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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

No. 000-50926

(Commission File Number)

 


 

FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Michigan   42-1609947

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

933 E. Main St.   49412
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(231) 924-0300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

   

Number of Shares Outstanding

as of November 12, 2004


COMMON STOCK (No Par Value)   862,128
(Title of Class)   (Outstanding Shares)

 


 

1


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) and Fremont Insurance Company (the “Insurance Company”) may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits hereto and thereto), in its reports to shareholders and in other communications by the Holding Company, which are made in good faith by the Holding Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” or similar expressions in this report. Determination of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and amounts due from reinsurers are based substantially on estimates and the amounts so determined are inherently forward-looking.

 

The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. We have identified several important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results discussed, contemplated, projected, forecast, estimated or budgeted in the forward-looking information. These factors, which are listed below, are difficult to predict and many are beyond our control:

 

  future economic conditions and the legal and regulatory environment in Michigan;

 

  the effects of weather-related and other catastrophic events;

 

  financial market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates and values of investments;

 

  the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war on investment and reinsurance markets;

 

  inflation;

 

  the cost, availability and collectibility of reinsurance;

 

  estimates and adequacy of loss reserves and trends in losses and loss adjustment expenses;

 

  heightened competition, including specifically the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors and the development of new products by new and existing competitors;

 

  our inability to obtain regulatory approval of, or to implement, premium rate increases;

 

  inability to carry out marketing and sales plans, including, among others, development of new products or changes to existing products and acceptance of the new or revised products in the market;

 

  unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations;

 

  adverse litigation or arbitration results;

 

  the ability to carry out our business plans; and

 

  adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules governing insurance holding companies and insurance companies, and changes that affect the cost of, or demand for, our products.

 

Because forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this filing.

 

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to the Holding Company or the Insurance Company or any person acting on our behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this filing.

 

2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

     September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Assets

             

Investments:

             

Available-for-sale:

             

Fixed maturities, at fair value

   $ 30,241,646    $ 25,044,458

Equity securities, at fair value

     4,924,233      2,759,918
    

  

Total investments

     35,165,879      27,804,376

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,281,351      6,977,804

Premiums due from policyholders, net

     6,958,603      6,647,176

Amounts due from reinsurers

     11,542,603      16,985,726

Accrued investment income

     307,495      298,598

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     823,416      802,016

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     2,712,372      294,530

Deferred equity offering costs

     510,727      173,710

Note receivable from related party

     137,218      140,000

Other assets

     3,037      3,890
    

  

     $ 61,442,701    $ 60,127,826
    

  

Liabilities and Policyholders’ Surplus

             

Liabilities:

             

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 17,422,185    $ 13,878,063

Unearned premiums

     19,426,064      18,541,522

Surplus notes

     5,264,333      5,264,333

Reinsurance funds withheld and ceded premiums payable

     3,847,535      8,226,627

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     6,678,793      5,970,102
    

  

Total liabilities

     52,638,910      51,880,647
    

  

Commitments and contingencies

             

Policyholders’ surplus:

             

Unassigned surplus

     8,130,704      7,701,273

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

             

Net unrealized gains on investments

     673,087      545,906
    

  

Total policyholders’ surplus

     8,803,791      8,247,179
    

  

Total liabilities and policyholders’ surplus

   $ 61,442,701    $ 60,127,826
    

  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

3


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net premiums written

   $ 27,277,813     $ 13,360,322  
    


 


Revenues:

                

Net premiums earned

     18,575,987       12,713,688  

Net investment income

     666,483       619,820  

Net realized losses on investments

     (104,978 )     (208,967 )

Other income, net

     176,844       187,628  
    


 


Total revenues

     19,314,336       13,312,169  
    


 


Expenses:

                

Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net

     11,947,954       8,202,856  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     6,320,131       4,692,711  

Interest expense

     398,631       428,727  

Demutualization expenses

     143,189       —    
    


 


Total expenses

     18,809,905       13,324,294  
    


 


Income (loss) before federal income tax expense

     504,431       (12,125 )

Federal income tax expense

     75,000       —    
    


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 429,431     $ (12,125 )
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

4


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net premiums written

   $ 10,475,798     $ 5,298,515  
    


 


Revenues:

                

Net premiums earned

     7,294,306       4,263,329  

Net investment income

     256,292       140,220  

Net realized losses on investments

     (96,606 )     (216,706 )

Other income, net

     75,039       76,096  
    


 


Total revenues

     7,529,031       4,262,939  
    


 


Expenses:

                

Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net

     4,770,904       2,720,480  

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     2,675,757       1,626,744  

Interest expense

     125,419       161,286  

Demutualization expenses

     101,962       —    
    


 


Total expenses

     7,674,042       4,508,510  
    


 


Loss before federal income tax benefit

     (145,011 )     (245,571 )

Federal income tax benefit

     (15,000 )     (31,000 )
    


 


Net loss

   $ (130,011 )   $ (214,571 )
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

5


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Statement of Policyholders’ Surplus (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

     Unassigned
Surplus


  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive
Income


   Total
Policyholders’
Surplus


Balance, December 31, 2003

   $ 7,701,273    $ 545,906    $ 8,247,179

Comprehensive income

                    

Net income

     429,431      —        429,431

Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities

     —        127,181      127,181
    

  

  

Total comprehensive income

                   556,612
                  

Balance, September 30, 2004

   $ 8,130,704    $ 673,087    $ 8,803,791
    

  

  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

6


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 429,431     $ (12,125 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation

     117,915       117,916  

Net realized losses on investments

     104,978       208,967  

Net amortization of premiums on investments

     147,493       46,119  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Premiums due from policyholders

     (311,427 )     (317,691 )

Amounts due from reinsurers

     5,443,123       (2,389,093 )

Accrued investment income

     (8,897 )     (102,482 )

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     (2,417,842 )     348,481  

Federal income taxes recoverable

     —         45,396  

Deferred equity offering expenses

     (337,017 )     —    

Other assets

     853       60,293  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     3,544,122       1,969,039  

Unearned premiums

     938,031       1,199,632  

Reinsurance funds withheld and ceded premiums payable

     (4,432,581 )     6,629,291  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     708,691       279,744  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,926,873       8,083,487  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities

     8,081,976       13,154,915  

Purchases of securities

     (15,568,769 )     (23,908,091 )

Repayment of note receivable from related party

     2,782       —    

Issuance of note receivable from related party

     —         (80,514 )

Purchase of equipment, net

     (139,315 )     (1,292 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (7,623,326 )     (10,834,982 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Repayment of surplus notes

     —         (804,000 )

Issuance of surplus notes

     —         641,280  
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     —         (162,720 )
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,696,453 )     (2,914,215 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     6,977,804       6,210,696  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 3,281,351     $ 3,296,481  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                

Federal income taxes received (paid)

   $ (15,000 )   $ 30,396  
    


 


Surplus note interest paid

   $ 361,770     $ 398,678  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

7


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of presentation

 

The financial information for the interim periods included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

 

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in the Company’s registration statement No. 333-1112414 filed with the SEC.

 

2. Comprehensive income or loss

 

The Company’s comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 429,431     $ (12,125 )

Other comprehensive income:

                

Unrealized appreciation on investment securities arising during the period

     22,203       546,455  

Deferred income tax expense of unrealized appreciation on investment securities arising during the period

     (7,549 )     (185,795 )

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

     7,549       185,795  
    


 


Unrealized appreciation on investment securities arising during the period, net of deferred income taxes and valuation allowance

     22,203       546,455  

Adjustment for pretax realized losses on investments included in net income (loss)

     104,978       208,967  

Deferred income tax benefit of realized losses included in net income (loss)

     (35,692 )     (71,049 )

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

     35,692       71,049  
    


 


       127,181       755,422  
    


 


Comprehensive income

   $ 556,612     $ 743,297  
    


 


 

8


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net loss

   $ (130,011 )   $ (214,571 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities arising during the period

     648,480       (263,126 )

Deferred income tax (expense) benefit of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities arising during the period

     (220,483 )     89,463  

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

     220,483       (89,463 )
    


 


Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities arising during the period, net of deferred income taxes and valuation allowance

     648,480       (263,126 )

Adjustment for pretax realized losses on investments included in net loss

     96,606       216,706  

Deferred income tax benefit of realized losses included in net loss

     (32,846 )     (73,680 )

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance

     32,846       73,680  
    


 


       745,086       (46,420 )
    


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 615,075     $ (260,991 )
    


 


 

3. Segment Information

 

The Company defines its operations as property and casualty insurance operations. The Company writes four major insurance lines exclusively in the State of Michigan: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Farm and Marine. All revenues are generated from external customers and the Company does not have a significant reliance on any single major customer.

 

The Company evaluates product line profitability based on underwriting gain (loss). Certain expenses are allocated based on assumptions and estimates made by management. Underwriting gain (loss) by product line would change if different methods were applied.

 

The Company does not allocate assets, net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on investments, other income (expense), interest expense or demutualization expenses to its product lines. In addition, the Company does not separately identify depreciation expense related to its home office building by product line and such disclosure would be impracticable.

 

9


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Segment data for the nine months ended September 30 are as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Revenues:

                

Net premiums earned:

                

Personal lines

   $ 11,392,617     $ 7,392,570  

Commercial lines

     4,584,097       3,493,727  

Farm

     1,961,732       1,434,146  

Marine

     637,541       393,245  
    


 


Total net premiums earned

     18,575,987       12,713,688  
    


 


Expenses:

                

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

                

Personal lines

     8,095,380       4,415,037  

Commercial lines

     2,320,499       2,843,898  

Farm

     1,034,923       763,088  

Marine

     497,152       180,833  
    


 


Total loss and loss adjustment expenses

     11,947,954       8,202,856  
    


 


Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses:

                

Personal lines

     3,876,124       2,728,649  

Commercial lines

     1,559,653       1,289,559  

Farm

     667,443       529,353  

Marine

     216,911       145,150  
    


 


Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     6,320,131       4,692,711  
    


 


Underwriting gain (loss):

                

Personal lines

     (578,887 )     248,884  

Commercial lines

     703,945       (639,730 )

Farm

     259,366       141,705  

Marine

     (76,522 )     67,262  
    


 


Total underwriting gain (loss)

     307,902       (181,879 )

Net investment income

     666,483       619,820  

Net realized losses on investments

     (104,978 )     (208,967 )

Other income, net

     176,844       187,628  

Interest expense

     (398,631 )     (428,727 )

Demutualization expenses

     (143,189 )     —    
    


 


Income (loss) before federal income taxes

   $ 504,431     $ (12,125 )
    


 


 

10


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Segment data for the quarters ended September 30 are as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Revenues:

                

Net premiums earned:

                

Personal lines

   $ 4,534,087     $ 2,441,064  

Commercial lines

     1,719,682       1,199,612  

Farm

     757,902       481,085  

Marine

     282,635       141,568  
    


 


Total net premiums earned

     7,294,306       4,263,329  
    


 


Expenses:

                

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

                

Personal lines

     3,544,605       1,334,664  

Commercial lines

     435,359       803,125  

Farm

     393,702       381,111  

Marine

     397,238       201,580  
    


 


Total loss and loss adjustment expenses

     4,770,904       2,720,480  
    


 


Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses:

                

Personal lines

     1,660,581       932,139  

Commercial lines

     634,348       457,206  

Farm

     278,564       183,563  

Marine

     102,264       53,836  
    


 


Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     2,675,757       1,626,744  
    


 


Underwriting gain (loss):

                

Personal lines

     (671,099 )     174,261  

Commercial lines

     649,975       (60,719 )

Farm

     85,636       (83,589 )

Marine

     (216,867 )     (113,848 )
    


 


Total underwriting loss

     (152,355 )     (83,895 )

Net investment income

     256,292       140,220  

Net realized losses on investments

     (96,606 )     (216,706 )

Other income, net

     75,039       76,096  

Interest expense

     (125,419 )     (161,286 )

Demutualization expenses

     (101,962 )     —    
    


 


Loss before federal income taxes

   $ (145,011 )   $ (245,571 )
    


 


 

11


Fremont Mutual Insurance Company

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

4. Other postretirement plans

 

The Company provides certain postretirement health care benefits for retired employees. The components of the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September,


     2004

   2003

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

             

Service cost

   $ 191,718    $ 146,412

Interest cost

     167,204      151,080

Amortization of prior transition obligation

     36,519      36,519

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     38,655      33,843
    

  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 434,096    $ 367,854
    

  

     Quarters Ended
September 30,


     2004

   2003

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

             

Service cost

   $ 63,906    $ 48,804

Interest cost

     55,735      50,360

Amortization of prior transition obligation

     12,173      12,173

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     12,885      11,281
    

  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 144,699    $ 122,618
    

  

 

The Company has not made and does not expect to make a contribution to its other postretirement plan in 2004.

 

5. Reinsurance

 

Premiums earned are net of amounts ceded of $10,756,632 and $13,972,808 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Loss and loss adjustment expenses are net of amounts ceded of $7,837,563 and $8,428,011 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Premiums earned are net of amounts ceded of $2,747,673 and $4,927,069 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Loss and loss adjustment expenses are net of amounts ceded of $2,466,845 and $2,627,177 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

6. Subsequent Event

 

On October 15, 2004, Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) acquired all of the authorized shares of Fremont Insurance Company (the “Insurance Company”), the company resulting from the conversion of Fremont Mutual Insurance Company from the mutual to stock form of insurer. The conversion will be accounted for as a simultaneous conversion, recapitalization and share offering which will not change the historical accounting basis of the Insurance Company’s financial statements. The Holding Company commenced the stock offering on August 6, 2004 and it was concluded on October 6, 2004. On October 15, 2004 the Holding Company issued and sold 862,118 shares of its Common Stock at $10 per share which raised approximately $7.4 million in net proceeds.

 

12


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Our Conversion and Stock Offering

 

On October 15, 2004, Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (the “Company” or the “Holding Company”) acquired all of the authorized shares of Fremont Insurance Company (the “Insurance Company”), the company resulting from the conversion of Fremont Mutual Insurance Company from the mutual to stock form of insurer (the “Conversion”). Prior to the Conversion and since 1876, Fremont Mutual Insurance Company conducted business as a Michigan domiciled mutual property and casualty insurer. The Holding Company was formed on November 18, 2003 for the purpose of acquiring all of the stock of the Insurance Company.

 

On August 25, 2003, the Insurance Company’s board of directors unanimously adopted the Plan of Conversion. Our Plan of Conversion was approved on April 15, 2004, by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (“OFIS”). A Special Meeting of Policyholders was held on August 4, 2004 to vote on the approval of the Plan. The Plan was adopted by more than 93% of votes cast. However, on August 23, 2004, we discovered that approximately 1,300 Eligible Policyholders were omitted from the mailing list and did not receive written notice of the Special Meeting. To correct this, the Insurance Company held a new Special Meeting of Policyholders on September 28, 2004. The Plan of Conversion was approved by more than two-thirds of the votes cast by eligible policyholders at the new Special Meeting of Policyholders held on September 28, 2004.

 

The Holding Company initially filed a Form S-1 Registration Statement for its Common Stock Offering on February 4, 2004. The Securities and Exchange Commission declared the registration statement effective on August 6, 2004. The Holding Company commenced the stock offering on August 6, 2004 and it was concluded on October 6, 2004. On October 15, 2004 the Holding Company issued and sold 862,118 shares of its Common Stock at $10 per share which raised approximately $7.4 million in net proceeds.

 

Except for $250,000 that was retained for administrative expenses, the Holding Company, in exchange for all of the stock in the Insurance Company, contributed to the Insurance Company all of the net cash proceeds from the sale of the Holding Company Common Stock. The contribution will substantially increase the Insurance Company’s surplus that will, in turn, enhance policyholder protection and increase the amount of funds available to support both current operations and future growth. The holding company structure also provides greater flexibility for diversification of business activities in the future, although no other business activities are currently planned. We believe that this increased capital and operating flexibility will enable us to compete more effectively with other insurance companies. In addition, the conversion will enhance our future access to the capital markets.

 

The conversion will be accounted for as a simultaneous conversion, recapitalization and share offering which will not change the historical accounting basis of the Insurance Company’s financial statements.

 

The unissued common stock authorized by the Articles of Incorporation of the Holding Company will permit us to raise additional equity capital through further sales of securities. Presently, we have no plans to make additional offerings of securities after the conversion, other than the proposed issuance of additional shares under our stock-based compensation plan. Following the conversion, we also will be able to use stock-based incentives to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees.

 

General

 

The Insurance Company is a Michigan licensed property and casualty insurer operating exclusively in the State of Michigan and writing principally personal lines, commercial lines, farm and marine insurance policies through independent agents. We use accounting principles that are in compliance with those generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Management’s discussion and analysis covers the Insurance Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. The Insurance Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

General. We are required to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on historical developments, market trends, industry trends and other data we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operation will not be adversely affected by the need to make accounting adjustments to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions from time to time. We believe the following policies and procedures are among the most sensitive to estimates and judgments.

 

Liabilities for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE). These liabilities are estimates of the ultimate unpaid cost of all losses incurred, including losses for claims that have not yet been reported to the Insurance Company. The amount of the reserve for reported claims is based primarily on a case-by-case evaluation of the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each occurrence, and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. The amounts of loss reserves for unreported claims and loss adjustment expense reserves are calculated by using historical and actuarial information by line of business as adjusted to current conditions. Inflation is implicitly provided for in the reserving function through analysis of costs, trends and comparisons of historical reserving results to the ultimate results. Reserves are closely monitored and are recomputed periodically using the most recent information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. Reserves are estimates. We expect that these estimates will be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claim is settled. Changes in estimates, or differences between estimates and amounts ultimately paid, are reflected in the current financial statements.

 

Loss reserving techniques, which rely on historical information as adjusted to reflect current conditions, have been consistently applied during the periods presented. Changes in the estimate of the liability for losses and LAE reflect actual payments and evaluations of new information and data since the last report. Because of the nature of insurance claims, there are uncertainties inherent in the estimates of the ultimate loss payment. Court decisions, regulatory changes and economic conditions can affect the ultimate cost of claims that occurred in the past as well as uncertainties regarding future loss cost trends. The ultimate liability for unpaid losses and LAE will differ from the amount recorded at the last reported date.

 

13


The property and casualty insurance industry generally has incurred substantial aggregate losses from claims related to asbestos-related illnesses, environmental remediation, product and construction defect liability, mold and other uncertain exposures. However, the Insurance Company has not experienced significant losses from these types of claims.

 

The following table shows the loss and LAE reserves by major business segment as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Personal

   $ 8,593    $ 5,923

Commercial

     7,506      6,855

Farm

     874      937

Marine

     449      163
    

  

Total

   $ 17,422    $ 13,878
    

  

 

The reserves are reported gross of any amounts recoverable from reinsurers and are reduced for anticipated salvage and subrogation. Anticipated salvage and subrogation as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, was approximately $547,000 and $794,000, respectively.

 

The increase in personal lines loss and LAE reserves from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 is due to increased claim severity in the homeowners and private auto product lines coupled with normal volume growth in written exposures. The commercial segment loss and LAE reserves were impacted by fire losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, the commercial lines loss and LAE reserves included approximately $639,000 relating to two larger commercial fire losses that occurred during the period.

 

The total liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses includes both reported and IBNR reserves. An actuarial point estimate is developed from the use of three actuarial loss development methodologies; they are the paid loss development method, the incurred loss development method and the Bornhuetter-Ferguson expected loss ratio method. Each method calculates a different amount. These three methods use ten years of historical accident year development of recorded reserves. The development over time is used to establish a factor to calculate the point estimate. The key assumptions used in management’s selection of ultimate reserves include actuarial methodologies, a review of current pricing and underwriting initiatives and a detailed claim analysis with emphasis on how aggressive claims handling may be impacting the paid and incurred loss data contained in the actuarial methods. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and further events occur that may impact the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior years’ reserve estimates are reflected in the results of operations in the year such changes are determined.

 

Investments. Our investment securities are classified as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are available to be sold in the future in response to the Insurance Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, tax strategies and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes and the corresponding deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

 

Other Than Temporary Impairments of Securities and Unrealized Losses on Investments. We review the status and market value changes of our securities portfolio on at least a quarterly basis during the year, and any provisions for other than temporary impairments in the portfolio’s value are evaluated and established at each quarterly balance sheet date. In reviewing investments for other than temporary impairment, we consider, in addition to a security’s market price history, the issuer’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity, its ability to access capital markets, credit rating trends, most current audit opinion, industry and securities markets conditions, analyst expectations, and our intent and ability to retain fixed maturity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in market value, in their totality to reach our conclusions.

 

Additionally, our impairment evaluation and recognition for interests in mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities is conducted in accordance with the guidance provided by the Emerging Issues Task Force of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Under this guidance, impairment losses on securities must be recognized if the fair value of the security is less than both its book value and the net present value of expected future cash flows at the most recent (prior) estimation date. If these criteria are met, an impairment charge, calculated as the difference between the current book value of the security and its fair value, is included in earnings as a realized loss in the period the impairment arose. As a result of this evaluation process, there were no impairment losses recorded in mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

14


During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, there were no securities that the Insurance Company determined to be other than temporarily impaired. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, the Insurance Company recorded a pretax charge to earnings, included in net realized gains (losses) on the statement of operations, of approximately $179,000 relating to equity securities that the Insurance Company determined were other than temporarily impaired. At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 gross unrealized depreciation on available for sale securities, which were not impaired, was approximately $283,000 and $176,000, respectively. The unrealized depreciation in values is viewed as being temporary.

 

Policy Acquisition Costs. We defer certain policy acquisition costs, which vary with, and are directly related to, the production of business. In our case, these deferred costs consist primarily of agent commissions incurred net of ceding commissions earned. These costs are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium earned, related investment income, loss and loss adjustment expense and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected to be loss and loss adjustment expense, may require accelerated amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Deferred policy acquisition costs at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were approximately $2,712,000 and $295,000, respectively. The increase in deferred policy acquisition costs as of September 30, 2004 is due to the runoff of the quota share reinsurance agreement. Effective January 1, 2004, the Insurance Company is no longer receiving a ceding commission because it is no longer ceding written premiums to the reinsurers under the quota share agreement. Historically, under the quota share agreement when written premiums were ceded to the reinsurer the Insurance Company earned a 36% ceding commission. As noted above, ceding commissions earned were a component of the deferred policy acquisition cost calculation.

 

Reinsurance. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. These balances are the amounts we expect to collect from our reinsurers for settled claims and for claims that are in the process of adjustment but have not been completely settled. Premiums paid for reinsurance contracts are recognized over the contract period during which the reinsurance coverage attaches to the underlying policy. Ceded unearned premiums and reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and LAE are reported separately as assets, instead of being netted with the associated liabilities, because reinsurance does not relieve us of our legal liability to the claimants. Additionally, the same uncertainties associated with estimating unpaid loss and LAE affect the estimates for the ceded portion of these liabilities. We continually monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers.

 

At September 30, 2004, the Insurance Company had a recoverable amount of $11,543,000 from reinsurers. This balance was comprised of $1,838,000 for paid losses, $9,141,000 for unpaid losses and $564,000 in unearned premium ceded to the reinsurers. At December 31, 2003, the Insurance Company had a recoverable amount of $16,986,000 from reinsurers. This balance was comprised of $863,000 for paid losses, $7,742,000 for unpaid losses and $8,381,000 in unearned premium ceded to the reinsurers.

 

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, are as follows:

 

     Three months ended September 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (In thousands)  
     Written

    Earned

    Written

    Earned

 

Direct

   $ 11,757     $ 10,004     $ 11,055     $ 9,167  

Assumed

     43       38       27       23  

Ceded

     (1,324 )     (2,748 )     (5,783 )     (4,927 )
    


 


 


 


Net premiums

   $ 10,476     $ 7,294     $ 5,299     $ 4,263  
    


 


 


 


 

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, are as follows:

 

     Nine months ended September 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (In thousands)  
     Written

    Earned

    Written

    Earned

 

Direct

   $ 30,102     $ 29,212     $ 27,784     $ 26,585  

Assumed

     115       120       113       101  

Ceded

     (2,939 )     (10,756 )     (14,537 )     (13,972 )
    


 


 


 


Net premiums

   $ 27,278     $ 18,576     $ 13,360     $ 12,714  
    


 


 


 


 

15


Loss and loss adjustment expenses reported on the statement of operations are net of ceded amounts of approximately $2,467,000 and $2,627,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Loss and loss adjustment expenses reported on the statement of operations are net of ceded amounts of approximately $7,838,000 and $8,428,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Insurance Company receives a ceding commission in conjunction with its reinsurance activities. These ceding commissions which are a component of deferred policy acquisition costs, were approximately $19,000 and $1,571,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $42,000, and $3,944,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The significant decline in ceding commission as of September 30, 2004 is due to the runoff of the quota share agreement. As previously discussed, effective January 1, 2004 the Insurance Company is no longer ceding written premiums to the reinsurer under the quota share agreement and therefore is no longer earning ceding commission.

 

2003 Multi Line Quota Share Agreement Runoff. During 2003, the Insurance Company ceded 45% of its remaining net premiums and losses, after the effect of ceding premiums and losses under the excess of loss and catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance agreements, on all business except boiler and machinery to the reinsurers under a multi line quota share agreement. The Insurance Company received a 36% commission on the ceded premium written. The agreement was structured on a funds withheld basis and required the Insurance Company to accrue interest at an annual rate of approximately 2.5%. The agreement provides that a profit commission will be retained by the Insurance Company upon commutation equal to the positive balance in the funds withheld account. In addition to ceding a significant portion of its risks to the reinsurer, the agreement also allows the Insurance Company to reduce its financial leverage and to realize immediate reimbursement for related upfront acquisition costs, thus adding to its financial capacity.

 

As part of our strategy to reduce our quota share reinsurance, the Insurance Company placed the multi line quota share agreement into runoff on December 31, 2003. This decision was based on several factors. Historically, the Insurance Company has ceded positive underwriting results to the reinsurers under the quota share agreement. This means that the Insurance Company has ceded more premium revenue than losses and loss adjustment expense to the reinsurers. Furthermore, as a result of more stringent risk transfer requirements with respect to quota share reinsurance coverage it became evident that the cost of purchasing quota share reinsurance coverage for 2004 as well as possibly reducing the quota share percentage was cost prohibitive to the Insurance Company.

 

In addition, the impetus for originally obtaining quota share reinsurance coverage in 1997 was to improve the ratio of net written premiums to statutory surplus. As a result of ceding written premiums to the reinsurer under quota share reinsurance agreements the Insurance Company has been able to maintain a sufficient ratio of net written premiums to statutory surplus. Furthermore, since 1997 the Insurance Company’s statutory surplus has grown from $9.0 million to $15.7 million as of the end of 2003. Moreover, the Insurance Company continues to limit its exposure by maintaining coverage under other treaty and facultative reinsurance agreements including catastrophe and excess of loss programs.

 

Despite placing the multi line quota share reinsurance agreement into runoff, reinsurance coverage will continue on those covered policies in force as of December 31, 2003 until the underlying policies expire during 2004. Losses from the policies in force will continue to be ceded to the reinsurer until the underlying policies expire in 2004. As a result, the underlying reinsurance assets and liabilities, under the multi line quota share reinsurance agreement, will runoff and any net funds in the funds withheld account would be retained by the Company.

 

As a result of placing the agreement into runoff the Insurance Company will also increase its exposure and risk with respect to potential losses which may cause our loss reserves to increase. However, the Insurance Company will also increase its net written premiums due to the fact that premiums written in 2004 will no longer be ceded to the reinsurer under a quota share agreement.

 

At September 30, 2004, there was approximately $374,000 in ceded unearned premium under the multi line quota share agreement. As of December 31, 2004, the ceded unearned premium balance will be reduced to zero as the covered policies expire during 2004. During 2003, the Insurance Company’s ceded premiums written and ceded premiums earned under the multi line quota share agreement were approximately $13.8 million and $13.2 million, respectively. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 the insurance company recorded ceded premiums earned of $1.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, under the multi line quota share agreement. The Company has accrued a profit commission based upon the experience of the underlying business ceded to this reinsurance agreement, in the amounts of $370,000 and $945,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. The profit commission reduces ceded written and earned premiums.

 

The Insurance Company will continue to cede loss and LAE on claims incurred under the policies in force at December 31, 2003. All new policies written in 2004 and policies renewed in 2004 will no longer be covered by the multi line quota share agreement. As a result, the Insurance Company will retain the loss and LAE that otherwise would have been ceded to the reinsurer under the former agreement.

 

As noted above, the Insurance Company received a 36% ceding commission on ceded premium written. During 2003, the Insurance Company recorded ceding commission under the multi line quota share agreement of approximately $5.3 million which is

 

16


deferred and then amortized to expense, over the period in which the related premiums are earned, as a component of deferred policy acquisition costs. The Insurance Company will not record any ceding commission in 2004 due to the fact that no additional premiums written will be ceded to a reinsurer under a multi line quota share agreement.

 

Income Taxes. Deferred federal income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to the differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets primarily relate to deductible temporary differences for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums, as well as minimum tax credit carry forwards. We review our net deferred federal tax asset on a regular basis for recoverability based on the availability of future taxable income in the years when the deductible temporary differences are expected to reverse. As a result of this review, we have established a 100% valuation allowance at September 30, 2004, which reduces the Insurance Company’s net deferred tax asset to zero.

 

Results Of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Premiums. Direct written premium by major business segment for the three months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 7,727    $ 6,880    12.3 %

Commercial

     2,254      2,575    -12.5 %

Farm

     1,313      1,205    9.0 %

Marine

     463      395    17.2 %
    

  

  

Total Direct Written Premium

   $ 11,757    $ 11,055    6.4 %
    

  

  

 

Direct written premiums for the personal segment increased primarily as a result of growth in the number of policies in the homeowners and private passenger auto product lines. The commercial segment’s direct written premium decreased 12.5% due to rate softening which is reflective of current market conditions and the non-renewal of larger commercial exposures that were deemed to be outside of the Insurance Company’s target market. Written premium has also been affected by rate softening in the commercial market. Direct written premiums for the farm and marine segments grew as a result of increased number of policies and rate increases.

 

Net written premium by major business segment for the three months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 6,902    $ 3,281    110.4 %

Commercial

     1,994      1,250    59.5 %

Farm

     1,165      576    102.3 %

Marine

     415      192    116.1 %
    

  

  

Total Net Written Premium

   $ 10,476    $ 5,299    97.7 %
    

  

  

 

Net written premium increased $5,177,000 or 97.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Approximately, $4,724,000 of the increase is due to a reduction in written premium ceded under the quota share reinsurance contract which was placed into runoff on January 1, 2004. The remaining increase of $453,000 includes an increase of $702,000 due to increased policies written and rate increases during the period offset by an increase of $249,000 in ceded written premium under the Insurance Company’s catastrophe and excess of loss reinsurance agreements.

 

Net premium earned by major business segment for the three months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 4,534    $ 2,441    85.7 %

Commercial

     1,719      1,200    43.3 %

Farm

     758      481    57.6 %

Marine

     283      141    100.7 %
    

  

  

Total Net Premium Earned

   $ 7,294    $ 4,263    71.1 %
    

  

  

 

Net premium earned increased $3,031,000 or 71.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Net premium earned increased $836,000 as a result of growth in policies and rates and $2,449,000 due to the decline in earned premium ceded to the reinsurer under the quota share reinsurance contract. The increase was offset by an increase of $254,000 in ceded premium earned under the Insurance Company’s catastrophe and excess of loss reinsurance agreements.

 

17


Investment Income. Net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses, increased $116,000, or 82.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2004 to $256,000 from $140,000 during the same period in 2003. The rate of return on invested assets, including cash and cash equivalents, increased to 2.7% during the three months ended September 30, 2004 from 1.8% during the same period in 2003. The increase in the rate of return is due to lower investment expenses incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Average invested assets during the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to September 30, 2003 increased $6,809,000 or 22.3%. The growth in invested assets was primarily due to increased net cash flows provided from operating activities during 2003 which was used for acquiring investment securities during 2004.

 

Other Income. Other income primarily includes premium installment charges, fees for non-sufficient fund checks, late payment fees and other miscellaneous income and expense items. Other income was approximately $75,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $76,000 for the same period in 2003.

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE). The Insurance Company’s net loss and LAE by major business segment as well as the loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended September 30 are shown in the tables below:

 

     2004

    2003

    $ Change

    % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 3,545     $ 1,335     $ 2,210     165.5 %

Commercial

     435       803       (368 )   -45.8 %

Farm

     394       381       13     3.4 %

Marine

     397       201       196     97.5 %
    


 


 


 

     $ 4,771     $ 2,720     $ 2,051     75.4 %
    


 


 


 

Personal

     78.2 %     54.7 %              

Commercial

     25.3 %     66.9 %              

Farm

     51.9 %     79.2 %              

Marine

     140.5 %     142.4 %              
    


 


             
       65.4 %     63.8 %              
    


 


             

 

The loss and LAE ratio increased from 63.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to 65.4% for the same period in 2004. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the personal segment was negatively impacted by weather related losses as well as increased severity in the homeowner and personal auto product lines. However, the increased severity was offset by higher earned premiums retained by the Insurance Company as a result of the quota share contract runoff which reduced the loss and LAE ratio during the period as compared to the prior year. During July 2004 severe thunderstorms which included hail and high winds passed through the northeast section of Michigan resulting in net incurred loss and LAE of approximately $1.0 million which added approximately 22.1 percentage points to the loss and LAE ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The remaining increase in the personal segment loss and LAE ratio over the prior year period is due to increased severity in the homeowner line as a result of higher fire losses and higher personal auto losses.

 

The decrease in the commercial segment’s loss and LAE ratio is due to a decline in claim severity and frequency coupled with higher earned premiums retained by the Insurance Company as a result of the quota share contract runoff. The farm segment’s loss and LAE ratio improved as compared to the prior year period as a result of decreased claim severity. The marine segment’s high loss and LAE ratio is typical for the three month period ended September 30 as this is the prime boating season in the state of Michigan.

 

The Insurance Company’s loss adjustment expense ratio decreased to 7.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 13.9% for the same period in 2003. Although loss adjustment expenses decreased 2.4% during the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 the decline in the loss adjustment expense ratio is primarily driven by the increased net earned premiums as a result of the quota share contract runoff.

 

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses were approximately $2,676,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $1,627,000 for the same period in 2003, an increase of $1,049,000 or 64.5%. The increase is driven primarily by higher amortization of policy acquisition costs which is caused by a reduction in the ceding commission income component of deferred policy acquisition costs. Amortization of policy acquisition costs during the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $1,036,000 and $87,000, respectively, an increase of $949,000. The Insurance Company’s expense ratio, defined as policy acquisition and other underwriting expense as a percentage of net earned premiums, was 36.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 38.2% for the same period in 2003. The decline in the expense ratio is due primarily to the increased net earned premiums as a result of the quota share contract runoff as well as continued efforts to limit the growth in other underwriting expenses.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately $36,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The decrease is due primarily to lower interest expense during the three months ended

 

18


September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 related to the quota share funds withheld account balance as a result of the runoff and related decline in the funds withheld account balance. The quota share reinsurance contract was structured on a funds withheld basis and requires the Insurance Company to accrue interest at an annual rate of 2.5%.

 

Demutualization Expense. Demutualization expenses, which amounted to $102,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, include the cost of engaging external accounting, actuarial, legal and other consultants to advise the Company in the demutualization process. As of September 30, 2003 the Insurance Company had not incurred any demutualization expenses.

 

Results Of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Premiums. Direct written premium by major business segment for the nine months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 18,554    $ 16,270    14.0 %

Commercial

     6,802      7,262    -6.3 %

Farm

     3,397      3,142    8.1 %

Marine

     1,349      1,111    21.4 %
    

  

  

Total Direct Written Premium

   $ 30,102    $ 27,785    8.3 %
    

  

  

 

Direct written premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $2,317,000 or 8.3%. Direct written premiums for the personal segment increased primarily as a result of growth in the number of policies in the homeowners and private passenger auto product lines and moderate rate increases. The commercial segment’s direct written premium decreased 6.3% due to rate softening which is reflective of current market conditions and the non-renewal of larger commercial exposures that were deemed to be outside of the Insurance Company’s target market. Direct written premiums for the farm and marine segments grew as a result of an increase in the number of policies written and rate increases.

 

Net written premium by major business segment for the nine months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 16,869    $ 7,768    117.2 %

Commercial

     6,138      3,556    72.6 %

Farm

     3,052      1,499    103.6 %

Marine

     1,219      537    127.0 %
    

  

  

Total Net Written Premium

   $ 27,278    $ 13,360    104.2 %
    

  

  

 

Net written premium for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $13,918,000 or 104.2%. Approximately $11,937,000 of the increase is due to a reduction in written premium ceded under the quota share reinsurance contract which was placed into runoff on January 1, 2004. Further contributing to the increase is approximately $2,317,000 from overall premium volume growth offset by a net increase of approximately $336,000 in written premiums ceded under other reinsurance agreements.

 

Net premium earned by major business segment for the nine months ended September 30 was as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 11,393    $ 7,393    54.1 %

Commercial

     4,584      3,494    31.2 %

Farm

     1,962      1,434    36.8 %

Marine

     637      393    62.1 %
    

  

  

Total Net Premium Earned

   $ 18,576    $ 12,714    46.1 %
    

  

  

 

Net premium earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $5,862,000 or 46.1%. Approximately $3,522,000 of the increase is due to the decline in earned premium ceded to the reinsurer under the quota share reinsurance contract. Further contributing to the increase is approximately $2,627,000 from overall premium volume growth offset by a net increase of approximately $287,000 in earned premiums ceded under other reinsurance agreements.

 

Investment Income. Net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses, increased $46,000, or 7.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $666,000 from $620,000 during the same period in 2003. The rate of return on invested assets, including cash and cash equivalents, decreased to 2.4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from 3.0% during the same period in 2003. The decline in the rate of return is due to lower yields earned on the portfolio which is reflective of market conditions and an increase in investment expenses of approximately $37,000. The increase in investment expenses is due to fees paid

 

19


to the investment management consultant who was first engaged in April 2003 and letter of credit fees incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 relating to the funds withheld balance under the quota share reinsurance agreement. Average invested assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to September 30, 2003 increased $9,210,000 or 33.6%. The growth in invested assets was primarily due to increased net cash flows provided from operating activities during 2003 which was used for acquiring investment securities during 2004.

 

Other Income. Other income primarily includes premium installment charges, fees for non-sufficient fund checks, late payment fees and other miscellaneous income and expense items. Other income was approximately $177,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $188,000 for the same period in 2003.

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE). The Insurance Company’s net loss and LAE by major business segment as well as the loss and LAE ratio’s for the nine months ended September 30 are shown in the tables below:

 

     2004

    2003

    $ Change

    % Change

 
     (In thousands)  

Personal

   $ 8,095     $ 4,415     $ 3,680     83.4 %

Commercial

     2,321       2,844       (523 )   -18.4 %

Farm

     1,035       763       272     35.6 %

Marine

     497       181       316     174.6 %
    


 


 


 

     $ 11,948     $ 8,203     $ 3,745     45.7 %
    


 


 


 

Personal

     71.1 %     59.7 %              

Commercial

     50.6 %     81.4 %              

Farm

     52.8 %     53.2 %              

Marine

     78.0 %     46.0 %              
    


 


             
       64.3 %     64.5 %              
    


 


             

 

The loss and LAE ratio decreased from 64.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to 64.3% for the same period in 2004. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the personal segment was negatively impacted by weather related losses as well as increased severity in the homeowner and personal auto product lines. During July 2004 severe thunderstorms which included hail and high winds passed through the northeast section of Michigan resulting in net incurred loss and LAE of approximately $1.0 million which added approximately 8.8 percentage points to the loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Also contributing to the increase in the personal segment’s loss and LAE ratio over the prior year period is increased severity in the homeowner line as a result of higher fire losses and higher personal auto losses. The increased severity was tempered by higher earned premiums retained by the Insurance Company as a result of the quota share contract runoff. The decline in the commercial segment’s loss and LAE ratio is due to a decline in claim frequency offset by increased severity coupled with increased net earned premium. The commercial segment’s loss and LAE ratio was higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as a result of increased claim severity specifically in the commercial multiple peril product line. The increase in claim severity was partly attributable to the fact that the commercial multiple peril line includes larger liability exposures which have increased the dollar amount of individual claims not experienced by the Company in the past. Despite an increase in net incurred loss and LAE, the farm segment’s loss and LAE ratio decreased to 52.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from 53.2% during the same period in 2003 driven by increased net premium earned. The increase in the marine segments loss and LAE ratio is driven primarily by the fact that for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 the segment had an increase in net recoverable loss and LAE due to salvage and subrogation recoveries. Given that the marine segment is relatively small it is subject to more volatility with respect to its loss and LAE ratios.

 

The Insurance Company’s loss adjustment expense ratio decreased to 10.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 12.4% for the same period in 2003. Several factors contributed to the decrease. First, as a result of two unfilled in-house adjuster positions the Insurance Company increased its utilization of independent outside adjusters during the nine month period ending September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Both positions were filled during the second quarter by hiring two in-house adjusters. Second, the amount of LAE ceded to reinsurers decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in the prior year. And third, the reserve for unallocated LAE increased during the nine months ending September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in the previous year. The increase in unallocated LAE reserves is a result of increased direct loss reserves during those same periods.

 

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses were approximately $6,320,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $4,693,000 for the same period in 2003, an increase of $1,627,000 or 34.7%. The increase is driven primarily by higher amortization of policy acquisition costs which is caused by a reduction in the ceding commission income component of deferred policy acquisition costs. Amortization of policy acquisition costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $1,943,000 and $438,000, respectively, an increase of $1,505,000. The Insurance Company’s expense ratio, defined as policy acquisition and other underwriting expense as a percentage of net earned

 

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premiums, was 34.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 36.9% for the same period in 2003. The decline in the expense ratio is due primarily to the increased net earned premiums as a result of the quota share contract runoff as well as continued efforts to limit the growth in other underwriting expenses.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately $30,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The decrease is due to lower interest expense related to the quota share funds withheld account coupled with a decline in the average outstanding balance of surplus notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The quota share reinsurance contract was structured on a funds withheld basis and requires the Insurance Company to accrue interest at an annual rate of 2.5%.

 

Demutualization Expense. Demutualization expenses, which amounted to $143,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, include the cost of engaging external accounting, actuarial, legal and other consultants to advise the Company in the demutualization process as well as the cost of printing and postage for communications with policyholders. As of September 30, 2003 the Insurance Company had not incurred any demutualization expenses.

 

Federal Income Tax. Federal income tax expense was $75,000 for the first nine months of 2004, an effective rate of 14.9%.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The principal sources of funds for the Insurance Company are insurance premiums, investment income and proceeds from the maturity and sale of invested assets. Funds are primarily used for the payment of claims, commissions, salaries and employee benefits, other operating expenses and surplus note service.

 

Liquidity is a measure of the ability to generate sufficient cash to meet cash obligations as they come due. In addition to the need for cash flow to meet operating expenses, our liquidity requirements relate primarily to the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses. Our short and long term liquidity requirements vary because of the uncertainties regarding the settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid claims and because of the potential for large losses, either individually or in the aggregate.

 

We maintain investment and reinsurance programs that are intended to provide sufficient funds to meet our obligations without forced sales of investments. A portion of our investment portfolio is maintained in relatively short term and highly liquid assets, including mortgage-backed securities, which have shorter estimated durations, to ensure the availability of funds.

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $3,927,000 and $8,083,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, a decrease of $4,156,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 net premiums collected increased $10,520,000 due primarily to policy growth and the quota share contract runoff, net loss and LAE paid increased $2,726,000 while policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses paid increased $3,982,000 due to the fact that the Insurance Company did not receive any ceding commission in 2004 as a result of the quota share contract runoff. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net cash used under the quota share funds withheld account was $4,733,000 while during the same period in 2003 net cash provided was $2,923,000, a change of $7,656,000. In 2003 the funds withheld account included both ceded written premiums retained by the Insurance Company as well as loss and LAE. Effective January 1, 2004 no new written premiums are ceded under the quota share reinsurance however loss and LAE payments on policies in force at December 31, 2003 and covered by the quota share reinsurance coverage will continue to be paid out of the funds withheld account until all claims have been settled. Other cash used by operational needs increased $312,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.

 

Cash flow used in investing activities decreased $3,212,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 2003 driven by the decline in cash provided from operations during the same period as compared to the prior year.

 

Our debt structure consists of Series B Surplus Notes which carry a 7 percent interest rate and mature on September 30, 2007. At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, there were $5,264,333 Series B Surplus Notes outstanding. In conjunction with the stock offering which was completed on October 15, 2004, the Insurance Company’s surplus note holders exchanged approximately $2,374,000 of the Series B Surplus Notes plus approximately $124,000 of accrued interest into Common Stock of the Holding Company. As a result of the offering, the amount of the Series B Surplus Notes outstanding was reduced to $2,890,333 at October 15, 2004.

 

We believe that our existing cash, funds generated from operations and the net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering will be sufficient to satisfy our financial requirements during the next 12 months.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and cannot assure our shareholders that dividends will be paid in the future. The Holding Company’s principal source of cash available for payment of dividends is dividends from the Insurance Company. The annual future cash requirements of the Holding Company are not foreseen to be significant. They will include director fees and other administrative expenses related to annual filings such as income tax returns and other compliance type filings. The Holding Company will retain $250,000 of the net proceeds of the offering to cover such future expenses. The payment of dividends by the Insurance Company is subject to limitations imposed by the Michigan Insurance Code. The Insurance Company may not pay an

 

21


extraordinary dividend unless it notifies the Insurance Commissioner and she does not disapprove the payment. An extraordinary dividend includes any dividend which, when taken together with other dividends paid within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of 10% of the Insurance Company’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year or its statutory net income, excluding realized capital gains, for the 12-month period ending December 31 of the immediately preceding year. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Insurance Company can pay a non-extraordinary dividend of up to $1,565,000 without prior approval from the Insurance Commissioner. In order to pay any dividends, the Insurance Company must be in a position to satisfy the requirement that the company continue to be safe, reliable and entitled to public confidence. Also, in the absence of approval of the Insurance Commissioner, dividends may only be paid from statutory earned surplus. Also, dividends may not exceed the amount of the Insurance Company’s statutory capital stock account in any one-year unless it meets certain other requirements.

 

The fair value and amortized cost of all investments (fixed maturities and equities), which are held as available for sale, were $35,166,000 and $34,493,000, respectively, at September 30, 2004 reflecting a net unrealized gain of $673,000 which is included in shareholders’ equity, net of applicable tax effects and the related deferred tax valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2003, the fair value of the investment portfolio reflected a net unrealized gain of $546,000 which is included in shareholders’ equity, net of applicable tax effects and the related deferred tax valuation allowance. The increase of $127,000 from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 in the unrealized gain is largely due to the increase in the market value of corporate fixed maturity securities.

 

The following table summarizes securities with unrealized gains and losses at September 30, 2004:

 

     Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Gains


   Unrealized
Losses


     (In thousands)

Fixed maturities:

                    

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

   $ 4,398    $ 16    $ 62

States and political subdivisions

     244      —        1

Corporate securities

     16,279      301      82

Mortgage-backed securities

     9,321      62      40
    

  

  

       30,242      379      185

Equity securities:

                    

Preferred stocks

     513      14      —  

Common stocks

     4,411      564      98
    

  

  

       4,924      578      98
    

  

  

Total

   $ 35,166    $ 957    $ 283
    

  

  

 

At September 30, 2004, corporate securities accounted for 54% of our fixed maturity portfolio, mortgage backed securities were 31%, U. S. government and government agency bonds were 14%, and states and political subdivisions were 1%. At September 30, 2004, our equity portfolio had a concentration in the U. S. industrial and miscellaneous sector of 52%, 21% was in the energy sector, and 27% was in the banks, trusts and insurance sector.

 

All securities are listed as available for sale. We evaluate securities for impairment on a regular basis and specifically determine on an individual security basis whether or not the decline in value is other than temporary. Equity securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2004 were generally determined to have temporary declines in value due to geopolitical reasons or a reaction to their particular industry rather than fundamental reasons. We believe it is more likely than not that those securities will appreciate in value. If it is subsequently determined that our assessment of those companies is incorrect and we conclude the decline in value is other than temporary, future earnings will be negatively affected.

 

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The following table summarizes the length of time securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2004, have been in an unrealized loss position:

 

               Length of Unrealized Loss

     Fair
Value


   Unrealized
Loss


   Less Than
12 Months


   12 Months
or Longer


     (in thousands)

Fixed maturities:

                           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

   $ 3,428    $ 62    $ 32    $ 30

States and political subdivisions

     244      1      1      —  

Corporate securities

     6,503      82      65      17

Mortgage-backed securities

     4,264      40      18      22
    

  

  

  

       14,439      185      116      69

Equity securities:

                           

Common stock

     1,435      98      98      —  

Preferred sock

     —        —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

       1,435      98      98      —  
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 15,874    $ 283    $ 214    $ 69
    

  

  

  

 

Changes in Interest Rates

 

Fluctuations in near-term interest rates could have an impact on our results of operations and cash flows due to some rate sensitive investments we hold. Certain fixed maturity securities have call features that allow the issuer to pre-pay the obligation. In a declining interest rate environment, these securities may be called by their issuer and can only be replaced with similar securities bearing lower interest rates. In a rising interest rate environment, because of our strategy of holding these securities to maturity, our ability to invest in higher yielding securities would be limited.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in estimating our reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and in the premium rate-making process. The actual effects of inflation on our results of operations cannot be accurately known until the ultimate settlement of claims. However, based upon the actual results reported to date, it is our opinion that our loss and LAE reserves, including reserves for losses that have been incurred but not yet reported, make adequate provision for the effects of inflation.

 

Effect of Conversion on Our Future Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The future financial condition and results of operations of the Insurance Company will be affected by the Conversion and related transactions. The Holding Company’s stock offering was concluded on October 6, 2004. On October 15, 2004 the Holding Company sold 862,118 shares of its Common Stock at $10 per share which raised approximately $7.4 million in net proceeds. As a result of the offering the Insurance Company’s capital increased approximately $7.1million, an increase of approximately 88%, over the capital of the Insurance Company at December 31, 2003. The increase in capital is a combined result of the exchange of surplus notes for stock and the net cash proceeds of the offering.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

General. Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. We have exposure to three principal types of market risk through our investment activities: interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter, into any derivative financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate changes primarily results from our significant holdings of fixed rate investments. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. Therefore, an adverse change in market prices of these securities would result in losses reflected in the balance sheet.

 

Credit Risk. The quality of our fixed maturity portfolio is generally good. At September 30, 2004, all of our fixed maturity securities were rated by Moody’s as investment grade with an average credit quality rating of AA and an average duration of 5.4 years.

 

Equity Risk. Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. Our exposure to changes in equity prices primarily results from our holdings of common stocks, mutual funds and other equities. Our portfolio of equity securities is carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Therefore, an adverse change in market prices of these securities would result in losses.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

As required by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13a-15(b), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Treasurer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

None

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

The Holding Company does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and cannot assure our shareholders that dividends will be paid in the future. The Holding Company’s principal source of cash available for payment of dividends is dividends from the Insurance Company. The payment of dividends by the Insurance Company is subject to limitations imposed by the Michigan Insurance Code. The Insurance Company may not pay an extraordinary dividend unless it notifies the Insurance Commissioner and she does not disapprove the payment. An extraordinary dividend includes any dividend which, when taken together with other dividends paid within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of 10% of the Insurance Company’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year or its statutory net income, excluding realized capital gains, for the 12-month period ending December 31 of the immediately preceding year. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Insurance Company can pay a non-extraordinary dividend of up to $1,565,000 without prior approval from the Insurance Commissioner. In order to pay any dividends, the Insurance Company must be in a position to satisfy the requirement that the company continue to be safe, reliable and entitled to public confidence. Also, in the absence of approval of the Insurance Commissioner, dividends may only be paid from statutory earned surplus. Also, dividends may not exceed the amount of the Insurance Company’s statutory capital stock account in any one-year unless it meets certain other requirements.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

  (a) Exhibits. The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report on Form 10-Q:

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document


3.1   Articles of Incorporation of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
3.2   Bylaws of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. . (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
31.1   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Vice President and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the period covered by this report:

 

None.

 

24


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    FREMONT MICHIGAN INSURACORP, INC.

Date: November 12, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Richard E. Dunning


       

Richard E. Dunning

       

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 12, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Marvin R. Deur


       

Marvin R. Deur

       

Vice President and Treasurer

       

(principal financial officer)

Date: November 12, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Kevin G. Kaastra


       

Kevin G. Kaastra

       

Controller (principal accounting officer)

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document


3.1   Articles of Incorporation of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
3.2   Bylaws of Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement No. 333-112414 on Form S-1).
31.1   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Vice President and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

25