SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[X] Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014 or

 

[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission File No. 0-3978

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

              Nevada                                                                   95-2583928

(State or Other Jurisdiction of                                            (I.R.S. Employee

Incorporation or Organization)                                               Identification No.)

  

23251 Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills, California 91364

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(818) 591-9800

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

No Change

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes X No__ 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer __              Accelerated filer __

 

Non-accelerated filer __                Smaller reporting company X

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

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

 

Class	Outstanding at May 13, 2014
Common Stock, $0 par value per share	5,341,147

 

 

   

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

			March 31				December 31
			2014				2013
			(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments
Available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: March 31, 2014 $11,745,157; December 31, 2013 $11,944,563)		$	11,743,016			$	11,935,806
Short-term investments, at fair value			94,562,792				93,807,317
Total Investments			106,305,808				105,743,123
Cash			97,257				376,388
Accrued investment income			11,423				5,249
Receivables, net			5,099,362				5,156,717
Reinsurance recoverable:
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses			21,015				183,786
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			4,730,921				4,428,283
Deferred policy acquisition costs			3,668,055				3,636,003
Property and equipment, net			10,168,025				10,169,940
Deferred income taxes			1,445,388				1,373,160
Other assets			1,413,562				1,780,539
Total Assets		$	132,960,816			$	132,853,188
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	43,132,847			$	43,876,829
Unearned premiums			15,132,509				15,260,782
Advance premium and premium deposits			489,960				464,828
Income taxes payable			144,025				—
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			2,563,296				2,354,494
Total Liabilities		$	61,462,637			$	61,956,933
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS'  EQUITY
Common stock, no par – authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding shares 5,341,147 at March 31, 2014, and 5,341,147 at December 31, 2013		$	3,714,500			$	3,708,724
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,413	)			(5,780	)
Retained earnings			67,785,092				67,193,311
Total Stockholders’ Equity		$	71,498,179			$	70,896,255
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	132,960,816			$	132,853,188

 

 

  

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31
		2014				2013
REVENUES
Insurance company revenues
Net premium earned		$	6,388,241			$	6,689,517
Investment income			31,267				121,289
Other income			255,431				233,706
Total Insurance Company Revenues			6,674,939				7,044,512
Other revenues from insurance operations
Gross commissions and fees			734,563				882,514
Investment income			77				371
Finance fees earned			17,420				19,618
Other income			13,112				2,768
Total Revenues			7,440,111				7,949,783
EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses			2,892,350				4,556,450
Policy acquisition costs			1,476,732				1,434,070
Salaries and employee benefits			1,281,928				1,263,403
Commissions to agents/brokers			43,839				60,628
Other operating expenses			838,925				579,054
Total Expenses			6,533,774				7,893,605
Income before taxes			906,337				56,178
Income tax expense			314,554				47,842
Net Income		$	591,783			$	8,336
PER SHARE DATA:
Basic
Earnings Per Share		$	0.11			$	0.00
Weighted Average Shares			5,341,147				5,341,147
Diluted
Earnings Per Share		$	0.11			$	0.00
Weighted Average Shares			5,345,478				5,344,463

 

 

  

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31
		2014				2013
Net income		$	591,783			$	8,336
Other changes in comprehensive income (loss):
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) on securities classified as available-for-sale arising during the period			6,616				(72,427	)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to changes in unrealized gains (losses) on securities classified as available-for-sale arising during the period			(2,249	)			24,625
Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$	596,150			$	(39,466	)

 

 

  

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31
		2014				2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	591,783			$	8,336
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operations
Depreciation and amortization			138,186				52,587
Bond amortization, net			(594	)			4,983
Non-cash stock based compensation			5,776				5,776
Changes in assets and liabilities
Net receivables and accrued investment income			51,181				288,346
Reinsurance recoverable			(139,867	)			652,678
Deferred policy acquisition costs			(32,052	)			(57,527	)
Other assets			119,696				35,663
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			(743,982	)			(321,933	)
Unearned premiums			(128,273	)			(130,043	)
Advance premium and premium deposits			25,132				(142,957	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			208,803				(358,545	)
Income taxes current/deferred			316,826				49,357
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities			412,615				86,721
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed maturity investments			—				(699,000	)
Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity investments			200,000				7,948,000
Net increase in short-term investments			(755,475	)			(7,081,776	)
Additions to property and equipment			(136,271	)			(244,888	)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities			(691,746	)			(77,664	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities			—				—
Net (decrease) increase in cash			(279,131	)			9,057
Cash at Beginning of period			376,388				160,506
Cash at End of Period		$	97,257			$	169,563
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest			—				—
Income taxes			—				—

 

 

 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2014

 

 

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Unico American Corporation is an insurance holding company that underwrites property and casualty insurance through its insurance company subsidiary; provides property, casualty, and health insurance through its agency subsidiaries; and provides insurance premium financing and membership association services through its other subsidiaries. Unico American Corporation is referred to herein as the "Company" or "Unico" and such references include both the corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. Unico was incorporated under the laws of Nevada in 1969.

 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Unico American Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. Quarterly financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect its reported amounts of assets and liabilities and its disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of its financial statements, as well as its reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements relate to losses and loss adjustment expenses. While every effort is made to ensure the integrity of such estimates, actual results may differ.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company employs a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount 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 (the exit price). Financial assets and financial liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value are categorized based on the reliability of inputs to the valuation techniques. (See Note 8)

 

The Company has used the following methods and assumptions in estimating its fair value disclosures:

 

• Fixed Maturities:

1.

Investment securities, excluding long-term certificates of deposit – Fair values are obtained from a national quotation service.

 

2.

Long-term certificates of deposit – The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

 

• Cash and short-term investments – The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate their fair values given the short term nature of these instruments.

 

• Receivables, net – The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate their fair values given the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

• Accrued expenses and other liabilities – The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate the fair values given the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

 

 

NOTE 2 – REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK – EFFECTS ON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On December 19, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This program has no expiration date and may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had remaining authority under the 2008 program to repurchase up to an aggregate of 222,669 shares of its common stock. The 2008 program is the only program under which there is authority to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not repurchase any stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company has or will retire all stock repurchased.

 

NOTE 3 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table represents the reconciliation of the Company's basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share computations reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31
		2014				2013
Basic Earnings Per Share
Net income		$	591,783			$	8,336
Weighted average shares outstanding			5,341,147				5,341,147
Basic earnings per share		$	0.11			$	0.00
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income		$	591,783			$	8,336
Weighted average shares outstanding			5,341,147				5,341,147
Effect of common share equivalents			4,331				3,316
Diluted shares outstanding			5,345,478				5,344,463
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.11			$	0.00

 

Basic earnings per share exclude the impact of common share equivalents and are based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share utilize the average market price per share when applying the treasury stock method in determining common share dilution. When outstanding stock options are dilutive, they are treated as common share equivalents for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share and represent the difference between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding. In loss periods, stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as the inclusion of stock options would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

NOTE 4 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Accounting Guidance Recently Adopted

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740). The objective of the ASU is to improve the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The ASU seeks to reduce the diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. ASU 2013-11 became effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the ASU on January 1, 2014, and the adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 5 – ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries file consolidated federal and state income tax returns. Pursuant to the tax allocation agreement, Crusader Insurance Company (Crusader) and American Acceptance Corporation are allocated taxes or tax credits in the case of losses, at current corporate rates based on their own taxable income or loss. The Company files income tax returns under U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal income tax authorities for tax returns filed starting at taxable year 2010 and California state income tax authorities for tax returns filed starting at taxable year 2009. There are no ongoing examinations of income tax returns by federal or state tax authorities.

 

 

  

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities. In addition, the Company had not accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.

 

As a California insurance company, Crusader is obligated to pay a premium tax on gross premiums written in all states that Crusader is admitted. Premium taxes are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. The premium tax is in lieu of state franchise taxes and is not included in the provision for state taxes.

 

NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consist of the following:

			March 31				December 31
			2014				2013
Land and building located in Calabasas, California
Land		$	1,787,485			$	1,787,485
Building			7,212,515				7,212,515
Other property and equipment located in Woodland Hills, California
Furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, computer and office equipment			3,404,569				3,268,298
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(2,236,544	)			(2,098,358	)
Net property and equipment		$	10,168,025			$	10,169,940

 

On September 26, 2013, Crusader closed escrow on the purchase of land and a building located in Calabasas, California. There is no relationship between the seller and the Company. The real estate consists of a two-story office building located on commercial land, about four miles from the Company’s current location. The office building has 46,884 rentable square feet. The purchase price of the land and building was $9,500,000. Acquisition costs of $106,505 were expensed as period costs during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The Company determined that the purchase price represented the fair value of the assets acquired. No liabilities were assumed. The consideration for the land and building was cash. The purchase price included $500,000 to reimburse the seller for rents on existing tenants in excess of current market through June 30, 2014, which is recorded as a deferred asset and will be amortized monthly through June 30, 2014, the remaining life of the lease terms. The deferred asset is reflected in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2014, approximately 43,535 square feet of the building is leased. On June 30, 2014, one of the leases on approximately 36,590 square feet expires. After this tenant vacates the building, Crusader and its affiliated companies intend to occupy approximately half the building. This property is intended to be the new home office of the Company. Crusader intends to lease the remaining half of the building to non-affiliated companies.

 

In February 2014, the Company completed its purchase price allocation and costs segregation analysis for the acquisition of the Calabasas building, including the determination of depreciable lives. The purchase price of the land and building was allocated based on the fair values of the assets acquired on the purchase date of September 26, 2013. Depreciation is computed using straight line methods over 39 years. Depreciation on other property and equipment located in the Calabasas building is computed using straight line methods over 3 to 15 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements on the property is being computed using the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the remaining years of the lease.

 

Depreciation on property and equipment located in Woodland Hills, California is computed using straight line methods over 3 to 7 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements on property located in Woodland Hills, California, is computed using the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the remaining years of the lease. Depreciation and amortization expense on all property and equipment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $138,186 and $52,587, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 7 – SEGMENT REPORTING

ASC 280 establishes standards for the way information about operating segments are reported in financial statements. The Company has identified its insurance company operation as its primary reporting segment. Revenues from this segment comprised 90% and 89% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s remaining operations constitute a variety of specialty insurance services, each with unique characteristics and individually insignificant to consolidated revenues.

 

Revenues, income before income taxes, and assets by segment are as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31
		2014				2013
Revenues
Insurance company operation		$	6,674,939			$	7,044,512
Other insurance operations			2,822,373				3,054,560
Intersegment eliminations (1)			(2,057,201	)			(2,149,289	)
Total other insurance operations			765,172				905,271
Total revenues		$	7,440,111			$	7,949,783
Income before Income Taxes
Insurance company operation		$	1,615,934			$	381,038
Other insurance operations			(709,597	)			(324,860	)
Total income before income taxes		$	906,337			$	56,178

 

		As of
		March 31				December 31
		2014				2013
Assets
Insurance company operation		$	120,129,069			$	118,996,312
Intersegment eliminations (2)			(1,376,374	)			(482,624	)
Total insurance company operation			118,752,695				118,513,688
Other insurance operations			14,208,121				14,339,500
Total assets		$	132,960,816			$	132,853,188

 

 

(1)

Intersegment revenue eliminations reflect commissions paid by Crusader to Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. (Unifax), a wholly owned subsidiary of Unico.

(2)

Intersegment asset eliminations reflect the elimination of Crusader receivables and Unifax payables.

 

 

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In determining the fair value of its financial instruments, the Company employs a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount 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 (the exit price). Financial assets and financial liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value are categorized based on the reliability of inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

 

Level 1 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

 

Level 2 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets; or valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability as of the reporting date.

 

Level 3 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the financial assets and financial liabilities as of the reporting date.

 

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Thus, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 or Level 2) or unobservable (Level 3). The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

 

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s consolidated financial instruments and their estimated fair values, which are measured on a recurring basis, and are allocated among the three levels within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013:

 

			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
March 31, 2014
Financial instruments:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury securities		$	5,094,016			$	—			$	—			$	5,094,016
Certificates of deposit			—				6,649,000				—				6,649,000
Total fixed maturity securities			5,094,016				6,649,000				—				11,743,016
Cash and short-term investments			94,660,049				—				—				94,660,049
Total financial instruments at fair value		$	99,754,065			$	6,649,000			$	—			$	106,403,065
December 31, 2013
Financial instruments:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury securities		$	5,086,806			$	—			$	—			$	5,086,806
Certificates of deposit			—				6,849,000				—				6,849,000
Total fixed maturity securities			5,086,806				6,849,000				—				11,935,806
Cash and short-term investments			94,183,705				—				—				94,183,705
Total financial instruments at fair value		$	99,270,511			$	6,849,000			$	—			$	106,119,511

 

Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at either the actual date of the event or a change in circumstances that caused the transfer. The Company did not have any transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

 

NOTE 9 – INVESTMENTS

A summary of total investment income is as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
Fixed maturities		$	13,089			$	98,306
Short-term investments			18,255				23,354
Total investment income		$	31,344			$	121,660

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in fixed maturities by categories are as follows:

			Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2014
Available for sale:
Fixed maturities
Certificates of deposit		$	6,649,000				—				—			$	6,649,000
U.S. treasury securities			5,096,157			$	641			$	(2,782	)			5,094,016
Total fixed maturities		$	11,745,157			$	641			$	(2,782	)		$	11,743,016

 

 

 

			Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2013
Available for sale:
Fixed maturities
Certificates of deposit		$	6,849,000				—				—			$	6,849,000
U.S. treasury securities			5,095,563				—			$	(8,757	)			5,086,806
Total fixed maturities		$	11,944,563				—			$	(8,757	)		$	11,935,806

 

A summary of the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments carried at fair value and the applicable deferred federal income taxes are shown below:

			March 31				December 31
			2014				2013
Gross unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities		$	641				—
Gross unrealized (depreciation) of fixed maturities			(2,782	)		$	(8,757	)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments			(2,141	)			(8,757	)
Deferred federal tax expense			728				2,977
Net unrealized (depreciation),net of deferred income taxes		$	(1,413	)		$	(5,780	)

 

At March 31, 2014, the Company had one U.S. treasury security in an unrealized loss position for a continuous period of less than twelve months. At December 31, 2013, the Company had two U.S. treasury securities in an unrealized loss position for a continuous period of less than twelve months.

 

The Company monitors its investments closely. If an unrealized loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, it is written off as a realized loss through the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific analysis as of the balance sheet date and considers various factors including the length of time to maturity and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The Company does not have the intent to sell its fixed maturity investments and it is not likely that the Company would be required to sell any of its fixed maturity investments prior to recovery of its amortized costs. There were no realized investment gains (losses) during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The unrealized gains or losses from fixed maturities are reported as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of any deferred tax effect. The Company did not sell any fixed maturity investments during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

The Company’s investment in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) included $6,049,000 and $6,249,000 of brokered CDs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Brokered CDs provide the safety and security of a CD combined with the convenience gained by one-stop shopping for rates at various institutions. This allows the Company to spread its investments across multiple institutions so that all of its CD investments are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Brokered CDs are purchased through UnionBanc Investment Services, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, member of FINRA/SIPC, and a subsidiary of Union Bank, N.A. Brokered CDs are a direct obligation of the issuing depository institution, are bank products of the issuing depository institution, are held in the name of Union Bank as Custodian for the benefit of the Company, and are FDIC insured within permissible limits. All the Company’s brokered CDs are within the FDIC insured permissible limits. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s remaining CDs totaling $600,000 are from four different banks and represent statutory deposits that are assigned to and held by the California State Treasurer and the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Nevada. These deposits are required for writing certain lines of business in California and for admission in the state of Nevada. All the Company’s brokered and non-brokered CDs are within the FDIC insured permissible limits.

 

Short-term investments have an initial maturity of one year or less and consist of the following:

			March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
U.S. treasury bills		$	91,982,143			$	91,979,877
U.S. treasury money market fund			716,721				214,574
Bank money market accounts			1,862,166				1,611,104
Bank savings accounts			1,762				1,762
Total short-term investments		$	94,562,792			$	93,807,317

 

 

 

 

NOTE 10 – CONTINGENCIES

The Company, by virtue of the nature of the business conducted by it, becomes involved in numerous legal proceedings as either plaintiff or defendant. The Company is also required to resort to legal proceedings from time to time in order to enforce collection of premiums, commissions, or fees for the services rendered to customers or to their agents. These routine items of litigation do not materially affect the Company and are handled on a routine basis by the Company through its general counsel.

 

The Company establishes reserves for lawsuits, regulatory actions, and other contingencies for which the Company is able to estimate its potential exposure and believes a loss is probable. For loss contingencies believed to be reasonably possible, the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingency and an estimate of the possible loss, range of loss, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made.

 

Likewise, the Company is sometimes named as a cross-defendant in litigation, which is principally directed against an insured who was issued a policy of insurance directly or indirectly through the Company. Incidental actions are sometimes brought by customers or others, which relate to disputes concerning the issuance or non-issuance of individual policies. These items are also handled on a routine basis by the Company's general counsel, and they do not generally affect the operations of the Company. Management is confident that the ultimate outcome of pending litigation should not have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company vigorously defends itself unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate.

 

One of the Company’s agents that was appointed in 2008 to assist the Company in implementing its Trucking Program, failed to pay the net premium and policy fees due Unifax, the exclusive general agent for Crusader. The agent was initially late in paying its February 2009 production that was due to Unifax on April 15, 2009. In May 2009, as a result of the agent’s failure to timely pay its balance due to Unifax, the Company terminated its agency agreement and assumed ownership and control of that agent’s policy expirations written with the Company. The Company subsequently commenced legal proceedings against the agent corporation, its three principals (who personally guaranteed the agent’s obligations), and another individual for the recovery of the balance due and any related recovery costs incurred. All related recovery costs have been expensed as incurred. The agent corporation and two of its principals filed bankruptcy. The corporation was adjudicated bankrupt. The Company obtained judgments, non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, for the full amount due from the two principals who filed bankruptcy. The other principal stipulated to a judgment of $1,200,000. The claim against the other individual was resolved.

 

The Company collected $75,000 and $62,750 during the three months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the agent’s balance due to Unifax was $1,181,272 and $1,256,272, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s bad debt reserve was $931,272 which represents approximately 79% and 74% of the balance due to Unifax, respectively. The Company’s bad debt reserve is subject to change as more information becomes available.

 

 

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

Unico American Corporation is an insurance holding company that underwrites property and casualty insurance through its insurance company subsidiary; provides property, casualty, health and life insurance through its agency subsidiaries; provides insurance premium financing; and provides membership association services.

 

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014, was $7,440,111 compared to $7,949,783 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, a decrease of $509,672 (6%). The Company had net income of $591,783 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $8,336 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, an increase of $583,447.

 

This overview discusses some of the relevant factors that management considers in evaluating the Company's performance, prospects and risks. It is not all inclusive and is meant to be read in conjunction with the entirety of the management discussion and analysis, the Company's financial statements and notes thereto, and all other items contained within the report on this Form 10-Q.

 

 

Revenue and Income Generation

The Company receives its revenue primarily from earned premium derived from the insurance company operations, commission and fee income generated from the insurance agency operations, finance charges and fee income from the premium finance operations, and investment income from cash generated primarily from the insurance company operation. The insurance company operation generated approximately 90% and 89% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s remaining operations constitute a variety of specialty insurance services, each with unique characteristics and individually not material to consolidated revenues.

 

Insurance Company Operation

As of March 31, 2014, Crusader was licensed as an admitted insurance carrier in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2004, all of Crusader’s business was written in the state of California. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 98% of Crusader’s business was commercial multi-peril policies. In October of 2013, A.M. Best Company reaffirmed Crusader’s financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and a rating outlook of “stable.” In addition, Crusader was assigned an Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent).

 

The property and casualty insurance business is cyclical in nature, and the previous years have been characterized as a “soft market.” The conditions of a soft market include premium rates that are stable or falling and insurance is readily available. Contrarily, “hard market” conditions occur during periods in which premium rates rise, coverage may be more difficult to find, and there is a potential for insurers’ profits to increase. The Company believes that the California property and casualty insurance market has begun to transition but remains soft and intensely competitive.

 

Premium written (before reinsurance) is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined, under statutory accounting, as the contractually determined amount charged by the Company to the policyholder for the effective period of the contract based on the expectation of risk, policy benefits, and expenses associated with the coverage provided by the terms of the policies. Premiums written is a required statutory measure designed to determine written premium production levels. Premium earned, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, represents the portion of premiums written that is recognized as income in the financial statements for the period presented and earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, direct written premium as reported on the Company’s statutory statement was $7,501,747 compared to $7,835,940, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, a decrease of $334,193 (4%).

 

The Company’s insurance operations underwriting profitability is defined by pre-tax underwriting profit, which is calculated as net earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs.

 

Crusader’s underwriting profit before income taxes is as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013				Increase  (Decrease)
Net written premium		$	6,286,269			$	6,551,219			$	(264,950	)
Net change in unearned premium			101,972				138,298				(36,326	)
Net premium earned			6,388,241				6,689,517				(301,276	)
Less:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses			2,892,350				4,556,450				(1,664,100	)
Policy acquisition costs			1,476,732				1,434,070				42,662
Total			4,369,082				5,990,520				(1,621,438	)
Underwriting profit before income taxes		$	2,019,159			$	698,997			$	1,320,162

 

The following table provides an analysis of the losses and loss adjustment expenses:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013				Increase  (Decrease)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Provision for insured events of current year		$	4,310,293			$	5,540,695			$	(1,230,402	)
Development of insured events of prior years			(1,417,943	)			(984,245	)			(433,698	)
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	2,892,350			$	4,556,450			$	(1,664,100	)

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 45% of net premium earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to 68% of net premium earned for the three months ended March 31, 2013. As reflected in the above table, this decrease is due to a decrease in the provision for insured events of the current year and an increase in favorable development of insured events of prior years.

 

Other Operations

The Company’s other revenues from insurance operations consist of commissions, fees, investment and other income. Excluding investment and other income, these operations accounted for approximately 11% of total revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Investments and Liquidity

The Company generates revenue from its total invested assets of $106,307,949 (at amortized cost) and $119,528,253 (at amortized cost) as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Investment income decreased $90,316 (74%) to $31,344 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $121,660 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in investment income is primarily a result of a decrease in invested assets and a decrease in the Company’s annualized weighted average investment yield on its fixed maturity obligations to 0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, from 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in the annualized yield on average invested assets is a result of lower yields in the marketplace on both new and reinvested assets. Due to the current interest rate and financial market environment, management believes it is prudent to purchase fixed maturity investments with maturities of 5 years or less and with minimal credit risk.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Crusader generates a significant amount of cash as a result of its holdings of unearned premium reserves, its reserves for loss payments, and its capital and surplus. Crusader's loss and loss adjustment expense payments are the most significant cash flow requirement of the Company. These payments are continually monitored and projected to ensure that the Company has the liquidity to cover these payments without the need to liquidate its investments. Cash and investments (at amortized cost) of the Company at March 31, 2014, were $106,405,206 compared to $119,697,816 at March 31, 2013. Crusader's cash and investments were 98% and 97% of the total cash and investments (at amortized cost) held by the Company as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2014, the Company had invested $11,745,157 (at amortized cost) or 11% of its total invested assets in fixed maturity obligations. The Company's investments in fixed maturity obligations of $11,745,157 (at amortized cost) include $5,096,157 (43%) of U.S. treasury securities and $6,649,000 (57%) of long-term certificates of deposit. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had invested $11,944,563 (at amortized cost) or 11% of its total invested assets in fixed maturity obligations which included $5,095,563 (43%) of U.S. treasury securities and $6,849,000 (57%) of long-term certificates of deposit. The remaining balance of the Company's investments are in short-term investments that include U.S. treasury bills, U.S. treasury money market fund and bank money market and savings accounts that are all highly rated and redeemable within one year.

 

The Company is required to classify its investment securities into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities. Although all of the Company's investment in fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and while the Company may sell investment securities from time to time in response to economic and market conditions, its investment guidelines place primary emphasis on buying and holding high-quality investments to maturity.

 

The Company’s investment guidelines on equity securities limit investments in equity securities to an aggregate maximum of $2,000,000. The Company’s investment guidelines on fixed maturities limit those investments to high-grade obligations with a maximum term of 8 years. The maximum investment authorized in any one issuer is $2,000,000. This dollar limitation excludes bond premiums paid in excess of par value and U.S. government or U.S. government guaranteed issues. When the Company invests in fixed maturity municipal securities, preference is given to issues that are pre-refunded and secured by U.S. treasury securities. The short-term investments are either U.S. government obligations, FDIC insured, or are in an institution with a Moody's rating of P2 and/or a Standard & Poor's rating of A1. All of the Company's fixed maturity investment securities are rated, readily marketable, and could be liquidated without any materially adverse financial impact.

 

On December 19, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This program has no expiration date and may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had remaining authority under the 2008 program to repurchase up to an aggregate of 222,669 shares of its common stock. The 2008 program is the only program under which there is authority to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not repurchase any stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company has or will retire all stock repurchased.

 

 

The Company reported $412,615 net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $325,894 (376%) compared to $86,721 net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to the increase in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in net income was principally a consequence of decreased loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to three months ended March 31, 2013. Cash flows can change from period to period depending largely on the amount and the timing of claims payments. The variability of the Company’s losses and loss adjustment expenses is primarily due to its small population of claims which may result in greater fluctuations in claim frequency and/or severity. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had only 591 open claims. The Company continues to be profitable, well capitalized, and adequately reserved; and it does not anticipate future liquidity problems. As of March 31, 2014, all of the Company’s investments are in U.S. treasury securities; FDIC insured certificates of deposit and money market funds. The Company’s investments in U.S treasury securities and money market funds are readily marketable. The weighted average maturity of the Company’s investments is approximately 1.4 years.

 

Although material capital expenditures may also be funded through borrowings, the Company believes that its cash and short-term investments at March 31, 2014, net of statutory deposits of $700,000, and California insurance company statutory dividend restrictions applicable to Crusader plus the cash to be generated from operations, should be sufficient to meet its operating requirements during the next 12 months without the necessity of borrowing funds. Since trust receivables were in excess of trust payables there were no trust restrictions on cash and short-term investments at March 31, 2014.

 

Results of Operations

All comparisons made in this discussion are comparing the three months ended March 31, 2014, to the three months ended March 31, 2013, unless otherwise indicated.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, total revenues were $7,440,111, a decrease of $509,672 (6%) compared to total revenues of $7,949,783 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had income before taxes of $906,337, an increase of $850,159 (1,513%) compared to income before taxes of $56,178 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had net income of $591,783, an increase of $583,447 compared to net income of $8,336 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

The decrease in revenues of $509,672 (6%) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to March 31, 2013, was primarily due to a decrease in earned premium of $301,276 (5%) a decrease in investment income of $90,316 (74%) and a decrease commission and fee income of $147,951 (17%).

 

The increase in income before taxes of $850,159 (1,513%) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to March 31, 2013, was primarily due to a decrease in loss and loss adjustment expenses of $1,664,100 (37%) and an increase in other operating expenses of $259,871 (45%) offset by a decrease in revenues of $509,672 as discussed above.

 

Premium written (before reinsurance) is a required statutory measure designed to determine written premium production levels. Direct written premium reported on the Company’s statutory statement decreased $334,193 (4%) to $7,501,747 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $7,835,940 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

The decline in written premium in 2014 of 4% compared to 2013 primarily reflects the soft market place and intense price competition in the Company’s commercial property casualty insurance lines of business, management’s continued emphasis on rate adequacy and underwriting discipline and the termination of relations with certain specialty producers in the Company’s Used Car Dealers and Towing programs. The property casualty insurance marketplace continues to be intensely competitive. While Crusader attempts to meet such competition with competitive prices, its emphasis is on service, promotion, and distribution. Crusader believes that rate adequacy is more important than premium growth and that underwriting profit (net earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs) is its primary goal. Nonetheless, Crusader believes that it can grow its sales and profitability by continuing to focus upon three areas of its operations: (1) product development, (2) improved service to retail brokers, and (3) appointment of captive and independent retail agents. In order to enhance service, the Company is currently customizing and configuring a new policy administration system that is primarily focused on transacting business through the internet, as well as providing more options to make the brokers’ and agents’ time more efficient. Full deployment of this system is planned to occur within approximately 18 months. Crusader does not intend to substantially increase its number of appointed retail agents until the Company implements its new policy administration system.

 

 

 

Premium earned before reinsurance decreased $335,964 (4%) to $7,630,021 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $7,965,985 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company writes annual policies and, therefore, earns written premium ratably over the one-year policy term.

 

Earned ceded premium decreased $34,688 (3%) to $1,241,780 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $1,276,468 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Earned ceded premium as a percentage of direct earned premium was 16% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

In calendar years 2014, 2013 and 2012 Crusader retained a participation in its excess of loss reinsurance treaties of 10% in its 1^st layer ($500,000 in excess of $500,000), 5% in its 2^nd layer ($1,000,000 in excess of $1,000,000), and 0% in its property and casualty clash treaty. In calendar years 2014, 2013 and 2012 Crusader retained a participation in its Catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties of 10% in its 1st layer ($9,000,000 in excess of $1,000,000), and 0% in its 2nd layer ($31,000,000 in excess of $9,000,000).

 

The 2007 through 2014 excess of loss reinsurance treaties do not provide for a contingent commission. Crusader’s 2006 1^st layer primary excess of loss reinsurance treaty provides for a contingent commission equal to 20% of the net profit, if any, accruing to the reinsurer. The first accounting period for the contingent commission covered the period from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. The 2005 excess of loss reinsurance treaties did not provide for a contingent commission. Crusader’s 2004 and 2003 1^st layer primary excess of loss reinsurance treaties provide for a contingent commission to the Company equal to 45% of the net profit, if any, accruing to the reinsurer. The first accounting period for the contingent commission covers the period from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2004. For each accounting period as described above, the Company will calculate and report to the reinsurers its net profit (excluding incurred but not reported losses), if any, within 90 days after 36 months following the end of the first accounting period, and within 90 days after the end of each 12-month period thereafter until all losses subject to the agreement have been finally settled. Any contingent commission received is subject to return based on future development of ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has received a total net contingent commission of $3,647,706 for the years subject to contingent commission. Of this amount, the Company has recognized $3,600,765 of contingent commission income; of which $13,806 and $221,638 was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the remaining balance of the net payments received of $46,941 and $60,747, respectively is unearned and included in “Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. The unearned contingent commission may be subsequently earned or returned to the reinsurer depending on the future development of the ceded IBNR for the years subject to contingent commission.

 

The Company evaluates each of its ceded reinsurance contracts at its inception to determine if there is a sufficient risk transfer to allow the contract to be accounted for as reinsurance under current accounting literature. As of March 31, 2014, all such ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transfer reinsurance.

 

Crusader’s direct, ceded and net earned premium are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2014				2013				Increase (Decrease)
Direct earned premium	$	7,630,021			$	7,965,985			$	335,964
Earned ceded premium		1,241,780				1,276,468				(34,688	)
Net earned premium	$	6,388,241			$	6,689,517			$	(301,276	)
Ratio of earned ceded premium to direct earned premium		16	%			16	%

 

 

 

Investment income decreased $90,316 (74%) to $31,344 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $121,660 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company had no realized gains or losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The decrease in investment income in the current period as compared to the prior year period is primarily a result of a decrease in invested assets and a decrease in the Company’s annualized weighted average yield to 0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in the annualized yield on average invested assets is a result of lower yields in the marketplace on both new and reinvested assets.

 

Investment income and average annualized yields on the Company’s average invested assets are as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
Average invested assets* - at amortized cost		$	106,029,915			$	119,614,357
Interest income
Insurance company operations		$	31,267			$	121,289
Other operations			77				371
Total investment income and realized gains		$	31,344			$	121,660
Annualized yield on average invested assets			0.1	%			0.4	%

 

*The average is based on the beginning and ending balance of the amortized cost of the invested assets for each respective period.

 

The par value, amortized cost, estimated market value and weighted average yield of fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2014, by contractual maturity are as follows:

Maturities by Calendar Year			Par Value				Amortized  Cost				Fair Value				Weighted Average Yield
December 31, 2014			1,750,000				1,750,000				1,750,000				0.5	%
December 31, 2015			9,549,000				9,544,844				9,545,485				0.4	%
December 31, 2016			350,000				350,000				350,000				1.1	%
December 31, 2018			100,000				100,313				97,531				0.7	%
Total		$	11,749,000			$	11,745,157			$	11,743,016				0.4	%

 

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

 

The weighted average maturity of the Company’s fixed maturity investments was 1.4 years as of March 31, 2014, and 0.6 years as of March 31, 2013. Due to the current interest rate environment, management believes it is prudent to purchase fixed maturity investments with maturities of five years or less and with minimal credit risk.

 

As of March 31, 2014, the Company held one fixed maturity investment with unrealized appreciation of $641 and held one fixed maturity investment with unrealized depreciation of $2,782 for a continuous period of less than 12 months. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held two fixed maturity investments with unrealized depreciation of $8,756 and held no fixed maturity investments with unrealized appreciation.

 

No securities were sold at a loss during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.

 

The Company monitors its investments closely. If an unrealized loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, it is written off as a realized loss through the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific analysis as of the balance sheet date and considers various factors including the length of time to maturity and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The Company does not have the intent to sell its fixed maturity investments and it is not likely that the Company would be required to sell any of its fixed maturity investments prior to recovery of its amortized costs. There were no realized investment gains (losses) in the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013. The unrealized gains or losses from fixed maturities are reported as “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of any deferred tax effect. The Company did not sell any fixed maturity investments in the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.

 

 

 

Other Income included in Insurance Company Revenues and Other Insurance Operations increased $32,069 (14%) to $268,543 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $236,474 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in other income is primarily the result of $229,847 received by Crusader as rental income from the Calabasas property that was acquired on September 26, 2013, and was offset by the decrease of $207,832 (94%) in the amount of contingent commission related to the profit sharing arrangement in the 2003, 2004 and 2006 excess of loss reinsurance treaties recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Company recognized $13,806 of contingent commission in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $221,638 recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Gross commissions and fees decreased $147,951 (17%) to $734,563 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to gross commissions and fees of $882,514 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

The decreases in gross commission and fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013, are as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31								Increase
	2014				2013				(Decrease)
Policy fee income	$	396,900			$	430,052			$	(33,152	)
Health insurance program		255,271				308,655				(53,384	)
Membership and fee income		25,932				30,388				(4,456	)
Daily automobile rental insurance program:
Commission income (excluding contingent commission)		30,496				54,675				(24,179	)
Contingent commission		25,964				58,744				(32,780	)
Total	$	734,563			$	882,514			$	(147,951	)

 

Unifax sells and services insurance policies for Crusader. The commissions paid by Crusader to Unifax are eliminated as intercompany transactions and are not reflected as income in the financial statements. Unifax also receives non-refundable policy fee income that is directly related to the Crusader policies it sells. For financial statement reporting purposes, policy fees are earned ratably over the life of the related insurance policy. The unearned portion of the policy fee is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet under “Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities.” The earned portion of the policy fee charged to the policyholder by Unifax is recognized as income in the consolidated financial statements. Policy fee income decreased $33,152 (8%) in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in policy fee income is due to a 5% decrease in policies issued in the current amortization period as compared to the prior year amortization period.

 

American Insurance Brokers, Inc. (AIB), a subsidiary of the Company, markets health insurance in California through non-affiliated insurance companies for individuals and groups. For these services, AIB receives commission based on the premiums that it writes. Commission income decreased $53,384 (17%) in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. This $53,384 decrease in commission income reported in the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the prior year period is primarily a decrease in commissions on individual and group insurance policies of $62,429 and an increase in override and other commissions of $9,045 in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease is a result of fewer in force individual and group policies and a decrease in commission rates on new and existing business.

 

The Company's subsidiary Insurance Club, Inc., dba AAQHC An Administrator (AAQHC), is a third party administrator for contracted insurance companies and is a membership association that provides various consumer benefits to its members, including participation in group health care insurance policies that AAQHC negotiates for the association. For these services, AAQHC receives membership and fee income from its members. Membership and fee income decreased $4,456 (15%) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. This decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in the number of association members enrolled in AAQHC during the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the number of association members enrolled during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

The daily automobile rental insurance program is produced by Bedford Insurance Services, Inc. (Bedford), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Bedford receives commission from a non-affiliated insurance company based on premium written. Bedford no longer writes new business for the non-affiliated insurance company it previously represented as a general agent. Bedford entered into a new Producer Agreement effective June 1, 2013, with a non-affiliated group of insurance companies. Under this agreement, Bedford has the authority to solicit and refer to these companies its daily automobile rental insurance policy submissions. Bedford does not have the authority to bind any risk or commit to any course of action without first requesting prior written permission. For its services, Bedford receives a commission.

 

 

 

Commission in the daily automobile rental insurance program (excluding contingent commission) decreased $24,179 (44%) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in commission income in the three months March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013, is primarily due to a continued decline in premiums written in this program from the non-affiliated insurance companies that it previously represented as a general agent.

 

Finance fees earned by the Company’s premium finance subsidiary, American Acceptance Corporation (AAC), decreased $2,198 (11%) to $17,420 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $19,618 in fees earned during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in fees earned during the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to three months ended March 31, 2013, is a result of a decrease in the number of loans issued and outstanding during the period compared to the prior year period. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, AAC issued 818 loans and had 2,440 loans outstanding compared to 873 loans issued during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and 2,522 loans outstanding. AAC only provides premium financing for Crusader policies produced by Unifax in California. AAC reduced the interest rate charged on premiums financed to 0% beginning July 20, 2010 and, therefore, did not earn any finance charges during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. This reduction in the interest rate charged was initiated in an effort to increase the sales of existing renewal and new business written by Unifax for Crusader. Due to the low interest rate environment, the cost of money to provide this incentive is not material. The Company monitors the cost of providing this incentive and depending on the cost/benefit determination, can continue to offer it or withdraw it at any time.

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 45% of net premium earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to 68% of net premium earned for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses and loss ratios are as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013				Increase (Decrease)
Net premium earned		$	6,388,241			$	6,689,517			$	(301,276	)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Provision for insured events of current year			4,310,293				5,540,695				(1,230,402	)
Development of insured events of prior years			(1,417,943	)			(984,245	)			(433,698	)
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	2,892,350			$	4,556,450			$	(1,664,100	)
Calendar year loss ratio			45	%			68	%

 

The variability of the Company’s losses and loss adjustment expenses for the periods presented is primarily due to the small population of the Company’s claims, which may result in greater fluctuations in claim frequency and/or severity.

 

The current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2014, were 67% of net earned premium compared to current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses of 83% in the three months ended March 31, 2013. One large property loss that exceeded Crusader’s reinsurance retention of $500,000 contributed to the increased losses in the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

The Company reported an increase in the favorable development of insured events of prior accident years of $433,698 during the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Although property losses typically do not develop materially, during the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company incurred approximately $600,000 of adverse development primarily from property claims that occurred in December 2012.

 

Crusader’s reinsurance retention is relatively high in relationship to its net earned premium, which can result in increased loss ratio volatility when large losses are incurred. Nevertheless, management believes that its reinsurance retentions are reasonable given the amount of Crusader’s surplus and its goal to minimize ceded premium.

 

 

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires judgments and estimates. The most significant is the estimate of loss reserves. Management makes its best estimate of the liability for unpaid claims costs as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Due to the inherent uncertainties in estimating the Company’s unpaid claims costs, actual loss and loss adjustment expense payments may vary, perhaps significantly, from any estimate made prior to the settling of all claims. Variability is inherent in establishing loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, especially for a small insurer like the Company. For any given line of insurance, accident year, or other group of claims, there is a continuum of possible reserve estimates, each having its own unique degree of propriety or reasonableness. Due to the complexity and nature of the insurance claims process, there are potentially an infinite number of reasonably likely scenarios. The Company does not specifically identify reasonably likely scenarios other than utilizing management’s best estimate. In addition to applying the various standard methods to the data, an extensive series of diagnostic tests are applied to the resultant reserve estimates to determine management’s best estimate of the unpaid claims liability. Among the statistics reviewed for each accident year are loss and loss adjustment expense development patterns, frequencies (expected claim counts), severities (average cost per claim), loss and loss adjustment expense ratios to premium, and loss adjustment expense ratios to loss. When there is clear evidence that the actual claims costs emerged are different than expected for any prior accident year, the claims cost estimates for that year are revised accordingly.

 

The establishment of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is a difficult process as there are many factors that can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the reserve that is needed. Estimates are based on a variety of industry data and on the Company’s current and historical accident year claims data, including but not limited to reported claim counts, open claim counts, closed claim counts, closed claim counts with payments, paid losses, paid loss adjustment expenses, case loss reserves, case loss adjustment expense reserves, earned premiums and policy exposures, salvage and subrogation, and unallocated loss adjustment expenses paid. Many other factors, including changes in reinsurance, changes in pricing, changes in policy forms and coverage, changes in underwriting and risk selection, legislative changes, results of litigation and inflation are also taken into account.

 

At the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company’s unpaid claims costs (reserves) for each accident year (i.e., for all claims incurred within each year) are re-evaluated independently by the Company’s president, the Company’s chief financial officer and by an independent consulting actuary.  Generally accepted actuarial methods including the widely used Bornhuetter-Ferguson and loss development methods are employed to estimate ultimate claims costs. An actuarial central estimate of the ultimate claims costs and IBNR reserves is determined by management and tested for reasonableness by the independent consulting actuary.

 

Policy acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, inspection fees, and certain other underwriting costs that are directly related to and vary with the production of Crusader insurance policies. These costs include both Crusader expenses and the allocated expenses of other Unico subsidiaries. Crusader's reinsurers pay Crusader a ceding commission, which is primarily a reimbursement of the acquisition cost related to the ceded premium. No ceding commission is received on facultative or catastrophe ceded premium. Policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commission, are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. Current and prior year policy acquisition costs were affected by the implementation of FASB ASU 2010-26 beginning in 2012. The implementation of FASB ASU 2010-26 modified the acquisition costs available to be capitalized and deferred. The primary policy acquisition costs affected were salary and salary related costs. The Company annually reevaluates its acquisition costs to determine that costs related to successful policy acquisition are capitalized and deferred. These costs were approximately 23% and 21% of net premium earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013. Policy acquisition costs as a percentage of earned premium increased in the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to the decrease in net premium earned in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the prior year period.

 

Policy acquisition costs and the ratio to net earned premium are as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013				Increase (Decrease)
Policy acquisition costs		$	1,476,732			$	1,434,070			$	42,662
Ratio to net earned premium (GAAP ratio)			23	%			21	%

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits increased $18,525 (1%) to $1,281,928 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $1,263,403 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This increase is primarily a result of an increase of $17,756 in the amount of employee benefits paid, including group insurance and profit sharing plan contribution expenses, and an increase of $23,907 in payroll and payroll taxes. These amounts were offset by the increase of $23,138 in the amount of payroll costs charged to losses and loss adjustment expenses to arrive at an increase of $18,525 in the net amount charged to operating expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2014 when compared to three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Salaries and employee benefits incurred and charged to operating expenses are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31
	2014				2013				Increase (Decrease)
Total salaries and employee benefits incurred	$	1,833,409			$	1,786,102			$	47,307
Less: charged to losses and loss adjustment expenses		(203,415	)			(180,277	)			(23,138	)
Less: capitalized to policy acquisition costs		(348,066	)			(342,422	)			(5,644	)
Net amount charged to operating expenses	$	1,281,928			$	1,263,403			$	18,525

 

Commissions to agents/brokers decreased $16,789 (28%) to $43,839 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $60,628 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in commission expense is directly related to the decrease in commission income in the life and health insurance program and the decrease in premiums written in the daily automobile rental insurance program

 

Other operating expenses increased $259,871 (45%) to $838,925 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $579,054 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013, is primarily related to $202,319 in operating expenses and depreciation expense incurred that directly related to the Calabasas property acquired on September 26, 2013. The Calabasas property is currently held for rental income. There were no other significant increases and decreases amongst the various other expense categories.

 

Income tax provision was an expense of $314,554 (35% of pre-tax income) for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which increased $266,712 (557%) compared to an income tax expense of $47,842 (85% of pre-tax income) for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to three months ended March 31, 2013, was primarily due to an increase of $850,159 in pre-tax income to $906,337 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to pre-tax income of $56,178 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The calculated tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014, consisted of federal tax rate of 33% and a state income tax rate of 2%. The calculated tax rate of 85% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, was comprised of a calculated federal tax rate of approximately 10% while the calculated state tax rate was approximately 75%. In the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company’s state income tax expense consisted primarily of non-recognized tax benefits related to the state net operating loss incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein, including the sections entitled “Business,” “Legal Proceedings” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” that are not historical facts are forward looking. These statements, which may be identified by forward looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “should,” and “would” involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward looking statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include: underwriting or marketing actions not being effective; rate increases for coverages not being sufficient; premium rate adequacy relating to competition or regulation; actual versus estimated claim experience; the outcome of rate change filings with regulatory authorities; acceptance by insureds of rate changes; adequacy of rate changes; changes in Crusader’s A.M. Best rating; regulatory changes or developments; the outcome of regulatory proceedings; unforeseen calamities; general market conditions; and the Company’s ability to introduce new profitable products.

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes a substantial amount of invested assets whose fair values are subject to various market risk exposures including interest rate risk and equity price risk.

 

 

 

The Company’s invested assets consist of the following:

			March 31 2014				December 31 2013				Increase (Decrease)
Fixed maturity bonds (at amortized value)		$	5,096,157				5,095,563			$	594
Short-term cash investments (at cost)			94,562,792				93,807,317				755,475
Certificates of deposit - over 1 year (at cost)			6,649,000				6,849,000				(200,000	)
Total invested assets		$	106,307,949			$	105,751,880			$	556,069

 

There have been no material changes in the composition of the Company’s invested assets or market risk exposures since the end of the preceding fiscal year end.

 

 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was carried out by the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2014, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

During the period covered by this report, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, in response to Item 1A to Part I of Form 10-K.

 

 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

31.1

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101

The following information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.*

 

*XBRL information is furnished and deemed not filed as part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

 

Date: May 14, 2014      By: /s/ CARY L. CHELDIN

Cary L. Cheldin

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief

Executive Officer, (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date: May 14, 2014      By: /s/ LESTER A. AARON

Lester A. Aaron

Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, (Principal

Accounting and Principal Financial Officer)