Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of NI Holdings, Inc.
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NI Holdings,
Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and the schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated
financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022,
based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible
for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements
and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company
in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the
standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements
included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error
or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding
the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control
based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal
Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that,
in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is
a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated
to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and
(2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matter does not alter in
any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter
below, providing separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of Losses and Loss Adjustment
Expenses Reserves
Critical Audit Matter Description
On December 31, 2022, the Company’s
liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses was approximately $190 million. As described in Note 3 and 9, the
Company’s property and casualty insurance loss and loss expenses reserves (referred to as “losses and loss expenses
reserves”), are determined by the Company using actuarial methods, models, assumptions, and judgment to estimate the reserves
required to pay for and settle all outstanding insured claims as of the financial statement date. There is significant uncertainty
inherent in determining management’s best estimate of the losses and loss expenses reserves, requiring the use of informed
actuarially based estimates and management’s judgment. The actuarial estimate of losses and loss expenses reserves is subject
to review and adjustment by Company management.
Losses and loss expenses are inherently uncertain
as to timing and amount and the recorded losses and loss expense reserves may vary materially from the actual ultimate cost of claims.
Given the subjectivity in estimating ultimate losses and loss expenses, due to uncertainties concerning the future emergence of losses
and loss expenses, inflation trends, and the judicial environment, among other factors, auditing losses and loss expenses reserves involved
an especially high degree of auditor judgment, including the need to involve an actuarial specialist.
How the Critical Matter Was Addressed in the
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design,
and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s reserving process for losses and loss adjustment
expenses reserves.
To test the Company’s estimate of losses
and loss adjustment expenses reserves, our audit procedures included among others:
● With the assistance of the actuarial specialist,
we used the Company’s claims data and other inputs, to develop a range of independent estimates for the losses and loss expenses
reserves. We used these independent estimates to assess the reasonableness of the Company’s reserves by comparing our estimates
to the Company’s recorded losses and loss expenses reserves.
● We tested the underlying data that served as
the basis for the actuarial analysis, including historical claims data, to test the reasonableness of key inputs to the actuarial estimate.
● We compared the Company’s prior years estimates
of expected incurred losses to actual experience during the current year to identify potential bias in the determination of losses and
loss expenses reserves.
/s/ Mazars USA LLP
We have serves as the Company’s auditor since
2016.
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
March 8, 2023
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands, except par value)
2022
2021
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 47,002
$ 70,623
Fixed income securities, at fair value (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $0 at December 31, 2022)
303,324
364,651
Equity securities, at fair value
52,393
77,690
Other investments
2,005
2,005
Total cash and investments
404,724
514,969
Premiums and agents' balances receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $ 425 at December 31, 2022)
62,173
51,452
Deferred policy acquisition costs
29,768
24,947
Reinsurance premiums receivable
1,647
—
Reinsurance recoverables on losses (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $ 0 at December 31, 2022)
37,575
21,200
Income tax recoverable
13,964
364
Accrued investment income
2,456
2,524
Property and equipment, net
9,843
9,869
Deferred income taxes
9,005
—
Receivable from Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
15,462
—
Goodwill and other intangibles
17,250
17,722
Other assets
10,365
8,735
Total assets
$ 614,232
$ 651,782
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 190,459
$ 139,662
Unearned premiums
148,513
127,789
Reinsurance premiums payable
—
326
Deferred income taxes
—
5,506
Payable to Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
—
4,962
Westminster consideration payable
—
13,020
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
22,053
13,104
Total liabilities
361,025
304,369
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $ 0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued: 23,000,000 shares; and outstanding: 2022 – 21,076,255 shares, 2021 – 21,219,808 shares
230
230
Additional paid-in capital
95,671
98,166
Unearned employee stock ownership plan shares
( 941 )
( 1,184 )
Retained earnings
214,121
267,207
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
( 29,286 )
5,237
Treasury stock, at cost, 2022 – 1,829,635 shares, 2021 – 1,661,767 shares
( 28,818 )
( 26,452 )
Non-controlling interest
2,230
4,209
Total shareholders’ equity
253,207
347,413
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ 614,232
$ 651,782
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2022
2021
2020
Revenues:
Net premiums earned
$ 328,290
$ 299,589
$ 283,661
Fee and other income
1,453
1,775
1,801
Net investment income
7,820
7,131
7,271
Net investment gains (losses)
( 13,126 )
15,479
13,624
Total revenues
324,437
323,974
306,357
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
294,432
216,379
168,473
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
66,803
64,574
51,472
Other underwriting and general expenses
32,231
31,715
33,596
Total expenses
393,466
312,668
253,541
Income (loss) before income taxes
( 69,029 )
11,306
52,816
Income tax expense (benefit)
( 15,254 )
2,974
11,472
Net income (loss)
( 53,775 )
8,332
41,344
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
( 679 )
( 84 )
955
Net income (loss) attributable to NI Holdings, Inc.
$ ( 53,096 )
$ 8,416
$ 40,389
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic
$ ( 2.49 )
$ 0.39
$ 1.86
Diluted
$ ( 2.49 )
$ 0.39
$ 1.84
Share data:
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in basic per common share calculations
21,333,389
21,424,060
21,772,475
Plus: Dilutive securities
—
232,366
169,995
Weighted average common shares used in diluted per common share calculations
21,333,389
21,656,426
21,942,470
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2022
Attributable to
NI Holdings, Inc.
Attributable to
Non-Controlling
Interest
Total
Net income (loss)
$ ( 53,096 )
$ ( 679 )
$ ( 53,775 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes:
Holding gains (losses) on investments
( 44,810 )
( 1,703 )
( 46,513 )
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
131
20
151
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes
( 44,679 )
( 1,683 )
( 46,362 )
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
10,156
383
10,539
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
( 34,523 )
( 1,300 )
( 35,823 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ ( 87,619 )
$ ( 1,979 )
$ ( 89,598 )
2021
Attributable to
NI Holdings, Inc.
Attributable to
Non-Controlling
Interest
Total
Net income (loss)
$ 8,416
$ ( 84 )
$ 8,332
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes:
Holding gains (losses) on investments
( 8,827 )
( 319 )
( 9,146 )
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
( 648 )
( 2 )
( 650 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes
( 9,475 )
( 321 )
( 9,796 )
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
1,872
69
1,941
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
( 7,603 )
( 252 )
( 7,855 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ 813
$ ( 336 )
$ 477
2020
Attributable to
NI Holdings, Inc.
Attributable to
Non-Controlling
Interest
Total
Net income (loss)
$ 40,389
$ 955
$ 41,344
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes:
Holding gains (losses) on investments
10,051
116
10,167
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
( 902 )
( 1 )
( 903 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes
9,149
115
9,264
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
( 1,921 )
( 24 )
( 1,945 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
7,228
91
7,319
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ 47,617
$ 1,046
$ 48,663
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’
Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Unearned
Employee
Stock
Ownership
Plan Shares
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
Net of Income
Taxes
Treasury Stock
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balance,
January 1, 2020
$ 230
$ 95,961
$ ( 1,671 )
$ 218,480
$ 5,612
$ ( 12,308 )
$ 3,499
$ 309,803
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
40,389
—
—
955
41,344
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
7,228
—
91
7,319
Share-based compensation
—
2,297
—
—
—
—
—
2,297
Purchase of treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
( 12,234 )
—
( 12,234 )
Issuance of vested award shares
—
( 477 )
—
( 128 )
—
574
—
( 31 )
Distribution of employee stock ownership plan shares
—
130
244
—
—
—
—
374
Balance,
December 31, 2020
230
97,911
( 1,427 )
258,741
12,840
( 23,968 )
4,545
348,872
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
8,416
—
—
( 84 )
8,332
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
( 7,603 )
—
( 252 )
( 7,855 )
Share-based compensation
—
2,408
—
—
—
—
—
2,408
Purchase of treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
( 4,316 )
—
( 4,316 )
Issuance of vested award shares
—
( 2,370 )
—
50
—
1,832
—
( 488 )
Distribution of employee stock ownership plan shares
—
217
243
—
—
—
—
460
Balance,
December 31, 2021
230
98,166
( 1,184 )
267,207
5,237
( 26,452 )
4,209
347,413
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
( 53,096 )
—
—
( 679 )
( 53,775 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
( 34,523 )
—
( 1,300 )
( 35,823 )
Share-based compensation
—
( 40 )
—
—
—
—
—
( 40 )
Purchase of treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
( 4,180 )
—
( 4,180 )
Issuance of vested award shares
—
( 2,592 )
—
10
—
1,814
—
( 768 )
Distribution of employee stock ownership plan shares
—
137
243
—
—
—
—
380
Balance,
December 31, 2022
$ 230
$ 95,671
$ ( 941 )
$ 214,121
$ ( 29,286 )
$ ( 28,818 )
$ 2,230
$ 253,207
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2022
2021
2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ ( 53,775 )
$ 8,332
$ 41,344
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Net investment losses (gains)
13,126
( 15,479 )
( 13,624 )
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
( 3,972 )
( 1,310 )
638
Depreciation of property and equipment
708
694
709
Amortization of intangibles
472
472
5,224
Distribution of employee stock ownership plan shares
380
460
373
Share-based compensation
( 40 )
2,408
2,297
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
66,803
64,574
51,472
Deferral of policy acquisition costs
( 71,624 )
( 65,553 )
( 60,041 )
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments
1,590
2,080
1,460
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
( 186 )
31
6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable
( 10,721 )
( 2,929 )
( 3,325 )
Reinsurance premiums receivable / payable
( 1,973 )
419
( 828 )
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
( 16,375 )
( 12,490 )
( 3,902 )
Income tax recoverable / payable
( 13,600 )
( 1,118 )
( 753 )
Accrued investment income
68
( 383 )
17
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation receivable / payable
( 20,424 )
11,608
7,584
Other assets
9
( 3,669 )
186
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
50,797
33,912
3,932
Unearned premiums
20,724
8,426
13,476
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
7,625
( 1,317 )
4,765
Net cash flows from operating activities
( 30,388 )
29,168
51,010
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities and sales of fixed income securities
77,965
73,015
87,874
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
26,204
44,600
27,718
Purchases of fixed income securities
( 64,742 )
( 128,480 )
( 91,559 )
Purchases of equity securities
( 13,884 )
( 37,491 )
( 22,312 )
Purchases of property and equipment
( 1,162 )
( 739 )
( 616 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
667
43
73
Acquisition of Westminster American Insurance Company (cash consideration paid net of cash and cash equivalents acquired)
—
—
( 703 )
Proceeds from sale of other investments and other
—
901
( 275 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
25,048
( 48,151 )
200
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock
( 4,180 )
( 4,316 )
( 12,234 )
Installment payment on Westminster consideration payable
( 13,333 )
( 6,667 )
—
Issuance of vested award shares
( 768 )
( 488 )
( 31 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
( 18,281 )
( 11,471 )
( 12,265 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
( 23,621 )
( 30,454 )
38,945
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
70,623
101,077
62,132
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 47,002
$ 70,623
$ 101,077
Non-cash item: Present value of installment payable issued in connection with acquisition of Westminster American Insurance Company
$ —
$ —
$ 18,787
Federal and state income taxes paid
$ 2,360
$ 5,402
$ 11,586
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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NI Holdings, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
1.
Organization
NI Holdings is a North Dakota business corporation
that is the stock holding company of Nodak Insurance and became such in connection with the conversion of Nodak Mutual from a mutual to
stock form of organization and the creation of a mutual holding company. The conversion was consummated on March 13, 2017. Immediately
following the conversion, all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Nodak Insurance were issued to Nodak Mutual Group, which then
contributed the shares to NI Holdings in exchange for 55 % of the outstanding shares of common stock of NI Holdings. Nodak Insurance then
became a wholly-owned stock subsidiary of NI Holdings. Prior to completion of the conversion, NI Holdings conducted no business and had
no assets or liabilities. As a result of the conversion, NI Holdings became the holding company for Nodak Insurance and its existing subsidiaries.
These consolidated financial statements include
the financial position and results of operations of NI Holdings and the following other entities:
Nodak Insurance Company
Nodak Insurance is the largest domestic property and casualty insurance
company in North Dakota, offering private passenger auto, homeowners, farmowners, commercial multi-peril, crop hail, and Federal multi-peril
crop insurance coverages through its captive agents in the state.
Nodak Agency, Inc.
Nodak Agency is an inactive shell corporation.
American West Insurance Company
American West is a property and casualty insurance
company licensed in eight states in the Midwest and Western regions of the U.S. American West began writing policies in 2002 and primarily
writes personal auto, homeowners, and farm coverages in South Dakota. American West also writes personal auto coverage in North Dakota,
as well as crop hail and Federal multi-peril crop insurance coverages in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Primero Insurance Company
Primero is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tri-State,
Ltd. Tri-State, Ltd. is an inactive shell corporation 100 % owned by Nodak Insurance. Primero is a property and casualty insurance company
writing non-standard automobile coverage in the states of Nevada, Arizona, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Primero was acquired by Nodak
Insurance in 2014.
Battle Creek Mutual Insurance Company
Battle Creek is a property and casualty insurance
company writing personal auto, homeowners, and farm coverages solely in the state of Nebraska. Battle Creek became affiliated with Nodak
Insurance in 2011, and Nodak Insurance provides underwriting, claims management, policy administration, and other administrative services
to Battle Creek. Because we have concluded that we control Battle Creek, we consolidate the financial statements of Battle Creek, and
Battle Creek’s policyholders’ interest in Battle Creek is reflected as a non-controlling interest in shareholders’ equity
in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and its net income or loss is excluded from net income or loss attributed to NI Holdings in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
Direct Auto Insurance Company
Direct Auto is a property and casualty insurance
company licensed in Illinois. Direct Auto began writing non-standard automobile coverage in 2007, and was acquired by NI Holdings on August
31, 2018, via a stock purchase agreement.
Westminster American Insurance Company
Westminster is a property and casualty insurance
company licensed in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Westminster is headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland and underwrites commercial
multi-peril insurance in the states of Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Westminster was acquired by NI Holdings on January 1, 2020, via a stock
purchase agreement.
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Nodak Insurance markets and distributes its policies through
its captive agents, while all other companies utilize the independent agent distribution channel. Additionally, all of the Company’s
insurance subsidiary and affiliate companies are rated “A” Excellent by AM Best.
The same executive management team provides oversight
and strategic direction for the entire organization. Nodak Insurance provides common product oversight, pricing practices, and underwriting
standards, as well as underwriting and claims administration, to itself, American West, and Battle Creek. Primero, Direct Auto, and Westminster
personnel manage the day-to-day operations of their respective companies.
2.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Prior to December 31, 2022, we were classified as an EGC and elected
to use the extended transition period for complying with certain new or revised financial accounting standards from the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. However, beginning on December 31, 2022, we are
no longer an EGC and will no longer have the ability to delay adoption of these new or revised accounting standards, or to take advantage
of reduced corporate governance disclosures.
Adopted
Premium Amortization on Callable Fixed Income Securities
In January 2020, the Company adopted amended guidance from
the FASB that shortened the amortization period of premiums on certain fixed income securities held at a premium to the earliest call
date rather than through the maturity date of the callable security. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact the Company’s
financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities
In March 2020, the Company adopted modified disclosure
requirements from the FASB relating to the fair value of assets and liabilities. The modifications primarily related to Level 3 fair value
measurements. The Company does not currently carry any Level 3 assets or liabilities. As a result, there was no impact to the Company’s
financial statement disclosures.
Leases
Effective for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company
adopted the updated guidance for leases and elected to utilize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings
for the year of adoption, if necessary. Accordingly, the Company’s reporting for the comparative periods prior to adoption continue
to be presented in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance. The Company also elected
to apply all practical expedients applicable to the Company in the updated guidance for transition for leases in effect at adoption, including
using hindsight to determine the lease term of existing leases, the option to not reassess whether an existing contract is a lease or
contains a lease, and whether the lease is an operating or finance lease. The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the Company
recognizing a right-of-use asset of $ 1,637 as part of other assets, a lease liability of $ 1,837 as part of other liabilities, and an elimination
of the $ 200 deferred rent liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained
earnings was zero . The adoption of the updated guidance did not affect the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In December 2022, the Company adopted amended guidance from
the FASB that applies a new credit loss model (current expected credit losses or “CECL”) for determining credit-related impairments
for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an
exposure or pool of exposures. The expected credit losses, and subsequent adjustments to such losses, are recorded through an allowance
account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the amount expected to be collected. The updated guidance also amends the previous other-than-temporary
impairment model for available-for-sale fixed income securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses
through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and
its fair value. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination
of whether a credit loss exists.
The Company adopted the updated guidance for the year ended
December 31, 2022. The adoption of this guidance resulted in an allowance of expected credit losses of $ 425 for premiums and agents' balances
receivable. Based on the results of the receivable
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analyses and management’s review of our
available-for-sale fixed income securities, it was determined that no allowance was required for reinsurance recoverables or available-for-sale
fixed income securities at this time.
Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income
Taxes
In December 2022, the Company adopted amended guidance
from the FASB relating to accounting for income taxes. The modifications primarily remove or amend several exceptions contained in existing
guidance to simplify income tax matters. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact the Company’s financial position,
results of operations, or cash flows.
3.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation :
Our consolidated financial statements, which we
have prepared in accordance with GAAP, include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as Battle Creek, an entity
we control via a surplus note agreement. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation.
Use of Estimates :
In preparing our consolidated financial statements,
management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheet,
and revenues and expenses for the periods then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
We make estimates and assumptions that can have
a significant effect on amounts and disclosures we report in our consolidated financial statements. The most significant estimates relate
to our reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, earned premiums for crop insurance, valuation of investments, determination
of credit impairments, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, deferred policy acquisition costs, and the valuations used
to establish intangible assets acquired related to business combinations. While we believe our estimates are appropriate, the ultimate
amounts may differ from the estimates provided. We regularly review our methods for making these estimates as well as the continued appropriateness
of the estimated amounts, and we reflect any adjustment we consider necessary in our current results of operations.
Variable-Interest Entities :
Any company deemed to be a variable interest entity
(“VIE”) is required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
We assess our investments in other entities at
inception to determine if any meet the qualifications of a VIE. We consider an investment in another company to be a VIE if: (a) the total
equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support,
(b) the characteristics of a controlling financial interest are missing (either the ability to make decisions through voting or other
rights, the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity, or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity),
or (c) the voting rights of the equity holders are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and/or
the rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve
or are conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. Upon the occurrence of certain events, we would
reassess our initial determination of whether the investment is a VIE.
We evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary
of each VIE and we consolidate the VIE if we have both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity
and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity. We consider the contractual agreements
that define the ownership structure, distribution of profits and losses, risks, responsibilities, indebtedness, voting rights, and board
representation of the respective parties in determining whether we qualify as the primary beneficiary. Our assessment of whether we are
the primary beneficiary of a VIE is performed at least annually.
We control Battle Creek via a surplus note which
provides us with the ability to appoint two-thirds of the Board of Directors of Battle Creek. Under the quota share reinsurance agreement
that existed through December 31, 2019, Battle Creek’s operating results included only net investment income, bad debt expense,
and income taxes. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company implemented an intercompany pooling reinsurance agreement, and Battle Creek’s
operating results now include its participation in the underwriting results of the pool ( 2 % during 2022, 2021, and 2020). For more information,
see Part II, Item 8, Note 12 “Related Party Transactions”. Because we have concluded that we control Battle Creek, we consolidate
the financial statements of Battle Creek, and Battle Creek’s policyholders’ interest in Battle Creek is reflected as a non-controlling
interest in shareholders’ equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and its net income or loss is excluded from net income or loss
attributed to NI Holdings in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents :
Cash and cash equivalents include certain investments
in highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Cost approximates fair value for these short-term
investments.
Investments :
The Company’s fixed income securities and equity securities
are classified as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value as determined by management based upon quoted market prices or
a recognized independent pricing service at the reporting date for those or similar investments. Changes in unrealized investment gains
or losses on the fixed income securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected directly in shareholders’ equity as a component
of other comprehensive income (loss) and, accordingly, have no effect on net income (loss). Changes in unrealized investments gains or
losses on equity securities are reported in net income (loss). Investment income from fixed income securities is recognized when earned,
and realized investment gains (losses) are recognized when investments are sold, the fair value of equity securities change, or credit
impairments are recognized.
Fair values are based on quoted market prices or independent pricing
services, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount are computed using the effective interest method. Net investment income includes interest
and dividend income together with amortization of purchase premiums and discounts, and is net of investment management and custody fees.
Realized gains and losses on investments are determined using the specific identification method and are included in net investment gains
(losses), along with the change in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities. Other invested assets that do not have observable
inputs and little or no market activity are carried on a cost basis, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of these other
invested assets was $ 2,005 at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Beginning on December 31, 2022, credit losses are recognized through
an allowance account. See Part II, Item 8, Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for additional information. We, along
with our investment advisors, frequently review our investment portfolio for declines in fair value that could be indicative of credit
losses. The available-for-sale impairment model requires an estimate of expected credit losses only when the fair value of the available-for-sale
fixed income security is below its amortized cost basis. The Company considers a number of factors when determining if an allowance for
credit losses is necessary including payment and default history, credit spreads, credit ratings and rating actions, and probability of
default. The Company determines the credit loss component of fixed income securities by utilizing discounted cash flow modeling to determine
the present value of the security and comparing the present value with the amortized cost of the security. If the amortized cost is greater
than the present value of the expected cash flows, the difference is considered a credit loss and recognized as an impairment loss in
net realized investment gains (losses). Credit impairments are recognized as an allowance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with a corresponding
adjustment to earnings.
For fixed income securities that the Company does not intend to
sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the
Company separates the credit loss component of the impairment from the amount related to all other factors and reports the credit loss
component in net realized investment gains (losses). The impairment related to all other factors (non-credit factors) is reported in other
comprehensive income. The allowance is adjusted for any additional credit losses and subsequent recoveries. Upon recognizing a credit
loss, the cost basis is not adjusted.
For fixed income securities the Company intends to sell or for which
it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the full amount of the impairment
is included in net investment gains (losses). The new cost basis of the investment is the previous amortized cost basis less the impairment
recognized in net investment gains (losses). The new cost basis is not adjusted for any subsequent recoveries in fair value.
The Company reports investment income accrued
separately from fixed maturity investments, available for sale, and has elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for investment
income accrued. Investment income accrued is written off through net realized investment gains (losses) at the time the issuer of the
bond defaults or is expected to default on payments.
For more information on investment valuation measurements, see Part
II, Item 8, Note 6 “Fair Value Measurements”.
Revenue Recognition :
We record premiums written at policy inception and recognize them
as revenue on a pro rata basis over the policy term or, in the case of crop insurance, over the period of risk. The portion of premiums
that could be earned in the future is deferred and reported as unearned premiums. When policies lapse, the Company reverses the unearned
portion of the written premium and removes the applicable unearned premium. Policy-related fee income is recognized when collected.
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The period of risk for our crop insurance program, which is comprised
of primarily spring-planted crops, typically runs from April 1 (the approximate time when farmers can begin to work their fields) through
December 15 (last date claims can be made for the most recent planting season).
Premiums and Agents’ Balances
Receivable :
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable include both direct
and agent billed premiums as well as crop notes receivable related to the multi-peril crop and crop hail insurance.
Accounts billed directly to the policyholder are provided grace
payment and cancellation notice periods per state insurance regulations.
Direct Auto also provides for agency billing for a portion of their
agents. Accounts billed to agents are due within 60 days of the statement date. The agent is responsible for all past due balances. As
part of its agent appointment, Direct Auto requires a personal guarantee for all balances due to Direct Auto from the principal of the
contracted agency.
Beginning on December 31, 2022, the premium and agents’ receivable
balances are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses. See Part II, Item 8, Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements”
for additional information. We recognized $ 425 of credit losses for these receivables at the time of adoption of CECL. Therefore, there
was no beginning balance of credit losses as of January 1, 2022, and all activity was the result of adoption. As a result of the transition
from the previous accounting treatment, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings at the time of adoption.
Given the nature of these receivables, the Company has elected to use a loss-rate method to determine the expected credit losses. The
allowance is based upon the Company’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding and write-offs. Management may also evaluate current
economic conditions and reasonable/supportable forecasts to adjust this calculation as deemed necessary.
Policy Acquisition Costs :
We defer our policy acquisition costs, consisting
primarily of commissions, premium taxes, and certain other underwriting costs, reduced by ceding commissions, which vary with and relate
directly to the production of business. We amortize these deferred policy acquisition costs over the period in which we earn the premiums.
The method we follow in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable
value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, losses and loss adjustment expenses, and certain other
costs we expect to incur as we earn the premium.
Property and Equipment :
We report property and equipment at cost less
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of the assets.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses :
Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimates
at a given point in time of the amounts we expect to pay with respect to policyholder claims based on facts and circumstances then known.
At the time of establishing our estimates, we recognize that our ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses may differ
from these estimates. We base our estimates of liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on assumptions as to future
loss trends, expected claims severity, judicial theories of liability, and other factors. During the loss adjustment period, we may learn
additional facts regarding certain claims, and, consequently, it often becomes necessary for us to refine and adjust our estimates of
the liability. We reflect any adjustments to our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses in our operating results in
the period in which we determine the need for a change in the estimates.
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We maintain liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
with respect to both reported and unreported claims. We establish these liabilities for the purpose of covering the ultimate costs of
settling all losses, including investigation and litigation costs. We base the amount of our liability for reported losses primarily upon
a case-by-case evaluation of the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each claim, and the insurance policy
provisions relating to the type of loss our policyholder incurred. We determine the amount of our liability for unreported losses and
loss adjustment expenses on the basis of historical information by line of insurance. Inflation is not explicitly selected in the loss
reserve analysis. However, historical inflation is embedded in the estimated loss development factors. We closely monitor our liabilities
and update them periodically using new information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. We do not discount our
liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.
Reserve estimates can change over time because of unexpected changes
in assumptions related to our external environment and, to a lesser extent, assumptions as to our internal operations. Assumptions related
to our external environment include the potential impact of significant changes in tort law and the legal environment which may impact
liability exposure, the trends in judicial interpretations of insurance coverage and policy provisions, and the rate of loss cost inflation.
Internal assumptions include consistency in the recording of premium and loss data, consistency in the recording of claims, payment and
case reserving methodologies, accurate measurement of the impact of rate changes and changes in policy provisions, consistency in the
quality and characteristics of business written within a given line of business, and consistency in reinsurance coverage and collectability
of reinsured losses, among other items. To the extent we determine that underlying factors impacting our assumptions have changed, we
attempt to make appropriate adjustments for such changes in our reserves. Accordingly, our ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded.
Income Taxes :
With the exception of Battle Creek, which files a stand-alone federal
income tax return, we file a consolidated federal income tax return which includes NI Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Insurance companies typically pay state premium taxes rather than
state income taxes. However, Direct Auto is subject to state income taxes in the state of Illinois, in addition to state premium taxes.
Additionally, NI Holdings, on a stand-alone basis, pays state income taxes to the state of North Dakota for income or losses generated
as a separate financial entity. State premium taxes are included as a part of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. State
income taxes are reported along with federal income taxes as income tax expense (benefit).
The Company did not have any material uncertain tax positions as
of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company’s policy is to recognize tax-related interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized
benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company did not recognize any tax-related interest and penalties, nor did it have any
tax-related interest or penalties accrued as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
We account for deferred income taxes using the asset and liability
method. The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences
between the financial reporting basis and the income tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect
when we realize or settle such amounts.
We re-measure existing deferred income tax assets (including loss
carryforwards) and liabilities when a change in tax rate occurs, and record an offset for the net amount of the change as a component
of income tax expense from continuing operations in the period of enactment. We also record any change to a previously recorded valuation
allowance as a result of re-measuring existing temporary differences and loss carryforwards as a component of income tax expense from
continuing operations.
The Company has elected to reclassify any tax effects stranded in
accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of a change in income tax rates to retained earnings.
Earnings Per Share:
Earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available
to common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the same period. Unearned shares
related to the Company’s ESOP are not considered outstanding until they are released and allocated to plan participants. Unearned
shares related to the Company’s Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) are
not considered outstanding until they are earned by award participants. See Part II, Item 8, Note 13 “Benefit Plans” and Note
19 “Share-Based Compensation”.
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Credit Risk :
Our primary investment objective is to earn competitive
returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. Our portfolio of fixed income securities and, to a lesser extent, short-term
investments, is subject to credit risk. We define this risk as the potential loss in fair value resulting from adverse changes in the
borrower’s ability to repay the debt. We manage this risk by performing an analysis of prospective investments and through regular
reviews of our portfolio by our management team and investment advisors. We also limit the amount of our total investment portfolio that
we invest in any one security.
Property and liability insurance coverages are
marketed through captive agents in North Dakota and through independent insurance agencies located throughout all other operating areas.
All business, except for the majority of Direct Auto’s business, is billed directly to the policyholders.
We maintain cash balances primarily at one bank,
which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $ 250 . During the normal course of business,
balances are maintained above the FDIC insurance limit. The Company maintains short-term investment balances in investment grade money
market accounts that are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) up to $ 500 . On occasion, balances
for these accounts are maintained in excess of the SIPC insurance limit.
Reinsurance :
The Company limits the maximum net loss that can
arise from large risks or risks in concentrated areas of exposure by reinsuring (ceding) certain levels of risks to reinsurers, either
on an automatic basis under general reinsurance contracts known as treaties or through facultative contracts placed on substantial individual
risks. Ceded reinsurance is treated as the risk and liability of the assuming companies.
The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge
us from primary liability under our policies, and we must pay the loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligation.
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated
in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. Beginning on December 31, 2022, credit losses are recognized through an allowance
account developed using the CECL model. See Part II, Item 8, Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for additional information.
The allowance is based upon the Company’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer
credit standing, disputes, applicable coverage defenses and other relevant factors. Management has concluded that it is not necessary
to record an allowance for expected credit losses related to reinsurance recoverables. All of our significant reinsurance partners are
rated “A-” (Excellent) or better by AM Best, and there is no history of write-offs.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles :
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the underlying
fair value of acquired entities. When completing acquisitions, we seek to identify separately identifiable intangible assets that we have
acquired. We assess goodwill and other intangibles with an indefinite useful life for impairment annually. We also assess goodwill and
other intangibles for impairment upon the occurrence of certain events. In making our assessment, we consider a number of factors including
operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and current market data. Inherent uncertainties
exist with respect to these factors and to our judgment in applying them when we make our assessment. Impairment of goodwill and other
intangibles could result from changes in economic and operating conditions in future periods. We did not record any impairments of goodwill
or other intangibles during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020.
Goodwill arising from the acquisition of Primero in 2014 represents
the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of net
assets acquired was negotiated at arms-length with an unrelated party and was based upon the strategic decision by Company management
to expand both the geographic footprint and diversification of business written by the Company. The nature of the business acquired was
such that there were limited intangibles not reflected in the net assets acquired. The purchase price was paid with a combination of cash
and cancellation of obligations owed to the acquired company by the sellers. The goodwill that arose from this transaction is included
in the basis of the net assets acquired and is not deductible for income tax purposes.
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Direct Auto in
2018 represent the estimated fair values of certain intangible assets, including a favorable lease contract, a state insurance license,
the value of the Direct Auto trade name, and the VOBA. The state insurance license asset has an indefinite life, while the Direct Auto
trade name is being amortized over five years from the August 31, 2018 acquisition/valuation date. The favorable lease contract and VOBA
assets have been fully amortized.
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Goodwill arising from the acquisition of Westminster
in January 2020 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The purchase price in excess
of the fair value of net assets acquired was negotiated at arms-length with an unrelated party and was based upon the strategic decision
by Company management to expand both the geographic footprint and diversification of business written by the Company. Other intangible
assets arising from the acquisition of Westminster represent the estimated fair values of certain intangible assets, including state
insurance licenses, the value of Westminster’s distribution network, the value of the Westminster trade name, and the VOBA. The
state insurance license asset has an indefinite life, while the distribution networks asset and Westminster trade name are being amortized
over twenty years and ten years, respectively, from the January 1, 2020 acquisition/valuation date. The VOBA asset has been fully amortized.
4.
Acquisition of Westminster American Insurance Company
On January 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of 100 %
of the common stock of Westminster from the private shareholder of Westminster, and Westminster became a consolidated subsidiary of the
Company. Westminster is a property and casualty insurance company specializing in multi-peril commercial insurance in 11 states and the
District of Columbia.
Westminster is headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland, and continues
to be led by its president and other key management in place at the time of the acquisition. The financial results of Westminster have
been included in the consolidated financial statements and the Company’s commercial business segment following the acquisition close
date.
We account for business acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition
method of accounting, which requires that most assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and contingent consideration be recognized at their
fair values as of the acquisition date, which is the closing date for the Westminster transaction. During the measurement period, adjustments
to provisional purchase price allocations are recognized if new information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed
as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. The
measurement period ends as soon as it is determined that no more information is obtainable, but in no case shall the measurement period
exceed one year from the acquisition date. The measurement period for the Westminster acquisition ended December 31, 2020.
The Company paid $ 20,000 in cash consideration to the private shareholder
of Westminster as of the closing date, and an additional $ 20,000 to be paid in three equal annual installments. The acquisition of Westminster
did not include any contingent consideration other than a provision regarding future changes to federal income tax rates. The first two
installments were paid in January 2021 and January 2022, and the final installment was paid in December 2022 with no adjustments from
the originally anticipated amount.
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The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to
acquire Westminster and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Fair Value of Consideration:
Cash consideration transferred
$ 20,000
Present value of future cash consideration
18,787
Total cash consideration
$ 38,787
Fair Value of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Identifiable net assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 19,297
Fixed income securities
12,073
Equity securities
2,705
Other investments
735
Premiums and agents' balances receivable
8,507
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
763
Accrued investment income
70
Property and equipment
2,376
Federal income tax recoverable
138
State insurance licenses (included in goodwill and other intangibles)
1,800
Distribution network (included in goodwill and other intangibles)
6,700
Trade name (included in goodwill and other intangibles)
500
Value of business acquired (included in goodwill and other intangibles)
4,750
Other assets
76
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
( 8,568 )
Unearned premiums
( 16,611 )
Deferred income taxes, net
( 1,583 )
Reinsurance premiums payable
( 565 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
( 1,132 )
Total identifiable net assets
$ 32,031
Goodwill
$ 6,756
The fair value of the assets acquired included premiums and agents’
balances receivable of $ 8,507 and reinsurance recoverables on losses of $ 763 . These were the gross amounts due from policyholders and
reinsurers, respectively, none of which were anticipated to be uncollectible. The Company did not acquire any other material receivables
as a result of the acquisition of Westminster.
The fair values of the acquired distribution
network, state insurance licenses, Westminster trade name, and VOBA intangible assets were $6,700, $1,800, $500, and $4,750, respectively.
The state insurance license intangible has an indefinite life, while the other intangible assets are being amortized over their useful
lives of up to twenty years. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
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5.
Investments
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of
fixed income securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:
December 31, 2022
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Allowance for
Expected
Credit Losses
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 11,174
$ —
$ 1
$ ( 1,008 )
$ 10,167
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
60,342
—
38
( 6,454 )
53,926
Corporate securities
136,837
—
109
( 15,787 )
121,159
Residential mortgage-backed securities
53,254
—
85
( 5,846 )
47,493
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
30,837
—
—
( 4,702 )
26,135
Asset-backed securities
45,786
—
—
( 5,061 )
40,725
Redeemable preferred stocks
4,747
—
—
( 1,028 )
3,719
Total fixed income securities
$ 342,977
$ —
$ 233
$ ( 39,886 )
$ 303,324
December 31, 2021
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Allowance for
Expected
Credit Losses
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 13,118
$ —
$ 467
$ ( 87 )
$ 13,498
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
84,668
—
2,979
( 353 )
87,294
Corporate securities
144,476
—
4,214
( 1,069 )
147,621
Residential mortgage-backed securities
26,190
—
266
( 300 )
26,156
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
32,878
—
815
( 161 )
33,532
Asset-backed securities
52,604
—
131
( 313 )
52,422
Redeemable preferred stocks
4,008
—
136
( 16 )
4,128
Total fixed income securities
$ 357,942
$ —
$ 9,008
$ ( 2,299 )
$ 364,651
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of
fixed income securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because issuers
may have the right to call or prepay these securities.
December 31, 2022
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due to mature:
One year or less
$ 10,130
$ 9,971
After one year through five years
81,879
77,031
After five years through ten years
76,648
65,966
After ten years
39,696
32,284
Mortgage / asset-backed securities
129,877
114,353
Redeemable preferred stocks
4,747
3,719
Total fixed income securities
$ 342,977
$ 303,324
December 31, 2021
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due to mature:
One year or less
$ 14,457
$ 14,586
After one year through five years
82,429
84,760
After five years through ten years
82,270
84,173
After ten years
63,106
64,894
Mortgage / asset-backed securities
111,672
112,110
Redeemable preferred stocks
4,008
4,128
Total fixed income securities
$ 357,942
$ 364,651
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Fixed income securities with a fair value of $ 6,613 at December 31,
2022, and $ 7,977 at December 31, 2021, were deposited with various state regulatory agencies as required by law. The Company has not pledged
any assets to secure any obligations.
The investment category and duration of the Company’s
gross unrealized losses on fixed income securities are shown below. Investments with unrealized losses are categorized with a duration
of greater than 12 months when all positions of a security have continually been in a loss position for at least 12 months.
December 31, 2022
Less than 12 Months
Greater than 12 months
Total
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 7,078
$ ( 537 )
$ 2,587
$ ( 471 )
$ 9,665
$ ( 1,008 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
40,213
( 3,554 )
9,045
( 2,900 )
49,258
( 6,454 )
Corporate securities
76,645
( 7,944 )
39,683
( 7,843 )
116,328
( 15,787 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities
21,017
( 1,805 )
18,519
( 4,041 )
39,536
( 5,846 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
18,932
( 2,674 )
7,204
( 2,028 )
26,136
( 4,702 )
Asset-backed securities
18,904
( 1,522 )
21,809
( 3,539 )
40,713
( 5,061 )
Redeemable preferred stocks
3,015
( 732 )
705
( 296 )
3,720
( 1,028 )
Total fixed income securities
$ 185,804
$ ( 18,768 )
$ 99,552
$ ( 21,118 )
$ 285,356
$ ( 39,886 )
December 31, 2021
Less than 12 Months
Greater than 12 months
Total
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 3,125
$ ( 87 )
$ —
$ —
$ 3,125
$ ( 87 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
19,769
( 350 )
222
( 3 )
19,991
( 353 )
Corporate securities
46,816
( 1,015 )
1,895
( 54 )
48,711
( 1,069 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities
17,407
( 261 )
1,434
( 39 )
18,841
( 300 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
11,287
( 160 )
216
( 1 )
11,503
( 161 )
Asset-backed securities
28,797
( 308 )
995
( 5 )
29,792
( 313 )
Redeemable preferred stocks
1,493
( 16 )
—
—
1,493
( 16 )
Total fixed income securities
$ 128,694
$ ( 2,197 )
$ 4,762
$ ( 102 )
$ 133,456
$ ( 2,299 )
We, along with our investment advisors, frequently
review our investment portfolio for declines in fair value that could be indicative of credit losses. Beginning on December 31, 2022,
credit losses are recognized through an allowance account. The Company considers a number of factors when determining if an allowance
for credit losses is necessary including payment and default history, credit spreads, credit ratings and rating actions, and probability
of default. The Company determines the credit loss component of fixed maturity investments by utilizing discounted cash flow modeling
to determine the present value of the security and comparing the present value with the amortized cost of the security. We did not recognize
any credit losses for fixed income securities at the time of adoption. Therefore, there was no beginning balance of credit losses as
of January 1, 2022, or activity during the year ended December 31, 2022. See Item II, Part 8, Note 3 “Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies” for additional information.
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Net investment income consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Fixed income securities
$ 9,226
$ 8,489
$ 8,682
Equity securities
1,485
1,221
1,220
Real estate
595
625
587
Cash and cash equivalents
30
4
30
Total gross investment income
11,336
10,339
10,519
Investment expenses
3,516
3,208
3,248
Net investment income
$ 7,820
$ 7,131
$ 7,271
Net investment gains (losses) consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Gross realized gains:
Fixed income securities
$ 117
$ 677
$ 1,035
Equity securities
7,078
17,453
8,705
Total gross realized gains
7,195
18,130
9,740
Gross realized losses, excluding credit impairment losses:
Fixed income securities
( 268 )
( 27 )
( 132 )
Equity securities
( 5,003 )
( 335 )
( 1,837 )
Total gross realized losses, excluding credit impairment losses
( 5,271 )
( 362 )
( 1,969 )
Net realized gains
1,924
17,768
7,771
Change in net unrealized gain on equity securities
( 15,050 )
( 2,289 )
5,853
Net investment gains (losses)
$ ( 13,126 )
$ 15,479
$ 13,624
6.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments
to certain assets to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring
basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record other assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual
assets. Accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs
to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 :
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 :
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level II includes fixed income securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange traded instruments. Valuation techniques include matrix pricing which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value fixed income securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.
Level 3 :
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).
The Company bases its fair values on the price that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is
our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements,
in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. Fair value measurements for assets where there exists limited or no observable market data
and, therefore, are based primarily upon the
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estimates of the Company or other third-parties, are often calculated based
on the characteristics of the asset, the economic and competitive environment, and other such factors. Management uses its best judgment
in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.
Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts
which we could have realized in a sale transaction on the dates indicated. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their
respective period-end and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of our consolidated financial statements subsequent to those
respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be
different than the amounts reported at each period-end. Additionally, changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates
and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future valuations.
The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by an independent
pricing service in its process for determining fair values of its investments. The evaluations of such pricing services represent an exit
price and a good faith opinion as to what a buyer in the marketplace would pay for a security in a current sale. This pricing service
provides us with one quote per instrument. For fixed income securities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are
provided. For fixed income securities that do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service prepares estimates of fair value
using a wide array of observable inputs including relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector
groupings, and matrix pricing. The observable market inputs that the Company’s independent pricing service utilizes may include
(listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark
securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data on markets, industry, and the economy. Additionally, the independent pricing
service uses an option-adjusted spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios.
Should the independent pricing service be unable to provide a fair
value estimate, we would attempt to obtain a non-binding fair value estimate from a number of broker-dealers and would review this estimate
in conjunction with a fair value estimate reported by an independent business news service or other sources. In instances where only one
broker-dealer provides a fair value for a fixed income security, we would use that estimate. In instances where the Company would be able
to obtain fair value estimates from more than one broker-dealer, we would review the range of estimates and select the most appropriate
value based on the facts and circumstances. Should neither the independent pricing service nor a broker-dealer provide a fair value estimate,
we would develop a fair value estimate based on cash flow analyses and other valuation techniques that utilize certain unobservable inputs.
Accordingly, the Company classifies such a security as a Level 3 investment.
The fair value estimates of our investments provided by the independent
pricing service at each period-end were utilized, among other resources, in reaching a conclusion as to the fair value of its investments.
Management reviews the reasonableness of the pricing
provided by the independent pricing service by employing various analytical procedures. Management reviews all securities to identify
recent downgrades, significant changes in pricing, and pricing anomalies on individual securities relative to other similar securities.
This will include looking for relative consistency across securities in common sectors, durations, and credit ratings. This review will
also include all fixed income securities rated lower than “A” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s
Financial Services LLC. If, after this review, management does not believe the pricing for any security is a reasonable estimate of fair
value, then it will seek to resolve the discrepancy through discussions with the independent pricing service. In its review, management
did not identify any such discrepancies, and no adjustments were made to the estimates provided by the independent pricing service, for
the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020. The classification within the fair value hierarchy is then confirmed based on the final
conclusions from the pricing review.
The valuation of cash equivalents and equity securities
are generally based on Level 1 inputs, which use the market-approach valuation technique. The valuation of our fixed income securities
generally incorporates significant Level 2 inputs using the market and income approach techniques. We may assign a lower level to inputs
typically considered to be Level 2 based on our assessment of liquidity and relative level of uncertainty surrounding inputs. There were
no assets or liabilities classified at Level 3 at December 31, 2022 or 2021.
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The following tables set forth our assets which
are measured on a recurring basis by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which fair value measurements fall:
December 31, 2022
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 10,167
$ —
$ 10,167
$ —
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
53,926
—
53,926
—
Corporate securities
121,159
—
121,159
—
Residential mortgage-backed securities
47,493
—
47,493
—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
26,135
—
26,135
—
Asset-backed securities
40,725
—
40,725
—
Redeemable preferred stock
3,719
—
3,719
—
Total fixed income securities
303,324
—
303,324
—
Equity securities:
Common stock
50,699
50,699
—
—
Non-redeemable preferred stock
1,694
1,694
—
—
Total equity securities
52,393
52,393
—
—
Cash equivalents
27,255
27,255
—
—
Total assets at fair value
$ 382,972
$ 79,648
$ 303,324
$ —
December 31, 2021
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
$ 13,498
$ —
$ 13,498
$ —
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
87,294
—
87,294
—
Corporate securities
147,621
—
147,621
—
Residential mortgage-backed securities
26,156
—
26,156
—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
33,532
—
33,532
—
Asset-backed securities
52,422
—
52,422
—
Redeemable preferred stocks
4,128
—
4,128
—
Total fixed income securities
364,651
—
364,651
—
Equity securities:
Common stock
75,143
75,143
—
—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
2,547
2,547
—
—
Total equity securities
77,690
77,690
—
—
Cash and cash equivalents
45,741
45,741
—
—
Total assets at fair value
$ 488,082
$ 123,431
$ 364,651
$ —
There were
no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2022 or 2021.
7.
Reinsurance
The Company’s consolidated financial statements
reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance
risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks (along with the
related written and earned premiums) the Company has underwritten to other insurance companies who agree to share these risks. The primary
purpose of these agreements is to protect the Company, at a cost, from losses in excess of the amount it is prepared to accept and to
protect the Company’s capital. Our ceded reinsurance is placed either on an automatic basis under general reinsurance contracts
known as treaties or through facultative contracts placed on substantial individual risks. These contracts do not relieve the Company
from its obligations to policyholders.
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company
maintained property catastrophe reinsurance protection covering $125,000 in excess of a $15,000 retention. Additionally, per risk excess
of loss treaties provided coverage of $4,000 in excess of $1,000 for property risks and $11,000 in excess of $1,000 for casualty risks,
with facultative contracts in place to provide coverage up to $20,000 in excess of $5,000 per property. Aggregate stop loss reinsurance
agreements were placed for both crop hail and multi-peril crop coverage. The crop hail aggregate attached at a 100% net loss ratio providing
50 points of cover. The multi-peril crop aggregate attached at a 105% net loss ratio providing 45 points of cover. In addition to the
aggregate covers, underlying multi-peril crop reinsurance was provided through the FCIC.
The Company experienced multiple catastrophe events
during 2022 which have resulted in estimated reinsurance recoveries of $ 5,372 as of December 31, 2022.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
the Company maintained property catastrophe reinsurance protection covering $ 117,000 and $ 97,000 , respectively, in excess of a $ 10,000
retention. The remaining significant components of the Company’s reinsurance program were consistent for 2021 and 2020. Per risk
excess of loss treaties provided coverage of $ 4,300 in excess of $ 700 for property risks and $ 11,300 in excess of $ 700 for casualty risks,
with facultative contracts in place to provide coverage up to $ 20,000 in excess of $ 5,000 per property. Aggregate stop loss reinsurance
agreements were placed for both crop hail and multi-peril crop coverage. The crop hail aggregate attached at a 100% net loss ratio providing
50 points of cover. The multi-peril crop aggregate attached at a 105% net loss ratio providing 45 points of cover. In addition to the
aggregate covers, underlying multi-peril crop reinsurance was provided through the FCIC.
The Company experienced one catastrophe event
during 2021 in excess of the retention level, resulting in a reinsurance recovery of $ 5,985 , and did not experience any catastrophe events
during 2020 which exceeded the retention level.
For 2023, the Company’s catastrophe retention
limit increased to $ 133,000 in excess of a $ 20,000 retention, while there were no changes made to limit, retention, or attachment point
in our other reinsurance contracts.
The Company actively monitors and evaluates the
financial condition of the reinsurers and develops estimates of the uncollectible amounts due from reinsurers. Beginning on December 31,
2022, credit losses are recognized through an allowance account developed using the CECL model. See Part II, Item 8, Note 2 “Recent
Accounting Pronouncements” for additional information. Credit loss estimates are made based on periodic evaluation of balances due
from reinsurers, changes in reinsurer credit standing, judgments regarding reinsurers’ solvency, known disputes, reporting characteristics
of the underlying reinsured business, historical experience, current economic conditions, and the state of reinsurer relations in general.
Collection risk is mitigated by entering into reinsurance arrangements only with reinsurers that have strong credit ratings and statutory
surplus above certain levels. At December 31, 2022, management has concluded that it is not necessary to record an allowance for expected
credit losses related to reinsurance recoverables. All of our significant reinsurance partners are rated “A-” (Excellent)
or better by AM Best, and there is no history of write-offs.
A reconciliation of direct to net premiums on
both a written and an earned basis is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Premiums
Written
Premiums
Earned
Premiums
Written
Premiums
Earned
Premiums
Written
Premiums
Earned
Direct premium
$ 389,706
$ 368,886
$ 342,215
$ 333,254
$ 314,187
$ 301,061
Assumed premium
6,299
6,550
8,183
8,035
6,590
6,459
Ceded premium
( 46,993 )
( 47,146 )
( 42,629 )
( 41,700 )
( 23,633 )
( 23,859 )
Net premiums
$ 349,012
$ 328,290
$ 307,769
$ 299,589
$ 297,144
$ 283,661
A reconciliation of direct to net losses and loss
adjustment expenses is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Direct losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 333,397
$ 280,998
$ 185,370
Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,369
6,899
3,308
Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
( 41,334 )
( 71,518 )
( 20,205 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 294,432
$ 216,379
$ 168,473
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If 100 % of our ceded reinsurance was cancelled
as of December 31, 2022, no ceded commissions would need to be returned to the reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts are typically effective
from January 1 through December 31 each year.
8.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Expenses directly related to successfully acquire
insurance policies, primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting costs, are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies.
We update our acquisition cost assumptions periodically to reflect actual experience, and we evaluate the costs for recoverability. The
table below shows the deferred policy acquisition costs and asset reconciliation:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Balance, beginning of year
$ 24,947
$ 23,968
$ 15,399
Deferral of policy acquisition costs
71,624
65,553
60,041
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
( 66,803 )
( 64,574 )
( 51,472 )
Balance, end of year
$ 29,768
$ 24,947
$ 23,968
9.
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and
loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Balance, beginning of year:
Liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 139,662
$ 105,750
$ 93,250
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
21,200
8,710
4,045
Net balance, beginning of year
118,462
97,040
89,205
Acquired unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
Current year
—
—
—
Prior years
—
—
8,568
Total acquired
—
—
8,568
Incurred related to:
Current year
293,283
220,517
165,181
Prior years
1,149
( 4,138 )
3,292
Total incurred
294,432
216,379
168,473
Paid related to:
Current year
197,250
150,278
116,755
Prior years
62,760
44,679
52,451
Total paid
260,010
194,957
169,206
Balance, end of year:
Liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
190,459
139,662
105,750
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
37,575
21,200
8,710
Net balance, end of year
$ 152,884
$ 118,462
$ 97,040
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s
incurred reported losses and loss adjustment expenses included $ 1,149 of net unfavorable development on prior accident years, primarily
attributable to unfavorable development for the Westminster commercial business partially offset by favorable development for Battle Creek
and Nodak Insurance. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s incurred reported losses and loss adjustment expenses
included $ 4,138 of net favorable
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development on prior accident years, primarily attributable to the Direct Auto non-standard auto business.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, incurred reported losses and loss adjustment expenses included $ 3,292 of net unfavorable development
on prior accident years, primarily attributable to our 2019 multi-peril crop business.
Changes in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense
reserves are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. As additional information becomes known regarding
individual claims, original estimates are increased or decreased accordingly.
The tables on the following pages present information,
organized by our primary operating segments, about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2022, net of reinsurance, as
well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims. The cumulative number
of reported claims represents open claims, claims closed with payment, and claims closed without payment. It does not include an estimated
amount for unreported claims. The number of claims is measured by claim event (such as a car accident or storm damage) and an individual
claim event may result in more than one reported claim (such as a car accident with both property and liability damages). The Company
considers a claim that does not result in a liability as a claim closed without payment. The segment information presented in the tables
is prior to the effects of the intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement.
The tables include unaudited information about
incurred and paid claims development (a) for the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2015 for the Private Passenger Auto, Primero Non-Standard
Auto, Home and Farm, and Crop segments, (b) through 2017 for the Direct Auto Non-Standard Auto information, and (c) through 2019 for
the Westminster Commercial information, which we present as supplementary information.
Private
Passenger
Auto
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 29,079
$ 27,840
$ 27,363
$ 27,334
$ 26,014
$ 26,138
$ 26,105
$ 26,077
$ 26,096
$ 26,114
$ 1
10,826
2014
—
32,548
31,349
30,427
29,099
29,144
29,298
29,479
29,423
29,409
—
11,745
2015
—
—
32,438
31,532
30,461
30,503
30,679
30,455
30,379
30,370
15
11,688
2016
—
—
—
40,227
39,260
39,057
39,314
38,535
38,416
38,639
67
14,325
2017
—
—
—
—
40,779
40,199
40,120
40,427
40,488
40,651
143
13,753
2018
—
—
—
—
—
44,925
43,428
43,641
43,575
44,099
215
14,675
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
53,769
53,328
53,364
53,012
507
16,540
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
46,247
48,519
48,254
823
13,541
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
57,316
59,558
1,074
15,321
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
62,807
4,873
14,526
Total
$ 432,913
(1) Prior years unaudited
Private
Passenger
Auto
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 20,077
$ 23,576
$ 24,765
$ 24,918
$ 25,718
$ 25,843
$ 26,035
$ 26,019
$ 26,073
$ 26,102
2014
—
22,744
25,727
27,076
27,443
28,281
28,765
29,239
29,407
29,409
2015
—
—
23,401
27,171
28,933
29,598
29,795
30,120
30,355
30,355
2016
—
—
—
29,009
35,845
37,307
38,108
37,833
38,173
38,303
2017
—
—
—
—
31,033
37,050
38,331
39,738
40,111
40,294
2018
—
—
—
—
—
34,358
40,213
41,479
42,820
43,074
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
42,414
48,414
50,370
51,556
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
35,495
42,585
45,670
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
42,326
52,256
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
49,911
Total
$ 406,930
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
16
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 25,999
(1) Prior years unaudited
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Table of Contents
Non-
Standard
Auto
(Primero)
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus
Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 11,063
$ 10,823
$ 10,800
$ 10,804
$ 10,843
$ 10,833
$ 10,828
$ 10,844
$ 10,844
$ 10,840
$ —
2,617
2014
—
7,297
7,619
7,591
7,577
7,612
7,625
7,606
7,606
7,606
—
1,838
2015
—
—
9,727
9,806
9,655
9,691
9,641
9,622
9,623
9,623
—
1,795
2016
—
—
—
9,967
10,048
10,054
10,033
10,008
9,976
9,974
—
1,741
2017
—
—
—
—
8,722
8,654
8,556
8,541
8,543
8,659
—
1,470
2018
—
—
—
—
—
10,445
11,804
11,763
11,766
11,776
3
1,799
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
12,264
11,391
11,236
11,221
15
1,503
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,018
8,824
8,936
33
963
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,073
10,016
104
999
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,905
833
538
Total
$ 94,556
(1) Prior years unaudited
Non-Standard
Auto
(Primero)
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 6,320
$ 9,675
$ 10,508
$ 10,717
$ 10,805
$ 10,815
$ 10,818
$ 10,844
$ 10,844
$ 10,840
2014
—
3,733
6,707
7,423
7,521
7,579
7,605
7,606
7,606
7,606
2015
—
—
5,335
8,685
9,479
9,557
9,620
9,622
9,623
9,623
2016
—
—
—
5,409
8,882
9,790
9,912
9,974
9,976
9,974
2017
—
—
—
—
4,348
7,660
8,204
8,460
8,506
8,659
2018
—
—
—
—
—
5,492
10,536
11,616
11,730
11,766
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,300
10,007
10,971
11,175
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,112
7,645
8,657
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,844
8,946
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,203
Total
$ 90,449
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
—
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 4,107
(1) Prior years unaudited
72
Table of Contents
Non-
Standard
Auto
(Direct
Auto)
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016 (1)
2017 (1)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus
Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 10,596
$ 6,020
$ 5,869
$ 5,261
$ 5,278
$ 5,160
$ 5,049
$ 5,131
$ 5,106
$ 5,222
$ ( 18 )
3,373
2014
—
14,010
9,068
6,224
8,381
6,745
6,476
6,672
6,524
6,440
( 47 )
4,776
2015
—
—
17,917
14,498
13,043
10,538
10,704
10,945
10,576
10,416
( 136 )
9,057
2016
—
—
—
20,547
14,660
13,552
13,956
12,876
12,291
11,973
( 211 )
11,137
2017
—
—
—
—
23,376
18,621
15,858
14,648
13,678
13,244
( 239 )
11,720
2018
—
—
—
—
—
25,791
22,662
21,980
20,541
20,262
( 61 )
14,917
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,932
25,473
24,574
24,879
702
10,918
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,036
22,919
23,571
( 614 )
13,741
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
30,579
30,596
( 3,149 )
15,804
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
33,609
6,321
9,792
Total
$ 180,212
(1) Prior years unaudited
Non-Standard
Auto
(Direct Auto)
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016 (1)
2017 (1)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 1,944
$ 3,123
$ 3,796
$ 4,291
$ 4,602
$ 4,808
$ 4,890
$ 4,960
$ 5,000
$ 5,221
2014
—
2,201
3,573
4,452
5,369
5,781
6,151
6,327
6,364
6,421
2015
—
—
2,967
5,202
7,057
8,327
9,560
10,057
10,176
10,365
2016
—
—
—
3,526
6,272
8,559
10,603
11,058
11,519
11,820
2017
—
—
—
—
4,385
6,981
10,034
11,366
12,098
12,869
2018
—
—
—
—
—
6,034
12,285
15,204
16,759
18,723
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,203
16,214
18,982
21,195
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,965
15,401
18,503
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
13,767
21,209
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,766
Total
$ 138,092
All outstanding liabilities prior to 82012, net of reinsurance
4
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 42,124
(1) Prior years unaudited
73
Table of Contents
Home and
Farm
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 29,978
$ 29,201
$ 28,527
$ 28,316
$ 28,285
$ 28,315
$ 27,594
$ 27,588
$ 27,595
$ 27,603
$ —
4,189
2014
—
36,620
35,981
35,769
35,591
35,685
35,534
35,497
35,503
35,504
5
5,243
2015
—
—
32,740
31,804
31,300
31,577
31,446
31,612
31,600
31,612
2
3,923
2016
—
—
—
45,713
44,513
44,945
44,597
44,728
44,745
44,836
18
6,348
2017
—
—
—
—
42,112
41,593
41,882
41,779
41,804
41,637
55
4,943
2018
—
—
—
—
—
42,486
43,840
43,747
43,682
43,934
62
4,580
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
45,334
45,828
45,471
45,296
246
5,483
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
36,264
35,668
35,003
196
4,264
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
53,079
55,608
317
4,983
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
106,213
7,555
6,102
Total
$ 467,246
(1) Prior
years unaudited
Home and
Farm
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 23,355
$ 26,935
$ 27,183
$ 27,222
$ 27,456
$ 27,495
$ 27,561
$ 27,583
$ 27,590
$ 27,598
2014
—
32,208
35,199
35,218
35,371
35,482
35,482
35,485
35,503
35,502
2015
—
—
27,204
30,165
30,350
30,573
31,383
31,597
31,597
31,599
2016
—
—
—
37,655
44,942
44,270
44,529
44,583
44,650
44,690
2017
—
—
—
—
34,657
38,928
40,441
40,941
41,414
41,504
2018
—
—
—
—
—
37,880
42,814
43,178
43,549
43,634
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
38,718
43,253
44,119
44,847
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
29,273
33,988
34,243
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
41,096
48,890
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
92,482
Total
$ 444,989
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
—
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 22,257
(1) Prior
years unaudited
74
Table of Contents
Crop
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 40,976
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ —
2,097
2014
—
22,688
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
—
2,268
2015
—
—
13,813
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
—
2,427
2016
—
—
—
20,209
19,582
19,487
19,487
19,487
19,487
19,487
—
2,806
2017
—
—
—
—
33,734
34,181
34,181
34,181
34,181
34,181
—
2,968
2018
—
—
—
—
—
12,506
11,730
11,730
11,730
11,730
—
2,147
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
33,913
37,629
37,629
37,629
—
3,101
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
28,688
28,759
28,759
—
2,442
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
28,574
28,144
—
2,726
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21,834
314
1,809
Total
$ 255,611
(1) Prior years unaudited
Crop
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 35,511
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
$ 39,665
2014
—
17,789
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
20,333
2015
—
—
12,866
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
13,849
2016
—
—
—
16,444
19,487
19,487
19,487
19,487
19,487
19,487
2017
—
—
—
—
32,768
34,181
34,181
34,181
34,181
34,181
2018
—
—
—
—
—
10,737
11,730
11,730
11,730
11,730
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
26,208
37,629
37,629
37,629
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
27,952
28,759
28,759
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
29,424
28,143
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
20,279
Total
$ 254,055
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
—
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 1,556
(1) Prior years unaudited
75
Table of Contents
Commercial
(Westminster)
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016 (1)
2017 (1)
2018 (1)
2019 (1)
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus
Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 2,214
$ 1,982
$ 2,000
$ 1,935
$ 2,058
$ 2,053
$ 2,037
$ 2,036
$ 2,036
$ 2,036
$ —
138
2014
—
4,385
4,274
4,286
4,428
4,450
4,443
4,445
4,443
4,443
—
272
2015
—
—
3,082
3,258
4,019
4,218
4,293
4,238
4,294
4,290
—
278
2016
—
—
—
4,661
5,719
6,200
6,091
6,248
6,354
6,353
7
264
2017
—
—
—
—
5,552
6,249
6,838
7,347
7,905
7,855
67
320
2018
—
—
—
—
—
10,358
11,177
12,414
12,769
13,100
588
480
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,658
13,051
14,564
15,370
1,401
421
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14,774
14,063
15,404
1,650
484
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
30,911
35,525
6,707
599
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
45,647
8,267
466
Total
$ 150,023
(1) Prior years unaudited
Commercial
(Westminster)
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016 (1)
2017 (1)
2018 (1)
2019 (1)
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 1,494
$ 1,727
$ 1,829
$ 1,889
$ 1,949
$ 2,035
$ 2,036
$ 2,036
$ 2,036
$ 2,036
2014
—
3,330
3,921
4,151
4,269
4,395
4,403
4,410
4,443
4,443
2015
—
—
2,126
2,794
3,332
3,950
4,206
4,231
4,287
4,290
2016
—
—
—
3,172
5,289
5,630
5,693
6,112
6,338
6,346
2017
—
—
—
—
3,573
4,927
5,865
6,576
7,206
7,512
2018
—
—
—
—
—
6,494
9,472
10,591
11,911
12,136
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,294
9,925
11,056
12,993
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,146
10,853
12,171
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
16,269
25,105
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,817
Total
$ 102,849
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
—
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 47,174
(1) Prior years unaudited
76
Table of Contents
Commercial
(non-
Westminster)
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
At December 31, 2022
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total IBNR
Plus
Expected
Development
on Reported
Claims
Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
(in thousands, except claim
counts)
2013
$ 2,690
$ 2,637
$ 2,566
$ 2,548
$ 2,508
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ —
227
2014
—
2,180
1,732
1,694
1,675
1,650
1,650
1,650
1,650
1,650
—
163
2015
—
—
1,695
1,643
1,637
1,582
1,580
1,580
1,580
1,580
—
135
2016
—
—
—
2,683
2,526
2,515
2,516
2,512
2,512
2,511
—
288
2017
—
—
—
—
2,530
2,513
2,510
2,497
2,494
2,494
—
167
2018
—
—
—
—
—
1,652
1,576
1,609
1,555
1,554
—
147
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,607
2,782
2,777
2,793
—
191
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,293
2,054
2,371
( 4 )
132
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,726
2,507
( 1 )
199
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,536
344
204
Total
$ 24,507
(1) Prior years unaudited
Commercial
(non-
Westminster)
Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Accident
Year
2013 (1)
2014 (1)
2015 (1)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
$ 2,520
$ 2,751
$ 2,530
$ 2,504
$ 2,508
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
$ 2,511
2014
—
1,782
1,925
1,563
1,640
1,650
1,650
1,650
1,650
1,650
2015
—
—
1,274
1,796
1,818
1,580
1,580
1,580
1,580
1,580
2016
—
—
—
1,822
2,806
2,498
2,512
2,512
2,512
2,511
2017
—
—
—
—
1,530
2,465
2,497
2,497
2,494
2,494
2018
—
—
—
—
—
1,049
1,213
1,240
1,554
1,554
2019
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,917
2,712
2,717
2,793
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,542
1,892
2,362
2021
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,687
2,345
2022
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,846
Total
$ 22,646
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
—
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, net of reinsurance
$ 1,861
(1) Prior
years unaudited
77
Table of Contents
The following table presents a reconciliation
of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses in our Consolidated
Balance Sheet:
December 31, 2022
Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Private passenger auto
$ 27,439
Non-standard auto (Primero)
4,107
Non-standard auto (Direct Auto)
42,124
Home and farm
27,989
Crop
2,145
Commercial (Westminster)
76,163
Commercial (non-Westminster)
1,890
All other
8,602
Total liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
190,459
Reinsurance recoverables on losses:
Private passenger auto
1,440
Non-standard auto (Primero)
—
Non-standard auto (Direct Auto)
—
Home and farm
5,732
Crop
589
Commercial (Westminster)
28,989
Commercial (non-Westminster)
29
All other
796
Total reinsurance recoverables on losses
37,575
Net liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 152,884
The following table presents required supplementary information
about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2022:
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Private Passenger Auto
48.4 %
21.5 %
12.3 %
7.2 %
5.0 %
2.9 %
1.4 %
1.0 %
0.2 %
0.1 %
Non-Standard Auto
(Primero)
77.1 %
16.7 %
4.2 %
1.2 %
0.6 %
0.1 %
0.1 %
—
—
—
Non-Standard Auto
(Direct Auto)
40.5 %
24.5 %
14.6 %
8.9 %
5.6 %
3.4 %
1.3 %
0.6 %
0.4 %
0.2 %
Home and Farm
67.7 %
14.5 %
8.8 %
5.3 %
2.3 %
0.8 %
0.4 %
0.1 %
0.1 %
—
Crop
100.0 %
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Commercial (Westminster)
42.7 %
21.3 %
16.6 %
12.0 %
4.8 %
1.3 %
0.5 %
0.2 %
0.6 %
—
Commercial (non-Westminster)
79.9 %
10.8 %
5.1 %
2.3 %
1.3 %
0.5 %
0.1 %
—
—
—
78
Table of Contents
10.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
December 31,
2022
2021
Estimated Useful
Life
Cost:
Land
$ 1,403
$ 1,403
indefinite
Building and improvements
14,271
14,193
10 – 43 years
Electronic data processing equipment
1,310
1,518
5 – 7 years
Furniture and fixtures
2,919
2,885
5 – 7 years
Automobiles
1,310
1,228
2 – 3 years
Gross cost
21,213
21,227
Accumulated depreciation
( 11,370 )
( 11,358 )
Total property and equipment, net
$ 9,843
$ 9,869
Depreciation expense was $ 708 , $ 694 , and $ 709
during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
11.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The following table presents the carrying
amount of the Company’s goodwill by segment:
December 31,
2022
2021
Non-standard auto from acquisition of Primero
$ 2,628
$ 2,628
Commercial from acquisition of Westminster
6,756
6,756
Total
$ 9,384
$ 9,384
Other Intangible Assets
The following table presents the carrying
amount of the Company’s other intangible assets:
December 31, 2022
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Subject to amortization:
Trade names
$ 748
$ 365
$ 383
Distribution network
6,700
1,117
5,583
Total subject to amortization
7,448
1,482
5,966
Not subject to amortization – state insurance licenses
1,900
—
1,900
Total
$ 9,348
$ 1,482
$ 7,866
December 31, 2021
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Subject to amortization:
Trade names
$ 748
$ 265
$ 483
Distribution network
6,700
745
5,955
Total subject to amortization
7,448
1,010
6,438
Not subject to amortization – state insurance licenses
1,900
—
1,900
Total
$ 9,348
$ 1,010
$ 8,338
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Amortization expense was $ 472 , $ 472 , and $ 5,224
during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The VOBA intangible asset of $ 4,750 acquired in the Westminster
transaction was fully amortized during 2020.
Other intangible assets that have finite lives, including
trade names and distribution networks, are amortized over their useful lives. As of December 31, 2022, the estimated amortization of other
intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years in the period ended December 31, 2027, and thereafter is as follows:
Year ending December 31,
Amount
2023
$ 455
2024
422
2025
422
2026
422
2027
422
Thereafter
3,823
Total other intangible assets with finite lives
$ 5,966
12.
Related Party Transactions
Intercompany Reinsurance Pooling Arrangement
Effective January 1, 2020, all of our insurance subsidiary
and affiliate companies entered into an intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement. This agreement was finalized, approved, and implemented
during the fourth quarter of 2020, retroactive to the January 1 effective date. Nodak Insurance is the lead company of the pool, and assumes
the net premiums, net losses, and underwriting expenses from each of the other five companies. Nodak Insurance then retrocedes balances
back to each company, while retaining its own share of the pool’s net underwriting results, based on individual pool percentages
established in the respective pooling agreement. This arrangement allows each insurance company to rely upon the capacity of the pool’s
total statutory capital and surplus. As a result, they are evaluated by AM Best on a group basis and hold a single combined financial
strength rating, long-term issuer credit rating, and financial size category.
In connection with the pooling agreement, the quota share
agreement between Battle Creek and Nodak Insurance was cancelled. As a result, the Company’s consolidated financial position and
results of operations are impacted by the portion of Battle Creek’s underwriting results that are allocated to the policyholders
of Battle Creek rather than the shareholders of NI Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the pooling share
percentages by insurance company were:
Pool Percentage
Nodak Insurance Company
66.0 %
American West Insurance Company
7.0 %
Primero Insurance Company
3.0 %
Battle Creek Mutual Insurance Company
2.0 %
Direct Auto Insurance Company
13.0 %
Westminster American Insurance Company
9.0 %
Total
100.0 %
North Dakota Farm Bureau
Nodak Insurance was organized by the NDFB
to provide insurance protection for its members. We have a royalty agreement with the NDFB that recognizes the use of their trademark
and provides royalties to the NDFB based on the premiums written on Nodak Insurance’s insurance policies. Royalties paid to the
NDFB were $ 1,453 , $ 1,369 , and $ 1,370 during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Royalty amounts payable of
$ 119 and $ 113 were accrued as a liability to the NDFB at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
During 2020, Nodak Insurance paid $ 1,129
of membership dues on behalf of its NDFB members in North Dakota in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dividends
State insurance laws require our insurance
subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum capital and surplus amounts on a statutory basis. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations
that restrict the payment of dividends from statutory surplus and may require prior approval from their domiciliary insurance regulatory
authorities. Our insurance subsidiaries are also subject to risk-based capital
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requirements that may further affect their ability to pay
dividends. Our insurance subsidiaries statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2022, exceeded the amount of statutory capital and
surplus necessary to satisfy risk-based capital requirements by a significant margin.
There is no amount available for payment of dividends from Nodak
Insurance to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss of Nodak
Insurance for the year ended December 31, 2022. Prior to its payment of any dividend, Nodak Insurance will be required to provide notice
of the dividend to the North Dakota Insurance Department. This notice must be provided to the North Dakota Insurance Department 30 days
prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The North Dakota Insurance
Department has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if an insurance company is in violation of any law or regulation. These
restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity. The Nodak Insurance Board of Directors declared
and paid dividends of $ 3,000 and $ 6,000 to NI Holdings during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2020, respectively. No dividends were
declared or paid by Nodak Insurance during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Direct Auto re-domesticated from Illinois to North Dakota during
2021, and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. There is no amount available for payment of dividends from
Direct Auto to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss of
Direct Auto for the year ended December 31, 2022. No dividends were declared or paid by Direct Auto during the years ended December 31,
2022, 2021, or 2020.
Westminster re-domesticated from Maryland to North Dakota during
2021, and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. There is no amount available for payment of dividends
from Westminster to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss
of Westminster for the year ended December 31, 2022. No dividends were declared or paid by Westminster during the years ended December
31, 2021 or 2020.
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Battle Creek Mutual Insurance Company
The following tables disclose the standalone balance
sheets and statements of operations of Battle Creek, prior to intercompany eliminations, to illustrate the impact of including Battle
Creek in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations:
December 31,
2022
2021
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 5,008
$ 4,398
Investments
13,350
10,610
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable
5,422
5,038
Deferred policy acquisition costs
595
499
Reinsurance recoverables on losses (2)
12,597
10,173
Accrued investment income
59
51
Income tax recoverable
225
—
Deferred income taxes
780
142
Property and equipment
319
325
Other assets
52
52
Total assets
$ 38,407
$ 31,288
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$ 6,453
$ 2,937
Unearned premiums
2,959
2,544
Notes payable (1)
3,000
3,000
Pooling payable (1)
8,337
5,580
Reinsurance losses payable (2)
13,125
12,754
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
2,303
264
Total liabilities
36,177
27,079
Equity:
Non-controlling interest
2,230
4,209
Total equity
2,230
4,209
Total liabilities and equity
$ 38,407
$ 31,288
(1) Amount fully eliminated in consolidation.
(2) Amount partly eliminated in consolidation.
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Revenues:
Net premiums earned
$ 6,566
$ 5,992
$ 5,673
Fee and other income (expense)
( 30 )
( 11 )
( 23 )
Net investment income (loss)
113
49
( 3 )
Net investment gains (losses)
( 20 )
2
1
Total revenues
6,629
6,032
5,648
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
5,889
4,328
3,369
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
1,336
1,291
1,029
Other underwriting and general expenses
564
470
77
Total expenses
7,789
6,089
4,475
Income (loss) before income taxes
( 1,160 )
( 57 )
1,173
Income tax expense (benefit)
( 481 )
27
218
Net income (loss)
$ ( 679 )
$ ( 84 )
$ 955
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13.
Benefit Plans
Nodak Insurance sponsors a 401(k) plan with
an automatic and matching contribution for eligible employees at Nodak Insurance, Primero, and Direct Auto. Westminster also sponsors
a separate 401(k) plan. American West and Battle Creek have no employees.
The Company reported expenses related to
the 401(k) plans totaling $ 693 , $ 722 , and $ 651 during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Nodak Insurance also contributes an additional
elective amount of employee compensation as a profit-sharing contribution for eligible employees that is invested in a portfolio of investments
directed by the Company. The reported expenses related to this profit-sharing contribution were $ 672 , $ 697 , and $ 900 during years ended
December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
All fees associated with the plans are deducted
from the eligible employee accounts.
The Company also offers a non-qualified deferred
compensation plan to key executives of the Company (as designated by the Board of Directors). The Company’s policy is to fund the
plan by amounts that represent the excess of the maximum contribution allowed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”)
over the key executives’ allowable 401(k) contribution. The plan also allows employee-directed deferral of key executive’s
compensation or incentive payments. The Company reported expenses related to this plan totaling $ 325 , $ 914 , and $ 308 during the years
ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
In connection with our initial public offering
in March 2017, the Company established its ESOP. The ESOP is intended to be an employee stock ownership plan within the meaning of Internal
Revenue Code Section 4975(e)(7) and invests solely in common stock of the Company.
Upon establishment of the plan, Nodak Insurance
loaned $ 2,400 to the ESOP’s related trust (the “ESOP Trust”). The ESOP loan was for a period of ten years, bearing interest
at the long-term Applicable Federal Rate effective on the closing date of the offering ( 2.79 % annually). The ESOP Trust used the proceeds
of the loan to purchase shares in our initial public offering, which resulted in the ESOP Trust owning approximately 1.0 % of the Company’s
authorized shares. The ESOP has purchased the shares for investment and not for resale.
The shares purchased by the ESOP Trust in
the offering are held in a suspense account as collateral for the ESOP loan. Nodak Insurance makes semi-annual cash contributions to the
ESOP in amounts no smaller than the amounts required for the ESOP Trust to make its loan payments to Nodak Insurance. While the ESOP makes
two loan payments per year, a pre-determined portion of the shares are released from the suspense account and allocated to participant
accounts at the end of the calendar year. This release and allocation occurs on an annual basis over the ten-year term of the ESOP loan.
Nodak Insurance has a lien on the shares of common stock of the Company held by the ESOP to secure repayment of the loan from the ESOP
to Nodak Insurance. If the ESOP is terminated as a result of a change in control of the Company, the ESOP may be required to pay the costs
of terminating the plan.
It is anticipated that the only assets held
by the ESOP will be shares of the Company’s common stock. Participants in the ESOP cannot direct the investment of any assets allocated
to their accounts. The ESOP participants are employees of Nodak Insurance. The employees of Primero, Direct Auto, and Westminster do not
participate in the ESOP.
Each employee of Nodak Insurance automatically
becomes a participant in the ESOP if such employee is at least 21 years old, has completed a minimum of one thousand hours of service
with Nodak Insurance, and has completed an Eligibility Computation Period. Employees are not permitted to make any contributions to the
ESOP. Participants in the ESOP receive annual reports from the Company showing the number of shares of common stock of the Company allocated
to the participants’ accounts and the market value of those shares. The shares are allocated to participants based on compensation
as provided for in the ESOP.
In connection with the establishment of the
ESOP, the Company created a contra-equity account on the Consolidated Balance Sheet equal to the ESOP’s basis in the shares. The
basis of those shares was set at $ 10.00 per share as part of the IPO. As shares are released from the ESOP suspense account, the contra-equity
account is credited, which reduces the impact of the contra-equity account on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet over time.
The Company records compensation expense related to the shares released, equal to the number of shares released from the suspense account
multiplied by the average market value of the Company’s stock during the period.
The Company recognized compensation expense
of $ 380 , $ 460 , and $ 373 during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, related to the ESOP.
Through December 31, 2022, the Company had released
and allocated 145,890 ESOP shares to participants, with a remainder of 94,110 ESOP shares in suspense at December 31, 2022. Using the
Company’s year-end market price of $ 13.27 per share, the fair value of the unearned ESOP shares was $ 1,249 at December 31, 2022.
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14.
Line of Credit
Nodak Insurance has a $ 5,000 line of credit with
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The terms of the line of credit include a floating interest rate of the bank’s Prime Rate with a floor rate
of 3.25 %. There were no outstanding amounts during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020. This line of credit is scheduled
to expire on May 31, 2023 .
15.
Income Taxes
The components of our provision for income tax
expense (benefit) were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Current tax provision
Federal
$ ( 11,280 )
$ 3,930
$ 10,109
State
( 2 )
354
725
Total current
( 11,282 )
4,284
10,834
Deferred tax (benefit) provision
( 3,972 )
( 1,310 )
638
Total provision for income taxes
$ ( 15,254 )
$ 2,974
$ 11,472
The provision for income taxes differs from the
amount that would be computed by applying the statutory federal rate to income before provision for income taxes as a result of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Income (loss) before income taxes
$ ( 69,029 )
$ 11,306
$ 52,816
Expected provision for federal income taxes at 21%
$ ( 14,496 )
$ 2,374
$ 11,091
State income taxes, net of federal impact
( 2 )
474
570
Tax-exempt interest
( 187 )
( 197 )
( 209 )
Dividends received deduction
( 147 )
( 122 )
( 104 )
Compensation-related expenses
213
326
130
Change in valuation allowance
( 314 )
77
( 17 )
Other
( 321 )
42
11
Total provision for income taxes
$ ( 15,254 )
$ 2,974
$ 11,472
We re-measure existing deferred income tax assets
(including loss carryforwards) and liabilities when a change in tax rate occurs and record an offset for the net amount of the change
as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations in the period of enactment. We record any change to a previously recorded
valuation allowance as a result of re-measuring existing temporary differences and loss carryforwards as a component of income tax expense
from continuing operations. The valuation allowance against certain deferred income tax assets was $ 694 , $ 1,008 , and $ 931 at December
31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
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The income tax effects of temporary differences
that give rise to significant portions of our deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities at December 31, 2022 and
2021 were as follows:
December 31,
2022
2021
Deferred income tax assets:
Unearned premium
$ 6,725
$ 5,783
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
1,430
1,096
Net unrealized losses on investments
6,586
—
Net operating loss carryovers
1,194
1,224
Other
1,965
1,967
Total deferred income tax assets
17,900
10,070
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs
6,766
5,670
Net unrealized gains on investments
—
7,382
Intangibles
1,356
1,464
Other
79
52
Total deferred income tax liabilities
8,201
14,568
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
9,699
( 4,498 )
Valuation allowance
( 694 )
( 1,008 )
Deferred income tax asset (liability), net
$ 9,005
$ ( 5,506 )
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had no unrecognized
tax benefits, no accrued interest and penalties, and no significant uncertain tax positions. No interest and penalties were recognized
during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company, other
than Battle Creek and Westminster, had no income tax related carryovers for net operating losses, alternative minimum tax credits, or
capital losses.
Battle Creek, which files its federal income tax
returns on a stand-alone basis, had net operating loss carryovers of $ 3,963 and $ 3,215 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The
net operating loss carryforward began expiring in 2021 and will continue through 2032.
Westminster, which became part of the Company’s
consolidated federal income tax return beginning in 2020, had $ 1,270 and $ 2,122 of net operating loss carryover at December 31, 2022
and 2021, respectively. This net operating loss carryforward expires in 2023.
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16.
Leases
Primero leases a facility in Spearfish, South
Dakota under a non-cancellable operating lease expiring in 2023, and leases a facility in Las Vegas, Nevada on a month-to-month basis.
Direct Auto leases a facility in Chicago, Illinois under a non-cancellable operating lease expiring in 2029. Nodak Insurance leases a
facility in Fargo, North Dakota under a non-cancellable operating lease expiring in 2024.
Effective for the year ended December 31, 2022,
the Company adopted the updated guidance for leases. See Part II, Item 8, Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for additional
information. Under the new guidance, lease expense for these operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of
the lease, and a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized as part of other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the origination of the lease. The Company currently does not have leases that include options to purchase
or provisions that would automatically transfer ownership of the leased property to the Company.
The Company determines whether a contract is or
contains a lease at the inception of the contract. A contract will be deemed to be or contain a lease if the contract conveys the right
to control and directs the use of identified property or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company generally
must also have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the property and equipment. Operating lease
assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, the Company estimates incremental borrowing rates based on the floating
interest rate on our Line of Credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. at the lease commencement date, as rates are not implicitly stated in
most leases.
There were expenses of $ 391 , $ 250 , and $ 370 related
to these leases during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Additional information regarding the Company’s
leases are as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Operating lease cost
$ 391
Other information on operating leases
Operating cash outflow from operating leases
340
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities
—
Weighted average discount rate
3.25 %
Weighted average remaining lease term in years
6.3 years
The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s
lease liabilities:
Year ending December 31,
Lease Liability
2023
$ 359
2024
321
2025
286
2026
291
2027
296
Thereafter
479
Total undiscounted lease payments
2,032
Less: present value adjustment
195
Operating lease liability at December 31, 2022
$ 1,837
17.
Contingencies
We have been named as a defendant in various
lawsuits relating to our insurance operations. Contingent liabilities arising from litigation, income taxes, and other matters are not
considered to be material to our financial position.
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18.
Common and Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Changes in the number of common stock shares outstanding
were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Shares outstanding, beginning
21,219,808
21,318,638
22,119,380
Treasury shares repurchased through stock repurchase authorization
( 269,160 )
( 225,205 )
( 856,499 )
Issuance of treasury shares for vesting of stock awards
101,292
102,060
31,442
Issuance of shares related to employee stock ownership plan
24,315
24,315
24,315
Shares outstanding, ending
21,076,255
21,219,808
21,318,638
On February 28, 2018, our Board of Directors approved
an authorization for the repurchase of up to approximately $ 10,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. We completed the repurchase
of 191,265 shares of our common stock for $ 2,966 during 2018, and an additional 116,034 shares for $ 2,006 during 2019. During the six
months ended June 30, 2020, we completed the repurchase of 402,056 shares of our common stock for $ 4,996 to close out this authorization.
On May 4, 2020, our Board of Directors approved
an authorization for the repurchase of up to approximately $ 10,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the year ended
December 31, 2020, we completed the repurchase of 454,443 shares of our common stock for $ 7,238 under this authorization. During the nine
months ended September 30, 2021, we repurchased an additional 144,110 shares of our common stock for $ 2,762 to close out this authorization.
On August 11, 2021, our Board of Directors approved
an authorization for the repurchase of up to approximately $ 5,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the six months
ended December 31, 2021, we completed the repurchase of 81,095 shares of our common stock for $ 1,554 under this new authorization. During
the year ended December 31, 2022, we completed the repurchase of 214,937 shares of our common stock for $ 3,446 to close out this authorization.
On May 9, 2022, our Board of Directors approved
an authorization for the repurchase of up to approximately $ 10,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the year ended
December 31, 2022, we completed the repurchase of 54,223 shares of our common stock for $ 734 under this authorization.
The cost of this treasury stock is a reduction
of shareholders’ equity within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction
Act (“IRA”) which, among other changes, created a new corporate alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) based on adjusted
financial statement income and imposes a 1 % excise tax on corporate stock repurchases. The effective date of these provisions is January
1, 2023. The Company is not expected to be subject to the AMT based on its reported GAAP earnings for the past three years. While we periodically
repurchase our stock, it is expected that any excise tax incurred on corporate stock repurchases will be recognized as part of the cost
basis of the treasury stock acquired and not reported as part of income tax or other expense. Based on our evaluation, the Company does
not expect this legislation to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Preferred Stock
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation
provide authority to issue up to five million shares of preferred stock. No preferred shares are issued or outstanding.
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19.
Share-Based Compensation
At its 2020 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting,
the NI Holdings, Inc. 2020 Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) was approved by shareholders. The purpose of the Plan is
to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by aiding the Company in attracting and retaining employees, officers, consultants,
independent contractors, advisors, and non-employee directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to offer such persons
incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company’s business and to afford such persons an opportunity to acquire
an ownership interest in the Company, thereby aligning the interests of such persons with the Company’s shareholders.
The Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified
stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents,
and performance share units (“PSUs”) to employees, officers, consultants, advisors, non-employee directors, and independent
contractors designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”). Awards made
under the Plan are based upon, among other things, a participant’s level of responsibility and performance within the Company.
The total aggregate number of shares of common
stock that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares, subject to adjustments as provided in the Plan. No eligible
participant may be granted any awards for more than 100,000 shares in the aggregate in any calendar year, subject to adjustment in accordance
with the Plan. The aggregate amount payable pursuant to all performance awards denominated in cash to any eligible person in any calendar
year is limited to $ 1,000 in value. Directors who are not also employees of the Company may not be granted awards denominated in shares
that exceed $ 150 in any calendar year.
Restricted Stock Units
The Compensation Committee has awarded RSUs to
non-employee directors and select executives. RSUs are promises to issue actual shares of common stock at the end of a vesting period.
The RSUs granted to executives under the Plan were based on salary and vest 20 % per year over a five -year period, while RSUs granted to
non-employee directors vest 100 % on the date of the next annual meeting of shareholders following the grant date. Dividend equivalents
on RSUs are accrued during the vesting period and paid in cash at the end of the vesting period, but are subject to forfeiture until the
underlying shares become vested. Participants do not have voting rights with respect to RSUs.
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation
costs for RSUs based on the grant date fair value. The compensation costs are normally expensed over the vesting periods to each vesting
date; however, the cost of RSUs granted to executives are expensed immediately if the executive has met certain retirement criteria and
the RSUs become non-forfeitable. Estimated forfeitures are included in the determination of compensation costs. No forfeitures are currently
estimated.
A summary of the Company’s outstanding and
unearned RSUs is presented below:
Shares
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Units outstanding and unearned at January 1, 2020
96,540
$ 16.47
RSUs granted during 2020
66,000
14.27
RSUs earned during 2020
( 46,760 )
16.33
Units outstanding and unearned at December 31, 2020
115,780
15.27
RSUs granted during 2021
58,700
18.76
RSUs earned during 2021
( 66,100 )
15.77
Units outstanding and unearned at December 31, 2021
108,380
16.86
RSUs granted during 2022
59,600
17.61
RSUs earned during 2022
( 52,620 )
17.39
Units outstanding and unearned at December 31, 2022
115,360
$ 17.00
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The following table shows the impact of RSU activity
to the Company’s financial results:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
RSU compensation expense
$ 952
$ 1,065
$ 1,035
Income tax benefit
( 216 )
( 242 )
( 217 )
RSU compensation expense, net of income taxes
$ 736
$ 823
$ 818
Total grant-date fair value of vested RSUs at end of period
$ 915
$ 1,042
$ 764
At December 31, 2022, there was $ 816 of unrecognized
compensation cost related to outstanding RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91 years.
Performance Share Units
The Compensation Committee has awarded PSUs to
select executives. PSUs are promises to issue actual shares of common stock at the end of a vesting period, if certain performance conditions
are met. The PSUs granted to employees under the Plan were based on salary and include a three-year book value cumulative growth target
with threshold and stretch goals. They will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the participant’s continuous
employment through the vesting date and the level of performance achieved. Dividend equivalents on PSUs are accrued and paid in cash at
the end of the performance period in accordance with the level of performance achieved, but are subject to forfeiture until the underlying
shares become vested. Participants do not have voting rights with respect to PSUs.
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation
costs for PSUs based on the grant date fair value over the performance period of the awards. Estimated forfeitures are included in the
determination of compensation costs. The current cost estimates represent the Company’s forecasted performance against cumulative
growth targets.
A summary of the Company’s outstanding PSUs
is presented below:
PSUs
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Units outstanding at January 1, 2020
111,000
$ 15.27
PSUs granted during 2020 (at target)
63,600
14.26
Units outstanding at December 31, 2020
174,600
15.15
PSUs granted during 2021 (at target)
64,600
18.64
PSUs earned during 2021
( 70,363 )
16.25
Performance adjustment (1)
24,300
16.25
Forfeitures
( 2,537 )
16.25
Units outstanding at December 31, 2021
190,600
16.06
PSUs granted during 2022 (at target)
61,800
18.10
PSUs earned during 2022
( 86,684 )
15.21
Performance adjustment (1)
31,200
15.21
Forfeitures
( 6,916 )
15.21
Units outstanding at December 31, 2022
190,000
$ 17.00
(1) Represents
the change in PSUs issued based upon the attainment of performance goals established by the Company.
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The following table shows the impact of PSU activity
to the Company’s financial results:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
PSU compensation expense (benefit)
$ ( 1,022 )
$ 1,344
$ 1,262
Income tax expense (benefit)
232
( 305 )
( 265 )
PSU compensation expense (benefit), net of income taxes
$ ( 790 )
$ 1,039
$ 997
Total grant-date fair value of vested PSUs at end of period
$ 1,319
$ 1,143
$ —
The cost estimates for PSU grants represent initial
target awards until the Company can reasonably forecast the financial performance of each PSU award grant. As of December 31, 2022, the
previously recognized compensation expense related to the PSU awards granted during 2020 and 2021 was eliminated due to the Company’s
expectation that the threshold performance goal will not be met, and the compensation expense related to the PSU awards granted during
2022 was decreased to the threshold level due to Company’s expectations that the target goal will likely not be achieved. The actual
number of shares to be issued at the end of each performance period will range from 0 % to 150 % of the initial target awards.
At December 31, 2022, there was $ 383 of unrecognized
compensation cost related to outstanding PSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.16 years.
20.
Segment Information
We have six reportable operating segments, which
consist of private passenger auto insurance, non-standard auto insurance, home and farm insurance, crop insurance, commercial insurance,
and all other (which primarily consists of assumed reinsurance and our excess liability business). We operate only in the U.S., and no
single customer or agent provides 10 percent or more of our revenues. The following tables provide available information of these segments
for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.
For purposes of evaluating profitability of the
non-standard auto segment, management combines the policy fees paid by the insured with the underwriting gain or loss as its primary measure.
As a result, these fees are allocated to the non-standard auto segment (included in fee and other income) in the tables below. The remaining
fee and other income amounts are not allocated to any segment.
We do not assign or allocate all line items in
our Consolidated Statement of Operations or Consolidated Balance Sheet to our operating segments. Those line items include investment
income, net investment gains (losses), other income excluding non-standard auto insurance fees, and income tax expense (benefit) within
the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the Consolidated Balance Sheet, those items include cash and investments, property and
equipment, other assets, accrued expenses, income taxes recoverable or payable, and shareholders’ equity.
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Table of Contents
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Private
Passenger
Auto
Non-Standard
Auto
Home and
Farm
Crop
Commercial
All Other
Total
Direct premiums earned
$ 80,410
$ 67,178
$ 88,143
$ 53,214
$ 74,764
$ 5,177
$ 368,886
Assumed premiums earned
—
—
—
2,254
—
4,296
6,550
Ceded premiums earned
( 2,805 )
( 267 )
( 9,762 )
( 20,747 )
( 13,333 )
( 232 )
( 47,146 )
Net premiums earned
77,605
66,911
78,381
34,721
61,431
9,241
328,290
Direct losses and loss adjustment expenses
66,250
39,400
114,195
27,146
82,817
3,589
333,397
Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses
—
—
—
634
—
1,735
2,369
Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
( 830 )
—
( 6,372 )
( 8,362 )
( 25,601 )
( 169 )
( 41,334 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
65,420
39,400
107,823
19,418
57,216
5,155
294,432
Gross margin
12,185
27,511
( 29,442 )
15,303
4,215
4,086
33,858
Underwriting and general expenses
21,601
26,889
23,070
3,009
22,173
2,292
99,034
Underwriting gain (loss)
( 9,416 )
622
( 52,512 )
12,294
( 17,958 )
1,794
( 65,176 )
Fee and other income
831
1,453
1,453
Net investment income
7,820
Net investment gains (losses)
( 13,126 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
( 69,029 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
( 15,254 )
Net income (loss)
( 53,775 )
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
( 679 )
Net income (loss) attributable to NI Holdings, Inc.
$ ( 53,096 )
Operating Ratios:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses ratio
84.3 %
58.9 %
137.6 %
55.9 %
93.1 %
55.8 %
89.7 %
Expense ratio
27.8 %
40.2 %
29.4 %
8.7 %
36.1 %
24.8 %
30.2 %
Combined ratio
112.1 %
99.1 %
167.0 %
64.6 %
129.2 %
80.6 %
119.9 %
Balances at December 31, 2022:
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable
$ 20,669
$ 14,884
$ 9,388
$ 381
$ 16,138
$ 713
$ 62,173
Deferred policy acquisition costs
5,040
9,378
7,376
—
7,561
413
29,768
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
1,440
—
5,732
589
29,018
796
37,575
Goodwill and other intangibles
—
2,761
—
—
14,489
—
17,250
Receivable from Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
—
—
—
15,462
—
—
15,462
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
27,439
46,231
27,989
2,145
78,053
8,602
190,459
Unearned premiums
30,721
29,301
44,957
—
40,506
3,028
148,513
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Year Ended December 31, 2021
Private
Passenger
Auto
Non-Standard
Auto
Home and
Farm
Crop
Commercial
All Other
Total
Direct premiums earned
$ 76,749
$ 58,842
$ 84,102
$ 43,541
$ 65,104
$ 4,916
$ 333,254
Assumed premiums earned
—
—
—
2,106
—
5,929
8,035
Ceded premiums earned
( 4,216 )
( 257 )
( 10,310 )
( 18,799 )
( 7,819 )
( 299 )
( 41,700 )
Net premiums earned
72,533
58,585
73,792
26,848
57,285
10,546
299,589
Direct losses and loss adjustment expenses
61,358
34,453
59,380
79,177
45,621
1,009
280,998
Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses
—
—
—
617
—
6,282
6,899
Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
( 1,637 )
—
( 7,235 )
( 51,963 )
( 10,842 )
159
( 71,518 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
59,721
34,453
52,145
27,831
34,779
7,450
216,379
Gross margin
12,812
24,132
21,647
( 983 )
22,506
3,096
83,210
Underwriting and general expenses
20,516
22,770
22,122
8,212
20,000
2,669
96,289
Underwriting gain (loss)
( 7,704 )
1,362
( 475 )
( 9,195 )
2,506
427
( 13,079 )
Fee and other income
1,280
1,775
2,642
Net investment income
7,131
Net investment gains (losses)
15,479
Income (loss) before income taxes
11,306
Income tax expense (benefit)
2,974
Net income (loss)
8,332
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
( 84 )
Net income (loss) attributable to NI Holdings, Inc.
$ 8,416
Operating Ratios:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses ratio
82.3 %
58.8 %
70.7 %
103.7 %
60.7 %
70.6 %
72.2 %
Expense ratio
28.3 %
38.9 %
30.0 %
30.6 %
34.9 %
25.3 %
32.1 %
Combined ratio
110.6 %
97.7 %
100.7 %
134.3 %
95.6 %
95.9 %
104.3 %
Balances at December 31, 2021:
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable
$ 19,039
$ 8,143
$ 8,914
$ —
$ 14,687
$ 669
$ 51,452
Deferred policy acquisition costs
4,949
5,978
7,271
—
6,328
421
24,947
Reinsurance recoverables on losses
1,001
—
3,467
6,953
8,722
1,057
21,200
Goodwill and other intangibles
—
2,810
—
—
14,912
—
17,722
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
26,390
43,515
19,161
6,002
32,924
11,670
139,662
Unearned premiums
28,820
18,679
42,399
—
34,672
3,219
127,789
Payable to Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
—
—
—
4,962
—
—
4,962
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Year Ended December 31, 2020
Private
Passenger
Auto
Non-Standard
Auto
Home and
Farm
Crop
Commercial
All Other
Total
Direct premiums earned
$ 74,998
$ 53,909
$ 82,036
$ 39,893
$ 45,557
$ 4,668
$ 301,061
Assumed premiums earned
—
—
—
1,896
—
4,563
6,459
Ceded premiums earned
( 2,989 )
( 172 )
( 7,157 )
( 6,071 )
( 7,269 )
( 201 )
( 23,859 )
Net premiums earned
72,009
53,737
74,879
35,718
38,288
9,030
283,661
Direct losses and loss adjustment expenses
45,423
30,347
38,700
36,022
32,620
2,258
185,370
Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses
—
—
( 116 )
1,070
—
2,354
3,308
Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
88
—
( 1,839 )
( 5,713 )
( 12,190 )
( 551 )
( 20,205 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
45,511
30,347
36,745
31,379
20,430
4,061
168,473
Gross margin
26,498
23,390
38,134
4,339
17,858
4,969
115,188
Underwriting and general expenses
19,986
20,739
20,874
4,807
16,358
2,304
85,068
Underwriting gain (loss)
6,512
2,651
17,260
( 468 )
1,500
2,665
30,120
Fee and other income
1,337
1,801
3,988
Net investment income
7,271
Net investment gains (losses)
13,624
Income (loss) before income taxes
52,816
Income tax expense (benefit)
11,472
Net income (loss)
41,344
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
955
Net income (loss) attributable to NI Holdings, Inc.
$ 40,389
Operating Ratios:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses ratio
63.2 %
56.5 %
49.1 %
87.9 %
53.4 %
45.0 %
59.4 %
Expense ratio
27.8 %
38.6 %
27.9 %
13.5 %
42.7 %
25.5 %
30.0 %
Combined ratio
91.0 %
95.1 %
77.0 %
101.4 %
96.1 %
70.5 %
89.4 %
Balances at December 31, 2020:
Premiums and agents’ balances receivable
$ 18,540
$ 6,543
$ 9,072
$ —
$ 13,732
$ 636
$ 48,523
Deferred policy acquisition costs
5,461
4,649
7,828
—
5,588
442
23,968
Reinsurance recoverables
412
—
588
121
5,374
2,215
8,710
Receivable from Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
—
—
—
6,646
—
—
6,646
Goodwill and other intangibles
—
2,860
—
—
15,334
—
18,194
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
20,311
43,336
11,737
771
19,089
10,506
105,750
Unearned premiums
28,293
16,147
41,301
—
30,705
2,917
119,363
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21.
Statutory Net Income (Loss), Capital and Surplus, and Dividend Restrictions
The following table presents selected information,
as filed with insurance regulatory authorities, for our insurance subsidiaries as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed
or permitted by such insurance regulatory authorities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
2022
2021
2020
Nodak Insurance:
Statutory capital and surplus
$ 175,673
$ 221,761
$ 216,278
Statutory unassigned surplus
170,673
216,761
211,278
Statutory net income (loss)
( 29,978 )
5,311
24,529
American West:
Statutory capital and surplus
14,957
18,400
18,368
Statutory unassigned surplus
8,956
12,399
12,367
Statutory net income (loss)
( 3,228 )
( 54 )
2,158
Primero:
Statutory capital and surplus
8,677
10,138
9,818
Statutory unassigned surplus
( 582 )
879
559
Statutory net income (loss)
( 1,211 )
127
1,023
Battle Creek:
Statutory capital and surplus
5,660
6,821
6,875
Statutory unassigned surplus
2,660
3,821
3,875
Statutory net income (loss)
( 1,189 )
( 77 )
693
Direct Auto:
Statutory capital and surplus
32,054
37,960
35,819
Statutory unassigned surplus
29,054
34,960
32,819
Statutory net income (loss)
( 6,074 )
6,451
7,898
Westminster:
Statutory capital and surplus
20,090
24,706
23,592
Statutory unassigned surplus
15,090
19,706
18,592
Statutory net income (loss)
( 3,861 )
1,723
2,719
State insurance laws require our insurance subsidiaries
to maintain certain minimum capital and surplus amounts on a statutory basis. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that
restrict the payment of dividends from statutory surplus and may require prior approval from their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities.
Our insurance subsidiaries are also subject to risk-based capital requirements that may further affect their ability to pay dividends.
Our insurance subsidiaries statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2022 and 2021 exceeded the amount of statutory capital and surplus
necessary to satisfy risk-based capital requirements by a significant margin.
Amounts available for distribution in 2023 to
Nodak Insurance as dividends from its insurance subsidiaries without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities are $ 0 from American
West and Primero. No dividends were paid to Nodak Insurance from either entity during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020.
There is no amount available for payment of dividends from Nodak
Insurance to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss of Nodak
Insurance for the year ended December 31, 2022. Prior to its payment of any dividend, Nodak Insurance will be required to provide notice
of the dividend to the North Dakota Insurance Department. This notice must be provided to the North Dakota Insurance Department 30 days
prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The North Dakota Insurance
Department has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if an insurance company is in violation of any law or regulation. These
restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity. The Nodak Insurance Board of Directors declared
and paid dividends of $ 3,000 and $ 6,000 to NI Holdings during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2020, respectively. No dividends were
declared or paid by Nodak Insurance during the year ended December 31, 2021.
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Direct Auto re-domesticated from Illinois to North Dakota during
2021, and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. There is no amount available for payment of dividends from
Direct Auto to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss of
Direct Auto for the year ended December 31, 2022. No dividends were declared or paid by Direct Auto during the years ended December 31,
2022, 2021, or 2020.
Westminster re-domesticated from Maryland to North Dakota during
2021, and is now subject to the same dividend restrictions as Nodak Insurance. There is no amount available for payment of dividends
from Westminster to NI Holdings during 2023 without the prior approval of the North Dakota Insurance Department based upon the net loss
of Westminster for the year ended December 31, 2022. No dividends were declared or paid by Westminster during the years ended December
31, 2022, 2021 or 2020.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There have been no changes or disagreements with
accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.