VIDLER WATER RESOURCES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
ý
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
|
For
the quarterly period ended March 31,
2008
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|
OR
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¨
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TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For the
transition period from _____ to _____
Commission
file number 000-18786
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
California
(State
or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation
or Organization)
|
94-2723335
(IRS
Employer Identification No.)
|
|
875
Prospect Street, Suite 301
La
Jolla, California 92037
(Address
of principal executive offices, excluding zip code) (Zip
code)
|
Registrant’s
Telephone Number, Including Area
Code: (858) 456-6022
Not
Applicable
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report).
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No
¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
(Do not
check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No
ý
On May 7,
2008, the registrant had 18,833,737 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value,
outstanding, excluding 3,248,408 shares of common stock which are held by the
registrant’s subsidiaries.
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM
10-Q
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
No.
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Part
I: Financial Information
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Item
1:
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2
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3
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4
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5
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Item
2:
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9
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Item
3:
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14
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Item
4:
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14
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Part
II: Other Information
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Item
1:
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14
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Item
1A:
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14
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Item
2:
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14
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Item
3:
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14
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Item
4:
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14
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Item
5:
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14
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Item
6:
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15
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1
Part
I: Financial
Information
Item
I: Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
March
31, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
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||
ASSETS
|
|||
Investments
|
$
329,597,506
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$
365,523,644
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Cash
and cash equivalents
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85,165,010
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70,791,025
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Notes
and other receivables, net
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19,911,587
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17,151,065
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Reinsurance
receivables
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16,681,847
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16,887,953
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Real
estate and water assets, net
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222,196,503
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200,605,792
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Property
and equipment, net
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1,390,877
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1,212,394
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Other
assets
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3,479,980
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4,170,407
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Total
assets
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$
678,423,310
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$
676,342,280
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LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|||
Unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses
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$
31,864,003
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$
32,376,018
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Deferred
compensation
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52,670,016
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52,546,234
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Bank
and other borrowings
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29,203,147
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18,878,080
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Deferred
income taxes, net
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11,888,023
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17,675,162
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Other
liabilities
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27,684,817
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29,016,217
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Total
liabilities
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153,310,006
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150,491,711
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Commitments
and Contingencies (Note 4)
|
|||
Common
stock, $.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares,
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|||
23,259,367
issued and outstanding in 2008 and 2007
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23,259
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23,259
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Additional
paid-in capital
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436,565,281
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435,235,358
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Accumulated
other comprehensive income
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79,048,925
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79,469,438
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Retained
earnings
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87,759,068
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89,405,743
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603,396,533
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604,133,798
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Treasury
stock, at cost (common shares: 4,425,630 in 2008 and 2007)
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(78,283,229)
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(78,283,229)
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Total
shareholders' equity
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525,113,304
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525,850,569
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Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
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$
678,423,310
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$
676,342,280
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2
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008
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Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007
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Revenues:
|
|||
Net
investment income
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$
3,027,626
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$
3,812,067
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Net
realized gain on investments
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471,854
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1,407,908
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Sale
of real estate and water assets
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494,408
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2,308,998
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Rents,
royalties and lease income
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159,556
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150,158
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Other
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323,621
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135,577
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Total
revenues
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4,477,065
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7,814,708
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Costs
and Expenses:
|
|||
Operating
and other costs
|
2,016,264
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5,326,580
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Cost
of real estate and water assets sold
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149,845
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766,864
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Depreciation
and amortization
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296,413
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276,412
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Total
costs and expenses
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2,462,522
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6,369,856
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Income
before income taxes and minority interest
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2,014,543
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1,444,852
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Provision
for income taxes
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3,966,995
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923,908
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Income
(loss) before minority interest
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(1,952,452)
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520,944
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Minority
interest in loss of subsidiaries
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305,777
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Net
income (loss)
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$
(1,646,675)
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$
520,944
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Net
income (loss) per common share - basic:
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|||
Net
income (loss) per common share
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$(0.09)
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$0.03
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Weighted
average shares outstanding
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18,833,737
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16,882,284
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Net
income (loss) per common share - diluted:
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|||
Net
income (loss) per common share
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$(0.09)
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$0.03
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Weighted
average shares outstanding
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18,833,737
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17,071,198
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3
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008
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Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007
|
|||
OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
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||||
Net
cash used by operating activities
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$(7,942,903)
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$(6,683,702)
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INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
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||||
Purchases
of investments
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(7,523,491)
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(43,221,699)
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Proceeds
from sale of investments
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5,257,263
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2,702,089
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Proceeds
from maturity of investments
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38,097,968
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3,959,300
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Real
estate and water asset capital expenditure
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(16,439,639)
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(10,710,767)
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Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
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19,392,101
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(47,271,077)
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FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
|
||||
Proceeds
from common stock offering, net
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100,161,057
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|||
Sale
of treasury stock for deferred compensation plans
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29,392
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|||
Excess
tax benefits from stock based payment arrangements
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332,774
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Proceeds
from borrowings
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6,341,988
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Net
cash provided by financing activities
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6,674,762
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100,190,449
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Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash
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(3,749,975)
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(111,567)
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INCREASE
IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
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14,373,985
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46,124,103
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CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
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70,791,025
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136,621,578
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CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
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$85,165,010
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$182,745,681
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SUPPLEMENTAL
CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
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||||
Cash
paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)
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$125,523
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|||
Cash
paid for income taxes
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$14,400
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$2,032,900
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Non-cash investing and financing
activities:
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||||
Change
in capitalized costs included in other liabilities
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$11,921,811
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$5,896,849
|
4
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
1. Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of PICO
Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “PICO”) have
been prepared in accordance with the interim reporting requirements of Form
10-Q, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for complete consolidated financial
statements.
In the
opinion of management, all adjustments and reclassifications considered
necessary for a fair and comparable presentation of the financial statements
presented have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Operating
results presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.
These
condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto contained in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed
with the SEC.
The
preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for
each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the
Company’s consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment
of other than temporary impairments and the application of the equity
method of accounting, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance
receivables, real estate and water assets, deferred income taxes, stock-based
compensation and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the
carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of March 31,
2008 and December 31, 2007, it is reasonably possible that actual results could
differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were
based.
Stock-Based
Compensation:
At March
31, 2008 the Company had one stock-based payment arrangement
outstanding:
The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long Term
Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the grant or award of
various equity incentives to PICO employees, non-employee directors and
consultants. A total of 2,654,000 shares of common stock are issuable under the
Plan and it provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory
stock options, free-standing stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SAR”),
restricted stock awards, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock
units, deferred compensation awards and other stock-based awards. The Plan
allows for broker assisted cashless exercises and net-settlement of income taxes
and employee withholding taxes required. Upon exercise, the employee
will receive newly issued shares of PICO Holdings common stock equal to the
in-the-money value of the award, less applicable US Federal, state and local
withholding and income taxes.
For the
three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recognized $997,000 of
stock-based compensation expense from the SAR granted during
2007. The calculation of the stock-based compensation expense under
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS 123(R)”), was
performed using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and is affected by
various assumptions regarding certain subjective variables. These variables
include, but are not limited to, expected dividend yield, expected stock price
volatility over the term of the awards, the risk-free interest rates, the
estimated forfeiture rates, and the expected life of the options. Expected
volatility is based on the actual trading volatility of the Company’s common
stock. The Company uses historical experience to estimate expected forfeitures
and estimated terms. The expected term of a SAR grant represents the period of
time that the SAR is expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is the U.S.
Treasury Bond yield that corresponds to the expected term of each SAR
grant. Expected dividend yield is zero as the Company does not
foresee paying a dividend in the future. Forfeitures are
estimated to be zero based on the strike price and expected holding
period of the SAR. The Company applied the guidance of Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 110 in estimating the expected term of the
SAR.
E
Expected volatility
|
29%
— 31%
|
E
Expected term
|
7
years
|
R
Risk-free rate
|
4.3%
— 4.7%
|
E
Expected dividend yield
|
0%
|
Expected
forfeiture rate
|
0%
|
No new
awards were issued, nor were any awards exercised during the three months ended
March 31, 2008 and 2007.
A summary
of SAR activity under the Plan is as follows:
SAR
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term (In years)
|
|||||
Outstanding
at January 1, 2008
|
2,007,018
|
$
|
34.72
|
||||
Granted
|
|||||||
Exercised
|
|||||||
Outstanding
at March 31, 2008
|
2,007,018
|
$
|
34.72
|
8.7
|
|||
Exercisable
at March 31, 2008
|
1,509,766
|
$
|
34.72
|
8.4
|
At March
31, 2008 none of the outstanding SAR were in-the-money and therefore no
additional shares would be issued upon assumed exercise of both the vested
and unvested SAR.
A summary
of the status of the Company’s unvested SAR as of March 31, 2008 and changes
during the three months then ended is as follows:
SAR
|
Weighted
Average Gant
Date
Fair Value
|
||||
Unvested
at January 1, 2008
|
497,252
|
$
18.24
|
|||
Granted
|
|||||
Vested
|
|||||
Unvested
at March 31, 2008
|
497,252
|
$ |
18.24
|
At March
31, 2008 there was $6.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to
unvested SAR granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be
recognized over the next 2.75 years.
5
Deferred
Compensation:
At March
31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had $52.7 million and $52.5 million,
respectively recorded as deferred compensation payable to various members of
management and certain non-employee directors of the Company. The assets of the
plan are held in Rabbi Trust accounts which are invested consistent with the
Company’s investment policy. The investments are held in separate accounts,
accounted for as available for sale securities, and are reported in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets within the caption, “Investments”.
Assets of the trust will be distributed according to predetermined payout
elections established by each employee.
The
Company applies the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force No. 97-14, Accounting for Deferred Compensation
Arrangements Where Amounts Earned Are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested.
In summary, investment returns generated are reported within the Company’s
financial statements (with a corresponding increase in the trust assets) and an
expense is recorded within the caption, “Operating and other costs” for
increases in the market value of the assets held with a corresponding increase
in the deferred compensation liability (except in the case of PICO stock, which
is reported as Treasury Stock, at cost). In the event the trust assets decline
in value, the Company reverses previously expensed compensation.
Notes and Other
Receivables:
Notes and
other receivables primarily consist of installment notes from the sale of real
estate. These notes generally have terms of ten years, with interest rates of 8%
to 12%. The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to allow for any
specific accounts which may be unrecoverable and is based upon an analysis of
the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness, and
current economic trends and circumstances. No significant provision for bad
debts was required for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
Bank and Other
Borrowings:
For the
three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company increased its borrowings by $6.3
million under two additional loan facilities in Switzerland. The
additional borrowings bear interest at a weighted average of 4.4% and
mature at various dates from 2009 to 2011 and are collateralized by the
Company's Swiss investments. In addition, the Company also
recorded $1.6 million of mortgage debt associated with the acquisition of real
estate. The note bears simple interest at the annual rate of 12% and
is due in 2009.
Operating
and Other Costs:
For the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, a foreign currency gain of $3.8
million and $397,000, respectively is included in the caption, “Operating
and other costs” in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial
statements. The gain is derived from the translation of a Swiss Franc
denominated loan from PICO to one of its subsidiaries. When the Swiss
Franc appreciates relative to the U.S. dollar – such as the first quarters of
2008 and 2007, PICO records a benefit through the statement of operations to
reflect the fact that the subsidiary owes PICO Holdings more U.S.
dollars.
Accounting
for Income Taxes:
The
Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board
Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“SFAS
109”) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the
Company recognized a $293,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized income
tax benefits through opening retained earnings. At the adoption date of January
1, 2007, the Company provided for $3.5 million of unrecognized tax
benefits, $2.5 million of which would affect the effective tax rate if
recognized.
The
Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions
in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had recorded
approximately $1.4 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax
positions. The tax years 2002-2006 remain open to examination by the
taxing jurisdictions to which the Company’s significant operations are
subject. As of March 31, 2008, the Company does not believe that it
is reasonably possible that there will be a material change in the estimated
unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
The
income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
is an expense of $4 million on income before tax of $2 million and an
expense of $924,000 on income before income tax of $1.4 million,
respectively. The effective rate differs from the statutory rate
primarily due to the recognition of interest expense and penalties on uncertain
tax positions, the recording of valuation allowances against income tax losses
in certain subsidiaries, certain non-deductible compensation expense, and state
income tax charges.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS 161 - In March 2008, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of SFAS No. 133” (“SFAS
161”). SFAS 161 seeks to improve financial reporting for derivative instruments
and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures regarding the impact on
financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. To achieve this
increased transparency, SFAS 161 requires (1) the disclosure of the fair
value of derivative instruments and gains and losses in a tabular format;
(2) the disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related; and
(3) cross-referencing within the footnotes. SFAS 161 is effective for PICO
on January 1, 2009. PICO is currently in the process of determining the
effect, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
SFAS 141(R) - In December
2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (“SFAS 141(R)”), “Business
Combinations”. SFAS 141(R) replaces SFAS 141 and requires
assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, contingent
consideration and certain acquired contingencies to be measured at their fair
values as of the date of acquisition. SFAS 141(R) also requires that
acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs be recognized separately from
the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for PICO on January 1, 2009.
PICO is currently in the process of determining the effect, if any, that the
adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on the condensed consolidated financial
statements.
SFAS 160 - In December 2007,
the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No.
51”. SFAS 160 clarifies the accounting for non-controlling
interests and establishes accounting and reporting standards for the
non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, including classification as a
component of equity. SFAS 160 is effective for PICO on January 1, 2009. PICO is
currently in the process of determining the effect, if any, that the adoption of
SFAS 160 will have on the condensed consolidated financial
statements.
6
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS 159 - In February 2007,
the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities to voluntarily
choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (“fair
value option”). The fair value option may be elected on an
instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable, unless a new election date
occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, SFAS 159
specifies that unrealized gains and losses for that instrument be reported in
earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 was effective for PICO on
January 1, 2008. PICO did not apply the fair value option to any of our
outstanding instruments and, therefore, SFAS 159 did not have an impact on the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
SFAS 157 - In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
(“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that
require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within
those fiscal years. Subsequently, in February 2008, the FASB issued two staff
position on SFAS 157 (FSP FAS 157-1 and 157-2) which scope out the lease
classification measurements under FASB Statement No. 13 from SFAS 157 and delays
the effective date on SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of
nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2008. PICO is currently in the process of determining the
effect, if any, the
adoption of SFAS 157 for its non-financial assets and liabilities, effective
January 1, 2009, will have on the condensed consolidated financial
statements.
SFAS 157, which 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 the
asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. SFAS 157 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that
prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires
entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of
unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are
as follows:
Level 1 —
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities.
Level 2 —
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted
prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not
active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable
market data.
Level 3 —
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that
are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes
certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar
techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The
following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that
were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2008 by level
within the fair value hierarchy. PICO did not have any nonfinancial assets or
liabilities that were measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis
at March 31, 2008. As required by SFAS No. 157, assets and liabilities
measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest
level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s
assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value
measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to
the asset or liability:
Quoted
Prices In Active
|
Significant
Other
|
Significant
|
|||||
Markets
for Identical
Assets
|
Observable
Inputs
|
Unobservable
Inputs
|
|||||
Assets
|
(Level
1)
|
(Level
2)
|
(Level
3)
|
Balance
at March 31, 2008
|
|||
Available
for sale securities (A)
|
$324,611,272
|
$3,516,305
|
|
|
|
$328,127,577
|
|
Liabilities
|
|||||||
Deferred
compensation (B)
|
$52,670,016
|
|
|
$52,670,016
|
Approximately $1.5
million of the Company's investment portfolio does not have a readily
available market value and are not included in the above table as the
investments are reported at cost.
(A)
|
Where
there are quoted market prices that are readily available in an active
market, securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation
hierarchy. Level 1 marketable equity securities are valued
using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned and
debt securities are valued using a market quote in an active
market. Level 2 available for sale securities include
securities where the markets are not active, that is where there are few
transactions, or the prices are not current or the prices vary
considerably over time.
|
(B)
|
Deferred
compensation plans are compensation plans direct by the Company and
structured as a rabbi trust for certain executives and non-employee
directors. The investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued
using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares held in each
trust account including the shares of PICO Holdings common stock held in
the trusts. The related deferred compensation liability represents the
fair value of the investment
assets.
|
2. Net
Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic
earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss
per share is computed similarly to basic earnings or loss per share except the
weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares
from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents using the treasury
method, if dilutive. SAR are considered common stock equivalents for this
purpose. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming
that the SAR were exercised, and that the proceeds were used to acquire shares
of common stock at the average market price during the period.
For the
three months ended March 31, 2008 the Company’s stock-settled SAR were excluded
from the diluted per share calculation because their effect on the income or
loss per share was anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March
31, 2007 the Company’s stock-settled SAR were included in the diluted per share
calculation using the treasury stock method.
3. Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
The
Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.” Comprehensive
income for the Company includes foreign currency translation and unrealized
holding gains and losses on available for sale securities.
The components of comprehensive income
are as
follows:
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007
|
||
Net
income (loss)
|
$(1,646,675)
|
$
520,944
|
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation
|
|||
(depreciation)
on available for sale investments
|
(2,632,106)
|
7,804,376
|
|
Net
change in foreign currency translation
|
2,211,593
|
458,218
|
|
Total
comprehensive income (loss)
|
$
(2,067,188)
|
$
8,783,538
|
Total comprehensive income for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is net of deferred income tax benefit
of $5.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
The
components of accumulated other comprehensive income:
March
31, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
||
Unrealized
appreciation on available for sale investments
|
$
79,824,393
|
$
82,456,499
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
(775,468)
|
(2,987,061)
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
$
79,048,925
|
$
79,469,438
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income is net of deferred income tax liabilities of $39.2
million and $44.7 million at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively.
Marketable equity securities:
The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities totaling $262.4
million at March 31, 2008, consist primarily of investments in common stock of
foreign and domestic publicly traded companies. The gross unrealized gains and
losses on equity securities were $120.7 million and $3.8 million respectively,
at March 31, 2008 and $128.1 million and $2.6 million respectively, at December
31, 2007. The majority of the losses at March 31, 2008 were continuously below
cost for less than 12 months. During the three months ended March 31,
2008, the Company recorded $1.2 million of other than temporary impairment
charges on marketable equity securities. No impairment charges were
recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Corporate Bonds and US Treasury
Obligations: At March 31, 2008, the bond portfolio consists of $66
million of publicly traded corporate bonds and $1.2 million United States
Treasury obligations. The total bond portfolio had gross unrealized gains and
losses of $611,000 and $3.1 million respectively, at March 31, 2008 and gross
unrealized gains and losses of $438,000 and $2.6 million respectively, at
December 31, 2007. At March 31, 2008 just over 58% of the gross loss was
continuously below amortized cost for greater than 12 months. However, the
Company does not consider these investments to be other than temporarily
impaired because of the Company’s intent and ability to hold these bonds until
recovery of fair value, which may be at their maturity. The impairment is
primarily due to interest rate fluctuations rather than deterioration of the
underlying issuer of the particular bonds. During 2008, the Company recorded a
$340,000 impairment charge on one corporate bond due to deterioration of the
underlying issuer's financial condition. No impairment charges were recorded
during the three months ended March 31, 2007.
.
7
4. Commitments and
Contingencies
The
California Department of Insurance (“CDI”) is in the process of completing its
statutory examination requirement of Citation Insurance Company as of December
31, 2006. A draft report by the CDI has been submitted to the Company which
includes a comment on Citation’s financial statements as follows: “A Casualty
Actuary from the California Department of Insurance reviewed the loss and loss
adjustment expense reserves and concluded that the reserves were deficient by
$6.3 million”. The Company disagrees with this comment and the Company’s
independent actuary is in communication with the CDI to address this statement.
As of March 31, 2008, the Company has not made any adjustment to Citation
Insurance Company’s reserves as the final outcome of the CDI statutory
examination is uncertain and as our own review of reserves as of December 31,
2007 and the development of case reserves since December 31, 2006 indicates the
loss and loss adjustment reserves are adequate for future loss and loss
adjustment expenses.
Neither PICO nor its subsidiaries are parties to any potentially material pending legal proceedings other than the following.
Exegy
Litigation:
HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc. (“Hyperfeed”), our majority-owned subsidiary, was
a provider of enterprise-wide ticker plant and transaction technology
software and services enabling financial institutions to process and use high
performance exchange data with Smart Order Routing and other applications.
During 2006, PICO and HyperFeed negotiated a business combination with Exegy
Incorporated (“Exegy”). On August 25, 2006, PICO, HyperFeed, and Exegy entered
into a contribution agreement, pursuant to which the common stock of HyperFeed
owned by PICO would have been contributed to Exegy in exchange for Exegy's
issuing certain Exegy stock to PICO. However, in a letter dated
November 7, 2006, Exegy informed PICO and HyperFeed that it was terminating the
agreement. In connection with the termination of the contribution
agreement, the parties have filed certain lawsuits.
The
lawsuit filed by Exegy against PICO and Hyperfeed seeking monetary damages and
declaratory judgment that Exegy’s purported November 7, 2006 termination of the
August 25, 2006 contribution agreement was valid and the lawsuit filed by
PICO and Hyperfeed against Exegy are still pending in the United States
Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware. On February 22, 2008 PICO and
HyperFeed filed amended counterclaims against Exegy in connection with the
failed merger, alleging that Exegy’s termination of the contribution agreement
was wrongful and in bad faith. Other than the counterclaims filed on
February 22, 2008, by PICO and Hyperfeed against Exegy, no material developments
in these proceedings occurred during the first quarter of 2008.
At March
31, 2008, the outcome of this litigation is uncertain. Consequently,
the Company has not accrued any loss that may be associated with this
matter.
Fish
Springs Ranch, LLC:
In 2006,
the Company started construction of a pipeline from Fish Springs in
northern Nevada to the north valleys of Reno, Nevada.
The final
regulatory approval required for the pipeline project was a Record of Decision
(“ROD”) for a right of way, which was granted on May 31,
2006. Subsequently, there were two protests against the ROD, and the
matter was appealed and subsequently dismissed. However, in October
2006, one protestant, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (the "Tribe"), filed an
action with the U.S. District Court against the Bureau of Land Management and US
Department of the Interior. The Tribe asserted that the exportation of 8,000
acre feet of water per year from Fish Springs would negatively impact their
water rights located in a basin within the boundaries of the Tribe
reservation. The Company was able to reach a financial settlement
with the Tribe that ended the dispute in June 2007. The settlement agreement is
pending ratification by the United States Congress, which PICO anticipates will
occur in 2008. No material developments occurred relating to this
dispute or the settlement agreement during the first quarter of
2008.
The
Company is subject to various litigation that arises in the ordinary course of
its business. Based upon information presently available, management is of the
opinion that resolution of such litigation will not likely have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows of the Company.
5. Segment
Reporting
|
PICO is
a diversified holding company engaged in four major operating segments: Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations, Real Estate Operations, Business
Acquisitions and Financing, and Insurance Operations in Run Off.
The
accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described
in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Management analyzes segments using the following
information:
Segment
assets:
At
March 31, 2008
|
At
December 31, 2007
|
||
Total
Assets:
|
|||
Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations
|
$223,575,466
|
$231,863,512
|
|
Real
Estate Operations
|
89,665,727
|
83,750,531
|
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing
|
135,744,118
|
139,379,376
|
|
Insurance
Operations in Run Off
|
229,437,999
|
221,348,861
|
|
.
|
|||
$678,423,310
|
$676,342,280
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Revenues:
|
||
Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations
|
$819,285
|
$1,075,671
|
Real
Estate Operations
|
1,594,419
|
3,506,420
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing
|
390,228
|
1,176,406
|
Insurance
Operations in Run Off
|
1,673,133
|
2,056,211
|
Total
revenues
|
$4,477,065
|
$7,814,708
|
Income
(Loss) Before Taxes and Minority Interest:
|
||
Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations
|
$(960,038)
|
$(381,051)
|
Real
Estate Operations
|
422,124
|
2,200,019
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing
|
1,343,201
|
(2,074,965)
|
Insurance
Operations in Run Off
|
1,209,256
|
1,700,849
|
Income
before income taxes and minority interest
|
$2,014,543
|
$1,444,852
|
On April
22, 2008, the Company sold its interest in Junfraubahn Holding AG. At
March 31, 2008 the Company owned approximately 23% of Jungfraubahn and accounted
for the investment under SFAS 115, "Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities". Net proceeds to the Company
were $75.3 million. The pre-tax realized gain of approximately $46.1
million will be reported during the three months ending June 30,
2008.
8
Item
2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The
following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this
report and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in
our annual report on Form 10-K.
Note
About “Forward-Looking Statements”
This
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including the “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) contains
“forward-looking statements,” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, regarding our business, financial condition, results of
operations, and prospects, including, without limitation, statements about our
expectations, beliefs, intentions, anticipated developments, and other
information concerning future matters. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,”
“expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,”
and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying
forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Although
forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect the
good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on
current expectations and assumptions. Consequently, forward-looking statements
are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and the actual results and
outcomes could differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, those discussed
under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in
other filings made from time to time with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission after the date of this report. Readers are urged not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to
(and we expressly disclaim any obligation to) revise or update any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, subsequent
events, or otherwise, in order to reflect any event or circumstance which may
arise after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers are urged to
carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q and our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which attempt to
advise interested parties of the risks and factors which may affect our
business, financial condition, results of operations, and
prospects.
INTRODUCTION
PICO
Holdings, Inc. (PICO and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “PICO”
and “the Company”, and by words such as “we” and “our”) is a diversified holding
company. We seek to build and operate businesses where significant value can be
created from the development of unique assets, and to acquire businesses which
we identify as undervalued and where our management participation in operations
can aid in the recognition of the business’s fair value, as well as create
additional value.
Our
objective is to maximize long-term shareholder value. Our goal is to
manage our operations to achieve a superior return on net assets over the
long term, as opposed to short-term earnings.
Our
business is separated into four major operating segments:
·
Water Resource and Water Storage
Operations;
|
·
Real Estate
Operations;
|
·
Business Acquisitions & Financing Operations;
and
|
·
Insurance
Operations in “Run Off”.
|
Currently
our major consolidated subsidiaries are:
·
|
Vidler
Water Company, Inc. (“Vidler”), a business which we started more than 10
years ago, acquires and develops water resources and water storage
operations in the southwestern United States, with assets in Nevada,
Arizona, Idaho, California, and Colorado;
|
·
|
Nevada
Land & Resource Company, LLC (“Nevada Land”), an operation that we
built since we acquired the company more than 10 years ago, which owns
approximately 456,000 acres of former railroad land in Nevada, and certain
mineral rights and water rights related to the
property;
|
·
|
Physicians
Insurance Company of Ohio (“Physicians”), which is “running off” its
medical professional liability insurance loss reserves;
|
·
|
Citation
Insurance Company (“Citation”), which is “running off” its property &
casualty insurance and workers’ compensation loss reserves;
and
|
·
|
Global
Equity AG, which held our interest in Jungfraubahn Holding AG
(“Jungfraubahn”) until it was sold in April 2008. Jungfraubahn is a Swiss
public company which operates railway and related tourism and transport
activities in the Swiss Alps. Jungfraubahn’s shares trade on the SWX Swiss
Exchange.
|
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS--THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 AND 2007
Shareholders’
Equity
At March
31, 2008, PICO had shareholders’ equity of $525.1 million ($27.88 per share),
compared to $525.9 million ($27.92 per share) at December 31, 2007, and $513.9
million ($27.48 per share) at March 31, 2007. The $737,000 decrease in
shareholders’ equity during the first quarter of 2008 was primarily due to a $2
million comprehensive loss, which was partially offset by a $1.3 million
movement in paid-in capital due primarily to SAR. Book value per share decreased
by $0.04, or 0.14%, during the first quarter of 2008.
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
In
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting
Comprehensive Income,” PICO reports comprehensive income (loss) as well as net
income (loss) from the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Comprehensive income (loss) measures changes in shareholders’ equity from
non-owner sources, and includes unrealized items which are not recorded in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations, for example, foreign currency translation
and the change in investment gains and losses on available-for-sale
securities.
For the
first quarter of 2008, PICO recorded a comprehensive loss of $2 million. This
consisted of a $2.6 million net decrease in unrealized appreciation in
investments and the quarter’s $1.6 million net loss, which were partially offset
by a $2.2 million foreign currency translation credit.
At March
31, 2008, on a consolidated basis, available-for-sale investments showed a net
unrealized gain of $79.8 million after-tax. This compares to a net unrealized
gain of $82.4 million after-tax at December 31, 2007.
The
majority of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are recorded at
market value in the condensed consolidated financial
statements. Consequently, these financial assets and liabilities are
classified as Level 1 under SFAS 157 considering the valuation of these
investments is based on observable market quotes in an active
market. We do not anticipate any significant changes to such
classification in the foreseeable future.
Segment
Results of Operations
Segment
revenues and income (loss) before taxes and minority interest for the first
quarter of 2008 and 2007 were:
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Revenues:
|
||
Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations
|
$819,000
|
$1,076,000
|
Real
Estate Operations
|
1,594,000
|
3,506,000
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing
|
391,000
|
1,177,000
|
Insurance
Operations in Run Off
|
1,673,000
|
2,056,000
|
Total
revenues
|
$4,477,000
|
$7,815,000
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes and minority interest:
|
||
Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations
|
$(960,000)
|
$(381,000)
|
Real
Estate Operations
|
422,000
|
2,200,000
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing
|
1,344,000
|
(2,075,000)
|
Insurance
Operations in Run Off
|
1,209,000
|
1,701,000
|
Income
before income taxes and minority interest
|
$2,015,000
|
$1,445,000
|
First Quarter Net
Income (Loss)
First
quarter revenues were $4.5 million in 2008, compared to $7.8 million in
2007, a decrease of $3.3 million year over year. Revenues from the
Real Estate Operations segment declined $1.9 million year over year, primarily
due to $1.9 million lower sales of former railroad land in 2008. Revenues from
the Business Acquisitions and Financing segment decreased $786,000 year over
year, principally due to a $542,000 net realized investment loss on the sale or
impairment of securities recorded in 2008, which primarily reflected provisions
for other-than-temporary impairment of securities held in deferred compensation
accounts.
First
quarter costs and expenses were $2.5 million in 2008, compared to $6.4
million in 2007. A number of expenses changed significantly year over
year, combining to result in a $3.9 million decrease. The cost of
real estate and water assets sold was $617,000 lower in 2008 than in 2007,
principally due to the lower volume of former railroad land sales in the Real
Estate Operations segment. In 2008, Business Acquisitions &
Financing segment expenses included a $997,000 cost related to Stock
Appreciation Rights, compared to zero in 2007. However, a foreign
exchange gain reduced Business Acquisitions & Financing segment expenses by
$3.8 million, compared to $397,000 in 2007.
PICO
recorded income before taxes and minority interest of $2 million in the first
quarter of 2008, compared to income before taxes and minority interest of $1.4
million in the first quarter of 2007. The $570,000 year over year increase in
first quarter income before taxes and minority interest primarily resulted from
a $3.4 million improvement in Business Acquisitions and Financing segment
income, principally due to the $3.4 million higher foreign exchange recovery
discussed above, which more than offset lower results in the other segments.
Real Estate Operations segment income decreased $1.8 million, primarily due to a
$1.3 million lower gross margin from the sale of former railroad land. The Water
Resource and Water Storage Operations segment loss increased by $579,000,
principally as a result of $394,000 lower net investment income and $321,000
higher overhead expenses. Insurance Operations In Run Off segment income
declined by $492,000, primarily due to lower realized investment gains, lower
net investment income, and higher underwriting and operating
expenses.
After a
$4 million provision for taxes, and the add-back of $306,000 of minority
interest in subsidiary losses, PICO reported a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.09
per share) for the first quarter of 2008. The effective tax rate for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 is 197%, compared to the federal corporate
income tax rate of 35%. The $4 million tax charge exceeds the federal
corporate rate due to provisions for interest and penalties on unrecognized tax
benefits in accordance with Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), the recording of valuation allowances
against income tax losses in certain subsidiaries, certain compensation expense
which is not tax-deductible, and state tax charges.
After a
provision for taxes of $924,000, PICO reported net income of $521,000 ($0.03 per
share) for the first quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 is 63.9% compared to the federal corporate income
tax rate of 35%, primarily due to the write-off of a $314,000 foreign income tax
credit.
9
WATER
RESOURCE AND WATER STORAGE OPERATIONS
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Revenues:
|
||
Sale
of real estate and water assets
|
$129,000
|
$3,000
|
Net
investment income
|
566,000
|
960,000
|
Other
|
124,000
|
113,000
|
Segment
total revenues
|
$819,000
|
$1,076,000
|
Expenses:
|
||
Cost
of real estate and water assets
|
$(22,000)
|
$(1,000)
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
(277,000)
|
(261,000)
|
Overhead
|
(858,000)
|
(537,000)
|
Project
expenses
|
(622,000)
|
(658,000)
|
Segment
total expenses
|
$(1,779,000)
|
$(1,457,000)
|
Loss
before income taxes and minority interest
|
$(960,000)
|
$(381,000)
|
Over the
past few years, several large sales of real estate and water assets have
generated the bulk of Vidler’s revenues. Since the date of closing
generally determines the accounting period in which the sales revenues and cost
of sales are recorded, Vidler’s reported revenues and income fluctuate from
quarter to quarter depending on the dates when specific transactions
close. Consequently, sales of real estate and water assets for any
individual quarter are not indicative of likely revenues for future quarters or
the full financial year.
Segment
Results
In the
first quarter of 2008, Vidler generated $819,000 in revenues. Net investment
income of $566,000 was earned, primarily from the temporary investment of cash
proceeds from the February 2007 equity offerings by PICO. The February 2007
stock offering raised net proceeds of $100.1 million, which were principally
allocated to Vidler for new water resource and water storage acquisitions.
During 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, Vidler acquired several real estate
and water assets from these proceeds, primarily in western
Nevada (see
“Western Nevada” below) and Idaho, resulting in lower investment income
earned on liquid funds of $394,000 in the first quarter 2008, compared to the
first quarter of 2007.
In the
first quarter of 2007, Vidler generated $1.1 million in revenues. Net investment
income of $960,000 was earned, primarily interest from the temporary investment
of cash proceeds from the May 2006 and February 2007 equity offerings by PICO.
In aggregate, the stock offerings raised net proceeds of $174.1 million, which
were principally allocated to Vidler for existing and new projects, including
the design and construction of a pipeline to convey water from Fish Springs
Ranch to Reno. See "Fish
Springs Ranch” below.
Overhead
Expenses consist of costs which are not related to the development of specific
water resources, such as salaries and benefits, rent, and audit fees. Overhead
expenses were $858,000 in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $537,000 in the
first quarter of 2007. This increase of $321,000 is primarily due to increased
staff costs as Vidler’s development activities increased.
Project
Expenses consist of costs related to the development of existing water
resources, such as maintenance and professional fees. Project Expenses
are expensed as appropriate under GAAP, and could fluctuate from period to
period depending on activity within Vidler’s various water resource projects.
Costs related to the development of water resources which meet the criteria to
be recorded as assets in our financial statements are capitalized as part of
the cost of the asset, and charged to cost of sales when revenue is
recognized. Project Expenses principally relate to:
·
|
the
operation and maintenance of the Vidler Arizona Recharge
Facility;
|
·
|
the
development of water rights in the Tule Desert groundwater basin (part of
the Lincoln County agreement);
|
·
|
the
utilization of water rights at Fish Springs Ranch as future municipal
water supply for the north valleys of the Reno, Nevada area;
and
|
·
|
the
operation of Fish Springs Ranch, and maintenance of the associated water
rights.
|
Project
Expenses were $622,000 in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $658,000 in the
first quarter of 2007.
Fish
Springs Ranch
Vidler
has a 51% membership interest in, and is the managing partner of, Fish Springs
Ranch LLC (“Fish Springs”). Fish Springs has constructed a pipeline to
convey at least 8,000 acre-feet of water annually from Fish Springs Ranch to a
central storage tank in northern Reno, Nevada, which could supply water to the
new projects of several developers in the northern valleys.
The
current market value of water in the area exceeds the total cost of the pipeline
and the water to be supplied. To date, Vidler has entered into agreements to
sell approximately 119.5 acre-feet of water at a price of $45,000 per acre-foot,
as and when water is delivered through the pipeline.
As of
March 31, 2008, construction of the pipeline and related infrastructure has been
completed, with the exception of one surge tank. Winter weather delayed
construction of the surge tank during the first quarter of 2008, but it is
expected that the tank will be fully constructed, and testing of the entire
infrastructure will be completed, by May or June 2008. To date, all 28.6 miles
of the main transmission pipeline have successfully passed pressure tests, with
no observable pressure loss at any segment. Remaining testing includes the surge
tank and terminal tank as well as the computerized supervisory control and data
acquisition system. We anticipate being able to deliver water after successful
completion of this remaining infrastructure testing, and a start-up of the
entire system. The pipeline and associated infrastructure will be dedicated to
Washoe County under the terms of an Infrastructure Dedication Agreement entered
into in 2007 described below.
The total
direct costs of the pipeline project are expected to be approximately $90.2
million on completion of the pipeline and related infrastructure. As
of March 31, 2008, $92.1 million of direct pipeline costs and other related
expenditure, including interest, has been capitalized within the Real Estate and
Water Assets section of our balance sheet.
In
accordance with the Fish Springs partnership agreement, all costs related to the
pipeline project plus an appropriate financing cost for our 49% minority
partner’s share of total costs, will be the first distribution to Vidler from
revenues generated from the sale of Fish Springs’ water resources. Any further
distributions arising from future revenues from Fish Spring’s water resources,
after Vidler has recouped its costs and the financing charge, will be
apportioned equally between the partners.
In 2007,
Fish Springs entered into an Infrastructure Dedication Agreement (“IDA”) with
Washoe County, Nevada. The IDA, together with a Water Banking Trust Agreement
(“Water Banking Agreement”) entered into between Fish Springs and Washoe County
in 2006, is the final phase to allow Fish Springs Ranch water resources to be
delivered to the north valleys of the Reno area.
Under
the Water Banking Agreement, Washoe County holds the transferred and dedicated
water rights in trust on behalf of Fish Springs, which will then be able to
transfer and assign water rights credits. Fish Springs can sell the water
credits to developers, who then must dedicate the water to the local water
utility for service. Under the IDA, the entire project infrastructure will be
dedicated to Washoe County to operate and maintain as part of their existing
water delivery system, with the pipeline capacity, estimated to be at least
18,000 acre feet per year, reserved for Fish Springs. Fish Springs
retains the exclusive right to convey any and all water rights (initially 8,000
acre-feet per year) through the project infrastructure.
Without
changing the potential revenues to Fish Springs, the two agreements allow Washoe
County to perform its role as a water utility by delivering and maintaining
water service to new developments. The agreements enable Fish Springs to
complete its water development project by selling water credits to developers,
who can then obtain will-serve commitments from Washoe County.
Coyote
Springs
A hearing
was completed in 2006 on a filing for water rights from Kane Springs, and in
January 2007 Lincoln/Vidler was awarded 1,000 acre-feet of permitted water
rights. The Nevada State Engineer has requested additional data before making a
determination on the balance of the applications from this groundwater basin,
where Lincoln/Vidler maintains priority applications for approximately 17,375
acre-feet of water. The actual permits received may be for a lesser quantity,
which cannot be accurately predicted.
Lincoln/Vidler
is responsible for obtaining the right-of-way over federally managed lands
relating to a pipeline to convey the water rights from Kane Springs on behalf of
the buyer of the 1,000 acre-feet awarded to Lincoln/Vidler. On obtaining the
right-of-way, which is expected sometime in 2008, Lincoln/Vidler expects to
close on the sale of the permitted water rights for a current price of $7,320
per acre-foot.
Tule Desert Groundwater Basin
In 1998, Lincoln/Vidler filed for
14,000 acre-feet of water rights for municipal use from the Tule Desert
Groundwater Basin. In November 2002, the Nevada State Engineer granted and
permitted an application for 2,100 acre-feet of water rights -- which Lincoln/
Vidler subsequently sold to a developer -- and ruled that an additional 7,244
acre-feet could be granted pending additional studies by Lincoln/Vidler.
Lincoln/Vidler has completed the required hydro-geological studies and submitted
the data to the Nevada State Engineer’s office in March 2008. This data is being
reviewed by the U.S. Geological Survey and we anticipate a decision on the award
of further water rights by the Nevada State Engineer later in 2008.
Lincoln/Vidler has agreements in place with developers to sell up to 7,240
acre-feet of water rights at a current price of $9,075 per
acre-foot.
Western
Nevada
In the
fourth quarter of 2007, Vidler entered into development and improvement
agreements with both Carson City and Lyon County, Nevada to provide water
resources for planned future growth in Lyon County and to connect the municipal
water systems of Carson City and Lyon County.
The
agreements allow for Carson River water rights owned or controlled by Vidler to
be conveyed for use in Lyon County. The agreements also allow Vidler to bank
water with Lyon County and authorize Vidler to build the infrastructure to
upgrade and inter-connect the Carson City and Lyon County water
systems.
As a
result of this Carson-Lyon Intertie project, Carson City will receive greater
stability in its peak day demands within the water supply. In
addition, the ranches from which the water rights are being utilized will, in
part, be acquired by Carson City for use as precious riverfront open space for
the community. It is anticipated that the Lyon County utility will have as much
as 4,000 acre-feet of water for development projects in the Dayton corridor for
which there is currently limited supplies of water available as well as new
water infrastructure to improve Lyon County’s water management program. The
connection of the two water systems will also allow Carson City and Lyon County
greater stability and flexibility with their water supplies in the event of
emergencies such as wildfires or infrastructure failures.
Vidler is
in the process of developing the capital budget for the Carson-Lyon Intertie
project. Estimated total capital costs for the proposed new infrastructure are
expected to be approximately $23 million over a four to six year period. The
infrastructure will be sufficient to deliver an expected volume of water
totaling 4,000 acre-feet per year. Expenditures on this project are expected to
commence in the second quarter of 2008.
As of
March 31, 2008, Vidler has acquired and optioned a total of approximately 4,366
acre-feet of water rights consisting of both Carson River agriculture designated
water rights and certain municipal and industrial designated water
rights. Out of this total amount, on completion of our re-designation
development process, approximately 3,200 acre-feet is expected to be available
for municipal use in Lyon County, principally by means of delivery through the
proposed new infrastructure.
10
REAL
ESTATE OPERATIONS
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Revenues:
|
||
Sale
of real estate and water assets
|
$365,000
|
$2,306,000
|
Net
investment income
|
923,000
|
857,000
|
Other
|
306,000
|
343,000
|
Segment
total revenues
|
$1,594,000
|
$3,506,000
|
Expenses:
|
||
Cost
of real estate and water assets
|
$(128,000)
|
$
(766,000)
|
Operating
expenses
|
$(1,044,000)
|
(540,000)
|
Segment
total expenses
|
$(1,172,000)
|
$(1,306,000)
|
Income
before income taxes and minority interest
|
$422,000
|
$2,200,000
|
Currently
our largest business in the Real Estate Operations segment is conducted through
our subsidiary Nevada Land & Resource Company, LLC (“Nevada Land”). Our real
estate operations also comprise the operations of UCP LLC (“UCP”) and Global
Equity Corporation (“Global Equity”).
UCP was
formed with the objective of acquiring attractive and well-located finished
lots, partially-developed lots and un-entitled land in select California
markets, where medium-sized regional developers and homebuilders may have
liquidity challenges as a result of the downturn in the housing market. In the
first quarter of 2008, UCP acquired a total of 40 finished lots, 73
partially-entitled lots and an estimated 960 future lots from un-entitled land,
all in and around the Fresno, California region.
Global
Equity is a Canadian company which manages the Phoenix Capital Income Trust and
its subsidiary Phoenix Capital, Inc. (collectively “Phoenix”). Phoenix was in
the business of acquiring interests in privately-traded Canadian real estate
partnerships and syndicates (collectively “partnership units”) at an appropriate
discount to the value of the underlying real estate owned by the syndicate or
partnership, to reflect the lack of a public trading market for the partnership
units. Global Equity is managing the existing portfolio of partnership units
owned by Phoenix, and Global Equity is the vehicle through which additional
partnership units are now being acquired.
Nevada
Land recognizes revenue from land sales when a sale transaction closes. On
closing, the entire sales price is recorded as revenue, and the associated cost
basis is reported as cost of land sold. Since the date of closing determines the
accounting period in which the revenue and cost of land are recorded, Nevada
Land’s reported results fluctuate from quarter to quarter, depending on the
dates when transactions close. Consequently, results for any one quarter are not
necessarily indicative of likely results for future quarters or the full
financial year. In the following, gross margin is defined as revenue
less cost of sales, and gross margin percentage is defined as gross margin
divided by revenue.
In the
first quarter of 2008, segment total revenues were $1.6 million. Nevada Land
sold approximately 4,161 acres of land for $365,000. The average sales price was
$88 per acre, and our average basis in the land sold was $31 per acre. The gross
margin on land sales was $237,000, which represents a gross margin percentage of
64.9%. Net investment income from liquid funds was $923,000, and other revenues,
primarily land lease and royalty income, were $306,000. After segment operating
expenses of $1 million, Real Estate Operations generated segment income of
$422,000 for the first three months of 2008.
In the
first quarter of 2007, segment total revenues were $3.5 million. Nevada Land
sold approximately 25,784 acres of former railroad land for $2.3 million. The
average sales price was $89 per acre, and our average basis in the land sold was
$30 per acre. The gross margin on land sales was $1.5 million, which represents
a gross margin percentage of 66.8%. Net investment income, representing interest
earned on the proceeds from land sales and on land sales contracts where Nevada
Land has provided vendor financing, was $857,000, and other revenues (primarily
lease and royalty income from the former railroad land) were $343,000. After
segment operating expenses of $540,000, Real Estate Operations generated segment
income of $2.2 million for the first three months of 2007.
The first
quarter segment result decreased by $1.8 million year over year. This was due to
a $1.3 million decrease in gross margin from land sales year over year,
primarily as a result of the significant decrease in the volume of land sold in
the first quarter of 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007. In
addition, segment operating expenses were $504,000 higher in the first
quarter of 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007, primarily due to
the additional overhead incurred in the operations of UCP that commenced in
2008.
Despite
the slow-down in land sales at Nevada Land, we are seeing development
activity with respect to our geothermal rights, which reflects the increased
demand in the U.S. for alternative energy sources. Nevada Land owns the
geothermal rights to over 1.3 million acres in northern Nevada. We hold the
geothermal rights on property we still own, and we have retained the geothermal
rights on all land sales that we previously recorded. Typically, we structure
geothermal development agreements with power companies that incorporate a lease
element, as well as a royalty on the actual energy generated from a geothermal
plant. We are currently managing seven geothermal leases, over a total of 16,500
acres, in varying stages of development with five different power
companies.
BUSINESS
ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCING OPERATIONS
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Business
Acquisitions and Financing Operations Revenues:
|
||
Realized
loss on sale or impairment of securities
|
$(542,000)
|
|
Net
investment income
|
933,000
|
$1,177,000
|
Segment
total revenues
|
$391,000
|
$1,177,000
|
Stock
appreciation rights expense
|
$(997,000)
|
|
Other
income / (expenses)
|
1,950,000
|
$(3,252,000)
|
Segment
total income / (expenses)
|
$953,000
|
$(3,252,000)
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes and minority interest
|
$1,344,000
|
$(2,075,000)
|
This
segment consists of acquired businesses, strategic interests in businesses, as
well as the activities of PICO which are not included in other
segments. The segment also contains the deferred compensation assets
held in trust for the benefit of several PICO officers, as well as the
corresponding and offsetting deferred compensation
liabilities. Revenues in this segment vary considerably from period
to period, primarily due to fluctuations in net realized gains or losses on the
sale or impairment of securities.
At March
31, 2008, the largest asset in this segment was our 22.5% interest in
Jungfraubahn Holding AG, which had a market value and carrying value of $70.3
million (before taxes). However, on April 22, 2008, we sold our
interest in Jungfraubahn. See “Sale of
Jungfraubahn” below, and Note 6 of Notes To Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent
Event”.
For the
first quarter of 2008, Business Acquisitions and Financing segment revenues were
$391,000, principally represented by net investment income of $933,000, which
was partially offset by a $542,000 net realized loss on the sale or impairment
of securities, primarily holdings in deferred compensation
accounts. The net realized loss is offset by a corresponding
reduction in deferred compensation payable to the participating officers, which
reduced segment total expenses, resulting in no effect on the segment loss
before tax. After a $953,000 recovery of expenses, the segment
recorded income before taxes of $1.3 million for the first quarter of
2008.
We
regularly review any securities in which we have an unrealized
loss. If we determine that the decline in market value is
other-than-temporary, under GAAP we record a charge to reduce the basis of the
security from its original cost (or previously written-down value if a provision
for other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in a previous accounting
period) to current carrying value, which is typically the market price at the
balance sheet date when the provision is recorded. The determination
is based on various factors, primarily the extent and duration of the unrealized
loss. A charge for other-than-temporary impairment is a non-cash
charge, which is recorded as a realized
loss. Charges for other-than-temporary impairment do not affect book
value per share, as the after-tax decline in the market value of investments
carried under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”), is already reflected in shareholders’
equity. The written-down value becomes our new basis in the
investment.
The
$542,000 net realized investment loss in the first quarter of 2008 primarily
consisted of:
·
|
a
$175,000 charge for other-than-temporary impairment in 3 common stocks
held in deferred compensation accounts. The stocks have been trading
continuously below cost, by 20% or more, for at least nine
months. Based on the extent and duration of the unrealized
losses, it was determined that the declines in market value are
other-than-temporary. Consequently, we recorded a charge to reduce our
basis in the stocks to their market value at March 31, 2008;
and
|
·
|
a
$340,000 charge for other-than-temporary impairment of one bond held in
deferred compensation accounts. The bond is a senior
collateralized note, however the issuer filed for bankruptcy protection
during 2007 and the market value of the pledged collateral declined
sharply. The provision for other-than-temporary impairment
reduced the basis in the bond to estimated realizable value at March 31,
2008.
|
For the
first quarter of 2007, Business Acquisitions and Financing segment revenues were
$1.2 million, principally represented by net investment income of $1.2 million.
After total expenses of $3.3 million, the segment incurred a loss income before
taxes of $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2007.
First
quarter segment revenues decreased $786,000 year over year, primarily due to the
$542,000 net realized investment loss incurred in 2008.
First
quarter segment expenses decreased $4.2 million year over year. The expenses
recorded in this segment primarily consist of holding company costs which are
not allocated to our other segments, for example, rent for our head office, any
compensation cost for stock-settled Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”), and
deferred compensation expense. In 2008, expenses included a $997,000
SAR expense, compared to zero in the first quarter of 2007. However,
this compensation expense and all other expenses in the segment were exceeded by
a $3.8 million exchange rate benefit, which resulted in a total segment recovery
of $953,000 in the first quarter of 2008.
Inter-Company
Loan
In
addition to the interest in Jungfraubahn held in this segment until April 2008,
PICO European Holdings, LLC (“PICO European”) holds a portfolio of interests in
Swiss public companies. PICO European is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio, and forms part of the Insurance Operations
in Run Off segment. Part of PICO European’s funding comes from a loan from PICO
Holdings, Inc., which is denominated in Swiss Francs. Since the U.S. dollar is
the functional currency for our financial reporting, under GAAP we are required
to record a benefit or expense through the statement of operations to reflect
fluctuation in the exchange rate between the Swiss Franc and the U.S. dollar,
although there is no net impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity before the
related tax effects.
During
accounting periods when the Swiss Franc appreciates relative to the U.S. dollar
– such as the first quarters of 2007 and 2008 – under GAAP we are required to
record a benefit through the statement of operations to reflect the fact that
PICO European owes PICO Holdings more U.S. dollars. Consequently, an
exchange rate benefit of $3.8 million, which reduced segment expenses, was
recorded in PICO’s statement of operations in the first quarter of 2008,
compared to a $397,000 exchange rate benefit in the first quarter of
2007.
SAR
Expense
During
2005, the Company’s Compensation Committee established a stock-based Stock
Appreciation Rights (“SAR”) plan, the PICO Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Incentive
Plan (“the 2005 SAR Plan”), which was approved by shareholders in December
2005.
On
December 8, 2005, the Compensation Committee granted 2,195,965 stock-based SAR,
with an exercise price of $33.76, to various of the Company’s officers,
employees, and non-employee directors. The SAR granted in 2005 were
fully vested, and no compensation expense was recorded in accordance with GAAP
in effect at the time.
In 2006,
PICO adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”. Under SFAS No.
123(R), where SAR vest over a period of time, compensation expense is recorded
over the vesting period.
During
2007, 486,470 stock-settled SAR were granted to four officers with an exercise
price of $42.71, and 172,939 stock-settled SAR were granted to one officer with
an exercise price of $44.69. The SAR granted in 2007 vest over four
years.
In the
first quarter of 2008, SAR expense of $997,000 was recorded related to the 2007
SAR grant, which vests over four years. The SAR expense was
calculated based on the estimated fair value of the vested SAR as of the award
date. We expect to record an additional $6.5 million in compensation
expense related to these SAR over the future vesting period.
In April
2008, we sold our 22.5% interest in Jungfraubahn for 57.7 Swiss Francs (“CHF”)
per share, resulting in net proceeds of CHF 75.5 million (approximately US$75.3
million). To alleviate currency exposure on the sales proceeds, we
converted CHF 67.5 million into U.S. dollars at the rate of CHF 1.0111 =
US$1.00. The US$66.8 million is currently invested in a short term
deposit with Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt (Germany).
The sale
of Jungfraubahn will be recorded in the second quarter of our 2008 financial
year, ending June 30, 2008. We estimate that the sale will result in
a gain of $46.1 million before taxes in our consolidated statement of operations
for the second quarter of 2008, and the 2008 financial year. However,
the sale is expected to have only a minimal effect on shareholders’ equity and
book value per share, as most of the gain and related tax effects had already
been recorded in previous accounting periods as a net unrealized gain, in the
Other Comprehensive Income component of Shareholders’ Equity, since Jungfraubahn
was accounted for as an available-for-sale investment under SFAS No.
115.
11
INSURANCE
OPERATIONS IN “RUN OFF”
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
||
2008
|
2007
|
|
Revenues:
|
||
Net
investment income
|
$ 619,000
|
$816,000
|
Net
realized gain on sale or impairment of investments
|
1,014,000
|
1,228,000
|
Other
|
40,000
|
12,000
|
Segment
total revenues
|
$1,673,000
|
$2,056,000
|
Expenses:
|
||
Segment
total expenses
|
$(464,000)
|
$(355,000)
|
Income
Before Taxes:
|
||
Physicians
Insurance Company of Ohio
|
$931,000
|
$1,249,000
|
Citation
Insurance Company
|
278,000
|
452,000
|
Income
before income taxes and minority interest
|
$1,209,000
|
$1,701,000
|
This
segment consists of Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio and Citation Insurance
Company. Both Physicians and Citation are in “run off.” This means that the
companies are handling and resolving claims on expired policies, but not writing
new business.
Once an
insurance company is in “run off” and the last of its policies have expired,
typically most revenues come from net investment income (that is, interest from
fixed-income securities and dividends from stocks) earned on funds held as part
of their insurance business. In addition, realized gains or losses
arise from the sale or impairment of securities.
Revenues and results in this segment
vary considerably from period to period and are not necessarily comparable from
year to year, primarily due to fluctuations in net realized investment gains,
and favorable or unfavorable development in our loss
reserves.
The
Insurance Operations in Run Off segment generated total revenues of $1.7 million
in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $2.1 million in the first quarter of
2007. Net realized gains on the sale or impairment of securities were $1 million
in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $1.2 million in the first quarter of
2007. Net investment income was $619,000 in the first quarter of 2008, compared
to $816,000 in the first quarter of 2007. Operating and underwriting expenses
were $464,000 in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $355,000 in the first
quarter of 2007. Consequently, segment income decreased from $1.7 million in the
first quarter of 2007 to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2008.
The $1
million net realized investment gain reported in the first quarter of 2008
consisted of $2 million in gains on the sale of various portfolio holdings,
which were partially offset by a $973,000 charge for other-than-temporary
impairment of our holdings in 5 common stocks. These stocks have been
trading continuously below cost, by 20% or more, for at least nine
months. Based on the extent and duration of the unrealized losses, it
was determined that the declines in market value are
other-than-temporary. Consequently, we recorded a charge to reduce
our basis in the stocks to their market value at March 31, 2008.
Physicians
Insurance Company of Ohio
At March
31, 2008, Physicians’ loss and loss adjustment reserves were approximately $6.4
million, net of reinsurance, compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 2007.
Reserves decreased by $70,000 during the first quarter of 2008 due to payment of
claims. No unusual trends in claims were noted.
PHYSICIANS
INSURANCE COMPANY OF OHIO -- LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
RESERVES
|
||
March
31, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
Direct
Reserves
|
$6,533,000
|
$6,603,000
|
Ceded
Reserves
|
(83,000)
|
(83,000)
|
Net
medical professional liability insurance reserves
|
$6,450,000
|
$6,520,000
|
Citation
Insurance Company
At March
31, 2008, Citation’s claims reserves were $9 million, net of reinsurance,
consisting of $3.1 million in net property and casualty insurance reserves and
approximately $5.9 million in net workers’ compensation reserves. At December
31, 2007, Citation’s claims reserves were $9.2 million, net of reinsurance,
consisting of $3.1 million in net property and casualty insurance reserves and
$6.1 million in net workers’ compensation reserves. There were no unusual trends
in claims during the first quarter of 2008.
During
the first three months of 2008, Citation’s net property and casualty insurance
reserves declined by $41,000 due to payment of claims.
During
the first three months of 2008, Citation’s net workers’ compensation reserves
declined by $208,000.
CITATION
INSURANCE COMPANY -- LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
RESERVES
|
||
|
||
March
31, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
Property
& Casualty Insurance
|
||
Direct
Reserves
|
$3,546,000
|
$3,587,000
|
Ceded
Reserves
|
(438,000)
|
( 438,000)
|
Net
property and casualty insurance reserves
|
$3,108,000
|
$3,149,000
|
Workers’
Compensation
|
||
Direct
Reserves
|
$21,785,000
|
$22,186,000
|
Ceded
Reserves
|
(15,940,000)
|
(16,133,000)
|
Net
workers’ compensation insurance reserves
|
$5,845,000
|
$6,053,000
|
Total
reserves
|
$8,953,000
|
$9,202,000
|
12
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES—THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 AND 2007
Cash
Flow
Our
assets primarily consist of our operating subsidiaries, holdings in
publicly-traded securities, and cash and cash equivalents. On a consolidated
basis, the Company had $85.2 million in cash and equivalents at March 31, 2008,
compared to $70.8 million at December 31, 2007. In addition to cash
and cash equivalents, at March 31, 2008, the consolidated group held
fixed-income securities with a market value of $67.2 million, and equities with
a market value of $262.4 million.
Our cash
flow position fluctuates depending on the requirements of our operating
subsidiaries for capital, and activity in our insurance company investment
portfolios. Our primary sources of funds include cash balances, cash flow from
operations, the sale of holdings, and the proceeds of borrowings or offerings of
equity and debt.
In broad
terms, the cash flow profile of our principal operating subsidiaries
is:
·
|
As
Vidler’s water assets are monetized, Vidler is expected to generate free
cash flow as receipts from the sale of real estate and water assets will
have overtaken acquisition and development costs, maintenance capital
expenditure, financing costs, and operating
expenses;
|
·
|
Nevada
Land is actively selling real estate which has reached its highest and
best use. Nevada Land’s principal sources of cash flow are the proceeds of
sales of real estate for cash, and collections of principal and interest
on sales contracts where Nevada Land has provided vendor financing. These
receipts and other revenues exceed Nevada Land’s operating and development
costs, so Nevada Land is generating strong cash flow. We are
redeploying part of the cash flow from Nevada Land is being redeployed to
build the business of UCP, by acquiring lots and un-entitled land in
selected California markets; and
|
·
|
Investment
income more than covers the operating expenses of the “run off” insurance
companies, Physicians and Citation. The funds to pay claims come from the
maturity of fixed-income securities, the realization of fixed-income
investments and stocks held in their investment portfolios, and recoveries
from reinsurance companies.
|
The
Departments of Insurance in Ohio and California prescribe minimum levels of
capital and surplus for insurance companies, set guidelines for insurance
company investments, and restrict the amount of profits which can be distributed
as dividends.
Typically,
our insurance subsidiaries structure the maturity of fixed-income securities to
match the projected pattern of claims payments. When interest rates are at very
low levels, to insulate the capital value of the bond portfolios against a
decline in value which would be brought on by a future increase in interest
rates, the bond portfolios may have a shorter duration than the projected
pattern of claims payments.
As shown
in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, cash and cash equivalents
increased by $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to a $46.1
million net increase in the first quarter of 2007.
During
the first quarter of 2008, Operating Activities used $8 million in cash. The
principal operating cash inflows were cash land sales by Nevada Land and
repayments on notes related to previous land sales, as well as investment income
from the Insurance Operations in Run Off segment and from liquid funds held in
the other segments. The principal operating cash outflows relate to the
acquisition of real estate and water assets for future development and overhead
expenses.
During
the first quarter of 2007, Operating Activities used $6.7 million in cash. The
principal operating cash inflow was cash land sales by Nevada Land and
repayments on notes related to previous land sales. The principal operating cash
outflows include overhead expenses, tax payments, and the payment of management
incentive compensation related to 2006 performance.
Investing
Activities provided $19.4 million of cash in the first quarter of
2008. Proceeds from the maturity and call of bonds provided cash of
$39.8 million. The principal investing use of cash was $16.4 million
for the purchase of property & equipment and costs capitalized to water
infrastructure, which primarily related to the Fish Springs pipeline. In
addition, new purchases of stocks exceeded sale by $2 million, and we purchased
$2 million of fixed-income securities.
Investing
Activities used $47.3 million of cash in the first quarter of 2007. The
principal investing use of cash was a $31.7 million net increase in fixed-income
securities, which represents the temporary investment of a portion of the
proceeds of the February 2007 stock offering. In addition, we outlaid $10.7
million for property and equipment, primarily related to the Fish Springs
pipeline project, and $3.6 million net was invested in stocks.
Financing
Activities provided $6.7 million of cash in the first quarter of 2008. This
primarily represented the proceeds of an additional fixed advance of CHF (Swiss
Francs) 4.5 million ($4.2 million) from our bank in Switzerland, at a 4.43%
interest rate, which is due for repayment in 2011. The additional
fixed advance allows PICO European to acquire additional interests in Swiss
public companies.
We now
have total borrowing capacity in Switzerland of CHF 23 million ($23.2 million),
due for repayment from 2009 to 2011. At March 31, 2008, we had
borrowed approximately CHF 22.2 million ($22.4 million) of this
capacity.
Financing
Activities provided $100.2 million of cash in the first quarter of 2007. This
primarily represented the sale of 2.8 million newly-issued shares of PICO common
stock for net proceeds of $100.2 million.
Universal
Shelf Registration Statement
In
November 2007, we filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC
for the periodic offering and sale of up to US$400 million of debt securities,
common stock, and warrants, or any combination thereof, in one or more
offerings, over a period of three years. The SEC declared the
registration statement effective in December 2007.
At the time of any such offering, we
will establish the terms, including the pricing, and describe how the proceeds
from the sale of any such securities will be used. As of March 31,
2008, we have not issued any securities under the universal shelf
registration. While we have no plans for the current offer or sale of
any such securities, the universal shelf registration provides us with increased
flexibility and control over the timing and size of any potential financing in
response to both market and strategic opportunities.
Share
Repurchase Program
In
October 2002, PICO’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10
million of PICO common stock. The stock purchases may be made from time to time
at prevailing prices through open market or negotiated transactions, depending
on market conditions, and will be funded from available cash.
As of
March 31, 2008, no stock had been repurchased under this
authorization.
13
Our
balance sheets include a significant amount of assets and liabilities whose fair
value are subject to market risk. Market risk is the risk of loss arising from
adverse changes in market interest rates or prices. We currently have interest
rate risk as it relates to its fixed maturity securities, equity price risk as
it relates to its marketable equity securities, and foreign currency risk as it
relates to investments denominated in foreign currencies. Generally, our
borrowings are short to medium term in nature and therefore approximate fair
value. At March 31, 2008, we had $67.2 million of fixed maturity securities,
$262.4 million of marketable equity securities that were subject to market risk,
of which $173.1 million were denominated in foreign currencies, primarily Swiss
francs. Our investment strategy is to manage the duration of the portfolio
relative to the duration of the liabilities while managing interest rate
risk.
We use
two models to report the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities subject to
the above risks. For fixed maturity securities we use duration modeling to
calculate changes in fair value. The model calculates the price of a fixed
maturity assuming a theoretical 100 basis point increase in interest rates and
compares that to the actual quoted price of the security. At March 31, 2008, the
model calculated a loss in fair value of $1.5 million. For our marketable equity
securities, we use a hypothetical 20% decrease in the fair value to analyze the
sensitivity of our market risk assets and liabilities. For investments
denominated in foreign currencies, we use a hypothetical 20% decrease in the
local currency of that investment. The actual results may differ from the
hypothetical results assumed in this disclosure due to possible actions we may
take to mitigate adverse changes in fair value and because the fair value of
securities may be affected by credit concerns of the issuer, prepayment rates,
liquidity, and other general market conditions. The hypothetical 20% decrease in
fair value of our marketable equity securities would produce a loss in fair
value of $52.5 million that would impact the unrealized appreciation in
shareholders’ equity, before the related tax effect. The hypothetical 20%
decrease in the local currency of our foreign denominated investments would
produce a loss of $30.1 million that would impact the foreign currency
translation in shareholders’ equity.
Item
4: Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision of and with the
participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e)
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this
evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the
end of the period covered by this quarterly report. There was no change in the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act
Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
Part
II: Other Information
The
Company is subject to various litigation arising in the ordinary course of its
business. Members of PICO’s insurance operations segment are frequently a party
in claims proceedings and actions regarding insurance coverage, all of which
PICO considers routine and incidental to its business. Based upon information
presently available, management is of the opinion that such litigation will not
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results
of operations or cash flows of the Company.
Neither
PICO nor its subsidiaries are parties to any potentially material pending legal
proceedings other than the following.
Exegy
Litigation:
The
lawsuit filed by Exegy against PICO and Hyperfeed seeking monetary damages and
declaratory judgment that Exegy’s purported November 7, 2006 termination of the
August 25, 2006 contribution agreement was valid and the lawsuit filed by
PICO and Hyperfeed against Exegy are still pending in the United States
Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware. No material developments in
these proceedings occurred during the first quarter of 2008. For more
information on these proceedings, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007.
Fish
Springs Ranch, LLC:
The
Company’s settlement agreement with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of Indians
(the “Tribe”) relating to the exportation of water from the properties owned by
Fish Springs Ranch, LLC is pending ratification by the United States Congress,
which we anticipate will occur in 2008. No material developments
occurred relating to this dispute or the settlement agreement during the first
quarter of 2008. For more information on this dispute, see “Item 3.
Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007.
Item
1A. Risk Factors
There
are no material changes to our risk factors described in our Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2007, as filed on February 29, 2008.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of
Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item
3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item
5. Other Information
None.
14
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
|
3(i)
|
Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation of PICO. (1)
|
|
3(ii)
|
Amended
and Restated By-laws of PICO. (2)
|
|
10.1
|
||
10.2
|
||
31.1
|
||
31.2
|
||
32.1
|
||
32.2
|
(1)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3(i) in the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on
November 7, 2007.
|
|
(2)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) in the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
February 29, 2008.
|
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May
7, 2008
PICO
HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Maxim C. W.
Webb
Maxim C.
W. Webb
Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer and Authorized Signatory)