UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
Commission File Number 0-15981
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | |
Virginia | | 54-1194795 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| |
4951 Lake Brook Drive, Suite 500 Glen Allen, Virginia | | 23060 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(804) 747-6500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
| | |
Class | | Outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
Common Stock, no par value | | 37,031,714 |
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY
INDEX
2
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
REVENUES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Core commissions and fees | | $ | 186,381 | | | $ | 167,479 | | | $ | 532,841 | | | $ | 478,624 | |
Contingent commissions | | | 4,149 | | | | 1,914 | | | | 45,724 | | | | 43,040 | |
Investment income | | | 4,305 | | | | 3,131 | | | | 10,465 | | | | 7,695 | |
Other | | | 674 | | | | 641 | | | | 4,763 | | | | 6,014 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 195,509 | | | | 173,165 | | | | 593,793 | | | | 535,373 | |
OPERATING EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and employee benefits | | | 113,161 | | | | 97,776 | | | | 333,833 | | | | 294,890 | |
Other operating expenses | | | 41,894 | | | | 32,430 | | | | 111,753 | | | | 97,023 | |
Depreciation | | | 2,145 | | | | 2,090 | | | | 6,447 | | | | 6,217 | |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 7,743 | | | | 5,571 | | | | 22,252 | | | | 15,376 | |
Interest expense | | | 6,116 | | | | 4,987 | | | | 16,761 | | | | 14,180 | |
Regulatory charge and related costs | | | (5,725 | ) | | | — | | | | (5,725 | ) | | | — | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | 72 | | | | — | | | | 72 | | | | 897 | |
Integration costs | | | — | | | | (243 | ) | | | — | | | | (243 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 165,406 | | | | 142,611 | | | | 485,393 | | | | 428,340 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | | | 30,103 | | | | 30,554 | | | | 108,400 | | | | 107,033 | |
Income taxes | | | 10,477 | | | | 11,486 | | | | 41,340 | | | | 41,412 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME | | $ | 19,626 | | | $ | 19,068 | | | $ | 67,060 | | | $ | 65,621 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income Per Share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 0.53 | | | $ | 0.53 | | | $ | 1.84 | | | $ | 1.83 | |
Assuming Dilution | | $ | 0.53 | | | $ | 0.53 | | | $ | 1.81 | | | $ | 1.81 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
| | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 |
| | (UNAUDITED) | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, including $95,589 and $59,821, respectively, of restricted funds | | $ | 319,488 | | | $ | 254,811 |
Receivables: | | | | | | | |
Premiums and commissions, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,134 and $3,713, respectively | | | 256,758 | | | | 273,523 |
Other | | | 44,314 | | | | 34,169 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 301,072 | | | | 307,692 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 43,609 | | | | 33,869 |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | | | 664,169 | | | | 596,372 |
| | |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET | | | 24,660 | | | | 22,178 |
| | |
GOODWILL | | | 719,104 | | | | 636,997 |
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS | | | 305,052 | | | | 219,458 |
Less accumulated amortization | | | 91,591 | | | | 70,801 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 932,565 | | | | 785,654 |
OTHER ASSETS | | | 46,542 | | | | 33,943 |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 1,667,936 | | | $ | 1,438,147 |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | | | | | |
Premiums payable to insurance companies | | $ | 432,812 | | | $ | 385,556 |
Accounts payable | | | 34,687 | | | | 22,572 |
Accrued expenses | | | 49,366 | | | | 70,703 |
Premium deposits and credits due customers | | | 47,625 | | | | 38,760 |
Current portion of long-term debt | | | 15,251 | | | | 9,060 |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | 579,741 | | | | 526,651 |
| | |
LONG-TERM DEBT | | | 310,578 | | | | 231,957 |
| | |
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | | | 43,404 | | | | 32,231 |
| | |
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | | | 44,594 | | | | 43,939 |
| | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | |
Common Stock, no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; outstanding 36,995 and 36,312 shares, respectively | | | 281,512 | | | | 250,359 |
Retained earnings | | | 403,155 | | | | 350,084 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax (expense) benefit of $51 and $(404), respectively | | | (79 | ) | | | 636 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 5,031 | | | | 2,290 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 689,619 | | | | 603,369 |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 1,667,936 | | | $ | 1,438,147 |
| | | | | | | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | | Common Stock | | | Retained Earnings | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |
Balance at January 1, 2007 | | $ | 250,359 | | | $ | 350,084 | | | $ | 2,926 | |
Issuance of 683 shares of Common Stock | | | 23,371 | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 5,312 | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | 2,470 | | | | | | | | | |
Payment of dividends ($0.380 per share) | | | | | | | (13,989 | ) | | | | |
Derivative loss, net of tax | | | | | | | | | | | (715 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | 2,741 | |
Net income | | | | | | | 67,060 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2007 | | $ | 281,512 | | | $ | 403,155 | | | $ | 4,952 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2006 (as previously reported) | | $ | 233,292 | | | $ | 312,040 | | | $ | 925 | |
Cumulative effect of restatement on prior period | | | | | | | (31,853 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2006 (restated) | | $ | 233,292 | | | $ | 280,187 | | | $ | 925 | |
Issuance of 800 shares of Common Stock | | | 23,699 | | | | | | | | | |
Repurchase of 633 shares of Common Stock | | | (24,967 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 7,090 | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | 2,261 | | | | | | | | | |
Payment of dividends ($0.355 per share) | | | | | | | (12,777 | ) | | | | |
Derivative gain, net of tax | | | | | | | | | | | 203 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | 1,053 | |
Net income | | | | | | | 65,621 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2006 (restated) | | $ | 241,375 | | | $ | 333,031 | | | $ | 2,181 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(in thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 67,060 | | | $ | 65,621 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Regulatory charge and related costs | | | (5,725 | ) | | | — | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | 72 | | | | 897 | |
Integration costs | | | — | | | | (243 | ) |
Depreciation | | | 6,447 | | | | 6,217 | |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 22,252 | | | | 15,376 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 5,312 | | | | 7,090 | |
Provision for losses on receivables | | | 1,353 | | | | 1,028 | |
Provision for deferred income taxes | | | 4,886 | | | | 2,537 | |
Gain on sale of assets | | | (2,475 | ) | | | (3,741 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from insurance agency acquisitions and dispositions: | | | | | | | | |
Decrease in receivables | | | 78,327 | | | | 33,192 | |
Increase in prepaid expenses | | | (7,664 | ) | | | (190 | ) |
Decrease in premiums payable to insurance companies | | | (50,594 | ) | | | (56,255 | ) |
Increase in premium deposits and credits due customers | | | 4,989 | | | | 7,438 | |
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable | | | 8,249 | | | | (1,911 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses | | | (15,081 | ) | | | 4,886 | |
Decrease in regulatory charge accrual due to payments | | | (10,393 | ) | | | (2,434 | ) |
Other operating activities | | | 3,764 | | | | (2,168 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | | | 110,779 | | | | 77,340 | |
| | |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property and equipment | | | (6,339 | ) | | | (4,375 | ) |
Purchase of insurance agencies, net of cash acquired | | | (97,194 | ) | | | (50,846 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of assets | | | 14,976 | | | | 7,680 | |
Sale of investments | | | — | | | | 13,800 | |
Other investing activities | | | (1,794 | ) | | | 1,664 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | | | (90,351 | ) | | | (32,077 | ) |
| | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from long-term debt | | | 189,281 | | | | 250,625 | |
Principal payments on long-term debt | | | (145,725 | ) | | | (248,323 | ) |
Debt issuance costs | | | (1,028 | ) | | | (1,728 | ) |
Repurchase of Common Stock | | | — | | | | (24,967 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net of tax payments for options exercised | | | 13,240 | | | | 6,435 | |
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | 2,470 | | | | 2,261 | |
Dividends | | | (13,989 | ) | | | (12,777 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | | | 44,249 | | | | (28,474 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 64,677 | | | | 16,789 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 254,811 | | | | 224,471 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | | $ | 319,488 | | | $ | 241,260 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A—BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain amounts for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
NOTE B—RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On February 21, 2007, the Company announced that the Company’s management had reexamined its segment evaluation analysis and determined that, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” an error had been made in its identification of reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. As a result of this error, the Company incorrectly concluded that one reportable segment existed and, as a result, no segment disclosures were provided in 2005 or 2004. After completing the reassessment, the Company identified two reportable segments, Domestic Retail and Excess and Surplus, and an All Other category comprised of the remaining profit centers.
Also, on February 21, 2007, the Company announced that it would be restating previously filed financial statements to correct the Company’s accounting for goodwill impairment testing under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (Statement 142). The Company determined that it incorrectly applied Statement 142’s provisions for identifying reporting units since adoption and, as a result, tested goodwill impairment at a higher reporting unit level than was appropriate. The correction of this error resulted in a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge, primarily related to goodwill, of $45.0 million, or $31.9 million net of income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Company has restated the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and its unaudited quarterly results for those years and 2006. All applicable information contained in this report gives effect to those restatements. Consequently, reliance should not be placed upon the financial statements for the above mentioned periods that have been filed with or furnished to the SEC or included in previous announcements. For further information, refer to Note B to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE B—RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
The following table sets forth the net effect of the restatements only for the specific line item amounts that changed as presented in the Company’s Statement of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
The line items that changed on the Statement of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due to the restatement are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | As Reported | | September 30, 2006 Adjustment | | | As Restated |
Retained earnings—January 1, 2006 | | $ | 312,040 | | $ | (31,853 | ) | | $ | 280,187 |
Retained earnings—September 30, 2006 | | | 364,884 | | | (31,853 | ) | | | 333,031 |
The restatement had no impact on the Statement of Consolidated Income or Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
NOTE C—RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition and classification and additional disclosure requirements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
At January 1, 2007, the Company’s gross unrecognized income tax benefits were less than $1.0 million. The total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was less than $1.0 million at January 1, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, these unrecognized income tax benefit amounts have not significantly changed. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in its income tax provision. At January 1, 2007, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits of $1.5 million.
The Company and its subsidiaries operate in multiple jurisdictions including the U.S. Federal, various states, and other foreign countries. The Company’s U.S. Federal tax returns are subject to audit for calendar years 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, the Company’s state tax returns are subject to audit for calendar years subsequent to 2002.
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (Statement 157). Statement 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of Statement 157 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
NOTE D—INCOME TAXES
Deferred taxes result from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company’s effective rate varies from the statutory rate primarily due to permanent tax differences on the sale of certain assets, tax exempt investment income, a favorable mix of state tax rates and certain non-deductible items in the regulatory charge accrual reduction.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE E—ACQUISITIONS
During the first nine months of 2007, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of nine insurance agencies and other accounts. These acquisitions, individually or in aggregate, were not material to the consolidated financial statements. For certain acquisitions, the allocations of purchase price are preliminary and subject to refinement as the valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets are not final.
NOTE F—SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER GAINS
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company sold certain offices, accounts and other assets resulting in gains of $2.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. These amounts are included in other revenues in the Statement of Consolidated Income. Income taxes related to these gains were $1.3 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenues, expenses and assets related to these dispositions were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE G—NET INCOME PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share Net Income | | $ | 19,626 | | $ | 19,068 | | $ | 67,060 | | $ | 65,621 |
| | | | |
Denominator | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares | | | 36,701 | | | 35,690 | | | 36,465 | | | 35,720 |
Effect of guaranteed future shares to be issued in connection with agency acquisitions | | | 91 | | | 112 | | | 64 | | | 128 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator for basic net income per share | | | 36,792 | | | 35,802 | | | 36,529 | | | 35,848 |
Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Employee stock options | | | 303 | | | 274 | | | 321 | | | 292 |
Employee non-vested stock | | | 131 | | | 129 | | | 133 | | | 129 |
Contingent stock—acquisitions | | | 25 | | | 75 | | | 31 | | | 62 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dilutive potential common shares | | | 459 | | | 478 | | | 485 | | | 483 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator for diluted net income per share—adjusted weighted average shares | | | 37,251 | | | 36,280 | | | 37,014 | | | 36,331 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income Per Share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 0.53 | | $ | 0.53 | | $ | 1.84 | | $ | 1.83 |
Assuming Dilution | | $ | 0.53 | | $ | 0.53 | | $ | 1.81 | | $ | 1.81 |
NOTE H—REGULATORY CHARGE AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and certain other companies in the insurance intermediary industry have been subject to investigations and inquiries by various governmental authorities regarding business practices and broker compensation arrangements. On August 31, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement (the Agreement) with the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut (the Attorney General) and the Insurance Commissioner of the
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H—REGULATORY CHARGE AND RELATED MATTERS—Continued
State of Connecticut (the Commissioner) to resolve all issues related to investigations conducted by the Attorney General and the Commissioner into certain insurance brokerage and insurance agency practices (the Investigations) and to settle an action commenced on August 31, 2005 by the Attorney General in the Connecticut Superior Court alleging violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act (the Action). In the Agreement, the Company agreed to take certain actions including establishing a $30.0 million national fund (the Fund) for distribution to certain clients, enhancing disclosure practices for agency and broker clients, and to not accept or request contingent compensation on brokerage business.
In the 2005 third quarter, the Company recorded a $42.3 million charge, and related income tax benefit of $16.0 million, primarily relating to the Agreement with the Attorney General and the Commissioner. This charge included the $30.0 million Fund established by the Agreement; $5.1 million of estimated legal and administrative costs to be incurred related to the Fund and complying with the Agreement’s other provisions; and $1.4 million of legal costs related to the Agreement incurred in the 2005 third quarter. The regulatory charge also included $5.8 million of estimated costs for pending regulatory matters. These estimated costs represented the Company’s best estimate of the probable outcomes of the various pending regulatory matters and included related legal and administrative costs incurred or expected to be incurred for these regulatory matters. Since incurring the charge, the Company has made related payments of $30.0 million into the national fund and various amounts for legal and administrative matters.
These pending regulatory matters relate to subpoenas issued and/or inquiries made by state attorneys general and insurance departments into, among other things, the industry’s commission payment practices. The Company has received subpoenas and/or requests for information from attorneys general and/or insurance departments in fourteen states. In addition to the original regulatory inquiries, the Company has received subsequent subpoenas and/or requests for information from certain of these states, and the Company may receive additional subpoenas and/or requests for information in the future from attorneys general and/or insurance departments of these and/or other states. The Company will continue to evaluate and monitor all such subpoenas and requests.
In the 2007 third quarter, the Company reduced the accrual for the previously recognized regulatory charge by $5.7 million. This reduction was due to new factors concerning the estimated (i) legal and administrative costs to be incurred related to the Fund and (ii) costs for pending regulatory matters.
The current liability portion of this charge as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 is $0.7 million and $15.2 million, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses. The remaining liability is included in other long-term liabilities.
A summary of the activity with respect to the regulatory charge liability is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2006 | | $ | 16,911 | |
Accrual reduction | | | (5,725 | ) |
Payments into the Fund | | | (10,000 | ) |
Payments-legal and administrative | | | (393 | ) |
| | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2007 | | $ | 793 | |
| | | | |
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE I—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Industry Litigation
The Company has been named as a defendant in certain legal proceedings against brokers and insurers relating to broker compensation arrangements and other business practices.
MDL 1663 Class Action
In August 2004, OptiCare Health Systems Inc. filed a putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 04-CV-06954) against a number of the country’s largest insurance brokers and several large commercial insurers. The Company was named as a defendant in the OptiCare suit in November 2004. In December 2004, two other purported class actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, by Stephen Lewis (Case No. 04-C-7847) and Diane Preuss (Case No. 04-C-7853), respectively, against certain insurance brokers, including the Company, and several large commercial insurers. On February 17, 2005, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the Panel) ordered that the OptiCare suit, along with three other purported antitrust class actions filed in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania against industry participants, be centralized and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (District Court of New Jersey). In addition, by Conditional Transfer Order dated March 10, 2005, the Panel conditionally transferred the Lewis and Preuss cases to the District Court of New Jersey. The transfer subsequently became effective and as a result of the Panel’s transfer orders, the OptiCare, Lewis and Preuss cases are proceeding on a consolidated basis with other purported class action suits styled as In re: Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation (MDL 1663).
On August 1, 2005, the plaintiffs in MDL 1663 filed a First Consolidated Amended Commercial Class Action Complaint (the Commercial Complaint) in the District Court of New Jersey (Civil No. 04-5184) against the Company and certain other insurance brokers and insurers. In addition, the plaintiffs in MDL 1663 also filed on August 1, 2005 a First Consolidated Amended Employee Benefits Class Action Complaint (the Employee Benefits Complaint) in the District Court of New Jersey (Civil No. 05-1079) against the Company; Frank F. Haack & Associates, Inc.; O’Neill, Finnegan & Jordan Insurance Agency Inc.; and certain other insurance brokers and insurers.
The Company, along with other defendants, filed a motion to dismiss both the Commercial Complaint and the Employee Benefits Complaint. Also, on February 13, 2006, the plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification in each case. On May 5, 2006, the defendants filed their oppositions to the motions for class certification. On May 31, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a reply brief in support of their motions for class certification.
On October 3, 2006, the District Court of New Jersey denied in part the motion to dismiss the Commercial Complaint and the Employee Benefits Complaint and ordered that plaintiffs provide supplemental information regarding each of their consolidated complaints by October 25, 2006. The plaintiffs filed the supplemental pleadings and the Company, along with other defendants, filed renewed motions to dismiss. On February 12, 2007, MDL 1663 was transferred to Judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr., Chief Judge of the District Court of New Jersey.
On April 5, 2007, the District Court of New Jersey dismissed the Commercial Complaint and the Employee Benefits Complaint without prejudice. On May 22, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a Second Consolidated Amended Commercial Class Action Complaint (the Second Amended Commercial Complaint) and a Second Consolidated Amended Employee Benefits Class Action Complaint (the Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint).
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE I—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES—Continued
The Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint does not contain allegations against the Company; Frank F. Haack & Associates, Inc.; O’Neill, Finnegan & Jordan Insurance Agency Inc.; or any of the Company’s other subsidiaries or affiliates, and the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are, therefore, no longer defendants in the Employee Benefits case, Civil No. 05-1079.
In the Second Amended Commercial Complaint, the named plaintiffs purport to represent a class consisting of all persons or entities who between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004 engaged the services of any one of the broker defendants, including the Company, or any one of their subsidiaries or affiliates, in connection with the purchase or renewal of insurance or reinsurance from an insurer.
Plaintiff Tri-State Container Corporation (Tri-State) purports to represent a class consisting of all persons or entities who between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004 engaged the services of the Company, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, in connection with the purchase or renewal of insurance from an insurer. Certain other plaintiffs purport to represent classes of persons and entities with claims against other broker and insurer defendants. The plaintiffs allege in the Second Amended Commercial Complaint, among other things, that the broker defendants engaged in improper steering of clients to the insurer defendants for the purpose of obtaining undisclosed additional compensation in the form of contingent commissions from insurers; that certain of the defendants were engaged in a bid-rigging scheme involving the submission of false and/or inflated bids from insurers to clients; that certain of the broker defendants improperly placed their clients’ insurance business with insurers through related wholesale entities where an intermediary was unnecessary for the purpose of generating additional commissions from insurers; that certain of the broker defendants entered into unlawful tying arrangements to obtain reinsurance business from the defendant insurers; and that certain of the broker defendants created centralized internal departments for the purpose of monitoring, facilitating and advancing the collection of contingent commissions, payments and other improper fees. The plaintiffs allege violations of federal and state antitrust laws, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c) and (d) (RICO), breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, including treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, restitution, interest, attorneys’ fees and expenses, costs and other relief; however, no actual dollar amounts have been stated as being sought.
On June 21, 2007, the Company, along with other defendants, filed motions to dismiss the Second Amended Commercial Complaint and to strike the addition of certain allegations and parties, including the addition of Tri-State as a named plaintiff. On July 19, 2007, the plaintiffs filed oppositions to the motions to dismiss and to strike and cross-moved for leave to amend the Second Amended Commercial Complaint to add allegations and parties, including Tri-State. On July 31, 2007, the defendants filed reply briefs.
On August 31, 2007, the District Court of New Jersey dismissed all federal antitrust claims in the Second Amended Commercial Complaint and the Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint with prejudice. On September 28, 2007, the District Court of New Jersey dismissed all federal RICO claims in the Second Amended Commercial Complaint and the Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint with prejudice. The District Court of New Jersey further declined to exercise jurisdiction over state law claims in the Second Amended Commercial Complaint, dismissed those state law claims without prejudice and dismissed Civil No. 04-5184 in its entirety. The District Court of New Jersey also dismissed as moot all other motions pending in Civil No. 04-5184 as of September 28, 2007. The District Court of New Jersey has not yet ruled on motions to dismiss
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE I—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES—Continued
ERISA and supplemental state law claims in the Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint. However, as described above, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer defendants in the Employee Benefits case, Civil No. 05-1079.
On October 10, 2007, the Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit) relating to the District Court of New Jersey’s order dismissing Civil No. 04-5184 and all other adverse orders and decisions in Civil No. 04-5184. The Third Circuit has not yet set a schedule for the appeal.
On February 13, 2007, a lawsuit was filed in the District Court of New Jersey by Avery Dennison Corporation (Avery) (Civil No. 07-757) against the Company, certain Marsh & McLennan companies, and several large commercial insurers making factual and legal claims similar to those raised in the Opticare, Preuss and Lewis cases. Avery seeks treble and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and expenses, forfeiture of compensation paid to the broker defendants, restitution, general damages, interest and injunctive relief; however, no actual dollar amounts have been stated as being sought. This is not a putative class action. Pursuant to the procedures promulgated by the District Court of New Jersey in MDL 1663, the case has been consolidated with the other actions pending before the District Court of New Jersey in MDL 1663. Avery is stayed pending the District Court of New Jersey’s ruling on the dispositive pleadings filed in response to the amended complaints filed by the plaintiffs in the consolidated actions, including the Second Amended Employee Benefits Complaint, which, as described above, includes certain claims yet to be addressed by the District Court of New Jersey.
The Company believes it has substantial defenses in these cases and intends to defend itself vigorously. However, due to the uncertainty of these cases, the Company is unable to estimate a range of possible loss at this time. In addition, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these cases or their effects on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Securities Class Action
In June 2005, the Iron Workers Local 16 Pension Fund filed a putative class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Case No. 1:05-CV-00735-GBL-TCB) against the Company and Andrew L. Rogal, Martin L. Vaughan, III, Timothy J. Korman, Carolyn Jones, Robert W. Blanton, Jr. and Robert B. Lockhart. The plaintiff alleged violations by each of the defendants of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and violations by the individual defendants of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In October 2005, the appointed Lead Plaintiff filed an amended putative class action complaint. On April 27, 2006, an order was entered granting the defendants’ motion and dismissing the amended complaint in its entirety with prejudice. On May 23, 2006, the plaintiff appealed this order to the Fourth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals. On May 22, 2007, the Fourth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals entered an order dismissing the plaintiff’s appeal.
Lockhart Suit
On August 16, 2006, Robert B. Lockhart filed a complaint against the Company in the Circuit Court for the County of Henrico, Virginia (Civil Action No. CL06 – 2141). The plaintiff was the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer from August 2003 until May 25, 2005. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company made defamatory public statements arising out of the investigation and settlement of an action by the Connecticut Attorney General. The plaintiff sought a judgment against the Company in an
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J—SEGMENT INFORMATION—Continued
amount not less than $30.0 million, including an award for presumed, compensatory punitive damages and costs. On October 24, 2006, the court submitted the matters set forth in the complaint to arbitration, where the plaintiff raised an additional claim of breach of contract with the Company. On March 14, 2007, the parties entered into a settlement agreement that resolved all claims between the parties relating to the complaint and the arbitration. The settlement is effective without court approval. The amount of the settlement is not material to the Company.
Other
There are in the normal course of business various other outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities. Management does not anticipate material losses as a result of such matters.
NOTE J—SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company’s business consists of three reportable segments, Domestic Retail, Excess and Surplus, and International, and an All Other category for the remaining profit centers.
The Domestic Retail segment places insurance products for risk areas including property and casualty, employee benefits and personal lines through a nationwide network of offices. Domestic Retail is organized into (i) six United States regional operating units which oversee individual profit centers (Retail Profit Centers) and (ii) coordinated national resources providing marketing and specialized industry or product expertise, which further enhance the service capacity of Retail Profit Centers to larger and more complex clients.
The Excess and Surplus segment represents a group of domestic profit centers that focus on providing excess and surplus lines insurance for retail insurance brokers.
The International segment is principally located in London, England with branch locations in Russia, South Africa and Australia. The International operating units provide various insurance products and have a focus towards reinsurance brokerage. Prior to 2007, the International operating units were reported in the All Other category. With the January 2007 acquisition of Glencairn Group Limited, the Company is presenting the International operating units as a separate segment.
The Company’s remaining profit centers comprise the All Other category. These profit centers include the Company’s Managing General Agencies/Underwriters and other specialized business units.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J—SEGMENT INFORMATION—Continued
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based upon operating profits. Operating profit is defined as income before income taxes, excluding the impact of gains/losses on sales of assets, amortization of intangibles, interest expense, minority interest expense, and special charges. A reconciliation of operating profit to income before income taxes is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |
(in thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Operating profit | | $ | 38,625 | | | $ | 40,926 | | | $ | 139,953 | | | $ | 134,234 | |
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets | | | (67 | ) | | | 134 | | | | 2,475 | | | | 3,741 | |
Amortization of intangibles | | | (7,743 | ) | | | (5,571 | ) | | | (22,252 | ) | | | (15,376 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (6,116 | ) | | | (4,987 | ) | | | (16,761 | ) | | | (14,180 | ) |
Minority interest expense | | | (249 | ) | | | (191 | ) | | | (668 | ) | | | (732 | ) |
Regulatory charge and related costs | | | 5,725 | | | | — | | | | 5,725 | | | | — | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | (72 | ) | | | — | | | | (72 | ) | | | (897 | ) |
Integration costs | | | — | | | | 243 | | | | — | | | | 243 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | $ | 30,103 | | | $ | 30,554 | | | $ | 108,400 | | | $ | 107,033 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J—SEGMENT INFORMATION—Continued
Each segment has been allocated a portion of the Company’s corporate overhead based upon a percentage of total revenues, excluding any gains/losses on the sales of assets. Interest income and expense includes intercompany balances allocated to the individual segments through the Company’s internal cash management program. The “Corporate/Elimination” column consists of certain intercompany revenue eliminations; unallocated interest income and expense; certain corporate compensation costs, legal, compliance, and claims expenditures, and other miscellaneous operating expenses not included in the allocation of corporate overhead; and special charges. Total assets for “Corporate/Eliminations” primarily consist of intercompany elimination and reclassification adjustment balances. Summarized information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following tables:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 |
(in thousands) | | Domestic Retail | | Excess & Surplus | | | International | | All Other | | | Corporate/ Eliminations | | | Total |
Total revenues | | $ | 166,124 | | $ | 11,192 | | | $ | 13,675 | | $ | 5,805 | | | $ | (1,287 | ) | | $ | 195,509 |
Investment income | | | 4,408 | | | 442 | | | | 741 | | | 449 | | | | (1,735 | ) | | | 4,305 |
Depreciation | | | 1,570 | | | 124 | | | | 166 | | | 57 | | | | 228 | | | | 2,145 |
Operating profit | | | 41,939 | | | 3,528 | | | | 1,745 | | | 1,695 | | | | (10,282 | ) | | | 38,625 |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 5,526 | | | 915 | | | | 1,098 | | | (6 | ) | | | 210 | | | | 7,743 |
Interest expense | | | 354 | | | (5 | ) | | | 1,019 | | | 289 | | | | 4,459 | | | | 6,116 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
(in thousands) | | Domestic Retail | | Excess & Surplus | | International | | All Other | | Corporate/ Eliminations | | | Total |
Total revenues | | $ | 153,865 | | $ | 8,575 | | $ | 4,153 | | $ | 7,768 | | $ | (1,196 | ) | | $ | 173,165 |
Investment income | | | 2,833 | | | 170 | | | 383 | | | 542 | | | (797 | ) | | | 3,131 |
Depreciation | | | 1,673 | | | 111 | | | 23 | | | 55 | | | 228 | | | | 2,090 |
Operating profit | | | 39,479 | | | 2,746 | | | 1,458 | | | 2,570 | | | (5,327 | ) | | | 40,926 |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 4,039 | | | 597 | | | 17 | | | 729 | | | 189 | | | | 5,571 |
Interest expense | | | 294 | | | 1 | | | 219 | | | 286 | | | 4,187 | | | | 4,987 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 |
(in thousands) | | Domestic Retail | | Excess & Surplus | | International | | All Other | | Corporate/ Eliminations | | | Total |
Total revenues | | $ | 503,861 | | $ | 32,082 | | $ | 41,308 | | $ | 21,087 | | $ | (4,545 | ) | | $ | 593,793 |
Investment income | | | 11,735 | | | 905 | | | 1,968 | | | 1,389 | | | (5,532 | ) | | | 10,465 |
Depreciation | | | 4,800 | | | 359 | | | 466 | | | 170 | | | 652 | | | | 6,447 |
Operating profit | | | 134,855 | | | 11,109 | | | 6,434 | | | 6,258 | | | (18,703 | ) | | | 139,953 |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 14,880 | | | 2,353 | | | 3,307 | | | 1,082 | | | 630 | | | | 22,252 |
Interest expense | | | 1,085 | | | 49 | | | 3,041 | | | 917 | | | 11,669 | | | | 16,761 |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J—SEGMENT INFORMATION—Continued
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
(in thousands) | | Domestic Retail | | Excess & Surplus | | International | | All Other | | Corporate/ Eliminations | | | Total |
Total revenues | | $ | 474,520 | | $ | 29,594 | | $ | 11,449 | | $ | 23,096 | | $ | (3,286 | ) | | $ | 535,373 |
Investment income | | | 7,692 | | | 472 | | | 844 | | | 1,491 | | | (2,804 | ) | | | 7,695 |
Depreciation | | | 4,942 | | | 336 | | | 67 | | | 170 | | | 702 | | | | 6,217 |
Operating profit | | | 129,652 | | | 10,756 | | | 3,613 | | | 7,441 | | | (17,228 | ) | | | 134,234 |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 10,828 | | | 1,744 | | | 51 | | | 2,187 | | | 566 | | | | 15,376 |
Interest expense | | | 895 | | | 1 | | | 220 | | | 918 | | | 12,146 | | | | 14,180 |
NOTE K—LONG-TERM DEBT
As of December 31, 2006, the Company had under its Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement), outstanding term loans of $99.3 million and outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings of $130.6 million. On September 10, 2007, the Company entered into (i) a Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the Note Purchase Agreement) with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) and (ii) Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement and Joinder Agreement (the Amendment and Joinder Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders.
Under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued $100.0 million of Senior Secured Notes, Series A (the Series A Notes) to Prudential. The Series A Notes will mature on August 27, 2017 and bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.44%. The proceeds from the Series A Notes issuance were primarily used to prepay the $98.8 million of term loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Note Purchase Agreement also provides for an uncommitted shelf facility by which the Company may issue, over the next three years, up to $100.0 million of Senior Secured Notes to Prudential at a fixed interest rate and with a maturity date not to exceed ten years. The interest rate will be based on the Treasury Rate available at the time of borrowing plus a negotiated spread. The Note Purchase Agreement provides, among other terms, requirements for maintaining certain financial ratios and specific limits or restrictions on foreign acquisitions, indebtedness, investments, payment of dividends, and repurchases of common stock. In addition, under certain prepayment events, the Company may be required to pay additional fees as part of a prepayment.
The Amendment and Joinder Agreement amends the Credit Agreement to (i) permit entry into the Note Purchase Agreement, (ii) increase the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility from $325.0 million to $445.0 million, (iii) permit the Company to request additional aggregate principal amounts up to $125.0 million for the revolving credit facility, and (iv) consents to the acquisition of Banc of America Corporate Insurance Agency LLC and allows its exclusion from the acquisition limitation covenant of the Credit Agreement. Subsequent to the Amendment and Joinder Agreement, the Company increased the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility by $5.0 million to a total of $450.0 million.
In the third quarter of 2007, the Company recognized losses of $0.1 million related to the extinguishment of the outstanding term loans under the Credit Agreement. This loss on extinguishment included various financing and professional costs previously deferred in connection with the financing of the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2005, the Company had under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Amended Credit Agreement), outstanding term loans of $243.0 million and no outstanding revolving credit
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K—LONG-TERM DEBT—Continued
facility borrowings. On April 26, 2006, the Company signed a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders which provides for a revolving credit facility of $325.0 million and a term loan facility of $100.0 million. Upon entry into the Credit Agreement, the Company borrowed $140.6 million under the revolving credit facility and $100.0 million under the term loan facility. The Company used these proceeds to repay its outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement replaced the Amended Credit Agreement.
In the second quarter of 2006, the Company recognized losses of $0.9 million related to the extinguishment of the debt outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement. This loss on extinguishment primarily included various financing and professional costs previously deferred in connection with the financing of the Amended Credit Agreement and certain lending fees paid in obtaining the Credit Agreement.
NOTE L—INTEGRATION COSTS
The Company began the integration of Hobbs Group, LLC (Hobbs) with the rest of the Company subsequent to June 30, 2003 with the completion of the Hobbs earn-out. There were no new integration costs for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006. The Company recognized integration costs of $0.8 million and a related income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the first nine months of 2005. This amount represented facility and lease termination costs. In the 2006 third quarter, the Company reduced the accrual for the previously recognized integration costs by $0.2 million due to new factors regarding a lease termination. The income tax effect related to the accrual reduction was $0.1 million.
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Item 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
Restatement and 2003 Intangible Asset Impairment
In 2006, the Company’s management reexamined its segment evaluation analysis in response to an SEC review comment and determined that changes were required in its reportable segments. In connection with this review of segment reporting, the Company’s management concluded that a reevaluation of the application of certain impairment testing provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” was appropriate. On February 21, 2007, the Company announced that it was restating previously filed financial statements to reflect a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge, primarily related to goodwill, of $45.0 million, or $31.9 million net of income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Company has restated the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and its unaudited quarterly results for those years and 2006. All applicable information contained in this report gives effect to these restatements. Consequently, reliance should not be placed upon the financial statements for the above mentioned periods that have been filed with or furnished to the SEC or included in previous announcements. For further information concerning the background of the restatements and the specific adjustments made on an annual basis, see Item 6—Selected Financial Data and “Note B—Restatements of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $19.6 million, or $0.53 per share, compared with $19.1 million, or $0.53 per share, for the comparable period last year. Non-recurring (gains) and losses and asset write-offs, net of tax, were $0.8 million and $(0.1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net income for the 2007 third quarter also included a loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax, of $44 thousand, and an accrual adjustment for the regulatory charge and related costs, net of tax, of $(4.3) million, or $(0.11) per share. In addition, net income for the 2006 quarter included an integration costs accrual reduction, net of tax, of $(0.1) million, or $(0.01) per share. Independent of these non-recurring balances, the quarter-to-quarter decrease of $2.6 million, or $0.08 per share, in net income was primarily driven by accelerated declines in property and casualty premium rates and a specific error and omissions claim charge, net of tax, of $3.9 million, or $0.10 per share, partially offset by new business, amounts recorded under supplemental commission agreements with certain underwriters, and increased contingent commissions.
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Commissions and Fees
Total commissions and fees increased $21.1 million, or 12.5%, to $190.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $169.4 million for the comparable period last year. This change reflects a $18.9 million, or 11.3%, increase in core commissions and fees and an increase in contingent commissions of $2.2 million, or 116.8%. These changes are outlined below by segment:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | |
(in thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | % Change | |
Domestic Retail | | $ | 157,147 | | | $ | 148,455 | | 5.9 | % |
Excess and Surplus | | | 10,229 | | | | 8,333 | | 22.8 | |
International | | | 13,836 | | | | 3,763 | | 267.7 | |
All Other | | | 5,169 | | | | 6,928 | | (25.4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total core commissions and fees | | $ | 186,381 | | | $ | 167,479 | | 11.3 | % |
| | | |
Domestic Retail | | $ | 3,842 | | | $ | 1,797 | | 113.8 | % |
Excess and Surplus | | | 499 | | | | 50 | | 898.0 | |
International | | | — | | | | — | | — | |
All Other | | | (192 | ) | | | 67 | | (386.6 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total contingent commissions | | $ | 4,149 | | | $ | 1,914 | | 116.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total commissions and fees | | $ | 190,530 | | | $ | 169,393 | | 12.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Approximately $11.6 million of the increase in core commissions and fees for Domestic Retail were derived from acquisitions of new insurance agencies and accounts in 2007 and 2006. This increase was partially offset by the reduction of core commissions and fees of approximately $2.0 million from the sale of certain agencies and accounts in 2007 and 2006. Excluding the effect of acquisitions and dispositions, the change in core commissions and fees for Domestic Retail was $(1.0) million, or (0.6)%. This decrease principally reflects accelerated declines in commercial property and casualty premium rates, partially offset by new business and $2.3 million of commissions recognized under new supplemental commission agreements between the Company’s branches and certain underwriters. These supplemental commissions have replaced contingent commission arrangements that previously existed with these underwriters. The 22.8% increase in Excess and Surplus core commissions and fees can be primarily attributed to acquisitions. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the change in core commissions and fees for Excess and Surplus was $0.4 million, or 4.8%. This reflects new business production and certain timing differences. Approximately $9.8 million of the increase in core commissions and fees for International resulted from the acquisition of Glencairn Group Limited in January 2007. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the core commissions and fees for International increased $0.2 million, or 6.5%. This increase is primarily attributable to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations and certain timing differences. The 25.4% decrease in core commissions and fees for the profit centers comprising All Other is primarily attributed to the sale of one business in 2007.
Contingent commissions increased $2.2 million, or 116.8%. The change in contingent commissions is primarily attributed to the Domestic Retail segment acquisitions and increased payments from certain carriers in the current quarter.
Operating Expenses and Other Results
Expenses for the quarter increased $22.8 million, or 16.0%. Compensation and employee benefits increased $15.4 million. Compensation and employee benefits increased in the Company’s Domestic Retail and International segments primarily due to the impact of acquisitions of insurance agencies partially offset by the divestitures of certain agencies. Other operating expenses increased $9.5 million mainly due to acquisitions of insurance agencies and a specific error and omissions claim charge. This error and omissions claim relates to an alleged error that occurred in 2001. In the 2007 third quarter, an unfavorable judgment for this matter
20
was reached against the Company. Subsequent to the judgment, the Company was denied insurance coverage. The Company has recorded a $6.4 million charge for the judgment and related costs. The Company intends to appeal the judgment and is continuing to pursue insurance coverage on this claim.
Depreciation expense was relatively unchanged between the quarters. Amortization of intangibles increased approximately $2.2 million due primarily to intangible assets acquired in 2007 acquisitions. Interest expense increased $1.1 million due to increased average borrowings primarily used to assist with the funding of the Company’s acquisition program.
The 2007 third quarter operating expenses included a debt extinguishment loss of $0.1 million associated with the Company’s repayment of the outstanding term loans under the Company’s Credit Agreement in September 2007. The charge represents financing costs previously deferred in connection with the financing of the Company’s credit. See “Note K—Long-Term Debt” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
The 2007 third quarter operating expenses also included a regulatory charge and related costs accrual adjustment of $(5.7) million. This item represents a reduction of the accrual recorded in the 2005 third quarter for a regulatory settlement and related costs. See “Note H—Regulatory Charge and Related Matters” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
The 2006 third quarter operating expenses included a $0.2 million reassessment of prior year lease termination charges related to the integration of Hobbs Group, LLC. See “Note L—Integration Costs” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
The effective tax rate for the Company was 34.8% and 37.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the 2007 third quarter was primarily due to non-deductible items in the regulatory charge reduction and higher tax exempt investment income.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $67.1 million, or $1.81 per share, compared with $65.6 million, or $1.81 per share, for the comparable period last year. Non-recurring gains and asset write-off, net of tax, were $0.6 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net income for the 2007 period also included a loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax, of $44 thousand, and a regulatory charge and related costs reduction, net of tax, of $(4.3) million, or $(0.11) per share. In addition, net income for the 2006 period included a loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax, of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per share, and integration costs, net of tax, of $(0.1) million, or $(0.01) per share. Independent of these non-recurring balances, the year-to-year decrease of $1.4 million, or $0.07 per share, in net income primarily resulted from the net income factors noted for the 2007 third quarter as well as the 2007 first quarter dilutive effect of certain 2007 and 2006 acquisitions.
21
Commissions and Fees
Total commissions and fees increased $56.9 million, or 10.9%, to $578.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $521.7 million for the comparable period last year. This change reflects a $54.2 million, or 11.3%, increase in core commissions and fees and an increase in contingent commissions of $2.7 million, or 6.2%. These changes are outlined below by segment:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(in thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | | % Change | |
Domestic Retail | | $ | 447,098 | | $ | 420,772 | | | 6.3 | % |
Excess and Surplus | | | 28,283 | | | 26,129 | | | 8.2 | |
International | | | 41,078 | | | 10,796 | | | 280.5 | |
All Other | | | 16,382 | | | 20,927 | | | (21.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total core commissions and fees | | $ | 532,841 | | $ | 478,624 | | | 11.3 | % |
| | | |
Domestic Retail | | $ | 42,655 | | $ | 40,295 | | | 5.9 | % |
Excess and Surplus | | | 2,826 | | | 2,841 | | | (0.5 | ) |
International | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
All Other | | | 243 | | | (96 | ) | | 353.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total contingent commissions | | $ | 45,724 | | $ | 43,040 | | | 6.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total commissions and fees | | $ | 578,565 | | $ | 521,664 | | | 10.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Approximately $34.8 million of the increase in core commissions and fees for Domestic Retail were derived from acquisitions of new insurance agencies and accounts in 2007 and 2006. This increase was partially offset by the reduction of core commissions and fees of approximately $6.4 million from the sale of certain agencies and accounts in 2007 and 2006. Excluding the effect of acquisitions and dispositions, the change in core commissions and fees for Domestic Retail was $(2.1) million, or (0.5)%. This decrease principally reflects the same factors noted for the 2007 third quarter. The 8.2% increase in Excess and Surplus core commissions and fees can be attributed to acquisitions. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the change in core commissions and fees for Excess and Surplus was $(0.6) million, or (2.3)%. This decrease reflects lower premium rates and reduced placements resulting from the improved competitiveness of standard retail markets. Approximately $29.0 million of the increase in core commissions and fees for International resulted from the acquisition of Glencairn Group Limited in January 2007. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the core commissions and fees for International increased $1.3 million, or 11.7%. This increase is attributable to new business production. The 21.7% decrease in core commissions and fees for the profit centers comprising All Other is primarily attributed to the sale of one business in 2007.
Contingent commissions increased $2.7 million, or 6.2%. The change in contingent commissions is due to similar factors noted for the 2007 third quarter.
Operating Expenses and Other Results
Expenses for the first nine months increased $57.1 million, or 13.3%. Compensation and employee benefits increased $38.9 million. Compensation and employee benefits increased in the Company’s Domestic Retail and International segments primarily due to the impact of acquisitions of insurance agencies partially offset by the divestitures of certain agencies. Other operating expenses increased $14.7 million mainly due to acquisitions of insurance agencies and a specific error and omissions claim charge as noted in the earlier third quarter discussion.
Depreciation expense was relatively comparable to the prior year period. Amortization of intangibles increased approximately $6.9 million due primarily to intangible assets acquired in 2007 and 2006 acquisitions. Interest expense increased $2.6 million due to increased average borrowings primarily used to assist with the funding of the Company’s acquisition program.
22
The operating expenses in the first nine months of 2007 included the debt extinguishment loss of $0.1 million and the $(5.7) million regulatory accrual reduction which were noted in the earlier third quarter discussion.
The operating expenses in the first nine months of 2006 included the $0.2 million reassessment of prior year integration costs noted in the earlier third quarter discussion. The operating expenses in the 2006 period also included a debt extinguishment loss of $0.9 million associated with the Company’s entry into a new credit agreement in April 2006. See “Note K—Long-Term Debt” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
The effective tax rate for the Company was 38.1% and 38.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Other
For the three months ended September 30, 2007, net income as a percentage of revenues did not vary significantly from the three months ended June 30, 2007. Commission income was slightly lower during the third quarter due to lower contingent commissions.
The timing of contingent commissions, policy renewals and acquisitions may cause revenues, expenses and net income to vary significantly from quarter to quarter. As a result of the factors described above, operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 should not be considered indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided by operating activities was $110.8 million and $77.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is primarily dependent upon the timing of the collection of insurance premiums from clients and payment of those premiums to the appropriate insurance underwriters. Because the timing of such transactions varies, net cash flows from operating activities may vary substantially from period-to-period.
The Company has historically generated sufficient funds internally to finance capital expenditures. Cash expenditures for the acquisition of property and equipment were $6.3 million and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The purchase of insurance agencies utilized cash of $97.2 million and $50.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash outlays for such insurance agency acquisitions have been funded through operations and long-term borrowings. In addition, a portion of the purchase price in such acquisitions may be paid through the Company’s Common Stock and/or deferred cash and Common Stock payments. Cash proceeds from the sales of offices, insurance accounts and other assets totaled $15.0 million and $7.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company did not have any material capital expenditure commitments as of September 30, 2007.
Financing activities provided (utilized) cash of $44.2 million and $(28.5) million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as the Company borrowed funds, received funds on stock option exercises, made dividend and debt payments, and repurchased Common Stock. The Company has annually increased its dividend rate and anticipates the continuance of its dividend policy. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, no shares of the Company’s Common Stock were purchased on the open market. The Company repurchased 633,300 shares of its Common Stock on the open market for $25.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The Company is currently authorized for 2007 and later years to purchase up to $50.0 million annually of its Common Stock subject to market conditions and other factors.
23
As of December 31, 2006, the Company had under its Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement), outstanding term loans of $99.3 million and outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings of $130.6 million. On September 10, 2007, the Company entered into (i) a Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the Note Purchase Agreement) with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) and (ii) Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement and Joinder Agreement (the Amendment and Joinder Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders.
Under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued $100.0 million of Senior Secured Notes, Series A (the Series A Notes) to Prudential. The Series A Notes will mature on August 27, 2017 and bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.44%. The proceeds from the Series A Notes issuance were primarily used to prepay the $98.8 million of term loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Note Purchase Agreement also provides for an uncommitted shelf facility by which the Company may issue, over the next three years, up to $100.0 million of Senior Secured Notes to Prudential at a fixed interest rate and with a maturity date not to exceed ten years. The interest rate will be based on the Treasury Rate available at the time of borrowing plus a negotiated spread. The Note Purchase Agreement provides, among other terms, requirements for maintaining certain financial ratios and specific limits or restrictions on foreign acquisitions, indebtedness, investments, payment of dividends, and repurchases of common stock. In addition, under certain prepayment events, the Company may be required to pay additional fees as part of a prepayment.
The Amendment and Joinder Agreement amends the Credit Agreement to (i) permit entry into the Note Purchase Agreement, (ii) increase the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility from $325.0 million to $445.0 million, (iii) permit the Company to request additional aggregate principal amounts up to $125.0 million for the revolving credit facility, and (iv) consent to the acquisition of Banc of America Corporate Insurance Agency LLC and allow its exclusion from the acquisition limitation covenant of the Credit Agreement. Subsequent to the Amendment and Joinder Agreement, the Company increased the aggregate principal amount of the revolving credit facility by $5.0 million to a total of $450.0 million.
In connection with entering into the Note Purchase Agreement and issuing $100.0 million of related notes, the Company deferred $0.2 million of debt issuance costs which will be amortized as additional interest over the term of the notes.
As of September 30, 2007, the Company had, under its Note Purchase Agreement, outstanding notes of $100.0 million which will mature on August 27, 2017.
As of September 30, 2007, the Company had, under its credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders (the Credit Agreement), outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings of $195.6 million; and $254.0 million available under the revolving credit facility for future borrowings. Borrowings bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a negotiated spread. The revolving credit facility matures in 2011. In connection with the April 2006 entry into and the September 2007 amending of the Credit Agreement, the Company deferred $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs which will be amortized as additional interest expense over the term of the credit facility.
The Company had a current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) of 1.15 to 1.00 as of September 30, 2007. Shareholders’ equity of $689.6 million at September 30, 2007, is improved from $603.4 million at December 31, 2006. The debt to equity ratio at September 30, 2007 of 0.45 to 1.00 is increased from the ratio at December 31, 2006 of 0.38 to 1.00 due to borrowings against the Company’s revolving credit facility partially offset by net income and the issuance of Common Stock.
The Company believes that cash generated from operations, together with proceeds from borrowings, will provide sufficient funds to meet the Company’s short- and long-term funding needs.
24
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition and classification and additional disclosure requirements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. For further information, see “Note C—Recent Accounting Pronouncements” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (Statement 157). Statement 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of Statement 157 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
Industry Regulatory Matters
On August 31, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut (the Attorney General) and the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Connecticut (the Commissioner) to resolve all issues related to investigations conducted by the Attorney General and the Commissioner into certain insurance brokerage and insurance agency practices (the Investigations) and to settle an action commenced on August 31, 2005 by the Attorney General in the Connecticut Superior Court alleging violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act. In the agreement, the Company agreed to take certain actions including establishing a $30.0 million national fund for distribution to certain clients, enhancing disclosure practices for agency and broker clients, and to not accept or request contingent compensation on brokerage business. In the 2007 third quarter, the Company reduced the accrual for the previously recognized regulatory charge by $5.7 million. For further information on this agreement and the regulatory charge, see “Note H—Regulatory Charge and Related Matters” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contingent Commissions
As a result of the industry and regulatory developments, controversy continues to surround the longstanding insurance industry practice of contingent commissions paid to agents and brokers by underwriters. The Company has historically entered into contingent commission agreements with various underwriters. Contingent commissions are commissions paid by underwriters based on profitability of the business, premium growth, total premium volume or some combination of these factors. Revenue from contingent commissions is heavily weighted in the first and second quarters.
The departments of insurance of various states may adopt new regulations addressing contingent commission arrangements and disclosure of such arrangements with insureds. In addition, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has proposed model legislation to implement new disclosure requirements relating to agent and broker compensation arrangements. The Company intends to monitor agent and broker compensation practices and, as warranted by market and regulatory developments, will review its compensation arrangements with underwriters. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the governmental inquiries and investigations into the insurance industry’s commission payment practices or the responses by the market and regulators, any material decrease in the Company’s contingent commissions is likely to have an adverse effect on its results of operations.
25
In addition to state regulatory inquiries, the Company has been named as a defendant in a purported class action brought against a number of brokers in the insurance industry and a purported securities class action. For information on industry and other litigation, see “Note I-Commitments and Contingencies” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements in Form 10-Q or other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized Company executive officer, may include the words or phrases “would be,” “will allow,” “expects to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions and are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
While forward-looking statements are provided to assist in the understanding of the Company’s anticipated future financial performance, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Risk factors and uncertainties that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the following: the Company’s commission revenues are based on premiums set by insurers and any decreases in these premium rates could result in revenue decreases for the Company; the level of contingent commissions is difficult to predict and any material decrease in the Company’s collection of them is likely to have an adverse impact on operating results; the Company has eliminated National Override Agreements commissions effective for business written on or after January 1, 2005, and it is uncertain whether additional contingent commissions payable to the Company will offset the loss of such revenues; the Company’s growth has been enhanced through acquisitions, but the Company may not be able to successfully identify and attract suitable acquisition candidates and complete acquisitions; the Company’s failure to integrate an acquired insurance agency efficiently may have an adverse effect on the Company; the general level of economic activity can have a substantial impact on revenues that is difficult to predict; a strong economic period may not necessarily result in higher revenues; the Company’s success in the future depends, in part, on the Company’s ability to attract and retain quality producers; the Company has international operations, particularly in the United Kingdom, which expose the Company to various legal, economic and market risks including foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the Company may be subject to increasing costs arising from errors and omissions claims against the Company; the Company is subject to governmental regulation which may impact operating results and/or growth; the business practices and broker compensation arrangements of the Company are subject to uncertainty due to investigations by governmental authorities and related private litigation; the Company is subject to a number of investigations and legal proceedings, which if determined unfavorably for the Company, may adversely effect the Company’s results of operations; a decline in the Company’s ability to obtain new financing and/or refinance current borrowings may adversely affect the Company; if the Company is unable to respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to rapid technological change in the insurance intermediary industry, there may be a resulting adverse effect on business and operating results; quarterly and annual variations in the Company’s commissions and fees that result from the timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production may have unexpected impacts on the Company’s results of operations; and the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected if the value of intangible assets is not fully realized.
The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
26
Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
As of September 30, 2007, approximately 61% of the Company’s debt is effectively fixed rate. The Company has variable rate debt, maintains certain investments and utilizes derivative financial instruments (on a limited basis) which are subject to market risk; however, the Company believes that exposure to market risk associated with these instruments is not material.
The Company also has market risk exposure associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily relating to its United Kingdom subsidiaries. This risk results from (i) translating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars and (ii) our foreign subsidiaries receiving revenues or incurring obligations in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. To manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, the Company may utilize derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure.
Item 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2007, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
27
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
The information on legal proceedings contained in “Note I-Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference.
As of the date of this report, there are no material changes other than one deletion and one addition to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Having been notified of the completion of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s review of the Company, the Company has removed the following risk factor: “The Company’s financial reporting could be impacted by unanticipated responses from the SEC regarding completion of its review of the Company.”
With the growth of the Company’s foreign operations, the Company has added the following risk factor and related description:
***
The Company has international operations, particularly in the United Kingdom, which expose the Company to various legal, economic and market risks including foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The Company is subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates as a result of its international operations. The Company must translate the financial results of its foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. In addition, some foreign subsidiaries receive revenues or incur obligations in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Although the Company may use derivative financial instruments to protect against the effects of exchange rate fluctuations, the Company cannot eliminate these risks, and significant changes in exchange rates could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
In addition, the need to comply with new or revised tax or other laws or regulations, or new or changed interpretations or enforcement of existing tax or other laws or regulations, could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
***
In evaluating the risks of the Company, readers should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results, in addition to the other information set forth in this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. |
c) No purchases of Common Stock occurred in the third quarter of 2007 under the publicly announced share-repurchase program (the 2004 Program).
The 2004 Program was announced by the Company on March 31, 2004 and provides for the Company to purchase up to $50.0 million of its Common Stock annually. The repurchases may be made on the open market or in negotiated transactions, with the timing and amount of the transactions to be determined by the Company’s management subject to market conditions and other factors.
Not included in the 2004 Program are purchases that were made on behalf of a trust maintained by the Company for the Executive Voluntary Deferral Plan and the Outside Directors Deferral Plan. Total number of shares purchased during the quarter relating to the plans was 3,410, at an average price per share of $43.83.
28
a) Exhibits
| | |
Exhibit No. | | Document |
| |
10.1 | | Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated July 13, 2007, among the Company, as borrower; Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent; and the lenders named therein as Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, File No. 0-15981) |
| |
10.2 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with Martin L. Vaughan, III* |
| |
10.3 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with F. Michael Crowley* |
| |
10.4 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with Timothy J. Korman* |
| |
10.5 | | Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated September 10, 2007, by and between Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America* |
| |
10.6 | | Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement and Joinder Agreement dated September 10, 2007, by and between Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company and Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders* |
| |
31.1 | | Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a)* |
| |
31.2 | | Certification Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a)* |
| |
32.1 | | Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350* |
| |
32.2 | | Certification Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350* |
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | |
| | Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company |
| | | | (Registrant) |
| | |
Date November 1, 2007 | | By: | | /s/ MARTIN L. VAUGHAN, III |
| | | | Martin L. Vaughan, III |
| | | | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| | | | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
Date November 1, 2007 | | By: | | /s/ MICHAEL DINKINS |
| | | | Michael Dinkins |
| | | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| | | | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| | |
Date November 1, 2007 | | By: | | /s/ JOHN HAMERSKI |
| | | | John Hamerski |
| | | | Vice President and Controller |
| | | | (Chief Accounting Officer) |
30
HILB ROGAL & HOBBS COMPANY
EXHIBIT INDEX
| | |
Exhibit No. | | Document |
| |
10.1 | | Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated July 13, 2007, among the Company, as borrower; Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent; and the lenders named therein as Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, File No. 0-15981) |
| |
10.2 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with Martin L. Vaughan, III* |
| |
10.3 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with F. Michael Crowley* |
| |
10.4 | | Amendment dated July 17, 2007, to the Senior Executive Employment Agreement with Timothy J. Korman* |
| |
10.5 | | Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated September 10, 2007, by and between Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America* |
| |
10.6 | | Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement and Joinder Agreement dated September 10, 2007, by and between Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company and Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders* |
| |
31.1 | | Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a)* |
| |
31.2 | | Certification Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a)* |
| |
32.1 | | Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350* |
| |
32.2 | | Certification Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350* |