines
|
48.0
|
%
|
49.7
|
%
|
For
further discussion, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
under Part II, Item 8, of this Report.
Operating
and Underwriting Expenses
Operating
and underwriting expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 3.6%, to $12.7 million
for
the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $13.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006. The change is primarily due to a $2.3 million aggregate
decrease in boards bureaus and associations, bad debts, real estate taxes,
motor
vehicle reports, telephone, temporary employment, postage and bank fees, offset
by a $1.8 million aggregate increase in legal fees, building rent, premium
taxes, consulting fees, licensing, accounting fees and a one time settlement
payment to State National.
Salaries
and Wages
Salaries
and wages decreased $0.3 million, or 4.0%, to $6.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2006.
-53-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense decreased $0.5 million, or 73.6%, to $0.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared to $0.7 million for year ended December 31, 2006.
The decrease results from our subordinated debt retirement on September 30,
2007.
Policy
Acquisition Costs, Net of Amortization
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization, increased $2.0 million, or 11.6%, to
$19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $17.4 million
for year ended December 31, 2006. The increase is primarily in connection with
a
more generous commission structure during 2007. Policy acquisition costs, net
of
amortization, consists of the actual policy acquisition costs, including
commissions, payroll and premium taxes, less commissions earned on reinsurance
ceded and policy fees earned.
Provision
for Income Tax Expense
The
provision for income tax expense increased $3.8 million, or 51.8%, to $11.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $7.4 million for
the
year ended December 31, 2006. The effective rate for income tax expense is
34.5%
for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 34.7% for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
Net
Income
As
a
result of the foregoing, the Company’s net income for the year ended December
31, 2007 was $21.3 million compared to net income of $13.9 million for year
ended December 31, 2006.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
Gross
Premiums Written
Gross
premiums written increased $33.2 million, or 27.8%, to $152.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $119.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2005. The following table denotes gross premiums written by major
product line.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$
|
114,388,069
|
74.93
|
%
|
$
|
76,181,988
|
63.78
|
%
|
|||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
32,213,179
|
21.10
|
%
|
22,593,477
|
18.92
|
%
|
|||||||
Automobile
|
6,063,645
|
3.97
|
%
|
20,664,832
|
17.30
|
%
|
|||||||
Gross
written premiums
|
$
|
152,664,893
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
119,440,297
|
100.00
|
%
|
As
noted
above, the Company’s efforts to expand commercial general liability lines of
insurance products are coming to fruition, as reflected by increased premiums
written of $9.6 million, or 42.6 % to $32.2 million for the year ended December
31, 2006, compared to $22.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
-54-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
following table sets forth the amounts and percentages of our gross premiums
written in connection with our commercial general liability program by state:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
State
|
|||||||||||||
Florida
|
$
|
22,965
|
71.29
|
%
|
$
|
18,293
|
80.97
|
%
|
|||||
Georgia
|
1,805
|
5.60
|
%
|
1,258
|
5.57
|
%
|
|||||||
Kentucky
|
9
|
0.03
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
Lousiania
|
5,743
|
17.83
|
%
|
3,042
|
13.46
|
%
|
|||||||
South
Carolina
|
77
|
0.24
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
Texas
|
1,604
|
4.98
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
Virginia
|
10
|
0.03
|
%
|
-
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
|
$
|
32,213
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
22,593
|
100.00
|
%
|
The
Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies increased $38.2 million, or 50.2%, to
$114.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to $76.2
million for year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in homeowners’ gross
premiums written was primarily due to the Company’s rate increase, with only a
slight increase in the number of policy holders.
The
Company’s sale of auto insurance policies decreased $14.6 million, or 70.7%, to
$6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to $20.7 million
for year ended December 31, 2005.
Gross
Premiums Ceded
Gross
premiums ceded increased to a debit balance of ($67.5) million for the year
ended December 31, 2006, compared to a debit balance of ($31.4) million for
year
ended December 31, 2005. The increase was associated with the change in our
prepaid reinsurance premiums in connection with our 2006-2007 hurricane season.
For further discussion please see Footnote 6 titled “Reinsurance
Agreements”.
Increase
in Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
The
increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums was $20.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $6.6 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
The increased credit to written premium was primarily associated with the timing
of our reinsurance payments measured against the term of the underling
reinsurance policies.
(Increase)
in Unearned Premiums
The
(increase) in unearned premiums was ($16.0) million for the year ended December
31, 2006, compared to ($11.7) million for year ended December 31, 2005. The
change was due to an $18.9 million increase in unearned homeowners’ insurance
premiums, a $4.6 million increase in unearned commercial general liability
premiums, and a $7.4 million decrease in unearned automobile premiums. These
changes reflect our continued growth along our homeowners’ and commercial
general liability lines of business. For further discussion, see “Analysis of
Financial Condition - Unearned Premiums” on page 49.
Net
Premiums Earned
Net
premiums earned increased $6.4 million, or 7.7%, to $89.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2006, compared to $83.0 million for year ended December
31,
2005. The following table denotes net premiums earned by major product line.
-55-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||
Amount
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Percentage
|
||||
Homeowners'
|
$
|
48,206,614
|
53.95
|
%
|
$
|
40,386,025
|
48.68
|
%
|
|||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
27,658,007
|
30.96
|
%
|
18,212,251
|
21.95
|
%
|
|||||||
Automobile
|
13,483,633
|
15.09
|
%
|
24,365,220
|
29.37
|
%
|
|||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$
|
89,348,254
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
82,963,496
|
100.00
|
%
|
As
noted
above, the Company’s efforts to expand commercial general liability lines of
insurance products are coming to fruition, as reflected by increased net
premiums earned of $9.4 million, or 51.9 % to $27.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $18.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2005.
Finance
Revenue
Finance
revenue decreased $1.9 million, or 52.7%, to $1.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $3.6 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
The decrease was primarily due to the sale in December 2004 of our assets
related to our non-standard automobile insurance agency business in Florida
and
the finance revenue derived there from. We expect a continuing decline in
finance revenue over the near future.
Managing
General Agent Fees
Managing
general agent fees increased $0.2 million, or 8.5%, to $2.6 million for the
year
ended December 31, 2006, compared to $2.4 million for year ended December 31,
2005.
Net
Investment Income
Net
investment income increased $2.1 million, or 54.5%, to $5.9 million for the
year
ended December 31, 2006, compared to $3.8 million for year ended December 31,
2005. The increase in investment income was primarily a result of the additional
amounts of invested assets. Also affecting our net investment income was an
increase in overall yield to 5.28% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared
to a yield of 4.66% for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Net
Realized Investment Gains
Net
realized investment gains increased $0.6 million, or 131.9%, to $1.1 million
for
the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $0.5 million for year ended
December 31, 2005. The table below depicts the gains (losses) by investment
category.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Realized
gains:
|
|||||||
Fixed
securities
|
$
|
151
|
$
|
36,981
|
|||
Equity
securities
|
1,471,307
|
664,162
|
|||||
Total
realized gains
|
1,471,458
|
701,143
|
|||||
Realized
losses:
|
|||||||
Fixed
securities
|
(66,722
|
)
|
(136,570
|
)
|
|||
Equity
securities
|
(341,874
|
)
|
(106,267
|
)
|
|||
Total
realized losses
|
(408,596
|
)
|
(242,837
|
)
|
|||
Net
realized gains on investments
|
$
|
1,062,862
|
$
|
458,306
|
Other
Income
Other
income increased $0.6 million, or 56.5%, to $1.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $1.0 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
Major components of other income for the year ended December 31, 2006 included
$0.5 million in partial recognition of our gain on the sale of our Lauderdale
Lakes property, $0.2 million in connection with a legal settlement, $0.2 million
of business interruption recovery, $0.1 million in connection with FIGA fees,
$0.1 million of rental income and $0.2 million of miscellaneous other
sources.
-56-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Loss
and LAE
Loss
and
LAE, our most significant expense, represent actual payments made and changes
in
estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of our policyholders,
including expenses required to settle claims and losses. We revise our estimates
based on the results of analysis of estimated future payments to be made. This
process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current
developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting
future events.
Loss
and
LAE decreased by $3.9 million, or 8.1%, to $44.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $48.3 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
The decrease was attributable to the increase in loss and LAE incurred during
the year ended December 31, 2005 which was in connection with the adverse
development associated with the 2004 hurricanes.
We
continue to revise our estimates of the ultimate financial impact of past
storms. The revisions to our estimates are based on our analysis of subsequent
information that we receive regarding various factors, including: (i) per claim
information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii)
legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the awarding
of damages, and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the
effects of inflation. Management revises its estimates based on the results
of
its analysis. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the
effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis
for estimating the ultimate settlement of all claims. There is no precise method
for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy
of
the reserves, because the eventual redundancy or deficiency is affected by
multiple factors.
The
table
below reflects a recovery to operations of $0.1 million during the year ended
December 31, 2006 from the four hurricanes that occurred in July, August,
September and October of 2005.
Claim
|
Gross
|
Reinsurance
|
Net
|
||||||||||
2005 Hurricanes |
Count
|
Losses
|
Recoveries
|
Losses
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Dennis
(July 10)
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
Katrina
(August 25)
|
37
|
(0.1
|
)
|
(0.1
|
)
|
-
|
|||||||
Rita
(September 20)
|
(5
|
)
|
(0.1
|
)
|
-
|
(0.1
|
)
|
||||||
Wilma
(October 24)
|
1,517
|
26.0
|
26.0
|
-
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
1,549
|
$
|
25.8
|
$
|
25.9
|
$
|
(0.1
|
)
|
The
following table reflects the changes during the year ended December 31, 2006
in
connection with the four hurricanes that occurred in August and September of
2004. A charge of $5.5 million occurred during the year ended December 31,
2006
in connection with these storms.
Claim
|
|
Gross
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
Net
|
|||||||
2004
Hurricanes
|
Count
|
Losses
|
Recoveries
|
Losses
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in millions)
|
|||||||||||||
Charley
(August 13)
|
6
|
$
|
3.6
|
$
|
3.6
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
Frances
(September 3)
|
4
|
3.2
|
3.1
|
0.1
|
|||||||||
Ivan
(September 14)
|
(3
|
)
|
4.5
|
-
|
4.5
|
||||||||
Jeanne
(September 25)
|
14
|
0.9
|
-
|
0.9
|
|||||||||
Total
Loss Estimate
|
21
|
$
|
12.2
|
$
|
6.7
|
$
|
5.5
|
Our
loss
ratio, as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the year ended December 31,
2006 was 49.7%, compared to 58.3% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The
table below reflects the loss ratios by product line.
-57-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Homeowners'
|
46.7
|
%
|
65.5
|
%
|
|||
Commercial
General Liability
|
38.2
|
%
|
19.1
|
%
|
|||
Automobile
|
84.4
|
%
|
75.5
|
%
|
|||
All
lines
|
49.7
|
%
|
58.3
|
%
|
For
further discussion, see the Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included under Part II, Item 8, of this Report.
Operating
and Underwriting Expenses
Operating
and underwriting expenses increased $4.9 million, or 60.1%, to $13.2 million
for
the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $8.2 million for year ended
December 31, 2005. The change was primarily due to a charge to operations of
$3.9 million in connection with a FIGA assessment and premium tax expense which
increased $1.0 million. Approvals by the OIR to recoup the assessment through
an
average 1.0% policy surcharge on all of our policies written in Florida over
a
twelve month period for new and renewal business have been granted. Premium
tax
expense is directly correlated to written premium, which experienced an increase
in 2006.
Salaries
and Wages
Salaries
and wages increased $0.6 million, or 9.8%, to $7.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $6.4 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
As
a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, salaries and wages
for
the year ended December 31, 2006 included a $0.5 million charge, representing
approximately 85.9% of the 2006 overall increase. The remaining increase in
salaries and wages was due in part to the increased labor costs in connection
with additional claims loss adjusters added to our staff. We believe that
salaries and wages are consistent with retaining quality management and
increased premium production.
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense decreased $0.7 million, or 53.1%, to $0.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, compared to $1.4 million for year ended December 31, 2005.
The change was primarily attributed to our decreased reliance upon outside
sources for financing our contracts receivable.
Policy
Acquisition Costs, Net of Amortization
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization, increased $2.8 million, or 19.5%, to
$17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $14.6 million
for year ended December 31, 2005. Policy acquisition costs, net of amortization,
consists of the actual policy acquisition costs, including commissions, payroll
and premium taxes, less commissions earned on reinsurance ceded and policy
fees
earned.
Provision
for Income Tax Expense
The
provision for income tax expense for continuing and discontinued operations
increased $2.1 million, or 39.9%, to $7.4 million for the year ended December
31, 2006, compared to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The
effective rate for income tax expense is 34.7% for the year ended December
31,
2006, compared to 30.4% for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Net
Income
As
a
result of the foregoing, the Company’s net income for the year ended December
31, 2006 was $13.9 million compared to net income of $12.1 million for year
ended December 31, 2005.
CONTRACTUAL
OBLIGATIONS
A
summary
of long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007 follows. The
amounts represent estimates of gross undiscounted amounts payable over
time.
-58-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Total
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | |||||||||||||||||||
Unpaid
Losses and LAE
|
$
|
59,685
|
$
|
32,827
|
$
|
20,890
|
$
|
5,968
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||
Operating
leases
|
2,524
|
613
|
625
|
638
|
648
|
-
|
|||||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
62,209
|
$
|
33,440
|
$
|
21,515
|
$
|
6,606
|
$
|
648
|
$
|
-
|
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, our primary sources of capital were revenues
generated from operations, including increased unpaid losses and LAE, decreased
prepaid reinsurance premiums, increased income taxes payable, decreased premiums
receivable, decreased policy acquisition costs, net of amortization, decreased
premium finance contracts receivable, decreased other assets, decreased income
taxes recoverable and increased bank overdrafts. Operational sources of capital
also included non-cash compensation, depreciation and amortization, provision
for uncollectible premiums receivable and common stock issued for interest
on
notes. Also contributing to our liquidity were proceeds from the sale of
investment securities, exercised warrants, a tax benefit related to non-cash
compensation and exercised employee stock options. Because we are a holding
company, we are largely dependent upon fees and commissions from our
subsidiaries for cash flow.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, operations provided net operating cash flow of
$32.8 million, as compared to $27.5 million and $19.4 million for the years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, operations generated $62.0 million of gross cash
flow, due to a $20.1 million increase in unpaid losses and LAE, a $6.0 million
decrease in prepaid reinsurance premiums, a $3.3 million increase in income
taxes payable, a $4.2 million decrease in premiums receivable, a $2.2 million
decrease in policy acquisition costs, net of amortization, a $1.4 million
decrease in premium finance contracts receivable, a $1.2 million decrease in
other assets, a $0.8 million decrease in income taxes recoverable and a $0.6
million increase in bank overdrafts. Operational sources of capital also
included $0.4 million of non-cash compensation, $0.3 million of depreciation
and
amortization, $0.2 million in the provision for uncollectible premiums
receivable and $0.1 million of common stock issued for interest on notes, all
in
conjunction with net income of $21.3 million.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, operations used $29.1 million of gross cash flow
primarily due to a $21.4 million decrease in unearned premiums, a $2.7 million
increase in reinsurance recoverable, net, a $2.0 million increase in deferred
income tax expense, a $1.4 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued
expenses and a $1.0 million decrease in premium deposits and customer credit
balances. Additional operational uses of cash include $0.4 million of
amortization of investment discount and $0.2 million of net realized investment
losses.
Subject
to catastrophic occurrences, net operating cash flow is currently expected
to be
positive in both the short-term and the reasonably foreseeable future.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, net investing activities used $19.0 million,
as
compared to $19.7 million and $15.5 million for the years ended December 31,
2006 and 2005, respectively. Our available for sale investment portfolio is
highly liquid as it consists entirely of readily marketable securities. For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, investing activities generated $153.6 million
and
used $172.6 million from the maturity several times over of our very short
municipal portfolio.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, net financing activities used $9.2 million, as
compared to provided $4.1 million and used $4.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2007,
the sources of cash in connection with financing activities included $2.0
million from the exercise of warrants, a $0.2 million tax benefit related to
non-cash compensation and $0.2 million of exercised stock options. The uses
of
cash in connection with financing activities included $5.8 million in dividends
paid, $3.8 million for the purchase of treasury stock and $2.1 million for
the
regularly scheduled principal and interest payments on our Notes.
We
continue to offer direct billing in connection with our automobile program,
where the insurance company accepts from the insured, as a receivable, a promise
to pay the premium, as opposed to requiring the full amount of the policy,
either directly from the insured or from a premium finance company. The
advantage of direct billing a policyholder by the insurance company is that
we
are not reliant on our credit facility, but remain able to charge and collect
interest from the policyholder.
-59-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
We
believe that our current capital resources, together with cash flow from
operations, will be sufficient to meet currently anticipated working capital
requirements. There can be no assurances, however, that such will be the case.
Federated
National’s and American Vehicle’s statutory capital surplus levels as of
December 31, 2007 were approximately $32.3 million and $27.6 million,
respectively, and their statutory net income for the year ended December 31,
2007 were $15.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
As
of
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, we did not have any relationships with
unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often
referred to as “structured finance” or “special purpose” entities, which were
established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance-sheet arrangements
or
other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, management believes
that we currently are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit
risks that could arise if we had engaged in transactions of that type requiring
disclosure herein.
On
July
31, 2003, we completed a private placement of 6% Senior Subordinated Notes
(the
“July 2003 Notes”), which were offered and sold to accredited investors as units
consisting of one July 2003 Note with a principal amount of $1,000 and warrants
(the “2003 Warrants”) to purchase shares of our Common Stock. We sold an
aggregate of $7.5 million of July 2003 Notes in this placement, which resulted
in proceeds to us (net of placement agent fees of $450,724 and offering expenses
of $110,778) of $6,938,498.
The
July
2003 Notes paid interest at the annual rate of 6%, were subordinated to senior
debt of the Company, and matured on July 31, 2006. Quarterly payments of
principal and interest due on the July 2003 Notes were made in cash or, at
our
option, in shares of our Common Stock. When paid in shares of Common Stock,
the
number of shares issued was determined by dividing the payment due by 95% of
the
weighted-average volume price for the Common Stock on Nasdaq as reported by
Bloomberg for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the payment
date.
The
2003
Warrants issued in this placement to the purchasers of the July 2003 Notes
and
to the placement agent in the offering, J. Giordano Securities Group (“J.
Giordano”), each entitled the holder to purchase ¾ of one share of our Common
Stock at an exercise price of $12.744 per whole share (as adjusted for the
Company’s three-for-two stock split) until July 31, 2006. The total number of
shares issuable upon exercise of 2003 Warrants issued to the purchasers of
the
July 2003 Notes and to J. Giordano totaled 612,074. GAAP required that
detachable warrants be valued separately from debt and included in paid-in
capital. Based on the terms of the purchase agreement with the investors
in the private placement, management determined that the July 2003 Warrants
had
zero value at the date of issuance.
On
July
31, 2006, we made the final principal payment of $625,000 on the July 2003
notes
and the July 2003 warrants expired. Of the 612,074 shares that could have been
issued in connection with the July 2003 warrants, 301,430 were exercised,
225,000 were reacquired in the open market by us and 85,644 were unexercised.
The unexercised warrants were cancelled as of July 31, 2006.
On
September 30, 2004, we completed a private placement of 6% Senior Subordinated
Notes due September 30, 2007 (the “September 2004 Notes”). These notes were
offered and sold to accredited investors as units consisting of one September
2004 Note with a principal amount of $1,000 and
warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock (the “2004 Warrants”), the terms
of which are similar to our July 2003 Notes and 2003 Warrants, except as
described below.
We sold
an aggregate of $12.5 million of units in this placement, which resulted in
proceeds (net of placement agent fees of $700,000 and offering expenses of
$32,500) to us of $11,767,500.
The
September 2004 Notes paid interest at the annual rate of 6%, mature on September
30, 2007, and ranked pari passu in terms of payment and priority to the July
2003 Notes. Quarterly payments of principal and interest due on the September
2004 Notes, like the July 2003 Notes, were made in cash or, at our option,
in
shares of our Common Stock. When paid in shares of Common Stock, the number
of
shares issued was determined by dividing the payment due by 95% of the
weighted-average volume price for the Common Stock on Nasdaq as reported by
Bloomberg for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the payment
date.
The
2004
Warrants issued to the purchasers of the September 2004 Notes and to the
placement agent in the offering, J. Giordano, each entitled the holder to
purchase one share of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $12.75 per share
and was
exercisable until September 30, 2007. The
number of shares issued upon exercise of the 2004 Warrants to purchasers equaled
$12.5 million divided by the exercise price of the warrants, and totaled
980,392. The number of shares issued upon exercise of the 2004 Warrants to
J.
Giordano equaled $500,000 divided by the exercise price of the warrants, and
totaled 39,216. GAAP required that detachable warrants be valued separately
from
debt and included in paid-in capital. Based on the terms of the purchase
agreement with the investors in the private placement, management determined
that the September 2004 Warrants had zero value at the date of issuance.
-60-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
On
September 30, 2007, we made the final principal payment of $1,041,667 on the
September 2004 notes and the September 2004 warrants expired. Of the 1,019,608
shares that could have been issued in connection with the September 2004
warrants, 911,270 were exercised and 108,338 were unexercised. The unexercised
warrants were cancelled as of September 30, 2007.
IMPACT
OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
The
consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP which requires the measurement of financial
position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without
considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due
to
inflation. Our primary assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a
result, interest rates have a more significant impact on performance than the
effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move
in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the inflationary effect
on
the cost of paying losses and LAE.
Insurance
premiums are established before we know the amount of loss and LAE and the
extent to which inflation may affect such expenses. Consequently, we attempt
to
anticipate the future impact of inflation when establishing rate levels. While
we attempt to charge adequate premiums, we may be limited in raising premium
levels for competitive and regulatory reasons. Inflation also affects the market
value of our investment portfolio and the investment rate of return. Any future
economic changes which result in prolonged and increasing levels of inflation
could cause increases in the dollar amount of incurred loss and LAE and thereby
materially adversely affect future liability requirements.
-61-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
SELECTED
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
Year
Ended December 31, 2007
|
|||||||||||||
First
Quarter
|
Second
Quarter |
Third
Quarter |
Fourth
Quarter |
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS)
|
|||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$
|
22,373
|
$
|
24,814
|
$
|
27,181
|
$
|
24,856
|
|||||
Other
revenue
|
3,212
|
9,679
|
2,390
|
4,627
|
|||||||||
Total
revenue
|
25,585
|
34,493
|
29,571
|
29,483
|
|||||||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
14,103
|
9,658
|
14,850
|
9,009
|
|||||||||
Other
expenses
|
10,215
|
9,802
|
11,066
|
7,925
|
|||||||||
Total
expenses
|
24,318
|
19,460
|
25,916
|
16,934
|
|||||||||
Income
before provision for income tax expense
|
1,267
|
15,033
|
3,656
|
12,549
|
|||||||||
Provision
for income tax expense
|
425
|
4,555
|
1,787
|
4,459
|
|||||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
843
|
$
|
10,478
|
$
|
1,869
|
$
|
8,090
|
|||||
Basic
net income per share
|
$
|
0.11
|
$
|
1.32
|
$
|
0.24
|
$
|
1.02
|
|||||
Fully
diluted net income per share
|
$
|
0.10
|
$
|
1.31
|
$
|
0.24
|
$
|
1.01
|
|||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
7,958
|
7,931
|
7,892
|
7,913
|
|||||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
|||||||||||||
(assuming
dilution)
|
8,187
|
8,015
|
7,948
|
7,988
|
-62-
21st
Century Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Year
Ended December 31, 2006
|
|||||||||||||
First
|
|
Second
|
|
Third
|
|
Fourth
|
|
||||||
|
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS)
|
|||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
|||||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$
|
21,807
|
$
|
28,741
|
$
|
21,707
|
$
|
17,093
|
|||||
Other
revenue
|
3,307
|
3,601
|
3,063
|
4,595
|
|||||||||
Total
revenue
|
25,115
|
32,342
|
24,770
|
21,687
|
|||||||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
7,569
|
9,343
|
10,271
|
17,217
|
|||||||||
Other
expenses
|
8,289
|
8,389
|
10,613
|
10,931
|
|||||||||
Total
expenses
|
15,858
|
17,732
|
20,884
|
28,148
|
|||||||||
Income
(loss) before provision (benefit) for income tax expense
|
9,257
|
14,610
|
3,887
|
(6,460
|
)
|
||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income tax expense
|
3,243
|
5,705
|
857
|
(2,410
|
)
|
||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$
|
6,013
|
$
|
8,905
|
$
|
3,029
|
$
|
(4,051
|
)
|
||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share
|
$
|
0.88
|
$
|
1.20
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.52
|
)
|
||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share
|
$
|
0.83
|
$
|
1.19
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.52
|
)
|
||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
6,845
|
7,428
|
7,561
|
7,846
|
|||||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
|||||||||||||
(assuming
dilution)
|
7,238
|
7,466
|
7,563
|
7,846
|
-63-
21st
Century Holding Company
OFF
BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
For
the
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no off balance sheet
transactions.
ITEM
7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET
RISK
Our
investment objective is to maximize total rate of return after Federal income
taxes while maintaining liquidity and minimizing risk. Our current investment
policy limits investment in non-investment grade fixed maturity securities
(including high-yield bonds), and limits total investments in preferred stock,
common stock and mortgage notes receivable. We also comply with applicable
laws
and regulations, which further restrict the type, quality and concentration
of
investments. In general, these laws and regulations permit investments, within
specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in Federal, state and
municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common equity securities
and real estate mortgages.
Our
investment policy is established by the Board of Directors Investment Committee
and is reviewed on a regular basis. Pursuant to this investment policy, as
of
December 31, 2007, approximately 89.4% of investments were in fixed income
securities and short-term investments, which are considered to be either held
until maturity or available for sale, based upon our estimates of required
liquidity. Approximately 83% of the fixed maturities are considered available
for sale and are marked to market. We may in the future consider additional
fixed maturities to be held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. We do
not
use any swaps, options, futures or forward contracts to hedge or enhance our
investment portfolio.
The
investment portfolio is managed by the Investment Committee consisting of all
current directors in accordance with guidelines established by the Florida
OIR.
The
table
below sets forth investment results for the periods indicated.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||
Interest
on fixed maturities
|
$
|
6,552
|
$
|
4,618
|
$
|
2,970
|
||||
Dividends
on equity securities
|
565 |
623
|
660
|
|||||||
Interest
on short-term securities
|
691 |
737
|
209
|
|||||||
Other
|
230 |
-
|
33
|
|||||||
Total
investment income
|
8,038
|
5,978
|
3,872
|
|||||||
Investment
expense
|
(74 | ) |
(45
|
)
|
(31
|
)
|
||||
Net
investment income
|
$
|
7,964
|
$
|
5,933
|
$
|
3,841
|
||||
Net
realized (loss) gain
|
$ | (145 | ) |
$
|
1,063
|
$
|
458
|
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2007
and
2006
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
||||||||||||
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
|||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
Fixed
maturities, at market:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
$
|
61,308
|
45.01
|
%
|
$
|
97,314
|
77.95
|
%
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
17,777
|
13.05
|
%
|
17,804
|
14.26
|
%
|
|||||||
Corporate
securities
|
40,609
|
29.81
|
%
|
3,075
|
2.46
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
119,694
|
87.87
|
%
|
118,193
|
94.67
|
%
|
|||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
16,530
|
12.13
|
%
|
6,641
|
5.33
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
investments
|
$
|
136,224
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
124,834
|
100.00
|
%
|
-64-
21st
Century Holding Company
Fixed
maturities are carried on the balance sheet at market. At December 31, 2007
and
2006, fixed maturities had the following quality ratings by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and for securities not assigned a rating by Moody's,
Standard and Poor's Company ratings were used:
December
31, 2007
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
AAA
|
$
|
111,795
|
93.40
|
%
|
$
|
113,353
|
95.91
|
%
|
|||||
AA
|
2,819
|
2.36
|
%
|
1,471
|
1.24
|
%
|
|||||||
A
|
1,889
|
1.58
|
%
|
1,400
|
1.18
|
%
|
|||||||
BBB
|
2,713
|
2.26
|
%
|
1,487
|
1.26
|
%
|
|||||||
BB++
|
478
|
0.40
|
%
|
481
|
0.41
|
%
|
|||||||
Not
rated
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
$
|
119,694
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
118,192
|
100.00
|
%
|
The
following table summarizes, by maturity, the fixed maturities as of December
31,
2007 and 2006.
December
31, 2007
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Percent
|
|
||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
Amount
|
|
of
Total
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|
|
|||||||
Matures
In:
|
|||||||||||||
One
year or less
|
$
|
29,925
|
25.00
|
%
|
$
|
17,462
|
14.77
|
%
|
|||||
One
year to five years
|
38,363
|
32.05
|
%
|
80,186
|
67.84
|
%
|
|||||||
Five
years to 10 years
|
16,400
|
13.70
|
%
|
18,955
|
16.04
|
%
|
|||||||
More
than 10 years
|
35,006
|
29.25
|
%
|
1,589
|
1.35
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
$
|
119,694
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
118,192
|
100.00
|
%
|
At
December 31, 2007, the weighted average maturity of the fixed maturities
portfolio was approximately 5.0 years.
The
following table provides information about the financial instruments as of
December 31, 2007 that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table
presents principal cash flows and the related weighted average interest rate
by
expected maturity date based upon par values:
Carrying
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
2010
|
|
2011
|
|
2012
|
Thereafter |
Total
|
Amount
|
||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal
amount by expected maturity:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
$
|
17,000
|
$
|
400
|
$
|
18,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
8,000
|
$
|
16,900
|
$
|
60,300
|
$
|
61,308
|
|||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
10,745
|
1,465
|
1,115
|
910
|
3,275
|
17,510
|
17,777
|
||||||||||||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
2,150
|
500
|
2,400
|
-
|
500
|
35,148
|
40,698
|
40,609
|
|||||||||||||||||
Collateralized
mortgage obligations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16,530
|
|||||||||||||||||
Mortgage
notes receivable
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||
All
investments
|
$
|
29,895
|
$
|
2,365
|
$
|
20,400
|
$
|
1,115
|
$
|
9,410
|
$
|
55,323
|
$
|
118,508
|
$
|
136,224
|
|||||||||
Weighted
average interest rate by expected maturity:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
5.15
|
%
|
3.38
|
%
|
5.12
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
4.38
|
%
|
5.51
|
%
|
5.13
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
4.69
|
%
|
4.71
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
3.73
|
%
|
4.91
|
%
|
4.38
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
5.28
|
%
|
7.57
|
%
|
4.98
|
%
|
4.17
|
%
|
5.63
|
%
|
5.79
|
%
|
5.73
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Collateralized
mortgage obligations
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Mortgage
notes receivable
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
0.00
|
%
|
|||||||||||
All
investments
|
4.99
|
%
|
5.09
|
%
|
5.10
|
%
|
4.17
|
%
|
4.38
|
%
|
5.65
|
%
|
5.23
|
%
|
-65-
21st
Century Holding Company
ITEM
8 FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
|
||
Report
of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
|
67
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
68
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006
and 2005
|
|
69
|
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive
Income
(Loss) For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005
|
|
70
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and
2005
|
|
71
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
73
|
-66-
REPORT
OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the
Board of Directors and
Stockholders
of 21st
Century
Holding Company
We
have
audited the accompanying balance sheets of 21st
Century
Holding Company
as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of income, stockholders’
equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in
the
three-year period ended December 31, 2007. We also have audited 21st
Century
Holding Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based
on
criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework
issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
21st
Century
Holding Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for
its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
included in the accompanying Certification Report included in the Company’s 2007
Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan
and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a
test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining
an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the
risk
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for
our opinions.
A
company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary
to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may
not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In
our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of 21st
Century
Holding Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, 21st
Century
Holding Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established
in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework
issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO).
De
Meo
Young McGrath
Boca
Raton, FL
March
15,
2008
-67-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER
31, 2007 AND 2006
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
ASSETS
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||
Investments
|
|||||||
Fixed
maturities, available for sale, at fair value
|
$
|
99,484
|
$
|
98,525
|
|||
Fixed
maturities, held to maturity, at amoritized cost
|
20,210
|
19,667
|
|||||
Equity
securities, available for sale, at fair value
|
16,530
|
6,641
|
|||||
Total
investments
|
136,224
|
124,834
|
|||||
Cash
and short term investments
|
22,524
|
17,917
|
|||||
Receivable
for investments sold
|
6,420
|
-
|
|||||
Finance
contracts, net of allowance for credit losses of $38 in 2007 and
$116
in
|
|||||||
2006,
and net of unearned finance charges of $15 in 2007 and $90 in
2006
|
420
|
1,831
|
|||||
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums
|
8,471
|
14,460
|
|||||
Premiums
receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $288 and $66,
respectively
|
3,797
|
7,222
|
|||||
Reinsurance
recoverable, net
|
22,942
|
20,230
|
|||||
Deferred
policy acquisition costs
|
8,958
|
11,153
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes, net
|
5,640
|
3,610
|
|||||
Income
taxes receivable
|
-
|
787
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
1,046
|
1,296
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
2,918
|
4,556
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
219,361
|
$
|
207,897
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$
|
59,685
|
$
|
39,615
|
|||
Unearned
premiums
|
56,394
|
77,829
|
|||||
Premiums
deposits and customer credit balances
|
2,761
|
3,793
|
|||||
Bank
overdraft
|
8,695
|
8,107
|
|||||
Income
taxes payable
|
4,226
|
-
|
|||||
Subordinated
debt
|
-
|
4,167
|
|||||
Deferred
gain from sale of property
|
1,998
|
2,467
|
|||||
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
4,346
|
5,725
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
138,104
|
141,704
|
|||||
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
|||||||
Shareholders'
equity:
|
|||||||
Common
stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 37,500,000 shares; issued
and
outstanding 7,871,234 and 7,896,919, respectively
|
79
|
79
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
48,240
|
47,070
|
|||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive (deficit)
|
(2,596
|
)
|
(967
|
)
|
|||
Retained
earnings
|
35,534
|
20,011
|
|||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
81,257
|
66,193
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$
|
219,361
|
$
|
207,897
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-68-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS
and
dividend data)
|
||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||
Gross
premiums written
|
$
|
133,591
|
$
|
152,665
|
$
|
119,440
|
||||
Gross
premiums ceded
|
(44,551
|
)
|
(67,520
|
)
|
(31,414
|
)
|
||||
Net
premiums written
|
89,041
|
85,145
|
88,026
|
|||||||
(Decrease)
Increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
(11,251
|
)
|
20,193
|
6,623
|
||||||
Decrease
(Increase) in unearned premiums
|
21,435
|
(15,990
|
)
|
(11,686
|
)
|
|||||
Net
change in prepaid reinsurance premiums and unearned
premiums
|
10,184
|
4,203
|
(5,063
|
)
|
||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
99,224
|
89,348
|
82,963
|
|||||||
Commission
income
|
7,214
|
1,679
|
409
|
|||||||
Finance
revenue
|
545
|
1,686
|
3,567
|
|||||||
Managing
general agent fees
|
2,035
|
2,625
|
2,420
|
|||||||
Net
investment income
|
7,964
|
5,933
|
3,841
|
|||||||
Net
realized investment (losses) gains
|
(145
|
)
|
1,063
|
458
|
||||||
Other
income
|
2,296
|
1,581
|
1,010
|
|||||||
Total
revenue
|
119,132
|
103,915
|
94,669
|
|||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||
Loss
and LAE
|
47,619
|
44,400
|
48,336
|
|||||||
Operating
and underwriting expenses
|
12,684
|
13,160
|
8,219
|
|||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
6,732
|
7,011
|
6,384
|
|||||||
Interest
expense
|
173
|
656
|
1,398
|
|||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
19,420
|
17,395
|
14,561
|
|||||||
Total
expenses
|
86,627
|
82,622
|
78,899
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations before provision for income tax
expense
|
32,505
|
21,293
|
15,771
|
|||||||
Provision
for income tax expense
|
11,226
|
7,396
|
4,690
|
|||||||
Net
income from continuing operations
|
21,280
|
13,896
|
11,081
|
|||||||
Discontinued
operations:
|
||||||||||
Income
from discontinued operations (including gain on disposal of $0,
$0,
|
||||||||||
and
$1,630,000, respectively)
|
-
|
-
|
1,630
|
|||||||
Provision
for income tax expense
|
-
|
-
|
595
|
|||||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
1,035
|
|||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
21,280
|
$
|
13,896
|
$
|
12,116
|
||||
Basic
net income per share from continuing operations
|
$
|
2.69
|
$
|
1.84
|
$
|
1.78
|
||||
Basic
net income per share from discontinued operations
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
0.17
|
||||
Basic
net income per share
|
$
|
2.69
|
$
|
1.84
|
$
|
1.95
|
||||
Fully
diluted net income per share from continuing operations
|
$
|
2.65
|
$
|
1.72
|
$
|
1.67
|
||||
Fully
diluted net income per share from discontinued operations
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
0.16
|
||||
Fully
diluted net income per share
|
$
|
2.65
|
$
|
1.72
|
$
|
1.83
|
||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
7,922,542
|
7,537,550
|
6,228,043
|
|||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding (assuming
dilution)
|
8,030,205
|
8,085,722
|
6,628,076
|
|||||||
Dividends
paid per share
|
$
|
0.72
|
$
|
0.48
|
$
|
0.32
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-69-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(LOSS)
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
Comprehensive
Income
|
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-in
Capital |
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive |
Retained Earnings |
Treasury Stock |
Total Shareholder's
Equity |
||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2004
|
$
|
67
|
$
|
26,310
|
$
|
(505
|
)
|
$
|
884
|
$
|
(1,780
|
)
|
$
|
24,977
|
||||||||
Net
Income
|
$
|
12,116
|
$
|
12,116
|
$
|
12,116
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash
Dividends
|
(2,339
|
)
|
(2,339
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Stock
issued in lieu of cash payment for
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
principal
and interest associated with our notes
|
$
|
2
|
$
|
1,981
|
1,982
|
|||||||||||||||||
Treasury
stock retired
|
(7
|
)
|
(1,773
|
)
|
$
|
1,780
|
||||||||||||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
4
|
2,816
|
2,819
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Warrants
exercised
|
2
|
2,498
|
2,500
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
(255
|
)
|
(255
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net
unrealized change in investments,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
net
of tax effect of $927
|
(1,032
|
)
|
($1,032
|
)
|
(1,032
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
$
|
11,083
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2005
|
$
|
68
|
$
|
31,832
|
$
|
(1,537
|
)
|
$
|
10,405
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
40,767
|
|||||||||
Net
Income
|
$
|
13,896
|
$
|
13,896
|
$
|
13,896
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash
Dividends
|
(4,290
|
)
|
(4,290
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Stock
issued in lieu of cash payment for principal and interest associated
with our notes
|
$
|
1
|
$
|
1,794
|
1,795
|
|||||||||||||||||
Treasury
stock
|
(1
|
)
|
(2,000
|
)
|
(2,001
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
3
|
2,596
|
2,600
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Warrants
exercised
|
8
|
10,661
|
10,669
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Shares
based compensation
|
2,187
|
2,187
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net
unrealized change in investments,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
net
of tax effect of $344
|
570
|
$
|
570
|
570
|
||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
$
|
14,466
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2006
|
$
|
79
|
$
|
47,070
|
$
|
(967
|
)
|
$
|
20,011
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
66,193
|
|||||||||
Net
Income
|
$
|
21,280
|
21,280
|
21,280
|
||||||||||||||||||
Cash
Dividends
|
(5,757
|
)
|
(5,757
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Stock
issued in lieu of cash payment for principal and interest associated
with
our notes
|
1
|
2,192
|
2,193
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Treasury
stock - original
|
(3
|
)
|
(3,819
|
)
|
(3,823
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
176
|
176
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants
exercised
|
2
|
2,033
|
2,035
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Shares
based compensation
|
589
|
589
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net
unrealized change in investments, net of tax effect of
$927
|
(1,629
|
)
|
(1,629
|
)
|
(1,629
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
$
|
19,651
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2007
|
$
|
79
|
$
|
48,240
|
$
|
(2,596
|
)
|
$
|
35,534
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
81,256
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-70-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||
Cash
flow from operating activities:
|
||||||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
21,280
|
$
|
13,896
|
$
|
11,081
|
||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
||||||||||
Amortization
of investment (discount), net
|
(360
|
)
|
(297
|
)
|
(222
|
)
|
||||
Depreciation
and amortization of property plant and equipment, net
|
317
|
342
|
445
|
|||||||
Net
realized investment (loss) gains
|
(188
|
)
|
1,063
|
513
|
||||||
Gain
on sale of assets
|
-
|
(578
|
)
|
-
|
||||||
Common
Stock issued for interest on Notes
|
109
|
128
|
316
|
|||||||
(Recovery)
Provision for credit losses, net
|
(31
|
)
|
14
|
638
|
||||||
Provision
(recovery) for uncollectible premiums receivable
|
222
|
(102
|
)
|
(252
|
)
|
|||||
Non-cash
compensation
|
405
|
539
|
-
|
|||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Premiums
receivable
|
3,203
|
386
|
(1,229
|
)
|
||||||
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums
|
5,990
|
(26,793
|
)
|
(6,623
|
)
|
|||||
Reinsurance
recoverable, net
|
(2,712
|
)
|
140,912
|
(111,187
|
)
|
|||||
Income
taxes recoverable
|
787
|
(787
|
)
|
7,915
|
||||||
Deferred
income tax expense
|
(2,030
|
)
|
(906
|
)
|
952
|
|||||
Deferred
gain on sale of assets
|
-
|
(2,366
|
)
|
-
|
||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
2,195
|
(1,970
|
)
|
(2,226
|
)
|
|||||
Premium
finance contracts receivable
|
1,442
|
5,467
|
339
|
|||||||
Other
assets
|
1,169
|
2,491
|
(2,070
|
)
|
||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
20,069
|
(114,423
|
)
|
107,468
|
||||||
Unearned
premiums
|
(21,435
|
)
|
15,990
|
11,686
|
||||||
Premium
deposits and customer credit balances
|
(1,032
|
)
|
1,648
|
273
|
||||||
Funds
held under reinsurance treaties
|
-
|
(1,545
|
)
|
1,545
|
||||||
Income
taxes payable
|
4,226
|
(3,020
|
)
|
3,020
|
||||||
Bank
overdraft
|
588
|
(4,130
|
)
|
(2,459
|
)
|
|||||
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
(1,379
|
)
|
1,557
|
841
|
||||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities - continuing
operations
|
32,834
|
27,517
|
20,762
|
|||||||
Net
cash (used for) operating activities - discontinued
operations
|
-
|
-
|
(1,380
|
)
|
||||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
32,834
|
27,517
|
19,381
|
|||||||
Cash
flow (used in) investing activities:
|
||||||||||
Proceeds
from sale of investment securities available for sale
|
195,812
|
271,265
|
122,532
|
|||||||
Purchases
of investment securities available for sale
|
(214,733
|
)
|
(296,209
|
)
|
(139,505
|
)
|
||||
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
(67
|
)
|
(400
|
)
|
(182
|
)
|
||||
Proceeds
from sale of assets
|
-
|
5,607
|
-
|
|||||||
Net
cash (used) in investing activities - continuing
operations
|
(18,988
|
)
|
(19,736
|
)
|
(17,155
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash provided by investing activities - discontinued
operations
|
-
|
-
|
1,689
|
|||||||
Net
cash (used in) investing activities
|
(18,988
|
)
|
(19,736
|
)
|
(15,466
|
)
|
||||
Cash
flow (used in) provided by financing activities:
|
||||||||||
Subordinated
debt (repaid)
|
(2,083
|
)
|
(4,375
|
)
|
(5,000
|
)
|
||||
Exercised
stock options
|
177
|
2,600
|
3,059
|
|||||||
Dividends
paid
|
(5,758
|
)
|
(4,290
|
)
|
(2,339
|
)
|
||||
Exercised
warrants, net
|
2,035
|
10,669
|
2,260
|
|||||||
Purchase
of treasury stock
|
(3,823
|
)
|
(2,001
|
)
|
-
|
|||||
Tax
benefit related to non-cash compensation
|
214
|
(1,648
|
)
|
|||||||
Revolving
credit outstanding
|
-
|
(187
|
)
|
(1,952
|
)
|
|||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by financing activities - continuing
operations
|
(9,239
|
)
|
4,064
|
(3,972
|
)
|
|||||
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and short term investments
|
4,608
|
11,845
|
(56
|
)
|
||||||
Cash
and short term investments at beginning of period
|
17,917
|
6,071
|
6,128
|
|||||||
Cash
and short term investments at end of period
|
$
|
22,524
|
$
|
17,917
|
$
|
6,071
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-71-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
(continued)
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
|
||||||||||
Cash
paid during the period for:
|
||||||||||
Interest
|
$
|
44
|
$
|
339
|
$
|
684
|
||||
Non-cash
investing and finance activities:
|
||||||||||
Accrued
dividends payable
|
$
|
1,475
|
$
|
1,444
|
$
|
749
|
||||
Retirement
of subordinated debt by Common Stock issuance
|
$
|
2,193
|
$
|
1,667
|
$
|
1,667
|
||||
Stock
issued to pay interest on subordinated debt
|
$
|
109
|
$
|
128
|
$
|
316
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-72-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(1)
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
21st
Century
is an insurance holding company, which, through our subsidiaries and our
contractual relationships with our independent agents and general agents
controls substantially all aspects of the insurance underwriting, distribution
and claims process. We are authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and
casualty insurance, commercial general liability insurance, personal automobile
insurance and commercial automobile insurance in various states with various
lines of authority through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated National
and
American Vehicle.
Insurable
events during 2007 and 2006 were more normal in nature as compared to 2005
and
2004. The insurable events during 2007 and 2006 did not include any weather
related catastrophic events such as the well publicized series of hurricanes
that occurred in Florida during 2005 and 2004. During 2007 and 2006 we processed
property and liability claims stemming from our homeowners’, commercial general
liability and private passenger automobile lines of business. Our automobile
claims generally will exceed commercial general liability and homeowners’ claims
with respect to frequency of claimant activity, however the per-claim severity
in connection with our commercial general liability and homeowners’ lines would
be expected to exceed the automobile line. Our reinsurance strategy serves
to
smooth the liquidity requirements imposed by the most severe insurable events
and for all other insurable events we manage, at a micro and macro perspective,
in the normal course of business.
We
are
not certain how hurricanes and other insurable events will affect our future
results of operations and liquidity. Loss and LAE are affected by a number
of
factors including:
· the
quality of the insurable risks underwritten;
· the
nature and severity of the loss;
· weather-related
patterns;
· the
availability, cost and terms of reinsurance;
· underlying
settlement costs, including medical and legal costs;
· legal
and
political factors such as legislative initiatives and public opinion.
We
continue to manage the foregoing to the extent within our control. Many of
the
foregoing are partially, or entirely, outside our control.
Federated
National is authorized to underwrite homeowners’ property and casualty insurance
in Florida as an admitted carrier.
American
Vehicle is authorized as either an admitted or surplus lines carrier to
underwrite commercial general liability coverage. American Vehicle has either
ongoing operations or operations expected to commence this year in several
states. The table below denotes by state American Vehicle’s authority, status of
operations and where new applications are pending. We may not receive authority
to write in every state we request due to state specific guidelines.
-73-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
States
|
Admitted
carrier
|
Surplus
lines carrier
|
Ongoing
operations
|
Operations
expected to commence this year
|
Application
pending
|
|||||
Alabama
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Arkansas
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
California
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Florida
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Georgia
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Kentucky
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Louisiana
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Maryland
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Missouri
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Nevada
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Ohio
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
Oklahoma
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
South
Carolina
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Tennessee
|
ü
|
ü
|
||||||||
Texas
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|||||||
Virginia
|
|
ü
|
ü
|
|
|
Additionally,
both Federated National and American Vehicle are authorized to underwrite
personal automobile insurance in Florida as an admitted carrier.
During
2007 American Vehicle applied for and was granted, by the State of Florida
in
2008, a license to underwrite commercial multiple peril, inland marine and
surety lines of business as an admitted carrier. We believe theses new lines
of
authority will bode well with American Vehicle’s existing customers. Operations
under American Vehicle’s newly granted line of authority are expected to begin
during 2008.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, 74.5%, 24.1% and 1.4% of the premiums we
underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, 74.9%, 21.1% and 4.0% of the premiums
we underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial
general liability insurance and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
We
internally process claims made by our insureds through our wholly owned claims
adjusting company, Superior.
We
are
focusing our marketing efforts on continuing to expand our distribution network
and market our products and services in other regions of Florida and other
states by establishing relationships with additional independent agents and
general agents. As this occurs, we will seek to replicate our distribution
network in those states. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be
able to obtain the required regulatory approvals to offer additional insurance
products or expand into other states.
Assurance
MGA, a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as Federated National’s and American
Vehicle’s exclusive managing general agent in the state of Florida. As American
Vehicle continues its expansion into other states we shall contract with general
agents to market our commercial general liability insurance product beyond
the
state of Florida. Assurance MGA currently provides underwriting policy
administration, marketing, accounting and financial services to Federated
National and American Vehicle, and participates in the negotiation of
reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates revenue through a 6% commission
fee from the insurance companies’ gross written premium, policy fee income of
$25 per policy and other administrative fees from the marketing of company
products through the Company’s distribution network. The 6% commission fee from
Federated National and American Vehicle was made effective January 1, 2005.
Assurance MGA plans to establish relationships with additional carriers and
servicing additional insurance products in the future.
-74-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(2)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
(a)
CASH AND SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
We
consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities
of
less than three months to be short term investments.
(b)
INVESTMENTS
Our
investment securities have been classified as either available-for-sale or
held
to maturity in response to our liquidity needs, changes in market interest
rates
and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Investments
available-for-sale are stated at fair value on the balance sheet. Investments
designated as held to maturity are stated at amortized cost on the balance
sheet. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported
as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity, net
of
related deferred income taxes.
A
decline
in the fair value of an available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed
other than temporary results in a charge to income, resulting in the
establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Premiums and discounts
are
amortized or accreted, respectively, over the life of the related fixed maturity
security as an adjustment to yield using a method that approximates the
effective interest method. Dividends and interest income are recognized when
earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived
using
the specific-identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
(c)
PREMIUM REVENUE
Premium
revenue on all lines are earned on a pro-rata basis over the life of the
policies. Unearned premiums represent the portion of the premium related to
the
unexpired policy term.
(d)
DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS
Deferred
acquisition costs primarily represent commissions paid to outside agents at
the
time of policy issuance (to the extent they are recoverable from future premium
income) net of ceded premium commission earned from reinsurers, salaries and
premium taxes net of policy fees, and are amortized over the life of the related
policy in relation to the amount of premiums earned. The method followed in
computing deferred acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs
to
their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be
earned, related investment income, unpaid loss and LAE and certain other costs
expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. There is no indication that
these costs will not be fully recoverable in the near term.
(e)
PREMIUM DEPOSITS
Premium
deposits represent premiums received primarily in connection with homeowner
policies that are not yet effective. We take approximately 30 working days
to
issue the policy from the date the cash and policy application are received.
(f)
UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE
Unpaid
losses and LAE are determined by establishing liabilities in amounts estimated
to cover incurred losses and LAE. Such liabilities are determined based upon
our
assessment of claims pending and the development of prior years' loss liability.
These amounts include liabilities based upon individual case estimates for
reported losses and LAE and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but
not
reported. Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to
operations as the losses and LAE are settled.
The
estimates of unpaid losses and LAE are subject to the effect of trends in claims
severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As part of the process,
we
review historical data and consider various factors, including known and
anticipated legal developments, changes in social attitudes, inflation and
economic conditions. As experience develops and other data becomes available,
these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases
to
the existing unpaid losses and LAE. Adjustments are reflected in results of
operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate
substantially from prior estimates.
-75-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
There
can
be no assurance that our unpaid losses and LAE reserves will be adequate to
cover actual losses. If our unpaid losses and LAE prove to be inadequate, we
will be required to increase the liability with a corresponding reduction in
our
net income in the period in which the deficiency is identified. Future loss
experience substantially in excess of the established unpaid losses and LAE
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and
financial condition.
Accounting
for loss contingencies pursuant to SFAS 5 involves the existence of a condition,
situation or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss
that
will ultimately be resolved when one or more future event(s) occur or fail
to
occur. Additionally, accounting for a loss contingency requires management
to
assess each event as probable, reasonably possible or remote. Probable is
defined as the future event or events are likely to occur. Reasonably possible
is defined as the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than
remote but less than probable, while remote is defined as the chance of the
future event or events occurring is slight. An estimated loss in connection
with
a loss contingency shall be recorded by a charge to current operations if both
of the following conditions are met: First, the amount can be reasonably
estimated; and second, the information available prior to issuance of the
financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been
incurred at the date of the financial statements. It is implicit in this
condition that it is probable that one or more future events will occur
confirming the fact of the loss or incurrence of a liability.
We
do not
discount unpaid losses and LAE for financial statement purposes.
(g)
FINANCE REVENUE
Interest
and service income, resulting from the financing of insurance premiums, is
recognized using a method that approximates the effective interest method.
Late
charges are recognized as income when chargeable.
(h)
CREDIT LOSSES
Provisions
for credit losses are provided in amounts sufficient to maintain the allowance
for credit losses at a level considered adequate to cover anticipated losses.
Generally, accounts that are over 90 days old are written off to the allowance
for credit losses. We have been increasing our reliance on direct billing of
our
policyholders for their insurance premiums. Direct billing is when the insurance
company accepts from the insured, as a receivable, a promise to pay the premium,
as opposed to requiring payment of the full amount of the policy, either
directly from the insured or from a premium finance company. We manage the
credit risk associated with our direct billing program through our integrated
computer system which allows us to monitor the equity in the unearned premium
to
the underlying policy. Underwriting criteria are designed with down payment
requirements and monthly payments that create policyholder equity, also called
unearned premium, in the insurance policy. The equity in the policy is
collateral for the extension of credit to the insured.
(i)
MANAGING GENERAL AGENT FEES
If
substantially all the costs associated with the MGA contracts which do not
involve affiliated insurers are incurred during the underwriting process, then
the MGA fees and the related acquisition costs are recognized at the time the
policy is underwritten, net of estimated cancellations. If the MGA contract
requires significant involvement subsequent to the completion of the
underwriting process, then the MGA fees and related acquisition costs are
deferred and recognized over the life of the policy. Included in Managing
General Agent Fees are policy fees charged by the insurance companies and passed
through to Assurance MGA. Policy fees are discussed below.
(j)
POLICY FEES
Policy
fees represent a $25 non-refundable application fee for insurance coverage,
which are intended to reimburse us for the costs incurred to underwrite the
policy. The fees and related costs are recognized when the policy is
underwritten. These fees are netted against underwriting costs and are included
as a component of deferred acquisition costs.
(k)
REINSURANCE
We
recognize the income and expense on reinsurance contracts principally on a
pro-rata basis over the term of the reinsurance contracts or until the
reinsurers maximum liability is exhausted, whichever comes first. We are
reinsured under separate reinsurance agreements for the different lines of
business underwritten. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us from our
obligations to policyholders. We continually monitor our reinsurers to minimize
our exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. We only cede
risks to reinsurers whom we believe to be financially sound. At December 31,
2007, all reinsurance recoverables are considered collectible.
-76-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(l)
INCOME TAXES
Income
taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating
loss, capital loss and tax-credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of
a
change in tax rates is recognized in income or expense in the period that
includes the enactment date.
(m)
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial
instruments, which potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk,
consist primarily of investments, premiums receivable, amounts due from
reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses and finance contracts. We have not
experienced significant losses related to premiums receivable from individual
policyholders or groups of policyholders in a particular industry or geographic
area. We believe no credit risk beyond the amounts provided for collection
losses is inherent in our premiums receivable or finance contracts. In order
to
reduce credit risk for amounts due from reinsurers, we seek to do business
with
financially sound reinsurance companies and regularly review the financial
strength of all reinsurers used. Additionally, our credit risk in connection
with our reinsurers is mitigated by the establishment of irrevocable clean
letters of credit in favor of Federated National.
(n)
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
On
February 15, 2007, FASB issued SFAS 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including
an
Amendment of SFAS 115.
This
standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments
and
certain other items at fair value. This option is available to all entities,
including not-for-profit organizations. Most of the provisions in Statement
159
are elective; however, the amendment to SFAS 115, Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,
applies
to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. FASB's stated
objective in issuing this standard is as follows: "to improve financial
reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility
in
reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently
without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions."
The
fair
value option established by SFAS 159 permits all entities to choose to measure
eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity
will
report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option
has
been elected in earnings (or another performance indicator if the business
entity does not report earnings) at each subsequent reporting date. The fair
value option: (a)
may be
applied instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as investments
otherwise accounted for by the equity method; (b)
is
irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and (c)
is
applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of
instruments.
SFAS
159
is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins
after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of
the
previous fiscal year provided that the entity makes that choice in the first
120
days of that fiscal year and also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS 157,
Fair
Value Measurements. We
will
adopt SFAS 159 on its effective date, January 1, 2008. We do not expect the
adoption of SFAS 159 to have a material impact, if any, on our financial
position or results of operations.
In
September 2006, FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair
Value Measurements”,
which
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157
are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company
does not expect any impact upon the adoption of SFAS 157 on our consolidated
financial statements.
In
September 2006, FASB issued SFAS 158, “Employers’
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement
Plans.”
This
statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status
of a single-employer defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or
liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in
the
funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive
income. SFAS 158 is effective for years ending after December 15, 2006. There
was no impact on our consolidated financial statements with respect to the
adoption of SFAS 158.
-77-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
In
September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108 to
address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements.
SAB 108 requires that registrants quantify the impact on the current year’s
financial statements of correcting all misstatements, including the carryover
and reversing effects of prior years’ misstatements, as well as the effects of
errors arising in the current year. SAB 108 is effective as of the first fiscal
year ending after November 15, 2006, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative
effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006, for errors that
were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in
SAB
No. 108. There was no impact on our consolidated financial statements with
respect to the adoption of SAB No. 108.
In
June
2006, FASB issued interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”
which
clarifies the accounting for income tax reserves and contingencies recognized
in
an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
disclosure, and transition. This Interpretation was effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company evaluated the impact that FIN
48
will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, we have
developed a process to capture and quantify any such effect that FIN 48 could
have on the Company and concluded there was no impact on our consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.
In
February 2006, FASB issued SFAS 155, “Accounting
for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments”.
This
accounting standard permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial
instrument containing an embedded derivative that otherwise would require
bifurcation; clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips
are
not subject to the requirements of SFAS 133; establishes a requirement to
evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify them as
freestanding derivatives or as hybrid financial instruments containing an
embedded derivative requiring bifurcation; clarifies that concentrations of
credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and
amends SFAS 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose
entity from holding a derivative financial instrument pertaining to a beneficial
interest other than another derivative financial instrument. SFAS 155 is
effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning
of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006. There was
no impact on our consolidated financial statements with respect to the adoption
of SFAS 155.
(o)
USE OF ESTIMATES
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
financial statement balances as well as the disclosure of contingent assets
and
liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates
used.
Similar
to other property and casualty insurers, our liability for unpaid losses and
LAE, although supported by actuarial projections and other data, is ultimately
based on management's reasoned expectations of future events. Although
considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, we believe that this
liability is adequate. Estimates are reviewed regularly and adjusted as
necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in current operations. In addition,
the realization of our deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating
sufficient future taxable income. It is reasonably possible that the
expectations associated with these accounts could change in the near term and
that the effect of such changes could be material to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(p)
OPERATIONAL RISKS
We
are
subject to certain risks in our business operations which are described below.
Careful consideration of these risks should be made before making an investment
decision. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones
facing 21st
Century.
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or currently deemed
immaterial may also impair our business operations.
Risks
Related to Our Business
· |
Our
financial condition could be adversely affected by the occurrence
of
natural and man-made disasters.
|
-78-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
· |
Although
we follow the industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our
risks, our
costs of obtaining reinsurance fluctuates and we may not be able
to
successfully alleviate risk through reinsurance arrangements.
|
· |
We
may experience financial exposure from climate
change.
|
· |
Our
loss reserves may be inadequate to cover our actual liability for
losses,
causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.
|
· |
Our
revenues and operating performance will fluctuate due to statutorily
approved assessments that support property and casualty insurance
pools
and associations.
|
· |
Our
investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or losses, which
would
significantly reduce our earnings.
|
· |
We
face risks in connection with potential material weakness resulting
from
our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 management report and any related
remedial
measures that we undertake.
|
· |
The
failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ could have
a
material adverse effect on our financial condition or our results
of
operations.
|
· |
The
effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are
uncertain.
|
· |
Our
failure to pay claims accurately could adversely affect our business,
financial results and capital requirements.
|
· |
If
we are unable to continue our growth because our capital must be
used to
pay greater than anticipated claims, our financial results may
suffer.
|
· |
We
may require additional capital in the future which may not be available
or
only available on unfavorable
terms.
|
· |
Our
business is heavily regulated, and changes in regulation may reduce
our
profitability and limit our growth.
|
· |
Our
insurance companies are subject to minimum capital and surplus
requirements, and our failure to meet these requirements could
subject us
to regulatory action.
|
· |
Our
revenues and operating performance may fluctuate with business
cycles in
the property and casualty insurance industry.
|
· |
We
may not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to expand the
types of
insurance products we offer or the states in which we
operate.
|
· |
We
are named as a defendant in a securities class action lawsuit and
it may
have an adverse impact on our
business.
|
· |
Adverse
ratings by insurance rating agencies may adversely impact our ability
to
write new policies, renew desirable policies or obtain adequate
insurance,
which could limit or halt our growth and harm our business.
|
· |
We
rely on independent and general agents to write our insurance policies,
and if we are not able to attract and retain independent and general
agents, our revenues would be negatively affected.
|
· |
We
rely on our information technology and telecommunications systems,
and the
failure of these systems could disrupt our operations.
|
· |
Nonstandard
automobile insurance historically has a higher frequency of claims
than
standard automobile insurance, thereby increasing our potential
for loss
exposure beyond what we would be likely to experience if we offered
only
standard automobile
insurance.
|
· |
Florida's
personal injury protection insurance statute contains provisions
that
favor claimants, causing us to experience a higher frequency of
claims
than might otherwise be the case if we operated only outside of
Florida.
|
· |
Our
success depends on our ability to accurately price the risks we
underwrite.
|
· |
Current
operating resources are necessary to develop future new insurance
products.
|
-79-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
· |
Our
business strategy is to avoid competition based on price to the
extent
possible. This strategy, however, may result in the loss of business
in
the short term.
|
· |
Our
senior management team is critical to the strategic direction of
our
company. If there were an unplanned loss of service by any of our
officers
our business could be harmed.
|
Risks
Related to an Investment in Our Shares
· |
Our
largest shareholders currently control approximately 10% of the
voting
power of our outstanding common stock, which could discourage potential
acquirers and prevent changes in
management.
|
· |
We
have authorized but unissued preferred stock, which could affect
rights of
holders of common stock.
|
· |
Our
articles of incorporation, bylaws and Florida law may discourage
takeover
attempts and may result in entrenchment of management.
|
· |
As
a holding company, we depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries
and their
ability to pay management fees and dividends to the holding company
as the
primary source of our income.
|
(q)
FAIR VALUE
The
fair
value of our investments is estimated based on prices published by financial
services or quotations received from securities dealers and is reflective of
the
interest rate environment that existed as of the close of business on December
31, 2007 and 2006. Changes in interest rates subsequent to December 31, 2007
may
affect the fair value of our investments. Refer to Note 3(a) of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
The
carrying amounts for the following financial instrument categories approximate
their fair values at December 31, 2007 and 2006 because of their short-term
nature: cash and short term investments, premiums receivable, finance contracts,
due from reinsurers, revolving credit outstanding, bank overdraft, accounts
payable, accrued expenses and subordinated debt.
(r)
STOCK OPTION PLANS
At
December 31, 2007, the Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans
and one stock-based franchise compensation plan, which are described later
in
footnote 8, Stock Compensation Plans. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted
for
those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of stock-based
compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No.
25,
Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS 123, Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation. Under
these provisions, no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized
in
the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 as all options
granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to or less than the market
value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognitions provisions
of
SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that
transition method, compensation cost recognized during the years ended December
31, 2007 and 2006 includes:
· |
Compensation
cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested
as
of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated
in
accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123, and
|
· |
Compensation
cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1,
2006,
based on the grant-date fair-value estimated in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 123R. Results for prior periods have not been
restated,
as not required to by the
pronouncement.
|
-80-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(s)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property,
plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated on a straight-line
basis over the following estimated useful lives: building and improvements
- 30
years and furniture and fixtures - 7 years. We capitalize betterments and any
other expenditure in excess of $500 if the asset is expected to have a useful
life greater than one year. The carrying value of property, plant and equipment
is periodically reviewed based on the expected future undiscounted operating
cash flows of the related item. Based upon our most recent analysis, we believe
that no impairment of property, plant and equipment exists at December 31,
2007.
(t)
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain
2006 and 2005 financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform
to
the 2007 presentations.
(3)
INVESTMENTS
SFAS
115
addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in equity securities
that
have readily determinable fair values and (b) all investments in debt
securities. SFAS 115 requires that these securities be classified into one
of
three categories, Held-to-maturity, Trading securities or Available-for-sale.
Investments classified as held-to-maturity include debt securities wherein
the
Company’s intent and ability are to hold the investment until maturity. The
accounting treatment for held-to-maturity investments is to carry them at
amortized cost without consideration to unrealized gains or losses. Investments
classified as trading securities include debt and equity securities bought
and
held primarily for the sale in the near term. The accounting treatment for
trading securities is to carry them at fair value with unrealized holding gains
and losses included in current period operations. Investments classified as
available-for-sale include debt and equity securities that are not classified
as
held-to-maturity or as trading security investments. The accounting treatment
for available-for-sale securities is to carry them at fair value with unrealized
holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate
component of shareholders’ equity, namely “Other Comprehensive Income”. We did
not hold any non-traded investment securities during 2007 or 2006.
Additional
provisions contained in SFAS 115 address the determination as to when an
investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than
temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The Company’s policy for
the valuation of temporarily impaired securities is to determine impairment
based on the analysis of the following factors:
· |
rating
downgrade or other credit event (eg., failure to pay interest when
due);
|
· |
financial
condition and near term prospects of the issuer, including any specific
events which may influence the operations of the issuer such as changes
in
technology or discontinuance of a business
segment;
|
· |
prospects
for the issuer’s industry segment;
|
· |
intent
and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period
of time
sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in market
value.
|
The
fixed
maturities and the equity securities that are available for sale and carried
at
fair value represent 85.2% of total investments as of December 31, 2007, as
compared to 84.2% as of December 31, 2006. The investments held at December
31,
2007 and December 31, 2006 were comprised mainly of United States government
and
agency bonds as well as municipal bonds which are viewed by the Company as
conservative and less risky holdings, though sensitive to interest rate changes.
There is a smaller concentration of corporate bonds predominantly held in the
financial and conglomerate industries. Our equity holdings held at December
31,
2007 were primarily in trust companies, financial companies and mutual funds;
and our equity holdings at December 31, 2006 were primarily in trust companies
and mutual funds.
As
of
December 31, 2007 and 2006 we have classified $20.2 million and $19.7 million,
respectively, of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity. The decision to
classify this layer of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity was predicated
on
our intention and ability to hold these securities until maturity. Additionally,
we have and may continue to use this position to secure irrevocable letters
of
credit to facilitate business opportunities in connection with our commercial
general liability program. During April 2006, American Vehicle finalized a
$15.0
million irrevocable letter of credit in conjunction with the 100% Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement with Republic which was terminated in April 2007. As
of
December 31, 2007 the letter of credit in favor of Republic totaled $10.0
million. During January 2008 this letter of credit was reduced to $3.0 million.
-81-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
We
determined that one of our securities qualified for other than temporary
impairment status during the three months ended September 30, 2007. In
connection with this process we charged to operations a net realized investment
loss that totaled approximately $797,000, net of an estimated provisional tax
effect of approximately $481,000. This investment was subsequently sold during
the three months ended December 31, 2007, and we recognized an additional
$200,000 loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately $122,000 in
connection with this security.
There
were no impaired investments written down as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005.
(a)
FIXED MATURITIES AND EQUITY SECURITIES
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2007
and
2006.
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
||||||||||
Amount
|
of
Total
|
Amount
|
of
Total
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||
Fixed
maturities, at market:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
$
|
61,308
|
45.01
|
%
|
$
|
97,314
|
77.95
|
%
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
17,777
|
13.05
|
%
|
17,804
|
14.26
|
%
|
|||||||
Corporate
securities
|
40,609
|
29.81
|
%
|
3,075
|
2.46
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
119,694
|
87.87
|
%
|
118,193
|
94.67
|
%
|
|||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
16,530
|
12.13
|
%
|
6,641
|
5.33
|
%
|
|||||||
Total
investments
|
$
|
136,224
|
100.00
|
%
|
$
|
124,834
|
100.00
|
%
|
The
following table shows the realized (losses) gains for fixed and equity
securities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
Gains
(Losses)
|
Fair
Value
|
Gains
(Losses)
|
Fair
Value
|
||||||||||
2007
|
at
Sale
|
2006
|
at
Sale
|
||||||||||
Fixed
income securities
|
$
|
17,587
|
$
|
28,999,444
|
$
|
151
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|||||
Equity
securities
|
2,115,461
|
27,337,819
|
1,471,307
|
62,897,114
|
|||||||||
Total
realized gains
|
2,133,048
|
56,337,263
|
1,471,458
|
66,897,114
|
|||||||||
Fixed
income securities
|
(384
|
)
|
10,705,063
|
(66,722
|
)
|
12,985,290
|
|||||||
Equity
securities
|
(2,278,083
|
)
|
20,152,671
|
(341,874
|
)
|
13,378,445
|
|||||||
Total
realized losses
|
(2,278,467
|
)
|
30,857,734
|
(408,596
|
)
|
26,363,735
|
|||||||
Net
realized (losses) gains on investments
|
$
|
(145,419
|
)
|
$
|
87,194,997
|
$
|
1,062,862
|
$
|
93,260,849
|
-82-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
A
summary
of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, gross unrealized gains and losses
of fixed maturities and equity securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is
as
follows:
Gross
|
Gross
|
||||||||||||
Amortized
|
Unrealized
|
Unrealized
|
Estimated
|
||||||||||
Cost
|
Gains
|
Losses
|
Fair
Value
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2007
|
|||||||||||||
Fixed
Maturities - Available For Sale:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$
|
42,168,621
|
$
|
56,787
|
$
|
125,762
|
$
|
42,099,646
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political
|
|||||||||||||
subdivisions
|
17,277,199
|
67,082
|
68,788
|
17,275,493
|
|||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
40,155,178
|
230,103
|
276,419
|
40,108,862
|
|||||||||
$
|
99,600,998
|
$
|
353,972
|
$
|
470,969
|
$
|
99,484,001
|
||||||
Fixed
Maturities - Held To Maturity:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$
|
19,208,295
|
$
|
74,313
|
$
|
88,498
|
$
|
19,194,110
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political
|
|||||||||||||
subdivisions
|
501,223
|
-
|
9,045
|
492,178
|
|||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
500,000
|
2,700
|
11,210
|
491,490
|
|||||||||
$
|
20,209,518
|
$
|
77,013
|
$
|
108,753
|
$
|
20,177,778
|
||||||
Equity
securities - common stocks
|
$
|
20,519,623
|
$
|
18,440
|
$
|
4,007,761
|
$
|
16,530,302
|
|||||
December
31, 2006
|
|||||||||||||
Fixed
Maturities - Available For Sale:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$
|
79,335,392
|
$
|
25,274
|
$
|
713,464
|
$
|
78,647,202
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political
|
|||||||||||||
subdivisions
|
17,448,400
|
17,566
|
163,071
|
17,302,895
|
|||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
2,660,980
|
6,842
|
92,773
|
2,575,049
|
|||||||||
$
|
99,444,772
|
$
|
49,682
|
$
|
969,308
|
$
|
98,525,146
|
||||||
Fixed
Maturities - Held To Maturity:
|
|||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$
|
18,665,722
|
$
|
148
|
$
|
429,062
|
$
|
18,236,808
|
|||||
Obligations
of states and political
|
|||||||||||||
subdivisions
|
501,483
|
-
|
7,023
|
494,460
|
|||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
500,000
|
-
|
11,210
|
488,790
|
|||||||||
$
|
19,667,205
|
$
|
148
|
$
|
447,295
|
$
|
19,220,058
|
||||||
Equity
securities - common stocks
|
$
|
7,272,300
|
$
|
114,592
|
$
|
745,592
|
$
|
6,641,300
|
-83-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
table below reflects the aging of our unrealized
investment losses by investment class.
Unrealized holdings
net |
Less
than 12
|
12
months or
|
||||||||
losses
|
months
|
longer
|
||||||||
Fixed
maturities:
|
||||||||||
U.S.
government obligations
|
$
|
(126,815
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(126,815
|
)
|
||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
(68,788
|
)
|
-
|
(68,788
|
)
|
|||||
(195,603
|
)
|
-
|
(195,603
|
)
|
||||||
Corporate
securities:
|
||||||||||
Financial
|
(41,810
|
)
|
(19,710
|
)
|
(22,100
|
)
|
||||
Other
|
(233,556
|
)
|
(72,347
|
)
|
(161,209
|
)
|
||||
(275,366
|
)
|
(92,057
|
)
|
(183,309
|
)
|
|||||
Equity
securities:
|
||||||||||
Common
stocks
|
(4,007,761
|
)
|
(2,793,980
|
)
|
(1,213,781
|
)
|
||||
Total
fixed, corporate and equity securities
|
$
|
(4,478,730
|
)
|
$
|
(2,886,037
|
)
|
$
|
(1,592,693
|
)
|
Below
is
a summary of fixed maturities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 by contractual
or
expected maturity periods. Expected maturities may differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
||||||||||||
Amortized
|
Estimated
|
Amortized
|
Estimated
|
||||||||||
Cost
|
Fair
Value
|
Cost
|
Fair
Value
|
||||||||||
Due
in one year or less
|
$
|
30,034,570
|
$
|
29,925,570
|
$
|
17,467,170
|
$
|
17,462,617
|
|||||
Due
after one year through
|
|||||||||||||
five
years
|
37,218,008
|
38,350,186
|
80,448,010
|
80,186,000
|
|||||||||
Due
after five years through ten
|
|||||||||||||
years
|
16,399,262
|
16,412,262
|
19,578,795
|
18,955,127
|
|||||||||
Due
after ten years
|
36,158,676
|
35,005,501
|
1,618,004
|
1,588,607
|
|||||||||
$
|
119,810,516
|
$
|
119,693,519
|
$
|
119,111,979
|
$
|
118,192,351
|
United
States Treasury Notes with a book value of $1,046,000, each, and maturing in
2012 were on deposit with the Florida OIR as of December 31, 2007, as required
by law for both Federated National and American Vehicle and are included with
other investments held until maturity.
-84-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
A
summary
of the sources of net investment income follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||||
Fixed
maturities
|
$
|
6,191,238
|
$
|
4,617,875
|
$
|
2,969,931
|
||||
Equity
securities
|
564,634
|
622,791
|
660,309
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
691,156
|
736,980
|
208,766
|
|||||||
Other
|
591,909
|
-
|
33,000
|
|||||||
Total
investment income
|
8,038,937
|
5,977,646
|
3,872,006
|
|||||||
Less
investment expenses
|
(74,493
|
)
|
(44,963
|
)
|
(30,852
|
)
|
||||
Net
investment income
|
$
|
7,964,444
|
$
|
5,932,683
|
$
|
3,841,154
|
Proceeds
from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $202.2 million, $271.3
million and $122.5 million, respectively.
A
summary
of realized investment (losses) gains and (increases) in net unrealized losses
follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Net
realized (losses) gains:
|
||||||||||
Fixed
maturities
|
$
|
17,203
|
$
|
(66,571
|
)
|
$
|
(99,589
|
)
|
||
Equity
securities
|
(162,622
|
)
|
1,129,433
|
557,895
|
||||||
Total
|
$
|
(145,419
|
)
|
$
|
1,062,862
|
$
|
458,306
|
|||
Net
unrealized losses:
|
||||||||||
Fixed
maturities
|
$
|
(116,996
|
)
|
$
|
(919,625
|
)
|
$
|
(984,724
|
)
|
|
Equity
securities
|
(3,989,319
|
)
|
(631,000
|
)
|
(1,479,992
|
)
|
||||
Total
|
$
|
(4,106,315
|
)
|
$
|
(1,550,625
|
)
|
$
|
(2,464,716
|
)
|
(4)
FINANCE CONTRACTS RECEIVABLE
Below
is
a summary of the components of the finance contracts receivable
balance:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Finance
contracts receivable
|
$
|
473,240
|
$
|
2,037,509
|
|||
Less:
|
|||||||
Unearned
income
|
(14,932
|
)
|
(89,691
|
)
|
|||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
(38,014
|
)
|
(116,425
|
)
|
|||
Finance
contracts, net of allowance for credit losses
|
$
|
420,294
|
$
|
1,831,393
|
-85-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
activity in the allowance for credit losses was as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Allowance
for credit losses at beginning of year
|
$
|
116,425
|
$
|
419,455
|
|||
Recoveries
credited against the allowance
|
(47,799
|
)
|
(289,060
|
)
|
|||
Additions
charged to bad debt expense
|
(30,612
|
)
|
(13,970
|
)
|
|||
Allowance
for credit losses at end of year
|
$
|
38,014
|
$
|
116,425
|
As
security, Federated Premium retains a contractual right, if a premium
installment is not paid when due, to cancel the insurance policy and to receive
the unearned premium from the insurer.
(5)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property,
plant and equipment consist of the following:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Building
and improvements
|
$
|
602,000
|
$
|
602,000
|
|||
Furniture
and fixtures
|
3,021,969
|
2,976,067
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, gross
|
3,623,969
|
3,578,067
|
|||||
Accumulated
depreciation
|
(2,577,568
|
)
|
(2,282,199
|
)
|
|||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
$
|
1,046,401
|
$
|
1,295,868
|
Depreciation
of property, plant, and equipment was $316,525, $342,108, and $444,744 during
2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
(6)
REINSURANCE
We
reinsure (cede) a portion of written premiums on an excess of loss or a
quota-share basis to nonaffiliated insurance companies in order to limit our
loss exposure. To the extent that reinsuring companies are unable to meet their
obligations assumed under these reinsurance agreements, we remain primarily
liable to our policyholders.
-86-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
impact of the excess of loss reinsurance treaties on the financial statements
is
as follows:
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
2005
|
|||||
Premium
written:
|
||||||||||
Direct
|
$
|
133,591,334
|
$
|
152,664,893
|
$
|
119,440,297
|
||||
Ceded
|
(44,550,721
|
)
|
(67,519,911
|
)
|
(31,413,815
|
)
|
||||
$
|
89,040,613
|
$
|
85,144,982
|
$
|
88,026,482
|
|||||
Premiums
earned:
|
||||||||||
Direct
|
$
|
155,025,959
|
$
|
137,609,238
|
$
|
107,753,959
|
||||
Ceded
|
(55,801,838
|
)
|
(48,260,984
|
)
|
(24,790,463
|
)
|
||||
$
|
99,224,121
|
$
|
89,348,254
|
$
|
82,963,496
|
|||||
Losses
and LAE incurred:
|
||||||||||
Direct
|
$
|
71,517,245
|
$
|
77,463,843
|
$
|
225,350,897
|
||||
Ceded
|
(23,898,323
|
)
|
(33,063,935
|
)
|
(177,014,467
|
)
|
||||
$
|
47,618,922
|
$
|
44,399,908
|
$
|
48,336,430
|
As
of December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Unpaid
losses and LAE, net:
|
|||||||
Direct
|
$
|
59,684,790
|
$
|
39,615,478
|
|||
Ceded
|
(20,133,375
|
)
|
(12,382,028
|
)
|
|||
$
|
39,551,416
|
$
|
27,233,450
|
||||
Unearned
premiums:
|
|||||||
Direct
|
$
|
56,394,473
|
$
|
77,829,099
|
|||
Ceded
|
(21,075,936
|
)
|
(32,327,054
|
)
|
|||
$
|
35,318,537
|
$
|
45,502,044
|
At
December 31, 2007 prepaid reinsurance premiums were nothing, compared to $6.6
million as of December 31, 2006. These prepaid reinsurance premiums were
associated with a single reinsurer and returned pursuant to provisions contained
in the three-year reinsurance treaties, in which we were afforded the right
to
cancel the remaining two years and be entitled to receive a no loss experience
commission. In connection with the cancellation of this treaty, we reported
approximately $2.8 million commission income during the year ended December
31,
2007.
The
Company holds collateral under related reinsurance agreements in the form of
letters of credit totaling $4.1 million that can be drawn on for amounts that
remain unpaid for more than 120 days.
-87-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
impact of the quota-share reinsurance treaties on the financial statements
is as
follows:
As
of December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company (A+ A.M. Best Rated):
|
|||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$
|
20,823
|
$
|
113,061
|
|||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
137,546
|
153,114
|
|||||
$
|
158,369
|
$
|
266,175
|
||||
Amounts
due from reinsurers consisted of amounts related to:
|
|||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$
|
137,546
|
$
|
153,114
|
|||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
20,823
|
113,061
|
|||||
Reinsurance
receivable
|
-
|
218
|
|||||
$
|
158,369
|
$
|
266,393
|
(7)
UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE
The
liability for unpaid losses and LAE is determined on an individual-case basis
for all incidents reported. The liability also includes amounts for unallocated
expenses, anticipated future claim development and IBNR.
Activity
in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Balance
at January 1:
|
$
|
39,615,478
|
$
|
154,038,543
|
|||
Less
reinsurance recoverables
|
(12,382,028
|
)
|
(128,419,923
|
)
|
|||
Net
balance at January 1
|
$
|
27,233,450
|
$
|
25,618,620
|
|||
Incurred
related to:
|
|||||||
Current
year
|
$
|
38,452,431
|
$
|
35,105,812
|
|||
Prior
years
|
9,166,491
|
9,294,096
|
|||||
Total
incurred
|
$
|
47,618,922
|
$
|
44,399,908
|
|||
Paid
related to:
|
|||||||
Current
year
|
$
|
15,628,017
|
$
|
17,420,147
|
|||
Prior
years
|
19,672,941
|
25,364,930
|
|||||
Total
paid
|
$
|
35,300,958
|
$
|
42,785,077
|
|||
Net
balance at year-end
|
$
|
39,551,415
|
$
|
27,233,450
|
|||
Plus
reinsurance recoverables
|
20,133,375
|
12,382,028
|
|||||
Balance
at year-end
|
$
|
59,684,790
|
$
|
39,615,478
|
-88-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Based
upon consultations with our independent actuarial consultants and their
statement of opinion on losses and LAE, we believe that the liability for unpaid
loses and LAE is adequate to cover all claims and related expenses which may
arise from incidents reported.
As
a
result of our review of our liability for losses and LAE, which includes a
re-evaluation of the adequacy of reserve levels for prior year’s claims, we
increased the liability for loss and LAE for claims occurring in prior years
by
$9,166,491, $9,294,096 and $6,094,843 for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005, respectively. The adjustments in the liability were primarily
attributable to loss development in connection with the four hurricanes of
2004
There can be no assurance concerning future adjustments of reserves, positive
or
negative, for claims through December 31, 2007.
(8)
REVOLVING CREDIT OUTSTANDING
Federated
Premium’s operations were funded by the revolving loan agreement with FlatIron.
The Revolving Agreement is structured as a sale of contracts receivable under
a
sale and assignment agreement with WPAC, which gives them the right to sell
or
assign these contracts receivable. Federated Premium, which services these
contracts, has recorded transactions under the Revolving Agreement as secured
borrowings. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Agreement
as of December 31, 2007. Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Agreement
as
of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $0.01 million and $0.20
million, respectively. This credit facility terminated, at our request, during
2007.
Finance
contracts receivable decreased $1.4 million, or 77.0%, to $0.4 million as of
December 31, 2007, compared to $1.8 million as of December 31, 2006. We
anticipate a continued decline in the short-term in connection with premiums
financed contracts. The Company anticipates continued use of the direct bill
feature associated with the two insurance companies and their automobile lines
of business.
(9)
INCOME TAXES
A
summary
of the provision for income tax expense is as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Federal:
|
||||||||||
Current
|
$
|
10,711,544
|
$
|
7,732,974
|
$
|
3,710,317
|
||||
Deferred
|
(1,247,894
|
)
|
(798,161
|
)
|
747,661
|
|||||
Provision
for Federal income tax expense
|
9,463,650
|
6,934,813
|
4,457,978
|
|||||||
State:
|
||||||||||
Current
|
1,895,000
|
546,796
|
-
|
|||||||
Deferred
|
(133,131
|
)
|
(85,215
|
)
|
827,244
|
|||||
Provision
for state income tax expense
|
1,761,869
|
461,581
|
827,244
|
|||||||
Provision
for income tax expense
|
$
|
11,225,519
|
$
|
7,396,394
|
$
|
5,285,222
|
-89-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
actual income tax expense differs from the "expected" income tax expense
(computed by applying the combined applicable effective federal and state tax
rates to income before provision for income tax expense) as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Computed
expected tax provision, at federal rate
|
$
|
11,051,807
|
$
|
8,151,908
|
$
|
5,211,285
|
||||
State
tax, net of federal deduction benefit
|
1,179,943
|
(56,242
|
)
|
545,981
|
||||||
Tax-exempt
interest
|
(360,397
|
)
|
(304,135
|
)
|
(149,627
|
)
|
||||
Dividend
received deduction
|
(114,225
|
)
|
(139,442
|
)
|
(145,207
|
)
|
||||
Valuation
allowance for capital loss carry forward
|
71,545
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Interest
expense not requiring cash
|
23,021
|
47,821
|
31,750
|
|||||||
Other,
net
|
(626,175
|
)
|
(303,516
|
)
|
(208,960
|
)
|
||||
Income
tax expense, as reported
|
$
|
11,225,519
|
$
|
7,396,394
|
$
|
5,285,222
|
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our net
deferred tax asset are as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$
|
1,675,398
|
$
|
946,455
|
|||
Unearned
premiums
|
2,670,007
|
3,436,434
|
|||||
Unrealized
loss on investment securities
|
1,510,438
|
583,500
|
|||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
122,819
|
68,693
|
|||||
Unearned
commissions
|
-
|
183,486
|
|||||
Regulatory
assessments
|
2,096,050
|
1,423,930
|
|||||
Discount
on advance premiums
|
30,349
|
22,220
|
|||||
Unearned
adjusting income
|
-
|
845
|
|||||
Deferred
gain on sale and leaseback
|
607,738
|
838,766
|
|||||
Stock
option expense per FASB 123 (R)
|
173,056
|
202,741
|
|||||
Total
deferred tax assets
|
8,885,855
|
7,707,070
|
|||||
Deferred
tax liabilities:
|
|||||||
Deferred
acquisition costs, net
|
(3,331,949
|
)
|
(4,157,917
|
)
|
|||
Depreciation
|
86,498
|
71,446
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
(584
|
)
|
(10,358
|
)
|
|||
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
(3,246,035
|
)
|
(4,096,829
|
)
|
|||
Net
deferred tax asset
|
$
|
5,639,820
|
$
|
3,610,241
|
Based
upon the results of our analysis and the application of the provisions of FIN
48, we have determined that all material tax positions meet the recognition
threshold and can be considered as highly certain tax positions. This is based
on clear and unambiguous tax law, and we are highly confident that the full
amount of each tax position will be sustained upon possible examination.
Accordingly, the full amount of the tax positions will be recognized in the
financial statements.
In
assessing the net realizable value of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
tax
assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets
is
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in
which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income
and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At December 31, 2007
and
2006, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for
future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company
will
realize the benefits of these deductible differences.
The
2004,
2003 and 2002 consolidated Federal Income Tax Returns filed by the Company
have
been examined by the IRS during 2006 and 2005. We have concurred with certain
IRS conclusions and have appealed other conclusions. Irrespective of the ongoing
appellate process, we do not believe that a material adjustment will occur.
Income taxes receivable are net of $160,000 reserve established in conjunction
with this process.
-90-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(10)
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS
To
retain
our certificate of authority, the Florida Insurance Code (the "Code") requires
Federated National and American Vehicle to maintain capital and surplus equal
to
the greater of 10% of their liabilities or a statutory minimum capital and
surplus as defined in the Code. Federated National and American Vehicle are
required to have a minimum capital surplus of $4.0 million. At December 31,
2007, 2006 and 2005, Federated National’s statutory capital surplus was $32.3
million, $19.5 million and $11.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005, American Vehicle had statutory capital surplus of $27.6 million,
$26.7 million and $18.0 million, respectively.
The
insurance companies are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital
surplus ratios. As of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, both Federated National
and American Vehicle were in compliance with the prescribed premium-to-surplus
ratio.
As
of
December 31, 2007, to meet regulatory requirements, we had bonds with a carrying
value of approximately $2.2 million pledged to the Insurance Commissioner of
the
State of Florida.
Under
Florida law, a domestic insurer may not pay any dividend or distribute cash
or
other property to its shareholders except out of that part of its available
and
accumulated capital surplus funds which is derived from realized net operating
profits on its business and net realized capital gains. A Florida domestic
insurer may not make dividend payments or distributions to shareholders without
prior approval of the Florida OIR if the dividend or distribution would exceed
the larger of (i) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of its capital surplus or (b) net
income, not including realized capital gains, plus a two-year carryforward,
(ii)
10.0% of capital surplus with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds
minus 25% of unrealized capital gains or (iii) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of
capital surplus or (b) net investment income plus a three-year carryforward
with
dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25.0% of unrealized
capital gains.
Alternatively,
a Florida domestic insurer may pay a dividend or distribution without the prior
written approval of the Florida OIR (i) if the dividend is equal to or less
than
the greater of (a) 10.0% of the insurer’s capital surplus as regards
policyholders derived from realized net operating profits on its business and
net realized capital gains or (b) the insurer’s entire net operating profits and
realized net capital gains derived during the immediately preceding calendar
year, (ii) the insurer will have policy holder capital surplus equal to or
exceeding 115.0% of the minimum required statutory capital surplus after the
dividend or distribution, (iii) the insurer files a notice of the dividend
or
distribution with the Florida OIR at least ten business days prior to the
dividend payment or distribution and (iv) the notice includes a certification
by
an officer of the insurer attesting that, after the payment of the dividend
or
distribution, the insurer will have at least 115% of required statutory capital
surplus as to policyholders. Except as provided above, a Florida domiciled
insurer may only pay a dividend or make a distribution (i) subject to prior
approval by the Florida OIR or (ii) 30 days after the Florida OIR has received
notice of such dividend or distribution and has not disapproved it within such
time.
No
dividends were paid by Federated National or American Vehicle in 2007, 2006
or
2005, and none are anticipated in 2008. Although we believe that amounts
required to meet our financial and operating obligations will be available
from
sources other than dividends from our insurance subsidiaries, there can be
no
assurance in this regard. Further, there can be no assurance that, if requested,
the Florida OIR will allow any dividends in excess of the amount available,
to
be paid by Federated National and American Vehicle to us in the future. The
maximum dividends permitted by state law are not necessarily indicative of
an
insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends or other distributions to a parent
company, which also may be constrained by business and regulatory
considerations, such as the impact of dividends on capital surplus, which could
affect an insurer’s competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be
written and the ability to pay future dividends. Further, state insurance laws
and regulations require that the statutory capital surplus of an insurance
company following any dividend or distribution by it be reasonable in relation
to its outstanding liabilities and adequate for its financial
needs.
In
order
to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the NAIC established risk-based
capital requirements for insurance companies that are designed to assess capital
adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides
for policy holders. These requirements measure three major areas of risk facing
property and casualty insurers: (i) underwriting risks, which encompass the
risk
of adverse loss developments and inadequate pricing; (ii) declines in asset
values arising from credit risk; and (iii) other business risks from
investments. Insurers having less statutory surplus than required will be
subject to varying degrees of regulatory action, depending on the level of
capital inadequacy. The Florida OIR, which follows these requirements, could
require Federated National or American Vehicle to cease operations in the event
they fail to maintain the required statutory capital.
-91-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Based
upon the 2007 statutory financial statements for Federated National and American
Vehicle, statutory surplus exceeded all regulatory action levels established
by
the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements. Based upon the 2006 statutory
financial statements for American Vehicle, statutory surplus exceeded all
regulatory action levels established by the NAIC’s risk-based capital
requirements. Based upon the 2006 statutory financial statements for Federated
National, statutory surplus did not exceed company action levels established
by
the NAIC. Federated National’s results required us to submit a plan containing
corrective actions.
Based
on
Risk Based Capital requirements, the extent of regulatory intervention and
action increases as the ratio of an insurer’s statutory surplus to its ACL, as
calculated under the NAIC’s requirements, decreases. The first action level, the
Company Action Level, requires an insurer to submit a plan of corrective actions
to the insurance regulators if statutory surplus falls below 200.0% of the
ACL
amount. The second action level, the Regulatory Action Level, requires an
insurer to submit a plan containing corrective actions and permits the insurance
regulators to perform an examination or other analysis and issue a corrective
order if statutory surplus falls below 150.0% of the ACL amount. The third
action level, ACL, allows the regulators to rehabilitate or liquidate an insurer
in addition to the aforementioned actions if statutory surplus falls below
the
ACL amount. The fourth action level is the Mandatory Control Level, which
requires the regulators to rehabilitate or liquidate the insurer if statutory
surplus falls below 70.0% of the ACL amount. Federated National’s ratio of
statutory surplus to its ACL was 653.0%, 165.4 % and 154.0% at December 31,
2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. American Vehicle’s ratio of statutory surplus
to its ACL was 448.5%, 444.2% and 329.7% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
Federated
National’s 2004 regularly scheduled statutory triennial examination during 2005
for the three years ended December 31, 2004 was performed by the Florida OIR.
American Vehicle's
examination was for the three years
ended
December 31, 2005 was also performed by the Florida OIR. A loss reserve
deficiency totaling approximately $1.3 million (net of income taxes) was
recorded in the fourth quarter of
2006
on American Vehicle in
connection with this OIR examination.
We
may be
the subject of additional targeted examinations or analysis. These examinations
or analysis may result in one or more corrective orders being issued by the
Florida OIR. Federated National anticipates a regularly scheduled statutory
triennial examination by the Florida OIR to occur during 2008 for the three
years ended December 31, 2007 however we have not yet received any notice of
such examination.
The
NAIC
has also developed IRIS ratios to assist state insurance departments in
identifying companies which may be developing performance or solvency problems,
as signaled by significant changes in the companies’ operations. Such changes
may not necessarily result from any problems with an insurance company, but
may
merely indicate changes in certain ratios outside the ranges defined as normal
by the NAIC. When an insurance company has four or more ratios falling outside
“usual ranges,” state regulators may investigate to determine the reasons for
the variance and whether corrective action is warranted.
As
of
December 31, 2007, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with
respect to its IRIS tests on three out of thirteen ratios. There were two
exceptions in connection with surplus growth and one exception in connection
with adverse homeowner claims in connection with the hurricanes of 2004 and
2005.
As
of
December 31, 2006, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with
respect to its IRIS tests on six out of thirteen ratios. There was one exception
in connection with surplus growth, one exception in connection with liabilities
to liquid assets and four exceptions in connection with adverse homeowner claims
in connection with the 2004 hurricanes.
As
of
December 31, 2007, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for two of
thirteen ratios. The exceptions were in connection with reserve development
in
connection with our Commercial General Liability program.
As
of
December 31, 2006, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for one of
thirteen ratios. The exception was in connection with the net increase in
adjusted policyholders’ surplus. During 2006, net income and a decrease in non
admitted securities were the major contributors to the 2006 change to
policyholder surplus.
-92-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
We
do not
currently believe that the Florida OIR will take any significant action with
respect to Federated National or American Vehicle regarding the 2007 IRIS
ratios, although there can be no assurance that will be the case.
The
table
below reflects the range and test results for both Federated National and
American Vehicle for the years ended December 31 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
Unusual
Values Equal to Or
|
|
Federated
National
|
|
American
Vehicle
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Over
|
|
Under
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||||||
Gross
Premiums to Policyholders' Surplus
|
900
|
-
|
312
|
765
|
122
|
167
|
|||||||||||||
Net
Premium to Policyholders' Surplus
|
300
|
-
|
174
|
290
|
122
|
167
|
|||||||||||||
Change
in Net Writings
|
33
|
-33
|
28
|
-8
|
-24
|
4
|
|||||||||||||
Surplus
Aid to Policyholders' Surplus
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||||
Two-year
Overall Operating Ratio
|
100
|
-
|
82
|
102
*
|
88
|
82
|
|||||||||||||
Investment
Yield
|
6.5
|
3
|
6.2
|
6.4
|
4.9
|
3.9
|
|||||||||||||
Gross
Change in Policyholders' Surplus
|
50.0
|
-10
|
66*
|
36
|
3
|
49
|
|||||||||||||
Net
Change in Adjusted Policyholders' Surplus
|
25
|
-10
|
66*
|
36
*
|
3
|
49
|
* | ||||||||||||
Liabilities
to Liquid Assets
|
105
|
-
|
73
|
113
*
|
66
|
69
|
|||||||||||||
Gross
Agents' Balance to Policyholders' Surplus
|
40
|
-
|
3
|
14
|
9
|
23
|
|||||||||||||
One-Year
Reserve Development to Policyholders' Surplus
|
20
|
-
|
13
|
26
*
|
20
*
|
13
|
|||||||||||||
Two-Year
Reserve Development to Policyholders' Surplus
|
20
|
-
|
49*
|
186
*
|
29
*
|
6
|
|||||||||||||
Estimated
Current Reserve Deficiency to Policyholders' Surplus
|
25
|
-
|
19
|
120
*
|
-25
|
11
|
*
indicates an unusual value
GAAP
differs in some respects from reporting practices prescribed or permitted by
the
Florida OIR. Federated National's statutory capital and surplus was $32.3
million and $19.5 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Federated National's statutory net income (loss) was $15.3 million, $1.7 million
and ($2.2) million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. Federated National’s statutory non-admitted assets were
approximately $1.2 million and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
American
Vehicle’s statutory capital and surplus was $27.6 million and $26.7 million as
of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. American Vehicle’s statutory net
income was approximately $1.3 million, $6.2 million and $2.9 million for the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively. American Vehicle’s
statutory non-admitted assets were approximately $0.9 million and $0.4 million
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
(11)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We
are
involved in other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these
matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial
position, results of operations, or liquidity. For additional discussion of
our
involvement in other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of
business please see ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The
2004,
2003 and 2002 consolidated Federal Income Tax Returns filed by the Company
have
been examined by the IRS during 2006 and 2005. We have concurred with certain
IRS conclusions and have appealed other conclusions. Irrespective of the ongoing
appellate process, we do not believe that a material adjustment will occur.
Income taxes receivable are net of $160,000 reserve established in conjunction
with this process.
As
a
direct premium writer in the State of Florida, we are required to participate
in
certain insurer solvency associations under Florida Statutes 631.57(3) (a).
Participation in these pools is based on our written premium by line of business
to total premiums written statewide by all insurers. Participation may result
in
assessments against us as it did in 2006. During 2006 we were assessed $3.9
million in connection with the association. For statutory accounting purposes
these assessments are not charged to operations in contrast GAAP treatment
to
charge current operations for the assessments. Through policyholder surcharges,
as approved by the OIR, we recouped $1.6 million in connection with these
assessments during 2007. There were no assessments made for the years ended
December 31, 2007 or 2005.
-93-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
During
its regularly scheduled meeting on August 17, 2005, the Board of Governors
of
Citizens determined a 2004 plan year deficit existed in the High Risk Account.
Citizens decided that a $515 million Regular Assessment was in the best interest
of Citizens and consistent with Florida Statutes. On this basis, Citizens
certified for a Regular Assessment. Federated National’s participation in this
assessment totaled $2.0 million. During a subsequent regularly scheduled meeting
on or about December 18, 2006, Citizens board determined an additional 2004
plan
year deficit existed in the High Risk Account. Citizens decided that a $515
million Regular Assessment was in the best interest of Citizens and consistent
with Florida Statutes. On this basis, Citizens certified for a Regular
Assessment. Federated National’s participation in this assessment totaled $0.3
million. Provisions contained in our excess of loss reinsurance policies provide
for their participation totaling $1.5 million.
Pursuant
to Section 627.3512, Florida Statutes, insurers are permitted to recoup the
assessment by adding a surcharge to policies in an amount not to exceed the
amount paid by the insurer to Citizens. Federated National is currently
underwriting the recoupment in connection with this assessment and has recouped
approximately $0.4 million and $1.2 million during 2007 and 2006, respectively.
As noted above, Federated National has subrogated $1.5 million to our
reinsurers.
Federated
National and American Vehicle are also required to participate in an insurance
apportionment plan under Florida Statutes Section 627.351, which is referred
to
as a JUA Plan. The JUA Plan provides for the equitable apportionment of any
profits realized, or losses and expenses incurred, among participating motor
vehicle insurers. In the event of an underwriting deficit incurred by the JUA
Plan which is not recovered through the policyholders in the JUA Plan, such
deficit shall be recovered from the companies participating in the JUA Plan
in
the proportion that the net direct written premiums of each such member during
the preceding calendar year bear to the aggregate net direct premiums written
in
this state by all members of the JUA Plan. During
the year ended December 31, 2007 Federated National was assessed $7,470 and
American Vehicle recovered $842, by and from the JUA Plan based on its December
2007 Cash Activity Report. During the year ended December 31, 2006 Federated
National and American Vehicle were assessed $221,765 and $1,579, respectively.
These charges are contained in Operating and Underwriting Expenses in the
Statement of Operations. Future assessments by this association are
undeterminable at this time.
Bonds
totaling $17.7 million secure a $10.0 million irrevocable letter of credit
in
order to facilitate business opportunities in connection with our commercial
general liability program.
(12)
LEASES
Effective
on or about March 1, 2006, the Company sold its interest in the property located
at 3661 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida to an unrelated
party for approximately $5.0 million cash and a $0.9 million six year 5% note.
As part of the transaction, the Company agreed to lease the same facilities
for
a six year term; in accordance with SFAS 13, the lease will be treated as an
operating lease. The expected future payout schedule is as follows:
Fiscal
Year
|
Lease
payments
|
|||
2008
|
612,906
|
|||
2009
|
625,165
|
|||
2010
|
637,668
|
|||
2011
|
648,331
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
2,524,070
|
Rent
expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $0.6 million,
$0.5 million and nothing, respectively.
(13)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
One
of
our directors is a partner at a law firm that handles some of the Company’s
claims litigation. Fees paid to this law firm amounted to approximately $80,000,
$258,000 and $192,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and is included in LAE.
-94-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(14)
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net
income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during
the periods presented.
A
summary
of the numerator and denominator of the basic and fully diluted 2007, 2006
and
2005 net income per share is presented below:
Income
(Loss)
|
|
Shares
Outstanding
|
|
Per-share
|
|
|||||
|
|
(Numerator)
|
|
(Denominator)
|
Amount
|
|||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2007:
|
||||||||||
Basic
net income per share
|
$
|
21,279,797
|
7,922,542
|
$
|
2.69
|
|||||
Fully
diluted income per share
|
$
|
21,279,797
|
8,030,205
|
$
|
2.65
|
|||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
||||||||||
Basic
net per share
|
$
|
13,896,267
|
7,537,550
|
$
|
1.84
|
|||||
Fully
diluted per share
|
$
|
13,896,267
|
8,085,722
|
$
|
1.72
|
|||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2005:
|
||||||||||
Basic
net (loss) per share
|
$
|
12,115,530
|
6,228,043
|
$
|
1.95
|
|||||
Fully
diluted (loss) per share
|
$
|
12,115,530
|
6,628,076
|
$
|
1.83
|
(15)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SFAS
131,
Disclosures
About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,
requires that the amount reported for each segment item be based on what is
used
by the chief operating decision maker in formulating a determination as to
how
many resources to assign to a segment and how to appraise the performance of
that segment. The term chief operating decision maker may apply to the chief
executive officer or chief operating officer or to a group of executives. Note:
The term of chief operating decision maker may apply to a function and not
necessarily to a specific person. This is a management approach rather than
an
industry approach in identifying segments. The segments are based on the
Company’s organizational structure, revenue sources, nature of activities,
existence of responsible managers, and information presented to the Board of
Directors.
If
any
one of the following exists, a segment must be reported on:
· |
Revenue,
including unaffiliated and inter-segment sales or transfers, is 10%
or
more of total revenue of all operating
segments.
|
· |
Operating
profit or loss is 10% or more of the greater, in absolute amount,
of the
combined operating profit (or loss) of all industry segments with
operating profits (or losses).
|
· |
Identifiable
assets are 10% or more of total assets of all operating
segments.
|
Operating
segments that are not reportable should be combined and disclosed in the ‘‘all
other’’ category. Disclosure should be made of the sources of revenue for these
segments.
Accordingly,
we have no segment information to report.
(16)
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
We
implemented a stock option plan in November 1998 that provides for the granting
of stock options to officers, key employees and consultants. The objectives
of
this plan includes attracting and retaining the best personnel, providing for
additional performance incentives, and promoting our success by providing
employees the opportunity to acquire common stock. Options outstanding under
this plan have been granted at prices, which are either equal to or above the
market value of the stock on the date of grant, typically vest over a four-year
period, and expire six or ten years after the grant date. Under this plan,
we
are authorized to grant options to purchase up to 900,000 common shares, and,
as
of December 31, 2007, we had outstanding exercisable options to purchase 152,599
shares.
-95-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
In
2001,
we implemented a franchisee stock option plan that provides for the granting
of
stock options to individuals purchasing Company owned agencies which are then
converted to franchised agencies. The purpose of the plan is to advance our
interests by providing an additional incentive to encourage managers of Company
owned agencies to purchase the agencies and convert them to franchises. Options
outstanding under the plan have been granted at prices, which are above the
market value of the stock on the date of grant, vest over a ten-year period,
and
expire ten years after the grant date. Under this plan, we are authorized to
grant options to purchase up to 988,500 common shares, and, as of December
31,
2007, we had no outstanding exercisable options to purchase shares.
In
2002,
we implemented the 2002 Option Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to advance
our
interests by providing an additional incentive to attract, retain and motivate
highly qualified and competent persons who are key to the Company, including
key
employees, consultants, independent contractors, Officers and Directors, upon
whose efforts and judgment our success is largely dependent, by authorizing
the
grant of options to purchase Common Stock to persons who are eligible to
participate hereunder, thereby encouraging stock ownership by such persons,
all
upon and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. Options outstanding
under the plan have been granted at prices which are above the market value
of
the stock on the date of grant, vest over a five-year period, and expire six
years after the grant date. Under this plan, we are authorized to grant options
to purchase up to 1,800,000 common shares, and, as of December 31, 2007, we
had
outstanding exercisable options to purchase 660,309 shares.
Activity
in our stock option plans for the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31,
2007 is summarized below:
|
|
1998
Plan
|
|
2001
Franchisee Plan
|
|
2002
Plan
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
||||||
|
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
|||||||
Outstanding
at January 1, 2005
|
198,275
|
$
|
6.67
|
15,000
|
$
|
9.17
|
906,300
|
$
|
10.80
|
||||||||||
Granted
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
451,500
|
$
|
14.39
|
||||||||||
Exercised
|
(96,875
|
)
|
$
|
6.67
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(271,542
|
)
|
$
|
8.96
|
||||||||
Cancelled
|
(3,750
|
)
|
$
|
6.67
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(262,650
|
)
|
$
|
14.00
|
||||||||
Outstanding
at January 1, 2006
|
97,650
|
$
|
6.67
|
15,000
|
$
|
9.17
|
823,608
|
$
|
12.35
|
||||||||||
Granted
|
25,000
|
$
|
27.79
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
86,000
|
$
|
16.44
|
||||||||||
Exercised
|
(77,900
|
)
|
$
|
6.67
|
(15,000
|
)
|
$
|
9.17
|
(212,350
|
)
|
$
|
8.98
|
|||||||
Cancelled
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(59,900
|
)
|
$
|
14.98
|
|||||||||||
Outstanding
at January 1, 2007
|
44,750
|
$
|
18.47
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
637,358
|
$
|
13.80
|
||||||||||
Granted
|
109,849
|
$
|
13.32
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
57,151
|
$
|
13.18
|
||||||||||
Exercised
|
(2,000
|
)
|
$
|
6.67
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(16,300
|
)
|
$
|
10.02
|
||||||||
Cancelled
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(17,900
|
)
|
$
|
15.82
|
|||||||||
Outstanding
at December 31, 2007
|
152,599
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
660,309
|
$
|
13.78
|
-96-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Options
outstanding as of December 31, 2007 are exercisable as follows:
1998
Plan
|
|
2001
Franchisee Plan
|
|
2002
Plan
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
||||||
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number
of Shares |
|
Exercise
Price
|
||||||||
Options
Exercisable at:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
December
31, 2007
|
42,750
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
358,506
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2008
|
21,969
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
101,781
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2009
|
21,970
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
92,129
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2010
|
21,970
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
69,831
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2011
|
21,970
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
25,631
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
Thereafter
|
21,970
|
$
|
14.92
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
12,431
|
$
|
13.78
|
||||||||||
Total
options exercisible
|
152,599
|
-
|
660,309
|
At
December 31, 2007, the Company has two stock-based employee compensation
plans
and one stock-based franchise compensation plan, which are described above.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for those plans under the recognition
and
measurement provisions of stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS 123, Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation. Under
these provisions, no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized
in
the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 as all options
granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to or less than the
market
value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognitions provisions
of
SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that
transition method, compensation cost recognized during the years ended December
31, 2007 and 2006 includes:
· |
Compensation
cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested
as
of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated
in
accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123, and
|
· |
Compensation
cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1,
2006,
based on the grant-date fair-value estimated in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 123R. Results for prior periods have not been
restated,
as not required to by the
pronouncement.
|
As
a
result of adopting SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, the Company’s income from
continuing operations before provision for income taxes and net income for
the
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, are lower by approximately $618,000
and
405,000, and $539,000 and $336,000, respectively, than if it had continued
to
account for share-base compensation under ABP Opinion No. 25.
Basic
and
diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 would
have been $2.74 and 2.70, and $1.85 and $1.73, respectively, if the Company
had
not adopted SFAS 123R, compared to reported basic and diluted earnings per
share
of $2.69 and $2.65, and $1.84 and $1.72, respectively.
Because
the change in income taxes payable includes the effect of excess tax benefits,
those excess tax benefits also must be shown as a separate operating cash
outflow so that operating cash flows exclude the effect of excess tax benefits.
SFAS 123R requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting
from
tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options
(excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows.
The
following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share
if
the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement
123
to options granted under our stock option plans in the period presented. For
purposes of this provision disclosure and comparability, the value of the
options were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and
amortized to expense over the options vesting periods.
-97-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
For
the Year Ended
|
|
|||
|
|
December
31, 2005
|
||
Net
Income (loss) as reported
|
$
|
12,115,530
|
||
Compensation,
net of tax effect
|
1,114,166 | |||
Pro
forma net income (loss)
|
$
|
11,001,364
|
||
Net
income (loss) per share
|
||||
As
reported - Basic
|
$
|
1.95
|
||
As
reported - Diluted
|
$
|
1.83
|
||
Pro
forma - Basic
|
$
|
1.77
|
||
Pro
forma - Diluted
|
$
|
1.66
|
The
weighted average fair value of options granted during 2007, 2006 and 2005
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
was
$2.92 to $5.59; $3.62 to $5.73 and $2.81 to $10.75, respectively.
The
fair
value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the following
assumptions:
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
December
31, 2005
|
||||
Dividend
yield
|
3.20%
to 6.70%
|
2.10%
to 3.70%
|
2.33%
to 2.50%
|
|||
Expected
volatility
|
42.87%
to 54.77%
|
42.37%
to 44.30%
|
45.51%
to 96.76%
|
|||
Risk-free
interest rate
|
2.90%
to 4.86%
|
4.60%
to 4.90%
|
3.34%
to 4.36%
|
|||
Expected
life (in years)
|
2.58
to 3.17
|
2.04
to 2.86
|
2.56
to 2.93
|
Summary
information about the Company’s stock options outstanding at December 31,
2007
Range
of
Exercise
Price
|
|
Outstanding
at
December
31, 2007
|
|
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Periods
in Years
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Exercisable
at
December
31, 2007
|
||||||||
1998
Plan
|
$
|
6.67
- $27.79
|
152,599
|
4.97
|
$
|
14.92
|
42,750
|
|||||||||
2001
Franchise Plan
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
2002
Plan
|
$
|
8.33
- $18.21
|
660,309
|
2.93
|
$
|
13.78
|
358,506
|
(17)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
We
have
established a profit sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code. This plan allows eligible employees, except key and highly compensated
employees, to contribute up to 100 percent of their compensation on a pre-tax
basis, not to exceed statutory limits. For the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005, we did not contribute to the plan. Our contributions, if any,
are
vested incrementally over five years.
(18)
ACQUISITIONS
We
made
no acquisitions during 2007.
(19)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
As
of
December 31, 2007 and 2006 we have classified $20.2 million and $19.7 million,
respectively, of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity. The decision to
classify this layer of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity was predicated
on
our intention and ability to hold these securities until maturity. Unrealized
loss in connection with the 2006 reclassification totaled $0.26 million, net
of
a $0.16 income tax effect.
-98-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Reclassification
adjustments related to the investment securities sold and previously included
in
comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005
are as follows:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Unrealized
holdings net losses arising during the year
|
$
|
(4,106,317
|
)
|
$
|
(1,550,625
|
)
|
$
|
(2,464,716
|
)
|
|
Reclassification
adjustment for losses included in net income
|
(1,550,625
|
)
|
(2,464,716
|
)
|
(809,639
|
)
|
||||
(2,555,692
|
)
|
914,091
|
(1,655,077
|
)
|
||||||
Tax
effect
|
926,939
|
(343,972
|
)
|
622,806
|
||||||
Net
unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities
|
$
|
(1,628,753
|
)
|
$
|
570,119
|
$
|
(1,032,271
|
)
|
(20)
AUTHORIZATION OF PREFERRED STOCK
Our
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of one
million shares of preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences
determined from time to time by our board of directors. Accordingly, our board
of directors is empowered, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred
stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights that
could
adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of common
stock. We have not issued preferred shares as of December 31, 2007.
(21)
21ST
CENTURY HOLDING COMPANY
21st
Century
Holding Company (the parent company only) has no long term obligations,
guarantees or material contingencies as of December 31, 2007. The following
summarizes the major categories of the parent company’s financial statements:
Condensed
Balance Sheets
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Cash
and short term investments
|
$
|
2,331,738
|
$
|
6,337,552
|
|||
Investments
and advances to subsidiaries
|
58,744,839
|
58,611,395
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes receivable
|
7,552,944
|
787,411
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
518,233
|
550,233
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
12,850,843
|
13,425,205
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
81,998,597
|
$
|
79,711,796
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|||||||
Subordinated
debt
|
-
|
4,166,666
|
|||||
Income
taxes payable
|
6,626,680
|
8,670,102
|
|||||
Dividends
payable
|
1,474,599
|
1,444,316
|
|||||
Other
liabilities
|
3,078,360
|
2,679,672
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
11,179,639
|
16,960,756
|
|||||
Shareholders'
equity:
|
|||||||
Common
stock
|
80,655
|
86,504
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
45,310,337
|
45,630,368
|
|||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
1,498,139
|
2,422,380
|
|||||
Retained
earnings
|
23,929,827
|
14,611,788
|
|||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
70,818,958
|
62,751,040
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$
|
81,998,597
|
$
|
79,711,796
|
-99-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Condensed
Statements of Operations
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||
Management
fees from subsidiaries
|
$
|
1,683,378
|
$
|
1,692,500
|
$
|
1,655,540
|
||||
Equity
in income of subsidiaries
|
33,845,202
|
22,402,736
|
18,275,913
|
|||||||
Net
investment income
|
491,691
|
261,740
|
40,877
|
|||||||
Other
income
|
587,619
|
1,326,479
|
273,847
|
|||||||
Total
revenue
|
36,607,890
|
25,683,455
|
20,246,177
|
|||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||
Advertising
|
10,760
|
18,545
|
53,082
|
|||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
1,854,101
|
1,749,272
|
1,255,310
|
|||||||
Legal
fees
|
180,387
|
153,792
|
191,320
|
|||||||
Interest
expense and amortization of loan costs
|
170,948
|
647,698
|
1,322,666
|
|||||||
Other
expenses
|
1,886,378
|
1,821,487
|
23,047
|
|||||||
Total
expenses
|
4,102,574
|
4,390,794
|
2,845,425
|
|||||||
Income
before provision for income tax expense
|
32,505,316
|
21,292,661
|
17,400,752
|
|||||||
Provision
benefit for income tax
|
(11,225,519
|
)
|
(7,396,394
|
)
|
(5,285,222
|
)
|
||||
Net
income
|
$
|
21,279,797
|
$
|
13,896,267
|
$
|
12,115,530
|
-100-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Condensed
Statements of Cash Flow
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||||
Cash
flow from operating activities:
|
||||||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
21,279,797
|
$
|
13,896,267
|
$
|
12,115,530
|
||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by
|
||||||||||
operating
activities:
|
||||||||||
Equity
in (loss) income of subsidiaries
|
(33,845,202
|
)
|
(22,402,736
|
)
|
(11,488,883
|
)
|
||||
Depreciation
and amortization of property plant and equipment, net
|
32,001
|
71,320
|
193,530
|
|||||||
Common
Stock issued for interest on Notes
|
109,375
|
128,125
|
315,625
|
|||||||
Deferred
income tax expense (benefit)
|
6,765,533
|
3,807,153
|
10,937,127
|
|||||||
Income
tax (payable) recoverable
|
(2,043,422
|
)
|
(956,522
|
)
|
952,098
|
|||||
Dividends
payable
|
30,283
|
(695,475
|
)
|
(306,659
|
)
|
|||||
Non-cash
compensation
|
404,800
|
538,775
|
-
|
|||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
-
|
2,797,968
|
-
|
|||||||
Deferred
gain on sale of assets
|
-
|
(2,366,101
|
)
|
-
|
||||||
Other
assets
|
(104,907
|
)
|
1,388,004
|
5,852,586
|
||||||
Other
liabilities
|
398,688
|
(2,259,029
|
)
|
(6,698,263
|
)
|
|||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
(6,973,054
|
)
|
(6,052,251
|
)
|
11,872,691
|
|||||
Cash
flow (used in) provided by investing activities:
|
||||||||||
Proceeds
from property, plant and equipment
|
-
|
5,607,266
|
(2,832,770
|
)
|
||||||
Purchases
of investment securities available for sale
|
(133,444
|
)
|
(4,001,960
|
)
|
-
|
|||||
Increased
capital of subsidiaries
|
-
|
-
|
(6,787,030
|
)
|
||||||
Cash
flow (used in) provided by investing activities:
|
(133,445
|
)
|
1,605,306
|
(9,619,800
|
)
|
|||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by financing activities:
|
||||||||||
Dividends
paid
|
(5,757,458
|
)
|
(4,289,683
|
)
|
(2,339,335
|
)
|
||||
Payments
against subordinated debt
|
(2,083,334
|
)
|
(4,375,000
|
)
|
(5,000,001
|
)
|
||||
Exercised
warrants, net
|
2,034,531
|
10,669,372
|
2,259,647
|
|||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
176,638
|
2,599,558
|
2,819,485
|
|||||||
Tax
benefit related to non-cash compensation
|
213,540
|
1,647,751
|
-
|
|||||||
Acquisition
of common stock
|
(3,822,645
|
)
|
(1,993,935
|
)
|
(1,779,645
|
)
|
||||
Advances
from (to) subsidiaries
|
12,339,412
|
5,991,378
|
(3,319,896
|
)
|
||||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by financing activities:
|
3,100,685
|
10,249,441
|
(7,359,745
|
)
|
||||||
Net
(decrease) increase in cash and short term investments
|
(4,005,814
|
)
|
5,802,496
|
(5,106,854
|
)
|
|||||
Cash
and short term investments at beginning of year
|
6,337,552
|
535,056
|
5,641,910
|
|||||||
Cash
and short term investments at end of year
|
$
|
2,331,738
|
$
|
6,337,552
|
$
|
535,056
|
(22)
SUBORDINATED DEBT
On
July
31, 2003, we completed a private placement of our 6% Senior Subordinated Notes
(the “July 2003 Notes”), which were offered and sold to accredited investors as
units consisting of one July 2003 Note with a principal amount of $1,000 and
warrants (the “2003 Warrants”) to purchase shares of our Common Stock. We sold
an aggregate of $7.5 million of July 2003 Notes in this placement, which
resulted in proceeds to us (net of placement agent fees of $450,724 and offering
expenses of $110,778) of $6,938,498.
-101-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
The
July
2003 Notes paid interest at the annual rate of 6%, were subordinated to senior
debt of the Company, and matured on July 31, 2006. Quarterly payments of
principal and interest due on the July 2003 Notes were made in cash or, at
our
option, in shares of our Common Stock. When paid in shares of Common Stock,
the
number of shares issued was determined by dividing the payment due by 95% of
the
weighted-average volume price for the Common Stock on Nasdaq as reported by
Bloomberg for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the payment
date.
The
2003
Warrants issued in this placement to the purchasers of the July 2003 Notes
and
to the placement agent in the offering, J. Giordano Securities Group (“J.
Giordano”), each entitled the holder to purchase ¾ of one share of our Common
Stock at an exercise price of $12.744 per whole share (as adjusted for the
Company’s three-for-two stock split) until July 31, 2006. The total number of
shares issuable upon exercise of 2003 Warrants issued to the purchasers of
the
July 2003 Notes and to J. Giordano totaled 612,074. GAAP required that
detachable warrants be valued separately from debt and included in paid-in
capital. Based on the terms of the purchase agreement with the investors
in the private placement, management determined that the July 2003 Warrants
had
zero value at the date of issuance.
On
July
31, 2006, we made the final principal payment of $625,000 on the July 2003
notes
and the July 2003 warrants expired. Of the 612,074 shares that could have been
issued in connection with the July 2003 warrants, 301,430 were exercised,
225,000 were reacquired in the open market by us and 85,644 were unexercised.
The unexercised warrants were cancelled as of July 31, 2006.
On
September 30, 2004, we completed a private placement of 6% Senior Subordinated
Notes due September 30, 2007 (the “September 2004 Notes”). These notes were
offered and sold to accredited investors as units consisting of one September
2004 Note with a principal amount of $1,000 and
warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock (the “2004 Warrants”), the terms
of which are similar to our July 2003 Notes and 2003 Warrants, except as
described below.
We sold
an aggregate of $12.5 million of units in this placement, which resulted in
proceeds (net of placement agent fees of $700,000 and offering expenses of
$32,500) to us of $11,767,500.
The
September 2004 Notes paid interest at the annual rate of 6%, mature on September
30, 2007, and ranked pari passu in terms of payment and priority to the July
2003 Notes. Quarterly payments of principal and interest due on the September
2004 Notes, like the July 2003 Notes, were made in cash or, at our option,
in
shares of our Common Stock. When paid in shares of Common Stock, the number
of
shares issued was determined by dividing the payment due by 95% of the
weighted-average volume price for the Common Stock on Nasdaq as reported by
Bloomberg for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the payment
date.
The
2004
Warrants issued to the purchasers of the September 2004 Notes and to the
placement agent in the offering, J. Giordano, each entitled the holder to
purchase one share of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $12.75 per share
and was
exercisable until September 30, 2007. The
number of shares issued upon exercise of the 2004 Warrants to purchasers equaled
$12.5 million divided by the exercise price of the warrants, and totaled
980,392. The number of shares issued upon exercise of the 2004 Warrants to
J.
Giordano equaled $500,000 divided by the exercise price of the warrants, and
totaled 39,216. GAAP required that detachable warrants be valued separately
from
debt and included in paid-in capital. Based on the terms of the purchase
agreement with the investors in the private placement, management determined
that the September 2004 Warrants had zero value at the date of issuance.
On
September 30, 2007, we made the final principal payment of $1,041,667 on the
September 2004 notes and the September 2004 warrants expired. Of the 1,019,608
shares that could have been issued in connection with the September 2004
warrants, 911,270 were exercised and 108,338 were unexercised. The unexercised
warrants were cancelled as of September 30, 2007.
As
indicated below, we paid, pursuant to the terms of the July 2003 Notes and
in
accordance with the contractual computations, selected quarterly payments of
principal and interest due in shares of our Common Stock.
-102-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Quarterly
payment due date
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||||
January
31,
|
n/a
|
-
|
55,537
|
|||||||
April
30,
|
n/a
|
38,420
|
-
|
|||||||
July
31,
|
n/a
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
October
31,
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
-
|
|||||||
Total
common stock issued
|
-
|
38,420
|
55,537
|
As
indicated on the table below, we paid, pursuant to the terms of the September
2004 Notes and in accordance with the contractual computations, selected
quarterly payments of principal and interest due in shares of our Common
Stock.
Quarterly
payment due date
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
January
31,
|
54,211
|
-
|
103,870
|
|||||||
April
30,
|
63,114
|
68,696
|
-
|
|||||||
July
31,
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
October
31,
|
n/a
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Total
common stock issued
|
117,325
|
68,696
|
103,870
|
For
the
July 2003 Notes, the quarterly principal and interest payments totaling
approximately $0.6 million per payment were due quarterly with the last
installment paid in cash on July 31, 2006.
For
the
September 2004 Notes, the quarterly principal and interest payments, totaling
approximately $1.1 million per payment, were due quarterly with the last
installment paid in cash on September 30, 2007.
(23)
SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
OPERATIONS
Loss
and LAE-
Current Year
|
|
Loss
and LAE-
Prior year
|
|
Amortization
of deferred policy acquisition expenses
|
|
Paid
losses and LAEexpenses
|
|
Net
premiums written
|
||||||||
2007
|
$
|
38,452,431
|
$
|
9,166,491
|
$
|
19,419,915
|
$
|
15,628,017
|
$
|
89,040,613
|
||||||
2006
|
$
|
35,105,812
|
$
|
9,294,096
|
$
|
17,395,177
|
$
|
17,420,147
|
$
|
85,144,982
|
||||||
2005
|
$
|
42,241,587
|
$
|
6,094,843
|
$
|
14,561,110
|
$
|
25,749,109
|
$
|
88,026,482
|
Affiliation
with registrant
|
|
Deferred
policy acquisition costs
|
|
Reserves
for losses and LAE
|
|
Discount,
if any, deducted from previous column
|
|
Unearned
premiums
|
|
Net
premiums earned
|
|
Net
investment income
|
|||||||
Consolidated
Property and Casualty Subsidiaries
|
|||||||||||||||||||
2007
|
$
|
8,958,195
|
$
|
59,684,790
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
56,394,473
|
$
|
99,224,121
|
$
|
7,964,444
|
|||||||
2006
|
$
|
11,153,168
|
$
|
39,615,478
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
77,829,099
|
$
|
89,348,254
|
$
|
5,932,683
|
|||||||
2005
|
$
|
9,183,654
|
$
|
154,038,543
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
61,839,051
|
$
|
82,963,496
|
$
|
3,841,154
|
-103-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
(24)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December
22, 2004 we announced our intention to sell our interest in Express Tax and
EXPRESSTAX Franchise Corporation for approximately $2 million cash. This
transaction closed with an effective date of January 1, 2005. The book value
of
Express Tax and EXPRESSTAX Franchise Corporation on January 1, 2005 was
approximately $0.6 million.
Additionally,
on the same day, the Company also announced a definitive agreement to sell
the
assets of its subsidiaries, Federated Agency Group and Fed USA, Inc., to
affiliates of Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Affirmative”)(NASDAQ: AFFM)
for approximately $9.5 million. The sale of assets to Affirmative closed on
December 31, 2004, at which time the Company received $7 million cash, with
up
to an additional $2.5 million due in the first quarter of 2006, subject to
certain performance criteria being met.
Assets
and liabilities, including goodwill, that were sold totaled approximately $2.1
million on December 31, 2004.
(25)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
None
-104-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
ITEM
9 CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM
9A CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We
maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit
under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and
that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As
of the
end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under
the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer
and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2007.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may
not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in condition, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule
13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting based on the framework in Internal
Control — Integrated Framework issued
by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based
on
the results of this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007 to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We reviewed the
results of management's assessment with the Company's Audit
Committee.
Management's
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
as
of December 31, 2007 has been audited by DeMeo Young & McGrath, CPA, the
independent registered public accounting firm who also audited the Company's
consolidated financial statements. Their attestation report on management's
assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting is shown
on page 67.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the year ended December 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Limitations
on Effectiveness
Our
management and our audit committee do not expect that our disclosure controls
and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all
errors or all instances of fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed
and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the
control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of the 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
provided absolute assurance that all control gaps and instances of fraud have
been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments
and decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of
simple errors or mistakes. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual
acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management
override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in
part
upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and any design
may not succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions.
-105-
21st
Century Holding Company and Subsidiaries
ITEM
9B OTHER
INFORMATION
None
PART
III
ITEM
10 DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Except
for the information set forth under the caption “Senior Management” in Part I
hereof, information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from
21st
Century’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed by us for our Annual Meeting
of Shareholders, which meeting will involve the election of
directors.
ITEM
11 EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Information
required by this Item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy
statement, to be filed by us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which
meeting will involve the election of directors.
ITEM
12 SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information
required by this Item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy
statement, to be filed by us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which
meeting will involve the election of directors.
ITEM
13 CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,
AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information
required by this Item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy
statement, to be filed by us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which
meeting will involve the election of directors.
ITEM
14 PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information
required by this Item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy
statement, to be filed by us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which
meeting will involve the election of directors.
-106-
21st
Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
PART
IV
ITEM
15 EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
10-K
(a) |
The
following documents are filed as part of this
report:
|
(1) |
Financial
Statements
|
The
following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the reports
of
independent auditors thereon are filed with this report:
Independent
Auditors’ Report (De Meo, Young, McGrath)
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005.
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005.
Notes
to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006
and 2005.
(2) |
Financial
Statement Schedules.
|
Schedule
VI, Supplemental information concerning property-casualty insurance operations,
is included herein under Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data.
(3)
|
Exhibits
|
-107-
21st
Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
Exhibit
|
Description
|
|
3.1
|
Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 3.1 in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed
with the SEC on September 17, 1998 [File No.
333-63623]).
|
|
3.2
|
Amended
and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
10.1 in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
November 28, 2007).
|
|
4.1
|
Specimen
of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 in
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed
with the SEC on October 7, 1998 [File No. 333-63623]).
|
|
10.1
|
21st
Century Holding Company 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference
to Annex A in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2002 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 26, 2002).
+
|
|
10.2
|
Form
of 2002 Stock Option Plan Acknowledgment +
|
|
10.3
|
The
Company’s 1998 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A
in
the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on May 12,
2000). +
|
|
10.4
|
Form
of 1998 Stock Option Plan Acknowledgment. +
|
|
10.5
|
2001
Franchise Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
A to the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 30, 2001).
|
|
10.6
|
Form
of 2001 Franchise Stock Option Plan Agreement +
|
|
10.7
|
Employment
Agreement dated September 1, 1998 between the Company and Edward
J. Lawson
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on September 17, 1998
[File No.
333-63623]) +
|
|
10.8
|
First
Modification Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2004 between the
Company
and Edward J. Lawson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
in the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 7,
2004).+
|
|
10.9
|
Employment
Agreement dated September 1, 1998 between the Company and Michele
V.
Lawson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on September
17,
1998 [File No. 333-63623]).+
|
|
10.10
|
Employment
Agreement dated June 25, 2007 between the Company and Peter J.
Prygelski,
III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Company’s Current
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2007).+
|
|
10.11
|
Employment
Agreement dated as of June 8, 2004 between the Company and James
Gordon
Jennings III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the
Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004
filed
with the SEC on August 16, 2004). +
|
|
10.12
|
Non-Compete
Agreement between the Company and Peter J. Prygelski, effective
June 25,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 contained in the
Company's
Form 8-K filed June 19, 2007)+
|
|
10.13
|
Non-Compete
Agreement dated December 19, 2005 between the Company and Michael
Bruan
dated December 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
in the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December
29,
2005).+
|
|
10.14
|
Non-Compete
Agreement dated December 19, 2005 between the Company and J.Gordon
Jennings, III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the
Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19,
2005).+
|
|
10.15
|
Form
of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its directors
and
executive officer.**
|
|
10.16
|
Reimbursement
Contract between Federated National Insurance Company and The State
Board
of Administration of Florida (SBA) which administers the Florida
Hurricane
Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) and Addendum Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4effective
June 1,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit1 10.1 - 10.5 in the
Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 2, 2007).
|
-108-
21st
Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
10.17
|
Excess
Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract effective July 1, 2007 issued
to
Federated National Insurance Company and certain Subscribing Reinsurer(s)
executing the Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
in the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2007 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2007).
|
|
10.18
|
Reinstatement
Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract effective July 1, 2007
issued to
Federated National Insurance Company and certain Subscribing
Reinsurance(s) executing the Agreement (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.2 in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2007 as filed with the SEC on November
9,
2007).
|
|
10.19
|
Additional
Layer Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract effective August
17, 2007
issued to Federated National Insurance Company and certain Subscribing
Reinsurer(s) executing the Agreement (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit
10.3 in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2007 filed with the SEC on November 9,
2007).
|
|
10.20
|
American
Vehicle Insurance Company 100% Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
with
Republic Underwriters Insurance Company for a portion of its business
and
a portion of the business assumed by it from its affiliated member
companies executed on April 15, 2006 and became effective April
15, 2006
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 in the Company’s current
report Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2006).
|
|
21.1
|
Subsidiaries
of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 in the
Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2005
filed with the SEC on March 30, 2006).
|
|
23.1
|
Consent
of De Meo, Young, McGrath, Independent Certified Public Accountants
**
|
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act **
|
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act **
|
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act **
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act **
|
+
|
Management
Compensation Plan or Arrangement
|
** |
Filed
herewith
|
-109-
21st
Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K report to be signed on
its
behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
21st
CENTURY HOLDING COMPANY
|
||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Edward J. Lawson | |
Edward
J. Lawson, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
/s/ Peter J. Prygelski, III | ||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
Dated:
March 17, 2008
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has
been
signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
/s/
Edward J. Lawson
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Edward J. Lawson |
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Chairman
of the Board
|
|||
|
||||
/s/
Peter J. Prygelski, III
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Peter J. Prygelski, III |
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
|||
/s/
James G. Jennings, III
|
Chief
Accounting Officer
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
James G. Jennings, III |
||||
|
||||
/s/
Michael H. Braun
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Michael H. Braun |
|
|||
|
||||
/s/
Carl Dorf
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Carl Dorf |
|
|||
/s/
Bruce Simberg
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Bruce Simberg |
|
|||
|
||||
/s/
Charles B. Hart, Jr.
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Charles B. Hart, Jr. |
||||
|
||||
/s/
Richard W. Wilcox, Jr.
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Richard W. Wilcox, Jr. |
|
|||
|
||||
/s/
Anthony C. Krayer, III
|
Director
|
March
17, 2008
|
||
Anthony C. Krayer, III |
|
-110-
21st
Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
EXHIBIT
INDEX
10.14 | Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its directors and executive officers |
23.1 | Consent of DeMeo, Young, McGrath, Independent Certified Public Accountants |
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
32.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
32.1 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
-111-