FedNat Holding Co - Annual Report: 2009 (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,
2009
or
¨ 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 ¨
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 ¨
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. Yesx
No ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has electronically submitted and posted on
its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to submit and post such
files). Yes ¨ No ¨
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. ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See
the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act.
Large
accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated
filer ¨ Non-accelerated
filer ¨ Smaller
reporting company x
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No
x
The
aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates
was $21,916,901 on June 30, 2009, computed on the basis of the closing sale
price of the Registrant’s common stock on that date.
As
of March 26, 2010, the total number of common shares outstanding of Registrant's
common stock was 7,946,384.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
21st Century
Holding Company
Table
of Contents
PART
I
|
3
|
|
ITEM
1
|
BUSINESS
|
3
|
ITEM
1A
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
25
|
ITEM
1B
|
UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
|
36
|
ITEM
2
|
PROPERTIES
|
36
|
ITEM
3
|
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
|
36
|
ITEM
4
|
RESERVED
|
36
|
PART
II
|
36
|
|
ITEM
5
|
MARKET
FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
|
36
|
ITEM
6
|
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
|
37
|
ITEM
7
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
40
|
ITEM
7A
|
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
70
|
ITEM
8
|
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
72
|
ITEM
9
|
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
|
112
|
ITEM
9A
|
CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
|
112
|
ITEM
9B
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
112
|
PART
III
|
113
|
|
ITEM
10
|
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
113
|
ITEM
11
|
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
|
117
|
ITEM
12
|
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
123
|
ITEM
13
|
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
|
124
|
ITEM
14
|
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
|
125
|
PART
IV
|
126
|
|
ITEM
15
|
EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 10-K
|
126
|
SIGNATURES
|
129
|
- 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 processes. We are authorized to underwrite
homeowners’ multi-peril, commercial general liability, personal and commercial
automobile, fire, allied lines, surety, commercial multi-peril and inland
marine in various states on behalf of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated
National Insurance Company (“Federated National”) and American Vehicle Insurance
Company (“American Vehicle”) and other insurance carriers. We market and
distribute our own and third-party insurers’ products and our other services
through contractual relationships with a network of approximately 4,200
independent agents, of which approximately 300 actively sell and service our
products. We also utilize a select number of general agents for the same
purpose.
The
insurable events during 2009, 2008 and 2007 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 2009, 2008 and 2007 we
processed property and liability claims stemming from our homeowners’,
commercial general liability and private passenger automobile lines of business.
Our reinsurance strategy serves to smooth the liquidity requirements imposed by
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 loss adjustment expenses (“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;
|
|
·
|
macroeconomic
issues.
|
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 licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida. Through contractual
relationships with a network of approximately 4,200 independent agents, of which
approximately 300 actively sell and service our products, Federated National is
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril, fire, allied lines and
personal automobile insurance in Florida.
American
Vehicle is licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida, and underwrites
commercial general liability, and personal and commercial automobile insurance.
American Vehicle is also licensed as an admitted carrier in Alabama, Louisiana
and Texas, and underwrites commercial general liability insurance in those
states. American Vehicle operates as a non-admitted carrier in Arkansas,
California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and can underwrite commercial general
liability insurance in all of these states.
- 3
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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 policyholders 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 and is
strictly regulated to protect policyholders from a variety of illegal and
unethical practices, including fraud. Sometimes, non-admitted carriers are
referred to as “excess and surplus” lines carriers. Non-admitted
carriers are subject to considerably less regulation with respect to policy
rates and forms. Non-admitted carriers are not required to financially
contribute to and benefit from 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.
During
2009, 81.2%, 14.6%, 3.4% and 0.8% of the premiums we underwrote were for
homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial general liability
insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, 68.7%, 27.0%, 3.7% and 0.6% of the
premiums we underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance,
commercial general liability insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile
insurance, respectively.
Despite
the effects of Florida’s mandated homeowners’ rate reductions and wind
mitigation discounts, the Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies increased $24.0
million, or 39.5%, to $84.7 million in 2009, compared with $60.7 million in
2008. Included in our sale of homeowners’ policies during 2009, is $17.9 million
from policies we assumed from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
(“Citizens”). The primary factor for the decrease in commercial general
liability production is a slowdown in the economy which has a dramatic impact on
the artisan contractor portfolio written by American Vehicle.
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. In addition, 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. 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
internet web site is www.21stcenturyholding.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.
RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS
Proposed
Florida Legislation
Throughout 2009, industry leaders and
lawmakers have met to discuss legislative options including 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. Efforts by the Governor
and Commissioner of Insurance at the federal level to secure post catastrophic
event liquidity commitments remain ongoing.
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, the
Florida legislature has not adopted any new laws or regulations. However, the
Florida legislators and regulators have discussed certain changes to the
existing laws and regulations which would impact our property and casualty
insurance business in fiscal 2010 or any subsequent years. One such change being
discussed among regulators would consider limiting the amount of time available
to report a claim from five years to three years.
- 4
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Another
initiative among legislators would, with certain exceptions, prohibit public
adjusters from making certain employment solicitations or unsolicited
written communications. Those exceptions, which pertain to written
communication, specify public adjusters conduct, the timing of their
solicitation, and the form and permissible content of any solicitation that
a public adjuster might employ. These changes are intended to restrict or limit
public adjusters involvement in the claims process. There are no assurances that
these regulatory initiatives will be successful during the 2010 legislative
season.
BUSINESS
STRATEGY
We expect
that in 2010 we will capitalize on our operational efficiencies and business
practices through:
|
·
|
continued
development of business initiatives introduced in 2009, such as the
commercial multi-peril and inland marine insurance in the State of Florida
and commercial automobile into various states as a supporting line of
business for our artisan commercial general liability
program;
|
|
·
|
improved
property analytical qualities such as a broader geographical dispersion of
risks throughout the state of Florida and avoiding risks that do not yield
an underwriting profit;
|
|
·
|
continued
territorial expansion of our commercial general liability, inland marine,
and private passenger automobile insurance products into additional
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 quality
business with our companies;
|
|
·
|
offering
our employees continuing education classes appropriate to the respective
discipline employed within this
organization;
|
|
·
|
assumption
of existing risks from other carriers;
and
|
|
·
|
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 and additional loss development from catastrophic
events over two years old suggest that continued financial challenges exist in
2010.
The
Company expects the 19% average statewide rate increase that was implemented in
late 2009, on those policies written on a direct basis, along with other pending
rate and rule changes, to gain momentum and accrete throughout 2010.
Furthermore, the Company anticipates favorable pricing terms on our upcoming
reinsurance contracts because early indicators show that there is ample capital
availability in the private reinsurance markets. Additionally, we will continue
to seek improvements in our marketing strategies intended to attract profitable
distribution channels while maintaining compliance with our underwriting
guidelines.
INSURANCE
OPERATIONS AND RELATED SERVICES
General
We are
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril, commercial general liability,
personal and commercial automobile, fire, allied lines, surety, commercial
multi-peril and inland marine in various states on behalf of our wholly owned
subsidiaries, Federated National and American Vehicle.
Federated
National is licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida. Through contractual
relationships with a network of approximately 4,200 independent agents, of which
approximately 300 actively sell and service our products, Federated National is
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril, fire, allied lines and
personal automobile insurance in Florida.
American
Vehicle is licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida, and underwrites
commercial general liability, and personal and commercial automobile insurance.
American Vehicle is also licensed as an admitted carrier in Alabama, Louisiana
and Texas, and underwrites commercial general liability insurance in those
states. American Vehicle operates as a non-admitted carrier in Arkansas,
California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and can underwrite commercial general
liability insurance in all of these states.
- 5
-
21st Century
Holding Company
The
following tables set forth the amount and percentages of our consolidated gross
premiums written, premiums ceded to reinsurers and net premiums written by line
of business for the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Premium
|
Percent
|
Premium
|
Percent
|
Premium
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross
written premiums:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$ | 836 | 0.8 | % | $ | 487 | 0.6 | % | $ | 1,867 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||
Federal
Flood
|
3,559 | 3.4 | % | 3,263 | 3.7 | % | - | 0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
84,705 | 81.2 | % | 60,708 | 68.7 | % | 99,502 | 74.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
15,279 | 14.6 | % | 23,790 | 27.0 | % | 32,222 | 24.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total
gross written premiums
|
$ | 104,379 | 100.0 | % | $ | 88,248 | 100.0 | % | $ | 133,591 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Ceded
premiums:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$ | 14 | 0.0 | % | $ | - | 0.0 | % | $ | - | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Federal
Flood
|
3,559 | 6.3 | % | 3,263 | 9.4 | % | - | 0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
52,518 | 93.5 | % | 31,290 | 90.6 | % | 44,551 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
126 | 0.2 | % | - | 0.0 | % | - | 0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total
ceded premiums
|
$ | 56,217 | 100.0 | % | $ | 34,553 | 100.0 | % | $ | 44,551 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Net
written premiums
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
$ | 822 | 1.7 | % | $ | 487 | 0.9 | % | $ | 1,867 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||||
Federal
Flood
|
- | 0.0 | % | - | 0.0 | % | - | 0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
32,187 | 66.8 | % | 29,418 | 54.8 | % | 54,952 | 61.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
15,153 | 31.5 | % | 23,790 | 44.3 | % | 32,222 | 36.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total
net written premiums
|
$ | 48,162 | 100.0 | % | $ | 53,695 | 100.0 | % | $ | 89,041 | 100.0 | % |
We
marketed our insurance products through our network of approximately 4,200
independent agents, of which approximately 300 actively sell and service our
products, and general agents during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Homeowners’
Property and Casualty Insurance
Federated
National underwrites homeowners’ insurance primarily in the South, West and
Central Florida regions. 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.
In-Force Policy Count
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
County
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||||||||||
Dade
|
3,544 | 6.7 | % | 2,981 | 9.7 | % | 4,587 | 12.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
Broward
|
4,139 | 7.9 | % | 3,629 | 11.8 | % | 4,446 | 12.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
Pinellas
|
5,147 | 9.8 | % |
(a)
|
0.0 | % |
(a)
|
0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Hillsborough
|
4,505 | 8.6 | % |
(a)
|
0.0 | % |
(a)
|
0.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
West
Palm Beach
|
14,543 | 27.6 | % | 14,152 | 45.7 | % | 14,969 | 41.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
All
others
|
20,728 | 39.4 | % | 10,122 | 32.8 | % | 12,239 | 33.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
52,606 | 100.0 | % | 30,884 | 100.0 | % | 36,241 | 100.0 | % |
(a)
immaterial prior years amounts are included in "All Others"
- 6
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Our
homeowner insurance products typically provide maximum dwelling coverage in the
amount of approximately $0.8 million, with the aggregate maximum policy limit
being approximately $1.5 million. We continually subject these limits to review;
though there were no material changes during 2009. The approximate average
premium on the policies currently in-force is $1,696, as compared with $2,016
for 2008. The typical deductible is either $2,500 or $1,000 for
non-hurricane-related claims and generally 2% of the coverage amount for the
structure for
hurricane-related claims.
Premium
rates charged to our homeowner insurance policyholders are continually evaluated
to assure that they meet the expectation that they are actuarially sound and
produce a reasonable level of profit (neither excessive nor inadequate). Premium
rates are regulated and approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
(“Florida OIR”).
During
2009, the Florida OIR granted Federated National an average statewide increase
of 19% for new and renewal policies which were not part of the Citizens
assumptions, effective November 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009, respectively.
Previous to this filing was our May 2008 “file and use” rate filing that
reflected an average rate decrease of 11.3%. The June 2007 rate filing resulted
in an average rate reduction of 15.2%. We have requested a 14.9% rate increase
in connection with our Citizens assumptions which is currently pending Florida
OIR approval.
Commercial
Residential Property Insurance
During 2009 the Florida OIR granted
Federated National the authority to write commercial residential property
insurance under the fire line of business. This class of business affords
property coverage primarily to associations with property commonly owned by the
tenants of the association. Aggregate policy limits ranged between $1.0 million
and $6.5 million with operations beginning in the end of September 2009.
Additionally, the Company has secured automatic facultative reinsurance for
insured values up to $10.0 million with permission to individually submit
attractive risks greater than $10 million to our reinsurers for quote and
binding authority. Typically, Federated National retains the first $1.0 million
of loss and cedes the remaining balance via our facultative treaty.
These risks are significantly different
from the homeowner risks discussed previously in terms of insured value,
frequency of covered loss and marketing techniques. We market this program
directly to a select number of reputable agencies throughout the State of
Florida.
Commercial
General Liability and Inland Marine
We underwrite commercial general
liability insurance for approximately 250 classes of artisan (excluding
home-builders and developers) and mercantile trades (such as owners, landlords
and tenants). The limits of liability range from $100,000 per occurrence
with a $200,000 policy aggregate to $1.0 million per occurrence with a $2.0
million policy aggregate. We continually subject these limits to review, though
there were no changes during 2009. We market the commercial general liability
insurance products through independent agents and a limited number of general
agencies unaffiliated with the Company. The average annual premium on policies
currently in-force during 2009 is approximately $854, as compared with $798 in
2008.
The
following table sets forth the amounts and percentages of our gross premiums
written in connection with our commercial general liability program by
state.
- 7
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
State
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alabama
|
$ | 76 | 0.50 | % | $ | 117 | 0.49 | % | $ | 26 | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||
Arkansas
|
4 | 0.03 | % | 12 | 0.05 | % | - | 0.00 | % | |||||||||||||||
California
|
49 | 0.32 | % | 269 | 1.13 | % | 23 | 0.07 | % | |||||||||||||||
Florida
|
12,341 | 80.77 | % | 16,011 | 67.30 | % | 21,192 | 65.77 | % | |||||||||||||||
Georgia
|
291 | 1.91 | % | 568 | 2.39 | % | 1,023 | 3.17 | % | |||||||||||||||
Kentucky
|
1 | 0.00 | % | 1 | 0.00 | % | 8 | 0.03 | % | |||||||||||||||
Louisiana
|
1,736 | 11.36 | % | 4,481 | 18.84 | % | 5,595 | 17.36 | % | |||||||||||||||
Maryland
|
- | 0.00 | % | 2 | 0.01 | % | - | 0.00 | % | |||||||||||||||
South
Carolina
|
2 | 0.01 | % | 70 | 0.29 | % | 182 | 0.57 | % | |||||||||||||||
Texas
|
778 | 5.09 | % | 2,252 | 9.47 | % | 4,127 | 12.81 | % | |||||||||||||||
Virginia
|
1 | 0.01 | % | 7 | 0.03 | % | 46 | 0.14 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 15,279 | 100.00 | % | $ | 23,790 | 100.00 | % | $ | 32,222 | 100.00 | % |
During
2009 American Vehicle entered into a treaty to assume 50% of the business
produced by Assurance Managing General Agents, Inc. (“Assurance MGA”) for United
Specialty Insurance Company (“United Specialty”) and State National Insurance
Company (“State National”). Both United Specialty and State National are “A”
rated by A.M. Best. Under the terms of the treaty, Assurance MGA will underwrite
several products within the commercial general liability and inland marine lines
of business for United Specialty and State National. United Specialty and State
National will cede 100 % of the book of business to an “A” rated reinsurer.
American Vehicle has agreed to assume 50% of the business assumed by the “A”
rated reinsurer under a retrocession agreement. The commercial general liability
average premium is $855 with single limits up to $1.0 million and policy limits
of $2.0 million. The inland marine average premium is $456 with policy limit
amounts not to exceed $50,000 without specific underwriting approval from
reinsurers.
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. The average annual premium on policies
currently in-force is approximately $1,196, as compared with $1,292 for 2008,
and the nonstandard personal automobile insurance lines represents 100% of our
written premiums for personal automobile insurance in 2009 and
2008.
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 in Florida, where the maximum exposures are predominantly $10,000 per
individual, $20,000 per accident for bodily injury, $10,000 per accident for
property damage, and predominantly $50,000 for comprehensive and collision. In
addition, American Vehicle writes commercial automobile insurance in
Florida. The maximum exposure is predominantly $30,000 on a combined
single limit basis.
Federated
National and American Vehicle underwrite new and 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 with
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.
- 8
-
21st Century
Holding Company
American
Vehicle 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 in-force was $1,220 for
2009.
Flood
Federated
National writes 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 $450 with limits up to $250,000. Commissions in connection with
this program totaled $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million in 2009,
2008 and 2007, respectively. Pursuant to the Florida OIR regulations, we are
required to report write-your-own-flood premiums on a direct and ceded basis for
2008 and subsequent years. Prior to 2008, we reported only the commissions
income associated with this program.
Assurance
MGA
Assurance
MGA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acts as Federated National’s and
American Vehicle’s exclusive managing general agent in the state of Florida and
is also licensed as a managing general agent in the states of Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South
Carolina, Texas and Virginia. During 2009, Assurance MGA contracted with several
unaffiliated insurance companies to sell commercial general liability, workers
compensation and inland marine through Assurance MGA’s existing network of
distributors. This process will continue throughout 2010, as Assurance MGA
benefits from the arrangement by receiving commission revenue from policies sold
by its insurance partners, while minimizing its risks. As American Vehicle
continues its expansion into other states, we intend to retain other general
agents to market our commercial general liability insurance
products.
Assurance
MGA earns commissions and fees for providing policy administration, marketing,
accounting and analytical services, and for participating in the negotiation of
reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates approximately a 6% commission fee
and a $25 per policy fee from its affiliates Federated National and American
Vehicle.
The
homeowner policy provides 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.
Superior
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 addition to the employment of salaried claims personnel, results
in reduced ultimate loss payments, lower LAE and improved customer service for
our claimants and 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.
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, in certain circumstances, are 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.
Finance
contracts receivable increased $0.1 million, or 31.4%, to $0.3 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $0.2 million as of December 31,
2008.
- 9
-
21st Century
Holding Company
The
Company anticipates continued use of the direct bill feature associated with
Federated National and American Vehicle 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 if payment is not made. 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.
Insure-Link,
Inc. (“Insure-Link”)
Insure-Link was
formed in March 2008 to serve as an independent insurance agency. The insurance
agency markets direct to the public to provide a variety of insurance products
and services to individual and business clients by offering a full line of
insurance products including, but not limited to, homeowners’, personal
and commercial automobile, commercial general liability and workers compensation
insurance through their agency appointments with over fifty different carriers.
Insure-Link intends on expanding its business through marketing and by acquiring
other insurance agencies. Insure-Link has binding authority for Federated
National and American Vehicle, as well as many national and local insurance
carriers. There were no other agency relationships with affiliated captive
or franchised agents in 2009, 2008 and 2007.
MARKETING
AND DISTRIBUTION
We are
focusing our marketing efforts on continuing to expand our distribution network
and market our products and services throughout Florida and in 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.
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 that varies by state between 60 days and 120 days from a
policy's inception, to cancel any policy, upon an advanced notice provided in
accordance with statutory specific guidelines, even if the risk falls within our
underwriting criteria.
We
believe that our integrated computer systems, which allow 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 various lines of
our business. 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
AGREEMENTS
Financing
risk generally involves a combination of risk retention and risk transfer
techniques. Retention, similar to a deductable, involves financing losses by
funds internally generated. Transfer involves the existence of a contractual
arrangement designed to shift financial responsibility to another party in
exchange for premium. Secondary to the primary risk transfer agreements there
are reinsurance agreements. Following reinsurance agreements there are also
retro cessionary reinsurance agreements; each designed to shift financial
responsibility based on predefined conditions. Generally there are three
separate kinds of reinsurance structures - quota-share, excess of loss, and
facultative, each considered either proportional or non-proportional. Our
reinsurance structures are maintained to protect our insurance subsidiaries
against the severity of losses on individual claims or unusually serious
occurrences in which the frequency and or the severity of claims produce an
aggregate extraordinary loss from catastrophic events.
- 10
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As is
common practice within the insurance industry, we transfer a portion of the
risks insured under our policies to other companies through the purchase of
reinsurance. We utilize reinsurance to reduce exposure to catastrophic and
non-catastrophic risks and to help manage the cost of capital. Reinsurance
techniques are designed to lessen earnings volatility, improve shareholder
return, and to support the required statutory surplus requirements. Additional
rationale to secure reinsurance includes an arbitrage of premium rate,
availability of reinsurer’s expertise, and improved management of a profitable
portfolio of insureds by way of enhanced analytical capacities.
Although
reinsurance does not discharge us from our primary obligation to pay for losses
insured under the policies we issue, reinsurance does make the assuming
reinsurer liable to the insurance subsidiary for the reinsured portion of the
risk. A credit risk exposure exists with respect to ceded losses to the extent
that any reinsurer is unable or unwilling to meet the obligations assumed under
the reinsurance contracts. The collectability of reinsurance is subject to the
solvency of the reinsurers, interpretation of contract language and other
factors. A reinsurer's insolvency or inability to make payments under the terms
of a reinsurance contract could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition. Our reinsurance structure has significant
risks, including the fact that the FHCF may not be able to raise sufficient
money to pay its claims or impair its ability to pay its claims in a timely
manner. This could result in significant financial, legal and operational
challenges to all property and casualty companies associated with FHCF,
including our company.
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. For
example, FHCF has restricted its very affordable reinsurance capacity for the
2009–2010 hurricane season, thus requiring us to replace that capacity with more
expensive private market reinsurance. The recovery of increased reinsurance
costs through rate action is not immediate and cannot be presumed, as it is
subject to Florida OIR approval.
Our
property lines of business include homeowners’ multi-peril and fire. For the
2009-2010 hurricane season, the excess of loss and FHCF treaties will insure the
property lines for approximately $456.6 million of aggregate catastrophic losses
and LAE with a maximum single event coverage totaling approximately $349.7
million, with the Company retaining the first $5.0 million of losses and LAE for
each event. Our reinsurance program includes 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. Coverage
afforded by the FHCF totals approximately $259.0 million or 56.7% of the $456.6
million of aggregate catastrophic losses and LAE. The FHCF affords coverage for
the entire season, subject to maximum payouts, without regard to any particular
insurable event.
The
estimated cost to the Company for the excess of loss reinsurance products for
the 2009-2010 hurricane season, inclusive of approximately $18.6 million payable
to the FHCF and the prepaid automatic premium reinstatement protection, was
approximately $52.7 million. The combination of private and FHCF excess of loss
reinsurance treaties will afford approximately $456.6 million of aggregate
coverage with maximum first event coverage totaling approximately $349.7
million. Our retention in connection with the first two covered events is $5.0
million for each event.
The cost
and amounts of reinsurance were based on management's analysis of Federated
National's exposure to catastrophic risk as of June 30, 2009. Our data was
subjected to exposure level analysis as of September 30, 2009. This analysis of
our exposure level, in relation to the total exposures to the FHCF and excess of
loss treaties, produced changes in limits and reinsurance premiums because of
the changes in our exposure level. The change to management’s June 30, 2009
analysis will be amortized over the remaining balance of the underlying policy
term. The Company’s retention did not change.
The
2009-2010 private reinsurance companies and their respective A.M. Best rating
are listed in the table as follows.
- 11
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Reinsurer
|
A.M. Best Rating
|
|||||
UNITED
STATES
|
||||||
Everest
Reinsurance Company
|
A+
|
**
|
||||
Munich
Reinsurance America, Inc.
|
A+
|
**
|
||||
QBE
Reinsurance Corporation
|
A
|
**
|
||||
BERMUDA
|
||||||
ACE
Tempest Reinsurance Limited
|
A+
|
*
|
||||
Amlin
Bermuda Limited
|
A
|
|||||
Ariel
Reinsurance Company Limited
|
A-
|
*
|
||||
DaVinci
Reinsurance Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Flagstone
Reinsurance Limited
|
A-
|
|||||
Hiscox
Insurance Company Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Montpelier
Reinsurance Limited
|
A-
|
|||||
Platinum
Underwriters Bermuda Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Renaissance
Reinsurance Limited
|
A+
|
*
|
||||
Torus
Insurance (Bermuda) Limited
|
A-
|
*
|
||||
|
||||||
LONDON
& EUROPE
|
||||||
Amlin
Syndicate No. 2001 (AML)
|
A+
|
**
|
||||
Antares
Syndicate No. 1274 (AUL)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Arrow
Syndicate No. 1910 (ARW)
|
A
|
*
|
**
|
|||
Broadgate
Syndicate No. 1301 (BGT)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Liberty
Syndicates Services Limited, Paris for
and on behalf of Lloyd's Syndicate No. 4472 (LIB)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Novae
Syndicate No. 2007 (NVA)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
SCOR
Switzerland AG
|
A-
|
|||||
|
||||||
HEDGE
FUNDS / COLLATERALIZED
|
||||||
Actua
Re Limited
|
NR
|
*
|
(1)
|
|||
Allianz
Risk Transfer AG (Bermuda Branch)
|
NR-5
|
*
|
(2)
|
* 2009
Reinstatement Premium Protection Program Participants
**
Admitted in Florida as a reinsurer, whether through licensing, accreditation or
other means.
(Blank)
Non admitted reinsurer in Florida.
(1)
Participant has funded a trust agreement for their partcipation with
approximately $6.4 million of cash and U.S. Government obligations of American
institutions at fair market value.
(2)
Standard & Poor's rated "AA" (Obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very
strong)
For the
2008-2009 hurricane season, the excess of loss and FHCF treaties insured us for
approximately $310.0 million of aggregate catastrophic losses and LAE with a
maximum single event coverage total of approximately $245.0 million, with the
Company retaining the first $3.0 million of losses 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. Coverage afforded by the FHCF
totals approximately $167.0 million or 54% of the $310.0 million of aggregate
catastrophic losses and LAE. The FHCF afforded coverage for the entire season,
subject to maximum payouts, without regard to any particular insurable event.
There were no claims made in connection with these treaties.
The cost
to the Company for these reinsurance products for the 2008-2009 hurricane
season, inclusive of approximately $8.0 million payable to the FHCF and the
prepaid automatic premium reinstatement protection, was approximately $31.0
million. These reinsurance treaties afforded approximately $298.0 million of
aggregate coverage with maximum single event coverage totaling approximately
$232.0 million. Our retention in connection with the first two covered events
would have been $3.0 million for each covered catastrophic event.
- 12
-
21st Century
Holding Company
The
2008-2009 private 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+
|
**
|
||||
Munich
Reinsurance America, Inc.
|
A+
|
**
|
||||
QBE
Reinsurance Corporation
|
A
|
**
|
||||
BERMUDA
|
||||||
ACE
Tempest Reinsurance Limited
|
A+
|
*
|
||||
Amlin
Bermuda Limited
|
A
|
|||||
Ariel
Reinsurance Company Limited
|
A-
|
*
|
||||
DaVinci
Reinsurance Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Flagstone
Reinsurance Limited
|
A-
|
|||||
Hiscox
Insurance Company Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Montpelier
Reinsurance Limited
|
A-
|
|||||
Platinum
Underwriters Bermuda Limited
|
A
|
*
|
||||
Renaissance
Reinsurance Limited
|
A+
|
*
|
||||
Torus
Insurance (Bermuda) Limited
|
A-
|
*
|
||||
LONDON
& EUROPE
|
||||||
Amlin
Syndicate No. 2001 (AML)
|
A+
|
**
|
||||
Antares
Syndicate No. 1274 (AUL)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Arrow
Syndicate No. 1910 (ARW)
|
A
|
*
|
**
|
|||
Broadgate
Syndicate No. 1301 (BGT)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Liberty
Syndicates Services Limited, Paris for
and on behalf of Lloyd's Syndicate No. 4472 (LIB)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
Novae
Syndicate No. 2007 (NVA)
|
A
|
**
|
||||
SCOR
Switzerland AG
|
A-
|
|||||
|
||||||
HEDGE
FUNDS / COLLATERALIZED
|
|
|||||
Actua
Re Limited
|
NR
|
*
|
(1)
|
|||
Allianz
Risk Transfer AG (Bermuda Branch)
|
NR-5
|
*
|
(2)
|
* 2009
Reinstatement Premium Protection Program Participants
**
Admitted in Florida as a reinsurer, whether through licensing, accreditation or
other means.
(Blank)
Non admitted reinsurer in Florida.
(1)
Participant has funded a trust agreement for their partcipation with
approximately $6.4 million of cash and U.S. Government obligations of American
institutions at fair market value.
(2)
Standard & Poor's rated "AA" (Obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very
strong)
- 13
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As a
direct premium writer in the state of Florida, we are required to participate in
certain insurer solvency associations under Florida Statutes Section 631.57(3)
(a), administered by FIGA. Participation in these pools is based on our
written premium by line of business to total premiums written statewide by all
insurers. Participation has resulted in assessments against us, as it has
in 2006 and 2007, and again on October 30, 2009. There were no assessments
made for the year ended December 31, 2008. Through 2007, we have been
assessed $6.7 million and in 2009 we were assessed an additional $0.6 million in
connection with the insolvencies of domestic insurance companies. For
statutory accounting these assessments are not charged to operations, in
contrast, GAAP treatment is to charge current operations for the assessments.
Through policyholder surcharges, as approved by the Florida OIR, we have since
recouped $6.2 million in connection with these assessments.
The State
Board of Administration ("SBA") and the FHCF Financing Corporation are
considering a resolution that would authorize the issuance and sale of FHCF
post-event revenue bonds not to exceed $710 million. The proceeds of the bonds
would be used for the reimbursement of insurance companies for additional claims
due to hurricanes during the 2005 season. These bonds will have fixed interest
rates, be exempt from federal income taxes and be secured by not yet implemented
emergency assessments and reimbursement premiums. The inability to issue these
bonds could result in the FHCF's need to accelerate additional assessments. We
have not recorded any liability in connection with this initiative.
The FHCF
reimbursement contract and addendums are all effective June 1, 2009, and the
private excess of loss type treaties are all effective July 1, 2009; all
treaties have a term of one year. Our reinsurance treaty with the FHCF has a
significant credit risk, including the fact that the FHCF may not be able to
raise sufficient money to pay their claims or impair their ability to pay their
claims in a timely manner. This could result in significant financial, legal and
operational challenges to all companies, including ours. Additionally, the FHCF
treaty contains an exclusion for “Losses in excess of the sum of the Balance of
the Fund as of December 31 of the Contract Year and the amount the SBA is able
to raise through the issuance of revenue bonds or by the use of other financing
mechanisms, up to the limit pursuant to Section 215.555(4) (c), Florida
Statutes.”
To date,
there have been no claims asserted against the reinsurers in connection with the
2009–2010 and 2008–2009 excess of loss and FHCF treaties.
As
regards to the commercial multi-peril property program that began recording
premium on August 28, 2009, we have secured an automatic facultative reinsurance
agreement with Munich Re and Ascot for bound risks with total insured values not
to exceed $10.0 million with additional coverage in excess of $10.0 million
available upon submission and subjected to underwriting guidelines. This
coverage excludes catastrophic wind-storm risk. A.M. Best ratings for Munich Re
and Ascot are A+ and A, respectively.
During
2009, the Company secured casualty reinsurance affording coverage totaling $4.0
million in excess of $1.0 million. This reinsurance also protects the Company
against extra contractual obligations and losses in excess of policy
limits. Any loss occurrence that involves liability exposure written by
either Federated National or American Vehicle or a combination of both will be
covered. The cost of this coverage totaled approximately $0.4
million.
In order
to expand our commercial business, American Vehicle has entered into various
quota-share reinsurance agreements whereby American Vehicle is the assuming
reinsurer. On March 26, 2009, we announced that American Vehicle received
approval from the Florida OIR to enter into a reinsurance relationship allowing
the opportunity to market and underwrite commercial insurance through a company
that has an "A" rating with A.M. Best. This agreement is designed to enable the
deployment of commercial general liability and other commercial insurance
products in most of the contiguous 48 states to policyholders who require their
commercial insurance policy to come from an insurance company with a
satisfactory A.M. Best rating. Operations began during the quarter ended June
30, 2009.
The
quota-share retrocessionaire reinsurance agreements require American Vehicle to
securitize credit, regulatory and business risk. As of December 31, 2009,
irrevocable letters of credit fully collateralized by American Vehicle and
further guaranteed by the parent company, 21st
Century, were in place. Outstanding irrevocable letters of credit totaled $3.0
million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The
letters of credit will expire during the first quarter of 2010 and will be
replaced with fully funded trust agreements for the same amounts.
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.
- 14
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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 yet 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, 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.
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.
- 15
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Balance
at January 1
|
$ | 64,775 | $ | 59,685 | $ | 39,615 | ||||||
Less
reinsurance recoverables
|
(12,713 | ) | (20,134 | ) | (12,382 | ) | ||||||
Net
balance at January 1
|
$ | 52,062 | $ | 39,551 | $ | 27,233 | ||||||
Incurred
related to
|
||||||||||||
Current
year
|
$ | 41,988 | $ | 37,398 | $ | 38,452 | ||||||
Prior
years
|
1,718 | 4,471 | 9,167 | |||||||||
Total
incurred
|
$ | 43,706 | $ | 41,869 | $ | 47,619 | ||||||
Paid
related to
|
||||||||||||
Current
year
|
$ | 18,478 | $ | 13,277 | $ | 15,628 | ||||||
Prior
years
|
18,274 | 16,080 | 19,673 | |||||||||
Total
paid
|
$ | 36,752 | $ | 29,357 | $ | 35,301 | ||||||
Net
balance at year-end
|
$ | 59,016 | $ | 52,062 | $ | 39,551 | ||||||
Plus
reinsurance recoverables
|
11,595 | 12,713 | 20,134 | |||||||||
Balance
at year-end
|
$ | 70,611 | $ | 64,775 | $ | 59,685 |
As shown
above, and as a result of 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 $1.7 million, $4.5 million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In 2009,
we increased incurred losses and LAE for claims in connection with the
hurricanes in 2005 and 2004 by approximately $2.0 million and decreased the
incurred loss and LAE attributed to incurred events of prior years in connection
with our automobile and commercial general liability lines of business by $0.3
million.
In 2008,
we increased incurred losses and LAE for claims in connection with the
hurricanes in 2005 and 2004 by approximately $0.4 million and increased the
incurred loss and LAE in connection with our automobile and commercial general
liability lines of business by $4.1 million.
There can
be no assurance concerning future adjustments of reserves, positive or negative,
for claims incurred through December 31, 2009.
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 as of December 31, 2009.
The
following table presents total unpaid losses 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,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company (A+ A.M. Best rated)
|
||||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$ | - | $ | 4 | ||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
72 | 93 | ||||||
$ | 72 | $ | 97 |
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 losses and LAE, net, and total reinsurance
recoverable due from our catastrophic reinsurers as shown in our consolidated
financial statements.
- 16
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As of December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Catastrophe
Excess of Loss (various participants) and FHCF
|
||||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$ | 3,669 | $ | 4,262 | ||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
11,666 | 12,613 | ||||||
$ | 15,335 | $ | 16,875 | |||||
Amounts
due from reinsurers consisted of amounts related to:
|
||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$ | 11,666 | $ | 12,613 | ||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid LAE
|
3,669 | 4,262 | ||||||
Reinsurance
payable
|
(16,468 | ) | (11,088 | ) | ||||
$ | (1,133 | ) | $ | 5,787 |
The
following table presents the liability for unpaid losses and LAE for the years
ended December 31, 2000 through 2009 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 IBNR. 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.
- 17
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
2000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
Sheet Liability
|
$ | 59,016 | $ | 52,070 | $ | 39,551 | $ | 27,259 | $ | 25,733 | $ | 37,390 | $ | 15,314 | $ | 9,422 | $ | 6,207 | $ | 6,976 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
paid as of:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
year later
|
(8,328 | ) | 17,019 | 19,347 | 25,238 | 35,433 | 10,908 | 8,629 | 5,280 | 8,139 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Two
years later
|
8,692 | 27,740 | 33,863 | 48,406 | 12,938 | 10,417 | 7,211 | 9,463 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three
years later
|
16,769 | 39,529 | 53,760 | 13,921 | 11,083 | 7,707 | 10,069 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Four
years later
|
27,304 | 57,794 | 14,644 | 11,994 | 7,949 | 10,327 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five
years later
|
56,509 | 14,964 | 12,355 | 8,167 | 10,451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six
years later
|
16,474 | 12,523 | 8,292 | 10,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seven
years later
|
13,711 | 8,997 | 10,724 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight
years later
|
9,001 | 11,422 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine
years later
|
11,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Re-estimated
net liability as of:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
End
of year
|
59,016 | 52,070 | 39,551 | 27,259 | 25,733 | 37,390 | 15,314 | 9,422 | 6,207 | 6,976 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
year later
|
35,764 | 44,402 | 35,370 | 35,625 | 44,690 | 14,594 | 11,014 | 6,954 | 9,445 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Two
years later
|
30,720 | 38,962 | 41,280 | 52,324 | 14,784 | 10,885 | 7,842 | 10,200 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three
years later
|
28,981 | 45,131 | 56,658 | 15,402 | 11,236 | 8,069 | 10,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Four
years later
|
34,707 | 59,583 | 16,320 | 12,116 | 8,312 | 10,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five
years later
|
60,413 | 16,304 | 12,365 | 8,542 | 10,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six
years later
|
18,509 | 12,410 | 8,621 | 10,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seven
years later
|
14,610 | 8,458 | 11,241 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eight
years later
|
8,439 | 10,644 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine
years later
|
10,645 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
redundancy (deficiency)
|
16,305 | 8,831 | (1,722 | ) | (8,974 | ) | (23,023 | ) | (3,195 | ) | (5,188 | ) | (2,232 | ) | (3,669 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
redundancy (-) deficiency as a % of reserves originally
established
|
31.3 | % | 22.3 | % | -6.3 | % | -34.9 | % | -61.6 | % | -20.9 | % | -55.1 | % | -36.0 | % | -52.6 | % |
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 a $16.3 million cumulative redundancy in
connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred in 2008 and a $8.8
million cumulative redundancy in connection with the re-estimation of all loss
that occurred in 2007. Relative to the $16.3 million redundancy, our homeowner
benefit totaled $20.2 million and our commercial general liability and
automobile losses totaled $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Relative
to the $8.8 million redundancy, our homeowner benefit totaled $16.0 million and
our commercial general liability and automobile losses totaled $5.9 million and
$1.3 million, respectively.
As noted
last year, we had since experienced a $4.9 million cumulative deficiency in
connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred in 2007 and a $13.5
million cumulative deficiency in connection with the re-estimation of all loss
that occurred in 2006. Relative to the $4.9 million deficiency, our homeowner
and commercial general liability losses totaled $1.1 million and $4.4 million,
respectively, and our automobile benefit totaled $0.7 million. Relative to the
$13.5 million deficiency, our homeowner and commercial general liability and
automobile losses totaled $5.5 million, $6.6 million and $1.4 million,
respectively.
- 18
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As noted
in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, we experienced an
$8.2 million cumulative deficiency in connection with the re-estimation of all
loss that occurred in 2006 and a $15.7 million cumulative deficiency in
connection with the re-estimation of all loss that occurred in 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.
The table below sets forth the
differences between loss and LAE reserves as disclosed for Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) basis compared with Statutory Accounting
Principles (“SAP”) basis of presentation for the years ended 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
GAAP
basis Loss and LAE reserves
|
$ | 70,611 | $ | 64,775 | $ | 59,685 | ||||||
Less
unpaid Losses and LAE ceded
|
11,594 | 12,705 | 20,133 | |||||||||
Balance
Sheet Liability
|
59,017 | 52,070 | 39,552 | |||||||||
Add
Insurance Apportionment Plan
|
12 | 24 | 37 | |||||||||
SAP
basis Loss and LAE reserves
|
$ | 59,029 | $ | 52,094 | $ | 39,589 |
The table below sets forth the
differences between loss and LAE incurred as disclosed for GAAP basis compared
with SAP basis presentation for the years ended 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
GAAP
basis Loss and LAE incurred
|
$ | 43,706 | $ | 41,869 | $ | 47,619 | ||||||
Intercompany
adjusting and other expenses
|
4,239 | 4,312 | 7,361 | |||||||||
Insurance
apportionment plan
|
(7 | ) | 4 | 12 | ||||||||
SAP
basis Loss and LAE incurred
|
$ | 47,938 | $ | 46,185 | $ | 54,992 |
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 2009, 2008 and 2007. The ratios, inclusive of Unallocated
Loss Adjustment Expenses (“ULAE”), are shown in the table below.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
Loss
Ratio
|
86.9 | % | 64.3 | % | 48.0 | % | ||||||
Expense
Ratio
|
44.0 | % | 38.2 | % | 26.1 | % | ||||||
Combined
Ratio
|
130.9 | % | 102.5 | % | 74.1 | % |
- 19
-
21st Century
Holding Company
COMPETITION
We
operate in highly competitive markets and face competition from national,
regional and residual market insurance companies in the homeowners’, commercial
residential property, commercial general liability, and automobile markets, many
of whom are larger, have greater financial and other resources, 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.
Significant
competition emerged because of the January 2007 emergency Florida legislation
session wherein it 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 that 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.
We
previously stated our belief that these aggressive marketplace changes have
forced some carriers to pursue market share based on “best case” pricing models
that may ultimately prove unprofitable from an underwriting
perspective.
For
example, during 2009 we noted that the Florida OIR placed at least four property
and casualty insurance companies in some form of receivership while several
other Florida domiciled insurance companies have recapitalized in order to
remain viable in the Florida market. The insolvency of these companies poses a
risk to all other remaining carriers in the state including Federated
National and American Vehicle in terms of assessments to support those
failed companies. To date we are not aware of any such assessments in connection
with the takeovers during 2009; however, no guarantee can be made that no
assessments will be imposed.
In recent
years, approximately two-dozen new homeowner insurance companies
received authority by the Florida OIR to commence business as admitted carriers
in the state of Florida. At least one new carrier has been licensed to
enter the Florida homeowners’ market during 2009 and another in
2010.
In 2006,
the state of Florida created the Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program in
response to the catastrophic events that occurred during 2004 and 2005. This
program provided matching capital funds to any new or existing carrier licensed
to write homeowners insurance in the state of Florida under certain
conditions. This program resulted in a significant erosion of our
homeowners' property insurance market in 2009 and 2008, as compared with
2007. We did not participate in the Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive
Program. Although our pricing is inevitably influenced to some degree by that of
our competitors, we believe that it is generally not in our shareholders’ best
interest to compete solely on price.
We face
increased competition from existing carriers and new entrants in our niche
markets. As mentioned earlier, in an effort to foster competition after the
hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the State of Florida 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 and First Floridian
Insurance Company. In addition to these nationally recognized companies, 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, United Property and Casualty, Royal Palm Insurance Company,
Edison Insurance Company, Olympus Insurance Company, St. Johns Insurance
Company, Cypress Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Tower Hill Insurance
Company, Florida Family Insurance Company, Homeowners Choice Property and
Casualty Insurance Company and American Strategic Insurance
Company.
- 20
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Companies
which compete with us nationally 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.
Comparable
companies in the personal automobile insurance market include U.S. Security
Insurance Company, United Automobile Insurance Company, Direct General Insurance
Company, Ocean Harbor Insurance Company, and Security National Insurance
Company, as well as national insurers such as Progressive Casualty Insurance
Company and GEICO.
REGULATION
General
We are,
or will be, subject to the laws and regulations in Alabama, Arkansas,
California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada,
North Carolina, 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.
An
example of such consumer initiatives may be found with Florida’s property
insurers operating under a new emergency rule which requires existing premium
rates as of January 25, 2007, to remain in effect until a rate filing reflecting
the provisions as provided in Florida’s 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 prevented 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 consumer initiatives with Florida’s property
insurers demonstrate the State of Florida’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.
- 21
-
21st Century
Holding Company
All
insurance companies must file quarterly and annual statements with certain
regulatory agencies and are subject to regular and special examinations by those
agencies. Most recently the Florida OIR subjected Federated National to a
balance sheet audit as of December 31, 2009. The findings by the independent
auditors of this examination are unknown at this time. The previous regulatory
examination conducted by the Florida OIR on Federated National covered the
three-year period ended on December 31, 2004. The last regulatory
examination conducted by the Florida OIR on American Vehicle covered the
three-year period ended on December 31, 2005.
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 examination by the Florida
OIR to occur during 2010 for the five years ended December 31, 2009. American
Vehicle anticipates a regularly scheduled statutory examination by the Florida
OIR to occur during 2011 for the five years ended December 31, 2010. We have not
received any notice of such examinations for American Vehicle.
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, 2009, 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. Additionally, as of December 31, 2009 American
Vehicle has cash deposits totaling $409,100 with the State of Alabama, $159,800
with the State of Arkansas and $119,300 with the State of
Louisiana.
As of
December 31, 2008, 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. Additionally, as of December 31, 2008 American
Vehicle has cash deposits totaling $409,640 with the State of Alabama, $167,109
with the State of Arkansas and $116,715 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 2009, 2008 or
2007, and none are anticipated in 2010. 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, the parent company, 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.
- 22
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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.
Based
upon the 2009 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 2008 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 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 245.1%, 739.4 % and 653.0% at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. American Vehicle’s ratio of statutory surplus to its ACL was
426.9%, 402.5% and 448.5% at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
NAIC
Insurance Regulatory Information Systems (“IRIS”) Ratios
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, 2009, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual range for four of
thirteen IRIS ratios. Three exceptions related to underwriting operations and
one related to lower than expected investment yields. The operations ratios
relate to the timing of premium rate corrections and elevated reinsurance costs.
The Florida OIR granted Federated National an average statewide increase of
19.0% for policies that went into effect November 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009
for new and renewed homeowner insurance policies, respectively. As of December
31, 2008, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with respect to its
tests on two out of thirteen IRIS ratios. There was one exception in connection
with change in net written premium and one in connection with two year reserve
development to policyholders’ surplus.
As of
December 31, 2009, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for three of
thirteen IRIS ratios. These ratios reflect the decline in premium volume and
operating results. The third ratio related to lower than expected investment
yields. As of December 31, 2008, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range
for two of thirteen IRIS ratios. There was one exception in connection with the
two year overall operating ratio and one in connection with two year reserve
development to policyholders’ surplus.
- 23
-
21st Century
Holding Company
There was
no action taken by the Florida OIR in connection with the December 31, 2008 IRIS
ratio results. We do not currently believe that the Florida OIR will take any
significant action with respect to Federated National or American Vehicle
regarding the 2009 IRIS ratios, although there can be no assurance that will be
the case.
Insurance
Holding Company Regulation
We, the
parent company, 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, the terms of surplus notes and amounts that our
affiliates can charge the holding company for services such as management fees
or commissions, (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.
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.
Currently, the Florida House of
Representatives and the Florida Senate are both considering pending bills, HB
949 and SB 1460, designed to provide a remedy for the FHCF contract year, which,
after being legislatively curtailed in 2009, has created unintended consequences
for insurers due to the way in which the cost of reinsurance is amortized on
their financial statements.
Without passage of either HB 949 or SB
1460, our 2010 financial statement will show a larger-than-normal expense
associated with the purchase of FHCF reinsurance. Specifically, the
statement will show an expense equal to five months of FHCF reinsurance costs
from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010. The statement also will show an
expense equal to 12 months of FHCF reinsurance costs over the seven-month period
from June 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, which will result in a reduction of the
pre-tax income and Federated National's surplus by more than what it is
historically reduced each year for the purchase of FHCF reinsurance. This
reduction would impact Federated National's financial solvency, as well as
negatively impact our Demotech Financial Stability Rating (“FSR”).
To remedy the negative financial impact
of the transitional FHCF contract year, both HB 949 and SB 1460 would return the
FHCF contract year to June 1 through May 31, beginning June 1,
2010.
Industry
Ratings Services
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.
- 24
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Federated
National and American Vehicle are currently rated by Demotech as "A"
("Exceptional"), which is the third of six FSR ratings, and defined as “insurers
earning an FSR of “A” have “Exceptional” ability to maintain liquidity of
invested assets, quality reinsurance, acceptable financial leverage and
realistic pricing while simultaneously establishing loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves at reasonable levels”. Demotech’s ratings are based upon
factors of concern to agents, reinsurers and policyholders and are not primarily
directed toward the protection of investors. However, our Demotech rating could
be jeopardized by such other factors including adverse development and various
surplus related ratio exceptions. As recently as December 10, 2009, Demotech
reaffirmed American Vehicle's and Federated National’s FSR of “A”
(“Exceptional”).
In a
letter from Demotech’s Chief Executive Officer dated January 15, 2009, Demotech
warned Florida policymakers, including Florida Insurance Council representatives
that “The potential inability of the FHCF to honor meritorious claims related to
a significant event adversely influences the Financial Stability Rating of each
of the carriers that are heavily dependent on the reinsurance provided by the
FHCF. Under current circumstances and conditions, we will provide, monitor
and support Financial Stability Ratings through the period ending May 15, 2009.
An extension of Financial Stability Ratings beyond May 15, 2009, will require
definitive financial information regarding participation in the FHCF,
documentation of bridge loans or alternative financing mechanisms that provide
liquidity during a period in which the FHCF would be raising capital and other
precaution or protection regarding reinsurance collectibility or catastrophe
reinsurance.” Federated National addressed these specific concerns with Demotech
and was successful in maintaining its "A" rating.
On March 22, 2010, Federated National
received notice from Demotech that it would require a capital
infusion of $10 million by March 31, 2010 in order for Federated
National to maintain its’ “A” rating with the agency. We are working
to comply with this requirement; however there can be no assurance that we will
be able to do so. Any additional capital contribution to Federated National must
be approved by the Florida OIR.
The
withdrawal of our ratings could limit or prevent us from writing or renewing
desirable insurance policies, from competing with insurers who have higher
ratings, from obtaining adequate reinsurance, or from borrowing on a line of
credit. The withdrawal of our ratings could have a material adverse effect on
the Company’s results of operations and financial position because the Company’s
insurance products might no longer be acceptable to the secondary marketplace
and mortgage lenders. Furthermore, a withdrawal of our ratings could prevent
independent agents from selling and servicing our insurance
products.
EMPLOYEES
As of
December 31, 2009, we had 121 employees, including two 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.
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 and sinkholes.
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.
In 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 $71.9 million,
net of our reinsurance participation.
- 25
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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.
We
have used 99.2% of the reinsurance coverage available for Hurricane Wilma and if
any claims exceed this coverage amount, it could adversely impact our business,
results of operations and/or financial condition.
As of December 31, 2009, the loss
experience (both paid and not yet paid) in connection with Hurricane Wilma which
occurred in October 2005 has exhausted approximately 99.2% of the $194.8 million
reinsurance coverage which is available to us. If we incur any additional losses
relating to Hurricane Wilma which exceed our reinsurance coverage, we will be
responsible for paying these claims out of our available operating funds. If any
of these payments to settle the Hurricane Wilma claims (which exceed our
reinsurance coverage) are material, it will have an adverse impact on our
business, results of operations and 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. For example, the loss experience incurred
(both paid and not yet paid) in connection with Hurricane Wilma in October 2005
has exhausted approximately 99.2% of the $194.8 million reinsurance coverage
available. There can be no assurance that we will not exceed the coverage
purchased.
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 four
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
cannot be presumed, as it is subject to Florida 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 face a risk of non-collectibility
of reinsurance, which could materially and adversely affect our business,
results of operations and/or financial condition.
As is
common practice within the insurance industry, we transfer a portion of the
risks insured under our policies to other companies through the purchase of
reinsurance. This reinsurance is maintained to protect our insurance subsidiary
against the severity of losses on individual claims, unusually serious
occurrences in which a number of claims produce an aggregate extraordinary loss
and catastrophic events. Although reinsurance does not discharge our insurance
subsidiary from its primary obligation to pay for losses insured under the
policies it issues, reinsurance does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the
insurance subsidiary for the reinsured portion of the risk. A credit exposure
exists with respect to ceded losses to the extent that any reinsurer is unable
or unwilling to meet the obligations assumed under the reinsurance contracts.
The collectibility of reinsurance is subject to the solvency of the reinsurers,
interpretation of contract language and other factors. A
reinsurer's insolvency or inability to make payments under the terms of a
reinsurance contract could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
- 26
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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
cannot be presumed, as it is subject to Florida OIR approval.
For the
2009-2010 hurricane season, the excess of loss and FHCF treaties will insure us
for approximately $456.6 million of aggregate catastrophic losses and LAE with a
maximum single event coverage totaling approximately $349.7 million, with the
Company retaining the first $5.0 million of losses and LAE for each event. Our
reinsurance program includes 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. Coverage afforded by the
FHCF totals approximately $259.0 million or 56.7% of the $456.6 million of
aggregate catastrophic losses and LAE. The FHCF affords coverage for the entire
season, subject to maximum payouts, without regard to any particular insurable
event.
Our
reinsurance structure has significant risks, including the fact that the FHCF
may not be able to raise sufficient money to pay their claims or impair their
ability to pay their claims in a timely manner. This could result in significant
financial, legal and operational challenges to our company.
Therefore,
in the event of a catastrophic loss, we may become dependent upon the FHCF's
ability to pay, which may, in turn, be dependent upon the FHCF's ability to
issue bonds in amounts that would be required to meet its reinsurance
obligations in the event of such a catastrophic loss. In this economic climate,
there is no assurance that the FHCF will be able to do this.
Please
see “Business-Reinsurance” for more information about FHCF.
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 losses and LAE include the estimates made on a claim-by-claim
basis known as “case reserves” coupled with bulk estimates known as
IBNR. 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. Future loss
experience substantially in excess of our reserves for unpaid losses and LAE
could substantially harm our results of operations and financial
condition.
- 27
-
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 FHCF. 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.
Several
of the assessments resulted in a charge to current operations. The insurance
companies currently 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 overall 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.
During
2009, we noted that the Florida OIR placed at least four property and casualty
insurance companies in some form of receivership while several other Florida
domiciled insurance companies have recapitalized in order to remain viable in
the Florida market. The insolvency of these companies poses a risk to all other
remaining carriers in the state including Federated National and American
Vehicle in terms of assessments to support those failed companies. To date
we are not aware of any such assessments in connection with the takeovers during
2009; however no guarantee can be made that no assessments will be
imposed.
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 debt securities and to a lesser extent in equity securities, in
order to generate investment income.
In
connection with our equity securities, we determined that certain securities
qualified for other than temporary impairment status in 2008. In connection with
this process we charged to operations a net realized investment loss that
totaled approximately $9.9 million, net of an estimated provisional tax effect
of approximately $3.7 million. Most of these investments were subsequently sold
during the third and fourth quarter of the year, and, we recognized an
additional $0.2 million loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately
$0.1 million. In connection with our equity securities, we determined that no
securities qualified for other than temporary impairment in 2009.
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.
We
may experience a loss due to the concentration of credit risk.
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of
credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents held in a mutual fund money
market account. Management believes that the financial institution holding the
Company’s mutual fund money market account is credit worthy and accordingly
minimal credit risk exists with respect to those investments.
The
Company had approximately $19.2 million and $121.4 million invested in the MTB
Prime Money Market-Inst Fund Number 142, for which the NAIC classification is
Class 1, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. A money
market fund is eligible for listing on the Class 1 list if the fund meets the
following conditions:
- 28
-
21st Century
Holding Company
|
·
|
The
fund maintains a rating of “A” or better from Standard and Poor’s or a
rating of “A” or better from Moody’s Investor’s Services (“Moody’s”) or an
equivalent or better rating from another NAIC Acceptable Rating
Organizations (“ARO”);
|
|
·
|
The
fund maintains a constant net asset value of $1.00 at all
times;
|
|
·
|
The
fund allows a maximum of seven-day redemption of proceeds;
and
|
|
·
|
The
fund invests at least ninety-five percent (95%) of its total assets in any
combination of: the United States Government securities listed in Section
14 of the Appendix, securities rated in the highest short term rating
category by an NAIC ARO, unrated securities determined by the fund’s Board
to be of comparable quality, securities of money market funds that are
registered investment companies and collateralized repurchase agreements
comprised of such obligations at all times. The remaining five percent
(5%) may be invested in Second Tier Securities as that phrase is defined
by Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR
270.2a-7).
|
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, 2009. 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, 2009, we cannot 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.
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 affect
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 sometime 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.
An
example of such emerging change is the influence public adjusters have had on
property claim patterns. Public adjusters represented the vast majority of new
and reopened claims filed during 2009 where the cause of loss was asserted as
hurricane related. Although the legitimacy of the claim may not prevail we are
still required to research, review, and sometimes mediate these claims. Several
legislative actions in the state of Florida, such as limiting the time a claim
can be filed subsequent to the cause of loss, have either passed or remain in
legislative sub-committees. Each of these actions is designed to enhance the
legitimacy of the public adjusters’ influence on the claim process.
- 29
-
21st Century
Holding Company
The
Company’s operating results in 2009 were also influenced by legislative
enactments relating to claims payments. Following the 2004 and 2005
hurricane seasons, the Florida legislature required all insurers issuing
replacement cost policies to pay the full replacement cost of damaged properties
without deducting depreciation whether or not the insureds repaired or replaced
the damaged property. Under prior law, insurers would pay the
depreciated amount of the property until insureds commenced repairs or
replacement. The new law has led to an increase in disagreements
regarding the scope of damage and has resulted in insureds’ not repairing
damage. Despite our efforts to adjust claims and promptly pay meritorious
amounts, our operating results have been be affected by a claims
environment in Florida that produces opportunities for fraudulent or overstated
claims.
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 choose 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.
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.
- 30
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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 required 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, 2009, 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.
- 31
-
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.
The
insurance industry is highly regulated. Prior to selling a new insurance product
in a state, we must obtain approval from the applicable state insurance
regulators. The insurance regulators in states to which we might apply 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.
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.
Demotech
has publicly stated that the potential inability of the FHCF to honor its
obligations to carriers in Florida who are dependent on its reinsurance has
impacted its ratings process. See Business-Ratings. Furthermore, on
March 22, 2010, Federated National received notice from Demotech that
it would require a capital infusion of $10 million by March 31, 2010 in order
for Federated National to maintain its’ “A” rating with the agency.
We are working to comply with this requirement; however there can be no
assurance that we will be able to do so. Any additional capital contribution to
Federated National must be approved by the Florida OIR. The withdrawal of
our ratings could limit or prevent us from writing or renewing desirable
insurance policies, from competing with insurers who have higher ratings, from
obtaining adequate reinsurance, or from borrowing on a line of credit. The
withdrawal of our ratings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
results of operations and financial position because the Company’s insurance
products might no longer be acceptable to the secondary marketplace and mortgage
lenders. Furthermore, a withdrawal of our ratings could prevent independent
agents from selling and servicing our insurance products.
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 4,200 independent agents, of which approximately 300 actively sell
and service our products, 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.
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.
- 32
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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 with claims
under standard automobile insurance policies in Florida and nonstandard and
standard automobile insurance policies 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.
|
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.
Increased
competition, competitive pressures, industry developments and market conditions
could affect the growth of our business and adversely impact our financial
results.
We
operate in highly competitive markets and face competition from national,
regional and residual market insurance companies in the homeowners’, commercial
residential property, commercial general liability, and automobile markets, many
of whom are larger, 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.
Significant
competition emerged because of the January 2007 emergency Florida legislation
session wherein it 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 that 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.
- 33
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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.
We
previously stated our belief that these aggressive marketplace changes have
forced some carriers to pursue market share based on “best case” pricing models
that may ultimately prove unprofitable from an underwriting
perspective.
For
example, during 2009 we noted that the Florida OIR placed at least four property
and casualty insurance companies in some form of receivership while several
other Florida domiciled insurance companies have recapitalized in order to
remain viable in the Florida market. The insolvency of these companies poses a
risk to all other remaining carriers in the state including Federated
National and American Vehicle in terms of assessments to support those
failed companies. To date we are not aware of any such assessments in connection
with the takeovers during 2009; however no guarantee can be made that no
assessments will be imposed.
In recent
years, approximately two-dozen new homeowner insurance companies
received authority by the Florida OIR to commence business as admitted carriers
in the state of Florida. At least one new carrier has been licensed to
enter the Florida homeowners’ market during 2009 and another in
2010.
We did
not participate in the Capital Build-Up incentive program and therefore have
been able to remain committed to the discipline of writing business that is
profitable from an underwriting perspective. This commitment resulted in a
significant erosion of our homeowners’ property insurance market share in 2009
and 2008, as compared with 2007. Although our pricing is inevitably influenced
to some degree by that of our competitors, we believe that it is generally not
in our shareholders’ best interest to compete solely on price. We compete based
on underwriting criteria, our distribution network and superior service to our
agents and insureds.
We face
increased competition from existing carriers and new entrants in our niche
markets. As mentioned earlier, in an effort to foster competition after the
hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the State of Florida 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 and First Floridian
Insurance Company. In addition to these nationally recognized companies, 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, United Property and Casualty, Royal Palm Insurance Company,
Edison Insurance Company, Olympus Insurance Company, St. Johns Insurance
Company, Cypress Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Tower Hill Insurance
Company, Florida Family Insurance Company, Homeowners Choice Property and
Casualty Insurance Company and American Strategic Insurance
Company.
Companies
which compete with us nationally 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.
Comparable
companies in the personal automobile insurance market include U.S. Security
Insurance Company, United Automobile Insurance Company, Direct General Insurance
Company, Ocean Harbor Insurance Company, and Security National Insurance
Company, as well as national insurers such as Progressive Casualty Insurance
Company and GEICO.
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.
- 34
-
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 executive management
team which includes Michael Braun, our Chief Executive Officer and President of
21st
Century Holding Company and Federated National, and Peter Prygelski, our Chief
Financial 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. 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.
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
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.
|
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.
- 35
-
21st Century
Holding Company
We
may not continue making dividend payments on our common stock.
During 2008 and 2007, we paid quarterly
dividends of $0.18 per share. In the first quarter of 2009, we lowered our
dividend to $0.06 per share. We cannot assure you that we will continue to make
quarterly dividend payments. Payment of dividends in the future will depend on
our earnings, 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 the parent
company.
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
See Item
8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Footnote 11 –
Commitments and Contingencies.”
ITEM
4 RESERVED
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, LLC 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, LLC. These reported prices
reflect inter-dealer prices without adjustments for retail markups, markdowns or
commissions.
Quarter Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
||||||
March
31, 2009
|
$ | 5.07 | $ | 1.63 | ||||
June
30, 2009
|
$ | 4.20 | $ | 2.86 | ||||
September
30, 2009
|
$ | 4.98 | $ | 3.03 | ||||
December
31, 2009
|
$ | 4.82 | $ | 3.78 | ||||
March
31, 2008
|
$ | 14.05 | $ | 10.98 | ||||
June
30, 2008
|
$ | 12.98 | $ | 8.17 | ||||
September
30, 2008
|
$ | 8.88 | $ | 5.19 | ||||
December
31, 2008
|
$ | 5.42 | $ | 3.62 |
- 36
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As of
March 26, 2010, there were 31 holders of record of our common stock. We believe
that the number of beneficial owners of our common stock is in excess of
4,600.
DIVIDENDS
During
2008 and 2007, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.18 per share. In the first
quarter of 2009, we lowered our dividend to $0.06 per share. 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.
SECURITIES
AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The
following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of December 31,
2009. All equity compensation plans were approved by our shareholders. We have
not granted any options, warrants or rights to our shareholders outside of these
equity compensation plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
||||||||||||
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
|
||||||||||
Plan category
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
|||||||||
Equity
compensation plans approved by stock holders*
|
861,550 | $ | 12.59 | 68,197 |
* Includes
options from the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option
Plan.
For additional information concerning
our capitalization please see Footnote 16 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements included under Item 8 of this Report on Form 10-K.
ISSUER
REPURCHASES
As of
January 1, 2009, the Company may purchase up to an additional $1.1 million of
its common stock. On October 28, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors
authorized, pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act, the
repurchase of up to an additional $4.0 million of its common stock. Acting
upon the Board’s authorization, the Company repurchased, for $38,758, 8,400
shares for an average price of $4.57 between October 29th
and October 30th,
2009; $217,618, 52,110 shares for an average price of $4.17 between November
1st
and November 30th,
2009; and, $31,926, 7,000 shares for an average price of $4.24 between December
1 and December 2nd,
2009. As of December 31, 2009 the Company may purchase up to an additional
$4.8 million of its common stock.
SALES OF UNREGISTERED
SECURITIES
During
2009, there were no options exercised under our various stock option
plans.
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.
- 37
-
21st Century
Holding Company
As of the years ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||
(Amounts in Thousands except Book Value Per Share)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||||||
Balance
Sheet Data
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total
assets
|
$ | 202,889 | $ | 197,102 | $ | 219,361 | $ | 207,897 | $ | 290,155 | ||||||||||
Investments
|
114,219 | 26,065 | 136,224 | 124,834 | 100,086 | |||||||||||||||
Cash
and short term investments
|
28,197 | 124,577 | 22,524 | 17,917 | 6,071 | |||||||||||||||
Finance
contracts, consumer loans and pay advances receivable, net
|
- | - | 420 | 1,831 | 7,313 | |||||||||||||||
Total
liabilities
|
135,447 | 120,871 | 138,104 | 141,704 | 249,387 | |||||||||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
70,611 | 64,775 | 59,685 | 39,615 | 154,039 | |||||||||||||||
Unearned
premiums
|
50,857 | 40,508 | 56,394 | 77,829 | 61,839 | |||||||||||||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
67,442 | 76,231 | 81,257 | 66,193 | 40,767 | |||||||||||||||
Book
value per share
|
$ | 8.48 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 10.32 | $ | 8.38 | $ | 6.02 |
- 38
-
21st Century Holding
Company
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||
(Amounts in Thousands except EPS and Dividends)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||||||
Operations
Data:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Gross
premiums written
|
$ | 104,379 | $ | 88,248 | $ | 133,591 | $ | 152,665 | $ | 119,440 | ||||||||||
Gross
premiums ceded
|
(56,217 | ) | (34,553 | ) | (44,550 | ) | (67,520 | ) | (31,414 | ) | ||||||||||
Net
premiums written
|
48,162 | 53,695 | 89,041 | 85,145 | 88,026 | |||||||||||||||
Increase
(Decrease) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
10,163 | (4,451 | ) | (11,251 | ) | 20,193 | 6,623 | |||||||||||||
(Increase)
Decrease in unearned premiums
|
(10,349 | ) | 15,886 | 21,435 | (15,990 | ) | (11,686 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net
change in prepaid reinsurance premiums and unearned
premiums
|
(186 | ) | 11,435 | 10,184 | 4,203 | (5,063 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
47,976 | 65,130 | 99,224 | 89,348 | 82,963 | |||||||||||||||
Commission
income
|
1,362 | 1,612 | 7,214 | 1,679 | 409 | |||||||||||||||
Finance
revenue
|
294 | 350 | 545 | 1,686 | 3,567 | |||||||||||||||
Managing
general agent fees
|
1,620 | 1,745 | 2,035 | 2,625 | 2,420 | |||||||||||||||
Net
investment income
|
3,397 | 6,461 | 8,038 | 5,933 | 3,841 | |||||||||||||||
Net
realized investment gains (losses)
|
1,117 | (10,593 | ) | (145 | ) | 1,063 | 458 | |||||||||||||
Regulatory
assessments recovered
|
2,333 | 2,104 | 1,655 | 132 | - | |||||||||||||||
Other
income
|
755 | 655 | 642 | 1,449 | 1,010 | |||||||||||||||
Total
revenue
|
58,854 | 67,464 | 119,208 | 103,915 | 94,669 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
43,706 | 41,869 | 47,619 | 44,400 | 48,336 | |||||||||||||||
Operating
and underwriting expenses
|
9,681 | 7,209 | 12,758 | 13,160 | 8,219 | |||||||||||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
7,930 | 7,428 | 6,732 | 7,011 | 6,384 | |||||||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
- | - | 173 | 656 | 1,398 | |||||||||||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
13,747 | 14,760 | 19,420 | 17,395 | 14,561 | |||||||||||||||
Total
expenses
|
75,064 | 71,266 | 86,702 | 82,622 | 78,899 | |||||||||||||||
(Loss)
income from continuing operations before provision for income tax
(benefit) expense
|
(16,210 | ) | (3,802 | ) | 32,506 | 21,293 | 15,771 | |||||||||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(5,921 | ) | (1,324 | ) | 11,226 | 7,396 | 4,690 | |||||||||||||
Net
(loss) income from continuing operations
|
(10,289 | ) | (2,478 | ) | 21,280 | 13,896 | 11,081 | |||||||||||||
Discontinued
operations:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Income
from discontinued operations (including 2005 and 2004 gain on disposal of
$1,630 and $5,384, respectively)
|
- | - | - | - | 1,630 | |||||||||||||||
Provision
for income tax expense
|
- | - | - | - | 595 | |||||||||||||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
- | - | - | - | 1,035 | |||||||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 | $ | 13,896 | $ | 12,116 | ||||||||
Earnings
per share data
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
net (loss) income per share from continuing operations
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.69 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.78 | ||||||||
Basic
net income per share from discontinued operations
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 0.17 | ||||||||||
Basic
net (loss) income per share
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.69 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.95 | ||||||||
Fully
diluted net (loss) income per share from continuing
operations
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.65 | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.67 | ||||||||
Fully
diluted net income per share from discontinued operations
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 0.16 | ||||||||||
Fully
diluted net (loss) income per share
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.65 | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.83 | ||||||||
Dividends
paid per share
|
$ | 0.36 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.32 |
- 39
-
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
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 processes. We are authorized to underwrite
homeowners’ multi-peril, commercial general liability, personal and commercial
automobile, fire, allied lines, surety, commercial multi-peril and inland
marine in various states on behalf of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated
National Insurance Company (“Federated National”) and American Vehicle Insurance
Company (“American Vehicle”) and other insurance carriers. We market and
distribute our own and third-party insurers’ products and our other services
through contractual relationships with a network of approximately 4,200
independent agents, of which approximately 300 actively sell and service our
products. We also utilize a select number of general agents for the same
purpose.
The
insurable events during 2009, 2008 and 2007 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 2009, 2008 and 2007 we
processed property and liability claims stemming from our homeowners’,
commercial general liability and private passenger automobile lines of business.
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 loss adjustment expenses (“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;
|
|
·
|
macroeconomic
issues.
|
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 licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida. Through contractual
relationships with a network of approximately 4,200 independent agents, of which
approximately 300 actively sell and service our products, Federated National is
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril, fire, allied lines and
personal automobile insurance in Florida.
American
Vehicle is licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida, and underwrites
commercial general liability, and personal and commercial automobile insurance.
American Vehicle is also licensed as an admitted carrier in Alabama, Louisiana
and Texas, and underwrites commercial general liability insurance in those
states. American Vehicle operates as a non-admitted carrier in Arkansas,
California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and can underwrite commercial general
liability insurance in all of these states.
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 policyholders 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 and is
strictly regulated to protect policyholders from a variety of illegal and
unethical practices, including fraud. Sometimes, non-admitted carriers are
referred to as “excess and surplus” lines carriers. Non-admitted
carriers are subject to considerably less regulation with respect to policy
rates and forms. Non-admitted carriers are not required to financially
contribute to and benefit from 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.
- 40
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
During
2009, 81.2%, 14.6%, 3.4% and 0.8% of the premiums we underwrote were for
homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial general liability
insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, 68.8%, 27.0%, 3.7% and 0.6% of the
premiums we underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance,
commercial general liability insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile
insurance, respectively.
Despite
the effects of Florida’s mandated homeowners’ rate reductions and wind
mitigation discounts, the Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies increased $24.0
million, or 39.5%, to $84.7 million in 2009, compared with $60.7 million in
2008. Included in our sale of homeowners’ policies during 2009, is $17.9 million
from policies we assumed from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
(“Citizens”). The primary factor for the decrease in commercial general
liability production is a slowdown in the economy which has a dramatic impact on
the artisan contractor portfolio written by American Vehicle.
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. In addition, 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. We internally
process claims made by our insureds through our wholly owned claims adjusting
company, Superior Adjusting, Inc. (“Superior”).
Assurance
Managing General Agents, Inc. (“Assurance MGA”) a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, acts as Federated National’s and American Vehicle’s exclusive managing
general agent in the state of Florida and is also licensed as a managing general
agent in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
During 2009, Assurance MGA contracted with several unaffiliated insurance
companies to sell commercial general liability, workers compensation and inland
marine through Assurance MGA’s existing network of distributors. This process
will continue throughout 2010, as Assurance MGA benefits from the arrangement by
receiving commission revenue from policies sold by its insurance partners, while
minimizing its risks. As American Vehicle continues its expansion into other
states, we intend to retain other general agents to market our commercial
general liability insurance products.
Assurance
MGA earns commissions and fees for providing policy administration, marketing,
accounting and analytical services, and for participating in the negotiation of
reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates approximately a 6% commission fee
and a $25 per policy fee from its affiliates Federated National and American
Vehicle.
The
homeowner policy provides 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.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (“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 (i) liability for unpaid losses and LAE, (ii) the amount and
recoverability of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”),
and (iii) estimates 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, which are described
in greater detail at Footnote 2 in this Form 10-K.
Except as
described below, we believe that in 2009 there were no significant changes in
those critical accounting policies and estimates. Senior management has reviewed
the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates
and their disclosure in this Form 10-K with the Audit Committee of our Board of
Directors.
- 41
-
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 losses 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
issued guidance 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.
FASB
issued guidance addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in
equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and (b) all
investments in debt securities. The guidance requires that these securities be
classified into one of three categories, Held-to-maturity, Trading, or
Available-for-sale securities.
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, incurred but
not yet reported (“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 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.
- 42
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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
estimated Ultimate Loss and Defense & Cost Containment Expense (“DCCE”) is
based on an analysis by line of business, coverage and by accident quarter
performed using data as of December 31, 2009. The analysis relies primarily on
four actuarial methods: Incurred Loss & DCCE Development
Method, Paid Loss &
DCCE Development Method, Bornhuetter-Ferguson Incurred
Method, and Bornhuetter-Ferguson Paid Method. Each method relies on
company experience, and, where relevant, the analysis includes comparisons
to industry experience. The following is a description of each of these
methods:
Incurred Loss & DCCE Development
Method – This reserving method is based on the assumption that the
historical incurred loss & DCCE development pattern as reflected by the
Company is appropriate for estimating the future loss & DCCE development.
Incurred paid plus case amounts separated by accident quarter of occurrence and
at quarterly evaluations are used in this analysis. 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 quarter from one maturity point to the next. Loss
& DCCE development factors (“LDF”) are selected based on a review of the
historical relationships between incurred loss & DCCE at successive
valuations and based on industry patterns. The LDFs are multiplied
together to derive cumulative LDF’s that, when multiplied by actual incurred
loss & DCCE, produce estimates of ultimate loss & DCCE.
Paid Loss & DCCE Development
Method –
This method is similar to the Incurred Loss & DCCE Development Method only
paid loss & DCCE and paid patterns are substituted for the incurred loss
& DCCE and incurred patterns.
Bornhuetter-Ferguson Incurred Method
– This reserving method combines estimated initial expected unreported
loss & DCCE with the actual loss & DCCE to yield the ultimate loss &
DCCE estimate. Expected unreported loss & DCCE are equal to expected total
loss & DCCE times the expected unreported percentage of loss & DCCE for
each policy year. The incurred loss & DCCE emergence pattern used
to determine the unreported percentages in our projections is based on the
selected LDF’s from the Incurred Loss & DCCE Development Method described
above. The estimate of initial expected total loss & DCCE is
based on the historical loss ratio for more mature accident
years. While this approach reduces the independence of the
Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method from the loss & DCCE development methods for
older policy years, it is used primarily for estimating ultimate loss & DCCE
for more recent, less mature, policy years.
Bornhuetter-Ferguson Paid Method –
This method is similar to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson Incurred Method only
paid loss & DCCE and paid patterns are substituted for the incurred loss
& DCCE and incurred patterns.
We select
an estimate of ultimate loss & DCCE for each accident quarter after
considering the results of each projection method for the quarter and the
relative maturity of the quarter (the time elapsed between the start of the
quarter and December 31, 2009). Reserves for unpaid losses & DCCE for each
quarter are the differences between these ultimate estimates and the amount
already paid. The reserves for each quarter and each coverage are summed, and
the result is the overall estimate of unpaid losses & DCCE liability for the
company.
We also
produce an estimate of unpaid Adjusting and Other Expense (“A&O”), as a
reserve is required under statutory accounting principles even if this expense
has been pre-paid or with an unconsolidated affiliate. Although we do not prepay
for A&O, the majority of the A&O incurred is with an affiliated company
and eliminated under the accounting principles for consolidation. The unpaid
A&O is added to unpaid losses & DCCE, resulting in total unpaid losses
and LAE.
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 can be
volatile. A small variation in the number of claims paid can have a leveraging
effect that could lead to significant changes in estimated ultimate values.
Accordingly, our 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.
- 43
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
A key
assumption underlying the estimation of the reserve for loss 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 (known or
unknown) have varied over time during the experience period and / or will vary
(expectedly or unexpectedly) in the future. 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. Therefore, the
ultimate liability for unpaid losses and LAE will likely differ from the amount
recorded at December 31, 2009.
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 losses 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 losses
and LAE to an amount that is different than an amount set forth within the range
determined by the independent actuaries.
Interim –
During 2009 our interim approach was very similar to the annual process noted
above.
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
unpaid 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, 2009 premised on future emergence
inconsistent with historical loss reserve development patterns.
The table
below distinguishes total loss reserves between IBNR, as discussed above, and
case estimates for specific claims as established by routine claims
management.
- 44
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Reserves for unpaid loss and
LAE net of reinsurance
recoverable as of
December 31, 2009
|
Case Loss
Reserves
|
Case LAE
Reserves
|
Total Case
Reserves
|
IBNR
Reserves
(Including
LAE)
|
Reinsurance
Recoverable
on Unpaid
Loss and
Loss
Expenses
|
Net
Reserves
|
||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 7,489 | $ | 1,348 | $ | 8,837 | $ | 21,093 | $ | 11,666 | $ | 18,264 | ||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
6,312 | 1,573 | 7,885 | 29,578 | - | 37,463 | ||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
286 | 188 | 474 | 2,888 | 84 | 3,278 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fire
|
- | - | - | 11 | - | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||
Inland
Marine
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 14,087 | $ | 3,109 | $ | 17,196 | $ | 53,570 | $ | 11,750 | $ | 59,016 |
Reserves for unpaid loss and
LAE net of reinsurance
recoverable as of
December 31, 2008
|
Case Loss
Reserves
|
Case LAE
Reserves
|
Total Case
Reserves
|
IBNR
Reserves
(Including
LAE)
|
Reinsurance
Recoverable
on Unpaid
Loss and
Loss
Expenses
|
Net
Reserves
|
||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 7,132 | $ | 899 | $ | 8,031 | $ | 19,669 | $ | 12,613 | $ | 15,087 | ||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
6,166 | 1,364 | 7,530 | 27,323 | - | 34,853 | ||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
412 | 255 | 667 | 1,555 | 100 | 2,122 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 13,710 | $ | 2,518 | $ | 16,228 | $ | 48,547 | $ | 12,713 | $ | 52,062 |
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,
|
||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Change in loss and
LAE reserves, net of
reinsurance
|
Adjusted loss and
LAE reserves, net of
reinsurance
|
Percentage
change in
equity (1)
|
Adjusted loss and
LAE reserves, net of reinsurance
|
Percentage
change in
equity (1)
|
||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
-10.0
|
% | 53,115 | -15.2 | % | 46,856 | -12.8 | % | |||||||||
-7.5
|
% | 54,590 | -11.4 | % | 48,158 | -9.6 | % | |||||||||
-5.0
|
% | 56,066 | -7.6 | % | 49,459 | -6.4 | % | |||||||||
-2.5
|
% | 57,541 | -3.8 | % | 50,761 | -3.2 | % | |||||||||
Base
|
59,016 | - | 52,062 | - | ||||||||||||
2.5
|
% | 60,492 | 3.8 | % | 53,364 | 3.2 | % | |||||||||
5.0
|
% | 61,967 | 7.6 | % | 54,665 | 6.4 | % | |||||||||
7.5
|
% | 63,443 | 11.4 | % | 55,967 | 9.6 | % | |||||||||
10.0
|
% | 64,918 | 15.2 | % | 57,268 | 12.8 | % |
(1) Net
of tax
- 45
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
For the
year ended December 31, 2009 our actuarial firm determined range of loss and LAE
reserves on a net basis range from a low of $53.8 million to a high of
$70.6 million, with a best estimate of $61.2 million. The Company’s net
loss and LAE reserves are carried at $58.7 million. Management’s point
estimate of reserves is 4.0% 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.
We are required to review the
contractual terms of all our reinsurance purchases to ensure compliance with
FASB issued guidance.
The guidance 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. The guidance 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 Footnote 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
discussions regarding critical accounting policies.
RECENT
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April
2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the recognition and
presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. In April 2009, the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) also adopted similar guidance with
Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 111 (“SAB 111”) on Other-Than Temporary
Impairment. This new accounting guidance establishes a new method of
recognizing and reporting other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities
and contains additional disclosure requirements related to debt and equity
securities. For debt securities, the “ability and intent to hold” provision is
eliminated, and impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if an entity
(i) intends to sell the security, (ii) more likely than not will be
required to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) does not
expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis (even if the entity
does not intend to sell). This new framework does not apply to equity
securities (i.e., impaired equity securities will continue to be evaluated under
previously existing guidance). The “probability” standard relating to the
collectability of cash flows is eliminated, and impairment is now considered to
be other-than-temporary if the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected from the debt security is less than the amortized cost basis of the
security. The accounting guidance provides that for debt securities which
(i) an entity does not intend to sell and (ii) it is not more likely
than not that the entity will be required to sell before the anticipated
recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into
the amount related to estimated credit losses and the amount related to all
other factors. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors
is recorded in other comprehensive loss and the amount related to estimated
credit loss is recognized as a charge against current period earnings. The
new guidance expands disclosure requirements for both debt and equity securities
and requires a more detailed, risk-oriented breakdown of security types and
related information, and requires that the annual disclosures be made in interim
periods. The accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual
periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted. At
the time of adoption, the Company did not have any Other Than Temporary
Impairments for debt securities, and, the adoption of this guidance did not have
a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
In April
2009, the FASB issued further accounting guidance related to determining fair
value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have
significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly.
The guidance indicates that if an entity determines that either the volume
and/or level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased
(from normal conditions for that asset or liability) or price quotations or
observable inputs are not associated with orderly transactions, increased
analysis and management judgment will be required to estimate fair value. The
guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15,
2009, with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. The
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements or condition.
In
January 2010, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to fair value
measurements and disclosures. The amendments add some
new disclosures regarding fair value measurements, including information
regarding transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2, and information about
purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in Level 3
measurements. The amendments also clarify certain existing disclosure
requirements. Level 3 amendments are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2010 and interim periods within those fiscal years;
with all other amendments effective for both interim and annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The adoption of the
guidance will not have a material effect on our financial
statements.
- 46
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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 other recent accounting pronouncements and their effect, if
any, on the Company.
- 47
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
As
of December 31, 2009 Compared with December 31, 2008
Total Investments
FASB
issued guidance addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in equity
securities that have readily determinable fair values and (b) all investments in
debt securities. FASB issued guidance requires that these securities be
classified into one of three categories: (i) held-to-maturity, (ii) trading
securities or (iii) 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 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”.
Total
Investments increased $88.1 million, or 338.2%, to $114.2 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $26.1 million as of December 31, 2008. Our debt
portfolio contained callable features exercised in 2008. The proceeds from
our called securities were in cash and short-term investments as of December 31,
2008. During 2008, the Company engaged an outside investment advisor and during
2009 the funds were invested in long and short term investments with yields that
best match our liquidity needs.
The debt
and equity securities that are available for sale and carried at fair value
represent 98% of total investments as of December 31, 2009, compared with 48% as
of December 31, 2008.
We did
not hold any trading investment securities during 2009.
Below is
a summary of net unrealized gains and losses at December 31, 2009 and December
31, 2008 by category. The $0.1 million unrealized losses for debt
securities is related to United States Treasury obligations. The
unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in United States Treasury
obligations were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual
terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at
a price less than the amortized cost bases of the
investments. Because the Company does not intend to sell the
investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required
to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may
be maturity, the Company does not consider those investments to be
other-than-temporary impaired at December 31, 2009.
Unrealized Gains and (Losses)
|
||||||||
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Debt
securities:
|
||||||||
United
States government obligations
|
$ | (120 | ) | $ | - | |||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
500 | (148 | ) | |||||
Corporate
|
1,742 | (936 | ) | |||||
2,122 | (1,084 | ) | ||||||
Equity
securities:
|
||||||||
Common
stocks
|
1,128 | (819 | ) | |||||
Total
debt and equity securities
|
$ | 3,250 | $ | (1,903 | ) |
Additional
provisions contained in FASB issued guidance 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 temporary impaired securities is to determine impairment based
on the analysis of the following factors:
- 48
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
·
|
rating
downgrade or other credit event (eg., failure to pay interest when
due);
|
|
·
|
length
of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than
amortized cost;
|
|
·
|
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;
|
|
·
|
historical
volatility of the fair value of the
security.
|
Pursuant
to FASB issued guidance, the Company records the unrealized losses, net of
estimated income taxes that are associated with that part of our portfolio
classified as available for sale through the shareholders' equity account titled
“Other Comprehensive Income”. Management periodically reviews the individual
investments that comprise our portfolio in order to determine whether a decline
in fair value below our cost either is other than temporary or permanently
impaired. Factors used in such consideration include, but are not limited to,
the extent and length of time over which the market value has been less than
cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and our
ability and intent to keep the investment for a period sufficient to allow for
an anticipated recovery in market value.
In
reaching a conclusion that a security is either other than temporary or
permanently impaired, we consider such factors as the timeliness and
completeness of expected dividends, principal and interest payments, ratings
from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations such as Standard and
Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), as well as information
released via the general media channels. During 2009, in connection with this
process, we have not charged any net realized investment loss to
operations.
As of
December 31, 2009, all of our securities are in good standing and not impaired
as defined by FASB issued guidance, except for our holdings in Blackrock Pfd,
Inc., which continues to be impaired by $0.4 million as of December 31, 2009,
compared to the total $2.1 million as of December 31, 2008.
During
2008 we charged to operations a net realized investment loss that totaled
approximately $9.9 million, net of an estimated provisional tax effect of
approximately $3.7 million. Most of these investments were subsequently sold
during the third and fourth quarter of the year, and, we recognized an
additional $0.2 million loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately
$0.1 million.
The
investments held as of December 31, 2009, were comprised mainly of corporate
bonds held in various industries and municipal and United States government
bonds. The investments held as of December 31, 2008, were comprised mainly of
United States government and agency bonds, as well as municipal bonds and
corporate bonds held in the financial and conglomerate industries. As of
December 31, 2009, 89% of the debt portfolio is in diverse industries and 11% is
in United States government bonds. As of December 31, 2009, approximately
89% of the equity holdings are in equities related to diverse industries and 11%
are in mutual funds.
As of
December 31, 2009, 36.9% of the investment portfolio is in corporate bonds,
34.4% is in obligations of states and political subdivisions, and 11.2% is in
United States government bonds.
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2009 and
2008.
- 49
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||
Amount
|
of Total
|
Amount
|
of Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
securities, at market:
|
||||||||||||||||
United
States government agencies and authorities
|
$ | 12,802 | 11.21 | % | $ | 4,544 | 17.43 | % | ||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
39,269 | 34.38 | % | 5,331 | 20.45 | % | ||||||||||
Corporate
|
42,092 | 36.85 | % | 13,050 | 50.07 | % | ||||||||||
Other
|
- | 0.00 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
94,163 | 82.44 | % | 22,925 | 87.95 | % | ||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
20,056 | 17.56 | % | 3,140 | 12.05 | % | ||||||||||
Total
investments
|
$ | 114,219 | 100.00 | % | $ | 26,065 | 100.00 | % |
As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008 we have classified $2.7 million and $13.5 million,
respectively, of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity. We only classify bonds
as held to maturity to support collateralized letters of credit. Outstanding
irrevocable letters of credit, used for such purposes, total $2.8 million and
$3.0 million for the period ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
respectively.
During
2009, we reclassified $5.0 million of amortized cost to available-for-sale from
held-to-maturity because a collaterized requirement was
reduced.
In 2008,
we reclassified $14.2 million of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity because
we decided that we had the ability to hold them until maturity. During the three
months ended December 31, 2008, we reclassified $3.4 million to
available-for-sale because a collateralized requirement was
reduced.
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 Underwriters Insurance Company (“Republic”) which was terminated in
April 2007. As of December 31, 2007 the letter of credit in favor of Republic
totaled $10.0 million. As of December 31, 2008 the letter of credit in favor of
Republic totaled $3.0 million. As of December 31, 2009 the letter of credit in
favor of Republic totaled $1.0 million.
Cash and Short Term
Investments
Cash and
short-term investments, which include cash, certificates of deposits, and money
market accounts, decreased $96.4 million, or 77.4%, to $28.2 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $124.6 million as of December 31,
2008.
Our debt
portfolio contained callable features exercised in 2008. The proceeds from
our called securities were in cash and short-term investments as of December 31,
2008. During 2008, the Company engaged an outside investment advisor and during
2009 the funds were invested in long and short term investments with yields that
best match our liquidity needs.
Prepaid Reinsurance
Premiums
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums increased $4.8 million, or 86.4%, to $10.3 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $5.5 million as of December 31,
2008. The change is due to our payments and amortization of prepaid
reinsurance premiums associated with our homeowners’ book of business. We
believe concentrations of credit risk associated with our prepaid reinsurance
premiums are not significant.
Premiums Receivable, Net of Allowance
for Credit Losses
Premiums
receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, increased $6.9 million, or
207.5%, to $10.3 million as of December 31, 2009, compared with $3.4 million as
of December 31, 2008.
Our
homeowners’ insurance premiums receivable increased $7.3 million, to $9.0
million as of December 31, 2009, compared with $1.7 million as of December 31,
2008. The increased homeowners’ insurance premiums receivable includes $5.4
million assumed premiums receivable in connection with our citizens take-out.
Our commercial general liability insurance premiums receivable decreased $0.8
million, or 47.7%, to $0.9 million as of December 31, 2009, compared
with $1.7 million as of December 31, 2008. Premiums receivable in
connection with our automobile line of business increased $0.4 million, or
308.3%, to $0.5 million as of December 31, 2009, compared with $0.1 million as
of December 31, 2008. Our allowance for credit losses decreased $0.1
million, or 79.9%, to less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2009,
compared with more than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2008.
- 50
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
activity in the allowance for credit losses for premiums receivable was as
follows.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Allowance
for credit losses at beginning of year
|
$ | 122 | $ | 289 | ||||
Additions
charged to bad debt expense
|
92 | (300 | ) | |||||
Write-downs
charged against the allowance
|
(190 | ) | 133 | |||||
Allowance
for credit losses at end of year
|
$ | 24 | $ | 122 |
Reinsurance Recoverable, Net of
Allowance for Credit Losses
Reinsurance
recoverable, net, decreased $1.6 million, or 9.39%, to $15.3 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $16.9 million as of December 31, 2008. The
change is due to payment patterns by our reinsurers. All amounts are
current and deemed collectable. We believe concentrations of credit risk
associated with our reinsurance recoverables, net are not
significant.
DPAC
DPAC
increased $1.7 million, or 26.1%, to $8.3 million as of December 31, 2009,
compared with $6.6 million as of December 31, 2008. The change is due to
increased homeowner’s written and unearned premium, net of decreased commercial
general liability premium.
An analysis of deferred acquisition
costs follows.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Balance,
beginning of year
|
$ | 6,558 | $ | 8,958 | ||||
Acquisition
costs deferred
|
15,456 | 12,360 | ||||||
Amortization
expense during year
|
(13,747 | ) | (14,760 | ) | ||||
Balance,
end of year
|
$ | 8,267 | $ | 6,558 |
Deferred Income Taxes, net
Deferred
income taxes, net, decreased $3.8 million, or 45.2%, to $4.7 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $8.5 million as of December 31, 2008. Deferred
income taxes, net is comprised of approximately $9.1 million and $11.0 million
of deferred tax assets, net of approximately $4.4 million and $2.5 million of
deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
respectively.
- 51
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Deferred
tax assets
|
||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$ | 2,315 | $ | 2,187 | ||||
Unearned
premiums
|
1,785 | 1,771 | ||||||
Unrealized
loss on investment securities
|
- | 716 | ||||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
- | 141 | ||||||
Allowance
for impairments
|
164 | 1,410 | ||||||
Regulatory
assessments
|
260 | 1,312 | ||||||
Unearned
agent commissions
|
8 | - | ||||||
Depreciation
& amortization
|
367 | 155 | ||||||
Reserve
for claims settlements
|
809 | - | ||||||
Capital
loss carryover
|
2,112 | 2,657 | ||||||
State
net operating loss carryforward
|
663 | - | ||||||
Deferred
gain on sale and leaseback
|
288 | 453 | ||||||
Stock
option expense per FASB 123R
|
305 | 237 | ||||||
Total
deferred tax assets
|
9,076 | 11,039 | ||||||
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
||||||||
Deferred
acquisition costs, net
|
(3,111 | ) | (2,468 | ) | ||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
(60 | ) | - | |||||
Discount
on advance premiums
|
(7 | ) | (41 | ) | ||||
Unrealized
gain on investment securities
|
(1,223 | ) | - | |||||
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
(4,401 | ) | (2,509 | ) | ||||
Net
deferred tax asset
|
$ | 4,675 | $ | 8,530 |
Income Taxes Receivable
Income
taxes receivable increased $4.8 million, or 210.8%, to $7.1 million as of
December 31, 2009, compared with $2.3 million as of December 31, 2008. The
change is due to tax payment patterns in connection with our tax
liabilities.
The
Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005
are open for review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The federal
income tax returns for 2003 and 2002 have been examined by the IRS. The IRS
concluded its examination for 2003 and 2002 and there were no material changes
in the tax liability for those years. The 2004 income tax return remains open
due to net operating loss carryforward to open years.
The
Company’s consolidated Florida income tax returns for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are
currently under review by the Florida Department of Revenue. The Florida income
tax return for 2008 is open for review.
Property, Plant and Equipment,
net
Property,
plant and equipment, net, remained unchanged at $0.9 million as of December 31,
2009 and December 31, 2008.
Other Assets
Other assets increased $1.2 million, or
48.5%, to $3.7 million as of December 31, 2009, compared with $2.5 million as of
December 31, 2008. Major components of other assets are shown in the following
table; the accrued interest income receivable is primarily investment
related.
- 52
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
As of December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Accrued
interest income receivable
|
$ | 1,162 | $ | 243 | ||||
Notes
receivable
|
599 | 703 | ||||||
Deposits
|
334 | 71 | ||||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
644 | 748 | ||||||
Revenue
sharing due from reinsurer
|
- | 282 | ||||||
Receivable
for investments sold
|
567 | - | ||||||
Other
|
365 | 425 | ||||||
Total
|
$ | 3,671 | $ | 2,472 |
Unpaid Losses and LAE
Unpaid
losses and LAE increased $5.8 million, or 9.0%, to $70.6 million as of December
31, 2009, compared with $64.8 million as of December 31, 2008. The composition
of unpaid losses and LAE by product line is as follows.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 8,705 | $ | 21,102 | $ | 29,807 | $ | 8,048 | $ | 19,678 | $ | 27,726 | ||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
7,885 | 29,346 | 37,231 | 7,531 | 26,998 | 34,529 | ||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
2,612 | 960 | 3,572 | 657 | 1,863 | 2,520 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 19,202 | $ | 51,408 | $ | 70,610 | $ | 16,236 | $ | 48,539 | $ | 64,775 |
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 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 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.
- 53
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Unearned Premium
Unearned
premiums increased $10.4 million, or 25.5%, to $50.9 million as of December 31,
2009, compared with $40.5 million as of December 31, 2008. The change was due to
a $13.6 million increase in unearned homeowners’ insurance premiums of which
$7.4 million is associated with our assumption of policies from Citizens, a $3.8
million decrease in unearned commercial general liability premiums, a $0.2
million increase in unearned flood insurance premiums, and a $0.4 million
increase in unearned automobile premiums. Generally, as is in this case, an
increase in unearned premium directly relates to an increase in written premium
on a rolling twelve-month basis. Competition could negatively affect our
unearned premium.
Premium Deposits and Customer Credit
Balances
Premium
deposits and customer credit balances increased $0.4 million, or 25.3%, to $2.1
million as of December 31, 2009, compared with $1.7 million as of December 31,
2008. Premium deposits are monies received on policies not yet in-force as of
December 31, 2009.
Bank Overdraft
Bank
overdraft decreased $0.4 million, or 5.1%, to $8.3 million as of December
31, 2009, compared with $8.7 million as of December 31, 2008. The bank overdraft
relates primarily to losses and LAE disbursements paid but not presented for
payment by the policyholder or vendor. The change relates to our payment
patterns in relationship to the rate at which those cash disbursements are
presented to the bank for payment.
Deferred Gain from Sale of
Property
Deferred
gain from sale of property decreased $0.5 million, or 32.7%, to $1.0 million as
of December 31, 2009, compared with $1.5 million as of December 31, 2008. In
accordance with the provisions of FASB issued guidance, 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 $1.1 million, or 29.9%, to $2.6 million
as of December 31, 2009, compared with $3.7 million as of December 31,
2008. This change is due to the timing of payments with our trade
vendors.
- 54
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Results
of Operations
Year
Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Gross
Premiums Written
Gross
premiums written increased $16.2 million, or 18.3%, to $104.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009”), compared with $88.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2008 (“2008”). The following table denotes gross
premiums written by major product line.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 84,705 | 81.15 | % | $ | 60,708 | 68.79 | % | ||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
15,279 | 14.64 | % | 23,790 | 26.96 | % | ||||||||||
Federal
Flood
|
3,559 | 3.41 | % | 3,263 | 3.70 | % | ||||||||||
Automobile
|
836 | 0.80 | % | 487 | 0.55 | % | ||||||||||
Gross
written premiums
|
$ | 104,379 | 100.00 | % | $ | 88,248 | 100.00 | % |
The
Florida Legislature required a rate decrease that resulted in an average 15.2%
decrease statewide on homeowners' policies that was integrated into our rates on
June 1, 2007. The effect of this rate decrease on existing policies and the
corresponding premium decrease in direct written premium was fully recognized in
policies by May 31, 2008. In addition, a rate decrease of 11.3% statewide for
homeowners' policies was approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
(“Florida OIR”) and implemented with an effective date of May 1, 2008 for new
business and June 1, 2008 for renewal business for the homeowners' program. The
effect of this rate decrease is flowing through the Company’s homeowners’ book
of business such that a full impact of the premium decreases on direct written
premium was realized by April 2009 for the homeowners' program. These rate
decreases have had an adverse effect on gross and earned premium.
We continue to afford premium discounts
in response to wind mitigation efforts by policyholders. Such discounts, which
were required by the Florida Legislature and became effective on December 15,
2007 for new business and renewal business, have also had a significant effect
on both written and earned premium. During 2009 and 2008 wind mitigation credits
totaling $9.8 million and $15.3 million were afforded our policyholders,
respectively. As of December 31, 2009, 56.8% of our in-force homeowners’
policyholders were receiving wind mitigation credits totaling approximately
$27.6 million, (a 24.2% reduction of in-force premium), while 52.1% of our
in-force homeowners’ policyholders were receiving wind mitigation credits
totaling approximately $17.8 million, (a 22.2% reduction of in-force premium),
as of December 31, 2008.
Despite
the effects of Florida’s mandated homeowners’ rate reductions and wind
mitigation discounts the Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies increased $24.0
million, or 39.5%, to $84.7 million in 2009, compared with $60.7 million in
2008. Included in our sale of homeowners’ policies during 2009, is $17.9 million
from policies we assumed from Citizens.
During
2009, the Florida OIR granted Federated National an average statewide increase
of 19% for new and renewal policies which were not part of the Citizens
assumptions, effective November 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009,
respectively.
We are
required to report write-your-own flood premiums on a direct and 100% ceded
basis for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and subsequent periods.
Prior to 2008, we reported only the commissions income associated with this
program. Commissions in connection with this program totaled $0.1 million, $0.2
million and $0.3 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007.
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 (“FSR”) 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. However, our Demotech rating could be jeopardized by
such other factors including adverse development and various surplus related
ratio exceptions. On June 11, 2009, Demotech reaffirmed Federated National’s FSR
of “A” (“Exceptional”).
- 55
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
withdrawal of our ratings could limit or prevent us from writing or renewing
desirable insurance policies, from competing with insurers who have higher
ratings, from obtaining adequate reinsurance, or from borrowing on a line of
credit. The withdrawal of our ratings could have a material adverse effect on
the Company’s results of operations and financial position because the Company’s
insurance products might no longer be acceptable to the secondary marketplace
and mortgage lenders. Furthermore, a withdrawal of our ratings could prevent
independent agents from selling and servicing our insurance
products.
The
Company’s sale of commercial general liability policies decreased by $8.5
million to $15.3 million in 2009, compared with $23.8 million in 2008. The
primary factor for the decrease is a slowdown in the economy which has a
dramatic impact on the artisan contractor portfolio written by American Vehicle.
An additional factor is our decision to restrict underwriting authority within
specific commercial general liability classes and geographic areas. 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,
|
||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
State
|
||||||||||||||||
Alabama
|
$ | 76 | 0.50 | % | $ | 117 | 0.49 | % | ||||||||
Arkansas
|
4 | 0.03 | % | 12 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||
California
|
49 | 0.32 | % | 269 | 1.13 | % | ||||||||||
Florida
|
12,341 | 80.77 | % | 16,011 | 67.30 | % | ||||||||||
Georgia
|
291 | 1.91 | % | 568 | 2.39 | % | ||||||||||
Kentucky
|
1 | 0.00 | % | 1 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Louisiana
|
1,736 | 11.36 | % | 4,481 | 18.84 | % | ||||||||||
Maryland
|
- | 0.00 | % | 2 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||
South
Carolina
|
2 | 0.01 | % | 70 | 0.29 | % | ||||||||||
Texas
|
778 | 5.09 | % | 2,252 | 9.47 | % | ||||||||||
Virginia
|
1 | 0.01 | % | 7 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 15,279 | 100.00 | % | $ | 23,790 | 100.00 | % |
The
Company’s sale of auto insurance policies increased by $0.3 million to $0.8
million in 2009, compared with $0.5 million in 2008.
Gross
Premiums Ceded
Gross
premiums ceded increased to $56.2 million in 2009, compared with $34.6 million
in 2008. Gross premiums ceded under our catastrophe reinsurance program totaled
$52.5 million and gross premiums ceded to the write-your-own flood program
totaled $3.6 million in 2009.
Increase
in Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
The
change in prepaid reinsurance premiums was a $10.2 million increase in 2009,
compared with a $4.5 million decrease in 2008. This change is primarily
associated with the timing of our reinsurance payments measured against the term
of the underlying reinsurance policies.
Increase
in Unearned Premiums
The
change in unearned premiums was a $10.3 million increase in 2009, compared with
a $15.9 million decrease in 2008. The change was due to a $13.5 million increase
in unearned homeowners’ insurance premiums of which $7.4 million is associated
with our assumption of policies from Citizens, a $3.8 million decrease in
unearned commercial general liability premiums, a $0.4 million increase in
unearned automobile premiums, net of a $0.2 million increase in unearned flood
premiums in 2009. These changes are a result of differences in written premium
volume during this period as compared with the same period last
year. See Gross Premiums Written.
- 56
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Net
Premiums Earned
Net
premiums earned decreased $17.1 million, or 26.3%, to $48.0 million in 2009,
compared with $65.1 million in 2008. The following table denotes net premiums
earned by product line.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 28,474 | 59.35 | % | $ | 36,415 | 55.91 | % | ||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
19,076 | 39.76 | % | 27,784 | 42.66 | % | ||||||||||
Automobile
|
426 | 0.89 | % | 931 | 1.43 | % | ||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$ | 47,976 | 100.00 | % | $ | 65,130 | 100.00 | % |
The
change in homeowners’ net premiums earned is partially due to a $13.5 million
increase in unearned premiums, of which $7.4 million is associated with our
assumption of policies from Citizens in December 2009, and a $24.0 million
increase in premium volume. Please see above Gross Premiums Ceded
discussion.
The
change in commercial general liability net premiums earned is a result of
decreased premium volume. The primary factor for the decrease in premium volume
is a slowdown in the economy which has a dramatic impact on the artisan
contractor portfolio written by American Vehicle. An additional factor is our
decision to restrict underwriting authority within specific commercial general
liability classes and geographic areas.
Commission
Income
Commission
income decreased $0.2 million, or 15.5%, to $1.4 million in 2009, compared with
$1.6 million in 2008. The primary sources of our commission income are in
connection with our managing general agent services and our independent
insurance agency, Insure-Link, Inc. (“Insure-Link”).
Finance
Revenue
Finance
revenue decreased $0.1 million, or 16.1%, to $0.3 million in 2009, compared with
$0.4 million in 2008. This is primarily due to the Company’s decreased emphasis
on automobile insurance and the finance revenue derived from these
policies.
Managing
General Agent Fees
Managing
general agent fees decreased $0.1million, or 7.2%, to $1.6 million in 2009,
compared with $1.7 million in 2008.
Net
Investment Income
Net
investment income decreased $3.1 million to $3.4 million for 2009, compared with
$6.5 million for 2008. Our investment yield net and gross of
investment expenses were 2.1% and 2.3% respectively for 2009, compared with 4.1%
net of investment expenses for 2008. Our investment yield net and gross of
investment expenses measured against debt securities, excluding cash were 3.5%
and 3.7% respectively for 2009. Our net investment income and yield were
adversely affected by having an average cash balance of $55.0 million in the
prime money market account that provided less than a 1% yield during
2009.
Net
investment income on corporate bonds, which generally provide a higher yield
than United States government bonds, decreased $1.5 million to $1.6 million for
2009, compared with $3.1 million for 2008. The decrease in corporate
bond income was due to our selection of higher quality bonds that reduce overall
portfolio risk though offer a lower yield. Municipal bond income
increased $0.7 million to $1.4 million for 2009 compared to $0.7 million in
2008. The increase in Municipal bond income was due to the increase
in the municipal bond portfolio to $40.0 million in 2009, from approximately
$5.0 million in 2008.
- 57
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Dividend
income decreased $0.3 million to $0.5 million for 2009, compared with $0.8
million for 2008. Short-term income decreased $0.9 million to $0.2
million for 2009, compared with $1.1 million for 2008.
See
additional discussion within the above “Analysis of Financial Condition As of December 31, 2009
Compared with December 31, 2008– Investments”.
Net
Realized Investment Gains
Net
realized investment gains were $1.1 million in 2009, compared with net realized
investment losses of $10.6 million in 2008.
During
2009, we did not mark any equity investments to market value pursuant to
guidelines prescribed in FASB issued guidance. In reaching a conclusion that a
security is either other than temporary or permanently impaired we consider such
factors as the timeliness and completeness of expected dividends, principal and
interest payments, ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations such as Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, as well as information
released via the general media channels. During 2008 the pretax charge to
operations was approximately $9.9 million in connection with our estimates of
the net realizable value of these investments.
The table
below depicts the net realized investment gains (losses) by investment category
in 2009 as compared with 2008.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Realized
gains:
|
||||||||
Debt
securities
|
$ | 485 | $ | 770 | ||||
Equity
securities
|
2,159 | 544 | ||||||
Total
realized gains
|
2,644 | 1,314 | ||||||
Realized
losses:
|
||||||||
Debt
securities
|
(825 | ) | (854 | ) | ||||
Equity
securities
|
(702 | ) | (11,053 | ) | ||||
Total
realized losses
|
(1,527 | ) | (11,907 | ) | ||||
Net
realized gains (losses) on investments
|
$ | 1,117 | $ | (10,593 | ) |
Regulatory
Assessments Recovered
Regulatory
assessments recovered increased $0.2 million, or 10.9%, to $2.3 million in 2009,
compared with $2.1 million in 2008.
Other
Income
Other
income increased $0.1 million, or 15.4%, to $0.8 million in 2009, compared with
$0.7 million in 2008.
Major
components of other income in 2009 and 2008 included approximately $0.5 million
in partial recognition of our gain on the sale of our Lauderdale Lakes
property.
Losses
and LAE
Losses
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 experience, adjusted for the
effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis
for predicting future events.
Losses
and LAE increased by $1.8 million, or 4.4%, to $43.7 million for 2009, compared
with $41.9 million for 2008. The overall change includes a $4.5 million increase
in our homeowners’ program, a $6.0 million decrease in our commercial general
liability program and a $3.3 million increase in connection with our automobile
program.
- 58
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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.
The
composition of unpaid losses and LAE by product line is as follows.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 8,705 | $ | 21,102 | $ | 29,807 | $ | 8,048 | $ | 19,678 | $ | 27,726 | ||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
7,885 | 29,346 | 37,231 | 7,531 | 26,998 | 34,529 | ||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
2,612 | 960 | 3,572 | 657 | 1,863 | 2,520 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 19,202 | $ | 51,408 | $ | 70,610 | $ | 16,236 | $ | 48,539 | $ | 64,775 |
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 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 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
our process, reserves were increased by approximately $5.8 million during
2009.
In accordance with GAAP, our loss ratio
is computed as losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned. A lower loss ratio
generally results in higher operating income. Our loss ratio for 2009 was 86.9%
compared with 64.3% for 2008. The table below reflects the loss ratios by
product line.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
Homeowners'
|
92.0 | % | 56.2 | % | ||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
81.5 | % | 77.0 | % | ||||
Fire
|
18.7 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
Inland
Marine
|
57.5 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
Automobile
|
-1.1 | % | 1.8 | % | ||||
All
lines
|
86.9 | % | 64.3 | % |
For
further discussion, see Footnote 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included under Part II, Item 8, of this Report.
Operating
and Underwriting Expenses
Operating
and underwriting expenses increased $2.5 million, or 34.3%, to $9.7 million for
2009, compared with $7.2 million for 2008.
The
change is partially due to the addition of Insure-Link, created to serve as an
independent insurance agency, for which operating and underwriting expenses
increased to $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009,
compared with $0.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
Additionally, assessments paid, investment fees and bad debt expense increased a
net total $1.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared
with the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
- 59
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Salaries
and Wages
Salaries
and wages increased $0.5 million, or 6.8%, to $7.9 million for 2009, compared
with $7.4 million for 2008.
The
charge to operations for stock based compensation, in accordance with the
provisions of FASB issued guidance, was approximately $0.4 million during 2009
compared with approximately $0.5 million for 2008.
Policy
Acquisition Costs, Net of Amortization
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization decreased $1.1 million, or 6.9%, to $13.7
million for 2009, compared with $14.8 million for 2008. 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. The change is due to increased
homeowner’s written premium and the less than 20% related commissions, net of
decreased commercial general liability premium and the approximately 25% related
commissions.
Provision
for Income Tax Benefit
The
provision for income tax benefit was $5.9 million for 2009, compared with $1.3
million for 2008.
The
effective rate for income taxes was 36.5% for 2009, compared with 34.8% for
2008.
Net
Loss
As a
result of the foregoing, the Company’s net loss for 2009 was $10.3 million,
compared with $2.5 million for 2008.
- 60
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Year
Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Gross
Premiums Written
Gross
premiums written decreased $45.4 million, or 33.9%, to $88.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 2008 (“2008”), compared with $133.6 million for year
ended December 31, 2007 (“2007”). The following table denotes gross
premiums written by major product line.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 60,708 | 68.79 | % | $ | 99,502 | 74.48 | % | ||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
23,790 | 26.96 | % | 32,222 | 24.12 | % | ||||||||||
Federal
Flood
|
3,263 | 3.70 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Automobile
|
487 | 0.55 | % | 1,867 | 1.40 | % | ||||||||||
Gross
written premiums
|
$ | 88,248 | 100.00 | % | $ | 133,591 | 100.00 | % |
The
Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies decreased $38.8 million, or 39.0%, to
$60.7 million in 2008, compared with $99.5 million in 2007. The significant
erosion was 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 these marketplace conditions have forced some
carriers to pursue market share based on “best case” pricing models that may
ultimately prove unprofitable from an underwriting perspective. We did not
compete with others solely based on pricing. We continued to market our property
insurance product in territories in Florida where our rates are
competitive.
The
Company experienced a decrease in homeowners’ gross premiums written in 2008
primarily because of the effects of state mandated homeowner’s rate reductions
and wind mitigation discounts.
As
previously discussed, a rate decrease required by the Florida Legislature
resulted in a rate decrease averaging 15.2% statewide on homeowners' policies
that was integrated into our rates on June 1, 2007. The effect of this rate
decrease on existing policies and the corresponding premium decrease in direct
written premium was fully recognized in policies by May 31, 2008. In addition, a
rate decrease of 11.3% statewide for homeowners' policies was approved by the
Florida OIR and implemented with an effective date of May 1, 2008 for new
business and June 1, 2008 for renewal business for the homeowners' program. The
effect of this rate decrease is flowing through the Company’s book of business
such that a full impact of the premium decreases on direct written premium
should be realized by April 2009 for the homeowners' program. These rate
decreases have had an adverse effect on premium volume.
In
addition, we implemented higher premium discounts in response to wind mitigation
efforts by policyholders. Such discounts, which were required by the
Florida Legislature and became effective on December 15, 2007 for new business
and renewal business, have also had a significant effect on
premium. As of December 31, 2007, 30.0% of our homeowners’
policyholders were receiving wind mitigation credits totaling $2.0 million, (a
2.0% reduction of in-force premium), while 50.0% of our homeowners’
policyholders were receiving wind mitigation credits totaling $17.0 million, (a
27.6% reduction of in-force premium), at December 31, 2008.
Pursuant
to the Florida OIR regulations, we are required to report write-your-own-flood
premiums on a direct and ceded basis for 2008 and subsequent years. Prior to
2008, we reported only the commissions income associated with this
program.
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 FSR 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. See “Industry
Rating Services”. However, our Demotech rating could be jeopardized by such
other factors including the letter we received from Demotech on March 22, 2010,
adverse development and various surplus related ratio
exceptions.
- 61
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
Company’s sale of commercial general liability policies decreased by $8.4
million to $23.8 million in 2008, compared with $32.2 million in 2007. This
decrease is due to increased competition in the commercial general liability
market. 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,
|
||||||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
State
|
||||||||||||||||
Alabama
|
$ | 117 | 0.49 | % | $ | 26 | 0.08 | % | ||||||||
Arkansas
|
12 | 0.05 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
California
|
269 | 1.13 | % | 23 | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||
Florida
|
16,011 | 67.30 | % | 21,192 | 65.77 | % | ||||||||||
Georgia
|
568 | 2.39 | % | 1,023 | 3.17 | % | ||||||||||
Kentucky
|
1 | 0.00 | % | 8 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||
Louisiana
|
4,481 | 18.84 | % | 5,595 | 17.36 | % | ||||||||||
Maryland
|
2 | 0.01 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
South
Carolina
|
70 | 0.29 | % | 182 | 0.57 | % | ||||||||||
Texas
|
2,252 | 9.47 | % | 4,127 | 12.81 | % | ||||||||||
Virginia
|
7 | 0.03 | % | 46 | 0.14 | % | ||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 23,790 | 100.00 | % | $ | 32,222 | 100.00 | % |
The
Company’s sale of auto insurance policies decreased by $1.4 million, or 73.9%,
to $0.5 million in 2008, compared with $1.9 million in 2007. American Vehicle
markets automobile insurance in Florida only to its existing policyholders by
offering to renew the existing policy. Federated National markets its
automobile insurance in Florida to both existing and new
policyholders.
Gross
Premiums Ceded
Gross
premiums ceded decreased $10.0 million, or 22.4%, to $34.6 million in 2008,
compared with $44.6 million in 2007.
Decrease
in Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
The
decrease in prepaid reinsurance premiums was $4.5 million in 2008, compared with
$11.3 million in 2007. The change in this account was primarily associated with
the timing of our reinsurance payments measured against the term of the
underling reinsurance policies.
Decrease
in Unearned Premiums
The
decrease in unearned premiums was $15.9 million in 2008, compared with $21.4
million in 2007. The change was due to a $13.2 million decrease in unearned
homeowners’ insurance premiums, a $4.0 million decrease in unearned commercial
general liability premiums, a $1.7 million increase in federal flood unearned
premiums and a $0.4 million decrease in unearned automobile premiums. These
changes are a result of our decreased premium volume during this
period. See Gross Premiums Written.
Net
Premiums Earned
Net
premiums earned decreased $34.1 million, or 34.4%, to $65.1 million in 2008,
compared with $99.2 million in 2007. The following table denotes net premiums
earned by major product line.
- 62
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Percentage
|
Amount
|
Percentage
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 36,415 | 55.91 | % | $ | 63,121 | 63.62 | % | ||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
27,784 | 42.66 | % | 32,738 | 32.99 | % | ||||||||||
Automobile
|
931 | 1.43 | % | 3,365 | 3.39 | % | ||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$ | 65,130 | 100.00 | % | $ | 99,224 | 100.00 | % |
Commission
Income
Commission
income decreased $5.6 million, to $1.6 million in 2008, compared with $7.2
million in 2007. The 2008 commission income was primarily in connection with our
reinsurance treaties.
The
recurring components of our 2007 commission income totaled $1.4 million.
Non-reoccurring components of our 2007 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 in 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 which we began 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 $0.1 million, or 35.7%, to $0.4 million in 2008, compared with
$0.5 million in 2007. The change was 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 $0.3 million, or 14.2%, to $1.7 million in 2008,
compared with $2.0 million in 2007.
Net
Investment Income
Net
investment income decreased $1.5 million, or 19.6%, to $6.5 million in 2008,
compared with $8.0 million in 2007. Net investment income on corporate bonds,
which generally provide a higher yield than United States government bonds,
increased $2.4 million, to $3.1 million in 2008, compared with $0.7 million in
2007. Net investment income on United States government bonds decreased $3.6
million, to $0.9 million in 2008, compared with $4.5 million in
2007.
Affecting
our net investment income was a decrease in funds available for investment and a
decrease in the overall yield to 4.11% in 2008 compared with a yield of 5.28% in
2007.
Net
Realized Investment Losses
Net
realized investment losses were $10.6 million in 2008, compared with $0.1
million in 2007. The table below depicts the net realized investment losses by
investment category in 2008 as compared with the same period during
2007.
In 2008
we marked certain equity investments to market value pursuant to guidelines
prescribed in FASB issued guidance. In reaching a conclusion that a security is
either other than temporary or permanently impaired we consider such factors as
the timeliness and completeness of expected dividends, principal and interest
payments, ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
such as Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, as well as information released via the
general media channels. The pretax charge to operations was approximately $9.9
million in connection with our estimates of the net realizable value of these
investments. A significant number of these investments were subsequently sold in
2008, and we recognized an additional pretax charge to operations of $0.2
million.
- 63
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Realized
gains:
|
||||||||
Debt
securities
|
$ | 770 | $ | 18 | ||||
Equity
securities
|
544 | 2,115 | ||||||
Total
realized gains
|
1,314 | 2,133 | ||||||
Realized
losses:
|
||||||||
Debt
securities
|
(854 | ) | (0 | ) | ||||
Equity
securities
|
(11,053 | ) | (2,278 | ) | ||||
Total
realized losses
|
(11,907 | ) | (2,278 | ) | ||||
Net
realized losses on investments
|
$ | (10,593 | ) | $ | (145 | ) |
Regulatory
Assessments Recovered
Regulatory
assessments recovered increased $0.4 million, or 27.2%, to $2.1 million in 2008,
compared with $1.7 million in 2007.
Other
Income
Other
income increased less than $0.1 million, or 2.1%, to $0.7 million in 2008,
compared with $0.6 million in 2007. Major components of other income in 2008
included approximately $0.5 million in partial recognition of our gain on the
sale of our Lauderdale Lakes property and $0.2 million of rental income,
interest income and miscellaneous income.
Losses
and LAE
Losses
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.
Losses
and LAE decreased by $5.7 million, or 12.1%, to $41.9 million in 2008, compared
with $47.6 million in 2007. The overall change includes a $1.0 million decrease
in our homeowners’ program, a $2.3 million increase in our commercial general
liability program and a $7.0 million decrease in connection with our automobile
program.
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.
The
composition of unpaid losses and LAE by product line is as follows.
December 31, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
Case
|
Bulk
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeowners'
|
$ | 8,048 | $ | 19,678 | $ | 27,726 | $ | 7,776 | $ | 24,599 | $ | 32,375 | ||||||||||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
7,531 | 26,998 | 34,529 | 5,415 | 17,870 | 23,285 | ||||||||||||||||||
Automobile
|
657 | 1,863 | 2,520 | 530 | 3,495 | 4,025 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 16,236 | $ | 48,539 | $ | 64,775 | $ | 13,721 | $ | 45,964 | $ | 59,685 |
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 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.
- 64
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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
our process, reserves were increased by approximately $5.1 million in
2008.
In
accordance with GAAP, our loss ratio is computed as losses and LAE divided by
net premiums earned. A lower loss ratio generally results in higher operating
income. Our loss ratio in 2008 was 64.3% compared with 48.0% for the same period
in 2007. The table below reflects the loss ratios by product line.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Homeowners'
|
56.2 | % | 37.4 | % | ||||
Commercial
General Liability
|
77.0 | % | 58.9 | % | ||||
Fire
|
34.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
Automobile
|
1.8 | % | 140.0 | % | ||||
All
lines
|
64.3 | % | 48.0 | % |
For
further discussion, see Footnote 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included under Part II, Item 8, of this Report.
Operating
and Underwriting Expenses
Operating
and underwriting expenses decreased $5.6 million, or 43.5%, to $7.2 million in
2008, compared with $12.8 million in 2007. The change was primarily
due to a $2.9 million decrease in fees paid to boards, bureaus and associations,
a $1.8 million decrease in premium taxes and a $1.2 million decrease in bad
debts.
Salaries
and Wages
Salaries
and wages increased $0.7 million, or 10.3%, to $7.4 million in 2008, compared
with $6.7 million in 2007. In 2008, we had a $0.3 million severance payment. The
charge to operations for stock based compensation, in accordance with the
provisions of FASB issued guidance, was approximately $0.5 million in 2008
compared with approximately $0.6 million in 2007.
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense decreased $0.2 million to nothing in 2008, compared with $0.2 million in
2007. The decrease results from the repayment of our subordinated debt on
September 30, 2007.
Policy
Acquisition Costs, Net of Amortization
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization, decreased $4.7 million, or 24.0%, to
$14.8 million in 2008, compared with $19.4 million in 2007. Policy acquisition
costs, net of amortization, consisted of the actual policy acquisition costs,
including commissions, payroll and premium taxes, less commissions earned on
reinsurance ceded and policy fees earned. The decreased production volume
for both the homeowners’ and commercial general liability product lines was the
reason for the decrease in this asset.
Provision
for Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
The
provision for income tax benefit was $1.3 million in 2008, compared with an
income tax expense of $11.2 million in 2007. The effective rate for
income taxes was 34.8% in 2008, compared with 34.5% in
2007.
- 65
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Net
(Loss) Income
As a
result of the foregoing, the Company’s net loss in 2008 was $2.5 million
compared with net income of $21.3 million in 2007.
CONTRACTUAL
OBLIGATIONS
A summary
of long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 follows. The
amounts represent estimates of gross undiscounted amounts payable over
time.
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual
Obligations
|
Total
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
Thereafter
|
||||||||||||||||||
Unpaid
Losses and LAE
|
$ | 70,610 | $ | 41,914 | $ | 16,883 | $ | 7,767 | $ | 2,711 | $ | 1,335 | ||||||||||||
Operating
leases
|
1,288 | 638 | 650 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 71,898 | $ | 42,552 | $ | 17,533 | $ | 7,767 | $ | 2,711 | $ | 1,335 |
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In 2009,
our primary sources of capital included proceeds from the sale of investment
securities, increased unearned premiums, increased unpaid losses and LAE,
increased deferred income tax expense, net realized investment gains, increased
premium deposits and customer credit balances, non-cash compensation, and
depreciation and amortization. Also contributing to our liquidity were a tax
benefit related to non-cash compensation, a provision for uncollectible premiums
receivable, and a provision for credit losses, net. Because we are a holding
company, we are largely dependent upon fees and commissions from our
subsidiaries for cash flow.
In 2009
and 2008, operations used net operating cash flow of $11.6 million and $1.5
million, respectively, and provided net operating cash flow of $33.6 million in
2007.
In 2009,
operations generated $21.4 million of gross cash flow, due to a $10.4 million
increase in unearned premiums, a $5.8 million increase in unpaid losses and LAE,
a $1.9 million increase in deferred income tax expense, a $0.4 million increase
in premium deposits and customer credit balances, $0.3 million of non-cash
compensation, $0.2 million of depreciation and amortization, a $0.1 million
increase in the provision for uncollectible premiums receivable, a $1.6 million
decrease in reinsurance recoverable, net and $0.7 million of amortization of
investment discount.
In 2009,
operations used $33.0 million of gross cash flow primarily due to a $4.8 million
increase in income taxes recoverable, a $4.8 million increase in prepaid
reinsurance premiums, a $1.7 million increase in other assets, a $1.7 million
increase in policy acquisition costs, net of amortization, a $7.1 million
increase in premiums receivable, a $1.1 million decrease in accounts payable and
accrued expenses, a $0.4 million decrease in bank overdraft, and $1.1 million of
net realized investment gains, all in conjunction with a net loss of $10.3
million.
In 2009,
net cash used in investing activities was $82.7 million, compared with net cash
provided by investment activities of $107.9 million in 2008 and net cash used in
investing activities of $19.7 million in 2007. Our available for sale investment
portfolio is highly liquid as it consists entirely of readily marketable
securities. In 2009, investing activities generated $59.2 million and used
$141.9 million. Our debt portfolio contained callable features exercised in
2008. The proceeds from our called securities were in cash and short-term
investments as of December 31, 2008. During 2008, the Company engaged an outside
investment advisor and during 2009 the funds were invested in long and short
term investments with yields that best match our liquidity needs.
In 2009,
net financing activities used $2.0 million, as compared with $4.3 million and
$9.2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. In 2009, the sources of cash in
connection with financing activities included a $0.2 million tax benefit related
to non-cash compensation. The uses of cash in connection with financing
activities included $1.9 million in dividends paid and $0.3 million for the
purchase of treasury stock.
We offer
direct billing in connection with our automobile and homeowner programs. Direct
billing is an agreement in which 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 at policy inception, 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 a credit facility, but
remain able to charge and collect interest from the
policyholder.
- 66
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
We
believe that our current capital resources 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, 2009 were approximately $21.0 million and $25.8 million,
respectively, and their statutory net losses in 2009 were $12.2 million and $1.1
million, respectively.
As of
December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, 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.
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 losses 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 that result in prolonged and increasing levels of inflation
could cause increases in the dollar amount of incurred losses and LAE and
thereby materially adversely affect future liability
requirements.
- 67
-
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,
2009
|
||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS)
|
||||||||||||||||
First
|
Second
|
Third
|
Fourth
|
|||||||||||||
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
|||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$ | 13,905 | $ | 14,264 | $ | 9,511 | $ | 10,296 | ||||||||
Other
revenue
|
1,719 | 2,864 | 3,368 | 2,927 | ||||||||||||
Total
revenue
|
15,624 | 17,128 | 12,879 | 13,223 | ||||||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
8,873 | 8,974 | 11,119 | 14,740 | ||||||||||||
Other
expenses
|
6,570 | 7,119 | 8,158 | 9,511 | ||||||||||||
Total
expenses
|
15,443 | 16,093 | 19,277 | 24,251 | ||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before provision for income tax (benefit) expense
|
181 | 1,035 | (6,398 | ) | (11,028 | ) | ||||||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(122 | ) | 250 | (2,403 | ) | (3,646 | ) | |||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 303 | $ | 785 | $ | (3,995 | ) | $ | (7,382 | ) | ||||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share
|
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.10 | $ | (0.50 | ) | $ | (0.93 | ) | ||||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share
|
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.10 | $ | (0.50 | ) | $ | (0.93 | ) | ||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
8,014 | 8,014 | 8,014 | 7,968 | ||||||||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding (assuming
dilution)
|
8,014 | 8,014 | 8,014 | 7,968 |
- 68
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Year Ended December 31,
2008
|
||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS)
|
||||||||||||||||
First
|
Second
|
Third
|
Fourth
|
|||||||||||||
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
Quarter
|
|||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
$ | 18,606 | $ | 15,459 | $ | 16,249 | $ | 14,816 | ||||||||
Other
revenue
|
1,436 | (32 | ) | (283 | ) | 1,213 | ||||||||||
Total
revenue
|
20,042 | 15,427 | 15,966 | 16,029 | ||||||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
7,874 | 12,493 | 9,888 | 11,614 | ||||||||||||
Other
expenses
|
7,150 | 7,024 | 7,927 | 7,296 | ||||||||||||
Total
expenses
|
15,024 | 19,517 | 17,815 | 18,910 | ||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before provision for income tax expense (benefit)
|
5,018 | (4,090 | ) | (1,849 | ) | (2,881 | ) | |||||||||
Provision
for income tax expense (benefit)
|
709 | (1,590 | ) | (336 | ) | (107 | ) | |||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 4,309 | $ | (2,500 | ) | $ | (1,513 | ) | $ | (2,774 | ) | |||||
Basic
net income (loss) per share
|
$ | 0.54 | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.35 | ) | |||||
Fully
diluted net income (loss) per share
|
$ | 0.54 | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.35 | ) | |||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
7,913 | 7,974 | 8,014 | 8,014 | ||||||||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding (assuming
dilution)
|
7,960 | 7,974 | 8,014 | 8,014 |
OFF
BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008, there were no off balance sheet transactions.
- 69
-
21st Century
Holding Company
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 debt 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, 2009, approximately 86% of investments were in debt securities and
cash and cash equivalents, which are considered to be either held until maturity
or available for sale, based upon our estimates of required liquidity.
Approximately 97% of the debt securities are considered available for sale and
are marked to market. We may in the future consider additional debt securities
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 table
below sets forth investment results for the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Interest
on debt securities
|
$ | 2,718 | $ | 4,619 | $ | 6,782 | ||||||
Dividends
on equity securities
|
466 | 770 | 565 | |||||||||
Interest
on cash and cash equivalents
|
213 | 1,072 | 691 | |||||||||
Total
investment income
|
$ | 3,397 | $ | 6,461 | $ | 8,038 | ||||||
Net
realized gains (losses)
|
$ | 1,117 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | (145 | ) |
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2009 and
2008.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||
Amount
|
of Total
|
Amount
|
of Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
securities, at market:
|
||||||||||||||||
United
States government agencies and authorities
|
$ | 12,802 | 11.21 | % | $ | 4,544 | 17.43 | % | ||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
39,269 | 34.38 | % | 5,331 | 20.45 | % | ||||||||||
Corporate
|
42,092 | 36.85 | % | 13,050 | 50.07 | % | ||||||||||
Other
|
- | 0.00 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
94,163 | 82.44 | % | 22,925 | 87.95 | % | ||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
20,056 | 17.56 | % | 3,140 | 12.05 | % | ||||||||||
Total
investments
|
$ | 114,219 | 100.00 | % | $ | 26,065 | 100.00 | % |
- 70
-
21st Century
Holding Company
Debt
securities are carried on the balance sheet at market. At December 31, 2009 and
2008, debt securities had the following quality ratings by Moody's and for
securities not assigned a rating by Moody's, Standard and Poor's Company or
Fitch ratings were used.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||
Amount
|
of Total
|
Amount
|
of Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
AAA
|
$ | 40,390 | 42.90 | % | $ | 15,180 | 66.22 | % | ||||||||
AA
|
18,619 | 19.77 | % | 5,732 | 25.00 | % | ||||||||||
A
|
24,286 | 25.79 | % | 151 | 0.66 | % | ||||||||||
BBB
|
9,954 | 10.57 | % | 1,862 | 8.12 | % | ||||||||||
BB++
|
- | 0.00 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Not
rated
|
914 | 0.97 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
$ | 94,163 | 100.00 | % | $ | 22,925 | 100.00 | % |
The
following table summarizes, by maturity, the debt securities as of December 31,
2009 and 2008.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||
Amount
|
of Total
|
Amount
|
of Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Matures
In:
|
||||||||||||||||
One
year or less
|
$ | 1,615 | 1.72 | % | $ | 2,388 | 10.42 | % | ||||||||
One
year to five years
|
50,781 | 53.93 | % | 9,850 | 42.97 | % | ||||||||||
Five
years to 10 years
|
27,178 | 28.86 | % | 1,037 | 4.52 | % | ||||||||||
More
than 10 years
|
14,589 | 15.49 | % | 9,650 | 42.09 | % | ||||||||||
Total
debt securities
|
$ | 94,163 | 100.00 | % | $ | 22,925 | 100.00 | % |
At
December 31, 2009, the weighted average maturity of the debt portfolio was
approximately 6.4 years.
The
following table provides information about the financial instruments as of
December 31, 2009 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
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
Thereafter
|
Total
|
Amount
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal
amount by expected maturity:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
$ | - | $ | 4,325 | $ | 3,350 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 500 | $ | 2,190 | $ | 12,865 | $ | 12,802 | ||||||||||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
1,225 | 3,605 | 6,670 | 5,005 | 4,161 | 15,440 | 36,106 | 39,269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
350 | 4,100 | 8,140 | 1,280 | 4,529 | 15,878 | 34,277 | 42,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized
mortgage obligations
|
- | - | - | - | - | 5,154 | 5,154 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | 20,056 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage
notes receivable
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
All
investments
|
$ | 1,575 | $ | 12,030 | $ | 18,160 | $ | 8,785 | $ | 9,190 | $ | 38,662 | $ | 88,402 | $ | 114,219 | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted
average interest rate by expected maturity:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government agencies and authorities
|
0.00 | % | 1.18 | % | 3.17 | % | 3.66 | % | 1.75 | % | 3.24 | % | 2.55 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
4.96 | % | 3.68 | % | 5.22 | % | 5.25 | % | 5.00 | % | 5.27 | % | 5.06 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
6.07 | % | 4.23 | % | 2.84 | % | 5.32 | % | 5.50 | % | 6.45 | % | 5.16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized
mortgage obligations
|
0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 5.50 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
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
|
5.21 | % | 2.97 | % | 3.78 | % | 4.81 | % | 5.07 | % | 5.67 | % | 4.76 | % |
- 71
-
21st Century
Holding Company
ITEM
8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY
DATA
INDEX
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
|
||
Report
of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
|
73
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
|
74
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007
|
75
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income
(Loss) For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007
|
76
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007
|
|
77
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
79
|
- 72
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
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, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2009. We also have audited 21st Century
Holding Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2009, 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 2009
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, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2009 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, 2009, 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 26,
2010
- 73
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER
31, 2009 AND 2008
Period Ending
|
||||||||
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||
|
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Investments
|
||||||||
Debt
maturities, available for sale, at fair value
|
$ | 91,513 | $ | 9,429 | ||||
Debt
maturities, held to maturity, at amortized cost
|
2,650 | 13,496 | ||||||
Equity
securities, available for sale, at fair value
|
20,056 | 3,140 | ||||||
Total
investments
|
114,219 | 26,065 | ||||||
Cash
and short term investments
|
28,197 | 124,577 | ||||||
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums
|
10,319 | 5,537 | ||||||
Premiums
receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $24 and $122,
respectively
|
10,311 | 3,353 | ||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable, net of allowance for credit losses of $0 and $226,
respectively
|
15,302 | 16,880 | ||||||
Deferred
policy acquisition costs
|
8,267 | 6,558 | ||||||
Deferred
income taxes, net
|
4,675 | 8,530 | ||||||
Income
taxes receivable
|
7,069 | 2,275 | ||||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
859 | 855 | ||||||
Other
assets
|
3,671 | 2,472 | ||||||
Total
assets
|
$ | 202,889 | $ | 197,102 | ||||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$ | 70,611 | $ | 64,775 | ||||
Unearned
premiums
|
50,857 | 40,508 | ||||||
Premiums
deposits and customer credit balances
|
2,129 | 1,700 | ||||||
Bank
overdraft
|
8,251 | 8,694 | ||||||
Deferred
gain from sale of property
|
1,006 | 1,495 | ||||||
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
2,593 | 3,699 | ||||||
Total
liabilities
|
135,447 | 120,871 | ||||||
Shareholders'
equity:
|
||||||||
Common
stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 7,953,384 and 8,013,894, respectively.
|
80 | 80 | ||||||
Preferred
stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued or
outstanding
|
- | - | ||||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
50,185 | 49,979 | ||||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (deficit)
|
2,026 | (1,187 | ) | |||||
Retained
earnings
|
15,151 | 27,359 | ||||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
67,442 | 76,231 | ||||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$ | 202,889 | $ | 197,102 |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 74
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
Twelve Months Ended December
31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands except EPS and dividend data)
|
||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||
Gross
premiums written
|
$ | 104,379 | $ | 88,248 | $ | 133,591 | ||||||
Gross
premiums ceded
|
(56,217 | ) | (34,553 | ) | (44,550 | ) | ||||||
Net
premiums written
|
48,162 | 53,695 | 89,041 | |||||||||
Increase
(Decrease) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
|
10,163 | (4,451 | ) | (11,251 | ) | |||||||
(Increase)
Decrease in unearned premiums
|
(10,349 | ) | 15,886 | 21,435 | ||||||||
Net
change in prepaid reinsurance premiums and unearned
premiums
|
(186 | ) | 11,435 | 10,184 | ||||||||
Net
premiums earned
|
47,976 | 65,130 | 99,224 | |||||||||
Commission
income
|
1,362 | 1,612 | 7,214 | |||||||||
Finance
revenue
|
294 | 350 | 545 | |||||||||
Managing
general agent fees
|
1,620 | 1,745 | 2,035 | |||||||||
Net
investment income
|
3,397 | 6,461 | 8,038 | |||||||||
Net
realized investment gains (losses)
|
1,117 | (10,593 | ) | (145 | ) | |||||||
Regulatory
assessments recovered
|
2,333 | 2,104 | 1,655 | |||||||||
Other
income
|
755 | 655 | 642 | |||||||||
Total
revenue
|
58,854 | 67,464 | 119,208 | |||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||
Losses
and LAE
|
43,706 | 41,869 | 47,619 | |||||||||
Operating
and underwriting expenses
|
9,681 | 7,209 | 12,758 | |||||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
7,930 | 7,428 | 6,732 | |||||||||
Interest
expense
|
- | - | 173 | |||||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
13,747 | 14,760 | 19,420 | |||||||||
Total
expenses
|
75,064 | 71,266 | 86,702 | |||||||||
(Loss)
Income before provision for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(16,210 | ) | (3,802 | ) | 32,506 | |||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(5,921 | ) | (1,324 | ) | 11,226 | |||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 | ||||
Basic
net (loss) income per share
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.69 | ||||
Fully
diluted net (loss) income per share
|
$ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 2.65 | ||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding
|
8,002,365 | 7,979,436 | 7,922,542 | |||||||||
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding (assuming
dilution)
|
8,002,365 | 7,979,436 | 8,030,205 | |||||||||
Dividends
paid per share
|
$ | 0.36 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.72 |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 75
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(LOSS)
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
Accumulated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional
|
Other
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
|
Common
|
Paid-in
|
Comprehensive
|
Retained
|
Shareholder's
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Income
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Deficit
|
Earnings
|
Equity
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 acquired
|
(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 | |||||||||||||
Net
(Loss)
|
$ | (2,478 | ) | (2,478 | ) | (2,478 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash
Dividends
|
(5,697 | ) | (5,697 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury
stock acquired
|
(144 | ) | (144 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
1 | 1,335 | 1,337 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
based compensation
|
547 | 547 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
unrealized change in investments, net of tax effect of
$794
|
1,409 | 1,409 | 1,409 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
$ | (1,069 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2008
|
$ | 80 | $ | 49,979 | $ | (1,187 | ) | $ | 27,359 | $ | 76,231 | |||||||||||||
Net
(Loss)
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | (10,289 | ) | (10,289 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash
Dividends
|
(1,920 | ) | (1,920 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury
stock acquired
|
(1 | ) | (288 | ) | (288 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares
based compensation
|
493 | 493 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
unrealized change in investments, net of tax effect of
$1,939
|
3,214 | 3,214 | 3,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
$ | (7,075 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2009
|
$ | 80 | $ | 50,185 | $ | 2,026 | $ | 15,151 | $ | 67,442 |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 76
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Cash
flow from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 | ||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used) provided by operating
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Amortization
of investment discount, net
|
642 | 223 | 360 | |||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization of property plant and equipment,
net
|
188 | 290 | 317 | |||||||||
Net
realized investment (gains) losses
|
(1,117 | ) | 10,593 | 188 | ||||||||
Common
Stock issues for interest on Notes
|
- | - | 109 | |||||||||
Provision
(Recovery) for credit losses, net
|
30 | (2 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||||
Provision
for uncollectible premiums receivable
|
97 | 157 | 222 | |||||||||
Non-cash
compensation
|
333 | 365 | 405 | |||||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
- | - | - | |||||||||
Premiums
receivable
|
(7,055 | ) | 287 | 3,203 | ||||||||
Prepaid
reinsurance premiums
|
(4,783 | ) | 2,934 | 5,990 | ||||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable, net
|
1,578 | 6,055 | (2,712 | ) | ||||||||
Income
taxes recoverable
|
(4,794 | ) | (2,275 | ) | 787 | |||||||
Deferred
income taxes, net of other comprehensive
income
|
1,916 | (3,685 | ) | (2,400 | ) | |||||||
Policy
acquisition costs, net of amortization
|
(1,709 | ) | 2,400 | 2,195 | ||||||||
Premium
finance contracts receivable
|
- | 222 | 1,442 | |||||||||
Other
assets
|
(1,710 | ) | 144 | 1,169 | ||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
5,835 | 5,098 | 20,068 | |||||||||
Unearned
premiums
|
10,343 | (15,886 | ) | (21,435 | ) | |||||||
Premium
deposits and customer credit balances
|
429 | (1,061 | ) | (1,032 | ) | |||||||
Income
taxes payable
|
- | (4,226 | ) | 4,226 | ||||||||
Bank
overdraft
|
(442 | ) | (1 | ) | 588 | |||||||
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
(1,106 | ) | (646 | ) | (1,379 | ) | ||||||
Net
cash (used) provided by operating
activities
|
(11,614 | ) | (1,494 | ) | 33,560 | |||||||
Cash
flow (used) provided by investing
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds
from sale of investment securities
|
59,227 | 156,674 | 202,233 | |||||||||
Purchases
of investment securities available for sale
|
(141,753 | ) | (48,707 | ) | (221,879 | ) | ||||||
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
(193 | ) | (99 | ) | (67 | ) | ||||||
Net
cash (used) provided by investing activities
|
(82,719 | ) | 107,869 | (19,713 | ) | |||||||
Cash
flow used by financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Subordinated
debt
|
- | - | (2,083 | ) | ||||||||
Exercised
stock options
|
- | 1,337 | 177 | |||||||||
Dividends
paid
|
(1,920 | ) | (5,697 | ) | (5,759 | ) | ||||||
Exercised
warrants, net
|
- | - | 2,035 | |||||||||
Acquisition
of Common Stock
|
(288 | ) | (144 | ) | (3,823 | ) | ||||||
Tax
benefit provision related to non-cash
compensation
|
160 | 182 | 214 | |||||||||
Net
cash used by financing activities
|
(2,048 | ) | (4,322 | ) | (9,239 | ) | ||||||
Net
(decrease) increase in cash and short term
investments
|
(96,380 | ) | 102,053 | 4,607 | ||||||||
Cash
and short term investments at beginning of
period
|
124,577 | 22,524 | 17,917 | |||||||||
Cash
and short term investments at end of period
|
$ | 28,197 | $ | 124,577 | $ | 22,524 |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 77
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
For the Years Ended December
31,
|
||||||||||||
(continued)
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||
(Dollars
in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
|
||||||||||||
Cash
paid during the period for:
|
||||||||||||
Interest
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 44 | ||||||
Income
taxes
|
$ | 178 | $ | 8,800 | $ | 7,300 | ||||||
Non-cash
investing and finance activities:
|
||||||||||||
Accrued
dividends payable
|
$ | 477 | $ | 1,443 | $ | 1,475 | ||||||
Retirement
of subordinated debt by Common Stock issuance
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 2,193 | ||||||
Stock
issued to pay interest on subordinated debt
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 109 |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 78
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(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 processes. We are authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril,
commercial general liability, personal and commercial automobile, fire, allied
lines, surety, commercial multi-peril and inland marine in various states
on behalf of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Federated National and American
Vehicle and other insurance carriers. We market and distribute our own and
third-party insurers’ products and our other services through contractual
relationships with a network of approximately 4,200 independent agents, of which
approximately 300 actively sell and service our products. We also utilize a
select number of general agents for the same purpose.
The
insurable events during 2009, 2008 and 2007 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 2009, 2008 and 2007 we
processed property and liability claims stemming from our homeowners’,
commercial general liability and private passenger automobile lines of business.
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;
|
|
·
|
macroeconomic
issues.
|
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 licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida. Through contractual
relationships with a network of approximately 4,200 independent agents, of which
approximately 300 actively sell and service our products, Federated National is
authorized to underwrite homeowners’ multi-peril, fire, allied lines and
personal automobile insurance in Florida.
American
Vehicle is licensed as an admitted carrier in Florida, and underwrites
commercial general liability, and personal and commercial automobile insurance.
American Vehicle is also licensed as an admitted carrier in Alabama, Louisiana
and Texas, and underwrites commercial general liability insurance in those
states. American Vehicle operates as a non-admitted carrier in Arkansas,
California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and can underwrite commercial general
liability insurance in all of these states.
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 policyholders 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 and is
strictly regulated to protect policyholders from a variety of illegal and
unethical practices, including fraud. Sometimes, non-admitted carriers are
referred to as “excess and surplus” lines carriers. Non-admitted
carriers are subject to considerably less regulation with respect to policy
rates and forms. Non-admitted carriers are not required to financially
contribute to and benefit from 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.
- 79
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
During
2007 American Vehicle applied for and was granted, by the Florida OIR in 2008, a
license to underwrite commercial multi-peril and inland marine lines of business
as an admitted carrier. We believe these new lines of authority will bode well
with American Vehicle’s existing customers. Operations under American Vehicle’s
newly granted lines of authority began in 2009.
During
2008 Federated National applied for and was granted, by the Florida OIR, a
license to underwrite fire and allied lines insurance as an admitted carrier.
Operations under Federated National’s newly granted allied lines began in 2008
as a cedant for the insurance policies it underwrites to the federal flood
program. Operations under Federated National’s granted fire line of business
began in 2009.
During
2009, 81.2%, 14.6%, 3.4% and 0.8% of the premiums we underwrote were for
homeowners’ property and casualty insurance, commercial general liability
insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile insurance, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, 68.8%, 27.0%, 3.7% and 0.6% of the
premiums we underwrote were for homeowners’ property and casualty insurance,
commercial general liability insurance, federal flood, and personal automobile
insurance, respectively.
Despite
the effects of Florida’s mandated homeowners’ rates reduction and wind
mitigation discounts the Company’s sale of homeowners’ policies increased $24.0
million, or 39.5%, to $84.7 million in 2009, compared with $60.7 million in
2008. Included in our sale of homeowners’ policies during 2009, is $17.9 million
from policies we assumed from Citizens. The primary factor for the decrease in
commercial general liability production is a slowdown in the economy, which has
a dramatic impact on the artisan contractor portfolio written by American
Vehicle.
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. In addition, 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. 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 throughout Florida and in 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 of the Company, acts as Federated National’s and
American Vehicle’s exclusive managing general agent in the state of Florida and
is also licensed as a managing general agent in the states of Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South
Carolina, Texas and Virginia. During 2009, Assurance MGA contracted with several
unaffiliated insurance companies to sell commercial general liability, workers
compensation and inland marine through Assurance MGA’s existing network of
distributors. This process will continue throughout 2010 as Assurance MGA
benefits from the arrangement by receiving commission revenue from policies sold
by its insurance partners, while minimizing its risks. As American Vehicle
continues its expansion into other states, we intend to retain other general
agents to market our commercial general liability insurance
products.
Assurance
MGA earns commissions and fees for providing policy administration, marketing,
accounting and analytical services, and for participating in the negotiation of
reinsurance contracts. Assurance MGA generates approximately a 6% commission fee
and a $25 per policy fee from its affiliates Federated National and American
Vehicle.
(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.
- 80
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(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
debt 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 is 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 losses 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 IBNR. Changes in
the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and
LAE are settled.
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, 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.
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.
- 81
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Accounting
for loss contingencies pursuant to FASB issued guidance 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 all
the costs substantially 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,
2009, all reinsurance recoverables are considered current and deemed
collectable.
- 82
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(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
In June
2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to accounting standards
codification and the hierarchy of GAAP. This guidance provides for the FASB
Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) to become the single
official source of authoritative, nongovernmental United States GAAP. The
Codification did not change GAAP but reorganized the literature. The
guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after
September 15, 2009.
In May
2009, FASB issued guidance related to subsequent events. The objective of
the guidance is to establish general standards of accounting for disclosure of
events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements
are issued or available to be issued. In particular, the guidance sets
forth:
|
1.
|
the
period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting
entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential
recognition or disclosure in the financial
statements,
|
|
2.
|
the
circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or
transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial
statements, and,
|
|
3.
|
the
disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that
occurred after the balance sheet
date.
|
In
accordance with this guidance, an entity should apply the requirements to
interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. The
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements or condition.
In April
2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the recognition and
presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. In April 2009, the SEC
also adopted similar guidance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 111
(“SAB 111”) on Other-Than Temporary Impairment. This new accounting
guidance establishes a new method of recognizing and reporting
other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and contains additional
disclosure requirements related to debt and equity securities. For debt
securities, the “ability and intent to hold” provision is eliminated, and
impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if an entity
(i) intends to sell the security, (ii) more likely than not will be
required to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) does not
expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis (even if the entity
does not intend to sell). This new framework does not apply to equity
securities (i.e., impaired equity securities will continue to be evaluated under
previously existing guidance). The “probability” standard relating to the
collectability of cash flows is eliminated, and impairment is now considered to
be other-than-temporary if the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected from the debt security is less than the amortized cost basis of the
security. The accounting guidance provides that for debt securities which
(i) an entity does not intend to sell and (ii) it is not more likely
than not that the entity will be required to sell before the anticipated
recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into
the amount related to estimated credit losses and the amount related to all
other factors. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors
is recorded in other comprehensive loss and the amount related to estimated
credit loss is recognized as a charge against current period earnings. The
new guidance expands disclosure requirements for both debt and equity securities
and requires a more detailed, risk-oriented breakdown of security types and
related information, and requires that the annual disclosures be made in interim
periods. The accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual
periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted. At
the time of adoption, the Company did not have any Other Than Temporary
Impairments for debt securities, and, the adoption of this guidance did not have
a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
- 83
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
In
September 2006, FASB issued new accounting guidance that enhances existing
guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value and requires
additional disclosure about the use of fair value for measurement. The
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements or condition.
In
October 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to determining the
fair value of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not
active. The purpose of the guidance was to clarify the application of
previous accounting guidance. The guidance allows for the use of
management’s internal assumptions about future cash flows with appropriately
risk-adjusted discount rates when relevant observable market data does not
exist. The guidance was effective upon issuance, including prior
periods for which financial statements had not been issued. The
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements or condition.
In April
2009, the FASB issued further accounting guidance related to determining fair
value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have
significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly.
The guidance indicates that if an entity determines that either the volume
and/or level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased
(from normal conditions for that asset or liability) or price quotations or
observable inputs are not associated with orderly transactions, increased
analysis and management judgment will be required to estimate fair value. The
guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15,
2009, with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. The
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements or condition.
In
March 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to disclosures
about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance
requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information that
should enable financial-statement users to understand how and why a company uses
derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are
accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a
company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This
guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and
interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company
does not utilize derivative instruments, and, accordingly the adoption of this
guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
In
February 2007, FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the fair value
option for financial assets and financial liabilities. This guidance
permits an entity to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at
fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.
Entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and
losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may
be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with a few exceptions. This
guidance amends previous guidance to extend the use of the fair value option to
available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities. The guidance also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to help financial statement
users understand the effect of the election. We adopted this guidance on its
effective date, January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect to measure
any financial assets and liabilities, and accordingly, to date, there is no
impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Other
recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”), and the SEC did not or are not believed
by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future
financial statements.
(o)
USE OF ESTIMATES
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.
- 84
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
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.
|
|
·
|
We
have used 99.2% of the reinsurance coverage available for Hurricane Wilma
and if any claims exceed this coverage amount, it could adversely impact
our business, results of operations and/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.
|
|
·
|
We
face a risk of non-collectibility of reinsurance, which could materially
and adversely affect our business, results of operations and/or financial
condition.
|
|
·
|
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 may 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
may experience a loss due to the concentration of credit
risk.
|
|
·
|
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.
|
- 85
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
|
·
|
We
may not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to expand the types of
insurance products we offer or the states in which we
operate.
|
|
·
|
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.
|
|
·
|
Increased
competition, competitive pressures, industry developments and market
conditions could affect the growth of our business and adversely impact
our financial results.
|
|
·
|
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
|
·
|
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.
|
|
·
|
We
may not continue making dividend payments on our common
stock.
|
(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, 2009 and 2008. Changes in interest rates subsequent to December 31, 2009 may
affect the fair value of our investments. Refer to Footnote 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, 2009 and 2008 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 and accrued expenses.
(r)
STOCK OPTION PLANS
During
the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company had two stock-based employee
compensation plans, which are described later in Footnote 16, Stock Compensation
Plans. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for the plans under the
recognition and measurement provisions of stock-based compensation using the
intrinsic value method prescribed by the Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) and
related Interpretation, as permitted by FASB issued guidance. Under these provisions,
no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in the Statement of
Operations 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.
- 86
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
FASB issued guidance using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under
that transition method, compensation costs recognized during the nine months
ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 include:
|
·
|
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 FASB issued guidance,
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 FASB issued guidance. Results for prior periods have not
been restated, as not required to be by the
pronouncement.
|
(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, 2009.
(t)
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain 2008 and 2007 financial
statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2009
presentations.
(u)
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
During 2009, the Company purchased one
intangible asset totaling $0.1 million. In accordance with FASB issued guidance,
the accounting for the recognized intangible asset is based on its useful life
to the Company. The useful life of the intangible asset is the period over which
it is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of
the Company. The intangible asset has a definite finite life ranging from six to
twelve months, and is amortized accordingly.
(3)
INVESTMENTS
FASB
issued guidance addresses accounting and reporting for (a) investments in equity
securities that have readily determinable fair values and (b) all investments in
debt securities. FASB issued guidance requires that these securities be
classified into one of three categories: (i) held-to-maturity, (ii) trading
securities or (iii) 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 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”.
Total
Investments increased $88.1 million, or 338.2%, to $114.2 million as of December
31, 2009, compared with $26.1 million as of December 31, 2008. Our debt
portfolio contained callable features exercised in 2008. The proceeds from
our called securities were in cash and short-term investments as of December 31,
2008. During 2009, the Company engaged external asset managers and the funds
were invested in long and short term investments with yields that best match our
liquidity needs.
- 87
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
The debt
and equity securities that are available for sale and carried at fair value
represent 98% of total investments as of December 31, 2009, compared with 48% as
of December 31, 2008.
We did
not hold any trading investment securities during 2009.
Additional
provisions contained in FASB issued guidance 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 temporary 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);
|
|
·
|
length
of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than
amortized cost;
|
|
·
|
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;
|
|
·
|
historical
volatility of the fair value of the
security.
|
Pursuant
to FASB issued guidance, the Company records the unrealized losses, net of
estimated income taxes that are associated with that part of our portfolio
classified as available for sale through the shareholders' equity account titled
“Other Comprehensive Income”. Management periodically reviews the individual
investments that comprise our portfolio in order to determine whether a decline
in fair value below our cost either is other than temporary or permanently
impaired. Factors used in such consideration include, but are not limited to,
the extent and length of time over which the market value has been less than
cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and our
ability and intent to keep the investment for a period sufficient to allow for
an anticipated recovery in market value.
In
reaching a conclusion that a security is either other than temporary or
permanently impaired we consider such factors as the timeliness and completeness
of expected dividends, principal and interest payments, ratings from nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations such as Standard and Poor’s and
Moody’s, as well as information released via the general media channels. During
2009, in connection with this process, we have not charged any net realized
investment loss to operations.
As of
December 31, 2009, all of our securities are in good standing and not impaired
as defined by FASB issued guidance, except for our holdings in Blackrock Pfd,
Inc., which continues to be impaired by $0.4 million as of December 31, 2009,
compared to the total $2.1 million as of December 31, 2008.
During
2008 we charged to operations a net realized investment loss that totaled
approximately $9.9 million, net of an estimated provisional tax effect of
approximately $3.7 million. Most of these investments were subsequently sold
during the third and fourth quarter of the year, and, we recognized an
additional $0.2 million loss, net of an estimated tax benefit of approximately
$0.1 million.
The
investments held as of December 31, 2009, were comprised mainly of corporate
bonds held in various industries and municipal and United States government
bonds. The investments held as of December 31, 2008, were comprised mainly of
United States government and agency bonds, as well as municipal bonds and
corporate bonds held in the financial and conglomerate industries. As of
December 31, 2009, 89% of the debt portfolio is in diverse industries and 11% is
in United States government bonds. As of December 31, 2009, approximately
89% of the equity holdings are in equities related to diverse industries and 11%
are in mutual funds.
As of
December 31, 2009, 36.9% of the investment portfolio is in corporate bonds,
34.4% is in obligations of states and political subdivisions, and 11.2% is in
United States government bonds. Approximately 17.5% of the holdings are in
equities related to diverse industries.
- 88
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008 we have classified $2.7 million and $13.5 million,
respectively, of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity. We only classify bonds
as held to maturity to support collateralized letters of credit. Outstanding
irrevocable letters of credit, used for such purposes, total $2.8 million and
$3.0 million for the period ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
respectively.
In 2008,
we reclassified $14.2 million of our bond portfolio as held-to-maturity because
we decided that we had the ability to hold them until maturity. During the three
months ended December 31, 2008, we reclassified $3.4 million to
available-for-sale because a collateralized requirement was
reduced.
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. As of December 31, 2008
the letter of credit in favor of Republic totaled $3.0 million. As of December
31, 2009 the letter of credit in favor of Republic totaled $1.0
million.
(a)
DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
The
following table summarizes, by type, our investments as of December 31, 2009 and
2008.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Percent
|
Carrying
|
Percent
|
|||||||||||||
Amount
|
of Total
|
Amount
|
of Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
securities, at market:
|
||||||||||||||||
United
States government agencies and authorities
|
$ | 12,802 | 11.21 | % | $ | 4,544 | 17.43 | % | ||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
39,269 | 34.38 | % | 5,331 | 20.45 | % | ||||||||||
Corporate
|
42,092 | 36.85 | % | 13,050 | 50.07 | % | ||||||||||
Other
|
- | 0.00 | % | - | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||
Total
fixed maturities
|
94,163 | 82.44 | % | 22,925 | 87.95 | % | ||||||||||
Equity
securities, at market
|
20,056 | 17.56 | % | 3,140 | 12.05 | % | ||||||||||
Total
investments
|
$ | 114,219 | 100.00 | % | $ | 26,065 | 100.00 | % |
The
following table shows the realized gains (losses) for debt and equity securities
for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
Gains (Losses)
|
Fair Value
|
Gains (Losses)
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||
2009
|
at Sale
|
2008
|
at Sale
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
securities
|
$ | 485 | $ | 28,882 | $ | 770 | $ | 64,258 | ||||||||
Equity
securities
|
2,159 | 12,463 | 544 | 8,745 | ||||||||||||
Total
realized gains
|
2,644 | 41,345 | 1,314 | 73,003 | ||||||||||||
Debt
securities
|
(825 | ) | 9,637 | (854 | ) | 61,775 | ||||||||||
Equity
securities
|
(702 | ) | 5,780 | (11,053 | ) | 1,901 | ||||||||||
Total
realized losses
|
(1,527 | ) | 15,417 | (11,907 | ) | 63,677 | ||||||||||
Net
realized gains (losses) on investments
|
$ | 1,117 | $ | 56,762 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | 136,680 |
A summary
of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, gross unrealized gains and losses
of debt and equity securities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as
follows.
- 89
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Gross
|
Gross
|
|||||||||||||||
Amortized
|
Unrealized
|
Unrealized
|
Estimated
|
|||||||||||||
Cost
|
Gains
|
Losses
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
December
31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
Securities - Available For Sale:
|
||||||||||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
$ | 49,041 | $ | 695 | $ | 315 | $ | 49,421 | ||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
40,350 | 1,798 | 56 | 42,092 | ||||||||||||
$ | 89,391 | $ | 2,493 | $ | 371 | $ | 91,513 | |||||||||
Debt
Securities - Held To Maturity:
|
||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$ | 2,650 | $ | 148 | $ | 5 | $ | 2,793 | ||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
$ | 2,650 | $ | 148 | $ | 5 | $ | 2,793 | |||||||||
Equity
securities - common stocks
|
$ | 18,927 | $ | 1,840 | $ | 711 | $ | 20,056 | ||||||||
December
31, 2008
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
Securities - Available For Sale:
|
||||||||||||||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
$ | 5,479 | $ | 66 | $ | 214 | $ | 5,331 | ||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
5,035 | 13 | 950 | 4,098 | ||||||||||||
$ | 10,514 | $ | 79 | $ | 1,164 | $ | 9,429 | |||||||||
Debt
Securities - Held To Maturity:
|
||||||||||||||||
U.S.
government and agency obligations
|
$ | 4,544 | $ | 416 | $ | - | $ | 4,960 | ||||||||
Corporate
securities
|
8,952 | 1 | 3 | 8,950 | ||||||||||||
$ | 13,496 | $ | 417 | $ | 3 | $ | 13,910 | |||||||||
Equity
securities - common stocks
|
$ | 3,958 | $ | - | $ | 818 | $ | 3,140 |
The table
below reflects our unrealized investment losses by investment class, aged for
length of time in an unrealized loss position.
Unrealized net
gains (losses)
|
Less than 12
months
|
12 months or
longer
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Debt
securities:
|
||||||||||||
U.S.
government obligations
|
$ | (120 | ) | $ | (120 | ) | $ | - | ||||
Obligations
of states and political subdivisions
|
500 | 504 | (4 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate
|
1,742 | 1,734 | 8 | |||||||||
2,122 | 2,118 | 4 | ||||||||||
Equity
securities:
|
||||||||||||
Common
stocks
|
1,128 | 1,365 | (237 | ) | ||||||||
Total
debt and equity securities
|
$ | 3,250 | $ | 3,483 | $ | (233 | ) |
Below is
a summary of debt securities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 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.
- 90
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
|||||||||||||||
Amortized
|
Estimated
|
Amortized
|
Estimated
|
|||||||||||||
Cost
|
Fair Value
|
Cost
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Due
in one year or less
|
$ | 1,602 | $ | 1,615 | $ | 2,379 | $ | 2,388 | ||||||||
Due
after one through five years
|
49,821 | 50,885 | 10,402 | 9,850 | ||||||||||||
Due
after five through ten years
|
26,177 | 27,217 | 1,009 | 1,037 | ||||||||||||
Due
after ten years
|
14,441 | 14,589 | 10,220 | 9,650 | ||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 92,041 | $ | 94,306 | $ | 24,010 | $ | 22,925 |
United
States Treasury notes with a book value of $1,039,000 and $1,045,000, both
maturing in 2012, were on deposit with the Florida OIR as of December 31, 2009,
as required by law for American Vehicle and Federated National respectively, and
are included with other investments held until maturity.
The table
below sets forth investment results for the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Interest
on debt securities
|
$ | 2,718 | $ | 4,619 | $ | 6,782 | ||||||
Dividends
on equity securities
|
466 | 770 | 565 | |||||||||
Interest
on cash and cash equivalents
|
213 | 1,072 | 691 | |||||||||
Total
investment income
|
$ | 3,397 | $ | 6,461 | $ | 8,038 | ||||||
Net
realized gains (losses)
|
$ | 1,117 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | (145 | ) |
Proceeds
from sales of debt and equity securities in 2009, 2008 and 2007 were
approximately $59.2 million, $150.3 million and $202.2 million,
respectively.
A summary
of realized investment gains (losses) and increases in net unrealized gains
follows.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Net
realized gains (losses)
|
||||||||||||
Debt
securities
|
$ | (340 | ) | $ | (84 | ) | $ | 17 | ||||
Equity
securities
|
1,457 | (10,509 | ) | (162 | ) | |||||||
Total
|
$ | 1,117 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | (145 | ) | ||||
Net
unrealized gains (losses)
|
||||||||||||
Debt
securities
|
$ | 2,122 | $ | (1,084 | ) | $ | (117 | ) | ||||
Equity
securities
|
1,128 | (819 | ) | (3,989 | ) | |||||||
Total
|
$ | 3,250 | $ | (1,903 | ) | $ | (4,106 | ) |
- 91
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(4)
FINANCE CONTRACTS RECEIVABLE
Below is
a summary of the components of the finance contracts receivable
balance.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Finance
contracts receivable
|
$ | 300 | $ | 233 | ||||
Less:
|
||||||||
Unearned
income
|
(8 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
(29 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
Finance
contracts, net of allowance for credit losses
|
$ | 263 | $ | 201 |
The
activity in the allowance for credit losses was as follows.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Allowance
for credit losses at beginning of year
|
$ | 25 | $ | 38 | ||||
Recoveries
credited against the allowance
|
(26 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||
Additions
charged to bad debt expense
|
30 | (2 | ) | |||||
Allowance
for credit losses at end of year
|
$ | 29 | $ | 25 |
As security, Federated Premium Finance,
Inc. (“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,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Building
and improvements
|
$ | 602 | $ | 602 | ||||
Furniture
and fixtures
|
3,314 | 3,121 | ||||||
Property,
plant and equipment, gross
|
3,916 | 3,723 | ||||||
Accumulated
depreciation
|
(3,057 | ) | (2,868 | ) | ||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
$ | 859 | $ | 855 |
Depreciation
of property, plant, and equipment was $188,424, $290,417 and $316,525 during
2009, 2008 and 2007, 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.
The
impact of the excess of loss reinsurance treaties on the financial statements is
as follows.
- 92
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Premium
written
|
||||||||||||
Direct
|
$ | 104,379 | $ | 88,248 | $ | 133,591 | ||||||
Ceded
|
(56,217 | ) | (34,553 | ) | (44,550 | ) | ||||||
$ | 48,162 | $ | 53,695 | $ | 89,041 | |||||||
Premiums
earned
|
||||||||||||
Direct
|
$ | 94,030 | $ | 104,135 | $ | 155,026 | ||||||
Ceded
|
(46,054 | ) | (39,005 | ) | (55,802 | ) | ||||||
$ | 47,976 | $ | 65,130 | $ | 99,224 | |||||||
Losses
and LAE incurred
|
||||||||||||
Direct
|
$ | 54,204 | $ | 46,762 | $ | 71,517 | ||||||
Ceded
|
(10,498 | ) | (4,893 | ) | (23,898 | ) | ||||||
$ | 43,706 | $ | 41,869 | $ | 47,619 |
As of December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE, net
|
||||||||
Direct
|
$ | 70,611 | $ | 64,775 | ||||
Ceded
|
(11,594 | ) | (12,713 | ) | ||||
$ | 59,017 | $ | 52,062 | |||||
Unearned
premiums
|
||||||||
Direct
|
$ | 50,857 | $ | 40,508 | ||||
Ceded
|
(26,788 | ) | (16,625 | ) | ||||
$ | 24,069 | $ | 23,883 |
The
Company holds collateral under related reinsurance agreements in the form of
letters of credit totaling $2.8 million that can be drawn on for amounts that
remain unpaid for more than 120 days.
The
impact of the quota-share reinsurance treaties on the financial statements is as
follows.
As of December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company (A+ A.M. Best rated)
|
||||||||
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid losses and LAE
|
$ | - | $ | 4 | ||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
72 | 93 | ||||||
$ | 72 | $ | 97 |
(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.
- 93
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Balance
at January 1
|
$ | 64,775 | $ | 59,685 | $ | 39,615 | ||||||
Less
reinsurance recoverables
|
(12,713 | ) | (20,134 | ) | (12,382 | ) | ||||||
Net
balance at January 1
|
$ | 52,062 | $ | 39,551 | $ | 27,233 | ||||||
Incurred
related to
|
||||||||||||
Current
year
|
$ | 41,988 | $ | 37,398 | $ | 38,452 | ||||||
Prior
years
|
1,718 | 4,471 | 9,167 | |||||||||
Total
incurred
|
$ | 43,706 | $ | 41,869 | $ | 47,619 | ||||||
Paid
related to
|
||||||||||||
Current
year
|
$ | 18,478 | $ | 13,277 | $ | 15,628 | ||||||
Prior
years
|
18,274 | 16,080 | 19,673 | |||||||||
Total
paid
|
$ | 36,752 | $ | 29,357 | $ | 35,301 | ||||||
Net
balance at year-end
|
$ | 59,016 | $ | 52,062 | $ | 39,551 | ||||||
Plus
reinsurance recoverables
|
11,595 | 12,713 | 20,134 | |||||||||
Balance
at year-end
|
$ | 70,611 | $ | 64,775 | $ | 59,685 |
Based
upon consultations with our independent actuarial consultants and their
statement of opinion on losses and LAE, we believe that the liability for unpaid
losses and LAE is adequate to cover all claims and related expenses which may
arise from incidents reported.
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 $1.7 million, $4.5 million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(8)
REVOLVING CREDIT OUTSTANDING
Federated
Premium’s operations were funded by the revolving loan agreement with FlatIron
Funding Company LLC (“FlatIron”). The Revolving Agreement was structured as a
sale of contracts receivable under a sale and assignment agreement with
Weschester Premium Acceptance Corporation (“WPAC”), which gave them the right to
sell or assign these contracts receivable. Federated Premium, which serviced
these contracts, recorded transactions under the Revolving Agreement as secured
borrowings. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Agreement
as of December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007. This credit facility terminated, at our
request, during 2007.
(9)
INCOME TAXES
A summary
of the provision for income tax expense is as follows.
- 94
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Federal
|
||||||||||||
Current
|
$ | (7,906 | ) | $ | 2,032 | $ | 10,712 | |||||
Deferred
|
2,358 | (3,091 | ) | (1,248 | ) | |||||||
Provision
for Federal income tax (benefit) expense
|
(5,548 | ) | (1,059 | ) | 9,464 | |||||||
State
|
||||||||||||
Current
|
- | 264 | 1,895 | |||||||||
Deferred
|
(373 | ) | (529 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||||
Provision
for state income tax (benefit) expense
|
(373 | ) | (265 | ) | 1,762 | |||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
$ | (5,921 | ) | $ | (1,324 | ) | $ | 11,226 |
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,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Computed
expected tax (benefit) provision, at federal rate
|
$ | (5,512 | ) | $ | (1,303 | ) | $ | 11,051 | ||||
State
tax, net of federal deduction benefit
|
(588 | ) | (139 | ) | 1,180 | |||||||
Tax-exempt
interest
|
(398 | ) | (212 | ) | (360 | ) | ||||||
Dividend
received deduction
|
(94 | ) | (156 | ) | (114 | ) | ||||||
Valuation
allowance for capital loss carry forward
|
- | - | 72 | |||||||||
Interest
expense not requiring cash
|
- | - | 23 | |||||||||
Stock
option expense and other permanent differences
|
173 | (15 | ) | - | ||||||||
Interest
rate differential
|
- | 313 | - | |||||||||
Other
net
|
498 | 188 | (626 | ) | ||||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
$ | (5,921 | ) | $ | (1,324 | ) | $ | 11,226 |
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.
- 95
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Deferred
tax assets
|
||||||||
Unpaid
losses and LAE
|
$ | 2,315 | $ | 2,187 | ||||
Unearned
premiums
|
1,785 | 1,771 | ||||||
Unrealized
loss on investment securities
|
- | 716 | ||||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
- | 141 | ||||||
Allowance
for impairments
|
164 | 1,410 | ||||||
Regulatory
assessments
|
260 | 1,312 | ||||||
Unearned
agent commissions
|
8 | - | ||||||
Depreciation
& amortization
|
367 | 155 | ||||||
Capital
loss carryover
|
2,112 | 2,657 | ||||||
State
net operating loss carryforward
|
663 | - | ||||||
Deferred
gain on sale and leaseback
|
288 | 453 | ||||||
Stock
option expense per FASB 123R
|
305 | 237 | ||||||
Total
deferred tax assets
|
8,267 | 11,039 | ||||||
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
||||||||
Deferred
acquisition costs, net
|
(2,302 | ) | (2,468 | ) | ||||
Allowance
for credit losses
|
(60 | ) | - | |||||
Discount
on advance premiums
|
(7 | ) | (41 | ) | ||||
Unrealized
gain on investment securities
|
(1,223 | ) | - | |||||
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
(3,592 | ) | (2,509 | ) | ||||
Net
deferred tax asset
|
$ | 4,675 | $ | 8,530 |
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, 2009 and
2008, 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
Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005
are open for review by the IRS. The federal income tax returns for 2003 and
2002 have been examined by the IRS. The IRS concluded its’ examination for 2003
and 2002 and there were no material changes in the tax liability for those
years. The 2004 income tax return remains open due to net operating loss
carryforward to open years.
The
Company’s consolidated Florida income tax returns for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are
currently under review by the Florida Department of Revenue. The Florida income
tax return for 2008 is open for review.
In 2008,
approximately $30,000 penalties and interest were paid in conjunction with our
2007 Federal Income Tax Return and were included within our provision for income
tax benefit.
- 96
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(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,
2009, 2008 and 2007, Federated National’s statutory capital surplus was $21.0
million, $31.5 million and $32.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007, American Vehicle had statutory capital surplus of $25.8 million,
$25.1 million and $27.6 million, respectively.
The
insurance companies are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital
surplus ratios. As of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, both Federated National
and American Vehicle were in compliance with the prescribed premium-to-surplus
ratio.
As of
December 31, 2009, to meet regulatory requirements, we had bonds with a carrying
value of approximately $2.0 million pledged to the Florida OIR.
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 2009, 2008 or
2007, and none are anticipated in 2010. 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, the parent company, 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).
In order
to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (“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.
- 97
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Based
upon the 2009 and 2008 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 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 245.1%, 739.4 % and 653.0% at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. American Vehicle’s ratio of statutory surplus to its ACL was
426.9%, 402.5% and 448.5% at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
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 Florida 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 examination by the Florida
OIR to occur during April 2010 for the five years ended December 31, 2009.
American Vehicle anticipates a regularly scheduled statutory examination by the
Florida OIR to occur during 2011 for the five years ended December 31, 2010. We
have not received any notice of such examinations for American
Vehicle.
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, 2009, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual range for four of
thirteen IRIS ratios. Three exceptions related to underwriting operations and
one related to lower than expected investment yields. The operations ratios
relate to the timing of premium rate corrections and elevated reinsurance costs.
The Florida OIR granted Federated National an average statewide increase of
19.0% for policies that went into effect November 1, 2209 and December 1, 2009
for new and renewed homeowner insurance policies, respectively. As of December
31, 2008, Federated National was outside NAIC’s usual ranges with respect to its
tests on two out of thirteen IRIS ratios. There was one exception in connection
with change in net written premium and one in connection with two year reserve
development to policyholders’ surplus.
As of
December 31, 2009, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range for three of
thirteen IRIS ratios. These ratios reflect the decline in premium volume and
operating results. The third ratio related to lower than expected investment
yields. As of December 31, 2008, American Vehicle was outside NAIC’s usual range
for two of thirteen IRIS ratios. There was one exception in connection with the
two year overall operating ratio and one in connection with two year reserve
development to policyholders’ surplus.
There was
no action taken by the Florida OIR in connection with the December 31, 2008 IRIS
ratio results. We do not currently believe that the Florida OIR will take any
significant action with respect to Federated National or American Vehicle
regarding the 2009 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, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
- 98
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
IRIS Ratios
|
Unusual Values Equal to Or
|
Federated National
|
American Vehicle
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Over
|
Under
|
2009
|
2008
|
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Gross
Premiums to Policyholders' Surplus
|
900 | 0 | 426 | 206 | 64 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net
Premium to Policyholders' Surplus
|
300 | 0 | 159 | 96 | 63 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||
Change
in Net Writings
|
33 | (33 | ) | 10 | (46 | )* | (35 | )* | (26 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Surplus
Aid to Policyholders' Surplus
|
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Two-year
Overall Operating Ratio
|
100 | 0 | 126 | * | 78 | 117 | * | 105 | * | |||||||||||||||
Investment
Yield
|
7 | 3 | 2 | * | 4 | 3 | * | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross
Change in Policyholders' Surplus
|
50 | (10 | ) | (33 | )* | (3 | ) | 3 | (9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net
Change in Adjusted Policyholders' Surplus
|
25 | (10 | ) | (33 | )* | (3 | ) | 3 | (9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities
to Liquid Assets
|
105 | 0 | 101 | 68 | 68 | 70 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross
Agents' Balance to Policyholders' Surplus
|
40 | 0 | 17 | 5 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
One-Year
Reserve Development to Policyholders' Surplus
|
20 | 0 | (5 | ) | 5 | 8 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||
Two-Year
Reserve Development to Policyholders' Surplus
|
20 | 0 | 8 | 27 | * | 19 | 28 | * | ||||||||||||||||
Estimated
Current Reserve Deficiency to Policyholders' Surplus
|
25 | 0 | (44 | ) | (16 | ) | (66 | ) | (68 | ) |
*
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 $21.0
million and $31.5 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Federated National's statutory net income (loss) was ($12.2) million, ($2.2)
million and $15.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Federated National’s statutory non-admitted assets were
approximately $1.7 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
American
Vehicle’s statutory capital and surplus was $25.8 million and $25.1 million as
of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. American Vehicle’s statutory net
income (loss) was approximately ($1.1) million, ($2.4) million and $1.3 million
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively. American
Vehicle’s statutory non-admitted assets were approximately $0.9 million and $1.5
million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
(11)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Management
has a responsibility to continually measure and monitor its commitments and its
contingencies. The nature of the Company’s commitments and contingencies can be
grouped into three major categories; insured claim activity, assessment related
activities and operational matters.
(A)
Insured Claim Activity
We are
involved in claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
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 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. 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.
The
Company's subsidiaries are, from time to time, named as defendants in various
lawsuits incidental to their insurance operations. Legal actions relating to
claims made in the ordinary course of seeking indemnification for a loss covered
by the insurance policy are considered by the Company in establishing loss and
LAE reserves.
- 99
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
The
Company also faces, in the ordinary course of business, lawsuits that seek
damages beyond policy limits, commonly known as bad faith claims. The Company
continually evaluates potential liabilities and reserves for litigation of these
types using the criteria established by FASB issued guidance. Under this
guidance, reserves for a loss are recorded if the likelihood of occurrence is
probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss, while not
probable, is judged to be reasonably possible, management will make an estimate
of a possible range of loss or state that an estimate cannot be made. Management
considers each legal action using this guidance and records reserves for losses
as warranted.
B)
Assessment Related Activity
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, Florida Insurance
Guaranty Association (“FIGA”), Citizens, Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
(“FHCF”) and Florida Joint Underwriters Insurance Company (“JUA”).
As a
direct premium writer in the state of Florida, we are required to participate in
certain insurer solvency associations under Florida Statutes Section 631.57(3)
(a), administered by FIGA. Participation in these pools is based on our
written premium by line of business to total premiums written statewide by all
insurers. Participation has resulted in assessments against us, as it has
in 2006 and 2007, and again on October 30, 2009. There were no assessments
made for the year ended December 31, 2008. Through 2007, we have been
assessed $6.7 million and in 2009 we were assessed an additional $0.6 million in
connection with the insolvencies of domestic insurance companies. For
statutory accounting these assessments are not charged to operations, in
contrast, GAAP treatment is to charge current operations for the assessments.
Through policyholder surcharges, as approved by the Florida OIR, we have since
recouped $6.2 million in connection with these assessments.
The State
Board of Administration ("SBA") and the FHCF Financing Corporation are
considering a resolution that would authorize the issuance and sale of FHCF
post-event revenue bonds not to exceed $710 million. The proceeds of the bonds
would be used for the reimbursement of insurance companies for additional claims
due to hurricanes during the 2005 season. These bonds will have fixed interest
rates, be exempt from federal income taxes and be secured by not yet implemented
emergency assessments and reimbursement premiums. The inability to issue these
bonds could result in the FHCF's need to accelerate additional assessments. We
have not recorded any liability in connection with this initiative.
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 provided for participation of our reinsurers totaling
$1.8 million of the $2.3 million in assessments. There was no assessment made
for 2008 or 2009.
Pursuant
to Florida Statutes Section 627.3512, 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 the Citizens assessments and has
since recouped approximately $2.3 million. Federated National subrogated
approximately $1.8 million to the reinsurers.
The Florida OIR issued Information
Memorandum OIR-06-008M, titled Notice of Anticipated Florida
Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Assessment, and dated May 4, 2006, to
all property and casualty insurers, surplus lines insurers, and surplus lines
agents in the state of Florida placing them on notice of an anticipated FHCF
assessment. Sighting the unprecedented hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, the
FHCF exhausted nearly all of the $6 billion in reserves it had accumulated since
its inception in 1993. The Florida State Board of Administration, the body that
oversees the FHCF, issued its directive to levy an emergency assessment upon all
property and casualty business in the state of Florida. There is no statutory
requirement that policyholders be notified of the FHCF assessment. The FHCF and
Florida OIR are, however, recommending that insurers include the FHCF assessment
in a line item on the declaration page for two reasons: (1) this is a multi-year
assessment and (2) there may be concurrent assessments and the insureds should
know what amount is for which assessment. The assessment became effective on all
policies effective after January 1, 2007 and will be remitted to the
administrator of the assessment as collected.
- 100
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
In addition to the assessments noted
above, the Florida OIR has also issued Information Memorandum OIR -07-02M,
titled Information Regarding
Emergency Assessment by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, dated
January 11, 2007, to all property and casualty insurers in the state of Florida
placing them on notice that an order had been approved for an emergency
assessment by Citizens for its High Risk Account. This order requires insurers
to begin collecting the emergency assessment for policies issued or renewed on
or after July 1, 2007. Similar to the FHCF assessment discussed above, the
Citizens emergency assessment will be remitted to the administrator of the
assessment as collected and therefore accounted for in a manner such that
amounts collected or receivable are not recorded as revenues and amounts due or
paid are not expensed.
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 automobile 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. Neither Federated National nor American Vehicle was assessed by the
JUA Plan during either 2009 or 2008. Future assessments by this
association are undeterminable at this time.
(C)
Operational Matters
The
Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005
are open for review by the IRS. The federal income tax returns for 2003 and
2002 have been examined by the IRS. The IRS concluded its’ examination for 2003
and 2002 and there were no material changes in the tax liability for those
years. The 2004 income tax return remains open due to net operating loss
carryforward to open years.
The
Company’s consolidated Florida income tax returns for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are
currently under review by the Florida Department of Revenue. The Florida income
tax return for 2008 is open for review.
The
Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount
that is more likely than not to be realized. When assessing the need for
valuation allowances, the Company considers future taxable income and ongoing
prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances
lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets in
future years, the Company would adjust related valuation allowances in the
period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding
increase or charge to net income. The resolution of tax reserves and changes in
valuation allowances could be material to the Company’s results of operations
for any period, but is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial
position.
The
Company is also involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of business and not related to the insured claims activity.
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 (“District Court”) on behalf
of all persons and entities (the “plaintiff’s”) who purchased the Company's
securities during the various class periods specified in the complaints. A
consolidated amended complaint (“Class Litigation”) was filed on behalf of the
class on January 22, 2008, Case No. 07-61057. 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 plaintiffs 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. On March 18, 2008, a verified shareholder derivative
complaint Case No. 08-cv-60374 (“Derivative Litigation”) was filed against
certain current or former officers and directors of the Company in the District
Court.
On November
7, 2008, the District Court granted in part and denied in part the
Company's motion to dismiss the consolidated class complaint with leave to amend
by December 8, 2009 or the allegations dismissed would be deemed dismissed
with prejudice without further order of the Court. Lead plaintiffs did not
seek to amend the consolidated complaint and the defendants have answered.
On July 29, 2008, the District Court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss
the plaintiff’s shareholder derivative complaint without prejudice. On
August 27, 2009, the derivative plaintiff filed an amended shareholder
derivative complaint. On March 30, 2009, following various motions by the
parties, the Court entered an order granting defendant’s renewed motion to stay
the shareholder derivative action pending resolution of the class
action.
- 101
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
On
September 4, 2009,
a stipulation of settlement
("Stipulation of Settlement") was submitted to the Court
by lead plaintiffs,
the derivative plaintiff and the Defendants,
setting forth the terms of a settlement of the Class Litigation and
Derivative Litigation ("Settlement Agreement") which proposes that a
payment of $2.4 million be made to the lead plaintiffs and the derivative
plaintiff. The Stipulation of Settlement was preliminarily
approved by the Court on October 19, 2009. This settlement amount was
funded by its directors and officers insurance.
At a settlement hearing held on January
29, 2010, the Court approved the terms of the Stipulation of
Settlement. See Note 25- Subsequent Events.
(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 FASB issued guidance, the lease will be
treated as an operating lease. The expected future payout schedule is as
follows.
Fiscal Year
|
Lease payments
|
|||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||
2010
|
638 | |||
2011
|
650 | |||
Total
|
$ | 1,288 |
Rent
expense was $0.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007.
(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 $90,000,
$145,000 and $80,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is included in
LAE.
(14)
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Net
income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the
weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents
outstanding during the periods presented.
In
accordance with GAAP, net (loss) per share is antidilutive, therefore the basic
and diluted (loss) per share is the same.
A summary
of the numerator and denominator of the basic and fully diluted 2009, 2008 and
2007 net income (loss) per share is presented below.
- 102
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(Loss) Income
|
Shares Outstanding
|
Per-share
|
||||||||||
(Numerator)
|
(Denominator)
|
Amount
|
||||||||||
(Amounts in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||
Basic
net (loss) per share
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | 8,002 | $ | (1.29 | ) | |||||
Fully
diluted (loss) per share
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | 8,002 | $ | (1.29 | ) | |||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2008
|
||||||||||||
Basic
net (loss) per share
|
$ | (2,478 | ) | 7,979 | $ | (0.31 | ) | |||||
Fully
diluted (loss) per share
|
$ | (2,478 | ) | 7,979 | $ | (0.31 | ) | |||||
For
the year ended December 31, 2007
|
||||||||||||
Basic
net income per share
|
$ | 21,280 | 7,923 | $ | 2.69 | |||||||
Fully
diluted income per share
|
$ | 21,280 | 8,030 | $ | 2.65 |
(15)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
FASB
issued guidance 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
September 1998, which expired in September 2008, and provided for the granting
of stock options to officers, key employees and consultants. The
objectives of this plan included 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 were granted at prices either equal to or above the market value
of the stock on the date of grant, typically vest over a four-year or five-year
period and expire six or ten years after the grant date. Under this plan, we
were authorized to grant options to purchase up to 900,000 common shares, and,
as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had outstanding exercisable
options to purchase 124,599 and 130,099 shares, respectively.
- 103
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
In 2001,
we implemented a franchisee stock option plan that was terminated during
September 2008, and provided for the granting of stock options to individuals
purchasing Company owned agencies that were then converted to franchised
agencies. The purpose of the plan was 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 were granted at prices, which were above the market
value of the stock on the date of grant, vested over a ten-year period, and
expired ten years after the grant date. Under this plan, we were authorized to
grant options to purchase up to 988,500 common shares, and, as of December 31,
2009, we had no outstanding exercisable options to purchase shares.
In 2002,
we implemented the 2002 Stock 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 employees, consultants, independent contractors, officers and
directors. Our success is largely dependent upon their efforts and judgment;
therefore, by authorizing the grant of options to purchase common stock, we
encourage stock ownership. Options outstanding under the plan were granted at
prices either equal to or above the market value of the stock on the date of
grant, typically 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, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
we had outstanding exercisable options to purchase 736,951 and 658,151 shares,
respectively.
Activity
in our stock option plans for the period from January 1, 2007 to December 31,
2009 is summarized below.
1998 Plan
|
2002 Plan
|
|||||||||||||||
Number of Shares
|
Weighted
Average
Option
Exercise Price
|
Number of
Shares
|
Weighted
Average
Option
Exercise Price
|
|||||||||||||
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 January 1, 2008
|
152,599 | $ | 14.92 | 660,309 | $ | 13.78 | ||||||||||
Granted
|
4,500 | $ | 8.67 | 162,500 | $ | 8.92 | ||||||||||
Exercised
|
(13,500 | ) | $ | 6.67 | (141,458 | ) | $ | 8.81 | ||||||||
Cancelled
|
(13,500 | ) | $ | 10.03 | (23,200 | ) | $ | 12.60 | ||||||||
Outstanding
at January 1, 2009
|
130,099 | $ | 16.07 | 658,151 | $ | 13.69 | ||||||||||
Granted
|
- | $ | - | 147,000 | $ | 4.37 | ||||||||||
Exercised
|
- | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Cancelled
|
(5,500 | ) | $ | 20.23 | (68,200 | ) | $ | 11.58 | ||||||||
Outstanding
at December 31, 2009
|
124,599 | $ | 15.88 | 736,951 | $ | 12.03 |
Options outstanding as of December 31,
2009 are exercisable as follows.
1998 Plan
|
2002 Plan
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Number of Shares
|
Weighted
Average
Option
Exercise Price
|
Number of
Shares
|
Weighted
Average
Option
Exercise Price
|
||||||||||||
Options Exercisable at:
|
||||||||||||||||
December
31, 2009
|
64,889 | $ | 15.88 | 380,745 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
December
31, 2010
|
19,670 | $ | 15.88 | 137,566 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
December
31, 2011
|
19,670 | $ | 15.88 | 96,751 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
December
31, 2012
|
19,670 | $ | 15.88 | 70,189 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
December
31, 2013
|
700 | $ | 15.88 | 36,300 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
Thereafter
|
- | $ | 15.88 | 15,400 | $ | 12.03 | ||||||||||
Total
options exercisable
|
124,599 | 736,951 |
Prior to
January 1, 2006, we accounted for the plans under the recognition and
measurement provisions of stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method prescribed by the Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) and related
Interpretation , as permitted by FASB issued guidance. Under these provisions,
no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in the Statement of
Operations 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.
- 104
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Upon the
exercise of options, the Company issues previously outstanding
shares.
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
FASB issued guidance using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under
that transition method, compensation costs recognized during 2009 and 2008
include:
|
·
|
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 FASB issued guidance,
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 FASB issued guidance. Results for prior periods have not
been restated, as not required to be by the
pronouncement.
|
As a
result of adopting FASB issued guidance on January 1, 2006, the Company’s income
from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and net income for
2009 are lower by approximately $425,000 and $265,000, respectively, than if it
had continued to account for share-based compensation under ABP
guidance.
As a
result of adopting FASB issued guidance on January 1, 2006, the Company’s income
from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and net income for
2008, are lower by approximately $483,000 and $301,000, respectively, than if it
had continued to account for share-based compensation under ABP
guidance.
Basic and
diluted earnings per share for 2009 would have been ($1.25), if the Company had
not adopted FASB issued guidance, compared with reported basic and diluted
earnings per share of ($1.29).
Basic and
diluted earnings per share for 2008 would have been ($0.27) if the Company had
not adopted FASB issued guidance, compared with reported basic and diluted
earnings per share of ($0.31).
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.
FASB issued guidance 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
weighted average fair value of options granted during 2009, 2008 and 2007
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was
$0.61 to $1.29; $0.59 to $3.63 and $2.92 to $5.59, respectively.
The fair
value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the following
assumptions.
December 31, 2009
|
December 31, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
||||
Dividend
yield
|
5.90%
- 17.30%
|
5.50%
- 17.30%
|
3.20%
- 6.70%
|
|||
Expected
volatility
|
57.54%
- 82.65%
|
54.65%
- 58.20%
|
42.87%
- 54.77%
|
|||
Risk-free
interest rate
|
1.22%
- 1.50%
|
0.98%
- 2.95%
|
2.90%
- 4.86%
|
|||
Expected
life (in years)
|
3.45
- 4.16
|
2.69
- 4.16
|
2.58
-
3.17
|
Summary
information about the Company’s stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009
follows.
Weighted Average
|
Weighted
|
||||||||||||||||||
Range of
|
Outstanding at
|
Contractual
|
Average
|
Exercisable at
|
|||||||||||||||
Exercise Price
|
December 31, 2009
|
Periods in Years
|
Exercise Price
|
December 31, 2009
|
|||||||||||||||
1998
Plan
|
$6.67 - $27.79
|
124,599 | 3.36 | $ | 15.88 | 64,889 | |||||||||||||
2002
Plan
|
$3.03 - $18.21
|
736,951 | 2.99 | $ | 12.03 | 380,745 |
- 105
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(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 not to exceed
statutory limits. We contributed $0.1 million and $0.1 million in 2009 and 2008,
respectively. In 2007 we did not contribute to the plan. The Company matches 50%
up to 6% of employee contributions which vest incrementally over five years of
service.
(18)
ACQUISITIONS
We made
no acquisitions during 2009 or 2008.
(19)
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the
years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, comprehensive (loss) income
consisted of the following.
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 | ||||
Change
in net unrealized gains on investments available for sale
|
5,153 | 2,203 | (2,556 | ) | ||||||||
Comprehensive
(loss) income, before tax
|
(5,136 | ) | (275 | ) | 18,724 | |||||||
Income
tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive
income
|
(1,939 | ) | (794 | ) | 927 | |||||||
Comprehensive
(loss) income
|
$ | (7,075 | ) | $ | (1,069 | ) | $ | 19,651 |
(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,
2009.
(21) 21ST CENTURY
HOLDING COMPANY
21st Century
(the parent company only) has no long term obligations, guarantees or material
contingencies as of December 31, 2009. The following summarizes the major
categories of the parent company’s financial statements.
- 106
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Condensed Balance Sheets
|
Period Ending December 31,
|
|||||||
2009
|
2008
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Cash
and short term investments
|
$ | 6,188 | $ | 2,489 | ||||
Investments
and advances to subsidiaries
|
54,684 | 54,854 | ||||||
Deferred
income taxes receivable
|
4,675 | 10,443 | ||||||
Income
taxes receivable
|
4,256 | - | ||||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
466 | 488 | ||||||
Other
assets
|
4,617 | 12,827 | ||||||
Total
assets
|
$ | 74,886 | $ | 81,101 | ||||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
Income
taxes payable
|
- | 8,695 | ||||||
Dividends
payable
|
477 | 1,443 | ||||||
Other
liabilities
|
1,588 | 2,361 | ||||||
Total
liabilities
|
2,065 | 12,499 | ||||||
Shareholders'
equity:
|
||||||||
Common
stock
|
80 | 81 | ||||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
45,250 | 45,537 | ||||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
(968 | ) | 2,391 | |||||
Retained
earnings
|
28,459 | 20,593 | ||||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
72,821 | 68,602 | ||||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$ | 74,886 | $ | 81,101 |
Condensed Statements of Operations
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
||||||||||||
Management
fees from subsidiaries
|
$ | 1,628 | $ | 1,615 | $ | 1,683 | ||||||
Equity
in income of subsidiaries
|
(13,934 | ) | 2,938 | 33,846 | ||||||||
Net
investment income
|
(75 | ) | (3,623 | ) | 492 | |||||||
Other
income
|
623 | 600 | 588 | |||||||||
Total
revenue
|
(11,758 | ) | 1,530 | 36,609 | ||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||
Advertising
|
1 | 3 | 11 | |||||||||
Salaries
and wages
|
1,892 | 2,424 | 1,854 | |||||||||
Legal
fees
|
387 | 697 | 180 | |||||||||
Interest
expense and amortization of loan costs
|
- | - | 171 | |||||||||
Other
expenses
|
2,172 | 2,208 | 1,887 | |||||||||
Total
expenses
|
4,452 | 5,332 | 4,103 | |||||||||
(Loss)
Income before provision for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(16,210 | ) | (3,802 | ) | 32,506 | |||||||
Provision
for income tax (benefit) expense
|
(5,921 | ) | (1,324 | ) | (11,226 | ) | ||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 |
- 107
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Condensed Statements of Cash Flow
|
||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Cash
flow from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (2,478 | ) | $ | 21,280 | ||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Equity
in loss of subsidiaries
|
13,934 | (3,012 | ) | (33,846 | ) | |||||||
Depreciation
and amortization of property plant and equipment, net
|
22,305 | 30 | 32 | |||||||||
Common
Stock issued for interest on Notes
|
- | - | 109 | |||||||||
Deferred
income tax (benefit) expense
|
(5,769 | ) | 2,890 | 6,766 | ||||||||
Income
tax (payable) recoverable
|
(8,695 | ) | 2,069 | (2,043 | ) | |||||||
Change
in dividends payable
|
(966 | ) | (32 | ) | 30 | |||||||
Non-cash
compensation
|
333 | 365 | 405 | |||||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
- | - | - | |||||||||
Deferred
gain on sale of assets
|
(488 | ) | (503 | ) | (469 | ) | ||||||
Other
assets
|
(8,210 | ) | (24 | ) | (105 | ) | ||||||
Other
liabilities
|
(773 | ) | (718 | ) | 399 | |||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
1,382 | (1,413 | ) | (7,442 | ) | |||||||
Cash
flow provided by (used in) investing
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds
from property, plant and equipment
|
- | - | - | |||||||||
Proceeds
from (purchases of) investment securities available for
sale
|
170 | 3,892 | (134 | ) | ||||||||
Increased
capital of subsidiaries
|
- | (75 | ) | - | ||||||||
Cash
flow provided by (used in) investing activities:
|
170 | 3,817 | (134 | ) | ||||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Dividends
paid
|
(1,920 | ) | (5,697 | ) | (5,758 | ) | ||||||
Payments
against subordinated debt
|
- | - | (2,083 | ) | ||||||||
Exercised
warrants, net
|
- | - | 2,035 | |||||||||
Stock
options exercised
|
- | 1,337 | 177 | |||||||||
Tax
benefit related to non-cash compensation
|
160 | 182 | 214 | |||||||||
Acquisition
of common stock
|
(288 | ) | (144 | ) | (3,823 | ) | ||||||
Advances
from subsidiaries
|
4,196 | 2,075 | 12,808 | |||||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing
activities:
|
2,148 | (2,247 | ) | 3,570 | ||||||||
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and short term investments
|
3,700 | 157 | (4,006 | ) | ||||||||
Cash
and short term investments at beginning of year
|
2,489 | 2,332 | 6,338 | |||||||||
Cash
and short term investments at end of year
|
$ | 6,189 | $ | 2,489 | $ | 2,332 |
(22)
SUBORDINATED DEBT
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”). 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.
- 108
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
The September 2004 Notes paid interest
at the annual rate of 6%, were subordinated to senior debt of the Company and
matured on September 30, 2007. Quarterly payments of principal and
interest due on the September 2004 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 Securities Group (“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 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
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||
January
31,
|
n/a | n/a | 54,211 | |||||||||
April
30,
|
n/a | n/a | 63,114 | |||||||||
July
31,
|
n/a | n/a | - | |||||||||
October
31,
|
n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||
Total
common stock issued
|
- | - | 117,325 |
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.
- 109
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
(23)
SCHEDULE VI – SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
OPERATIONS
Loss and LAE
|
Loss and LAE
|
Amortization of
deferred policy
acquisition
|
Paid losses and
LAE
|
Net premiums
|
||||||||||||||||
- Current Year
|
- Prior year
|
expenses
|
expenses
|
written
|
||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
$ | 41,988 | $ | 1,718 | $ | 13,747 | $ | 18,478 | $ | 48,162 | ||||||||||
2008
|
$ | 37,397 | $ | 4,471 | $ | 14,760 | $ | 13,277 | $ | 53,695 | ||||||||||
2007
|
$ | 38,452 | $ | 9,166 | $ | 19,420 | $ | 15,628 | $ | 89,041 |
Affiliation
with
registrant
|
Deferred policy
acquisition
costs
|
Reserves for
losses and LAE
|
Discount, if any,
deducted from
previous column
|
Unearned
premiums
|
Net premiums
earned
|
|||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
Property and Casualty Subsidiaries
|
||||||||||||||||||||
2009
|
$ | 8,267 | $ | 70,611 | $ | - | $ | 50,857 | $ | 47,976 | ||||||||||
2008
|
$ | 6,558 | $ | 64,775 | $ | - | $ | 40,508 | $ | 65,130 | ||||||||||
2007
|
$ | 8,958 | $ | 59,685 | $ | - | $ | 56,394 | $ | 99,224 |
(24)
FAIR VALUE
DISCLOSURE
In April
2009, the FASB issued accounting guidance that if an entity determines that
either the volume and/or level of activity for an investment security has
significantly decreased (from normal conditions for that investment security) or
price quotations or observable inputs are not associated with orderly
transactions, increased analysis and management judgment will be required to
estimate fair value. This guidance was effective for interim and annual periods
ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted. This guidance
was applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have
an impact on the Company’s financial statements or condition.
In
October 2008, the FASB issued accounting guidance to clarify the application of
GAAP in determining fair value of financial instruments in a market that is not
active. The guidance was effective upon issuance, including prior
periods for which financial statements had not been issued. Our
adoption of this guidance does not have a material effect on our financial
position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
In
September 2006, FASB issued accounting guidance that defines fair value as the
exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a
liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for an
asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the
measurement date. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy
that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize
the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance
also categorizes assets and liabilities at fair value into one of three
different levels depending on the observation of the inputs employed in the
measurement, as follows:
- 110
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2009
Level 1 —
inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for
identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price for an
identical asset or liability in an active market provides the most reliable fair
value measurement because it is directly observable to the market.
Level 2 —
inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and
liabilities in active markets, and inputs are observable for an asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the
financial instrument.
Level 3 —
inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair
value measurement.
Securities available for
sale: The fair value of securities available for sale is determined
by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized security
exchanges.
Assets measured at fair value on a
recurring basis are presented in accordance with this guidance are as
follows.
As of December 31, 2009
|
||||||||||||||||
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Debt
securities:
|
||||||||||||||||
US
government obligations
|
$ | - | $ | 49,421 | $ | - | $ | 49,421 | ||||||||
Corporate
|
42,092 | - | - | 42,092 | ||||||||||||
42,092 | 49,421 | - | 91,513 | |||||||||||||
Equity
securities:
|
||||||||||||||||
Common
stocks
|
20,056 | - | - | 20,056 | ||||||||||||
20,056 | - | - | 20,056 | |||||||||||||
Total
debt and equity securities
|
$ | 62,148 | $ | 49,421 | $ | - | $ | 111,569 |
(25)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
At a hearing held on January 29, 2010,
the Court approved the terms and conditions of a Stipulation of Settlement
("Stipulation") between the Company and the plaintiffs in the Class Litigation
and the Derivative Litigation. Under the Stipulation of Settlement,
the Company agreed to pay $2.4 million to the plaintiffs to settle all claims in
the Class Litigation and the Derivative Litigation. The Stipulation of
Settlement contains no admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or
its officers and directors. The Company's insurance carriers agreed to fund the
$2.4 million settlement payment. On March 15, 2010, counsel for Plaintiffs
acknowledged receipt of $2.4 million in settlement funds paid under the
Company’s directors' and officers’ insurance policy.
On March 19, 2010, the Company entered
into an agreement in principle to acquire Homewise Insurance Company and other
insurance related businesses from Homewise. The proposed transaction is subject
to customary definitive documentation, regulatory approval and the completion of
satisfactory due diligence. There can be no assurances that the Company
will close the proposed acquisition.
On March 22, 2010, Federated National
received notice from Demotech that it would require a capital
infusion of $10 million by March 31, 2010 in order for Federated
National to maintain its’ “A” rating with the agency. We are working
to comply with this requirement; however there can be no assurance that we will
be able to do so. Any additional capital contribution to Federated National must
be approved by the Florida OIR.
- 111
-
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,
2009.
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 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, 2009 to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in
accordance with GAAP. We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with
the Company’s Audit Committee.
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, 2009 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.
ITEM
9B
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
None
- 112
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
PART III
ITEM
10
|
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
|
The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive
officers and directors as of March 9, 2010.
Name
|
Age
|
Position with the
Company
|
||
Michael
H. Braun
|
42
|
Chief
Executive Officer, President, Class I Director
|
||
|
||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III (2)
|
41
|
Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer, Class I Director
|
||
|
||||
Stephen
C. Young
|
35
|
Vice
President of Operations
|
||
Bruce
F. Simberg (2) (3) (4)*
|
61
|
Chairman,
Class II Director
|
||
Richard
W. Wilcox, Jr. (1) (3)*(4)
|
68
|
Class
II Director
|
||
Carl
Dorf (1) (2)*(3) (4)
|
69
|
Class
III Director
|
||
Charles
B. Hart, Jr. (2) (4)
|
71
|
Class
III Director
|
||
Jenifer
G. Kimbrough (1)*(4)
|
|
38
|
|
Class
I Director
|
*
|
Current
Committee Chairman
|
(1)
|
Audit
Committee Member
|
(2)
|
Investment
Committee Member
|
(3)
|
Compensation
Committee Member
|
(4)
|
Nominating
Committee Member
|
Our
Articles of Incorporation provide that our Board of Directors consists of three
classes of directors, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I,
Class II and Class III and provides that the exact number of directors
comprising our Board of Directors will be determined from time to time by
resolution adopted by the Board. At each annual meeting of
shareholders, successors to the class of directors whose terms expires at that
annual meeting are elected for a three-year term. The current term of
the Class I directors terminates as of the date of our 2010 annual meeting of
shareholders. The current term of the Class II directors terminates
on the date of our 2012 annual meeting of shareholders and the current term of
the Class III directors terminates on the date of our 2011 annual meeting of
shareholders.
The
standing committees of the Board of Directors in 2009 were the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Investment
Committee. Charters for the Audit, Compensation and Nominating
Committees are available upon the Company’s website at www.21stcenturyholding.com. The
charter of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees is also available
in print to any shareholder who requests it from our Corporate
Secretary.
Audit Committee
As of
December 31, 2009, the Audit Committee was composed of Jenifer G. Kimbrough, who
served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Richard W. Wilcox, Jr. and Carl
Dorf. Each member was determined to be independent as defined by the
NASDAQ Rules and SEC rules for Audit Committee membership. Ms.
Kimbrough was designated as a “financial expert” as that term is defined in the
applicable rules and regulations of the Exchange Act. The Board
determined that Ms. Kimbrough was a "financial expert" as defined in the
applicable rules and regulations of the Exchange Act.
Pursuant
to its written charter, the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee
include, but are not limited to, (a) the appointment of the independent
certified public accountants and any termination of such engagement, (b)
reviewing the plan and scope of independent audits, (c) reviewing significant
accounting and reporting policies and operating controls, (d) having general
responsibility for all related auditing and financial statement matters, and (e)
reporting its recommendations and findings to the full Board of
Directors. The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and
permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be
performed by the independent accountants, subject to the de minimus exceptions
for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act
that are approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the
audit.
- 113
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
To ensure prompt handling of unexpected
matters, the Audit Committee delegates to the Chair the authority to amend or
modify the list of approved permissible non-audit services and fees. The Chair
will report action taken to the Audit Committee at the next committee
meeting.
The Chief Financial Officer is
responsible for tracking all independent auditor fees against the budget for
such services and report at least annually to the Audit Committee.
Compensation Committee
As of
December 31, 2009, the Company’s Compensation Committee was composed of Carl
Dorf, Richard W. Wilcox, Jr., Bruce F. Simberg and Jenifer G.
Kimbrough. Each member is independent as defined by the NASDAQ
Rules. Mr. Wilcox currently serves as the Chairman. The
Compensation Committee performs the duties and responsibilities pursuant to its
charter, which includes reviewing and approving the compensation of the
Company's executive officers.
Nominating Committee
As of
December 31, 2009, the Company’s Nominating Committee was composed of Bruce F.
Simberg, Jenifer G. Kimbrough, Carl Dorf, Charles B. Hart, Jr. and Richard W.
Wilcox, Jr. Each member is independent as defined by the NASDAQ
Rules. Mr. Simberg serves as the Chairman.
The
Nominating Committee will consider candidates for director who are recommended
by its members, by other Board members and by management of the
Company. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended
by our shareholders if the shareholder submits the nomination in compliance with
the advance notice, information and other requirements described in our bylaws
and applicable securities laws. The Nominating Committee evaluates
director candidates recommended by shareholders in the same way that it
evaluates candidates recommended by its members, other members of the Board, or
other persons. The Nominating Committee considers all aspects of a
candidate’s qualifications in the context of the needs of the Company at that
point in time with a view to creating a Board with a diversity of experience and
perspectives. Among the qualifications, qualities and skills of a
candidate considered important by the Nominating Committee is a person with
strength of character, mature judgment, familiarity with the Company’s business
and industry, independent of thought and an ability to work
collegially.
Shareholders
who wish to recommend nominees to the Nominating Committee should submit their
recommendation in writing to the Secretary of the Company at its executive
offices pursuant to the requirements contained in Article III, Section 13 of the
Company’s Bylaws. This section provides that the notice shall
include: (a) as to each person who the shareholder proposed to
nominate for election, (i) name, age, business address and residence address of
the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the
class and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are
beneficially owned by the person, (iv) the consent of each nominee to serve as a
director of the Company if so elected and (v) any other information relating to
the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitation for proxies for the
election of directors pursuant to Rule 14A under the Exchange Act; and (b) as to
the shareholder giving the notice, the name and record address of the
shareholder, and (ii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the
Company which are beneficially owned by the shareholder. The Company
may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may
reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such
proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company.
Investment Committee
As of
December 31, 2009, the Company’s Investment Committee was composed Peter J.
Prygelski, III, Bruce F. Simberg, Carl Dorf and Charles B. Hart,
Jr. The Investment Committee manages our investment portfolio
pursuant to its adopted Investment Policy Statement. Mr. Dorf serves
as the Chairman.
Corporate
Governance/Code of Conduct
We have adopted a Code of Conduct for
all employees, officers and directors of the Company. A copy of our
Code of Conduct policy is available on our web site at www.21stcenturyholding.com.
The
following is a brief account of the business experience of each director and
executive officer of the Company.
Michael H. Braun was appointed
to the Board of Directors as a Class I director in December 2005. Mr.
Braun was named Chief Executive Officer in June 2008 and President in June 2009.
Mr. Braun brings to this position his experience from a 13-year career with the
Company, where he was Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President of
Federated National, a position he continues to hold. In these roles, he was
responsible for the business operations and strategic product portfolio. Prior
to joining the Company, Mr. Braun was managing partner for an independent chain
of insurance agencies that was located throughout the state of Florida, which
was acquired by the Company in 1998.
- 114
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Peter J. Prygelski, III was
appointed to the Board of Directors as a Class I director in June 2008 and has
served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 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.
Stephen C. Young has been with
the Company since January 1998. He currently serves as the Company's
Vice President of Operations, which position he has held since June 1, 2009 and
previously held from June 2006 through May 2007. He previously
served as the Company’s President from June 2007 through June 1, 2009, and as
President of Federated Premium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, from
January 1998 through the present date.
Bruce F. Simberg has served as
a Class II director of the Company since January 1998. Mr. Simberg has been a
practicing attorney since October 1975, most recently as managing partner of
Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A.
(“Conroy Simberg”), a law firm in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, since October
1979.
Richard W. Wilcox, Jr. has
served as a Class II director of the Company since January 2003. Mr.
Wilcox has been in the insurance industry for more than 40 years. In
1963, Mr. Wilcox started an insurance agency that eventually developed into a
business generating $10 million in annual revenue. In 1991, Mr.
Wilcox sold his agency to Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton Company (“HRH”) of Fort
Lauderdale, for which he retained the position of President through
1998. In 1998, HRH of Fort Lauderdale merged with Poe and Brown of
Fort Lauderdale, and Mr. Wilcox served as the Vice President of Poe and Brown
until 1999, when he retired.
Carl Dorf was appointed to the
Board of Directors in August 2001. Since April 2001, Mr. Dorf has
been the principal of Dorf Asset Management, LLC, and is responsible for all
investment decisions made by that company. From January 1991 to
February 2001, Mr. Dorf served as the Fund Manager of ING Pilgrim Bank and
Thrift Fund. Prior to his experience at Pilgrim, Mr. Dorf was a
principal in Dorf & Associates, an investment management
company.
Charles B. Hart, Jr. was
appointed to the Board of Directors in March 2002. Mr. Hart has more
than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. From
1973 to 1999, Mr. Hart served as President of Public Assurance Group and as
General Manager of Operations for Bristol West Insurance
Services. Since 1999, Mr. Hart has acted as an insurance
consultant.
Jenifer G. Kimbrough was
appointed to the Board of Directors effective April 1, 2009. Ms.
Kimbrough has served as the Vice President of Assurance and Process Improvement
for Surgical Care Affiliates since November 2007. Prior to 2007, Ms.
Kimbrough was the Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Regions
Financial Corporation. From 1993 to 2003, Ms. Kimbrough served as an
Audit Senior Manager at Ernst & Young LLP. Ms. Kimbrough received
her certification as a certified public accountant from the Alabama State Board
of Public Accountancy in 1994. Ms. Kimbrough is an active member of
several societies, including: American Woman’s Society of CPAs, Institute of
Internal Auditors, Alabama State Society of CPAs and American Institute of
CPAs. Additionally, she recently served on the AICPA Women’s
Initiative Executive Committee and as National President of the
AWSCPA.
Skills and Qualifications of
the Board
The Company believes that its Board as
a whole should encompass a range of talent, skill, diversity, and expertise
enabling it to provide sound guidance with respect to the Company's operations
and interests. The Company's policy is to have at least a majority of Directors
qualify as "independent" under the NASDAQ Rules. The Nominating
Committee identifies candidates for election to the Board of Directors; reviews
their skills, characteristics and experience; and recommends nominees for
director to the Board for approval. The Nominating Committee's Charter provides
that the Board of Directors as a whole should be diverse and consist of
individuals with various and relevant career experience, relevant technical
skills, industry knowledge and experience, financial expertise and local or
community ties. Minimum individual requirements include strength of
character, mature judgment, familiarity with the Company's business and
industry, independence of thought and an ability to work
collegially.
- 115
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
The Board
believes that the qualifications of the directors, as set forth in their
biographies which are listed above and briefly summarized in this section, gives
them the qualifications and skills to serve as a director of our
company. Mr. Braun, Mr. Prygelski, Mr. Hart and Mr. Wilcox
each have operational experience serving as senior executives of insurance
companies. Mr. Simberg has extensive experience handling litigation defense
matters for insurance companies and Mr. Dorf has a strong background in
investment management issues. Five of our directors have served as
directors for a minimum of 5 years and have gained in-depth knowledge of our
company and the insurance industry through this affiliation: Mr.
Braun – 5 years, Mr. Dorf - 9 years, Mr. Hart – 8 years, Mr. Simberg – 12 years
and Mr. Wilcox – 7 years. Mr. Prygelski and Ms. Kimbrough each
have strong backgrounds in finance and accounting matters.
The Board
also believes that each of the directors has other key attributes that are
important to an effective Board: integrity and demonstrated high ethical
standards; sound judgment; analytical skills; the ability to engage management
and each other in a constructive and collaborative fashion and the commitment to
devote significant time and energy to service on the Board and its
Committees.
The
Nominating Committee annually reviews the appropriate skills and characteristics
required of Board members in the context of the current composition of the
Board, the operating requirements of the Company and the long-term interests of
its shareholders. In conducting this assessment, the Committee considers such
factors as it deems appropriate given the current needs of the
Company.
Subsidiary
Presidents
James Gordon Jennings, III
(age 52) has served as the President of Assurance MGA, since May 2008 and as the
Company’s Vice President of Risk Management since April
2008. Previously he worked for American Vehicle, one of our
wholly-owned subsidiary companies, from 1990 through 2000 where he was involved
in all aspects of property and casualty insurance. Mr. Jennings
served as our Controller from May 2000 through August 2002, as Chief Financial
Officer from August 2002 through June 2007 and as Chief Accounting Officer from
June 2007 through March 2008. 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.
Thomas J. Spitalny (age 49)
was appointed to serve as the President of American Vehicle in February
2009. Mr. Spitalny joined the Company in April 2008 to serve as our
Product Development Manager. Mr. Spitalny has over 27 years of experience
in the insurance industry. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Spitalny
served as President of Whitehill Agency Management, LLC (September 2004-April
2008), Senior Vice President of Insurers Unlimited, Inc. (June 2002 to September
2004) and Vice President of Volvo Commercial Finance The Americas, LLC, as well
as Chief Operating Officer of Accelerated Reinsurance Company Ltd., (January
1998 to June 2002).
C. Brian Turnau (age 43) has
served as the President of Superior since July 2006. Mr. Turnau
served as the Litigation Manager of Superior from June 2000 until his promotion
to President. He has over nine years experience in the insurance
industry. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Turnau worked for private
practice insurance defense litigation law firms for over fifteen
years. Mr. Turnau earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in History in
1989 from Washington and Lee University. He currently serves on the
Board of Directors of the Florida High School for Accelerated Learning, a
nonprofit Charter School that serves the needs of underprivileged
students.
Christopher Clouse (age 42)
has served as the President of Insure-Link since its incorporation in March
2008. Mr. Clouse has over 22 years of experience in the insurance
industry and has maintained a Florida general lines insurance license since
1991. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Clouse served as an agent
and/or managing agent for several private agencies including AAA Auto Club
South, with a primary focus on personal lines of insurance including homeowners,
auto and flood insurance.
Compliance
with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that our executive
officers, directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of
our equity securities to file reports of beneficial ownership and certain
changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC and to furnish us with copies of
those reports. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such
reports furnished to us or written representations that no other reports were
required, we believe that during the year ended December 31, 2009, our officers,
directors and greater than 10% shareholders timely filed all reports required by
Section 16(a) (except
we did not receive written representations from Edward and Michele
Lawson, persons who may have owned more than 10% of our
common stock at a given point in 2009, that all filings were timely
made).
- 116
-
21st Century Holding Company and
Subsidiaries
ITEM
11
|
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
|
The
following Summary Compensation table sets forth information regarding
compensation earned by, awarded to or paid to our Chief Executive Officer and
President, Chief Financial Officer, as well as our Vice President of Operations,
for the year ended December 31, 2009. We refer to these officers as
our Named Executive Officers in other parts of this Form 10-K. We currently do
not have any other individual employee of the Company designated as an executive
officer.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal
Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Stock
Awards
|
Option
Awards
(1)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
|
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
|
All Other
Compensation
(2)
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael
H. Braun
|
2009
|
$ | 214,000 | 12,500 | — | $ | 24,444 | — | — | $ | 17,601 | $ | 268,545 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chief
Executive Officer, President
(3)
|
2008
|
$ | 186,863 | — | — | $ | 94,964 | — | — | $ | 10,655 | $ | 245,965 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
|
2009
|
$ | 180,000 | 10,500 | — | $ | 0 | — | — | $ | 25,727 | $ | 216,227 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer
(4)
|
2008
|
$ | 169,539 | — | — | $ | 35,594 | — | — | $ | 13,414 | $ | 206,649 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stephen
C. Young
|
2009
|
$ | 151,657 | 500 | — | $ | 0 | — | — | $ | 15,435 | $ | 167,592 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President
(5)
|
2008
|
$ | 129,962 | — | — | $ | 35,884 | — | — | $ | 27,267 | $ | 175,739 |
(1)
|
This
amount reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the
calculation of this amount are included in footnote 16 to the Company’s
audited financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31,
2009.
|
(2)
|
See
table "All Other Compensation" for an itemized disclosure of this element
of compensation.
|
(3)
|
Mr.
Braun has served as our Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2008,
President since June 2, 2009 and the President of Federated National since
September 2003.
|
(4)
|
Mr.
Prygelski has served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 25, 2007
and Treasurer since February 20, 2008. Prior to this time, he
served as an outside director of the Company from January 2004 through
June 25, 2007.
|
(5)
|
Mr.
Young served as the Company’s President from June 2007 to June 2009 and as
President of Federated Premium since January 1998, and is currently the
Company’s Vice President of
Operations.
|
ALL OTHER COMPENSATION
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name
|
Year
|
Auto
|
Club
Member
Fees
|
Insurance
Benefits
(1)
|
Contribution
to 401(k)
(2)
|
All Other
Compensation
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Michael
H. Braun
|
2009
|
$ | 8,853 | $ | 2,128 | $ | 6,620 | $ | 17,601 | |||||||||||||||||
2008
|
$ | 5,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 4,599 | $ | 1,056 | (3) | $ | 10,655 | |||||||||||||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
|
2009
|
$ | 6,000 | $ | 8,575 | $ | 5,280 | $ | 5,872 | $ | 25,727 | |||||||||||||||
2008
|
$ | 5,000 | $ | 4,992 | $ | 0 | $ | 3,422 | $ | 13,414 | ||||||||||||||||
Stephen
C. Young
|
2009
|
$ | 2,769 | $ | 7,988 | $ | 4,678 | $ | 15,435 | |||||||||||||||||
2008
|
$ | 6,000 | $ | 18,178 | $ | 3,089 | $ | 27,267 |
(1)
|
Represents
premiums for life, medical and dental
insurance.
|
(2)
|
Represents
matching contributions made by the Company to the Named Executive
Officer's 401(k) plan.
|
(3)
|
Represents
profits that Named Executive Officers received upon the exercise of stock
options.
|
Employment
Agreements
Michael
H. Braun
We
entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Michael H. Braun,
the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, effective as of June 22,
2009. Under his agreement, Mr. Braun is entitled to receive an annual
salary of $214,000 and a $500 monthly automobile allowance. The
employment agreement is effective through July 1, 2012 and Mr. Braun is also
entitled to receive such bonuses and increases as may be awarded by the Board of
Directors. It also
contains customary confidentiality and non-solicitation
provisions. Additionally, we entered into a non-compete agreement
with Mr. Braun effective December 19, 2005. The non-compete agreement
prohibits Mr. Braun from directly or indirectly competing with us for a period
of one (1) year after the termination of his employment for any
reason. If Mr. Braun’s employment with the Company is terminated, he
is entitled to certain payments set forth in “Potential Payments on Termination
or Change of Control” on page 122.
- 117
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
We entered into an amended and restated
employment agreement with Peter J. Prygelski, III, the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer, effective as of June 22, 2009. Under his
agreement, Mr. Prygelski is entitled to receive an annual salary of $180,000 and
a $500 monthly automobile allowance. The amended and restated
employment agreement is effective through July 1, 2012, which was amended from
the original employment agreement date effective through June 25,
2010. Mr. Prygelski is also entitled to receive such bonuses and
increases as may be awarded by the Board of Directors. It also
contains customary confidentiality and non-solicitation
provisions. Additionally, we entered into a non-compete agreement and
an annual review agreement with Mr. Prygelski effective June 25,
2007. The non-compete agreement prohibits Mr. Prygelski from directly
or indirectly competing with us for a period of one year after the termination
of his employment for any reason. If Mr. Prygelski’s employment with the Company
is terminated, he is entitled to certain payments set forth in “Potential
Payments on Termination or Change of Control” on page 122.
The
following Grants of Plan-Based Awards table provides information regarding stock
options granted to Named Executive Officers during 2009:
GRANTS
OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
|
||||||||||||||
Name
|
Grant Date
|
All Other Option Awards Number
of Securities Underlying Options
|
Exercise or Base Price
of Option Awards
|
Grant Date Fair Value of
Stock and Option Awards(1)
|
||||||||||
Michael
H. Braun
|
01/02/2009
|
40,000 | $ | 4.73 | $ | 24,444 |
(1)
|
This
amount reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of this
amount are included in footnote 16 to the Company’s audited financial
statements for fiscal year ended December 31,
2009.
|
All
grants of stock options referenced in the above table were made under the 2002
Stock Option Plan.
1998 Stock Option Plan and 2002 Stock
Option Plan
Our 1998
Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan) and 2002 Stock Option Plan (“the 2002 Plan),
(collectively the “Option Plans”) are administered by the Compensation
Committee. The objectives of the Option Plans include attracting, motivating and
retaining key personnel and promoting our success by linking the interests of
our employees, directors and consultants with our success.
The
Option Plans permit the granting of incentive stock options, which are options
that comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code,
and non-statutory options that do not meet the requirements of Section
422. Incentive stock options may only be granted to our
employees. Non-statutory stock options may be granted to anyone who
is eligible to participate in the plan and provides valuable service to the
company, including employees, directors, and consultants. Both
incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options have been granted under
the Option Plans.
Options Available
for Issuance
There
were 900,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance upon exercise
of options granted under the 1998 Plan and 1,800,000 under the 2002 Plan. As of
December 31, 2009, we do not have any options available for grant under the
1998 Plan and 68,197 options are available for grant under the 2002 Plan,
respectively. The options to be delivered under the Plans will be made
available, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, from authorized but
unissued shares or outstanding options that expire or are cancelled. If shares
covered by an option cease to be issuable for any reason, such number of shares
will no longer count against the shares authorized under the plan and may again
be granted under the plan.
- 118
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Term of
Options
The term
of each option is typically six (6) or ten (10) years from the date of the grant
of the option, unless a different period is established for incentive stock
options or the Compensation Committee establishes a different
period.
Vesting
Schedule
Options
granted under our Option Plans, unless waived or modified in a particular option
agreement or by action of the Compensation Committee, typically vest according
to the following schedule.
Vesting Schedule
|
||||
From the Grant Date
|
Portion of Grant Vested
|
|||
Less
than 1 year
|
0 | % | ||
1
year
|
20 | % | ||
2
years
|
40 | % | ||
3
years
|
60 | % | ||
4
years
|
80 | % | ||
5
years
|
100 | % |
Options
granted under the Option Plans require that the recipient of a grant be
continuously employed or otherwise provide services to us or our subsidiaries.
Failure to be continuously employed or in another service relationship,
generally results in the forfeiture of options not vested at the time the
employment or other service relationship ends. Termination of a recipient’s
employment or other service relationship for cause generally results in the
forfeiture of all of the recipients unexercised options.
Adjustments in
Our Capital Structure
The
number and kind of shares available for grants under our Option Plans and any
outstanding options under the plans, as well as the exercise price of
outstanding options, will be subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee
in the event of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, stock split, stock
dividend or other event causing a capital adjustment affecting the number of
outstanding shares of common stock. In the event of a business
combination or in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of our assets,
the Compensation Committee may cash out some or all of the unexercised, vested
options under the plan, or allow some or all of the options to remain
outstanding, subject to certain conditions. Unless otherwise provided in
individual option agreements, the vesting of outstanding options will not
accelerate in connection with a business combination or in the event of a sale
of all or substantially all of our assets.
Administration
The
Compensation Committee has full discretionary authority to determine all matters
relating to options granted under the Option Plans. The Compensation Committee
has granted limited authority to executive management members to grant options
to eligible individuals.
The
Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the persons eligible to
receive options, the number of shares subject to each option, the exercise price
of each option, any vesting schedule, any acceleration of the vesting schedule
and any extension of the exercise period.
Amendment and
Termination
Our Board
of Directors has authority to suspend, amend or terminate the plans, except as
would adversely affect participants rights to outstanding awards without their
consent. As the plan administrator, our Compensation Committee has the authority
to interpret the plans and options granted under the Option Plans and to make
all other determinations necessary or advisable for plan
administration.
The
following Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table summarizes the
holdings held by our Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Financial
Officer, as well as our former President, for the year ended December 31,
2009.
- 119
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
||||||||||||||
Option Awards
|
||||||||||||||
Name
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options Exercisable
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options Unexercisable
|
Option
Exercise
Price
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
||||||||||
Michael
H. Braun
|
4,000 | 1,000 | 16.00 |
09/14/2011
|
(1) | |||||||||
16,000 | 4,000 | 15.79 |
12/05/2011
|
(2)
|
||||||||||
2,000 | 3,000 | 16.59 |
10/25/2013
|
(3) | ||||||||||
8,000 | 12,000 | 14.36 |
11/08/2013
|
(4) | ||||||||||
200 | 300 | 13.17 |
12/06/2013
|
(5) | ||||||||||
900 | 3,600 | 12.58 |
01/30/2014
|
(6) | ||||||||||
8,000 | 32,000 | 8.32 |
07/01/2014
|
(7) | ||||||||||
167 | 333 | 4.59 |
12/12/2018
|
(8) | ||||||||||
0 | 40,000 | 4.73 |
01/02/2015
|
(9) | ||||||||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
|
15,000 | 0 | 15.413 |
01/26/2010
|
||||||||||
8,000 | 2,000 | 15.79 |
12/05/2011
|
(2) | ||||||||||
8,000 | 12,000 | 11.11 |
06/25/2013
|
(10) | ||||||||||
200 | 300 | 13.17 |
12/06/2013
|
(5) | ||||||||||
900 | 3,600 | 12.58 |
01/30/2014
|
(6) | ||||||||||
2,000 | 8,000 | 8.32 |
07/01/2014
|
(7) | ||||||||||
167 | 333 | 4.59 |
12/12/2014
|
(8) | ||||||||||
Stephen
C. Young
|
400 | 100 | 16.00 |
12/05/2011
|
(2) | |||||||||
3,000 | 2,000 | 15.75 |
09/01/2012
|
(11) | ||||||||||
2,000 | 3,000 | 11.33 |
05/22/2013
|
(12) | ||||||||||
2,000 | 3,000 | 16.59 |
10/25/2013
|
(3) | ||||||||||
200 | 300 | 13.17 |
12/06/2013
|
(5) | ||||||||||
2,000 | 8,000 | 13.07 |
03/04/2014
|
(13) | ||||||||||
167 | 333 | 4.59 |
12/12/2018
|
(8) |
(1)
|
Options
vested as to 80% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 20% vest on
9/14/2010.
|
(2)
|
Options
vested as to 80% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 20% vest on
12/5/2010.
|
(3)
|
Options
vested as to 40% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 60% vest as follows:
20%
on 10/25/2010, 20% on 10/25/2011 and
10/25/2012.
|
(4)
|
Options
vested as to 40% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 60% vest as follows:
20% on
11/8/2009, 20% on 11/8/2010 and 20% on
11/8/2011.
|
(5)
|
Options
vested as to 40% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 60% vest as follows:
20% on 12/6/2010, 20%
on 12/6/2011 and 20% on
12/6/2012.
|
(6)
|
Options
vested as to 20% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 80% vest as follows:
20%
on 1/30/2010, 20% on 1/30/2011, 20% on 1/30/2012 and 20% on
1/30/2013.
|
(7)
|
Options
vested as to 20% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 80% vest as follows:
20%
on 7/1/2010, 20% on 7/1/2011, 20% on 7/1/2012 and 20% on
7/1/2013.
|
(8)
|
Options
vested as to 33 1/3% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 66 2/3% vest as follows:
33
1/3% on 12/12/2010 and 33 1/3% on
12/12/2011.
|
(9)
|
Options
vested as to 0% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 100% vest as follows:
20%
on 1/2/2010, 20% on 1/2/2011, 20% on 1/2/2012, 20% on 1/2/2013 and 20% on
1/2/2014.
|
(10)
|
Options
vested as to 40% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 60% vest as follows:
20%
on 6/25/2010, 20% on 6/25/2011 and 20% on
6/15/2012.
|
(11)
|
Options
vested as to 60% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 40% vest as follows:
20%
on 9/1/2010 and 20% on
9/1/2011.
|
(12)
|
Options
vested as to 40% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 60% vest as follows:
20%
on 5/22/2010, 20% on 5/22/2011 and 20% on
5/22/2012.
|
(13)
|
Options
vested as to 20% of the underlying shares on December 31, 2009, the
remaining 80% vest as follows:
20%
on 3/4/2010, 20% on 3/4/2011, 20% on 3/4/2012 and 20% on
3/4/2013.
|
- 120
-
Option Exercises and Stock
Vested
Pension
Benefits
None of
our Named Executive Officers participate in or have account balances in
qualified or non-qualified defined pension benefit plans sponsored by
us.
None of
our Named Executive Officers participate in or have account balances in
non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans
maintained by us. The Compensation Committee, which will be comprised solely of
outside directors as defined for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code, may elect to provide our officers and other employees with
non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits if the
Compensation Committee determines that doing so is in our best
interests.
Director
Compensation
During
2009, we had five (5) non-employee directors that qualified for compensation.
Non-employee directors receive an initial stock option grant upon appointment to
the board of directors and subsequent option grants as may be granted at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee. In addition, non-employee directors
receive annual cash compensation, perquisites as approved by the Compensation
Committee and reimbursement of actual out-of-pocket expenses. Beginning in 2006,
in lieu of per meeting directors’ fees, the non-employee directors began to
receive an annual retainer of $40,000, payable in quarterly installments of
$10,000 in January, April, July and October. Directors who are also
employees do not receive this compensation. Directors have not previously been
given the option to be compensated in stock in lieu of cash, but may be given
such option in the future at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee.
We also
grant options to our outside directors as part of their
compensation. In January 2009, we granted 15,000 options to each of
our non-employee directors under our 2002 Plan and 10,000 additional options to
the non-employee director serving as the Company’s Chairman. The
options vest 33 1/3% per year beginning on January 2, 2010 and expire in six (6)
years on January 2, 2015. In April 2009, we granted 10,000 options to
a new non-employee director under our 2002 Plan. The options vest 20%
per year beginning on April 1, 2010 and expire in six (6) years on April 1,
2015.
The
following Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation Summary table sets forth
information regarding the compensation we paid to our non-employee directors
from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION SUMMARY
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name
|
Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
|
Stock
Awards
|
Option
Awards(1)(5)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
|
Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
|
All Other
Compensation
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Carl
Dorf
|
$ | 40,000 | — | $ | 9,167 | — | — | — | $ | 49,167 | ||||||||||||||||||
Charles
B. Hart, Jr.
|
$ | 40,000 | — | $ | 9,167 | — | — | $ | 12,481 | (2) | $ | 61,648 | ||||||||||||||||
Bruce
F. Simberg
|
$ | 40,000 | — | $ | 15,278 | — | — | — | $ | 55,278 | ||||||||||||||||||
Richard
W. Wilcox, Jr.
|
$ | 40,000 | — | $ | 9,167 | — | — | $ | 8,031 | (3) | $ | 57,198 | ||||||||||||||||
Jenifer
G. Kimbrough (4)
|
$ | 30,000 | — | $ | 11,257 | — | — | — | $ | 41,257 |
(1)
|
This
amount reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the
calculation of this amount are included in footnote 16 to the Company’s
audited financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31,
2009.
|
(2)
|
Includes
$5,781 paid for country club membership and $6,700 for events attended by
director and/or family in 2009.
|
(3)
|
Includes
$5,781 paid for country club membership and $2,250 for events attended by
director and/or family in 2009.
|
(4)
|
Ms.
Kimbrough was appointed as a non-employee director effective as of April
1, 2009.
|
- 121
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
(5)
|
The
following table provides certain additional information concerning the
option awards of our non-employee directors for fiscal
2009:
|
Name
|
Total Stock Option
Awards Outstanding at
2009 Fiscal Year End
(Shares)
|
Option Awards
Granted During Fiscal
Year 2009(a)
(Shares)
|
Grant Date Fair Value
of Option Awards
Granted During Fiscal
Year 2009 ($)
|
|||||||||
Carl
Dorf
|
30,000 | (b) | 15,000 | $ | 9,167 | |||||||
Charles
B. Hart, Jr.
|
30,000 | (b) | 15,000 | $ | 9,167 | |||||||
Bruce
F. Simberg
|
40,000 | (c) | 25,000 | $ | 15,278 | |||||||
Richard
W. Wilcox, Jr.
|
30,000 | (b) | 15,000 | $ | 9,167 | |||||||
Jenifer
G. Kimbrough
|
10,000 | (d) | 10,000 | $ | 11,257 |
(a)
|
The
stock options reported in this column were granted in January 2009, and
vest 33 1/2% per year over three years on each anniversary of the date of
grant.
|
(b)
|
Includes
10,000 options granted on 12/5/2005 with an exercise price of $15.79, vest
20% per year, and expire on 12/5/2011; 500 options granted on 12/6/2007
with an exercise price of $13.17, vest 20% per year, and expire on
12/6/2013; 4,500 options granted on 1/30/2008 with an exercise price of
$12.58, vest 20% per year and expire on 1/30/2014; and 15,000 options
granted on 1/2/2009 with an exercise price of $4.73, vest 33 1/3% per year
and expire on 1/2/2015.
|
(c)
|
Includes
10,000 options granted on 12/5/2005 with an exercise price of $15.79, vest
20% per year, and expire on 12/5/2011; 500 options granted on 12/6/2007
with an exercise price of $13.17, vest 20% per year, and expire on
12/6/2013; 4,500 options granted on 1/30/2008 with an exercise price of
$12.58, vest 20% per year and expire on 1/30/2014; and 25,000 options
granted on 1/2/2009 with an exercise price of $4.73, vest 33 1/3% per year
and expire on 1/2/2015.
|
(d)
|
Includes
10,000 options granted on 4/1/2009 with an exercise price of $3.30, vest
20% per year and expire on
4/1/2015.
|
Potential Payments Upon Termination or
Change in Control
The following table below illustrates
the potential payouts to each Named Executive Officer employed by the Company in
an officer capacity as of December 31, 2009, under each of the various
separation situations.
For Good
|
Involuntary Not
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Benefits and
|
Voluntary
|
Reason
|
for Cause
|
Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Payments Upon Termination
|
Termination
|
Termination
|
Termination (1)
|
Death
|
Disability
|
(1)(2)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Michael
H. Braun
|
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 428,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 452,610 | ||||||||||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
|
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 360,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 382,610 |
(1)
|
All
amounts are calculated using the Executive's base salary as of December
31, 2009 and the value of unvested options which were accelerated as of
the termination date It has been the Company's practice,
if an Executive is terminated without cause, to accelerate any unvested
options and the value of these accelerated options for Executive as of the
termination date was $0.
|
(2)
|
If
a change in control occurs (as described in his employment agreement) and
the Executive is terminated during the remaining term of his employment
agreement, he will receive the severance payment set forth in this
table. Includes the value of vested stock options which were
accelerated as of the termination date, actual bonus earned in the fiscal
year preceding the termination and a medical insurance premium payment
equal to two years premium at the rate paid by the Company for such
coverage as of the termination
date.
|
Non-compete,
non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement
As a
condition to Messrs. Braun and Prygelski’s entitlement to receive the base
salary amounts and equity award acceleration referenced in the tables above,
each is bound by the terms of his non-competition agreement which prohibits him
from working in the insurance industry in any territories where the Company has
been doing business for a period of one (1) year from the date on which he
terminates employment with the Company for any reason (other than without
cause). For a period of one (1) year after his employment is
terminated, he is also prohibited from soliciting directly for himself or for
any third person any employees or former employees of the Company, unless the
employees have not been employed by the Company for a period in excess of six
(6) months and from disclosing any confidential information that he learned
about the Company during his employment.
- 122
-
|
21st Century Holding
Company and Subsidiaries
|
ITEM
12
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
|
The
following table sets forth, as of March 26, 2010, information with respect to
the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) each person who is known by
us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of
our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in the section
“Executive Compensation,” (iii) each of our directors, and (iv) all directors
and executive officers as a group.
As used
herein, the term beneficial ownership with respect to a security is defined by
Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as consisting of sole or
shared voting power (including the power to vote or direct the vote) and/or sole
or shared investment power (including the power to dispose or direct the
disposition of) with respect to the security through any contract, arrangement,
understanding, relationship or otherwise, including a right to acquire such
power(s) during the next sixty (60) days. Unless otherwise noted, beneficial
ownership consists of sole ownership, voting and investment rights and the
address for each person is c/o 21st Century
Holding Company, 3661 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 300, Lauderdale Lakes,
FL 33311.
Number of Shares
|
Percent of
|
|||||||
Beneficially
|
Class
|
|||||||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
(1)
|
Owned (2)
|
Outstanding
|
||||||
Bruce
F. Simberg (1)
|
212,113 | 2.66 | % | |||||
Richard
W. Wilcox, Jr. (2)
|
133,250 | 1.67 | % | |||||
Carl
Dorf (3)
|
130,288 | 1.63 | % | |||||
Michael
H. Braun (4)
|
66,067 | * | ||||||
Stephen
C. Young (5)
|
47,767 | * | ||||||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III (6)
|
23,167 | * | ||||||
Charles
B. Hart, Jr. (7)
|
15,000 | * | ||||||
Jenifer
G. Kimbrough (8)
|
2,000 | * | ||||||
All
directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)
(9)
|
629,652 | 7.78 | % | |||||
5%
or greater holders:
|
||||||||
Edward
J. Lawson and Michele V. Lawson (combined) (10)
|
632,450 | 7.95 | % | |||||
3661
West Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 300
|
||||||||
Lauderdale
Lakes, FL 33311
|
||||||||
Dimensional
Fund Advisors LP (11)
|
574,809 | 7.23 | % | |||||
Palisades
West, Building One
|
||||||||
6300
Bee Cave Road
|
||||||||
Austin,
TX 78746
|
||||||||
Lloyd
I. Miller, III (12)
|
406,671 | 5.11 | % | |||||
4550
Gordon Drive
|
||||||||
Naples,
FL 34102
|
*
|
Less
than 1%.
|
(1)
|
Includes
18,334 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
held by Mr. Simberg.
|
(2)
|
Includes
3,000 shares of common stock held in Mr. Wilcox’s IRA, 40,000 shares of
common stock held by Mr. Wilcox’s spouse and 15,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by Mr.
Wilcox.
|
(3)
|
Includes
59,624 shares of common stock held by Carl Dorf Rollover IRA, 54,164
shares of common stock held by Dorf Trust and 15,000 shares of common
stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by Mr.
Dorf.
|
(4)
|
Includes
48,167 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
held by Mr. Braun.
|
(5)
|
Includes
12,767 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
held by Mr. Young.
|
- 123
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
(6)
|
Includes
2,000 shares of common stock held in Mr. Prygelski’s IRA and 20,167 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by Mr.
Prygelski.
|
(7)
|
Includes
15,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
held by Mr. Hart.
|
(8)
|
Includes
2,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options
held by Ms. Kimbrough.
|
(9)
|
Includes
162,668 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock
options.
|
(10)
|
Represents
275,000 shares of common stock held of record by Edward J. Lawson, 250,000
shares of common stock held of record by Michele V. Lawson, the wife of
Mr. Lawson, and 107,450 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise
of stock options held by Mr. Lawson. This information is based
on the Schedule 13G/A Amendment No. 10 filings made by Michele Lawson and
Edward Lawson with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 13d-1(d), on February 3, 2010
and the Company's records with respect to Mr. Lawson's stock
options.
|
(11)
|
Includes
574,809 shares of common stock beneficially held on behalf of various
clients of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP ("Dimension"). This
information is based on Dimension's Schedule 13G Amendment No. 1 filed
with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b), on February 10,
2010.
|
(12)
|
Includes
174,521 shares of common stock that Lloyd I. Miller, III has shared voting
and dispositive power as (i) an investment advisor to the trustee of a
certain family trust and (ii) co-trustee of a certain
trust. This information is based on Mr. Miller's Schedule 13G
filing made with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 13d-1(c), on February 16,
2010.
|
ITEM
13
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
|
Family
Relationships
There are no family relationships
between or among our current executive officers and directors.
Related
Transactions
The
following is a summary of transactions during 2008 and 2009 between
the Company and its executive officers, directors, nominees, principal
shareholders and other related parties involving amounts in excess of $120,000
or which the Company has chosen to voluntarily disclose.
Bruce F.
Simberg, a director, is a partner of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida law firm of
Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A., which
renders legal services to the Company. The Company paid legal fees to Conroy,
Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A. for services
rendered in the amount of approximately $139,827 and $89,645 in 2008 and
2009. We believe that the services provided by Conroy, Simberg,
Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A. are on terms at least
as favorable as those that we could secure from a non-affiliated third
party.
During
2008 and 2009, Michael H. Braun, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and
President, received the compensation described in "Executive Compensation" on
pages 14 through 21 of this Form 10-K. Mr. Braun’s brother received
salary compensation of $117,039 and $123,192 for his services as the Vice
President of Accounting and Finance in 2008 and 2009; and Mr. Braun’s sister
received salary compensation of $51,750 and $65,238 for her services as a
marketing representative in 2008 and 2009. Stephen C. Young, the former
President of our Company, received the compensation described in "Executive
Compensation" on pages 14 through 21 of this Form 10-K. Mr. Young’s cousin
received salary compensation totaling $100,000 and $100,500 for her services as
Senior Casualty Manager; Mr. Young’s aunt received salary compensation totaling
$52,284 and $54,896 for her services as an underwriter for one of the Company’s
insurance subsidiaries; another of Mr. Young’s cousin received salary
compensation totaling $86,346 and $100,500 for his services as an information
technology technician; and Mr. Young’s mother-in-law received salary
compensation of $30,877 and $33,274 for her services as a customer service
representative in the Company’s claims subsidiary in 2008 and 2009. We believe
that the compensation provided to these individuals is comparable to that paid
by other companies in our industry and market for similar
positions.
We have
adopted a written policy that any transactions between the Company and executive
officers, directors, principal shareholders or their affiliates take place on an
arms-length basis and require the approval of a majority of our independent
directors, as defined by the NASDAQ Rules.
- 124
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
The Board
has determined that the following directors are independent pursuant to the
NASDAQ Global Market listing requirements ("NASDAQ Rules") Carl Dorf, Charles B.
Hart, Jr., Richard W. Wilcox, Jr., Bruce F. Simberg, and Jenifer G.
Kimbrough. In making the independence determination with respect to
Mr. Simberg, the Board considered the fact that Conroy Simberg, a law firm
founded by Mr. Simberg, had provided legal services to the Company during the
past 15 years. However, the legal services provided by Conroy
Simberg during the past three (3) fiscal years do not exceed the amounts set
forth in NASDAQ Rule 4200(a) (15) and Mr. Simberg qualifies as an independent
director under NASDAQ Rule 4200(a) (15).
ITEM
14
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING
FEES AND SERVICES
|
Our Audit Committee requires that
management obtain the prior approval of the Audit Committee for all audit and
permissible non-audited services to be provided by DeMeo. The Audit
Committee considers and approves at each meeting, as needed, anticipated audit
and permissible non-audit services to be provided by DeMeo during the year and
estimated fees. The Audit Committee Chairman may approve permissible
non-audit services with subsequent notification to the full Audit
Committee. All services rendered to us by DeMeo in 2009 were
pre-approved in accordance with these procedures.
DeMeo has
served as the Company’s independent auditors for each fiscal year since
2002. DeMeo has advised the Company that neither it, nor any of its
members, has any direct financial interest in the Company as a promoter,
underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee. All
professional services rendered by DeMeo during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2009 were furnished at customary rates.
The
following table shows fees that we paid (or accrued) for professional services
rendered by DeMeo for fiscal 2009 and 2008.
DeMeo
|
DeMeo
|
|||||||
Fiscal 2009
|
Fiscal 2008
|
|||||||
Audit
Fees (1)
|
$ | 404,701 | $ | 362,432 | ||||
Audit-Related
Fees (2)
|
$ | 13,815 | $ | 7,904 | ||||
Tax
Fees (3)
|
$ | 22,245 | $ | 26,891 | ||||
Total
|
$ | 440,761 | $ | 397,227 |
(1)
|
Audit
fees consisted of audit work performed in the preparation of financial
statements, as well as work generally only the independent auditor can
reasonably be expected to provide, such as statutory
audits.
|
(2)
|
Audit-related
fees consisted primarily of audits of employee benefit plans and special
procedures related to regulatory filings in
2009.
|
(3)
|
Tax
fees consisted primarily of assistance with tax compliance and
reporting.
|
- 125
-
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, 2009 and 2008
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years
ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007.
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008
and 2007.
(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
|
- 126
-
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, as amended, and Stock Plan
Acknowledgment (incorporated by reference to Annex A in the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
filed with the SEC on April 2, 2009 and Exhibit 10.2 in the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007 filed with the Sec on March 17, 2008).
+
|
|
10.2
|
21st
Century Holding Company 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and Stock Plan
Acknowledgment (incorporated by reference to Annex A in the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on May 12, 2000 and Exhibit
10.4 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its year ended
December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 17, 2008).
+
|
|
10.3
|
Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement dated June 22, 2009 between the Company
and Michael H. Braun (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 in the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2009 filed with the SEC on August 10, 2009).+
|
|
10.4
|
Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement dated June 22, 2009 between the Company
and Peter J. Prygelski, III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 in
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2009 filed with the SEC on August 10, 2009).+
|
|
10.5
|
Transition
Agreement dated as of May 6, 2008 between the Company and Edward J. Lawson
(incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 in the Company’s Form 8-K/A
filed with the SEC on May 9, 2008).+
|
|
10.6
|
Form
of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its directors and
executive officers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15 in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its year ended December 31, 1007
filed with the SEC on March 17, 2008.
|
|
10.7
|
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 on June 19, 2007).+
|
|
|
||
10.8
|
Non-Compete
Agreement dated December 19, 2005 between the Company and Michael Braun
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).+
|
|
10.9
|
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 and 2 effective June 1, 2009
(incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 – 10.3 in the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4,
2009).
|
|
10.10
|
Amended
Addendum No. 2 and Addendum Nos. 4 and 5 to the Reimbursement Contract
between Federated National Insurance Company and The State Board of
Administration of Florida (SBA) which administers the Florida Hurricane
Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) effective June 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibits 10.1 – 10.3 in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on June 16, 2009)
|
|
10.11
|
Excess
Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract effective July 1, 2009 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, 2009 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2009).
|
|
10.12
|
|
Reinstatement
Premium Protection Reinsurance Contract effective July 1, 2009 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, 2009 as filed with the SEC on November 9,
2009).
|
- 127
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
21.1
|
Subsidiaries
of the Company **
|
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.
|
- 128
-
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/ Michael H. Braun
|
||
Michael
H. Braun, Chief Executive Officer
|
|||
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|||
/s/ Peter J. Prygelski, III
|
|||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III, Chief Financial Officer
|
|||
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
Dated:
March 26, 2010
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/ Michael H. Braun
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Michael
H. Braun
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|||
/s/ Peter J. Prygelski, III
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Peter
J. Prygelski, III
|
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
|||
/s/ Carl Dorf
|
Director
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Carl
Dorf
|
||||
/s/ Bruce F. Simberg
|
Director
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Bruce
F. Simberg
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
|||
/s/ Charles B. Hart, Jr.
|
Director
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Charles
B. Hart, Jr.
|
||||
/s/ Richard W. Wilcox, Jr.
|
Director
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Richard
W. Wilcox, Jr.
|
||||
/s/ Jenifer G. Kimbrough
|
Director
|
March
26, 2010
|
||
Jenifer
G. Kimbrough
|
|
|
- 129
-
21st Century
Holding Company and Subsidiaries
EXHIBIT
INDEX
21.1
|
Subsidiaries
|
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
|
32.2
|
Certification
of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
|
- 130
-