Form 10K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-13619

 

 

BROWN & BROWN, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Florida   LOGO   59-0864469

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

   

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona

Beach, FL

    32114
(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (386) 252-9601

Registrant’s Website: www.bbinsurance.com

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

COMMON STOCK, $0.10 PAR VALUE   NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

NOTE: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was last sold on June 30, 2013 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $3,830,091,657.

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value, as of February 19, 2014 was 145,433,663.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Brown & Brown, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BROWN & BROWN, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

INDEX

 

     Page No.  
Part I      
Item 1.   

Business

     2   
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

     9   
Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     18   
Item 2.   

Properties

     18   
Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

     18   
Item 4.   

Mine Safety Disclosures

     18   
Part II      
Item 5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     18   
Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

     21   
Item 7.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     22   
Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     41   
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     41   
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     73   
Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

     73   
Item 9B.   

Other Information

     73   
Part III      
Item 10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     74   
Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

     74   
Item 12.   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     74   
Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     74   
Item 14.   

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     74   
Part IV      
Item 15.   

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

     75   

Signatures

     78   

Exhibit Index

  

 

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Brown & Brown, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”), make “forward-looking statements” within the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, throughout this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference into this report. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan” and “continue” or similar words. We have based these statements on our current expectations about future events. Although we believe the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K and the reports, statements, information and announcements incorporated by reference into this report are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by us or on our behalf. Many of these factors have previously been identified in filings or statements made by us or on our behalf. Important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this report include the following items, in addition to those matters described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”:

 

    Projections of revenues, income, losses, cash flows, capital expenditures;

 

    Future prospects;

 

    Plans for future operations;

 

    Expectations of the economic environment;

 

    Material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve and in the general economy;

 

    Future regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business;

 

    Competition from others in the insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and service business;

 

    The occurrence of adverse economic conditions, an adverse regulatory climate, or a disaster in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, because a significant portion of business written by Brown & Brown is for customers located in these states;

 

    The integration of our operations with those of businesses or assets we have acquired, including our July 2013 acquisition of Beecher Carlson Holdings, Inc. (“Beecher Carlson”), or may acquire in the future, including the announced acquisition of The Wright Insurance Group, LLC (which is expected to close on April 1, 2014), and the failure to realize the expected benefits of such acquisition and integration;

 

    Premium rates and exposure units set by insurance companies which have traditionally varied and are difficult to predict;

 

    Our ability to forecast liquidity needs through at least the end of 2014;

 

    Our ability to renew or replace expiring leases;

 

    Outcome of legal proceedings and governmental investigations;

 

    Policy cancellations which can be unpredictable;

 

    Potential changes to the tax rate that would affect the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities;

 

    The inherent uncertainty in making estimates, judgments, and assumptions in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”);

 

    The performance of acquired businesses and its effect on estimated acquisition earn-out payable; and

 

    Other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.

Assumptions as to any of the foregoing and all statements that are not based on historical fact but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events. Forward-looking statements that we make or that are made by others on our behalf are based on a knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate, but because of the factors listed above, among others, actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Consequently, these cautionary statements qualify all of the forward-looking statements we make herein. We cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for us or affect us, our business or our operations in the way we expect. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. Business.

General

We are a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and service organization with origins dating from 1939, headquartered in Daytona Beach and Tampa, Florida. We market and sell to our customers insurance products and services, primarily in the property, casualty and employee benefits areas. As an agent and broker, we do not assume underwriting risks. Instead, we provide our customers with quality, non-investment insurance contracts, as well as other targeted, customized risk management products and services.

We are compensated for our services primarily by commissions paid by insurance companies and by fees paid by customers for certain services. Commissions are usually a percentage of the premium paid by the insured. Commission rates generally depend upon the type of insurance, the particular insurance company and the nature of the services provided by us. In some cases, we share commissions with other agents or brokers who have acted jointly with us in a transaction. We may also receive from an insurance company a “profit-sharing contingent commission,” which is a profit-sharing commission based primarily on underwriting results, but may also contain considerations for volume, growth and/or retention. Fee revenues are generated primarily by: (1) our Services Division, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and catastrophe claims adjusting services, (2) our National Programs and Wholesale Brokerage Divisions, which earn fees primarily for the issuing of insurance policies on behalf of insurance carriers, and (3) our Retail Division for fees received in lieu of commissions, primarily since our July 1, 2013 acquisition of Beecher Carlson which services many larger fee-based accounts. The amount of our revenues from commissions and fees is a function of, among other factors, continued new business production, retention of existing customers, acquisitions and fluctuations in insurance premium rates and “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, sales and payroll levels).

As of December 31, 2013, our activities were conducted in 245 locations in 41 states as follows, an office in London, England, Hamilton, Bermuda, and George Town, Cayman Islands:

 

Florida   40      Oklahoma      5         Kansas      2   
California   25      Arizona      4         Missouri      2   
New York   17      Kentucky      4         New Hampshire      2   
Washington   16      Michigan      4         Delaware      1   
Texas   15      Minnesota      4         Maryland      1   
Georgia   11      Tennessee      4         Mississippi      1   
New Jersey   10      Virginia      4         Montana      1   
Oregon   8      Arkansas      3         Nevada      1   
Colorado   7      Indiana      3         Rhode Island      1   
Louisiana   7      New Mexico      3         Utah      1   
Pennsylvania   7      North Carolina      3         Vermont      1   
Illinois   6      South Carolina      3         West Virginia      1   
Massachusetts   6      Ohio      3         Wisconsin      1   
Connecticut   5      Hawaii      2           

Industry Overview

Premium pricing within the property and casualty insurance underwriting (risk-bearing) industry has historically been cyclical in nature, and has varied widely based on market conditions. For example, in late 2003, after three years of a “hard” market in which premium rates were stable or increasing, the insurance industry experienced the return of a “soft” market, characterized by flat or reduced premium rates in many lines and geographic areas. In 2004, as general premium rates continued to moderate, the southeastern United States experienced the worst hurricane season since 1992 (when Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida), and the following year brought this region the worst hurricane season ever recorded. As a result of the significant losses incurred by insurance companies due to these hurricanes, property and casualty insurance premium rates increased on coastal property, primarily in the southeastern United States, in 2006, while otherwise generally declining during 2006 and 2007.

To counter the higher property insurance rates in Florida, The State of Florida directed its property “insurer of last resort,” “Citizens Property Insurance Corporation” (“Citizens”), to significantly reduce its rates beginning in January 2007 and extending through January 1, 2010. As a result, several of our Florida-based operations lost significant amounts of revenue to Citizens in this period. Since that time, Citizens’ impact on our operations has declined each year as Citizens has slowly increased its rates in an effort to reduce its insured exposures. Our commission revenues from Citizens for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $5.7 million, $6.4 million, and $7.8 million, respectively. If, as expected, this trend continues, the financial impact of Citizens on our business should continue to decrease in 2014.

 

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Although property and casualty insurance premium rates generally continued to decline from 2008 through 2011 in most lines of coverage, the rates of decline were slowing. However, from the second half of 2008 through 2011, insurable exposure units, such as sales and payroll expenditures, decreased significantly, primarily in the southeastern and western regions of the United States, due to the economic recession, and this decrease had a greater adverse impact on our commissions and fees revenue than did declining insurance premium rates in this period.

From the first quarter of 2012 through 2013, insurance premium rates gradually increased for most lines of coverage, and insurable exposure units began to flatten and in many cases, increase. As a result, in 2012, we achieved positive internal organic core commissions and fees revenue growth for the first time since 2006. In 2013, these rate and exposure unit increases, along with strong new business growth, generated positive internal organic revenue growth for each of our four reportable business divisions in each quarter, with the single exception of the fourth quarter for our Services Division, which experienced a record fourth quarter in 2012 as a result of the significant flood claims activity from Superstorm Sandy that was not replicated in 2013.

We currently expect that property and casualty insurance premium rates and insurable exposure units will generally continue to increase modestly and gradually during 2014, subject to continued improvement in the economic environment.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our business is divided into four reportable operating segments: (1) the Retail Division; (2) the National Programs Division; (3) the Wholesale Brokerage Division; and (4) the Services Division. The Retail Division provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public entity, professional and individual customers. The National Programs Division provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, and markets targeted products and services to specific industries, trade groups, public entities, and market niches. The Wholesale Brokerage Division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal insurance, and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers. The Services Division provides customers with third-party claims administration, consulting for the workers’ compensation insurance market, comprehensive medical utilization management services in both workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, Medicare Secondary Payer statute compliance-related services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and catastrophe claims adjusting services.

The following table summarizes (1) the commissions and fees revenue generated by each of our reportable operating segments for 2013, 2012 and, 2011, and (2) the percentage of our total commissions and fees revenue represented by each segment for each such period:

 

(in thousands, except percentages)    2013     %     2012     %     2011     %  

Retail Division

   $ 725,159        53.5   $ 639,708        53.7   $ 604,966        60.2

National Programs Division

     291,014        21.5     251,929        21.2     164,352        16.3

Wholesale Brokerage Division

     209,493        15.4     182,822        15.4     172,547        17.2

Services Division

     131,033        9.7     116,247        9.8     64,875        6.4

Other

     (1,196     (0.1 )%      (1,625     (0.1 )%      (778     (0.1 )% 
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total

   $ 1,355,503        100.0   $ 1,189,081        100.0   $ 1,005,962        100.0
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

We conduct all of our operations within the United States of America, except for one wholesale brokerage operation based in London, England, and retail operations based in Hamilton, Bermuda and George Town, Cayman Islands that were acquired in July 2013 as part of the Beecher Carlson transaction. These operations earned $12.2 million, $9.7 million and $9.1 million of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We do not have any material foreign long-lived assets.

See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional segment financial data relating to our business.

Retail Division

As of December 31, 2013, our Retail Division employed 3,566 persons. Our retail insurance agency business provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entity, professional and individual customers. The categories of insurance we principally sell include: property insurance relating to physical damage to property and resultant interruption of business or extra expense caused by fire, windstorm or other perils; casualty insurance relating to legal liabilities, workers’ compensation, commercial and private passenger automobile coverages; and fidelity and surety bonds. We also sell and service group and individual life, accident, disability, health, hospitalization, medical and dental insurance.

 

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No material part of our retail business is attributable to a single customer or a few customers. During 2013, commissions and fees from our largest single Retail Division customer represented less than one third of one percent (0.33%) of the Retail Division’s total commissions and fees revenue.

In connection with the selling and marketing of insurance coverages, we provide a broad range of related services to our customers, such as risk management and loss control surveys and analysis, consultation in connection with placing insurance coverages and claims processing. We believe these services are important factors in securing and retaining customers.

National Programs Division

As of December 31, 2013, our National Programs Division employed 1,432 persons. Our National Programs Division can be grouped into four broad categories; (1) Professional Programs; (2) Arrowhead Insurance Programs; (3) Commercial Programs; and (4) Public Entity-Related Programs:

Professional Programs. Professional Programs provide professional liability and related package insurance products tailored to the needs of specific professional groups. Professional Programs negotiates policy forms and coverage options with their specific insurance carrier. Securing endorsements of these products from a professional association or sponsoring company is also an integral part of their function. Professional Programs affiliate with professional groups, including but not limited to, dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, lawyers, CPA’s, optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, insurance agents, financial advisors, registered representatives, securities broker-dealers, benefit administrators, real estate brokers, real estate title agents and escrow agents. In addition, Professional Programs encompasses supplementary insurance related products to include weddings, events, medical facilities and cyber liability.

The Professional Protector Plan® for Dentists and the Lawyer’s Protector Plan® are marketed and sold primarily through a national network of independent agencies including certain of our retail offices; however, certain professional liability programs, CalSurance® and TitlePac®, are principally marketed and sold directly to our insured customers. Under our agency agreements with the insurance companies that underwrite these programs, we often have authority to bind coverages (subject to established guidelines), to bill and collect premiums and, in some cases, to adjust claims. For the programs that we market through independent agencies, we receive a wholesale commission or “override,” which is then shared with these independent agencies.

Below are brief descriptions of the Professional programs.

 

    Allied Protector Plan®: Allied Protector Plan® (“APP®”) specializes in customized professional liability and business insurance programs for individual practitioners and businesses in the healthcare industry. The APP program offers liability insurance coverage for, among others, dental hygienists and dental assistants, home health agencies, physical therapy clinics, and medical directors. Also available through the APP program is cyber/data breach insurance offering a solution to privacy breaches and information security exposures tailored to the needs of healthcare organizations.

 

    Certified Public Accountants: The CPA Protector Plan® is a specialty insurance program offering comprehensive professional liability insurance solutions and risk management services to CPA practitioners and their firms nationwide. Optional coverage enhancements allow insureds to round out their policy and coverage needs, including: Employment Practices Liability, Employee Dishonesty, Non-Profit Directors and Officers, as well as Network Security and Privacy Protection Coverage.

 

    Dentists: First initiated in 1969, the Professional Protector Plan® (“PPP®”) for Dentists provides dental professionals insurance products including professional and general liability, property, employment practices liability, workers compensation, claims and risk management. The PPP recognized the importance of policyholder and customer service and developed a customized, proprietary, web-based rating and policy issuance system which in turn provides a seamless policy delivery resource and access to policy information on a real time basis. Obtaining endorsements from state and local dental societies and associations plays an integral role in the PPP partnership. The PPP is offered in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

 

    Financial Professionals: CalSurance® and CITA Insurance Services® have specialized in this niche since 1980 and offer professional liability programs designed for insurance agents, financial advisors, registered representatives, securities broker-dealers, benefit administrators, real estate brokers and real estate title agents. An important aspect of CalSurance is Lancer Claims Services, which provides specialty claims administration for insurance companies underwriting CalSurance product lines.

 

    Lawyers: The Lawyer’s Protector Plan® (“LPP®”), for 30 years, has been providing professional liability insurance with a niche focus on law firms with 1-20 attorneys. The LPP program handles all aspects of insurance operations including underwriting, distribution management, policy issuance and claims. The LPP is offered in 44 states.

 

    Optometrists, Opticians, and Ophthalmologists: Since 1973 the Optometric Protector Plan® (“OPP®”), has continually provided professional liability, general liability, property, workers’ compensation insurance and risk management programs for eye care professionals nationwide. Our carrier partners offer specialty insurance products tailored to the eye care profession, and our agents and brokers are chosen for their expertise. The OPP is offered in all 50 states. Through our strategic carrier partnerships, we have diversified our demographic and also offer professional liability coverage to Chiropractors, Podiatrists and Physicians nationwide.

 

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    Professional Risk Specialty Group: Professional Risk Specialty Group (“PRSG”) has been providing Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability/Malpractice Insurance for over 22 years both in a direct retail sales and brokering capacity. PRSG has been an exclusive State Administrator for a Lawyers Professional Liability Program since 1994 in Florida and Louisiana, as well as state appointments in 23 other states. The admitted Lawyers Program focuses on 1-19 attorney firms and the non-admitted program is for firms with 20+ attorneys and is available for primary or excess coverage. PRSG is also involved in direct sales and brokering for other professional lines, such as Accountants, Architects & Engineers, Medical Malpractice, Directors & Officers, Employment Practices Liability, Title Agency E&O and Miscellaneous E&O.

 

    Real Estate Title Professionals: TitlePac® provides professional liability products and services designed for real estate title agents and escrow agents in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

 

    Wedding Protector Plan® and Protector Plan® for Events provide an online wedding/private event cancellation and postponement insurance policy that offers financial protection if certain unfortunate, unforeseen events should occur during the period leading up to and including the wedding/event date. Liability and liquor liability is available as an option. Both the Wedding Protector Plan and Protector Plan for Events are offered in 47 states.

Arrowhead Programs. Arrowhead is a Managing General Agent (“MGA”), General Agent (“GA”), and Program Administrator (“PA”) to the property and casualty insurance industry. Arrowhead acts as a virtual insurer providing outsourced product development, marketing, underwriting, actuarial, compliance and claims and other administrative services to insurance carrier partners. As an MGA, Arrowhead has the authority to underwrite, bind insurance carriers, issue policies, collect premiums and provide administrative and claims services.

Below are brief descriptions of the Arrowhead Programs:

 

    Architects and Engineering, operating as Arrowhead Design Insurance (“ADI”), is a leading writer of professional liability insurance for architects, engineers and environmental consultants. ADI is a national program writing in 49 states.

 

    Automotive Aftermarket is a new program launched in 2012 in conjunction with Zurich American Insurance Company’s transfer of selected assets and employees to Arrowhead. The Automotive Aftermarket program writes commercial package insurance for non-dealership automotive services professionals such as auto recyclers, brake shops, equipment dealers, mechanical repairs, oil and lube shops, parts retailers and wholesalers, tire retailers and wholesalers and transmission mechanics.

 

    Commercial is a program that offers three distinct products to commercial operations, primarily in California: commercial auto, commercial package and general liability.

 

    Earthquake and DIC is a Differences-in-Conditions (“DIC”) Program writing, notably earthquake, flood, and the “All Risk” insurance coverages to commercial property owners. The Earthquake and DIC program writes insurance on both a primary and excess layer basis.

 

    Marine is a national program manager and wholesale producer of marine insurance products including yachts and high performance boats, small boats, commercial marine and marine artisan contractors.

 

    OnPoint is an MGA with underwriting programs for tribal nations, manufactured housing, contractors’ equipment and various affinity programs. The largest program is the Tribal business which provides tailored risk management and insurance solutions for U.S. tribal nations.

 

    Personal Property provides a series of coverages for homeowners and renters in numerous states.

 

    Real Estate Errors & Omissions writes errors and omissions insurance for small to medium-sized residential real estate agents and brokers in California. Coverage includes real estate brokerage, property management, escrow, appraisal, leasing and consulting services.

 

    Residential Earthquake specializes in monoline residential earthquake coverage for California home and condominium owners.

 

    Wheels provides private passenger automobile and motorcycle coverage for a range of drivers. Arrowhead’s auto program offers two personal auto coverage types: one traditional non-standard auto product offering minimum state required liability limits and another targeting full coverage, multi-vehicle risks. The auto product is written in several states including California, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina and Washington.

 

    Workers’ Compensation provides workers’ compensation insurance coverage primarily for California-based insureds. Arrowhead’s workers’ compensation program targets industry segments such as agriculture, contractors, food services, horticulture and manufacturing.

 

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Commercial Programs. Commercial Programs markets targeted products and services to specific industries, trade groups, and market niches. Most of these products and services are marketed and sold primarily through independent agents, including certain of our retail offices. However, a number of these products and services are also marketed and sold directly to insured customers. Under agency agreements with the insurance companies that underwrite these programs, we often have authority to bind coverages (subject to established guidelines), to bill and collect premiums and, in some cases, to adjust claims.

 

    Acumen RE Management Corporation (“Acumen Re”) has been active in the facultative reinsurance casualty market since 1993, providing outsourced technical expertise in workers’ compensation, general liability and professional liability (directors and officers along with errors and omissions) reinsurance accounts. Acumen Re’s territory encompasses the entire United States, and this entity accesses insureds via approved reinsurance intermediaries strategically located throughout the country.

 

    AFC Insurance, Inc. (“AFC”)(“Humanity Plus Program”) is a Program Administrator specializing in niche Property & Casualty products for a wide range of For-Profit and Nonprofit Human & Social Service organizations. Eligible risks include Addiction Treatment Centers, Adult Day Care Centers, Group Homes, Services for the Developmentally Disabled and more. AFC’s nationwide comprehensive program offers all lines of coverage. AFC also has a separate program for independent pizza/deli restaurants.

 

    American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc. provides insurance and risk management services for customers in professional sports, motor sports, amateur sports, and the entertainment industry.

 

    Fabricare: Irving Weber Associates, Inc. (“IWA”) has specialized in this niche since 1946, providing package insurance including workers’ compensation to dry cleaners, linen supply and uniform rental operations. IWA also offers insurance programs for independent grocery stores and restaurants.

 

    Florida Intracoastal Underwriters, Limited Company (“FIU”) is a managing general agency that specializes in providing insurance coverage for coastal and inland high-value condominiums and apartments. FIU has developed a specialty reinsurance facility to support the underwriting activities associated with these risks.

 

    Industry Consulting Group, Inc. (“ICG”) is a complete property tax service provider, and works with Proctor Financial, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, in providing solutions to the financial institutions industry. ICG provides a full range of property tax processing solutions, property valuations and appeals, and other services to the real estate, oil and gas, and financial institution industries. ICG features full electronic interfaces, sophisticated and flexible reporting and systems that are customized to individual specifications.

 

    Parcel Insurance Plan® is a specialty insurance agency providing insurance coverage to commercial and private shippers for small packages and parcels with insured values of less than $25,000 each.

 

    Proctor Financial, Inc. (“Proctor”) provides insurance programs and compliance solutions for financial institutions that service mortgage loans. Proctor’s products include lender-placed fire and flood insurance, full insurance outsourcing, mortgage impairment, and blanket equity insurance. Proctor acts as a wholesaler and writes surplus lines property business for its financial institution customers.

 

    Railroad Protector Plan® (“RRPP®”) provides insurance products for contractors, manufacturers and wholesalers supporting the railroad industry (not the railroads). The RRPP insurance coverages include general liability, property, commercial auto, umbrella, and inland marine.

 

    Towing Operators Protector Plan® (“TOPP®”) targets towing operations that offer services to light class towing risks. The TOPP program provides insurance coverage including general liability, commercial auto, garage keeper’s legal liability, property and motor truck cargo coverage.

Public Entity-Related Programs. Public Entity-Related Programs administers various insurance trusts specifically created for cities, counties, municipalities, school boards special taxing districts, and quasi-governmental agencies. These insurance coverages can range from providing fully insured programs to establishing risk retention insurance pools to excess and facultative specific coverages.

 

    Public Risk Underwriters of Indiana, LLC, dba Downey Insurance is a program administrator of insurance trusts offering tailored property and casualty insurance products, risk management consulting, third-party administration and related services designed for cities, counties, municipalities, schools, special taxing districts, and other public entities in the State of Indiana.

 

    Public Risk Underwriters of The Northwest, Inc., dba Canfield is a program administrator of insurance trusts offering tailored property and casualty insurance products, risk management consulting, third-party administration and related services designed for cities, counties, municipalities, school boards, and non-profit organizations in the State of Washington.

 

    Public Risk Underwriters of Illinois, LLC, dba Ideal Insurance Agency is a program administrator offering tailored property and casualty insurance products, risk management consulting, third-party administration and related services designed for municipalities, schools, fire districts, and other public entities in the State of Illinois.

 

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    Public Risk Underwriters of New Jersey, Inc. provides administrative services and insurance procurement for the Statewide Insurance Fund (“Statewide”). Statewide is a municipal joint insurance fund comprised of counties, municipalities, utility authorities, community colleges and emergency services entities in New Jersey.

 

    Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc. is the program administrator for the Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust offering tailored property and casualty insurance products, risk management consulting, third-party administration and related services designed for cities, counties, municipalities, schools, special taxing districts, and other public entities in the State of Florida.

Wholesale Brokerage Division

At December 31, 2013, our Wholesale Brokerage Division employed 1,014 persons. Our Wholesale Brokerage Division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance products and services to retail insurance agencies (including our retail offices), and reinsurance products and services to insurance companies throughout the United States. The Wholesale Brokerage Division offices represent various U.S. and U.K. surplus lines insurance companies. Additionally, certain offices are also Lloyd’s of London correspondents. The Wholesale Brokerage Division also represents admitted insurance companies for purposes of affording access to such companies for smaller agencies that otherwise do not have access to large insurance company representation. Excess and surplus insurance products encompass many insurance coverages, including personal lines, homeowners, yachts, jewelry, commercial property and casualty, commercial automobile, garage, restaurant, builder’s risk and inland marine lines. Difficult-to-insure general liability and products liability coverages are a specialty, as is excess workers’ compensation coverage. Wholesale brokers solicit business through mailings and direct contact with retail agency representatives. During 2013, commissions and fees from our largest Wholesale Brokerage Division customer represented approximately 1.4% of the Wholesale Brokerage Division’s total commissions and fees revenue.

Services Division

At December 31, 2013, our Services Division employed 785 persons and provided a wide-range of insurance-related services.

Below are brief descriptions of the programs offered by the Services Division.

 

    The Advocator Group assists individuals throughout the United States who are seeking to establish eligibility for coverage under the U.S. Government’s Social Security Disability program and provides health plan selection and enrollment assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. The Advocator Group works closely with employer-sponsored group life, disability and health plan participants to assist disabled employees in receiving the education, advocacy and benefit coordination assistance necessary to achieve the fastest possible benefit approvals. In addition, The Advocator Group also provides second injury fund recovery services to the workers compensation insurance market.

 

    American Claims Management (“ACM”) provides third-party administration (“TPA”) services to both the commercial and personal property and casualty insurance markets on a nationwide basis, and provides claims adjusting, administration, subrogation, litigation and data management services to insurance companies, self-insureds, public municipalities, insurance brokers and corporate entities. ACM services also include managed care, claim investigations, field adjusting and audit services. Approximately 76% of ACM’s 2013 net revenues were derived from the various Arrowhead programs in our National Programs Division, with the remainder generated from third parties.

 

    Colonial Claims provides insurance claims adjusting and related services, including education and training services, throughout the United States. Colonial Claims handle property and casualty insurers’ multi-line and catastrophic claims needs, including auto, earthquake, flood, hail, homeowners and wind claims. Colonial Claims’ adjusters are approved by the National Flood Insurance Program and are certified in each classification of loss that include dwelling, mobile home, condominium association, commercial and large losses.

 

    ICA provides comprehensive claims management solutions for both personal and commercial lines of insurance. ICA is a national service provider for daily and catastrophe claims, vendor management, TPA operations and staff augmentation. ICA offers training and educational opportunities to independent adjusters nationwide in our regional training facilities. Other claims services we offer: first notice of loss, fast track, field appraisals, quality control and consulting.

 

    NuQuest/Bridge Point and Protocols provide a full spectrum of Medicare Secondary Payer (“MSP”) statute compliance services, from MSA Allocation through Professional Administration to over 250 insurance carriers, third-party administrators, self-insured employers, attorneys, brokers and related claims professionals nationwide. Specialty services include medical projections, life care plans, Medicare set-aside analysis, allocation and administration.

 

    Preferred Governmental Claims Solutions (“PGCS”) provides TPA services for insurance entities and self-funded or fully-insured workers’ compensation and liability plans. PGCS’ services include claims administration, cost containment consulting, services for secondary disability, and subrogation recoveries.

 

    USIS provides TPA services for insurance entities and self-funded or fully-insured workers’ compensation and liability plans. USIS services include claims administration, access to major reinsurance markets, cost containment consulting, services for secondary disability, and subrogation recoveries and risk management services such as loss control. USIS services also includes managed care services, including medical networks, case management and utilization review services certified by the American Accreditation Health Care Commission.

 

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In 2013, our three largest workers’ compensation contracts represented approximately 6.0% of our Services Division’s fees revenues, or approximately 0.8% of our total consolidated commissions and fees revenue.

Employees

At December 31, 2013, we had 6,992 full-time equivalent employees. We have agreements with our sales employees and certain other employees that include provisions restricting their ability to solicit business from our customers or to hire our employees for a period of time after separation from employment with us. The enforceability of such agreements varies from state to state depending upon state statutes, judicial decisions and factual circumstances. The majority of these agreements are at-will and terminable by either party; however, the covenants not to solicit our customers and employees generally extend for a period of two years after cessation of employment.

None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

Competition

The insurance intermediary business is highly competitive, and numerous firms actively compete with us for customers and insurance markets. Competition in the insurance business is largely based on innovation, quality of service and price. A number of firms and banks with substantially greater resources and market presence compete with us in the southeastern United States, particularly outside of Florida and elsewhere.

A number of insurance companies directly sell insurance, primarily to individuals, and do not pay commissions to third-party agents and brokers. In addition, the Internet continues to be a source for direct placement of personal lines business. To date, such direct sales efforts have had little effect on our operations, primarily because our Retail Division is mostly commercially oriented rather than individually oriented.

In addition, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 and regulations enacted thereunder permit banks, securities firms and insurance companies to affiliate. As a result, the financial services industry has experienced and may continue to experience consolidation, which in turn has resulted and could continue to result in increased competition from diversified financial institutions, including competition for acquisition prospects.

Regulation, Licensing and Agency Contracts

We and/or our designated employees must be licensed to act as agents, brokers, intermediaries or third-party administrators by state regulatory authorities in the states in which we conduct business. Regulations and licensing laws vary by individual state and are often complex.

The applicable licensing laws and regulations in all states are subject to amendment or reinterpretation by state regulatory authorities, and such authorities are vested in most cases with relatively broad discretion as to the granting, revocation, suspension and renewal of licenses. The possibility exists that we and/or our employees could be excluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on some or all of our activities in, or could otherwise be subjected to penalties by, a particular state.

Available Information

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and its rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires us to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We make available free of charge on our website, at www.bbinsurance.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing such material to the SEC. These documents are posted on our website at www.bbinsurance.com—select the “Investor Relations” link and then the “Publications & Filings” link.

Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at:

SEC Public Reference Room

100 F Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

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Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. Also, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The charters of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Governance Committees of our Board of Directors as well as our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of Ethics—CEO and Senior Financial Officers (including any amendments to, or waivers of any provision of any of these charters, principles or codes) are also available on our website or upon request. Requests for copies of any of these documents should be directed in writing to: Corporate Secretary, Brown & Brown, Inc., 655 N. Franklin St, Suite 1900, Tampa, Florida 33602, or by telephone to (813) 222-4277.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

WE CANNOT ACCURATELY FORECAST OUR COMMISSION REVENUES BECAUSE OUR COMMISSIONS DEPEND ON PREMIUM RATES CHARGED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES, WHICH HISTORICALLY HAVE VARIED AND, AS A RESULT, HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO PREDICT.

We are primarily engaged in the insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, and insurance programs business, and derive revenues principally from commissions paid by insurance companies. Commissions are based upon a percentage of premiums paid by customers for insurance products. The amount of such commissions is therefore highly dependent on premium rates charged by insurance companies. We do not determine insurance premiums. Premium rates are determined by insurance companies based on a fluctuating market. Historically, property and casualty premiums have been cyclical in nature and have varied widely based on market conditions.

As traditional risk-bearing insurance companies continue to outsource the production of premium revenue to non-affiliated brokers or agents such as us, those insurance companies may seek to further reduce their expenses by reducing the commission rates payable to those insurance agents or brokers. The reduction of these commission rates, along with general volatility and/or declines in premiums, may significantly affect our profitability. Because we do not determine the timing or extent of premium pricing changes, we cannot accurately forecast our commission revenues, including whether they will significantly decline. As a result, we may have to adjust our budgets for future acquisitions, capital expenditures, dividend payments, loan repayments and other expenditures to account for unexpected changes in revenues, and any decreases in premium rates may adversely affect the results of our operations.

CURRENT U.S. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND THE SHIFT AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL INSURANCE MARKETS MAY CONTINUE TO ADVERSLY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

From late 2007 through 2011, global consumer confidence had eroded amidst concerns over declining asset values, volatility in energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, high unemployment, and the stability and solvency of financial institutions, financial markets, businesses, and sovereign nations. Those concerns slowed economic growth and resulted in a recession in the United States. Economic conditions had a negative impact on our results of operations during the years 2008 through 2011 due to reduced customer demand. In 2012, the economic conditions in the middle-market economy appeared to stabilize, and a gradual improvement continued through 2013. However, if these economic conditions worsen, a number of negative effects on our business could result, including declines in values of insurable exposure units, declines in insurance premium rates, and the financial insolvency, or reduced ability to pay, of certain of our customers. Also, if general economic conditions are poor, some of our clients may cease operations completely or be acquired by other companies, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If these clients are affected by poor economic conditions but yet remain in existence, they may face liquidity problems or other financial difficulties which could result in delays or defaults in payments owed to us, which could have a significant adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Any of these effects could decrease our net revenues and profitability.

In addition, there has been an increase in alternative insurance markets, such as self-insurance, captives, risk retention groups and non-insurance capital markets. While we compete in these segments on a fee-for-service basis, we cannot be certain that such alternative markets will provide the same level of profitability as traditional insurance markets.

OUR GROWTH STRATEGY DEPENDS IN PART ON THE ACQUISITION OF OTHER INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES, WHICH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON ACCEPTABLE TERMS IN THE FUTURE AND WHICH, IF CONSUMMATED, MAY NOT BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO US.

Our growth strategy includes the acquisition of other insurance intermediaries. Our ability to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, integrate acquired businesses into our operations, and expand into new markets requires us to implement and improve our operations and our financial and management information systems. Integrated, acquired businesses may not achieve levels of revenues, profitability, or productivity comparable to our existing operations, or otherwise perform as expected. In addition, we compete for acquisition and expansion opportunities with firms and banks that have substantially greater resources than we do. Acquisitions also involve a number of special risks, such as: diversion of management’s attention; difficulties in the integration of acquired operations and retention of personnel; increase in expenses and working capital requirements, which could reduce our return on invested capital; entry into unfamiliar markets; unanticipated problems or legal liabilities; estimation of the acquisition earn-out payables; and tax and accounting issues, some or

 

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all of which could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition and cash flows. Post-acquisition deterioration of targets could also result in lower or negative earnings contribution and/or goodwill impairment charges.

WE COULD INCUR SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES FROM OUR CASH AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS IF ONE OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT WE USE FAILS OR IS TAKEN OVER BY THE U.S. FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (“FDIC”).

Traditionally, we have maintained cash and investment balances, including restricted cash held in premium trust accounts, at various depository institutions in amounts that are significantly in excess of the limits insured by the FDIC. While we began in the Fall of 2008 re-focusing our investment and cash management strategy by moving more of our cash into non-interest bearing accounts (which were FDIC-insured until December 31, 2012, and not subject to any limits) and money market accounts (a portion of which became FDIC insured in the Fall of 2008), we still maintain cash and investment balances in excess of the current limits insured by FDIC. As the credit crisis persists, the financial strength of some depository institutions has diminished and this trend may continue. If one or more of the depository institutions with which we maintain significant cash balances were to fail, our ability to access these funds might be temporarily or permanently limited, and we could face material liquidity problems and potential material financial losses.

OUR BUSINESS, AND THEREFORE OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION, MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE FURTHER DISRUPTION IN THE U.S.-BASED CREDIT MARKETS AND BY FURTHER INSTABILITY OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS.

The disruption in the U.S.-based credit markets, the repricing of credit risk and the deterioration of the financial and real estate markets over the past few years have created increasingly difficult conditions for financial institutions and certain insurance companies. These conditions include significant losses, greater volatility, significantly less liquidity, widening of credit spreads and a lack of price transparency in certain markets. While these conditions have somewhat abated since the Fall of 2008, it is difficult to predict when these conditions will completely end and the extent to which our markets, products and business will be adversely affected.

The unprecedented disruptions in the credit and financial markets had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and limited access to capital and credit for many companies. Although we are not currently experiencing any limitation of access to our revolving credit facility (which matures in 2016) and are not aware of any issues impacting the ability or willingness of our lenders under such facility to honor their commitments to extend us credit, the failure of a lender could adversely affect our ability to borrow on that facility, which over time could negatively impact our ability to consummate significant acquisitions or make other significant capital expenditures. Continued adverse conditions in the credit markets in future years could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings or renewals or refinancings.

We also have a significant amount of trade accounts receivable from some insurance companies with which we place insurance. If those insurance companies were to experience liquidity problems or other financial difficulties, we could encounter delays or defaults in payments owed to us, which could have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

OUR BUSINESS, AND THEREFORE OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION, MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN REDUCED INSURER CAPACITY.

Our results of operations depend on the continued capacity of insurance carriers to underwrite risk and provide coverage, which depends in turn on insurance companies’ ability to procure reinsurance. Capacity could also be reduced by insurance companies failing or withdrawing from writing certain coverages that we offer our clients. We have no control over these matters. To the extent that reinsurance becomes less widely available, we may not be able to procure the amount or types of coverage that our customers desire and the coverage we are able to procure may be more expensive or limited.

INFLATION MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN THE FUTURE.

Given the current macroeconomic environment, it is possible that U.S. government actions, in the form of a monetary stimulus, a fiscal stimulus, or both, to the U.S. economy, could lead to inflationary conditions that would adversely affect our cost base, resulting in an increase in our employee compensation and benefits and our other operating expenses. This could harm our margins and profitability if we are unable to increase prices or cut costs enough to offset the effects of inflation on our cost base.

 

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WE ARE EXPOSED TO INTANGIBLE ASSET RISK; SPECIFICALLY, OUR GOODWILL MAY BECOME IMPAIRED IN THE FUTURE.

As of the date of the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2013 fiscal year, we have $2,006,173,000 of goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We perform a goodwill impairment test on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable from estimated future cash flows. We completed our most recent evaluation of impairment for goodwill as of November 30, 2013 and determined that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of such assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate or slower growth rates could result in the need to perform an additional impairment analysis prior to the next annual goodwill impairment test. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, we would then record the appropriate charge, which could result in material charges that are adverse to our operating results and financial position. See Notes 1—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 3—“Goodwill” to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”

Additionally, the carrying value of amortizable intangible assets attributable to each business or asset group comprising Brown & Brown is periodically reviewed by management to determine if there are events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Accordingly, if there are any such circumstances that occur during the year, Brown & Brown assesses the carrying value of its amortizable intangible assets by considering the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the corresponding business or asset group. Any impairment identified through this assessment may require that the carrying value of related amortizable intangible assets be adjusted; however, no impairments have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

OUR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO UNCERTAINTY DUE TO INVESTIGATIONS BY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES AND POTENTIAL RELATED PRIVATE LITIGATION.

The business practices and compensation arrangements of the insurance intermediary industry, including our practices and arrangements, are subject to uncertainty due to investigations by various governmental authorities. As disclosed in prior years, certain of our offices are parties to profit-sharing contingent commission agreements with certain insurance companies, including agreements providing for potential payment of revenue-sharing commissions by insurance companies based primarily on the overall profitability of the aggregate business written with those insurance companies and/or additional factors such as retention ratios and the overall volume of business that an office or offices place with those insurance companies. Additionally, to a lesser extent, some of our offices are parties to override commission agreements with certain insurance companies, which provide for commission rates in excess of standard commission rates to be applied to specific lines of business, such as group health business, and which are based primarily on the overall volume of business that such office or offices placed with those insurance companies. The Company has not chosen to discontinue receiving profit-sharing contingent commissions or override commissions. The legislatures of various states may adopt new laws addressing contingent commission arrangements, including laws prohibiting such arrangements, and addressing disclosure of such arrangements to insureds. Various state departments of insurance may also adopt new regulations addressing these matters. While we cannot predict the outcome of the governmental inquiries and investigations into the insurance industry’s commission payment practices or the responses by the market and government regulators, any unfavorable resolution of these matters could adversely affect our results of operations. Further, if such resolution included a material decrease in our profit-sharing contingent commissions and override commissions, it would likely adversely affect our results of operations.

OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR LIQUIDITY MAY BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ERRORS AND OMISSIONS AND THE OUTCOME OF CERTAIN ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL CLAIMS, LAWSUITS AND PROCEEDINGS.

We are subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement or servicing of insurance and/or the provision of services in the ordinary course of business. Because we often assist customers with matters involving substantial amounts of money, including the placement of insurance and the handling of related claims that customers may assert, errors and omissions claims against us may arise alleging potential liability for all or part of the amounts in question. Also, the failure of an insurer with whom we place business could result in errors and omissions claims against us by our clients, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Claimants may seek large damage awards, and these claims may involve potentially significant legal costs, including punitive damages. Such claims, lawsuits and other proceedings could, for example, include claims for damages based on allegations that our employees or sub-agents improperly failed to procure coverage, report claims on behalf of customers, provide insurance companies with complete and accurate information relating to the risks being insured or appropriately apply funds that we hold for our customers on a fiduciary basis. In addition, given the long-tail nature of professional liability claims, errors and omissions matters can relate to matters dating back many years. We have established provisions against these potential matters that we believe to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice, and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to developments.

 

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While most of the errors and omissions claims made against us (subject to our self-insured deductibles) have been covered by our professional indemnity insurance, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may be adversely affected if, in the future, our insurance coverage proves to be inadequate or unavailable, or if there is an increase in liabilities for which we self-insure. Our ability to obtain professional indemnity insurance in the amounts and with the deductibles we desire in the future may be adversely impacted by general developments in the market for such insurance or our own claims experience. In addition, claims, lawsuits and other proceedings may harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business.

WE DERIVE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR COMMISSION REVENUES FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LOSS OF WHICH COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL EXPENSE AND LOSS OF MARKET SHARE.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, no insurance company accounted for more than 8.0% of our total core commissions. For the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately 5.0% and 5.2% of our total core commissions was derived from insurance policies underwritten by one insurance company, respectively. Should this insurance company seek to terminate their arrangements with us, we believe that other insurance companies are available to underwrite the business, and we could likely move our business to one of these other insurance companies, although some additional expense and loss of market share could possibly result.

BECAUSE OUR BUSINESS IS HIGHLY CONCENTRATED IN CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON, ADVERSE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OR REGULATORY CHANGES IN THESE STATES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.

A significant portion of our business is concentrated in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we derived $1,123.7 million or 82.9%, $976.7 million or 82.1% and $803.5 million, or 79.9%, of our commissions and fees, respectively, from our operations located in these states. We believe that these revenues are attributable predominately to customers in these states. We believe the current regulatory environment for insurance intermediaries in these states is no more restrictive than in other states. The insurance business is primarily a state-regulated industry, and therefore, state legislatures may enact laws that adversely affect the insurance industry. Because our business is concentrated in the states identified above, we face greater exposure to unfavorable changes in regulatory conditions in those states than insurance intermediaries whose operations are more diversified through a greater number of states. In addition, the occurrence of adverse economic conditions, natural or other disasters, or other circumstances specific to or otherwise significantly impacting these states could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR OPERATIONS INTERNATIONALLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL RISKS AND REQUIRE MORE MANAGEMENT TIME AND EXPENSE THAN OUR DOMESTIC OPERATIONS TO ACHIEVE OR MAINTAIN PROFITABILITY.

In 2008, we expanded our operations to the United Kingdom. In addition, we acquired retail operations based in Hamilton, Bermuda and George Town, Cayman Islands in July 2013 as part of the Beecher Carlson transaction. In the future, we intend to continue to consider additional international expansion opportunities. Our international operations may be subject to a number of risks, including:

 

    Difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;

 

    Less flexible employee relationships, which may make it difficult and expensive to terminate employees and which limits our ability to prohibit employees from competing with us after their employment ceases;

 

    Political and economic instability (including acts of terrorism and outbreaks of war);

 

    Coordinating our communications and logistics across geographic distances and multiple time zones;

 

    Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and laws;

 

    Adverse trade policies, and adverse changes to any of the policies of either the U.S. or any of the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate;

 

    Adverse changes in tax rates;

 

    Legal or political constraints on our ability to maintain or increase prices;

 

    Governmental restrictions on the transfer of funds to us from our operations outside the United States; and

 

    Burdens of complying with a wide variety of labor practices and foreign laws, including those relating to export and import duties, environmental policies and privacy issues.

 

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OUR CURRENT MARKET SHARE MAY DECREASE AS A RESULT OF INCREASED COMPETITION FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY.

The insurance intermediary business is highly competitive and we actively compete with numerous firms for customers and insurance companies, many of which have relationships with insurance companies or have a significant presence in niche insurance markets that may give them an advantage over us. Other competitive concerns may include the quality of our products and services, our pricing and the ability of some of our customers to self-insure. Because relationships between insurance intermediaries and insurance companies or customers are often local or regional in nature, this potential competitive disadvantage is particularly pronounced outside of Florida. A number of insurance companies are engaged in the direct sale of insurance, primarily to individuals, and do not pay commissions to agents and brokers. In addition, as and to the extent that banks, securities firms and insurance companies affiliate, the financial services industry may experience further consolidation, and we therefore may experience increased competition from insurance companies and the financial services industry, as a growing number of larger financial institutions increasingly, and aggressively, offer a wider variety of financial services, including insurance intermediaries, than we currently offer.

PROPOSED TORT REFORM LEGISLATION, IF ENACTED, COULD DECREASE DEMAND FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE, THEREBY REDUCING OUR COMMISSION REVENUES.

Legislation concerning tort reform has been considered, from time to time, in the United States Congress and in several state legislatures. Among the provisions considered in such legislation have been limitations on damage awards, including punitive damages, and various restrictions applicable to class action lawsuits. Enactment of these or similar provisions by Congress, or by states in which we sell insurance, could reduce the demand for liability insurance policies or lead to a decrease in policy limits of such policies sold, thereby reducing our commission revenues.

WE COMPETE IN A HIGHLY-REGULATED INDUSTRY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN INCREASED EXPENSES OR RESTRICTIONS ON OUR OPERATIONS.

We conduct business in most states and are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by government agencies in the states in which we do business. The primary purpose of such regulation and supervision is to provide safeguards for policyholders rather than to protect the interests of our stockholders. As a result, such regulation and supervision could reduce our profitability or growth by increasing compliance costs, restricting the products or services we may sell, the markets we may enter, the methods by which we may sell our products and services, or the prices we may charge for our services and the form of compensation we may accept from our clients, carriers and third parties. The laws of the various state jurisdictions establish supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers with respect to, among other things, licensing of entities to transact business, licensing of agents, admittance of assets, regulating premium rates, approving policy forms, regulating unfair trade and claims practices, establishing reserve requirements and solvency standards, requiring participation in guarantee funds and shared market mechanisms, and restricting payment of dividends. Also, in response to perceived excessive cost or inadequacy of available insurance, states have from time to time created state insurance funds and assigned risk pools, which compete directly, on a subsidized basis, with private insurance providers. We act as agents and brokers for such state insurance funds and assigned risk pools in California and certain other states. These state funds and pools could choose to reduce the sales or brokerage commissions we receive. Any such reductions, in a state in which we have substantial operations, such as Florida, California or New York, could substantially affect the profitability of our operations in such state, or cause us to change our marketing focus. Further, state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners continually re-examine existing laws and regulations, and such re-examination may result in the enactment of insurance-related laws and regulations, or the issuance of interpretations thereof, that adversely affect our business. Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, there can be no assurance that more restrictive laws, rules or regulations will not be adopted in the future that could make compliance more difficult or expensive. Specifically, recently adopted federal financial services modernization legislation could lead to additional federal regulation of the insurance industry in the coming years, which could result in increased expenses or restrictions on our operations.

PROFIT-SHARING CONTINGENT COMMISSIONS AND OVERRIDE COMMISSIONS PAID BY INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE LESS PREDICTABLE THAN USUAL, WHICH IMPAIRS OUR ABILITY TO PREDICT THE AMOUNT OF SUCH COMMISSIONS THAT WE WILL RECEIVE.

We derive a portion of our revenues from profit-sharing contingent commissions and override commissions paid by insurance companies. Profit-sharing contingent commissions are special revenue-sharing commissions paid by insurance companies based upon the profitability, volume and/or growth of the business placed with such companies during the prior year. We primarily receive these commissions in the first and second quarters of each year. These commissions generally have accounted for 4.3% to 4.4% of our previous year’s total annual revenues over the last three years. Due to, among other things, potentially poor macroeconomic conditions, the inherent uncertainty of loss in our industry and changes in underwriting criteria due in part to the high loss ratios experienced by insurance companies, we cannot predict the payment of these profit-sharing contingent commissions. Further, we have no control over the ability of insurance companies to estimate loss reserves, which affects our ability to make profit-sharing

 

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calculations. Override commissions are paid by insurance companies based on the volume of business that we place with them and are generally paid over the course of the year. Because profit-sharing contingent commissions and override commissions materially affect our revenues, any decrease in their payment to us could adversely affect the results of our operations and our financial condition.

WE HAVE NOT DETERMINED THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES AND THE TIME THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ADEQUATELY RESPOND TO RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN OUR INDUSTRY, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATING RESULTS.

Frequent technological changes, new products and services and evolving industry standards are influencing the insurance business. The Internet, for example, is increasingly used to securely transmit benefits and related information to customers and to facilitate business-to-business information exchange and transactions. We believe that the development and implementation of new technologies will require additional investment of our capital resources in the future. We have not determined, however, the amount of resources and the time that this development and implementation may require, which may result in short-term, unexpected interruptions to our business, or may result in a competitive disadvantage in price and/or efficiency, as we develop or implement new technologies.

QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL VARIATIONS IN OUR COMMISSIONS THAT RESULT FROM THE TIMING OF POLICY RENEWALS AND THE NET EFFECT OF NEW AND LOST BUSINESS PRODUCTION MAY HAVE UNEXPECTED EFFECTS ON OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Our commission income (including profit-sharing contingent commissions and override commissions but excluding fees) can vary quarterly or annually due to the timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production. We do not control the factors that cause these variations. Specifically, customers’ demand for insurance products can influence the timing of renewals, new business and lost business (which includes policies that are not renewed), and cancellations. In addition, as discussed, we rely on insurance companies for the payment of certain commissions. Because these payments are processed internally by these insurance companies, we may not receive a payment that is otherwise expected from a particular insurance company in a particular quarter or year until after the end of that period, which can adversely affect our ability to budget for significant future expenditures. Quarterly and annual fluctuations in revenues based on increases and decreases associated with the timing of policy renewals may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we may not be able to develop and implement new technologies as quickly as our competitors.

WE MAY EXPERIENCE VOLATILITY IN OUR STOCK PRICE THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT.

The market price of our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuations in response to various factors, including: quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; changes in securities analysts’ estimates of our future earnings; changes in securities analysts’ predictions regarding the short-term and long-term future of our industry; and our loss of significant customers or significant business developments relating to us or our competitors. Our common stock’s market price also may be affected by our ability to meet stock analysts’ earnings and other expectations. Any failure to meet such expectations, even if minor, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In addition, stock markets have generally experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of equity securities of many listed companies have experienced wide price fluctuations not necessarily related to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our common stock’s market price. In the past, securities class action lawsuits frequently have been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of such companies’ securities. If any such litigation is initiated against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS WOULD BE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INTERRUPTION IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND/OR DATA SECURITY AND/OR OUTSOURCING RELATIONSHIPS.

Our business relies on information systems to provide effective and efficient service to our customers, process claims, and timely and accurately report results to carriers. An interruption of our access to, or an inability to access, our information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. If sustained or repeated, such a business interruption, system failure or service denial could result in a deterioration of our ability to write and process new and renewal business, provide customer service, pay claims in a timely manner or perform other necessary business functions.

Computer viruses, hackers and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches. These increased risks, and expanding regulatory requirements regarding data security, could expose us to data loss, monetary and reputational damages and significant increases in compliance costs. While we have taken, and continue to take, actions to protect the security and privacy of our information, entirely eliminating all risk of improper access to private information is not possible.

 

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We are taking steps to upgrade and expand our information systems capabilities. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing these capabilities to keep pace with evolving industry and regulatory standards, and changing customer preferences, requires an ongoing commitment of significant resources. If the information we rely upon to run our businesses was found to be inaccurate or unreliable or if we fail to maintain effectively our information systems and data integrity, we could experience operational disruptions, regulatory or other legal problems, increases in operating expenses, loss of existing customers, difficulty in attracting new customers, or suffer other adverse consequences.

Our technological development projects may not deliver the benefits we expect once they are completed, or may be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, which could result in the accelerated recognition of expenses. If we do not effectively and efficiently manage and upgrade our technology portfolio, or if the costs of doing so are higher than we expect, our ability to provide competitive services to new and existing customers in a cost-effective manner and our ability to implement our strategic initiatives could be adversely impacted.

IMPROPER DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS.

We are responsible for maintaining the security and privacy of our customers’ confidential and proprietary information and the personal data of their employees. We have put in place policies, procedures and technological safeguards designed to protect the security and privacy of this information, however, we cannot guarantee that this information will not be improperly disclosed or accessed. Disclosure of this information could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under our contracts and laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenues.

Further, privacy laws and regulations are continuously changing and often are inconsistent among the states in which we operate. Our failure to adhere to or successfully implement procedures to respond to these requirements could result in legal liability or impairment to our reputation.

WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION WHICH, IF DETERMINED UNFAVORABLY TO US, COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION.

We are and may be subject to a number of claims, regulatory actions and other proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. We cannot, and likely will not be able to, predict the outcome of these claims, actions and proceedings with certainty.

An adverse outcome in connection with one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition in any given quarterly or annual period. In addition, regardless of monetary costs, these matters could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and cause harm to our carrier, customer or employee relationships, or divert personnel and management resources.

While we currently have insurance coverage for some of these potential liabilities, other potential liabilities may not be covered by insurance, insurers may dispute coverage or the amount of our insurance may not be enough to cover the damages awarded. In addition, some types of damages, like punitive damages, may not be covered by insurance. Insurance coverage for all or some forms of liability may become unavailable or prohibitively expensive in the future.

 

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OUR INABILITY TO RETAIN OR HIRE QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES, AS WELL AS THE LOSS OF ANY OF OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR ABILITY TO RETAIN EXISTING BUSINESS AND GENERATE NEW BUSINESS.

Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled and experienced personnel. There is significant competition from within the insurance industry and from businesses outside the industry for exceptional employees, especially in key positions. If we are not able to successfully attract, retain and motivate our employees, our business, financial results and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.

Losing employees who manage or support substantial customer relationships or possess substantial experience or expertise could adversely affect our ability to secure and complete customer engagements, which would adversely affect our results of operations. Also, if any of our key professionals were to join an existing competitor or form a competing company, some of our customers could choose to use the services of that competitor instead of our services. While our key personnel are prohibited by contract from soliciting our employees and customers for a period of years following separation from employment with us, they are not prohibited from competing with us.

In addition, we could be adversely affected if we fail to adequately plan for the succession of our Senior Leaders and key executives. While we have succession plans in place and we have employment arrangements with certain key executives, these do not guarantee that the services of these executives will continue to be available to us. Although we operate with a decentralized management system, the loss of our senior managers or other key personnel, or our inability to continue to identify, recruit and retain such personnel, could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

CONSOLIDATION IN THE INDUSTRIES THAT WE SERVE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

Companies that we serve may seek to achieve economies of scale and other synergies by combining with or acquiring other companies. If two or more of our current customers merge or consolidate and combine their operations, it may decrease the overall amount of work that we perform for these customers. If one of our current customers merges or consolidates with a company that relies on another provider for its services, we may lose work from that customer or lose the opportunity to gain additional work. The increased market power of larger companies could also increase pricing and competitive pressures on us. Any of these possible results of industry consolidation could adversely affect our business.

HEALTHCARE REFORM AND INCREASED COSTS OF CURRENT EMPLOYEES’ MEDICAL AND OTHER BENEFITS COULD HAVE A MATERIALLY ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.

Our profitability is affected by the cost of current employees’ medical and other benefits. In recent years, we have experienced significant increases in these costs as a result of economic factors beyond our control. Although we have actively sought to contain increases in these costs, there can be no assurance we will succeed in limiting future cost increases, and continued upward pressure in these costs could reduce our profitability.

In addition, we believe that increased health care costs resulting from the 2010 health care reform bill could have a material adverse impact on our business, cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.

WE ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NATURAL DISASTERS AND GLOBAL EVENTS.

Our operations may be subject to natural disasters or other business disruptions, which could seriously harm our results of operation and increase our costs and expenses. We are susceptible to losses and interruptions caused by hurricanes (including in Florida, where our headquarters are located), earthquakes (including California, where we maintain a relatively large number of offices), power shortages, telecommunications failures, water shortages, floods, fire, extreme weather conditions, geopolitical events such as terrorist acts and other natural or manmade disasters. Our insurance coverage with respect to natural disasters is limited and is subject to deductibles and coverage limits. Such coverage may not be adequate, or may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates and terms.

CERTAIN OF OUR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONTROL OF THE COMPANY.

At December 31, 2013, our executive officers, directors and certain of their family members collectively beneficially owned approximately 18.3% of our outstanding common stock, of which J. Hyatt Brown, our Chairman, and his family members, which include his sons, J. Powell Brown, our President and Chief Executive Officer and P. Barrett Brown, one of our Regional Vice Presidents, beneficially owned approximately 16.4%. As a result, our executive officers, directors and certain of their family members have significant influence over (1) the election of our Board of Directors, (2) the approval or disapproval of any other matters requiring stockholder approval, and (3) our affairs and policies.

 

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CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS MAY INCREASE OUR COSTS.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) and the Dodd-Frank Act enacted in 2010 have required changes in some of our corporate governance, securities disclosure and compliance practices. In response to the requirements of these Acts, the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange have promulgated and will likely continue to promulgate new rules on a variety of subjects. These developments have increased (and may increase in the future) our compliance costs, may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board of Directors or qualified executive officers.

From time to time new regulations are enacted, or existing requirements are changed, and it is difficult to anticipate how such regulations and changes will be implemented and enforced. We continue to evaluate the necessary steps for compliance with regulations as they are enacted. Legislative developments that could adversely affect us include: changes in our business compensation model as a result of regulatory developments (for example, the 2010 Health Care Reform Legislation); and federal and state governments establishing programs to provide health insurance or, in certain cases, property insurance in catastrophe-prone areas or other alternative market types of coverage, that compete with, or completely replace, insurance products offered by insurance carriers. Also, as global warming issues become more prevalent, the U.S. and foreign governments are beginning to respond to these issues. This increasing governmental focus on global warming may result in new environmental regulations that may negatively affect us and our customers. This could cause us to incur additional direct costs in complying with any new environmental regulations, as well as increased indirect costs resulting from our customers incurring additional compliance costs that get passed on to us. These costs may adversely impact our operations and financial condition.

DUE TO INHERENT LIMITATIONS, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT OUR SYSTEM OF DISCLOSURE AND INTERNAL CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN PREVENTING ALL ERRORS OR FRAUD, OR IN INFORMING MANAGEMENT OF ALL MATERIAL INFORMATION IN A TIMELY MANNER.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system reflects that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur simply because of error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of a control.

The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.

IF WE RECEIVE OTHER THAN AN UNQUALIFIED OPINION ON THE ADEQUACY OF OUR INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND FUTURE YEAR-ENDS AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 404 OF SARBANES-OXLEY, INVESTORS COULD LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY OF OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF OUR SHARES.

As directed by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include an annual report on internal control over financial reporting on Form 10-K that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We continuously conduct a rigorous review of our internal control over financial reporting in order to assure compliance with the Section 404 requirements. However, if our independent auditors interpret the Section 404 requirements and the related rules and regulations differently than we do, or if our independent auditors are not satisfied with our internal control over financial reporting or with the level at which it is documented, operated or reviewed, they may issue a report other than an unqualified opinion. A report other than an unqualified opinion could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.

THERE ARE INHERENT UNCERTAINTIES INVOLVED IN ESTIMATES, JUDGMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH U.S. GAAP. ANY CHANGES IN ESTIMATES, JUDGMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The consolidated and condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the periodic reports we file with the SEC are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP involves making estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets (including intangible assets), liabilities and related reserves, revenues, expenses and income. Estimates, judgments and assumptions are inherently subject to change in the future, and any such changes could result in corresponding changes to the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and income, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

ITEM 2. Properties.

We lease our executive offices, which are located at 220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, and 655 N. Franklin St, Suite 1900, Tampa, Florida 33602. We lease offices at each of our 248 locations, with the exception of Dansville and Jamestown, New York, where we own the building in which our offices are located. We also own an airplane hangar in Daytona Beach, Florida. There are no outstanding mortgages on our owned properties. Our operating leases expire on various dates. These leases generally contain renewal options and rent escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors’ operating expenses and other charges. We expect that most leases will be renewed or replaced upon expiration. We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for present purposes, and that the productive capacity in such facilities is substantially being utilized. From time to time, we may have unused space and seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending on the demand for office space in the locations involved. In the future, we may need to purchase, build or lease additional facilities to meet the requirements projected in our long-term business plan. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our lease commitments.

 

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.

See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “BRO.” The table below sets forth, for the quarterly periods indicated, the intra-day high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, and the cash dividends declared on our common stock.

 

     High      Low      Cash
Dividends
Per
Common
Share
 

2012

        

First Quarter

   $ 25.00       $ 21.85       $ 0.085   

Second Quarter

   $ 27.32       $ 23.42       $ 0.085   

Third Quarter

   $ 28.17       $ 24.71       $ 0.085   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 27.31       $ 24.88       $ 0.09   

2013

        

First Quarter

   $ 32.08       $ 25.31       $ 0.09   

Second Quarter

   $ 33.24       $ 30.00       $ 0.09   

Third Quarter

   $ 35.13       $ 30.55       $ 0.09   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 33.69       $ 27.76       $ 0.10   

On February 19, 2014, there were 145,433,663 shares of our common stock outstanding, held by approximately 1,204 shareholders of record.

We intend to continue to pay quarterly dividends, subject to continued capital availability and determination by our Board of Directors that cash dividends continue to be in the best interests of our stockholders. Our dividend policy may be affected by, among other items, our views on potential future capital requirements, including those relating to the creation and expansion of sales distribution channels and investments and acquisitions, legal risks, stock repurchase programs and challenges to our business model.

 

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On February 6, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase plan to authorize the repurchase of up to $25.0 million worth of shares of the Company’s common stock during the subsequent twenty-four months. As of February 28, 2014, we have not repurchased any shares of our common stock under the repurchase plan.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2013, with respect to compensation plans under which the Company’s equity securities are authorized for issuance:

 

Plan Category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants
and rights(a)(1)
     Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights(b)(2)
     Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected
in column (a))(c)(3)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:

        

Brown & Brown, Inc. 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan

     622,945       $ 18.55         —    

Brown & Brown, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

     N/A         N/A         2,207,098   

Brown & Brown, Inc. 1990 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     N/A         N/A         1,246,838   

Brown & Brown, Inc. Performance Stock Plan

     N/A         N/A         —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

     622,945       $ 18.55         3,453,936   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) In addition to the number of securities listed in this column, 3,291,569 shares are issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under the Brown & Brown, Inc. Performance Stock Plan and the Brown & Brown, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, which represents the maximum number of shares that can vest based on the achievement of certain performance criteria.
(2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes outstanding restricted stock as there is no exercise price associated with these equity awards.
(3) All of the shares available for future issuance under the Brown & Brown, Inc. 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the Brown & Brown, Inc. Performance Stock Plan, and the Brown & Brown, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan may be issued in connection with options, warrants, rights, restricted stock, or other stock-based awards.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not sell any unregistered securities during 2013.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information with respect to our purchases of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2013.

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
     Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

October 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013

     —        $ —          —        $ —    

November 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013

     95       $ 31.61         —        $ —    

December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013

     36,707       $ 31.05         —        $ —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     36,802       $ 31.05         —        $ —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1) All of the shares reported above as purchased are attributable to shares withheld for employees’ payroll taxes and withholding taxes pertaining to the vesting of restricted shares awarded under our Performance Stock Plan and Incentive Stock Option Plan.

 

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph is a comparison of five-year cumulative total stockholder returns for our common stock as compared with the cumulative total stockholder return for the NYSE Composite Index, and a group of peer insurance broker and agency companies (Aon plc, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, Marsh & McLennan Companies, and Willis Group Holdings plc). The returns of each company have been weighted according to such companies’ respective stock market capitalizations as of December 31, 2008 for the purposes of arriving at a peer group average. The total return calculations are based upon an assumed $100 investment on December 31, 2008, with all dividends reinvested.

 

 

LOGO

 

     YEAR ENDING  

COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET

   12/31/2008      12/31/2009      12/31/2010      12/31/2011      12/31/2012      12/31/2013  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

   $ 100.00       $ 87.36       $ 118.22       $ 113.39       $ 129.32       $ 161.37   

NYSE Composite Index

   $ 100.00       $ 128.28       $ 145.46       $ 139.87       $ 162.23       $ 204.87   

Peer Group

   $ 100.00       $ 92.45       $ 117.98       $ 132.65       $ 147.18       $ 214.75   

We caution that the stock price performance shown in the graph should not be considered indicative of potential future stock price performance.

 

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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following selected Consolidated Financial Data for each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2013 have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. Such data should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report and with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report.

 

(in thousands, except per share data, number of employees and percentages

  Year Ended December 31  
  2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

REVENUES

         

Commissions and fees

  $ 1,355,503      $ 1,189,081      $ 1,005,962      $ 966,917      $ 964,863   

Investment income

    638        797        1,267        1,326        1,161   

Other income, net

    7,138        10,154        6,313        5,249        1,853   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    1,363,279        1,200,032        1,013,542        973,492        967,877   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

         

Employee compensation and benefits

    683,000        608,506        508,675        487,820        484,680   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    22,603        15,865        11,194        6,845        7,358   

Other operating expenses

    195,677        174,389        144,079        135,851        143,389   

Amortization

    67,932        63,573        54,755        51,442        49,857   

Depreciation

    17,485        15,373        12,392        12,639        13,240   

Interest

    16,440        16,097        14,132        14,471        14,599   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

    2,533        1,418        (2,206     (1,674     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,005,670        895,221        743,021        707,394        713,123   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    357,609        304,811        270,521        266,098        254,754   

Income taxes

    140,497        120,766        106,526        104,346        101,460   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 217,112      $ 184,045      $ 163,995      $ 161,752      $ 153,294   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION

         

Net income per share — diluted

  $ 1.48      $ 1.26      $ 1.13      $ 1.12      $ 1.08   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted

    142,624        142,010        140,264        139,318        137,507   

Dividends declared per share

  $ 0.3700      $ 0.3450      $ 0.3250      $ 0.3125      $ 0.3025   

YEAR-END FINANCIAL POSITION

         

Total assets

  $ 3,649,508      $ 3,128,058      $ 2,607,011      $ 2,400,814      $ 2,224,226   

Long-term debt

  $ 380,000      $ 450,000      $ 250,033      $ 250,067      $ 250,209   

Total shareholders’ equity

  $ 2,007,141      $ 1,807,333      $ 1,643,963      $ 1,506,344      $ 1,369,874   

Total shares outstanding at year-end

    145,419        143,878        143,352        142,795        142,076   

OTHER INFORMATION

         

Number of full-time equivalent employees at year-end

    6,992        6,438        5,557        5,286        5,206   

Total revenues per average number of employees(1)

  $ 203,020      $ 191,729 (2)    $ 186,949      $ 185,568      $ 182,549   

Stock price at year-end

  $ 31.39      $ 25.46      $ 22.63      $ 23.94      $ 17.97   

Stock price earnings multiple at year-end(3)

    21.2        20.2        20.0        21.4        16.6   

Return on beginning shareholders’ equity(4)

    12     11     11     12     12

 

(1) Represents total revenues divided by the average of the number of full-time equivalent employees at the beginning of the year and the number of full-time equivalent employees at the end of the year.
(2) Of the 881 increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees from 2011 to 2012, 523 employees related to the January 9, 2012 acquisition of Arrowhead, and therefore, are considered to be full-time equivalent as of January 1, 2012. Thus, the average number of full-time equivalent employees for 2012 is considered to be 6,259.
(3) Stock price at year-end divided by net income per share-diluted.
(4) Represents net income divided by total shareholders’ equity as of the beginning of the year.

 

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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to those Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

We are a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization headquartered in Daytona Beach and Tampa, Florida. As an insurance intermediary, our principal sources of revenue are commissions paid by insurance companies and, to a lesser extent, fees paid directly by customers. Commission revenues generally represent a percentage of the premium paid by an insured and are materially affected by fluctuations in both premium rate levels charged by insurance companies and the insureds’ underlying “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, or sales and payroll levels) to determine what premium to charge the insured. Insurance companies establish these premium rates based upon many factors, including reinsurance rates paid by such insurance companies, none of which we control.

The volume of business from new and existing customers, fluctuations in insurable exposure units and changes in general economic and competitive conditions all affect our revenues. For example, level rates of inflation or a general decline in economic activity could limit increases in the values of insurable exposure units. Conversely, the increasing costs of litigation settlements and awards have caused some customers to seek higher levels of insurance coverage. Historically, our revenues have typically grown as a result of our focus on net new business growth and acquisitions.

We attempt to foster a strong, decentralized sales culture with a goal of consistent, sustained growth over the long term.

We increased revenues every year from 1993 to 2013, with the exception of 2009, when our revenues dropped 1.0%. Our revenues grew from $95.6 million in 1993 to $1.4 billion in 2013, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%. In the same 20 year period, we increased net income from $8.0 million to $217.1 million in 2013, a compound annual growth rate of 17.9%.

The years 2007 through 2011 posed significant challenges for us and for our industry in the form of a prevailing decline in insurance premium rates, commonly referred to as a “soft market” and increased significant governmental involvement in the Florida insurance marketplace which resulted in a substantial loss of revenues for us. Additionally, beginning in the second half of 2008 and throughout 2011, there was a general decline in insurable exposure units as the consequence of the general weakening of the economy in the United States. As a result, from the first quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2011 we experienced negative internal revenue growth each quarter. The continued declining exposure units during 2011 and 2010 had a greater negative impact on our commissions and fees revenues than declining insurance premium rates.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2012, many insurance premium rates began to slightly increase. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2012, the general declines in insurable exposure units started to flatten and these exposures units subsequently began to gradually increase during the year. As a result, we recorded positive internal revenue growth for each quarter of 2012 for each of our four divisions with two exceptions; the first quarter for the Retail Division and the third quarter for the National Programs Division, in which declines of only 0.7% and 3.3%, respectively, were experienced.

This growth trend has continued into 2013 with our consolidated internal revenue growth rate of 6.7%. Additionally, each of our four divisions recorded positive internal revenue growth for each quarter in 2013 except for the Services Division in the fourth quarter. The decline in the core organic commissions and fees revenues in the fourth quarter of 2013 for the Services Division was the result of the significant revenue recorded at our Colonial Claims operation in the fourth quarter of 2012 attributable to Superstorm Sandy for which no comparable revenues occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013. In the event that the gradual increases in insurance premium rates and insurable exposure units that occurred in 2013 continue into 2014, we expect to see continued positive quarterly internal revenue growth rates on a year-over-year basis for 2014, excluding the impact relating to our Colonial Claims operation. In the first quarter of 2013, Colonial Claims earned claims fees of $17.2 million as a direct result of the continued significant claims activity from Superstorm Sandy. Absent another major flooding event, we estimate Colonial Claims revenues for the first quarter of 2014 to be less than $1.0 million.

We also earn “profit-sharing contingent commissions,” which are profit-sharing commissions based primarily on underwriting results, but which may also reflect considerations for volume, growth and/or retention. These commissions are primarily received in the first and second quarters of each year, based on the aforementioned considerations for the prior year(s). Over the last three years, profit-sharing contingent commissions have averaged approximately 4.4% of the previous year’s total commissions and fees revenue. Profit-sharing contingent commissions are typically included in our total commissions and fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the year received. The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions and guaranteed supplemental commissions, and therefore represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold, and specific fee-based services rendered. In contrast, the term “core organic commissions and fees” is our core commissions and fees less (i) the

 

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core commissions and fees earned for the first twelve months by newly-acquired operations and (ii) divested business (core commissions and fees generated from offices, books of business or niches sold or terminated during the comparable period). “Core organic commissions and fees” are reported in this manner in order to express the current year’s core commissions and fees on a comparable basis with the prior year’s core commissions and fees. The resulting net change reflects the aggregate changes attributable to (i) net new and lost accounts, (ii) net changes in our clients’ exposure units, and (iii) net changes in insurance premium rates. The net changes in each of these three components can be determined for each of our customers. However, because our agency management accounting systems do not aggregate such data, it is not reportable. Core organic commissions and fees can reflect either “positive” growth with a net increase in revenues, or “negative” growth with a net decrease in revenues.

Beginning a few years ago, five to six national insurance companies replaced their loss-ratio based profit-sharing contingent commission agreements with a new guaranteed fixed-base agreements, referred to as “Guaranteed Supplemental Commissions” (“GSCs”). For 2013, only four national insurance companies still used GSCs in lieu of loss-ratio based profit-sharing contingent commissions. Since GSCs are not subject to the uncertainty of loss ratios, they are accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written. As of December 31, 2013, we accrued and earned $8.3 million of GSCs during 2013, most of which will be collected in the first quarter of 2014. For the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we earned $8.3 million, $9.1 million and $12.1 million, respectively, of GSCs.

Fee revenues relate to fees negotiated in lieu of commissions, which are recognized as services are rendered. Fee revenues have historically been generated primarily by: (1) our Services Division, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and catastrophe claims adjusting services, and (2) our National Programs and Wholesale Brokerage Divisions, which earn fees primarily for the issuance of insurance policies on behalf of insurance companies. These services are provided over a period of time, typically one year. However, in conjunction with our July 1, 2013 acquisition of Beecher Carlson, which has a primary focus on large retail customers that generally pay us fees directly, the fee revenues in our Retail Division for 2013 have increased by nearly $40.0 million to $73.0 million. For 2014, we expect the total fees in our Retail Division to be approximately $110.0 million. Fee revenues, on a consolidated basis, as a percentage of our total commissions and fees, represented 26.6% in 2013, 21.7% in 2012 and 16.4% in 2011.

Historically, investment income has consisted primarily of interest earnings on premiums and advance premiums collected and held in a fiduciary capacity before being remitted to insurance companies. Our policy is to invest available funds in high-quality, short-term fixed income investment securities. As a result of the bank liquidity and solvency issues in the United States in the last quarter of 2008, we moved substantial amounts of our cash into non-interest bearing checking accounts so that they would be fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or into money-market investment funds (a portion of which is FDIC insured) of SunTrust and Wells Fargo, two large national banks. Effective January 1, 2013, the FDIC ceased providing insurance guarantees on non-interest bearing checking accounts and since that time we have invested in both interest bearing and non-interest bearing checking accounts. Investment income also includes gains and losses realized from the sale of investments. Other income primarily reflects net gains on sales of customer accounts and fixed assets, but will also include sub-rental income, legal settlements and other miscellaneous income.

Current Year Company Overview

2013 was a strong year for revenue growth and continued the positive trends that began in 2012. After the five-year period extending from 2007 to 2011, in which we experienced negative internal growth in our core organic commissions and fees revenue which we believe was a direct result of the general weakness of the economy, we achieved a positive internal revenue growth of 2.6% in 2012, and 6.7% in 2013.

The net growth in core organic commissions and fees in 2013 of $75.6 million is a significant improvement over the comparable growth in 2012 of $24.9 million and the net lost revenues of $21.5 million in 2011. Of the $75.6 million growth in the 2013 core organic commissions and fees, $38.1 million was generated by two new programs at our Arrowhead operation, the automobile aftermarket program and the non-standard auto program, and from our Colonial Claims operation as a result of the significant claims activity attributable to Superstorm Sandy. The remaining growth in the core organic commissions and fees revenue is principally attributable to rising insurance premium rates, and increasing insurance exposure units as a result of a gradually improving U. S. economy.

We continue to be successful in acquiring insurance operations that we believe are strategic in growing our business Divisions. In each of the last two years, we completed acquisitions with aggregate revenues in excess of $142.8 million: nine acquisitions in 2013 with estimated revenues of $142.8 million, and 20 acquisitions in 2012 with estimated revenues of $149.6 million. For 2014, we are continuing this trend with the announced acquisition of Wright Insurance Group, with estimated annualized revenues of $120.0 million, which is expected to close on or around April 1, 2014.

Income before income taxes in 2013 increased over 2012 by 17.3%, or $52.8 million, to $357.6 million. However, that net increase of $52.8 million includes $14.3 million of income before income taxes related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices, and therefore, income before income taxes from offices that existed in the same time periods of 2013 and 2012 (including the

 

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new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) increased by $38.5 million. The net increase of $38.5 million related primarily to: (1) net new business, (2) a $2.6 million benefit from a change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables, and (3) a one-time $6.8 million bonus earned in 2012 by our Retail Division commissioned producers as a result of a special program for those whose 2012 production exceeded their 2011 production by at least five percent. These net increases were partially off-set by a $6.6 million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation primarily due to new grants issued in July 2013. Therefore, excluding these items, income before income taxes from those offices that existed in the same time periods of 2013 and 2012 (including the new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) increased by $37.7 million.

Acquisitions

Approximately 38,500 independent insurance agencies are estimated to be operating currently in the United States. Part of our continuing business strategy is to attract high-quality insurance intermediaries to join our operations. From 1993 through 2013, we acquired 449 insurance intermediary operations, excluding acquired books of business (customer accounts).

A summary of our acquisitions over the last three years is as follows (in millions, except for number of acquisitions):

 

     Number of Acquisitions     

Estimated

Annual

     Net Cash      Notes      Other      Liabilities     

Recorded

Earn-out

    

Aggregate

Purchase

 
     Asset      Stock      Revenues      Paid      Issued      Payable      Assumed      Payable      Price  

2013

     8         1       $ 142.8       $ 408.1       $ —         $ 0.5       $ 106.1       $ 5.1       $ 519.8   

2012

     19         1       $ 149.6       $ 483.9       $ 0.1       $ 25.4       $ 136.7       $ 21.5       $ 667.6   

2011

     37         1       $ 88.7       $ 167.4       $ 1.2       $ —        $ 15.7       $ 30.5       $ 214.8   

On July 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Beecher Carlson Holdings, Inc. (“Beecher Carlson”), an insurance and risk management broker with operations that include retail brokerage, program management and captive management. The aggregate purchase price for Beecher Carlson was $469.3 million, including $364.3 million of cash payments and the assumption of $105.0 million of liabilities. Beecher Carlson was acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown’s Retail and National Programs businesses, and to attract and hire high-quality individuals.

On January 9, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Arrowhead General Insurance Agency Superholding Corporation (“Arrowhead”) pursuant to a merger agreement dated December 15, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”). Under the Merger Agreement, the total cash purchase price of $395.0 million was subject to adjustments for options to purchase shares of Arrowhead’s common stock, working capital, sharing of net operating tax losses, Arrowhead’s preferred stock units, transaction expenses, and closing debt. In addition, within 60 days following the third anniversary of the acquisition’s closing date, we will pay to certain persons who were Arrowhead equityholders as of the closing date additional earn-out payments equal, collectively, to $5.0 million, subject to certain adjustments based on the “cumulative EBITDA” of Arrowhead and all of its subsidiaries, as calculated pursuant to the Merger Agreement, during the final year of the three-year period following the acquisition’s closing date.

Arrowhead is a national insurance program manager and one of the largest managing general agents (“MGAs”) in the property and casualty insurance industry.

On January 15, 2014 ,as previously announced, we entered into an agreement to acquire The Wright Insurance Group, LLC (“Wright”), with estimated annualized revenues of $120.0 million. This transaction is expected to close on or around April 1, 2014. Wright’s operations include a national flood insurance program, government-sponsored insurance programs and proprietary national and regional programs. The total net consideration to be paid for the ownership interests of Wright is $602.5 million in addition to contingent consideration of up to $37.5 million if Wright completes certain agreed-upon acquisitions prior to closing. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino approval and other related regulatory approvals.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We continually evaluate our estimates, which are based on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities, which values are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe that, of our significant accounting policies (see “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), the following critical accounting policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

 

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Revenue Recognition

Commission revenues are recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date on which the policy premium is billed to the customer, whichever is later. Commission revenues related to installment billings at the Company’s subsidiary, Arrowhead, are recorded on the later of the effective date of the policy or the first installment billing. At those dates, the earnings process has been completed, and we can reliably estimate the impact of policy cancellations for refunds and establish reserves accordingly. Management determines the policy cancellation reserve based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted in accordance with known circumstances. Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon our receipt of notification from insurance companies concerning matters necessitating such adjustments. Profit-sharing contingent commissions are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received from insurance companies, or when we receive formal notification of the amount of such payments. Fee revenues are recognized as services are rendered.

Business Combinations and Purchase Price Allocations

We have acquired significant intangible assets through business acquisitions. These assets consist of purchased customer accounts, non-compete agreements, and the excess of purchase prices over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired (Goodwill). The determination of estimated useful lives and the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets requires significant judgment and affects the amount of future amortization and possible impairment charges.

All of our business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 have been accounted for using the purchase method. In connection with these acquisitions, we record the estimated value of the net tangible assets purchased and the value of the identifiable intangible assets purchased, which typically consist of purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements. Purchased customer accounts include the physical records and files obtained from acquired businesses that contain information about insurance policies, customers and other matters essential to policy renewals. However, they primarily represent the present value of the underlying cash flows expected to be received over the estimated future renewal periods of the insurance policies comprising those purchased customer accounts. The valuation of purchased customer accounts involves significant estimates and assumptions concerning matters such as cancellation frequency, expenses and discount rates. Any change in these assumptions could affect the carrying value of purchased customer accounts. Non-compete agreements are valued based on their duration and any unique features of particular agreements. Purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives and contract periods, which range from five to 15 years. The excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets is assigned to goodwill and is not amortized.

Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one-to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations are recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions contained in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and this estimate reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These estimates are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

Intangible Assets Impairment

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment measured by a fair-value-based test. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to an impairment review based on an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets. To determine if there is potential impairment of goodwill, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss would be recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value is estimated based on multiples of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables (“EBITDAC”), or on a discounted cash flow basis.

Management assesses the recoverability of our goodwill on an annual basis, and assesses the recoverability of our amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The following factors, if present, may trigger an impairment review: (i) significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iii) significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and (iv) significant decline in our market capitalization. If the recoverability of these assets is unlikely because of the existence of one or more of the above-referenced factors, an impairment analysis is performed. Management must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of these assets. If these estimates or related

 

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assumptions change in the future, we may be required to revise the assessment and, if appropriate, record an impairment charge. We completed our most recent evaluation of impairment for goodwill as of November 30, 2013 and determined that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of such assets. Additionally, there have been no impairments recorded for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation

We grant stock options and non-vested stock awards to our employees, and the related compensation expense is required to be recognized in the financial statements based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards.

Litigation Claims

We are subject to numerous litigation claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. If it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss is estimable, an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded in accrued expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Professional fees related to these claims are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Management, with the assistance of in-house and outside counsel, determines whether it is probable that a liability has been incurred and estimates the amount of loss based upon analysis of individual issues. New developments or changes in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters may significantly affect the required reserves and affect our net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effects of the adoption of new accounting standards.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

The following discussion and analysis regarding results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.

Financial information relating to our Consolidated Financial Results is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     2013     Percent
Change
    2012     Percent
Change
    2011  

REVENUES

          

Core commissions and fees

   $ 1,295,977        14.1   $ 1,136,252        19.5   $ 950,685   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     51,251        17.3     43,683        1.1     43,198   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     8,275        (9.5 )%      9,146        (24.3 )%      12,079   

Investment income

     638        (19.9 )%      797        (37.1 )%      1,267   

Other income, net

     7,138        (29.7 )%      10,154        60.8     6,313   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,363,279        13.6     1,200,032        18.4     1,013,542   

EXPENSES

          

Employee compensation and benefits

     683,000        12.2     608,506        19.6     508,675   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     22,603        42.5     15,865        41.7     11,194   

Other operating expenses

     195,677        12.2     174,389        21.0     144,079   

Amortization

     67,932        6.9     63,573        16.1     54,755   

Depreciation

     17,485        13.7     15,373        24.1     12,392   

Interest

     16,440        2.1     16,097        13.9     14,132   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,533        78.6     1,418        NMF (1)      (2,206
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,005,670        12.3     895,221        20.5     743,021   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 357,609        17.3   $ 304,811        12.7   $ 270,521   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net internal growth rate — core commissions and fees

     6.7       2.6       (2.4 )% 

Employee compensation and benefits ratio

     50.1       50.7       50.2

Other operating expenses ratio

     14.4       14.5       14.2

Capital expenditures

   $ 16,366        $ 24,028        $ 13,608   

Total assets at December 31

   $ 3,649,508        $ 3,128,058        $ 2,607,011   

 

(1) NMF = Not a meaningful figure

Commissions and Fees

Commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, increased $166.4 million, or 14.0% in 2013. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs increased $6.7 million or 12.7% in 2013 to $59.5 million, due primarily to $4.7 million, $0.6 million, and $1.3 million increases in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in our Retail, National Programs and Wholesale Brokerage Divisions, respectively. Core commissions and fees revenue in 2013 increased $159.7 million, of which approximately $91.5 million represented core commissions and fees from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2012. After taking into account divested business of $7.4 million, the remaining net increase of $75.6 million, representing net new business, reflects a 6.7% internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees.

Commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, increased $183.1 million, or 18.2% in 2012. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs decreased $2.4 million or 4.4% in 2012 to $52.8 million, due primarily to $4.1 million and $1.2 million reductions in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in our Retail and Wholesale Brokerage Divisions, respectively; but these reductions were partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in our National Programs Division. Core commissions and fees revenue increased $185.6 million, of which approximately $171.4 million represented core commissions and fees from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2011. After taking into account divested business of $10.7 million, the remaining net increase of $24.9 million, representing net new business, reflects a 2.6% internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees.

 

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Investment Income

Investment income decreased to $0.6 million in 2013, compared with $0.8 million in 2012, mainly due to lower average daily invested balances in 2013 than in 2012. Investment income of $0.8 million in 2012 was down $0.5 million as compared with 2011, mainly due to lower average daily invested balances in 2012 than in 2011.

Other Income, Net

Other income for 2013 reflected income of $7.1 million, compared with $10.2 million in 2012 and $6.3 million in 2011. We recognized gains of $3.1 million, $4.3 million and $2.3 million from sales of books of business (customer accounts) in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Although we are not in the business of selling books of business, we periodically will sell an office or a book of business because it does not produce reasonable margins or demonstrate a potential for growth, or for other reasons related to the particular assets in question. Other income also included $1.6 million, $3.6 million and $1.3 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, paid to us in connection with settlements of litigation against former employees for violation of restrictive covenants contained in their employment agreements with us. Additionally, we recognized non-recurring gains, rental income and sales of software services of $2.4 million, $2.3 million and $2.3 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased, approximately 12.2% or $74.5 million in 2013. However, that net increase included $37.6 million of new compensation costs related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices. Therefore, employee compensation and benefits from those offices that existed in the same time periods of 2013 and 2012 (including the new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) increased by $36.9 million. The employee compensation and benefit increases from these offices were primarily related to increases in staff and management salaries of $16.6 million, new salaried producers of $4.7 million, profit center and other related bonuses of $3.4 million, compensation to our commissioned producers of $5.7 million, health insurance costs of $1.8 million, payroll-related taxes of $3.7 million, and other net expenses of $1.0 million.

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased, on a net basis, approximately 19.6% or $99.8 million in 2012. However, that net increase included $80.9 million of new compensation costs related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices, and therefore, employee compensation and benefits from those offices that existed in the same time periods of 2012 and 2011 (including the new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) increased by $18.9 million. The employee compensation and benefit increases from these offices were primarily related to increases in staff and management salaries of $3.2 million, new salaried producers of $1.3 million, profit center bonuses of $1.4 million, health insurance costs of $1.8 million, employee 401(k)/profit-sharing contributions of $0.7 million and bonus incentives of $8.1 million primarily due to $6.8 million earned by our Retail Division commissioned producers as a result of a special one-time bonus program for those whose 2012 production exceeded their 2011 production by at least 5%.

Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues decreased in 2013 to 50.1% as compared to 50.7% for 2012 and 50.2% for 2011. We had 6,992 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2013, compared with 6,438 at December 31, 2012 and 5,557 at December 31, 2011. Of the net increase of 554 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2013 over the prior year-end, an increase of 374 was attributable to acquisitions, thus reflecting a net increase of 180 employees in the offices existing at both year-ends.

Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation

We have an employee stock purchase plan, and grant stock options and non-vested stock awards to our employees. Compensation expense for all share-based awards is recognized in the financial statements based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. For 2013, 2012 and 2011, the non-cash stock-based compensation expense incorporates the costs related to each of our four stock-based plans as explained in Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-cash stock-based compensation increased 42.5%, or $6.7 million in 2013 over 2012, primarily as a result of new non-vested stock awards granted on July 1, 2013 under our Stock Incentive Plan (“SIP”). Most of these SIP grants will typically vest in four to seven years, subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria by grantees, and the achievement of consolidated earnings per share growth at certain levels by us, over three-to five-year measurement periods. Some SIP grants will vest after five years of service.

Non-cash stock-based compensation increased 41.7%, or $4.7 million in 2012 over 2011, as a result of new grants under our Stock Incentive Plan (“SIP”). These SIP grants will typically vest in four to ten years, subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria by grantees, and the achievement of consolidated earnings per share growth at certain levels by us, over three-to five-year measurement periods.

 

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Other Operating Expenses

As a percentage of total revenues, other operating expenses represented 14.4% in 2013, 14.5% in 2012, and 14.2% in 2011.

Other operating expenses in 2013 increased $21.3 million over 2012, of which $12.5 million was related to acquisitions that joined as stand-alone offices. Therefore, other operating expenses attributable to offices that existed in the same periods in both 2013 and 2012 (including the new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) increased by $8.8 million. Of the $8.8 million increase, $2.0 million related to increased data processing and software licensing expense, $2.0 million related to increased inspection and consulting fees, $1.6 million related to increased accounting and advisory fees, $0.9 million related to increased employee sales meeting costs, and $2.9 million related to other various, net cost increases. These increased costs were partially offset by a decrease of $0.6 million for legal, claims and litigation expenses.

Other operating expenses in 2012 increased $30.3 million over 2011, of which $33.3 million was related to acquisitions that joined as stand-alone offices. Therefore, other operating expenses attributable to offices that existed in the same periods in both 2012 and 2011 (including the new acquisitions that “folded in” to those offices) decreased by $3.0 million. Of the $3.0 million decrease, $2.7 million related to reductions in office rents and related expenses, $2.2 million related to a reduction in legal expenses and $2.0 million related to lower insurance costs. These cost savings were partially offset by increases of $1.3 million in consulting and inspection services, $1.1 million for litigation reserves, and $1.0 million in employee sales meetings.

Amortization

Amortization expense increased $4.4 million, or 6.9%, in 2013, and $8.8 million, or 16.1%, in 2012. The increases in 2013 and 2012 were due to the amortization of additional intangible assets as a result of acquisitions completed in those years.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased 13.7% in 2013, and 24.1% in 2012. The increases in 2013 and 2012 were due primarily to the addition of fixed assets as a result of recent acquisitions.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.3 million, or 2.1%, in 2013, and $2.0 million, or 13.9%, in 2012. The 2013 and 2012 increases were due primarily to the additional debt borrowed in connection with our acquisitions of Beecher Carlson in 2013 and Arrowhead in 2012.

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805—Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquirer to recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. As a result, the recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations are required to be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred. Estimations of potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired entities, usually for periods ranging from one to three years.

The net charge or credit to the Consolidated Statement of Income for the period is the combination of the net change in the estimated acquisition earn-out payables balance, and the interest expense imputed on the outstanding balance of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables.

As of December 31, 2013, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). The resulting net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2013      2012     2011  

Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables

   $ 570       $ (1,051   $ (4,043

Interest expense accretion

     1,963         2,469        1,837   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables

   $ 2,533       $ 1,418      $ (2,206
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The fair values of the estimated earn-out payables were increased in 2013 since certain acquisitions performed at higher levels than estimated on our original projections. The fair values of the estimated earn-out payables were reduced in 2012 and 2011 since certain acquisitions did not perform at the level estimated based on our original projections. An acquisition is considered to be performing well if its operating profit exceeds the level needed to reach the minimum purchase price. However, a reduction in the estimated acquisition earn-out payable can occur even though the acquisition is performing well, if it is not performing at the level contemplated by our original estimate.

As of December 31, 2013, the estimated acquisition earn-out payables equaled $43,058,000, of which $6,312,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $36,746,000 was recorded as other non-current liability. As of December 31, 2012, the estimated acquisition earn-out payables equaled $52,987,000, of which $10,164,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $42,823,000 was recorded as other non-current liability.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on income from operations was 39.3% in 2013, 39.6% in 2012, and 39.4% in 2011. The lower effective annual tax rates are primarily the result of lower average effective state income tax rates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — SEGMENT INFORMATION

As discussed in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we operate four reportable segments or divisions: the Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services Divisions. On a divisional basis, increases in amortization, depreciation and interest expenses result from completed acquisitions within a given division in a particular year. Likewise, other income in each division primarily reflects net gains on sales of customer accounts and fixed assets. As such, in evaluating the operational efficiency of a division, management emphasizes the net internal growth rate of core commissions and fees revenue, the gradual improvement of the ratio of total employee compensation and benefits to total revenues, and the gradual improvement of the ratio of other operating expenses to total revenues.

The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, and therefore represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold, and specific fee-based services rendered. In contrast, the term “core organic commissions and fees” is our core commissions and fees less (i) the core commissions and fees earned for the first twelve months by newly-acquired operations and (ii) divested business (core commissions and fees generated from offices, books of business or niches sold or terminated during the comparable period). Core organic commissions and fees attempts to express the current year’s core commissions and fees on a comparable basis with the prior year’s core commissions and fees. The resulting net change reflects the aggregate changes attributable to (i) net new and lost accounts, (ii) net changes in our clients’ exposure units, and (iii) net changes in insurance premium rates. The net changes in each of these three components can be determined for each of our customers. However, because our agency management accounting systems do not aggregate such data, it is not reportable. Core organic commissions and fees reflect either “positive” growth with a net increase in revenues, or “negative” growth with a net decrease in revenues.

The internal growth rates for our core organic commissions and fees for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, by Division, are as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

2013

   For the Year
Ended December 31,
     Total Net      Total Net    

Less

Acquisition

    

Internal

Net

    

Internal

Net

 
     2013      2012      Change      Growth %     Revenues      Growth $      Growth %  

Retail(1)

   $ 699,571       $ 611,156       $ 88,415         14.5   $ 79,455       $ 8,960         1.5

National Programs

     271,772         233,261         38,511         16.5     7,099         31,412         13.5

Wholesale Brokerage

     193,601         168,151         25,450         15.1     4,332         21,118         12.6

Services

     131,033         116,247         14,786         12.7     657         14,129         12.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 1,295,977       $ 1,128,815       $ 167,162         14.8   $ 91,543       $ 75,619         6.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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The reconciliation of the above internal growth schedule to the total Commissions and Fees included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
     2013      2012  

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 1,295,977       $ 1,128,815   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     51,251         43,683   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     8,275         9,146   

Divested business

     —           7,437  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commissions and fees

   $ 1,355,503       $ 1,189,081   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2012

   For the Year
Ended December 31,
     Total Net      Total Net    

Less

Acquisition

    

Internal

Net

    

Internal

Net

 
     2012      2011      Change      Growth %     Revenues      Growth $      Growth %  

Retail(1)

   $ 618,562       $ 571,129       $ 47,433         8.3   $ 38,734       $ 8,699         1.5

National Programs

     233,261         148,841         84,420         56.7     83,281         1,139         0.8

Wholesale Brokerage

     168,182         155,151         13,031         8.4     3,598         9,433         6.1

Services

     116,247         64,875         51,372         79.2     45,783         5,589         8.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 1,136,252       $ 939,996       $ 196,256         20.9   $ 171,396       $ 24,860         2.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

The reconciliation of the above internal growth schedule to the total Commissions and Fees included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
     2012      2011  

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 1,136,252       $ 939,996   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     43,683         43,198   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     9,146         12,079   

Divested business

     —           10,689   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commissions and fees

   $ 1,189,081       $ 1,005,962   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2011

   For the Year
Ended December 31,
     Total Net     Total Net    

Less

Acquisition

    

Internal

Net

   

Internal

Net

 
     2011      2010      Change     Growth %     Revenues      Growth $     Growth %  

Retail(1)

   $ 580,304       $ 544,004       $ 36,300        6.7   $ 57,541       $ (21,241     (3.9 )% 

National Programs

     148,842         152,209         (3,367     (2.2 )%      1,140         (4,507     (3.0 )% 

Wholesale Brokerage

     156,664         151,822         4,842        3.2     1,186         3,656        2.4

Services

     64,875         46,486         18,389        39.6     17,773         616        1.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 950,685       $ 894,521       $ 56,164        6.3   $ 77,640       $ (21,476     (2.4 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

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The reconciliation of the above internal growth schedule to the total Commissions and Fees included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Total core commissions and fees

   $ 950,685       $ 894,521   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     43,198         54,732   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     12,079         13,352   

Divested business

     —           4,312   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commissions and fees

   $ 1,005,962       $ 966,917   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The Retail Division figures include commissions and fees reported in the “Other” column of the Segment Information in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.

Retail Division

The Retail Division provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public, professional and individual insured customers. Approximately 89.9% of the Retail Division’s commissions and fees revenue is commission-based. Because most of our other operating expenses do not change as premiums fluctuate, we believe that most of any fluctuation in the commissions, net of related compensation, which we receive will be reflected in our pre-tax income.

Financial information relating to Brown & Brown’s Retail Division is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     2013     Percent
Change
    2012     Percent
Change
    2011  

REVENUES

          

Core commissions and fees

   $ 700,767        13.0   $ 619,975        6.7   $ 581,125   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     17,543        36.6     12,843        (12.8 )%      14,736   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     6,849        (0.6 )%      6,890        (24.3 )%      9,105   

Investment income

     82        (24.1 )%      108        5.9     102   

Other income, net

     3,083        (33.2 )%      4,613        116.5     2,131   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

     728,324        13.0     644,429        6.1     607,199   

EXPENSES

          

Employee compensation and benefits

     363,332        11.3     326,574        7.5     303,841   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     9,055        59.4     5,680        (7.1 )%      6,114   

Other operating expenses

     113,159        14.8     98,532        (0.2 )%      98,745   

Amortization

     38,052        9.9     34,639        3.8     33,373   

Depreciation

     5,847        12.9     5,181        2.7     5,046   

Interest

     34,407        29.2     26,641        (3.8 )%      27,688   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     (1,844     NMF (1)      1,968        NMF (1)      (5,415
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

     562,008        12.6     499,215        6.4     469,392   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 166,316        14.5   $ 145,214        5.4   $ 137,807   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net internal growth rate — core organic commissions and fees

     1.5       1.5       (3.9 )% 

Employee compensation and benefits ratio

     49.9       50.7       50.0

Other operating expenses ratio

     15.5       15.3       16.3

Capital expenditures

   $ 6,847        $ 5,732        $ 6,102   

Total assets at December 31

   $ 2,992,087        $ 2,420,759        $ 2,155,413   

 

(1) NMF = Not a meaningful figure

 

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The Retail Division’s total revenues in 2013 increased 13.0%, or $83.9 million, over the same period in 2012, to $728.3 million. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in 2013 increased $4.7 million, or 23.6%, over 2012, to $24.4 million, primarily due to improved loss ratios resulting in increased profitability for insurance companies in 2013. The $80.8 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue resulted from the following factors: (i) an increase of approximately $79.5 million related to core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2012; (ii) a decrease of $7.5 million related to commissions and fees revenue recorded in 2012 from business divested during 2013; and (iii) the remaining net increase of $9.0 million primarily related to net new business. The Retail Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 1.5% for 2013, and was driven by slightly increasing insurable exposure units in most areas of the United States, and slight increases in general insurance premium rates.

Income before income taxes for 2013 increased 14.5%, or $21.1 million, over the same period in 2012, to $166.3 million. This increase was primarily due to net new business, the increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions, and continued improved efficiencies relating to compensation and employee benefits and certain other operating expenses, but which was partially off-set by a $1.5 million reduction in other income primarily due to gains on the sale of books of businesses in 2012. These increases were also enhanced by changes in estimated acquisition earn-out payables of $3.8 million, but partially offset by a net increase in the inter-company interest expense allocation of $7.8 million. The continued improved efficiencies relating to compensation and employee benefits, and certain other operating expenses resulted mainly from such costs increasing at a lower rate than our growth in net new business. However, a portion of the improved ratio of employee compensation and benefits to total revenues was the result of the $6.8 million of bonus compensation related to a special one-time bonus in 2012 which was not repeated in 2013.

The Retail Division’s total revenues in 2012 increased 6.1%, or $37.2 million, over the same period in 2011, to $644.4 million. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in 2012 decreased $4.1 million, or 17.2%, from 2011, to $19.7 million, primarily due to increased loss ratios resulting in lower profitability for insurance companies in 2011, and to the fact that two national insurance carriers who provided us GSC contracts in 2011 changed to profit-sharing contingency contracts in 2012. The $38.9 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue resulted from the following factors: (i) an increase of approximately $38.7 million related to core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2011, (ii) a decrease of $8.5 million related to commissions and fees revenue recorded in 2011 from business divested or transferred to the Wholesale Brokerage Division during 2012, and (iii) the remaining net increase of $8.7 million primarily related to net new business. The Retail Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 1.5% for 2012, and resulted primarily from stabilizing insurable exposure units with slightly stronger upward pressure on general insurance premium rates.

Income before income taxes for 2012 increased 5.4%, or $7.4 million, over the same period in 2011, to $145.2 million. Included in the $7.4 million net increase in income before income taxes is another $7.4 million net expense increase in change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables and a $0.3 million net expense increase from amortization, depreciation and inter-company interest changes. Excluding these items and the $4.1 million decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, income before income taxes for 2012 increased $19.2 million over 2011, of which $8.7 million originated from new acquisitions that were stand-alone operations, and $10.5 million was generated by offices in existence in both 2011 and 2012. Of the $10.5 million increase from existing offices, $8.7 million ($1.4 million of fold-in acquired revenues) was attributed to organic growth of core commissions and fees, $5.6 million cost savings from other operating expenses, $0.5 reduction in non-cash stock-based compensation, but partially offset by $4.9 million increase in compensation and employee benefits. The $4.9 million net increase in compensation and employee benefits was primarily due to the one-time producer bonuses of $6.8 million paid to commissioned producers whose 2012 production exceeded their 2011 production by at least five percent, which was partially offset by a reduction of approximately $2.0 million less staff salaries. The $5.6 million reduction in other operating expenses was primarily related to reductions in occupancy/office rents, legal and claims settlements, insurance expense, and data processing costs.

 

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Table of Contents

National Programs Division

The National Programs Division provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and markets targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, public and quasi-public entities and market niches. Like the Retail Division and the Wholesale Brokerage Division, the National Programs Division’s revenues are primarily commission-based.

Financial information relating to our National Programs Division is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     2013     Percent
Change
    2012     Percent
Change
    2011  

REVENUES

          

Core commissions and fees

   $ 271,772        16.5   $ 233,261        56.7   $ 148,842   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     19,265        4.7     18,392        22.4     15,029   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     (23     (108.3 )%      276        (42.6 )%      481   

Investment income

     19        (5.0 )%      20        —       —     

Other income, net

     1,097        10.4     994        NMF (1)      75   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

     292,130        15.5     252,943        53.8     164,427   

EXPENSES

          

Employee compensation and benefits

     132,948        20.5     110,362        63.4     67,560   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     4,604        24.2     3,707        177.5     1,336   

Other operating expenses

     53,001        19.8     44,248        88.4     23,486   

Amortization

     14,593        4.7     13,936        79.4     7,770   

Depreciation

     5,399        17.4     4,600        56.6     2,937   

Interest

     24,014        (6.5 )%      25,674        NMF (1)      1,381   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     (808     (24.8 )%      (1,075     111.6     (508
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

     233,751        16.0     201,452        93.8     103,962   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 58,379        13.4   $ 51,491        (14.8 )%    $ 60,465   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net internal growth rate — core organic commissions and fees

     13.5       0.8       (3.0 )% 

Employee compensation and benefits ratio

     45.5       43.6       41.1

Other operating expenses ratio

     18.1       17.5       14.3

Capital expenditures

   $ 4,473        $ 9,633        $ 1,968   

Total assets at December 31

   $ 1,335,911        $ 1,183,191        $ 680,251   

 

(1) NMF = Not a meaningful figure

The National Programs Division’s total revenues in 2013 increased $39.2 million to $292.1 million, a 15.5% increase over 2012. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in 2013 increased $0.6 million over 2012, due primarily to a $3.7 million increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions received by Florida Intracoastal Underwriters, Limited Company (“FIU”), but which was partially offset by a decrease of $3.5 million at Proctor Financial, Ins, (“Proctor”). The $38.5 million net increase in core commissions and fees resulted from the following factors: (i) an increase of approximately $7.1 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2012; and (ii) the remaining net increase of $31.4 million primarily related to net new business. Therefore, the National Programs Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 13.5% for 2013. Of the $31.4 million of net new business, $27.7 million related to a net increase in commissions and fees revenue from our Arrowhead operations.

Income before income taxes for 2013 increased 13.4% or $6.9 million, over the same period in 2012, to $58.4 million. This net increase was primarily due to the new automobile aftermarket and the non-standard auto programs at our Arrowhead subsidiary. Even though these programs increased the total operating profit dollars for the Division, the ratios of employee compensation and benefits, and other operating expenses as a percentage to total revenues increased over the prior year was due to the fact that these programs operated at a higher cost factor than the average program operated in 2012.

 

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The National Programs Division’s total revenues in 2012 increased $88.5 million to $252.9 million, a 53.8% increase over 2011. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs in 2012 increased $3.2 million over 2011, due primarily to profit-sharing contingent commissions earned at our Arrowhead operation. Of the $84.4 million net increase in core commissions and fees for National Programs: (i) an increase of approximately $83.3 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in 2011; and (ii) a net increase of $1.1 million was primarily related to net new business. Therefore, the National Programs Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 0.8% for 2012. Of the $1.1 million of net new business, $2.2 million related to a net increase in commissions and fees revenue at Proctor, which was partially offset by $1.7 million of net lost business in our facultative reinsurance facility, and the remaining $0.6 million of net new business was generated by various other programs.

Income before income taxes for 2012 decreased 14.8%, or $9.0 million, from the same period in 2011, to $51.5 million. This net decrease was due to: (i) a reduction of $5.6 million from the offices that existed in both 2012 and 2011, primarily as a result of reduced profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs of $1.3 million and increased compensation expense mainly related to increased staffing levels at Proctor, (ii) loss before income taxes and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables of ($4.8) million related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices (primarily the Arrowhead acquisition), and (iii) a $1.4 million income credit generated from the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables. Income before income taxes and inter-company interest expense related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices (primarily the Arrowhead acquisition) that had no comparable earnings in the same period of 2011 was approximately $21.7 million for 2012; however those earnings were offset by $25.0 million of inter-company interest expense allocation.

Wholesale Brokerage Division

The Wholesale Brokerage Division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers. Like the Retail and National Programs Divisions, the Wholesale Brokerage Division’s revenues are primarily commission-based.

Financial information relating to our Wholesale Brokerage Division is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     2013     Percent
Change
    2012     Percent
Change
    2011  

REVENUES

          

Core commissions and fees

   $ 193,601        15.1   $ 168,182        7.4   $ 156,664   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     14,443        16.0     12,448        (7.3 )%      13,433   

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     1,449        (33.9 )%      2,192        (10.5 )%      2,450   

Investment income

     22        —       22        (35.3 )%      34   

Other income, net

     392        (45.6 )%      721        (54.3 )%      1,577   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

     209,907        14.4     183,565        5.4     174,158   

EXPENSES

          

Employee compensation and benefits

     98,144        12.4     87,293        5.2     82,974   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     2,039        53.5     1,328        (10.4 )%      1,482   

Other operating expenses

     36,589        9.3     33,486        6.7     31,379   

Amortization

     11,550        2.4     11,280        2.2     11,032   

Depreciation

     2,794        2.8     2,718        4.8     2,594   

Interest

     2,565        (35.5 )%      3,974        (47.0 )%      7,495   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,404        NMF (1)      131        (81.0 )%      691   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

     156,085        11.3     140,210        1.9     137,647   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 53,822        24.1   $ 43,355        18.7   $ 36,511   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net internal growth rate — core organic commissions and fees

     12.6       6.1       2.4

Employee compensation and benefits ratio

     46.8       47.6       47.6

Other operating expenses ratio

     17.4       18.2       18.0

Capital expenditures

   $ 1,931        $ 3,383        $ 2,658   

Total assets at December 31

   $ 927,825        $ 837,364        $ 712,212   

 

(1) NMF = Not a meaningful figure

 

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The Wholesale Brokerage Division’s total revenues for 2013 increased 14.4%, or $26.3 million, over the same period in 2012, to $209.9 million. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for 2013 increased $1.3 million over the same period of 2012. The $25.4 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue resulted from the following factors: (i) an increase of approximately $4.3 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2012; and (ii) the remaining net increase of $21.1 million primarily related to net new business and continued increases in premium rates on many lines of insurance, but primarily on coastal property. As such, the Wholesale Brokerage Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 12.6% for 2013.

Income before income taxes for 2013 increased 24.1%, or $10.5 million over the same period in 2012 to $53.8 million, primarily due to net new business, an increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions, and a net reduction in the inter-company interest expense allocation of $1.4 million, but then partially offset by a $2.3 million expense in the form of a change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables.

The Wholesale Brokerage Division’s total revenues for 2012 increased 5.4%, or $9.4 million, over the same period in 2011, to $183.6 million. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for 2012 decreased $1.2 million from the same period of 2011, primarily due to developed losses and increased loss ratios experienced by our insurance carrier partners. Of the $11.5 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue: (i) an increase of approximately $3.6 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2011; (ii) a decrease of $1.5 million related to commissions and fees revenue recorded in 2011 from business divested or transferred from the Retail Division during 2012; and (iii) the remaining net increase of $9.4 million primarily related to net new business and continued increases in premium rates on many lines of insurance, but primarily on coastal property. As such, the Wholesale Brokerage Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 6.1% for 2012.

Income before income taxes for 2012 increased 18.7%, or $6.8 million over the same period in 2011 to $43.4 million, primarily due to a net reduction in the inter-company interest expense allocation of $3.5 million. Additionally, while total revenues increased by $9.4 million, employee compensation and benefits cost increased $4.3 million, and other operating expenses increased by $2.1 million. Employee compensation and benefit expense increased primarily due to higher bonus expense as a result of the Division’s increased profitability, and $1.2 million in new producer salaries. Other operating expenses increased as a result of higher costs for data processing, telephone and inter-company overhead charges.

 

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Services Division

The Services Division provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration (“TPA”) and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and catastrophe claims adjusting services.

Unlike our other segments, nearly all of the Services Division’s 2013 commissions and fees revenue was generated from fees, which are not significantly affected by fluctuations in general insurance premiums.

Financial information relating to our Services Division is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     2013     Percent
Change
    2012     Percent
Change
    2011  

REVENUES

          

Core commissions and fees

   $ 131,033        12.7   $ 116,247        79.2   $ 64,875   

Profit-sharing contingent commissions

     —          —       —          —       —     

Guaranteed supplemental commissions

     —          —       —          —       —     

Investment income

     1        —       1        (99.2 )%      128   

Other income, net

     455        (6.8 )%      488        (49.6 )%      969   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

     131,489        12.6     116,736        76.9     65,972   

EXPENSES

          

Employee compensation and benefits

     62,908        6.2     59,235        71.7     34,494   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     755        26.5     597        171.4     220   

Other operating expenses

     27,885        6.5     26,180        125.2     11,626   

Amortization

     3,698        0.5     3,680        44.8     2,541   

Depreciation

     1,623        27.0     1,278        116.6     590   

Interest

     7,321        (14.9 )%      8,602        49.7     5,746   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,781        605.8 %      394        (87.0 )%      3,026   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

     106,971        7.0     99,966        71.6     58,243   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 24,518        46.2   $ 16,770        117.0   $ 7,729   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net internal growth rate — core organic commissions and fees

     12.2       8.6       1.3

Employee compensation and benefits ratio

     47.8       50.7       52.3

Other operating expenses ratio

     21.2       22.4       17.6

Capital expenditures

   $ 1,811        $ 2,519        $ 689   

Total assets at December 31

   $ 277,652        $ 238,430        $ 166,060   

The Services Division’s total revenues for 2013 increased 12.6%, or $14.8 million, over 2012, to $131.5 million. Of the $14.8 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue: (i) an increase of approximately $0.7 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from the TPA business acquired as part of the Arrowhead acquisition, that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2012; and (ii) net new business of $14.1 million, of which $13.0 million was due to our Colonial Claims operation and the impact of the significant flood claims resulting from the 2012 Superstorm Sandy. As such, the Services Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 12.2% for 2013.

Income before income taxes in 2013 increased 46.2%, or $7.7 million, over 2012, to $24.5 million, primarily due to net new business from our Colonial Claims operation. Additionally, this net increase was enhanced by a $1.3 million reduction in inter-company interest expense, but partially offset by a $2.4 million expense from changes in estimated earn-out payables.

The Services Division’s total revenues for 2012 increased 76.9%, or $50.8 million, over 2011, to $116.7 million. Of the $51.4 million net increase in core commissions and fees revenue: (i) an increase of approximately $45.8 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2011; and (ii) the remaining net increase $5.6 million primarily related to net new business. As such, the Services Division’s internal growth rate for core organic commissions and fees revenue was 8.6% for 2012.

 

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Income before income taxes in 2012 increased $9.0 million over 2011. This net increase was due to: (i) a net increase of $1.2 million from the offices that existed in both 2012 and 2011, excluding the impact of the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables, (ii) income before income taxes and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables of $5.2 million related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices, and (iii) a $2.6 million income credit generated from the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables. Income before income taxes, and inter-company interest expense and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables, related to new acquisitions that were stand-alone offices that had no comparable earnings in the same period of 2011 totaled approximately $8.8 million for 2012; however, those earnings were partially offset by $3.6 million of inter-company interest expense allocation.

Other

As discussed in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the “Other” column in the Segment Information table includes all income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments, as well as corporate-related items, including the inter-company interest expense charges to reporting segments.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our cash and cash equivalents of $203.0 million at December 31, 2013 reflected a decrease of $16.9 million from the $219.8 million balance at December 31, 2012. During 2013, $389.4 million of cash was provided from operating activities. Also during this period, $367.7 million of cash was used for acquisitions, $15.5 million was used for acquisition earn-out payments, $16.4 million was used for additions to fixed assets, $30.0 million was provided from proceeds received on new long-term debt, and $53.5 million was used for payment of dividends.

Our cash and cash equivalents of $219.8 million at December 31, 2012 reflected a decrease of $66.5 million from the $286.3 million balance at December 31, 2011. During 2012, $220.3 million of cash was provided from operating activities. Also during this period, $425.1 million of cash was used for acquisitions, $13.5 million was used for acquisition earn-out payments, $24.0 million was used for additions to fixed assets, $200.0 million was provided from proceeds received on new long-term debt, and $49.5 million was used for payment of dividends.

Our cash and cash equivalents of $286.3 million at December 31, 2011 reflected an increase of $13.3 million from the $273.0 million balance at December 31, 2010. During 2011, $237.5 million of cash was provided from operating activities. Also during this period, $166.1 million of cash was used for acquisitions, $8.8 million was used for acquisition earn-out payments, $13.6 million was used for additions to fixed assets, $102.1 million was used for payments on long-term debt and $46.5 million was used for payment of dividends. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2011, we borrowed $100.0 million on our Master Agreement to fund the repayment of our $100.0 million of Series A Senior Notes that matured on September 15, 2011.

On January 9, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Arrowhead for a total cash purchase price of $397.0 million, subject to certain adjustments and potential earn-out payments of up to $5 million in the aggregate following the third anniversary of the acquisition’s closing date. We financed the acquisition through various modified and new credit facilities.

On July 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Beecher Carlson Holding, Inc. for a total cash purchase price of $364.2 million, subject to certain adjustments. We financed the acquisition through various modified and new credit facilities.

Our ratio of current assets to current liabilities (the “current ratio”) was 1.02 and 1.34 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Contractual Cash Obligations

As of December 31, 2013, our contractual cash obligations were as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Total      Less Than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      4-5 Years      After 5
Years
 

Long-term debt

   $ 480,000       $ 100,000       $ 280,000       $ 100,000       $ —     

Other liabilities

     42,653         15,612         14,262         4,978         7,801   

Operating leases

     174,486         34,972         59,216         38,224         42,074   

Interest obligations

     38,327         13,294         17,345         7,688         —     

Unrecognized tax benefits

     391         —           391         —           —     

Maximum future acquisition contingency payments

     130,584         24,167         100,325         6,092         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 866,441       $ 188,045       $ 471,539       $ 156,982       $ 49,875   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt

In July 2004, we completed a private placement of $200.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “Notes”). The $200.0 million was divided into two series: (1) Series A, which closed on September 15, 2004, for $100.0 million due in 2011 and bore interest at 5.57% per year; and (2) Series B, which closed on July 15, 2004, for $100.0 million due in 2014 and bearing interest at 6.08% per year. We have used the proceeds from the Notes for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and repayment of existing debt. On September 15, 2011, the $100.0 million of Series A Notes were redeemed on their normal maturity date. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was an outstanding balance on the Notes of $100.0 million.

On December 22, 2006, we entered into a Master Shelf and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with a national insurance company (the “Purchaser”). On September 30, 2009, we and the Purchaser amended the Master Agreement to extend the term of the agreement until August 20, 2012. The Purchaser also purchased Notes issued by us in 2004. The Master Agreement provides for a $200.0 million private uncommitted “shelf” facility for the issuance of senior unsecured notes over a three-year period, with interest rates that may be fixed or floating and with such maturity dates, not to exceed ten years, as the parties may determine. The Master Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default similar to the Notes issued in 2004. The initial issuance of notes under the Master Agreement occurred on December 22, 2006, through the issuance of $25.0 million in Series C Senior Notes due December 22, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 5.66% per year. On February 1, 2008, $25.0 million in Series D Senior Notes due January 15, 2015, with a fixed interest rate of 5.37% per year, were issued. On September 15, 2011, and pursuant to a Confirmation of Acceptance, dated January 21, 2011 (the “Confirmation”), in connection with the Master Agreement, $100.0 million in Series E Senior Notes due September 15, 2018, with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% per year, were issued. The Series E Senior Notes were issued for the sole purpose of retiring the Series A Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was an outstanding debt balance of $150.0 million attributable to notes issued under the provisions of the Master Agreement. The Master Agreement expired on September 30, 2012 and was not extended.

On October 12, 2012, we entered into a Master Note Facility Agreement (the “New Master Agreement”) with another national insurance company (the “New Purchaser”). The New Purchaser also purchased Notes issued by us in 2004. The New Master Agreement provides for a $125.0 million private uncommitted “shelf” facility for the issuance of unsecured senior notes over a three-year period, with interest rates that may be fixed or floating and with such maturity dates, not to exceed ten years, as the parties may determine. The New Master Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default similar to the Master Agreement. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no borrowings against this facility.

On June 12, 2008, we entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of June 3, 2008 (the “Prior Loan Agreement”), with a national banking institution, amending and restating the Revolving Loan Agreement dated September 29, 2003, as amended (the “Revolving Agreement”), to, among other things, increase the lending commitment to $50.0 million (subject to potential increases up to $100.0 million) and to extend the maturity date from December 20, 2011, to June 3, 2013. The Revolving Agreement initially provided for a revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of $75.0 million. After a series of amendments that provided covenant exceptions for additional notes issued or to be issued under the Master Agreement and relaxed or deleted certain other covenants, the maximum principal amount was reduced to $20.0 million. The Revolving Agreement was amended and restated by the SunTrust Revolver (as defined in the below paragraph).

On January 9, 2012, we entered into: (1) an amended and restated revolving and term loan credit agreement (the “SunTrust Agreement”) with SunTrust Bank (“SunTrust”) that provides for (a) a $100.0 million term loan (the “SunTrust Term Loan”) and (b) a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the “SunTrust Revolver”) and (2) a $50.0 million promissory note (the “JPM Note”) in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), pursuant to a letter agreement executed by JP Morgan (together with the JPM Note, (the “JPM Agreement”) that provided for a $50.0 million uncommitted line of credit bridge facility (the “JPM Bridge Facility”). The SunTrust Term Loan, the SunTrust Revolver and the JPM Bridge Facility were each funded on January 9, 2012, and provided the financing for the Arrowhead acquisition. The SunTrust Agreement amended and restated the Prior Loan Agreement.

 

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The maturity date for the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Both the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total available to $150.0 million for the SunTrust Term Loan and $100.0 million for the SunTrust Revolver). The calculation of interest and fees for the SunTrust Agreement is generally based on our funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.00% to 1.40% above LIBOR or 1.00% below the Base Rate, each as more fully described in the SunTrust Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.25%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.00% to 1.40%. The obligations under the SunTrust Term Loan and SunTrust Revolver are unsecured and the SunTrust Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers and that are substantially similar to those contained in the Prior Loan Agreement. 

The maturity date for the JPM Bridge Facility was February 3, 2012, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest would have been due. On January 26, 2012, we entered into a term loan agreement (the “JPM Agreement”) with JPMorgan that provided for a $100.0 million term loan (the “JPM Term Loan”). The JPM Term Loan was fully funded on January 26, 2012, and provided the financing to fully repay (1) the JPM Bridge Facility and (2) the SunTrust Revolver. As a result of the January 26, 2012 financing and repayments, the JPM Bridge Facility was terminated and the SunTrust Revolver’s amount outstanding was reduced to zero. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no borrowings against the SunTrust Revolver.

The maturity date for the JPM Term Loan is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Interest is charged at a rate equal to the Alternative Base Rate or 1.00% above the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, each as more fully described in the JPM Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee. The obligations under the JPM Term Loan are unsecured and the JPM Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers.

On July 1, 2013, in conjunction with the Beecher acquisition, we entered into: (1) a revolving loan agreement (the “Wells Fargo Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that provides for a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Wells Fargo Revolver”) and (2) a term loan agreement (the “Bank of America Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) that provides for a $30.0 million term loan (the “Bank of America Term Loan”).

The maturity date for the Wells Fargo Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. The Wells Fargo Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total available to $100.0 million). The calculation of interest and fees for the Wells Fargo Agreement is generally based on our funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.00% to 1.40% above LIBOR or 1.00% below the Base Rate, each as more fully described in the Wells Fargo Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.25%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.00% to 1.40%. The obligations under the Wells Fargo Revolver are unsecured and the Wells Fargo Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers. The Wells Fargo Revolver was drawn down in the amount of $30.0 million on July 1, 2013. There were no borrowings against the Wells Fargo Revolver as of December 31, 2013.

The maturity date for the Bank of America Term Loan is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. The calculation of interest for the Bank of America Agreement is generally based on our fixed charge coverage ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to the Alternative Base Rate or 1.00% to 1.40% above the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, each as more fully described in the Bank of America Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee. Initially, until Bank of America received our September 30, 2013 quarter end financial statements, the applicable margin for Adjusted LIBOR Rate advances was 1.50%. The obligations under the Bank of America Term Loan are unsecured and the Bank of America Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers. The Bank of America Term Loan was funded in the amount of $30.0 million on July 1, 2013. As of December 31, 2013 there was an outstanding balance of $30.0 million.

The 30-day LIBOR and Adjusted LIBOR Rate as of December 31, 2013 were 0.16% and 0.19%, respectively.

The Notes, the Master Agreement, the SunTrust Agreement, the JPM Agreement and the Bank of America Agreement require that we maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain other covenants. We were in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Neither we nor our subsidiaries has ever incurred off-balance sheet obligations through the use of, or investment in, off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments or structured finance or special purpose entities organized as corporations, partnerships or limited liability companies or trusts.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investment portfolio and funds generated from operations, together with the SunTrust Revolver, the New Master Agreement, and the Wells Fargo Revolver will be sufficient to satisfy our

 

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normal liquidity needs through at least the end of 2014. These liquidity needs include the total net consideration of $602.5 million to be paid for the ownership interests of Wright (in addition, contingent consideration of up to $37.5 million may be payable if Wright completes certain agreed-upon acquisitions prior to closing). We currently anticipate financing this transaction with a combination of cash and proceeds from one or more existing or new credit facilities. We may seek to raise additional capital through either the private or public debt markets to increase our cash and debt capacity. Additionally, we believe that funds generated from future operations will be sufficient to satisfy our normal liquidity needs, including the required annual principal payments on our long-term debt.

Historically, much of our cash has been used for acquisitions. If additional acquisition opportunities should become available that exceed our current cash flow, we believe that given our relatively low debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, we would be able to raise additional capital through either the private or public debt markets. This incurrence of additional debt, however, could negatively impact our capital structure and liquidity. In addition, if we are unable to raise as much additional debt as we want, or at all, we could issue additional equity to finance an acquisition which could have a dilutive effect on our current shareholders.

For further discussion of our cash management and risk management policies, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and equity prices. We are exposed to market risk through our investments, revolving credit line and term loan agreements.

Our invested assets are held as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, available-for-sale equity securities, equity securities and certificates of deposit. These investments are subject to interest rate risk and equity price risk. The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, and certificates of deposit at December 31, 2013 and 2012 approximated their respective carrying values due to their short-term duration and, therefore, such market risk is not considered to be material.

We do not actively invest or trade in equity securities. In addition, we generally dispose of equity securities received in conjunction with an acquisition shortly after the acquisition date.

 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page No.  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     42   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

     43   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     44   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     45   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     46   

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     46   

Note 2: Business Combinations

     49   

Note 3: Goodwill

     56   

Note 4: Amortizable Intangible Assets

     57   

Note 5: Investments

     57   

Note 6: Fixed Assets

     58   

Note 7: Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     58   

Note 8: Long-Term Debt

     58   

Note 9: Income Taxes

     60   

Note 10: Employee Savings Plan

     62   

Note 11: Stock-Based Compensation

     62   

Note 12: Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

     66   

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies

     67   

Note 14: Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)

     68   

Note 15: Segment Information

     68   

Note 16: Subsequent Event

     69   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     70   

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     72   

 

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2013      2012      2011  

REVENUES

        

Commissions and fees

   $ 1,355,503       $ 1,189,081       $ 1,005,962   

Investment income

     638         797         1,267   

Other income, net

     7,138         10,154         6,313   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,363,279         1,200,032         1,013,542   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

        

Employee compensation and benefits

     683,000         608,506         508,675   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     22,603         15,865         11,194   

Other operating expenses

     195,677         174,389         144,079   

Amortization

     67,932         63,573         54,755   

Depreciation

     17,485         15,373         12,392   

Interest

     16,440         16,097         14,132   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,533         1,418         (2,206
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,005,670         895,221         743,021   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     357,609         304,811         270,521   

Income taxes

     140,497         120,766         106,526   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 217,112       $ 184,045       $ 163,995   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share:

        

Basic

   $ 1.50       $ 1.28       $ 1.15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 1.48       $ 1.26       $ 1.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     141,033         139,364         138,582   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     142,624         142,010         140,264   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.3700       $ 0.3450       $ 0.3250   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     At December 31,  

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2013      2012  

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 202,952       $ 219,821   

Restricted cash and investments

     250,009         164,564   

Short-term investments

     10,624         8,183   

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable

     395,915         302,725   

Deferred income taxes

     29,276         24,408   

Other current assets

     39,260         39,811   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     928,036         759,512   

Fixed assets, net

     74,733         74,337   

Goodwill

     2,006,173         1,711,514   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

     618,888         566,538   

Other assets

     21,678         16,157   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,649,508       $ 3,128,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities:

     

Premiums payable to insurance companies

   $ 534,360       $ 406,704   

Premium deposits and credits due customers

     80,959         32,867   

Accounts payable

     34,158         48,524   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     157,400         79,593   

Current portion of long-term debt

     100,000         93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     906,877         567,781   

Long-term debt

     380,000         450,000   

Deferred income taxes, net

     291,704         237,630   

Other liabilities

     63,786         65,314   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

     

Shareholders’ Equity:

     

Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 280,000 shares; issued and outstanding 145,419 at 2013 and 143,878 at 2012

     14,542         14,388   

Additional paid-in capital

     371,960         335,872   

Retained earnings

     1,620,639         1,457,073   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,007,141         1,807,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,649,508       $ 3,128,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Common Stock      Additional           

Accumulated

Other

       

(in thousands, except per share data)

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par
Value
     Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Comprehensive
Income
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2011

     142,795       $ 14,279       $ 286,997       $ 1,205,061      $ 7      $ 1,506,344   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

              163,995          163,995   

Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans

     545         55         18,859             18,914   

Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans

           916             916   

Common stock issued to directors

     12         1         287             288   

Cash dividends paid ($0.3250 per share)

              (46,494       (46,494
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     143,352         14,335         307,059         1,322,562        7        1,643,963   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income and comprehensive income

              184,045          184,045   

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

                (7     (7

Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans

     501         50         19,549             19,599   

Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans

           8,659             8,659   

Common stock issued to directors

     25         3         605             608   

Cash dividends paid ($0.3450 per share)

              (49,534       (49,534
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     143,878         14,388         335,872         1,457,073        —          1,807,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

              217,112          217,112   

Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans

     1,541         154         33,730             33,884   

Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans

           2,358             2,358   

Cash dividends paid ($0.37 per share)

              (53,546       (53,546
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

     145,419       $ 14,542       $ 371,960       $ 1,620,639      $  —        $ 2,007,141   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

(in thousands)

   2013     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 217,112      $ 184,045      $ 163,995   

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

      

Amortization

     67,932        63,573        54,755   

Depreciation

     17,485        15,373        12,392   

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     22,603        15,865        11,194   

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,533        1,418        (2,206

Deferred income taxes

     32,247        32,723        30,328   

Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans

     (2,358     (8,659     (916

Net gain on sales of investments, fixed assets and customer accounts

     (2,806     (4,105     (1,890

Payments on acquisition earn-outs in excess of original estimated payables

     (2,788     (4,086     (1,369

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from acquisitions and divestitures:

      

Restricted cash and investments (increase)

     (85,445     (34,029     (6,941

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable (increase)

     (40,729     (11,312     (20,570

Other assets (increase) decrease

     (2,583     2,145        (7,322

Premiums payable to insurance companies increase (decrease)

     61,624        (4,651     9,447   

Premium deposits and credits due customers increase

     41,049        2,506        1,277   

Accounts payable increase (decrease)

     5,180        36,505        (2,807

Accrued expenses and other liabilities increase (decrease)

     70,872        (43,059     3,975   

Other liabilities (decrease)

     (12,554     (23,937     (5,811
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     389,374        220,315        237,531   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Additions to fixed assets

     (16,366     (24,028     (13,608

Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired

     (367,712     (425,054     (166,055

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts

     5,886        14,095        3,686   

Purchases of investments

     (18,102     (11,167     (12,698

Proceeds from sales of investments

     15,662        10,654        12,950   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (380,632     (435,500     (175,725

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Payments on acquisition earn-outs

     (15,491     (13,539     (8,843

Proceeds from long-term debt

     30,000        200,000        100,000   

Payments on long-term debt

     (93     (1,227     (102,072

Borrowings on revolving credit facilities

     31,863        100,000        —     

Payments on revolving credit facilities

     (31,863     (100,000     —     

Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans

     2,358        8,659        916   

Issuances of common stock for employee stock benefit plans

     12,445        13,305        8,667   

Repurchase of stock benefit plan shares for employee to fund tax withholdings

     (1,284     (8,963     (659

Cash dividends paid

     (53,546     (49,534     (46,494
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (25,611     148,701        (48,485
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (16,869     (66,484     13,321   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     219,821        286,305        272,984   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 202,952      $ 219,821      $ 286,305   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Brown & Brown, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”) is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization that markets and sells to its customers insurance products and services, primarily in the property and casualty area. Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments: the Retail Division, which provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public entity, professional and individual customers; the Wholesale Brokerage Division, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers; the National Programs Division, which provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and markets targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches; and the Services Division, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and catastrophe claims adjusting services.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

Commission revenues are recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date on which the policy premium is billed to the customer, whichever is later. Commission revenues related to installment billings at the Company’s subsidiary, Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Arrowhead”), are recorded on the later of the effective date of the policy or the first installment billing. At those dates, the earnings process has been completed, and Brown & Brown can reliably estimate the impact of policy cancellations for refunds and establish reserves accordingly. The reserve for policy cancellations is based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted for known circumstances. The policy cancellation reserve was $8,010,000 and $7,174,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and it is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon receipt of notification from the insurance companies. Commission revenues are reported net of commissions paid to sub-brokers or co-brokers. Profit-sharing contingent commissions from insurance companies are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions, or official notification of the amount of such commissions is received. Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with quoted market prices having maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Investments, and Premiums, Commissions and Fees Receivable

In its capacity as an insurance agent or broker, Brown & Brown typically collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its authorized commissions, remits the net premiums to the appropriate insurance company or companies. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, “premiums” are receivable from insureds. Unremitted net insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until Brown & Brown disburses them. Brown & Brown invests these unremitted funds only in cash, money market accounts, tax-free variable-rate demand bonds and commercial paper held for a short term. In certain states in which Brown & Brown operates, the use and investment alternatives for these funds are regulated and restricted by various state laws and agencies. These restricted funds are reported as restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest income earned on these unremitted funds is reported as investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In other circumstances, the insurance companies collect the premiums directly from the insureds and remit the applicable commissions to Brown & Brown. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, “commissions” are receivables from insurance companies. “Fees” are primarily receivables due from customers.

 

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Table of Contents

Investments

Certificates of deposit and other securities having maturities of more than three months when purchased are reported at cost and are adjusted for other-than-temporary market value declines.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in other income. Depreciation has been determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the related lease.

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

The excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and amortizable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. While goodwill is not amortizable, it is subject to assessment at least annually, and more frequently in the presence of certain circumstances, for impairment by application of a fair value-based test. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment of goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value is estimated based on multiples of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables (“EBITDAC”), or on a discounted cash flow basis. Brown & Brown completed its most recent annual assessment as of November 30, 2013 and determined that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of such assets. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, there are no accumulated impairment losses.

Amortizable intangible assets are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization, and consist of purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements. Purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives and contract periods, which range from five to 15 years. Purchased customer accounts primarily consist of records and files that contain information about insurance policies and the related insured parties that are essential to policy renewals.

The carrying value of amortizable intangible assets attributable to each business or asset group comprising Brown & Brown is periodically reviewed by management to determine if there are events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Accordingly, if there are any such changes in circumstances during the year, Brown & Brown assesses the carrying value of its amortizable intangible assets by considering the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the corresponding business or asset group. Any impairment identified through this assessment may require that the carrying value of related amortizable intangible assets be adjusted; however, no impairments were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Income Taxes

Brown & Brown records income tax expense using the asset-and-liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values and the income tax bases of Brown & Brown’s assets and liabilities.

Brown & Brown files a consolidated federal income tax return and has elected to file consolidated returns in certain states. Deferred income taxes are provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements and relate principally to expenses charged to income for financial reporting purposes in one period and deducted for income tax purposes in other periods.

Net Income Per Share

Effective in 2009, the Company adopted new Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance that states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings. Performance stock shares granted to employees under the Company’s Performance Stock Plan and under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable dividend equivalents at the same rate as common stock.

 

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Table of Contents

Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including participating securities) issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding plus equivalent shares, assuming the exercise of stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed by application of the treasury-stock method. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31:

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2013     2012     2011  

Net income

   $ 217,112      $ 184,045      $ 163,995   

Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock

     (5,446     (5,313     (5,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common shares

   $ 211,666      $ 178,732      $ 158,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding

     144,662        143,507        143,029   

Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average basic share outstanding

     (3,629     (4,143     (4,447
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share

     141,033        139,364        138,582   

Dilutive effect of stock options

     1,591        2,646        1,682   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     142,624        142,010        140,264   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share:

      

Basic

   $ 1.50      $ 1.28      $ 1.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 1.48      $ 1.26      $ 1.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of Brown & Brown’s financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, investments, premiums, commissions and fees receivable, premiums payable to insurance companies, premium deposits and credits due customers and accounts payable, at December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of Brown & Brown’s long-term debt approximates fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 because the related coupon rate approximates the current market rate.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options and non-vested stock awards to its employees, officers and directors. The Company uses the modified-prospective method to account for share-based payments. Under the modified-prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006 and for all awards granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006 that remained unvested on that date. The Company uses the alternative-transition method to account for the income tax effects of payments made related to stock-based compensation.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing all stock options and shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Compensation for non-vested stock awards is measured at fair value on the grant date based upon the number of shares expected to vest. Compensation cost for all awards is recognized in earnings, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 2 Business Combinations

Acquisitions in 2013

During 2013, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of ten insurance intermediaries, all of the stock of one insurance intermediary and a book of business (customer accounts). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $519,794,000, including $408,072,000 of cash payments, the issuance of $552,000 in other payables, the assumption of $106,079,000 of liabilities and $5,091,000 of recorded earn-out payables. All of these acquisitions were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown’s core businesses and to attract high-quality personnel. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one—to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

Based on the acquisition date and the complexity of the underlying valuation work, certain amounts included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be provisional and thus subject to further adjustments within the permitted measurement period, as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805—Business Combinations.

For 2013, several adjustments were made within the permitted measurement period that resulted in a reduction to the aggregate purchase price of the applicable acquisition of $504,000, including $18,000 of cash payments, an increase of $117,000 in other payables, the assumption of $82,000 of liabilities and the reduction of $721,000 in recorded earn-out payables.

The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price allocation made as of the date of each acquisition for current year acquisitions and adjustment made during the measurement period for prior year acquisitions:

 

(in thousands)                                             

Name

  

Business
Segment

  

2013
Date of
Acquisition

   Cash
Paid
     Other
Payable
     Recorded
Earn-out
Payable
     Net Assets
Acquired
     Maximum
Potential
Earn-out
Payable
 

The Rollins Agency, Inc.

   Retail    June 1    $ 13,792       $ 50       $ 2,321       $ 16,163       $ 4,300   

Beecher Carlson Holdings, Inc.

   Retail; National Programs    July 1      364,256         —          —          364,256         —    

ICA, Inc.

   Services    December 31      19,770         —          727         20,497         5,000   

Other

   Various    Various      10,254         502         2,043         12,799         7,468   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         $ 408,072       $ 552       $ 5,091       $ 413,715       $ 16,768   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition:

 

(in thousands)

   Rollins     Beecher     ICA      Other     Total  

Cash

   $ —       $ 40,360     $ —        $ —       $ 40,360   

Other current assets

     393        57,632        —          1,573        59,598   

Fixed assets

     30        1,786        75         24        1,915   

Goodwill

     12,697        265,174        12,377         5,696        295,944   

Purchased customer accounts

     3,878        101,565        7,917         5,623        118,983   

Non-compete agreements

     31        2,758        21         76        2,886   

Other assets

     —               107         1        108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     17,029        469,275        20,497         12,993        519,794   

Other current liabilities

     (866     (80,090     —           (194     (81,150

Deferred income taxes, net

     —         (22,764     —          —         (22,764

Other liabilities

     —         (2,165     —          —         (2,165
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     (866     (105,019     —           (194     (106,079
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 16,163      $ 364,256      $ 20,497       $ 12,799      $ 413,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The weighted average useful lives for the acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts, 15.0 years; and non-compete agreements, 5.0 years.

Goodwill of $295,944,000 was allocated to the Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage and Services Divisions in the amounts of $257,196,000, $27,091,000, ($812,000) and $12,469,000, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $295,944,000, $41,663,000 is currently deductible for income tax purposes and $249,190,000 is non-deductible. The remaining $5,091,000 relates to the recorded earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

The results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2013 have been combined with those of the Company since their respective acquisition dates. The total revenues and income before income taxes from the acquisitions completed through December 31, 2013, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, were $63,797,000 and $872,000, respectively. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the period, the Company’s results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.

 

(UNAUDITED)    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)    2013      2012  

Total revenues

   $ 1,439,918       $ 1,329,262   

Income before income taxes

   $ 373,175       $ 329,291   

Net income

   $ 226,562       $ 198,826   

Net income per share:

     

Basic

   $ 1.57       $ 1.39   

Diluted

   $ 1.55       $ 1.36   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     141,033         139,634   

Diluted

     142,624         142,010   

Acquisitions in 2012

During 2012, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of 19 insurance intermediaries, all of the stock of one insurance intermediary and a book of business (customer accounts). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $667,586,000, including $483,933,000 of cash payments, the issuance of notes payable of $59,000, the issuance of $25,439,000 in other payables, the assumption of $136,676,000 of liabilities and $21,479,000 of recorded earn-out payables. The ‘other payables’ amount includes $22,061,000 that the Company is obligated to pay all shareholders of Arrowhead on a pro rata basis for certain pre-merger corporate tax refunds and certain estimated potential future income tax credits that were created by net operating loss carryforwards originating from transaction-related tax benefit items. All of these acquisitions were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown’s core businesses and to attract high-quality personnel. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one—to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

 

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The acquisitions made in 2012 have been accounted for as business combinations and are as follows:

 

(in thousands)                                                    

Name

  

Business
Segment

  

2012
Date of
Acquisition

   Cash
Paid
     Note
Payable
     Other
Payable
     Recorded
Earn-out
Payable
     Net Assets
Acquired
     Maximum
Potential
Earn-out
Payable
 

Arrowhead General Insurance Agency Superholding Corporation

   National Programs; Services    January 9    $ 396,952       $ —        $ 22,061       $ 3,290       $ 422,303       $ 5,000   

Insurcorp & GGM Investments LLC (d/b/a Maalouf Benefit Resources)

   Retail    May 1      15,500         —          900         4,944         21,344         17,000   

Richard W. Endlar Insurance Agency, Inc.

   Retail    May 1      10,825         —          —          2,598         13,423         5,500   

Texas Security General Insurance Agency, Inc.

   Wholesale Brokerage    September 1      14,506         —          2,182         2,124         18,812         7,200   

Behnke & Associates, Inc.

   Retail    December 1      9,213         —          —          1,126         10,339         3,321   

Rowlands & Barranca Agency, Inc.

   Retail    December 1      8,745         —          —          2,401         11,146         4,000   

Other

   Various    Various      28,192         59         296         4,996         33,543         14,149   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         $ 483,933       $ 59       $ 25,439       $ 21,479       $ 530,910       $ 56,170   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition:

 

(in thousands)

   Arrowhead     Insurcorp     Endlar     Texas Security     Behnke      Rowlands     Other     Total  

Cash

   $ 61,786      $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —        $ —       $ —       $ 61,786   

Other current assets

     69,051        180        305        1,866        —          —         422        71,824   

Fixed assets

     4,629        25        25        45        25         30        158        4,937   

Goodwill

     321,128        14,745        8,044        10,845        6,430         8,363        21,085        390,640   

Purchased customer accounts

     99,675        6,490        5,230        6,229        3,843         3,367        13,112        137,946   

Non-compete agreements

     100        22        11        14        41         21        243        452   

Other assets

     1        —         —         —         —          —         —         1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     556,370        21,462        13,615        18,999        10,339         11,781        35,020        667,586   

Other current liabilities

     (107,579     (118     (192     (187     —          (635     (1,477     (110,188

Deferred income taxes, net

     (26,488     —         —         —         —          —         —         (26,488
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     (134,067     (118     (192     (187            (635     (1,477     (136,676
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 422,303      $ 21,344      $ 13,423      $ 18,812      $ 10,339       $ 11,146      $ 33,543      $ 530,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The weighted average useful lives for the acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts, 15.0 years; and non-compete agreements, 5.0 years.

Goodwill of $390,640,000, was allocated to the Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage and Services Divisions in the amounts of $57,856,000, $289,378,000, $11,656,000 and $31,750,000, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $390,640,000, $52,730,000 is currently deductible for income tax purposes and $316,431,000 is non-deductible. The remaining $21,479,000 relates to the recorded earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

The results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2012 have been combined with those of the Company since their respective acquisition dates. The total revenues and income before income taxes from the acquisitions completed through December 31, 2012, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, were $129,472,000 and $898,000, respectively. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the period, the Company’s results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.

 

(UNAUDITED)    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)    2012      2011  

Total revenues

   $ 1,230,408       $ 1,163,341   

Income before income taxes

   $ 315,051       $ 313,706   

Net income

   $ 190,228       $ 190,174   

Net income per share:

     

Basic

   $ 1.33       $ 1.33   

Diluted

   $ 1.30       $ 1.31   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     139,364         138,582   

Diluted

     142,010         140,264   

 

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Acquisitions in 2011

During 2011, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of 37 insurance intermediaries, all of the stock of one insurance intermediary and several books of business (customer accounts). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $214,822,000, including $167,444,000 of cash payments, the issuance of $1,194,000 in notes payable, the assumption of $15,659,000 of liabilities and $30,525,000 of recorded earn-out payables. All of these acquisitions were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown’s core businesses and to attract high-quality personnel. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one-to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

The acquisitions made in 2011 have been accounted for as business combinations and are as follows:

 

(in thousands)                                             

Name

  

Business
Segment

  

2011
Date of
Acquisition

   Cash
Paid
     Note
Payable
     Recorded
Earn-out
Payable
     Net Assets
Acquired
     Maximum
Potential
Earn-out
Payable
 

Balcos Insurance, Inc.

   Retail    January 1    $ 8,611       $ —        $ 1,595       $ 10,206       $ 5,766   

Associated Insurance Service, Inc. et al.

   Retail    January 1      12,000         —          1,575         13,575         6,000   

United Benefit Services Insurance Agency LLC et al.

   Retail    February 1      14,283         —          2,590         16,873         8,442   

First Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. et al.

   Retail    April 30      25,060         —          —          25,060         —    

Fitzharris Agency, Inc. et al.

   Retail    May 1      6,159         —          888         7,047         3,832   

Corporate Benefit Consultants, LLC

   Retail    June 1      9,000         —          2,038         11,038         4,520   

Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency, Inc. et al.

   Retail    November 1      40,460         —          6,228         46,688         19,000   

Snapper Shuler Kenner, Inc. et al.

   Retail    November 1      7,493         —          1,318         8,811         3,988   

Industry Consulting Group, Inc.

   National Programs    November 1      9,133         —          3,877         13,010         5,794   

Colonial Claims Corporation et al.

   Services    December 23      9,950         —          4,248         14,198         8,000   

Other

   Various    Various      25,295         1,194         6,168         32,657         12,865   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         $ 167,444       $ 1,194       $ 30,525       $ 199,163       $ 78,207   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition:

 

(in thousands)

   Balcos     AIS     United     FHI     FA     CBC  

Cash

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 5,170      $ —       $ —    

Other current assets

     187        252        438        1,640        77        227   

Fixed assets

     20        100        20        134        60        6   

Goodwill

     6,486        9,055        10,049        15,254        7,244        6,738   

Purchased customer accounts

     3,530        4,086        7,045        8,088        3,351        4,046   

Non-compete agreements

     42        92        45        10        21        21   

Other assets

     —         —         4        9        —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     10,265        13,585        17,601        30,305        10,753        11,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

     (59     (10     (728     (3,790     (3,706     —    

Deferred income taxes, net

     —         —         —         (1,455     —         —    

Other liabilities

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     (59     (10     (728     (5,245     (3,706     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 10,206      $ 13,575      $ 16,873      $ 25,060      $ 7,047      $   11,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

   SML     SSK     ICG     CC     Other     Total  

Cash

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 5,170   

Other current assets

     1,372        247        336        —         1,059        5,835   

Fixed assets

     465        45        100        60        65        1,075   

Goodwill

     31,601        5,818        9,564        8,070        18,465        128,344   

Purchased customer accounts

     13,995        2,726        7,161        6,094        13,746        73,868   

Non-compete agreements

     42        12        11        23        187        506   

Other assets

     4        —         5        —         2        24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     47,479        8,848        17,177        14,247        33,524        214,822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

     (791     (37     (1,096     (49     (867     (11,133

Deferred income taxes, net

     —         —         —         —         —         (1,455

Other liabilities

     —         —         (3,071     —         —         (3,071
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     (791     (37     (4,167     (49     (867     (15,659
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 46,688      $   8,811      $ 13,010      $ 14,198      $ 32,657      $ 199,163   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The weighted average useful lives for the above acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts, 15.0 years; noncompete agreements, 5.0 years.

Goodwill of $128,344,000, was assigned to the Retail, National Programs and Services Divisions in the amounts of $108,420,000, $11,853,000 and $8,071,000, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $128,344,000, $84,105,000 is currently deductible for income tax purposes and $13,714,000 is non-deductible. The remaining $30,525,000 relates to the recorded acquisition earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

 

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The results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2011 have been combined with those of the Company since their respective acquisition dates. The total revenues and income before income taxes from the acquisitions completed through December 31, 2011 included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 were $40,291,000 and $7,223,000, respectively. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period, the Company’s estimated results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.

 

(UNAUDITED)    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)    2011      2010  

Total revenues

   $ 1,058,142       $ 1,059,857   

Income before income taxes

   $ 283,404       $ 291,944   

Net income

   $ 171,805       $ 177,464   

Net income per share:

     

Basic

   $ 1.20       $ 1.25   

Diluted

   $ 1.19       $ 1.23   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     138,582         137,924   

Diluted

     140,264         139,318   

For acquisitions consummated prior to January 1, 2009, additional consideration paid to sellers as a result of purchase price earn-out provisions are recorded as adjustments to intangible assets when the contingencies are settled. The net additional consideration paid by the Company in 2013 as a result of these adjustments totaled $873,000, all of which was allocated to goodwill. Of the $873,000 net additional consideration paid, $873,000 was issued in other payables. The net additional consideration paid by the Company in 2012 as a result of these adjustments totaled $2,907,000, all of which was allocated to goodwill. Of the $2,907,000 net additional consideration paid, $2,907,000 was paid in cash.

As of December 31, 2013, the maximum future contingency payments related to all acquisitions totaled $130,584,000, all of which relates to acquisitions consummated subsequent to January 1, 2009.

ASC Topic 805—Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquirer to recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. As a result, the recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred. Potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired entities, usually between one and three years.

 

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2013, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). The resulting additions, payments, and net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
(in thousands)    2013     2012     2011  

Balance as of the beginning of the period

   $ 52,987      $ 47,715      $ 29,608   

Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     5,816        21,479        30,525   

Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     (18,278     (17,625     (10,212
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     40,525        51,569        49,921   

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables:

      

Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     570        (1,051     (4,043

Interest expense accretion

     1,963        2,469        1,837   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables

     2,533        1,418        (2,206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31

   $ 43,058      $ 52,987      $ 47,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of the $43,058,000 estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of December 31, 2013, $6,312,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $36,746,000 was recorded as other non-current liabilities. Of the $52,987,000 in estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of December 31, 2012, $10,164,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $42,823,000 was recorded as other non-current liabilities.

NOTE 3 Goodwill

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Retail     National
Programs
     Wholesale
Brokerage
    Service      Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2012

   $ 823,573      $ 149,802       $ 273,783      $ 76,311       $ 1,323,469   

Goodwill of acquired businesses

     58,148        289,378         14,271        31,750         393,547   

Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses

     (5,502     —          —         —          (5,502
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

     876,219        439,180         288,054        108,061         1,711,514   

Goodwill of acquired businesses

     257,196        27,964         (812     12,469         296,817   

Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses

     (2,158     —          —         —          (2,158
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   $ 1,131,257      $ 467,144       $ 287,242      $ 120,530       $ 2,006,173   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 4 Amortizable Intangible Assets

Amortizable intangible assets at December 31 consisted of the following:

 

     2013      2012  

(in thousands)

   Gross
Carrying
Value
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Value
     Weighted
Average
Life
(years)
     Gross
Carrying
Value
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Value
     Weighted
Average
Life
(years)
 

Purchased customer accounts

   $ 1,120,719       $ (505,137   $ 615,582         14.9       $ 1,005,031       $ (439,623   $ 565,408         14.9   

Non-compete agreements

     28,115         (24,809     3,306         7.0         25,320         (24,190     1,130         7.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   $ 1,148,834       $ (529,946   $ 618,888          $ 1,030,351       $ (463,813   $ 566,538      
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Amortization expense recorded for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $67,932,000, $63,573,000 and $54,755,000, respectively.

Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 is estimated to be $71,306,000, $70,017,000, $65,479,000, $62,767,000, and $57,442,000, respectively.

NOTE 5 Investments

Investments at December 31 consisted of the following:

 

     2013
Carrying Value
     2012
Carrying Value
 

(in thousands)

   Current      Non-
Current
     Current      Non-
Current
 

Certificates of deposit and other securities

   $ 10,624       $ 16       $ 8,183       $ 16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains/(losses) on equity securities and certificates of deposit for the years ended December 31:

 

(in thousands)

   Proceeds      Gross
Realized
Gains
     Gross
Realized
Losses
 

2013

   $ 15,662       $ —        $ —    

2012

   $ 10,654       $ 13       $ —    

2011

   $ 12,950       $ 124       $ —    

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 6 Fixed Assets

Fixed assets at December 31 consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   2013     2012  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   $ 149,170      $ 141,844   

Leasehold improvements

     21,231        18,889   

Land, buildings and improvements

     3,815        3,902   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost

     174,216        164,635   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (99,483     (90,298
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 74,733      $ 74,337   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for fixed assets amounted to $17,485,000 in 2013, $15,373,000 in 2012, and $12,392,000 in 2011.

NOTE 7 Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31 consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   2013      2012  

Accrued bonuses

   $ 70,272       $ 12,668   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     35,145         19,943   

Accrued rent and vendor expenses

     19,235         16,972   

Reserve for policy cancellations

     8,010         7,174   

Accrued interest

     3,324         3,295   

Other

     21,414         19,541   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 157,400       $ 79,593   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 8 Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   2013     2012  

Unsecured senior notes

   $ 480,000      $ 450,000   

Acquisition notes payable

     —         93   

Revolving credit facility

     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

     480,000        450,093   

Less current portion

     (100,000     (93
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   $ 380,000      $ 450,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In July 2004, the Company completed a private placement of $200.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “Notes”). The $200.0 million was divided into two series: (1) Series A, which closed on September 15, 2004, for $100.0 million due in 2011 and bore interest at 5.57% per year; and (2) Series B, which closed on July 15, 2004, for $100.0 million due in 2014 and bearing interest at 6.08% per year. The Company has used the proceeds from the Notes for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and repayment of existing debt. On September 15, 2011, the $100.0 million of Series A Notes were redeemed on their normal maturity date. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was an outstanding balance on the Notes of $100.0 million.

On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a Master Shelf and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with a national insurance company (the “Purchaser”). On September 30, 2009, the Company and the Purchaser amended the Master Agreement to extend the term of the agreement until August 20, 2012. The Purchaser also purchased Notes issued by the Company in 2004. The Master Agreement provides for a $200.0 million private uncommitted “shelf” facility for the issuance of senior unsecured notes over a three-year period, with interest rates that may be fixed or floating and with such maturity dates, not to exceed ten years, as the parties may determine. The Master Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default similar to the Notes issued in 2004. The initial issuance of notes under the Master Agreement occurred on December 22, 2006, through the issuance of $25.0 million in Series C Senior Notes due December 22, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 5.66% per year. On February 1, 2008, $25.0 million in Series D Senior Notes due January 15, 2015, with a fixed interest rate of 5.37% per year, were issued. On

 

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September 15, 2011, and pursuant to a Confirmation of Acceptance, dated January 21, 2011 (the “Confirmation”), in connection with the Master Agreement, $100.0 million in Series E Senior Notes due September 15, 2018, with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% per year, were issued. The Series E Senior Notes were issued for the sole purpose of retiring the Series A Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was an outstanding debt balance of $150.0 million attributable to notes issued under the provisions of the Master Agreement. The Master Agreement expired on September 30, 2012 and was not extended.

On October 12, 2012, the Company entered into a Master Note Facility Agreement (the “New Master Agreement”) with another national insurance company (the “New Purchaser”). The New Purchaser also purchased Notes issued by us in 2004. The New Master Agreement provides for a $125.0 million private uncommitted “shelf” facility for the issuance of unsecured senior notes over a three-year period, with interest rates that may be fixed or floating and with such maturity dates, not to exceed ten years, as the parties may determine. The New Master Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default similar to the Master Agreement. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no borrowings against this facility.

On June 12, 2008, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of June 3, 2008 (the “Prior Loan Agreement”), with a national banking institution, amending and restating the Revolving Loan Agreement dated September 29, 2003, as amended (the “Revolving Agreement”), to, among other things, increase the lending commitment to $50.0 million (subject to potential increases up to $100.0 million) and to extend the maturity date from December 20, 2011, to June 3, 2013. The Revolving Agreement initially provided for a revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of $75.0 million. After a series of amendments that provided covenant exceptions for additional notes issued or to be issued under the Master Agreement and relaxed or deleted certain other covenants, the maximum principal amount was reduced to $20.0 million. The Revolving Agreement was amended and restated by the SunTrust Revolver (as defined in the below paragraph).

On January 9, 2012, the Company entered into: (1) an amended and restated revolving and term loan credit agreement (the “SunTrust Agreement”) with SunTrust Bank (“SunTrust”) that provides for (a) a $100.0 million term loan (the “SunTrust Term Loan”) and (b) a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the “SunTrust Revolver”) and (2) a $50.0 million promissory note (the “JPM Note”) in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), pursuant to a letter agreement executed by JP Morgan (together with the JPM Note, (the “JPM Agreement”) that provided for a $50.0 million uncommitted line of credit bridge facility (the “JPM Bridge Facility”). The SunTrust Term Loan, the SunTrust Revolver and the JPM Bridge Facility were each funded on January 9, 2012, and provided the financing for the Arrowhead acquisition. The SunTrust Agreement amended and restated the Prior Loan Agreement.

The maturity date for the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Both the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total available to $150.0 million for the SunTrust Term Loan and $100.0 million for the SunTrust Revolver). The calculation of interest and fees for the SunTrust Agreement is generally based on the Company’s funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.00% to 1.40% above LIBOR or 1.00% below the Base Rate, each as more fully described in the SunTrust Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.25%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.00% to 1.40%. The obligations under the SunTrust Term Loan and SunTrust Revolver are unsecured and the SunTrust Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers and that are substantially similar to those contained in the Prior Loan Agreement. 

The maturity date for the JPM Bridge Facility was February 3, 2012, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest would have been due. On January 26, 2012, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “JPM Agreement”) with JPMorgan that provided for a $100.0 million term loan (the “JPM Term Loan”). The JPM Term Loan was fully funded on January 26, 2012, and provided the financing to fully repay (1) the JPM Bridge Facility and (2) the SunTrust Revolver. As a result of the January 26, 2012 financing and repayments, the JPM Bridge Facility was terminated and the SunTrust Revolver’s amount outstanding was reduced to zero. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no borrowings against the SunTrust Revolver.

The maturity date for the JPM Term Loan is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Interest is charged at a rate equal to the Alternative Base Rate or 1.00% above the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, each as more fully described in the JPM Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee. The obligations under the JPM Term Loan are unsecured and the JPM Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers.

On July 1, 2013, in conjunction with the acquisition of Beecher Carlson Holdings, Inc., the Company entered into: (1) a revolving loan agreement (the “Wells Fargo Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that provides for a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Wells Fargo Revolver”) and (2) a term loan agreement (the “Bank of America Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) that provides for a $30.0 million term loan (the “Bank of America Term Loan”).

The maturity date for the Wells Fargo Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. The Wells Fargo Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total available to $100.0 million). The calculation of interest and fees for the Wells Fargo Agreement is generally based on our funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.00% to 1.40% above LIBOR or 1.00% below the Base Rate, each as more fully described in the

 

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Wells Fargo Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.25%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.00% to 1.40%. The obligations under the Wells Fargo Revolver are unsecured and the Wells Fargo Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers. The Wells Fargo Revolver was drawn down in the amount of $30.0 million on July 1, 2013. There were no borrowings against the Wells Fargo Revolver as of December 31, 2013.

The maturity d