Document
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
FORM 10-Q 
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
Or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 001-13619
 
 
BROWN & BROWN, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Florida
 
bba01.jpg
 
59-0864469
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
220 South Ridgewood Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL
 
 
32114
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (386) 252-9601

  
 
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  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    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.
 
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.10 par value, outstanding as of November 4, 2016 was 140,209,157.
 



Table of Contents

BROWN & BROWN, INC.
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAGE
NO.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Brown & Brown, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”), makes “forward-looking statements” within the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, throughout this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference into this report. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan” and “continue” or similar words. We have based these statements on our current expectations about potential future events. Although we believe the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the reports, statements, information and announcements incorporated by reference into this report are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by us or on our behalf. Many of these factors have previously been identified in filings or statements made by us or on our behalf. Important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this report include but are not limited to the following items, in addition to those matters described in Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”:
 
Future prospects;
Material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve and in the general economy;
Downward pressure on commercial property and casualty premiums or employee benefits premiums;
Future regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business;
The occurrence of adverse economic conditions, an adverse regulatory climate, or a disaster in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, because a significant portion of business written by us is for customers located in these states;
Our ability to attract, retain and enhance qualified personnel;
Competition from others in or entering into the insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and service business;
The integration of our operations with those of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future and the failure to realize the expected benefits of such integration;
Risks that could negatively affect our acquisition strategy, including continuing consolidation among insurance intermediaries and the increasing presence of private equity investors driving up valuations;
Exposure units, and premium rates set by insurance companies which have traditionally varied and are difficult to predict;
Our ability to forecast liquidity needs through at least the end of 2017;
Our ability to renew or replace expiring leases;
Outcomes of existing or future legal proceedings and governmental investigations;
Policy cancellations and renewal terms, which can be unpredictable;
Potential changes to the tax rate that would affect the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the impact on income available for investment or distributable to shareholders;
The inherent uncertainty in making estimates, judgments, and assumptions in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”);
Our ability to effectively utilize technology in providing improved value for our customers or carrier partners as well as applying effective internal controls and efficiencies in operations; and
Other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Assumptions as to any of the foregoing and all statements are not based on historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events. Forward-looking statements that we make or that are made by others on our behalf are based on a knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate, but because of the factors listed above, among others, actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Consequently, these cautionary statements qualify all of the forward-looking statements we make herein. We cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for us or affect us, our business or our operations in the way we expect. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — Financial Statements (Unaudited)
BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees
$
461,652

 
$
431,863

 
$
1,329,649

 
$
1,252,888

Investment income
230

 
228

 
1,150

 
708

Other income, net
392

 
76

 
2,166

 
2,316

Total revenues
462,274

 
432,167

 
1,332,965

 
1,255,912

EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
237,653

 
216,156

 
692,814

 
645,419

Other operating expenses
67,433

 
66,121

 
197,329

 
191,591

Gain on disposal
(277
)
 
(654
)
 
(3,131
)
 
(1,259
)
Amortization
21,805

 
22,158

 
65,025

 
65,406

Depreciation
5,195

 
5,215

 
15,867

 
15,635

Interest
9,883

 
9,882

 
29,617

 
29,404

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
3,610

 
459

 
6,846

 
2,194

Total expenses
345,302

 
319,337

 
1,004,367

 
948,390

Income before income taxes
116,972

 
112,830

 
328,598

 
307,522

Income taxes
45,427

 
45,403

 
128,733

 
122,139

Net income
$
71,545

 
$
67,427

 
$
199,865

 
$
185,383

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.51

 
$
0.48

 
$
1.43

 
$
1.31

Diluted
$
0.50

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.41

 
$
1.29

Dividends declared per share
$
0.12

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.37

 
$
0.33

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
488,683

 
$
443,420

Restricted cash and investments
278,279

 
229,753

Short-term investments
13,287

 
13,734

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable
469,452

 
433,885

Reinsurance recoverable
332,004

 
31,968

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
333,967

 
309,643

Deferred income taxes
16,961

 
24,635

Other current assets
42,041

 
50,351

Total current assets
1,974,674

 
1,537,389

Fixed assets, net
77,771

 
81,753

Goodwill
2,672,365

 
2,586,683

Amortizable intangible assets, net
726,140

 
744,680

Investments
26,307

 
18,092

Other assets
44,770

 
35,882

Total assets
$
5,522,027

 
$
5,004,479

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Premiums payable to insurance companies
$
619,149

 
$
574,736

Losses and loss adjustment reserve
332,004

 
31,968

Unearned premiums
333,967

 
309,643

Premium deposits and credits due customers
111,012

 
83,098

Accounts payable
53,911

 
63,910

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
171,200

 
192,067

Current portion of long-term debt
80,492

 
73,125

Total current liabilities
1,701,735

 
1,328,547

Long-term debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
1,031,693

 
1,071,618

Deferred income taxes, net
376,658

 
360,949

Other liabilities
87,169

 
93,589

Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 280,000 shares; issued 148,110 shares and outstanding 140,317 shares at 2016, issued 146,415 shares and outstanding 138,985 shares at 2015
14,811

 
14,642

Additional paid-in capital
464,028

 
426,498

Treasury stock, at cost 7,794 and 7,430 shares at 2016 and 2015, respectively
(250,025
)
 
(238,775
)
Retained earnings
2,095,958

 
1,947,411

Total shareholders’ equity
2,324,772

 
2,149,776

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
5,522,027

 
$
5,004,479

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents

BROWN & BROWN, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(UNAUDITED) 
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
199,865

 
$
185,383

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization
65,025

 
65,406

Depreciation
15,867

 
15,635

Non-cash stock-based compensation
11,593

 
17,348

Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
6,846

 
2,194

Deferred income taxes
20,081

 
16,974

Amortization of debt discount
118

 
118

Amortization and disposal of deferred financing costs
1,207

 

Accretion of discounts and premiums, investment
36

 

Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans
(7,213
)
 
(2,502
)
Net gain on sales of investments, fixed assets and customer accounts
(2,860
)
 
(830
)
Payments on acquisition earn-outs in excess of original estimated payables
(3,683
)
 
(4,917
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from acquisitions and divestitures:
 
 
 
Restricted cash and investments (increase) decrease
(48,526
)
 
42,123

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable (increase) decrease
(31,324
)
 
2,277

Reinsurance recoverables (increase)
(300,036
)
 
(24,177
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (increase)
(24,324
)
 
(9,191
)
Other assets decrease (increase)
1,231

 
(13,076
)
Premiums payable to insurance companies decrease (increase)
39,787

 
(37,845
)
Premium deposits and credits due customers increase
27,914

 
12,717

Losses and loss adjustment reserve increase
300,036

 
24,177

Unearned premiums increase
24,324

 
9,191

Accounts payable increase
13,858

 
27,793

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (decrease)
(22,119
)
 
(11,547
)
Other liabilities (decrease)
(17,094
)
 
(26,610
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
270,609

 
290,641

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to fixed assets
(13,135
)
 
(12,773
)
Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired
(113,219
)
 
(109,926
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts
3,411

 
4,794

Purchases of investments
(24,332
)
 
(16,875
)
Proceeds from sales of investments
16,716

 
14,460

Net cash used in investing activities
(130,559
)
 
(120,320
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Payments of long-term debt
(34,375
)
 
(38,750
)
Payments on acquisition earn-outs
(23,872
)
 
(22,020
)
Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans
7,213

 
2,502

Issuances of common stock for employee stock benefit plans
15,959

 
15,854

Repurchase stock benefit plan shares for employees to fund tax withholdings
(8,395
)
 
(2,297
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(11,250
)
 
(100,000
)
Settlement of accelerated share repurchase program
11,250

 

Cash dividends paid
(51,317
)
 
(46,840
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(94,787
)
 
(191,551
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
45,263

 
(21,230
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
443,420

 
470,048

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
488,683

 
$
448,818

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BROWN & BROWN, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1· Nature of Operations
Brown & Brown, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”) is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization that markets and sells to its customers, insurance products and services, primarily in the property and casualty area. Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments: the Retail Segment provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public entity, professional and individual customers; the National Programs Segment, acting as a managing general agent (“MGA”), provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches, all of which are delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and Brown & Brown retail agents; the Wholesale Brokerage Segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, as well as Brown & Brown Retail offices; and the Services Segment provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and claims adjusting services. Since May 2014, we have owned a flood insurance carrier, Wright National Flood Insurance Company (“Wright Flood”). Wright Flood’s business consists of policies written pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), and several excess flood insurance policies, all of which are fully reinsured.
NOTE 2· Basis of Financial Reporting
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs". The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, and not recorded as a separate asset. The reason for the change is to align the treatment of debt issuance costs and debt discounts so that both reduce the carrying value of the liability. In August 2015, the FASB clarified that its guidance does not apply to line-of credit arrangements. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. As a result, the Company retrospectively applied the guidance to the 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet by reclassifying $8.3 million from other assets to long-term debt.
The Company has condensed the presentation of non-cash stock based compensation into the employee compensation and benefits line. The non-cash stock based compensation shown in the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Income was $15.5 million for the full year.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)": Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2016-15"), which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified and applies to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. ASU 2016-15 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, "Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net)" ("ASU 2016-08") to clarify certain aspects of the principal-versus-agent guidance included in the new revenue standard ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"). The FASB issued the ASU in response to concerns identified by stakeholders, including those related to (1) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal-versus-agent guidance and (2) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue standard’s control principle. ASU 2016-08 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of ASU 2016-08 is currently being evaluated along with ASU 2014-09.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09"), which amends guidance issued in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. Under ASU 2016-02, the Company will be required to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets. ASU 2016-02 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating its leases against the requirements of this pronouncement, with the primary effect of adopting the new standard being the requirement to record assets and obligations for operating leases with original terms greater than twelve months.
In November 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”), which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as a single non-current item on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2015-17 in the first quarter of 2017. This is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements other than reclassifying current deferred tax assets and liabilities to non-current on the balance sheet.
In August 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which addresses management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect to early adopt this guidance, and it believes the adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. At that time, the Company may adopt the new standard under the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating its revenue streams against the requirements of this pronouncement.

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NOTE 3· Net Income Per Share
Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including participating securities) issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding plus equivalent shares, assuming the exercise of stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed by application of the treasury-stock method. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
 
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
71,545

 
$
67,427

 
$
199,865

 
$
185,383

Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock
(1,873
)
 
(1,565
)
 
(5,210
)
 
(4,370
)
Net income attributable to common shares
$
69,672

 
$
65,862

 
$
194,655

 
$
181,013

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
140,129

 
140,955

 
139,642

 
141,517

Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
(3,668
)
 
(3,271
)
 
(3,640
)
 
(3,336
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
136,461

 
137,684

 
136,002

 
138,181

Dilutive effect of stock options
1,721

 
2,357

 
1,582

 
2,265

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
138,182

 
140,041

 
137,584

 
140,446

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.51

 
$
0.48

 
$
1.43

 
$
1.31

Diluted
$
0.50

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.41

 
$
1.29

NOTE 4· Business Combinations
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of five insurance intermediaries and all of the stock of one insurance intermediaries. Additionally, miscellaneous adjustments were recorded to the purchase price allocation of certain prior acquisitions completed within the last twelve months as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805 — Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Such adjustments are presented in the "Other" category within the following two tables. All of these businesses were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown’s core business and to attract and hire high-quality individuals. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income when incurred.
The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.
Based on the acquisition date and the complexity of the underlying valuation work, certain amounts included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be provisional and thus subject to further adjustments within the permitted measurement period, as defined in ASC 805. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, several adjustments were made within the permitted measurement period that resulted in a decrease in the aggregate purchase price of the affected acquisitions of $917,497 relating to the assumption of certain liabilities. These measurement period adjustments have been reflected as current period adjustments in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 in accordance with the guidance in ASU 2015-16 "Business Combinations". The measurement period adjustments impacted goodwill, with no effect on earnings or cash in the current period.
Cash paid for acquisitions was $115.3 million and $109.9 million in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We completed six acquisitions (excluding book of business purchases) in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. We completed nine acquisitions (excluding book of business purchases) in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015.

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The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation made as of the date of each acquisition for current year acquisitions and adjustments made during the measurement period for prior year acquisitions. The purchase price allocation for Social Security Advocates for the Disabled ("SSAD") and Morstan General Agency, Inc. ("Morstan") are provisional as they are based on initial valuations. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocations for SSAD and Morstan that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, assets and liabilities related to income taxes and residual goodwill. During the measurement periods, the Company will adjust assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about 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. With the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2015-16 in the first fiscal quarter of 2016, these adjustments will be made in the period in which the amounts are determined and the current period income effect of such adjustments will be calculated as if the adjustments had been completed as of the acquisition date.
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
Business
Segment
 
Effective
Date of
Acquisition
 
Cash
Paid
 
Note Payable
 
Other
Payable
 
Recorded
Earn-Out
Payable
 
Net Assets
Acquired
 
Maximum
Potential Earn-
Out Payable
Social Security Advocates for the Disabled (SSAD)
Services
 
February 1, 2016
 
$
32,526

 
$
492

 
$

 
$
971

 
$
33,989

 
$
3,000

Morstan General Agency, Inc. (Morstan)
Wholesale
 
June 1, 2016
 
66,050

 

 
10,200

 
3,091

 
79,341

 
5,000

Other
Various
 
Various
 
16,737

 

 
305

 
(234
)
 
16,808

 
5,722

Total
 
 
 
 
$
115,313

 
$
492

 
$
10,505

 
$
3,828

 
$
130,138

 
$
13,722

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition.
(in thousands)
SSAD
 
Morstan
 
Other
 
Total
Cash
$
2,094

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,094

Other current assets
1,042

 
2,482

 
753

 
4,277

Fixed assets
307

 
300

 
47

 
654

Goodwill
22,352

 
51,454

 
11,876

 
85,682

Purchased customer accounts
13,069

 
26,481

 
7,201

 
46,751

Non-compete agreements
72

 
39

 
84

 
195

Total assets acquired
38,936

 
80,756

 
19,961

 
139,653

Other current liabilities
(1,717
)
 
(1,415
)
 
(3,153
)
 
(6,285
)
Deferred income tax, net
(3,230
)
 

 

 
(3,230
)
Total liabilities assumed
(4,947
)
 
(1,415
)
 
(3,153
)
 
(9,515
)
Net assets acquired
$
33,989

 
$
79,341

 
$
16,808

 
$
130,138

The weighted average useful lives for the acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts, 15 years; and non-compete agreements, 5 years.
Goodwill of $85.7 million, which is net of any opening balance sheet adjustments within the allowable measurement period, was allocated to the Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage and Service Segments in the amounts of $11.9 million, $(1.0) thousand, $51.5 million and $22.4 million, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $85.7 million, $60.5 million is currently deductible for income tax purposes and $21.4 million is non-deductible. The remaining $3.8 million relates to the recorded earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

10

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For the acquisitions completed during 2016, the results of operations since the acquisition dates have been combined with those of the Company. The total revenues from the acquisitions completed through September 30, 2016, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, were $12.6 million and $21.5 million, respectively. The income before income taxes, including the intercompany cost of capital charge, from the acquisitions completed through September 30, 2016, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, were $1.0 million and $2.4 million. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the respective periods, the Company’s results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.
(UNAUDITED)
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Total revenues
$
462,684

 
$
445,672

 
$
1,350,014

 
$
1,295,027

Income before income taxes
$
117,144

 
$
115,749

 
$
332,101

 
$
315,824

Net income
$
71,650

 
$
69,171

 
$
201,996

 
$
190,387

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.51

 
$
0.49

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.35

Diluted
$
0.51

 
$
0.48

 
$
1.43

 
$
1.32

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
136,461

 
137,684

 
136,002

 
138,181

Diluted
138,182

 
140,041

 
137,584

 
140,446

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820-Fair Value Measurement. The resulting additions, payments, and net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:
 
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Balance as of the beginning of the period
$
73,447

 
$
90,113

 
$
78,387

 
$
75,283

Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables
1,437

 
2,363

 
3,828

 
29,496

Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables
(16,988
)
 
(12,899
)
 
(27,555
)
 
(26,937
)
Subtotal
57,896

 
79,577

 
54,660

 
77,842

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables
2,883

 
(365
)
 
4,704

 
(30
)
Interest expense accretion
727

 
824

 
2,142

 
2,224

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables
3,610

 
459

 
6,846

 
2,194

Balance as of September 30,
$
61,506

 
$
80,036

 
$
61,506

 
$
80,036

Of the $61.5 million estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of September 30, 2016, $23.0 million was recorded as accounts payable and $38.5 million was recorded as other non-current liabilities. Included within the additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables are any adjustments to opening balance sheet items within the allowable measurement period, which may therefore differ from previously reported amounts.

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NOTE 5· Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. The Company completed its most recent annual assessment as of November 30, 2015, and identified no impairment as a result of the evaluation.
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2016
$
1,345,636

 
$
901,866

 
$
226,961

 
$
112,220

 
$
2,586,683

Goodwill of acquired businesses
11,854

 
(1
)
 
51,477

 
22,352

 
85,682

Goodwill of transferred businesses
571

 
(571
)
 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016
$
1,358,061

 
$
901,294

 
$
278,438

 
$
134,572

 
$
2,672,365

NOTE 6· Amortizable Intangible Assets
Amortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Life
(Years)(1)
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Life
(Years)(1)
Purchased customer accounts
$
1,445,052

 
$
(720,728
)
 
$
724,324

 
15.0
 
$
1,398,986

 
$
(656,799
)
 
$
742,187

 
15.0
Non-compete agreements
29,635

 
(27,819
)
 
1,816

 
6.8
 
29,440

 
(26,947
)
 
2,493

 
6.8
Total
$
1,474,687

 
$
(748,547
)
 
$
726,140

 
 
 
$
1,428,426

 
$
(683,746
)
 
$
744,680

 
 
(1)
Weighted average life calculated as of the date of acquisition.
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is estimated to be $86.6 million, $84.7 million, $79.5 million, $75.0 million, and $67.6 million, respectively.
NOTE 7· Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: 
(in thousands)
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current portion of long-term debt:
 
 
 
Current portion of 5-year term loan facility expires 2019
$
55,000

 
$
48,125

5.660% senior notes, Series C, semi-annual interest payments, balloon due 2016
25,000

 
25,000

Short-term promissory note
492

 

Total current portion of long-term debt
80,492

 
73,125

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
Note agreements:
 
 
 
4.500% senior notes, Series E, quarterly interest payments, balloon due 2018
100,000

 
100,000

4.200% senior notes, semi-annual interest payments, balloon due 2024
498,746

 
498,628

Total notes
598,746

 
598,628

Credit agreements:
 
 
 
5-year term-loan facility, periodic interest and principal payments, LIBOR plus up to 1.750%, expires May 20, 2019
440,000

 
481,250

5-year revolving-loan facility, periodic interest payments, currently LIBOR plus up to 1.500% and commitment fees up to 0.250%, expires May 20, 2019

 

Total credit agreements
440,000

 
481,250

Debt issuance costs (contra)
(7,053
)
 
(8,260
)
Total long-term debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
1,031,693

 
1,071,618

Current portion of long-term debt
80,492

 
73,125

Total debt
$
1,112,185

 
$
1,144,743


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Table of Contents

On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a Master Shelf and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with a national insurance company (the “Purchaser”). The initial issuance of notes under the Master Agreement occurred on December 22, 2006, through the issuance of $25.0 million in Series C Senior Notes due December 22, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 5.660% per year. On February 1, 2008, $25.0 million in Series D Senior Notes due January 15, 2015, with a fixed interest rate of 5.370% per year, were issued. On September 15, 2011, and pursuant to a Confirmation of Acceptance (the “Confirmation”), dated January 21, 2011, in connection with the Master Agreement, $100.0 million in Series E Senior Notes were issued and are due September 15, 2018, with a fixed interest rate of 4.500% per year. The Series E Senior Notes were issued for the sole purpose of retiring existing senior notes. On January 15, 2015 the Series D Notes were redeemed at maturity using cash proceeds to pay off the principal of $25.0 million plus any remaining accrued interest. As of September 30, 2016, there was an outstanding debt balance issued under the provisions of the Master Agreement of $125.0 million.
On July 1, 2013, in conjunction with the acquisition of Beecher Carlson Holdings, Inc., the Company entered into a revolving loan agreement (the “Wells Fargo Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that provided for a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Wells Fargo Revolver”). The maturity date for the Wells Fargo Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. On April 16, 2014, in connection with the signing of the Credit Facility (as defined below) an amendment to the agreement was established to reduce the total revolving loan commitment from $50.0 million to $25.0 million. The Wells Fargo Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total amount available to $75.0 million). The calculation of interest and fees for the Wells Fargo Agreement is generally based on the Company’s funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.000% to 1.400% above LIBOR or 1.000% below the Base Rate, each as more fully described in the Wells Fargo Agreement. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.250%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.000% to 1.400%. The obligations under the Wells Fargo Revolver are unsecured and the Wells Fargo Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers. On March 14, 2016, the Wells Fargo Revolver was terminated before its maturity date as mentioned above with no fees incurred. There were no borrowings against the Wells Fargo Revolver as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
On April 17, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and certain other banks as co-syndication agents and co-documentation agents (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement in the amount of $1,350.0 million provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in the initial amount of $800.0 million and unsecured term loans in the initial amount of $550.0 million, either or both of which may, subject to lenders’ discretion, potentially be increased by up to $500.0 million. The Credit Facility was funded on May 20, 2014 in conjunction with the closing of the Wright acquisition, with the $550.0 million term loan being funded as well as a drawdown of $375.0 million on the revolving loan facility. Use of these proceeds was to retire existing term loan debt and to facilitate the closing of the Wright acquisition as well as other acquisitions. The Credit Facility terminates on May 20, 2019, but either or both of the revolving Credit Facility and the term loans may be extended for two additional one-year periods at the Company’s request and at the discretion of the respective lenders. Interest and facility fees in respect to the Credit Facility are based on the better of the Company’s net debt leverage ratio or a non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt rating. Based on the Company’s net debt leverage ratio, the rates of interest charged on the term loan are 1.000% to 1.750%, and the revolving loan is 0.850% to 1.500% above the adjusted LIBOR rate for outstanding amounts drawn. There are fees included in the facility which include a facility fee based on the revolving credit commitments of the lenders (whether used or unused) at a rate of 0.150% to 0.250% and letter of credit fees based on the amounts of outstanding secured or unsecured letters of credit. The Credit Facility includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities for similarly rated borrowers. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was an outstanding debt balance issued under the provisions of the Credit Facility in total of $495.0 million and $529.4 million respectively, with no borrowings outstanding relative to the revolving loan. Per the terms of the agreement, a scheduled principal payment of $13.8 million is due on December 31, 2016.
On September 18, 2014, the Company issued $500.0 million of 4.200% unsecured senior notes due in 2024. The senior notes were given investment grade ratings of BBB-/Baa3 with a stable outlook. The notes are subject to certain covenant restrictions and regulations which are customary for credit rated obligations. At the time of funding, the proceeds were offered at a discount of the original note amount which also excluded an underwriting fee discount. The net proceeds received from the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance of $475.0 million on the revolving Credit Facility and for other general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was an outstanding debt balance of $500.0 million exclusive of the associated discount balance.
The Master Agreement and the Credit Agreement all require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain other covenants. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
The 30-day Adjusted LIBOR Rate as of September 30, 2016 was 0.563%.

13

Table of Contents

NOTE 8· Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Our Restricted Cash balance is composed of funds held in separate premium trust accounts as required by state law or, in some cases, pursuant to agreements with our carrier partners. In the second quarter of 2015, certain balances that had previously been reported as held in restricted premium trust accounts were reclassified as non-restricted as they were not restricted by state law or by contractual agreement with a carrier. The resulting impact of this change is a reduction during the second quarter of 2015 of approximately $41.0 million in the balance reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as Restricted Cash and Investments and a corresponding increase in the balance reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents. While these balances are not restricted, they do represent premium payments from customers to be paid to insurance carriers and this change should not be viewed as a source of operating cash.
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
33,122

 
$
33,091

Income taxes
$
104,739

 
$
96,579

Brown & Brown’s significant non-cash investing and financing activities are summarized as follows:
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Other payable issued for purchased customer accounts
$
10,505

 
$
995

Estimated acquisition earn-out payables and related charges
$
3,828

 
$
29,497

Notes payable issued or assumed for purchased customer accounts
$
492

 
$

Notes received on the sale of fixed assets and customer accounts
$

 
$
544

NOTE 9· Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
The Company is involved in numerous pending or threatened proceedings by or against Brown & Brown, Inc. or one or more of its subsidiaries that arise in the ordinary course of business. The damages that may be claimed against the Company in these various proceedings are in some cases substantial, including in certain instances claims for punitive or extraordinary damages. Some of these claims and lawsuits have been resolved, others are in the process of being resolved and others are still in the investigation or discovery phase. The Company will continue to respond appropriately to these claims and lawsuits and to vigorously protect its interests.
We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could adversely impact the Company’s operating results, cash flows and overall liquidity. The Company maintains third-party insurance policies to provide coverage for certain legal claims, in an effort to mitigate its overall exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. However, as (i) one or more of the Company’s insurance carriers could take the position that portions of these claims are not covered by the Company’s insurance, (ii) to the extent that payments are made to resolve claims and lawsuits, applicable insurance policy limits are eroded and (iii) the claims and lawsuits relating to these matters are continuing to develop, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by unfavorable resolutions of these matters. Based on the AM Best Company ratings of these third-party insurers, management does not believe there is a substantial risk of an insurer’s material non-performance related to any current insured claims.
On the basis of current information, the availability of insurance and legal advice, in management’s opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, operations and/or cash flows.
NOTE 10· Segment Information
Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments: (1) the Retail Segment, which provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entities, and to professional and individual customers; (2) the National Programs Segment, which acts as a MGA, provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches, all of which are delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and Brown & Brown retail agents; (3) the Wholesale Brokerage Segment, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, as well as Brown & Brown retail agents; and (4) the Services Segment, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’

14

Table of Contents

compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services and claims adjusting services.
Brown & Brown conducts all of its operations within the United States of America, except for a wholesale brokerage operation based in London, England, and retail operations in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. These operations earned $3.8 million and $3.2 million of total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These operations earned $10.3 million and $9.3 million of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Long-lived assets held outside of the United States as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 were not material.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based upon revenues and income before income taxes. Inter-segment revenues are eliminated.
Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes any income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments, corporate-related items, including the inter-company interest expense charge to the reporting segment, and the elimination of inter-segment activities.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
228,645

 
$
123,632

 
$
70,192

 
$
39,586

 
$
219

 
$
462,274

Investment income
$
5

 
$
96

 
$

 
$
57

 
$
72

 
$
230

Amortization
$
10,861

 
$
6,921

 
$
2,882

 
$
1,140

 
$
1

 
$
21,805

Depreciation
$
1,508

 
$
1,945

 
$
503

 
$
473

 
$
766

 
$
5,195

Interest expense
$
9,026

 
$
10,844

 
$
1,540

 
$
1,257

 
$
(12,784
)
 
$
9,883

Income before income taxes
$
44,894

 
$
32,319

 
$
20,862

 
$
5,971

 
$
12,926

 
$
116,972

Total assets
$
3,652,977

 
$
2,933,568

 
$
1,053,516

 
$
342,360

 
$
(2,460,394
)
 
$
5,522,027

Capital expenditures
$
1,443

 
$
2,153

 
$
11

 
$
80

 
$
504

 
$
4,191

 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
216,249

 
$
116,966

 
$
61,374

 
$
37,980

 
$
(402
)
 
$
432,167

Investment income
$
19

 
$
49

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
157

 
$
228

Amortization
$
11,552

 
$
7,133

 
$
2,441

 
$
1,022

 
$
10

 
$
22,158

Depreciation
$
1,632

 
$
1,850

 
$
506

 
$
474

 
$
753

 
$
5,215

Interest expense
$
10,121

 
$
13,398

 
$
200

 
$
1,527

 
$
(15,364
)
 
$
9,882

Income before income taxes
$
41,785

 
$
25,281

 
$
22,276

 
$
6,022

 
$
17,466

 
$
112,830

Total assets
$
3,400,407

 
$
2,542,619

 
$
880,454

 
$
296,659

 
$
(2,117,947
)
 
$
5,002,192

Capital expenditures
$
1,637

 
$
1,754

 
$
425

 
$
233

 
$
127

 
$
4,176

 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
695,393

 
$
333,522

 
$
184,893

 
$
117,906

 
$
1,251

 
$
1,332,965

Investment income
$
33

 
$
583

 
$
4

 
$
204

 
$
326

 
$
1,150

Amortization
$
32,743

 
$
21,011

 
$
7,915

 
$
3,345

 
$
11

 
$
65,025

Depreciation
$
4,761

 
$
5,881

 
$
1,487

 
$
1,432

 
$
2,306

 
$
15,867

Interest expense
$
29,415

 
$
34,895

 
$
2,472

 
$
3,820

 
$
(40,985
)
 
$
29,617

Income before income taxes
$
144,496

 
$
68,367

 
$
51,711

 
$
17,929

 
$
46,095

 
$
328,598

Total assets
$
3,652,977

 
$
2,933,568

 
$
1,053,516

 
$
342,360

 
$
(2,460,394
)
 
$
5,522,027

Capital expenditures
$
4,664

 
$
5,399

 
$
925

 
$
561

 
$
1,586

 
$
13,135


15

Table of Contents

 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Retail
 
National
Programs
 
Wholesale
Brokerage
 
Services
 
Other
 
Total
Total revenues
$
657,314

 
$
319,577

 
$
168,619

 
$
111,128

 
$
(726
)
 
$
1,255,912

Investment income
$
62

 
$
150

 
$
148

 
$
1

 
$
347

 
$
708

Amortization
$
33,671

 
$
21,343

 
$
7,296

 
$
3,067

 
$
29

 
$
65,406

Depreciation
$
4,908

 
$
5,372

 
$
1,630

 
$
1,533

 
$
2,192

 
$
15,635

Interest expense
$
30,841

 
$
42,306

 
$
645

 
$
4,722

 
$
(49,110
)
 
$
29,404

Income before income taxes
$
137,249

 
$
48,567

 
$
53,150

 
$
16,062

 
$
52,494

 
$
307,522

Total assets
$
3,400,407

 
$
2,542,619

 
$
880,454

 
$
296,659

 
$
(2,117,947
)
 
$
5,002,192

Capital expenditures
$
4,410

 
$
5,004

 
$
2,087

 
$
774

 
$
498

 
$
12,773

NOTE 11· Investments
At September 30, 2016, the Company’s amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity securities are summarized as follows: 
(in thousands)
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipals
$
26,787

 
$
118

 
$
(5
)
 
$
26,900

Corporate debt
3,129

 
38

 

 
3,167

Total
$
29,916

 
$
156

 
$
(5
)
 
$
30,067

At September 30, 2016, the Company held $26.9 million in fixed income securities composed of U.S. Treasury securities, securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and Municipalities, and $3.2 million issued by corporations with investment grade ratings. Of that total, $3.8 million is classified as short-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as maturities are less than one-year. Additionally, the Company holds $9.5 million in short-term investments which are related to time deposits held with various financial institutions.
For securities in a loss position, the following table shows the investments’ gross unrealized loss and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipals
$
5,102

 
$
(5
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
5,102

 
$
(5
)
Corporate debt
701

 

 
160

 

 
861

 

Total
$
5,803

 
$
(5
)
 
$
160

 
$

 
$
5,963

 
$
(5
)
The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate increases. At September 30, 2016, the Company had 10 securities in an unrealized loss position. The corporate securities are highly rated securities with no indicators of potential impairment. Based on the ability and intent of the Company to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the bonds were not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2016.
At December 31, 2015, the Company’s amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity securities are summarized as follows:
(in thousands)
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipals
$
11,876

 
$
6

 
$
(26
)
 
$
11,856

Foreign government
50

 

 

 
50

Corporate debt
4,505

 
7

 
(16
)
 
4,496

Short-duration fixed income fund
1,663

 
27

 

 
1,690

Total
$
18,094

 
$
40

 
$
(42
)
 
$
18,092


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The following table shows the investments’ gross unrealized loss and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and Municipals
$
8,998

 
$
(26
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
8,998

 
$
(26
)
Foreign Government
50

 

 

 

 
50

 

Corporate debt
2,731

 
(14
)
 
284

 
(2
)
 
3,015

 
(16
)
Total
$
11,779

 
$
(40
)
 
$
284

 
$
(2
)
 
$
12,063

 
$
(42
)
The unrealized losses in the Company's investments in U.S. Treasury Securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and bonds from corporate issuers were caused by interest rate increases. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 35 securities in an unrealized loss position. The contractual cash flows of the U.S. Treasury Securities and obligations of the U.S. Government agencies investments are either guaranteed by the U.S. Government or an agency of the U.S. Government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. The corporate securities are highly rated securities with no indicators of potential impairment. Based on the ability and intent of the Company to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the bonds were not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2016 by contractual maturity are set forth below:
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Years to maturity:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
3,753

 
$
3,760

Due after one year through five years
25,833

 
25,951

Due after five years
330

 
356

Total
$
29,916

 
$
30,067

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are set forth below:
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Years to maturity:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
5,726

 
$
5,722

Due after one year through five years
12,038

 
12,041

Due after five years
330

 
329

Total
$
18,094

 
$
18,092

The expected maturities in the foregoing table may differ from the contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty.
Proceeds from the sales and maturity of the Company’s investment in fixed maturity securities were $4.7 million. This along with maturing time deposits and the utilization of funds from a money-market investment account of $8.2 million yielded total cash proceeds from the sale of investments of $16.7 million in the period of January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016. These proceeds were used to purchase additional fixed maturity securities. The gains and losses realized on those sales for the period from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 were insignificant. Additionally, there was a sale of the short-duration fixed income fund which resulted in cash proceeds of $1.7 million, as the fund was liquidated in the third quarter of 2016. Gains on this sale were also insignificant.
Realized gains and losses are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, with the cost of securities sold determined on a specific identification basis.
At September 30, 2016, investments with a fair value of approximately $4.0 million were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory requirements.

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NOTE 12· Reinsurance
Although the reinsurers are liable to the Company for amounts reinsured, our subsidiary, Wright Flood remains primarily liable to its policyholders for the full amount of the policies written whether or not the reinsurers meet their obligations to the Company when they become due. The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned are as follows:
 
 
Period from January 1, 2016 to
September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Written
 
Earned
Direct premiums
$
472,138

 
$
447,813

Ceded premiums
(472,124
)
 
(447,799
)
Net premiums
$
14

 
$
14

All premiums written by Wright Flood under the National Flood Insurance Program are 100% ceded to FEMA, for which Wright Flood received a 30.9% expense allowance from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016. For the period from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, the Company ceded $470.9 million of written premiums.
Effective April 1, 2014, Wright Flood is also a party to a quota share agreement whereby it cedes 100% of its gross excess flood premiums, excluding fees, to Arch Reinsurance Company and receives a 30.5% commission. Wright Flood ceded $1.2 million for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016. No loss data exists on this agreement.
Wright Flood also ceded 100% of the Homeowners, Private Passenger Auto Liability, and Other Liability Occurrence to Stillwater Insurance Company, formerly known as Fidelity National Insurance Company. This business is in runoff. Therefore, only loss data still exists on this business. As of September 30, 2016, no ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses or incurred but not reported expenses for Homeowners, Private Passenger Auto Liability and Other Liability Occurrence existed.
As of September 30, 2016 the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet contained reinsurance recoverable of $332.0 million and prepaid reinsurance premiums of $334.0 million. There was no net activity in the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense during the period January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, as Wright Flood's direct premiums written were 100% ceded to two reinsurers. The balance of the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense, excluding related reinsurance recoverable, as of September 30, 2016 was $332.0 million.
NOTE 13· Statutory Financial Data
Wright Flood maintains capital in excess of the minimum statutory amount of $7.5 million as required by regulatory authorities. The unaudited statutory capital and surplus of Wright Flood was $22.0 million at September 30, 2016. For the period from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, Wright Flood generated statutory net income of $6.7 million.
NOTE 14· Subsidiary Dividend Restrictions
Under the insurance regulations of Texas, where Wright Flood is incorporated, the maximum amount of ordinary dividends that Wright Flood can pay to shareholders in a rolling twelve-month period is limited to the greater of 10% of statutory adjusted capital and surplus as shown on Wright Flood’s last annual statement on file with the superintendent of the Texas Department of Insurance or 100% of adjusted net income. There was no dividend payout in 2015 and the maximum dividend payout that may be made in 2016 without prior approval is $4.1 million.
NOTE 15· Shareholders’ Equity
On March 5, 2015, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase program ("ASR") with an investment bank to purchase an aggregate $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock. As part of the ASR, the Company received an initial delivery of 2,667,992 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair market value of approximately $85.0 million. On August 6, 2015, the Company was notified by its investment bank that the March 5, 2015 ASR agreement between the Company and the investment bank had been completed in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The investment bank delivered to the Company an additional 391,637 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total of 3,059,629 shares repurchased under the agreement. The delivery of the remaining 391,637 shares occurred on August 11, 2015. At the conclusion of this contract the Company had authorization for $50.0 million of share repurchases under the original Board authorization.
On July 20, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $400.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

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On November 11, 2015, the Company entered into an ASR with an investment bank to purchase an aggregate $75.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company received an initial delivery of 1,985,981shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair market value of approximately $63.8 million. On January 6, 2016 this agreement was completed by the investment bank with the delivery of 363,209 shares of the Company’s common stock. After completion of the ASR on January 6, 2016, the Company has approval to repurchase up to $375.0 million, in the aggregate, of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
Under the authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors, shares may be purchased from time to time, at the Company’s discretion and subject to the availability of stock, market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, the Company’s financial performance and other potential factors. These purchases may be carried out through open market purchases, block trades, accelerated share repurchase plans of up to $100.0 million each (unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors), negotiated private transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion updates the MD&A contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and the two discussions should be read together.
GENERAL
Company Overview — Third Quarter of 2016
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to those Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition, please see “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures” below, regarding important information on non-GAAP financial measures contained in our discussion and analysis.
We are a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. As an insurance intermediary, our principal sources of revenue are commissions paid by insurance companies and, to a lesser extent, fees paid directly by customers. Commission revenues generally represent a percentage of the premium paid by an insured and are affected by fluctuations in both premium rate levels charged by insurance companies and the insureds’ underlying “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, or sales and payroll levels) to determine what premium to charge the insured. Insurance companies establish these premium rates based upon many factors, including loss experience, risk profile, and reinsurance rates paid by such insurance companies, none of which we control.
The volume of business from new and existing customers, fluctuations in insurable exposure units, changes in premium rate levels, and changes in general economic and competitive conditions all affect our revenues. For example, level rates of inflation or a general decline in economic activity could limit increases in the values of insurable exposure units. Conversely, the increasing costs of litigation settlements and awards have caused some customers to seek higher levels of insurance coverage. Historically, our revenues have typically grown as a result of our focus on net new business growth and acquisitions. We foster a strong, decentralized sales and service culture with the goal of consistent, sustained growth over the long-term.
The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions and guaranteed supplemental commissions, and therefore represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold, and specific fee-based services rendered. The term “core organic commissions and fees” is our core commissions and fees less (i) the core commissions and fees earned for the first twelve months by newly-acquired operations and (ii) divested business (core commissions and fees generated from offices, books of business or niches sold or terminated during the comparable period). “Core organic commissions and fees”, a non-GAAP measure, are reported in this manner in order to express the current year’s core commissions and fees on a comparable basis with the prior year’s core commissions and fees. The resulting net change reflects the aggregate changes attributable to (i) net new and lost accounts, (ii) net changes in our clients’ exposure units, and (iii) net changes in insurance premium rates or the commission rate paid to us by our carrier partners.
We also earn “profit-sharing contingent commissions,” which are profit-sharing commissions based primarily on underwriting results, but which may also reflect considerations for volume, growth and/or retention. These commissions are primarily received in the first and second quarters of each year, based on the aforementioned considerations for the prior year(s). Over the last three years, profit-sharing contingent commissions have averaged approximately 4.0% of the previous year’s total commissions and fees revenue. Profit-sharing contingent commissions are included in our total commissions and fees in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the year received. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, profit-sharing contingent commissions were down $3.8 million as compared to the same period of the prior year.
Certain insurance companies offer guaranteed fixed-base agreements, referred to as “Guaranteed Supplemental Commissions” (“GSCs”) in lieu of profit-sharing contingent commissions. Since GSCs are not subject to the uncertainty of loss ratios, they are accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written. For the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2015, we had earned $10.0 million of GSCs, of which $7.6 million remained accrued at December 31, 2015, the balance of which is typically collected over the first and second quarter. For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we earned and accrued $2.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we earned and accrued $8.9 million and $8.1 million, respectively, from GSCs.

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Combined, our profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by $3.4 million compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily in our Wholesale Brokerage Segment.
Fee revenues relate to fees negotiated in lieu of commissions, which are recognized as services are rendered. Fee revenues have historically been generated primarily by: (1) our Services Segment, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services, and claims adjusting services, and (2) our National Programs and Wholesale Brokerage Segments, which earn fees primarily for the issuance of insurance policies on behalf of insurance companies, and to a lesser extent (3) our Retail Segment in our large-account customer base. These services are provided over a period of time, typically one year. Fee revenues, on a consolidated basis, as a percentage of our total commissions and fees, represented 30.6% in 2015, 30.6% in 2014 and 26.6% in 2013.
For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, our consolidated internal revenue growth rate was 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively. Additionally, each of our four segments recorded positive internal revenue growth for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. In the event that the gradual increases in insurable exposure units that occurred in the past few years continues through 2016 and premium rate changes are similar with 2015, we believe we will continue to see positive quarterly internal revenue growth rates in 2016.
Historically, investment income has consisted primarily of interest earnings on operating cash as well as on premiums and advance premiums collected and held in a fiduciary capacity before being remitted to insurance companies. Our policy is to invest available funds in high-quality, short-term fixed income investment securities. Investment income also includes gains and losses realized from the sale of investments. Other income primarily reflects legal settlements and other miscellaneous income and for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased by $0.3 million as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily reflecting that prior to 2016 we reported gains and losses on the sale of fixed assets as Other income.
Income before income taxes for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016 increased from the third quarter of 2015 by $4.1 million, primarily as a result of acquisitions completed in the past twelve months and profits from net new business partially offset by the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures
In the discussion and analysis of our results of operations, in addition to reporting financial results in accordance with GAAP, we provide information regarding core commissions and fees, core organic commissions and fees, and our internal growth rate, which is the growth rate of our core organic commissions and fees. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to the GAAP information provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Tabular reconciliations of this supplemental non-GAAP financial information to our most comparable GAAP information are contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We present such non-GAAP supplemental financial information, as we believe such information provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of our operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. This supplemental financial information should be considered in addition to, not in lieu of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisitions
Part of our continuing business strategy is to attract high-quality insurance intermediaries to join our operations. From 1993 through the third quarter of 2016, we acquired 478 insurance intermediary operations, excluding acquired books of business (customer accounts).
Critical Accounting Policies
We have had no changes to our Critical Accounting Policies. We believe that of our significant accounting and reporting policies, the more critical policies include our accounting for revenue recognition, business combinations and purchase price allocations, intangible asset impairments and reserves for litigation. In particular, the accounting for these areas requires significant use of judgment by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. Refer to Note 1 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for details regarding our critical and significant accounting policies.


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
The following discussion and analysis regarding results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.
Financial information relating to our Condensed Consolidated Financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 
 
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core commissions and fees
$
450,464

 
$
417,275

 
8.0
 %
 
$
1,274,170

 
$
1,199,180

 
6.3
 %
Profit-sharing contingent commissions
8,247

 
12,068

 
(31.7
)%
 
46,586

 
45,596

 
2.2
 %
Guaranteed supplemental commissions
2,941

 
2,520

 
16.7
 %
 
8,893

 
8,112

 
9.6
 %
Investment income
230

 
228

 
0.9
 %
 
1,150

 
708

 
62.4
 %
Other income, net
392

 
76

 
NMF

 
2,166

 
2,316

 
(6.5
)%
Total revenues
462,274

 
432,167

 
7.0
 %
 
1,332,965

 
1,255,912

 
6.1
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
237,653

 
216,156

 
9.9
 %
 
692,814

 
645,419

 
7.3
 %
Other operating expenses
67,433

 
66,121

 
2.0
 %
 
197,329

 
191,591

 
3.0
 %
(Gain) loss on disposal
(277
)
 
(654
)
 
(57.6
)%
 
(3,131
)
 
(1,259
)
 
148.7
 %
Amortization
21,805

 
22,158

 
(1.6
)%
 
65,025

 
65,406

 
(0.6
)%
Depreciation
5,195

 
5,215

 
(0.4
)%
 
15,867

 
15,635

 
1.5
 %
Interest
9,883

 
9,882

 
 %
 
29,617

 
29,404

 
0.7
 %
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables
3,610

 
459

 
NMF

 
6,846

 
2,194

 
NMF

Total expenses
345,302

 
319,337

 
8.1
 %
 
1,004,367

 
948,390

 
5.9
 %
Income before income taxes
116,972

 
112,830

 
3.7
 %
 
328,598

 
307,522

 
6.9
 %
Income taxes
45,427

 
45,403

 
0.1
 %
 
128,733

 
122,139

 
5.4
 %
NET INCOME
$
71,545

 
$
67,427

 
6.1
 %
 
$
199,865

 
$
185,383

 
7.7
 %
Net internal growth rate – core organic commissions and fees
4.3
%
 
2.4
%
 
 
 
2.8
%
 
2.6
%
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits ratio
51.4
%
 
50.0
%
 
 
 
52.0
%
 
51.4
%
 
 
Other operating expenses ratio
14.6
%
 
15.3
%
 
 
 
14.8
%
 
15.3
%
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
4,191

 
$
4,176

 
 
 
$
13,135

 
$
12,773

 
 
Total assets at September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
5,522,027

 
$
5,002,192

 
 
 
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
Commissions and Fees
Commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased $29.8 million to $461.7 million, or 6.9% over the same period in 2015. Core commissions and fees revenue for the third quarter of 2016 increased $33.2 million, of which approximately $17.3 million represented core commissions and fees from agencies acquired since 2015 that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2015. After accounting for divested business of $2.0 million, the remaining net increase of $17.9 million represented net new business, which reflects a growth rate of 4.3% for core organic commissions and fees. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the third quarter of 2016 decreased by $3.4 million, or 23.3%, compared to the same period in 2015. The net decrease of $3.4 million in the third quarter was mainly driven by a decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions in the Wholesale Brokerage Segment as a result of carrier experience.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs, increased $76.8 million to $1,329.6 million, or 6.1% over the same period in 2015. Core commissions and fees revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $75.0 million, of which approximately $47.5 million represented core commissions and fees from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2015. After accounting for divested business of $5.9 million, the remaining

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net increase of $33.4 million represented net new business, which reflects an internal growth rate of 2.8% for core organic commissions and fees. Profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased by $1.8 million, or 3.3%, compared to the same period in 2015. The net increase of $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 was mainly driven by an increase in profit-sharing contingent commissions in the National Programs and Retail Segments, which was partially offset by a decrease in the Wholesale Brokerage Segment.
Investment Income
Investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 remained flat over the same period in 2015. Investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.4 million, or 62.4%, over the same period in 2015. This increase was related to higher average invested cash balances and additional interest income driven by cash management activities to earn a higher yield.
Other Income, net
Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.4 million, compared with $0.1 million in the same period in 2015. Other income consists primarily of legal settlements and other miscellaneous income. The $0.3 million increase for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015 was primarily a result of a change in accounting treatment for the loss on fixed asset sales.
Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $2.2 million, compared with $2.3 million in the same period in 2015. The $0.1 million decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015 was primarily due to a $1.0 million benefit received from Company-owned life insurance, offset by a legal settlement realized in the prior year.
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues increased to 51.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, from 50.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Employee compensation and benefits for the third quarter of 2016 increased, approximately 9.9%, or $21.5 million, over the same period in 2015. This net increase included $2.7 million of compensation costs related to stand-alone acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2015. Therefore, employee compensation and benefits expense attributable to those offices that existed in the same three-month period ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 increased by $18.8 million or 8.7%. The employee compensation and benefits expense net increases for these offices were primarily related to (i) an increase in staff salaries attributable to salary inflation and higher volumes in portions of our business; (ii) increased producer commissions due to increased revenue; and (iii) cost associated with our deferred compensation plan which are largely offset by unrealized gains reported in other operating expenses.
Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues increased to 52.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from 51.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Employee compensation and benefits for the first nine months of 2016 increased, by approximately 7.3%, or $47.4 million, over the same period in 2015. This increase included $17.3 million of compensation costs related to acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2015. Therefore, employee compensation and benefits expense attributable to those offices that existed in the same nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 increased by $30.1 million or 4.7%. The employee compensation and benefits expense increases for these offices were primarily related to (i) an increase in staff salaries attributable to salary inflation and higher volumes in portions of our business; (ii) increased producer commissions due to increased revenue; and (iii) a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation which partially offset the overall increase.
Other Operating Expenses
As a percentage of total revenues, other operating expenses represented 14.6% in the third quarter of 2016, versus 15.3% reported in the third quarter of 2015. Other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2016 increased $1.3 million, or 2.0%, over the same period of 2015, of which $0.6 million was related to acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2015. The other operating expenses for those offices that existed in both three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, increased by $0.7 million, which was primarily attributable to (i) increased expenses associated with information technology services and consulting; (ii) a decrease in life insurance expense related to the deferred compensation plan; and (iii) partially offset by the benefits from our strategic purchasing program.
Other operating expenses represented 14.8% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, versus 15.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Other operating expenses for the first nine months of 2016 increased $5.7 million, or 3.0%, over the same period of 2015, of which $6.1 million was related to acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2015. The other operating expenses for those offices that existed in both of the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, decreased by $0.4 million, which was primarily attributable to information technology services, consulting expenses and office rent offset by a decrease in life insurance expense related to the deferred compensation plan and benefits from our strategic purchasing program and premium tax refunds received in National Programs.

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Gain on Disposal
Gain on disposal for the third quarter of 2016 decreased $0.4 million from the third quarter of 2015. Gain on disposal for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $1.9 million over the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The change in the gain on disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was due to activity associated with book of business sales. Although we are not in the business of selling customer accounts, we periodically sell an office or a book of business (one or more customer accounts) because we believe doing so is in the Company’s best interest.
Amortization
Amortization expense for the third quarter of 2016 decreased $0.4 million, or 1.6%, over the third quarter of 2015. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased $0.4 million, or 0.6%, over the nine months ended September 30, 2015. These decreases reflect certain intangibles becoming fully amortized, partially offset with amortization of new intangibles from recently acquired businesses.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense for the third quarter of 2016 remained flat compared to the third quarter of 2015. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.2 million, or 1.5%, over the nine months ended September 30, 2015. These changes were due primarily to the addition of fixed assets resulting from acquisitions completed since the first three quarters of 2015, net of assets which became fully depreciated.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2016 remained flat compared to the third quarter of 2015. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.2 million, or 0.7%, over the nine months ended September 30, 2015. This increase was due to a rise in the floating interest rate of our Credit Facility term loan, partially offset by the scheduled amortized principal payments on the Credit Facility term loan which has reduced the Company's average debt balance.
Change in Estimated Acquisition Earn-Out Payables
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805-Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquiring entity to recognize 100% of the fair value of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase price arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. As a result, the recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations are required to be recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income when incurred or reasonably estimated. Estimations of potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired operations or entities, usually for periods ranging from one to three years.
The net charge or credit to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the period is the combination of the net change in the estimated acquisition earn-out payables balance, and the interest expense imputed on the outstanding balance of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820-Fair Value Measurement. The resulting net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
 
For the three months 
 ended September 30,
 
For the nine months 
 ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Change in fair value of estimated acquisition earn-out payables
$
2,883

 
$
(365
)
 
$
4,704

 
$
(30
)
Interest expense accretion
727

 
824

 
2,142

 
2,224

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables
$
3,610

 
$
459

 
$
6,846

 
$
2,194


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For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of estimated earn-out payables was re-evaluated and increased by $2.9 million and decreased by $0.4 million, respectively, which resulted in charges and credits to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of estimated earn-out payables was re-evaluated and increased by $4.7 million and decreased by $0.03 million, respectively, which resulted in charges and credits to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.
As of September 30, 2016, the estimated acquisition earn-out payables equaled $61.5 million, of which $23.0 million was recorded as accounts payable and $38.5 million was recorded as other non-current liability.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016