UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark one)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
o | TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
for the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-06334
AssuranceAmerica Corporation
Nevada | 87-0281240 | |
(State of Incorporation) | (IRS Employer ID Number) | |
5500 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 600 | 30328 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(770) 952-0200
(Issuers telephone number, including area code)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES þ NO o
There were 50,425,540 shares of the Registrants common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2005.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes o No þ
Page 1 of 18
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION
Index to Form 10-QSB
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15 | ||||||||
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16 | ||||||||
EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO | ||||||||
EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO | ||||||||
EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO AND THE CFO |
Page 2 of 18
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 8,699,165 | $ | 7,059,188 | ||||
Short term investments |
650,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
Long term investments |
600,000 | 599,808 | ||||||
Investment Income due and accrued |
734 | 734 | ||||||
Receivable from insured |
6,527,481 | 5,170,840 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable (including $3,590,893 and $3,084,838 on paid losses) |
11,517,773 | 10,543,775 | ||||||
Prepaid reinsurance premium |
7,164,795 | 5,291,830 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
267,306 | 224,842 | ||||||
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $1,153,874 and $1,094,131) |
1,240,988 | 1,185,081 | ||||||
Due from related party |
30,783 | 30,783 | ||||||
Other receivables |
465,095 | 245,677 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
125,125 | 52,260 | ||||||
Intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $1,230,895 and $1,198,396) |
7,527,290 | 5,399,789 | ||||||
Security deposits |
89,629 | 89,158 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 44,906,164 | $ | 36,293,765 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 3,491,873 | $ | 2,904,640 | ||||
Unearned premium |
10,540,175 | 7,833,189 | ||||||
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
11,418,648 | 10,655,625 | ||||||
Reinsurance payable |
6,140,178 | 4,936,933 | ||||||
Provisional commission reserve |
1,261,169 | 1,060,883 | ||||||
Debt, related party |
7,398,719 | 7,376,279 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
46,600 | | ||||||
Capital lease obligations |
265,545 | 265,545 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
40,562,907 | 35,033,094 | ||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Common
stock, 0.01 par value (authorized 80,000,000, outstanding 50,425,540
and 46,577,090, respectively) |
504,256 | 465,771 | ||||||
Preferred
stock, 0.01 par value (authorized 5,000,000, outstanding 466,000 and
426,000, respectively) |
4,660 | 4,260 | ||||||
Surplus-paid in |
11,218,534 | 8,872,943 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(7,384,193 | ) | (8,082,303 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
4,343,257 | 1,260,671 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 44,906,164 | $ | 36,293,765 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 3 of 18
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||
Gross premiums written |
$ | 10,764,245 | $ | 8,503,724 | ||||
Gross premiums ceded |
(7,331,914 | ) | (5,838,417 | ) | ||||
Net premiums written |
3,432,331 | 2,665,307 | ||||||
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums |
(834,021 | ) | (736,912 | ) | ||||
Net premiums earned |
2,598,310 | 1,928,395 | ||||||
Commission income |
3,867,879 | 2,990,630 | ||||||
Managing general agent fees |
1,068,735 | 823,409 | ||||||
Net investment income |
13,191 | 2,974 | ||||||
Other Fee Income |
258,835 | 300,759 | ||||||
Total revenue |
7,806,950 | 6,046,167 | ||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
1,701,776 | 1,495,644 | ||||||
Selling, general, and administrative |
5,118,723 | 4,115,117 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
92,242 | 67,577 | ||||||
Interest Expense |
149,499 | 141,699 | ||||||
Total operating expenses |
7,062,240 | 5,820,037 | ||||||
Income before provision for income tax expense |
744,710 | 226,130 | ||||||
Income tax provision |
| | ||||||
Net income |
744,710 | 226,130 | ||||||
Dividends on preferred stock |
46,600 | | ||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders |
$ | 698,110 | $ | 226,130 | ||||
Earnings per common share |
||||||||
Basic |
0.014 | 0.005 | ||||||
Diluted |
0.013 | 0.005 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic |
49,681,287 | 45,211,090 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted |
54,704,718 | 46,182,909 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 4 of 18
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 744,710 | $ | 226,130 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
92,242 | 67,577 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Receivables |
(1,576,059 | ) | (1,451,651 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(73,336 | ) | 65,372 | |||||
Unearned premiums and other payables |
2,706,986 | 2,276,985 | ||||||
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses |
763,023 | 1,664,252 | ||||||
Ceded reinsurance payable |
1,203,245 | 1,979,037 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable |
(973,998 | ) | (1,999,618 | ) | ||||
Prepaid reinsurance premiums |
(1,872,965 | ) | (1,540,074 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
658,259 | 492,161 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
(42,464 | ) | (10,121 | ) | ||||
Provisional commission reserve |
200,336 | | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
1,829,979 | 1,770,050 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
(115,650 | ) | (15,351 | ) | ||||
Purchases of investments and accrued investment income |
(250,192 | ) | (2,975 | ) | ||||
Net cash used by investing activities |
(365,842 | ) | (18,326 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from related party debt, net |
22,440 | | ||||||
Preferred dividends payable |
(46,600 | ) | | |||||
Preferred stock issued |
200,000 | | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
175,840 | | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
1,639,977 | 1,751,724 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
7,059,188 | 3,130,553 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 8,699,165 | $ | 4,882,277 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 5 of 18
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company and Basis of Presentation
AssuranceAmerica Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the Company) is an insurance holding company comprised of AssuranceAmerica Insurance Company (Carrier), AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLC (MGA), and Trustway Insurance Agencies, LLC (Agencies), each wholly-owned. The Company solicits, underwrites and retains risks primarily associated with nonstandard private passenger automobile insurance.
The accompanying unaudited, consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-QSB for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005. For further information refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Companys Form 10-KSBA for the year ended December 31, 2004. Footnote disclosures, which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in those documents, have been omitted.
Net income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128 Earnings per share.
Investments
All of the Companys investment securities have been classified as available-for-sale because all of the Companys securities are available to be sold in response to the Companys liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Investments available-for-sale are stated at fair value on the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders equity, net of related deferred income taxes.
A decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to income, resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004, there were no unrealized losses.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, over the life of the related fixed maturity security as an adjustment to yield using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Dividends and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific-identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Securities with a carrying value of $1,125,000 and $874,808 were pledged by one of the Companys subsidiaries under requirements of regulatory authorities as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
A summary of investments is as follows as of:
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||
Short Term Bank CDs
|
$ | 650,000 | $ | 400,000 | ||||
US Treasury Bill
|
$ | 600,000 | $ | 599,808 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash equivalents include cash demand deposits, money market accounts, and bank certificates of deposit with a maturity of less than three months.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in lawsuits related to claims and other insurance policy issues. Some of the actions request extra-contractual and/or punitive damages. These actions are vigorously defended unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of litigation is not expected to be material to the Companys financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Page 6 of 18
Recognition of Revenues
Insurance premiums are recognized pro rata over the terms of the policies. The unearned portion of premiums is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a liability for unearned premium. Commission income is recognized in the period the insurance policy is written and is reduced by an estimate for future cancellations. Installment and other fees are recognized in the periods the services are rendered.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) include premium taxes and commissions incurred in connection with the production of new and renewal business, less ceding commissions allowed by reinsurers. These costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. The Company does not consider anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs. Based on current indications, management believes that these costs will be fully recoverable and, accordingly, no reduction in DAC has been recognized.
Start-Up Costs
Start-up costs are expensed when incurred.
Leased Property Under Capital Lease
Leased property under capital lease is recorded as a capital asset and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property. The property and the related lease obligation are disclosed on the balance sheet.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes are: furniture and leasehold improvements 5 to 7 years; equipment 3 to 5 years; software currently in service 3 to 10 years. Improvements, additions and major renewals which extend the life of an asset are capitalized. Repairs are expensed in the year incurred. Depreciation expense was approximately $60,000 and $68,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||
Furniture and equipment |
$ | 308,944 | $ | 305,687 | ||||
Computer equipment |
1,104,358 | 1,026,394 | ||||||
Computer software |
444,440 | 432,285 | ||||||
Telephone systems |
44,167 | 44,167 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
492,953 | 470,679 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
(1,153,874 | ) | (1,094,131 | ) | ||||
$ | 1,240,988 | $ | 1,185,081 | |||||
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of noncompetition agreements, renewal lists, restrictive covenants and goodwill. Intangible assets are stated at cost. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS requires that goodwill and certain intangibles with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. The noncompetition agreements were amortized on a straight-line basis varying from 2 1/2 years to 5 years. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $32,000 and $0, respectively.
Losses And Loss Adjustment Expenses
The estimated liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) include the accumulation of estimates for losses for claims reported prior to the balance sheet dates, estimates (based upon actuarial analysis of historical data) of losses for claims incurred but not reported and for the development of case reserves to ultimate values, and estimates of expenses for investigating, adjusting and settling all incurred claims. Amounts reported are estimates of the ultimate costs of settlement, net of estimated salvage and subrogation. These estimated liabilities are subject to the outcome of future events, such as changes in medical and repair costs as well as economic and social conditions that impact the settlement of claims. Management believes that, given the inherent variability in any such estimates, the aggregate reserves are within a reasonable and acceptable range of adequacy. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting
Page 7 of 18
reserves are reviewed and updated quarterly and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in current operations.
A summary of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance ceded, is as follows:
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||
Case basis |
$ | 1,651,335 | $ | 1,650,429 | ||||
IBNR |
1,774,259 | 1,546,258 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 3,425,594 | $ | 3,196,687 | ||||
Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce its overall risk levels by obtaining reinsurance from other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance premiums and reserves on reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies.
Reinsurance assets include balances due from other insurance companies under the terms of reinsurance agreements. Amounts applicable to ceded unearned premiums, ceded loss payments and ceded claims liabilities are reported as assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company believes the fair value of its reinsurance recoverables approximates their carrying amounts.
The impact of reinsurance on the financial statements for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Premiums written: |
||||||||
Direct |
10,764,246 | 8,503,723 | ||||||
Ceded |
7,331,914 | 5,838,417 | ||||||
Net |
3,423,332 | 2,665,306 | ||||||
Premiums earned: |
||||||||
Direct |
8,057,259 | 6,226,739 | ||||||
Ceded |
5,458,949 | 4,298,344 | ||||||
Net |
2,598,310 | 1,928,395 | ||||||
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred: |
||||||||
Direct |
5,672,585 | 4,985,480 | ||||||
Ceded |
3,970,810 | 3,489,836 | ||||||
Net |
1,701,775 | 1,495,644 | ||||||
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense: |
||||||||
Direct |
11,418,648 | 6,163,403 | ||||||
Ceded |
7,993,053 | 4,314,382 | ||||||
Net |
3,425,595 | 1,849,021 | ||||||
Unearned premiums: |
||||||||
Direct |
10,540,175 | 8,138,577 | ||||||
Ceded |
7,164,795 | 5,588,274 | ||||||
Net |
3,375,380 | 2,550,303 |
The Company received approximately $2,798,704 in commissions on premiums ceded during the three months ended 2005. Had all of the Companys reinsurance agreements been canceled at March 31, 2005, the Company would have returned approximately $1,862,847 in reinsurance commissions to its reinsurers and its reinsurers would have returned approximately $7,164,795 in unearned premiums to the Company.
Contingent Reinsurance Commission
The Companys reinsurance contract provides ceding commissions for premiums written which are subject to adjustment. The amount of ceding commissions is determined by the loss experience for the reinsurance agreement term. The reinsurer provides commissions on a sliding scale with maximum and minimum achievable levels. The reinsurer provides the Company with the provisional commissions. The Company has recognized the commissions based on the current loss experience for the policy year premiums. This results in establishing a liability for the excess of provisional commissions retained compared to amounts recognized, which is subject to variation until the ultimate loss experience is determinable.
Page 8 of 18
Stock-Based Compensation
The Companys 2000 Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of stock options to officers, key employees, valued directors, consultants, independent contractors and other agents at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options become exercisable at various dates and are issued with exercise prices no less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time of the grant (or in the case of a ten-percent-or-greater stockholder, 110 percent of Fair Market Value.)
The aggregate number of common shares authorized under the plan is currently 5,000,000. Prior to the merger with AssuranceAmerica Corporation, a Georgia corporation, the Company had issued options to purchase 948,918 shares of common stock and AssuranceAmerica had issued options to purchase 1,300,000 shares of common stock. In connection with such merger, the outstanding options to purchase shares of AssuranceAmerica common stock were exchanged on a one-for-one basis for options to purchase shares of the Companys common stock under the Companys 2000 Stock Option Plan.
A summary of all employee stock option activity during the three months ended March 31 follows:
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
Number of | Average | Number of | Average | |||||||||||||
Options Outstanding | Shares | Exercise Price | Shares | Exercise Price | ||||||||||||
January 1 |
3,302,918 | $ | 1.45 | 2,238,918 | $ | 1.93 | ||||||||||
Add (deduct): |
||||||||||||||||
Granted |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Exercised |
(180,000 | ) | $ | 0.25 | | | ||||||||||
Cancelled |
(270,000 | ) | $ | 0.25 | | | ||||||||||
March 31 |
2,852,918 | $ | 1.64 | 2,238,918 | $ | 1.93 | ||||||||||
Exercisable, March 31 |
1,252,550 | $ | 3.19 | 1,124,918 | $ | 3.59 |
The following employee stock options were outstanding or exercisable as of March 31, 2005:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||
Weighted | ||||||||||||||
Average | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||
Remaining | Average | Average | ||||||||||||
Range of Exercise | Number | Contractual | Exercise | Number of | Exercise | |||||||||
Prices | of Shares | Life | Price | Shares | Price | |||||||||
< $1.00 |
1,964,000 | 4.24 years | $0.39 | 363,432 | $0.25 | |||||||||
$1.00 < $3.00 |
100,000 | 0.03 years | $1.13 | 100,000 | $1.13 | |||||||||
$3.00 < $4.00 |
210,000 | 0.11 years | $3.26 | 210,000 | $3.26 | |||||||||
$4.00 < $5.00 |
9,000 | 0.11 years | $4.67 | 9,000 | $4.67 | |||||||||
$5.00 <
$6.50 |
569,918 | 1.27 years | $5.38 | 569,918 | $5.38 | |||||||||
2,852,918 | 3.18 years | $1.64 | 1,252,350 | $3.19 |
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123.) The provisions of SFAS 123 allow companies to either expense the estimated fair value of stock options awarded or to continue to follow the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25,) but disclose the pro forma effects on net income had the fair value of the options been expensed. The Company has elected to apply APB No. 25 in accounting for its stock option plan, including stock awards to non-employee directors.
For the three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Net income as reported |
$ | 698,110 | $ | 226,130 | ||||
Compensation effect |
(20,579 | ) | (7,070 | ) | ||||
Pro forma net income |
$ | 677,531 | $ | 219,060 | ||||
Basic and diluted net income attributable to common stockholders |
||||||||
As reported Basic |
0.014 | 0.005 | ||||||
Proforma Basic |
0.014 | 0.005 | ||||||
As reported Diluted |
0.013 | 0.005 | ||||||
Proforma Diluted |
0.012 | 0.005 |
Page 9 of 18
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax-credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company has established a 100% valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty regarding the realization of these deferred income tax assets, including its net operating loss carry-forwards.
The Company has loss carry-forwards that may be offset against future taxable income and tax credits that may be used against future income taxes. If not used, the carry-forwards will expire in varying amounts between the year 2015 and December 31, 2023. The loss carry-forwards at December 31, 2004 were approximately $4,995,000. Utilization of the net operating losses carried forward will be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code as the Company experienced an ownership change greater than 50%. Accordingly, certain net operating losses may not be realizable in future years due to this limitation
Cash Flows
For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers cash demand deposits, money market accounts, and bank certificates of deposit with an original maturity of twelve months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates used.
Similar to other property and casualty insurers, the Companys liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (an estimate of the ultimate cost to settle claims both reported and unreported), although supported by actuarial projections and other data, is ultimately based on managements reasoned expectations of future events. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that this liability is adequate. Estimates are reviewed regularly and adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
In addition, the realization of the Companys deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income. It is reasonably possible that the expectations associated with these accounts could change in the near term and that the effect of such changes could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Risk
The following is a description of the most significant risks facing the Company and how it mitigates those risks:
(I) | LEGAL/REGULATORY RISKS the risk that changes in the regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its products. That is, regulatory initiatives designed to reduce insurer profits, restrict underwriting practices and risk classifications, mandate rate reductions and refunds, and new legal theories or insurance company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments may create costs for the insurer beyond those recorded in financial statements. The Company attempts to mitigate this risk by monitoring proposed regulatory legislation and by assessing the impact of new laws. As the Company writes business only in three states, it is more exposed to this risk than some of its more geographically balanced competitors. | |||
(II) | CREDIT RISK the risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company will default or that other parties, including reinsurers to whom business is ceded, which owe the Company money, will not pay. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by adhering to a conservative investment strategy, maintaining reinsurance agreements with financially sound reinsurers, and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible. | |||
(III) | INTEREST RATE RISK the risk that interest rates will change and cause a decrease in the value of an insurers investments. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer might have to sell assets prior to maturity and potentially recognize a gain or a loss. |
Page 10 of 18
Concentration of Risk
The Company operates in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina and is dependent upon the economy in those states. Automobiles insured through the Carrier are principally in South Carolina and Georgia. Premium increases generally must be approved by state insurance commissioners.
Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions
To retain its certificate of authority, the South Carolina Insurance Code requires that the Carrier maintain capital and surplus at a minimum of $3.0 million. At March 31, 2005, the Carriers capital and surplus was $3,578,460. Further, the Carrier is required to adhere to a prescribed net premium-to-surplus ratio. At March 31, 2005, the Carrier was in compliance with this requirement.
Under the South Carolina Insurance Code, the Carrier must receive prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend in an amount exceeding ten percent (10%) of policyholder surplus or net income, minus realized capital gains, whichever is greater.
The Company is required to comply with NAIC risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. RBC is a method of measuring the amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its size and risk profile. NAICs RBC standards are used by regulators to determine appropriate regulatory actions relating to insurers who show signs of weak or deteriorating condition and are evaluated at least on an annual basis at the end of each year. As of December 31, 2004, based upon calculations using the appropriate NAIC formula, the carrier total adjusted capital is in excess of ratios which would require any form of regulatory action.
Long-Term Debt
The Company has various notes payable to related parties totaling to $7,398,719 at March 31, 2005.
The annual maturities of principal payable on long-term debt as of March 31 are as follows:
Amount | ||||
2005 |
1,824,270 | |||
2006 |
1,459,333 | |||
2007 |
1,459,334 | |||
2008 |
1,000,000 | |||
2009 |
500,000 | |||
Thereafter |
1,155,782 | |||
$ | 7,398,719 | |||
The Companys debt consists primarily of unsecured promissory notes payable to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The promissory notes provide for the repayment of principal beginning in December 2004 in an amount equal to the greater of $1.0 million or an amount equal to 25% of the Companys net income after tax, plus non-cash items, less working capital. However, the promissory notes also permit the Company to postpone any and all payments under the promissory notes without obtaining the consent of, and without giving notice or paying additional consideration. As a result of the acquisition of the Georgia agency in 2004, the Company also has an unsecured promissory note payable to the President of Agencies. The promissory note carries an interest rate of 8% and provides for the repayment of principal in three equal installments beginning August 2005.
Defined Contribution Plan
The Companys employees participate in the AssuranceAmerica 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan. Under the plan, the Company can elect to make discretionary contributions. The Company did not make contributions in 2005 and 2004. The plan currently does not match employee contributions. The eligibility requirements are 21 years of age, 6 months of service and full time employment.
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Business Combination
As reported in the Form 8-K filed by AssuranceAmerica Corporation, on January 18, 2005, the Company acquired Cannon Insurance Agency, Inc. and E&S Insurance Services, Inc.(the Seller) pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with Trustway Insurance Agencies, LLC, the Seller and Steve Speir. The Company acquired the Seller as part of managements strategy to increase its agency operation through acquisitions. Pursuant to the Agreement, as consideration for the purchased assets, the Company issued to the Seller an aggregate of 3,600,000 shares of the Companys common stock. For purposes of the acquisition, management valued the common stock at $0.60 per share based upon the fair market value of the Companys shares as of the closing date.
Preferred Stock
On March 1, 2005, the Company issued 40,000 shares of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for an aggregate consideration of $200,000. The Series Convertible Stock pays a semi-annual dividend of $0.20 per share. Each share of preferred stock is convertible into ten shares of common stock.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Financial Condition
Investments and cash as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $1.9 million over investments and cash as of December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily due to improved operating cash flows provided from the continued growth of Carrier and the Agencies. Operating cash flows from the Agencies in the first quarter include profits from agencies acquired from Thomas Cook Holding Company in August 2004 and Cannon Insurance Agency and E&S Insurance Services in January 2005. The Companys investments of $3.9 million are in money market accounts, certificates of deposit and a US treasury bill. Management believes the trade-off between higher yields and risk avoidance is appropriate for an early growth company.
Premiums receivable as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $1.4 million compared to December 31, 2004. The balance represents amounts due from Carriers insureds and the increase is directly attributable to the increase in the Carriers premium writings over the prior quarter. The Companys policy is to write off receivable balances immediately upon cancellation, and the Company does not consider an allowance for doubtful accounts to be necessary.
Reinsurance recoverable as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $1.0 million, to approximately $11.5 million compared to December 31, 2004. The increase is directly related to the Carriers continued growth. Carrier maintains a quota-share reinsurance treaty with its reinsurers in which it cedes 70% of both premiums and losses. The $11.5 million represents the reinsurers portion of losses and loss adjustment expense. All amounts are considered current.
Prepaid reinsurance premiums as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $1.9 million compared to December 31, 2004. The increase results from the Carriers continued growth, and represents premiums ceded to its reinsurers which have not been fully earned.
Property and equipment, net of depreciation, increased approximately $0.06 million as of March 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004. The majority of the increase is attributable to the purchase of computer software and hardware at its corporate headquarters and leasehold improvements in its agencies.
Other receivables as of March 31, 2005 increased $0.2 million to $0.5 million compared to December 31, 2004. The balances represent Agencies receivables from insurance carriers for direct billed commissions. This increase is directly attributable to the increase in direct bill commissions from carriers, as the Company transitions more business from an agency bill basis to a direct bill basis. Policies issued under a direct bill basis traditionally have higher renewal rates than policies issued on an agency bill basis.
Deferred acquisition costs increased approximately $0.05 million at March 31, 2005, compared to December 31, 2004. The increase results from the Carriers continued growth. The amount represents agents commission and other variable expenses associated with acquiring the insurance policies that are being deferred to coincide with the earnings of the related policy premiums.
Intangible assets as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $2.1 million compared to the balance as of December 31, 2004. This increase is directly related to the Companys acquisition of an insurance agency in Georgia.
Accounts payable and accrued expense as of March 31, 2005, increased approximately $0.6 million to approximately $3.5 million compared to December 31, 2004. Approximately $1.1 million of the balance represents the Companys liability for premium taxes, an increase of
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$0.1 million from year-end. The majority of the balance of the increase represents commissions payable to the Companys agents and other expenses accrued but not paid.
Unearned premium as of March 31, 2005 increased approximately $2.7 million compared to December 31, 2004, and represents premiums written but not earned. This is directly attributable to the increase in the Carriers premium writings over the prior quarter.
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses increased approximately $0.8 million as of March 31, 2005, compared to December 31, 2004. This amount represents management estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses and the increase is the result of Carriers writings and anticipated future losses.
Reinsurance payable as of March 31, 2005 increased approximately $1.2 million, compared to the balance at December 31, 2004. The amount represents premiums owed to the Companys reinsurer. Carrier maintains a quota-share reinsurance treaty with its reinsurers in which it cedes 70% of both premiums and losses. The increase is directly attributable to the increase in the Carriers premium writings over the prior quarter.
Provisional commission reserves represent the difference between the Carriers minimum ceding commission and the provisional amount paid by the reinsurers. These balances as of March 31, 2005 increased $0.2 million, compared to the balance at December 31, 2004. The increase is related to increases in the Carrier writings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was $1.8 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.8 million for the same period of 2004.
Investing activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 consisted of the purchase leasehold improvements, property and equipment in the amount of $0.1 million in the Companys headquarters and in the Agencies and a purchase of a certificate of deposit in the amount of $0.2 million to comply with various Department of Insurance requirements for issuance of Certificates of Authority.
Financing activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 included the issuance of preferred stock resulting in additional capital of approximately $0.2 million.
The Companys liquidity and capital needs have been met in the past through premium, commission, and fee income, loans from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the President of the Agencies and issuance of Series A Preferred Stock. The Companys debt consists of unsecured promissory notes payable to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the President of the Agencies. The promissory notes carry an interest rate of 8% per annum and provide for the repayment of principal beginning in December. On March 1, 2005, the Company closed a private placement of equity of approximately $0.2 million. The Company issued 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock with a semi-annual dividend of $0.20 per share.
The growth of the Company has and will continue to strain its liquidity and capital resources. The Carrier is required by the state of South Carolina to maintain minimum Capital and Surplus of $3.0 million. As of March 31, 2005, Carriers Capital and Surplus was approximately $3.6 million.
Results of Operations
The Company reported net income of approximately $0.7 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005, compared to a net income of approximately $0.2 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2004.
The Companys 2005 improved results are primarily due to improved loss and loss adjustment expenses (Loss Ratio) in the Carrier. The Carriers actual Loss Ratio for the 2005 period was approximately 66% compared to approximately 78% in 2004. Commission income also improved year over year by 30%. This is in part due to improvements in the Agencies production as well as the added commission income streams from the two Georgia agency acquisitions in August 2004 and January 2005.
Gross premiums written for the three month period ended March 31, 2005, were approximately $10.8 million. In the comparable period for 2004, the Carrier recorded approximately $8.5 million in written premiums. The Company cedes approximately 70% of its gross premiums written to its reinsurers and the amount ceded for the three months ended March 31, 2005, was approximately $7.3 million. The Companys net earned premium, after deducting reinsurance, was approximately $3.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 and compares to approximately $2.7 million for the same period in 2004.
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Commission income for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 increased compared to March 31, 2004, by approximately $0.9 million. The Carrier pays MGA commission on the 30% of premium which the Carrier retains and is subsequently eliminated upon consolidation. The amount eliminated was approximately $0.8 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005. Agencies receive commissions from the carriers whose policies they sell. Commission rates vary between carriers and are applied to written premium to determine commission income.
Managing general agent fees for the three month period ended March 31, 2005, was approximately $1.1 million, or an increase of approximately $0.2 million when compared to the same period of 2004. The increase was generated by an increase in the number of policies sold.
Other fee income decreased approximately $40,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Agencies collect fees for various services performed and for additional products sold to insureds. As Agencies has begun to write more direct bill policies, increasing policy renewals and related commissions, fee income potential is reduced.
After deducting for the effect of reinsurance, losses and loss adjustment expenses were approximately $1.7 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005. As a percentage of earned premiums, this amount decreased for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004. The amount represents actual payments made and changes in estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of its policyholders, including the expenses associated with settling claims.
Other operating expenses, including selling and general, depreciation and amortization, and interest increased approximately $1.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005, when compared to the same period of 2004. This increase is associated with the growth of the Carrier and related operations. The Carrier and MGA experience proportionate increases in selling costs as the premiums written increase. Agencies increased costs reflect the operating expenses of the acquired agencies. These acquisitions were made subsequent to the March 2004 period.
ITEM 3. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to ensure that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
No significant changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds
On March 1, 2005, the Company issued 40,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock to Leonard W. Wood Family Limited Partnership, LLLP for a total investment of $200,000.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of common stock that results from dividing the per share Conversion Value by the per share Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion. The number of shares of common stock into which a share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible is referred to as the Conversion Rate. The per share Conversion Price of Series A Preferred Stock initially in effect is $0.50 and the per share Conversion Value of Series A Preferred Stock initially in effect is $5.00. The initial Conversion Price is subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock combinations and certain issuances of capital stock for consideration per share less than the then-current Conversion Price. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holder at any time into shares of the Companys common stock. In addition, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will automatically convert into common stock on the second anniversary of the date on which such share was issued. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will also automatically convert into common stock immediately prior to the closing of any public offering of any of the Companys equity securities with aggregate proceeds to the Company, at the public offering price, of at least $20 million, before underwriting commissions and expenses, and at a per share price of at least three times the then-current Conversion Price.
The Companys offer and sale of the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the private placement described above, including shares of common stock into which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible (collectively the Securities), was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to the exemptions therefrom provided by Section 4(2) thereof and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Each investor in this private placement represented and warranted to the Company that such investor was an accredited investor as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D. The private placement was conducted without general solicitation or advertising. All certificates issued representing the Securities will be legended to indicate that they are restricted. No sale of the Securities involved the use of underwriters, and no commissions were paid in connection with the issuance or sale of the Securities.
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) | Exhibits. |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K. |
1. | 8-K dated January 25, 2005 On January 18, 2005, AssuranceAmerica Corporation (the Company) acquired Cannon Insurance Agency, Inc. and E&S Insurance Services, Inc.(the Seller) pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with Trustway Insurance Agencies, LLC, the Seller and Steve Speir. Pursuant to the Agreement, as consideration for the purchased assets, the Company issued to the Seller an aggregate of 3,600,000 shares of the Companys common stock. | |||
2. | 8-K dated February 2, 2005 On January 25, 2005, the registrant issued a press release reporting certain financial results for the year ending December 31, 2004. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. | |||
3. | 8-K dated February 16, 2005 On or about February 14, 2005, an article appeared in The Atlanta Business Chronicle following an interview with executives of the Company; the article contains certain information regarding the future operations and financial goals of the Company. The article is attached as Exhibit 99.1. | |||
4. | 8-K dated March 23, 2005 On March 21, 2005, the Registrant appointed Renee Pinczes as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant. |
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION |
||||
By: | /s/ Lawrence Stumbaugh | |||
Lawrence Stumbaugh | ||||
President and CEO | ||||
Date: May 16, 2005
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