# HCI Group, Inc. (HCI) FY 2023 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from HCI Group, Inc.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2023.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1400810/000095017024028620/hci-20231231.htm
Accession: 0000950170-24-028620
Filing date: 2024-03-08
Report date: 2023-12-31
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/HCI/
All MD&A years: /company/HCI/mda/
Previous year: /company/HCI/mda/fy2022/ (FY 2022)
Next year: /company/HCI/mda/fy2024/ (FY 2024)

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. Such statements, including statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions or future events, involve risks and uncertainties. These statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Typically, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions. The important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the effects of governmental regulation; changes in insurance regulations; the frequency and extent of claims; uncertainties inherent in reserve estimates; catastrophic events; changes in the demand for, pricing of, availability of or collectability of reinsurance; restrictions on our ability to change premium rates; increased rate pressure on premiums; the severity and impact of a pandemic; and other risks and uncertainties and other factors listed under Item 1A – “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

OVERVIEW

General

HCI Group, Inc. is a Florida-based company which through its subsidiaries is engaged in a variety of business activities, including property and casualty insurance, information technology services, insurance management, real estate and reinsurance. Its principal business is property and casualty insurance.

We began insurance operations by participating in a “take-out program” which is a legislatively mandated program designed to encourage private companies to assume policies from Citizens, a Florida state-sponsored insurance carrier. Over the years, we have periodically acquired additional policies from Citizens meeting our strict underwriting criteria. We will continue to do so as opportunities arise.

Our general operating and growth strategies are to continually optimize our existing book of insurance business, organically expand our insurance business, manage our costs and expenses, diversify our business operations, develop and deploy new technologies to streamline operational processes, and maintain a strong balance sheet so we can quickly pursue accretive opportunities when they arise. Our growth strategies also include assumption of policies from other insurance companies with the intention of renewing and/or replacing them with our policies.

Recent Events

On January 22, 2024, TTIG entered into a Stock Redemption Agreement with Centerbridge which allowed TTIG to redeem all of the TTIG Series A Preferred Stock held by Centerbridge. The redemption occurred prior to an optional February 26, 2025 redemption right held by Centerbridge. The redemption totaled $100,000,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends of approximately $2,923,000. The redemption was funded with cash on hand, as well as $50,000,000 from HCI’s existing revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank.

On January 22, 2024, in connection with TTIG's redemption of all of the TTIG Series A Preferred Stock held by Centerbridge, we extended the expiration date of the warrant currently held by Centerbridge to purchase 750,000 shares of HCI common stock. The amended and restated warrant extends the expiration as to 450,000 underlying warrant shares in 150,000-share increments to December 31, 2026, December 31, 2027, and December 31, 2028. The remaining 300,000 warrants will continue to have the same original expiration date of February 26, 2025.

On January 22, 2024, a new shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registration”) was filed, replacing our old universal shelf registration statement filed in September 2023. The new Shelf Registration permits us to offer and sell our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, and stock purchase contracts and units, from time to time, subject to market conditions and our capital needs. The Shelf Registration will also enable Centerbridge to sell all or a portion of the above-described amended and restated warrant or the shares issuable pursuant to the warrant. As a part of the Shelf Registration, we also announced the implementation of an “at-the-market” facility (the “ATM facility”) under which we would have the ability to raise up to $75,000,000 through the issuance of new shares of common stock into the market if we were to so choose.

On January 23, 2024, we, through TypTap, assumed an additional 9,478 insurance policies from Citizens, representing approximately $48,012,000 in annualized premiums.

25

On January 24, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividends are payable on March 15, 2024 to stockholders of record on February 16, 2024.

On February 27, 2024, CORE, a consolidated VIE, assumed 323 insurance policies from Citizens, representing approximately $38,273,000 in annualized premiums written.

Subsequent to the reporting date, we notified the holders of our outstanding 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 that we have elected to redeem the remaining $23,916,000 principal balance of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes. As a result of this notice, the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes became immediately convertible into our common shares. The redemption date is March 15, 2024. We expect to issue approximately 397,000 shares to convert these notes. Since the notification, we have converted $23,380,000 in aggregate principal of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes for aggregate consideration of 387,928 shares of our common stock plus cash consideration in lieu of fractional shares.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 with the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect net income of approximately $89,257,000, or $7.62 diluted earnings per share, compared with net loss of approximately $54,603,000, or $6.24 loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a $32,313,000 increase in net premiums earned, a $23,346,000 net increase in income from our investment portfolio (consisting of net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains or losses), a $116,884,000 decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses, and a $14,155,000 decrease in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses, offset by a $3,349,000 increase in interest expense and a $3,117,000 decrease in gain from remeasurement of contingent liabilities.

Revenue

Gross Premiums Earned on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $765,512,000 and $724,716,000, respectively. The $40,796,000 increase in 2023 was primarily attributable to the increased policies in force from the assumption of Citizens insurance policies and the increased average premium per policy, offset by policy attrition. HCPCI’s gross premiums earned were $417,202,000 in 2023 compared with $426,501,000 in 2022. TypTap’s gross premiums earned were $348,310,000 in 2023 compared with $298,215,000 in 2022.

Premiums Ceded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $269,627,000 and $261,144,000, respectively, representing 35.2% and 36.0%, respectively, of gross premiums earned. Our premiums ceded represent costs of reinsurance to cover losses from catastrophes that exceed the retention levels defined by our catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts or to assume a proportional share of losses defined in a quota share agreement. The rates we pay for reinsurance are based primarily on policy exposures reflected in gross premiums earned. The $8,483,000 increase was primarily attributable to higher reinsurance costs for the 2023-2024 contract year and an increased overall reinsurance coverage amount for Florida, offset by a higher reduction in premiums ceded attributable to retrospective provisions under multi-year reinsurance contracts. See “Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Net Premiums Written for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled approximately $628,995,000 and $464,875,000, respectively. Net premiums written represent the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period less any applicable reinsurance costs. The $164,120,000 increase in 2023 resulted primarily from an increase in gross premiums written from the assumption of Citizens insurance policies of approximately $143,087,000, offset by an increase in premiums ceded. HCPCI’s and TypTap’s gross premiums written were approximately $535,070,000 and $363,552,000, respectively, for 2023 compared with approximately $377,860,000 and $348,159,000, respectively, for 2022. We had approximately 247,000 policies in force at December 31, 2023 as compared with approximately 210,400 policies in force at December 31, 2022.

Net Premiums Earned for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $495,885,000 and $463,572,000, respectively, and reflect the gross premiums earned less reinsurance costs as described above.

The following is a reconciliation of our Net Premiums Written to Net Premiums Earned for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (amounts in thousands):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["","","2023","","","2022"],["Net Premiums Written","","$","628,995","","","$","464,875"],["Increase in Unearned Premiums","","","(133,110",")","","","(1,303",")"],["Net Premiums Earned","","$","495,885","","","$","463,572"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

26

Net Investment Income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $46,234,000 and $32,447,000, respectively. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a $11,963,000 increase in interest income from cash and cash equivalents and a $11,259,000 increase in income from available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, offset by a $5,919,000 decrease in income from real estate investments and a $3,302,000 decrease in income from limited partnership investments. See f) Net Investment Income under Note 5 -- “Investments” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains for the year ended December 31, 2023 were approximately $3,215,000 compared with approximately $7,153,000 of net unrealized investment losses for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net unrealized investment gains or losses represent the net change in the fair value of equity securities. The increase in 2023 was primarily attributable to an overall improvement in the equity market compared with 2022.

Gain from Remeasurement of Contingent Liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0 compared with approximately $3,117,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, resulting from the decrease in the balance of contingent liabilities in connection with the renewal rights agreements entered into with United. See Note 10 -- “Intangible Assets, Net” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Expenses

Our consolidated Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to approximately $254,579,000 and $371,463,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The losses and loss adjustment expenses of HCPCI Insurance Operations were $118,367,000 and $204,549,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease was attributable to a reduction in loss and loss adjustment expenses attributable to Hurricane Ian of approximately $42,133,000 and lower losses due to lower claims and litigation frequency related to Florida policies. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for TypTap were $139,049,000 and $173,828,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease was attributable to less prior period development being recorded in 2023, lower losses due to lower claims and litigation frequency, and a reduction in loss and loss adjustment expenses attributable to Hurricane Ian of approximately $16,495,000. See “Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $90,822,000 and $104,977,000, respectively, and primarily reflect the amortization of deferred acquisition costs such as commissions payable to agents for production and renewal of policies, catastrophe allowance payable to United, and premium taxes. Policy acquisition expenses for HCPCI were $42,750,000 and $59,398,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. TypTap policy acquisition expenses were $48,176,000 and $45,733,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The overall decrease was primarily attributable to amortization of decreased commission costs.

General and Administrative Personnel Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $53,868,000 and $56,511,000, respectively. Our general and administrative personnel expenses include salaries, wages, payroll taxes, stock-based compensation expense, and employee benefit costs. Factors such as merit increases, changes in headcount, and periodic restricted stock grants, among others, cause fluctuations in this expense. In addition, our personnel expenses are decreased by the capitalization of payroll costs related to projects to develop software for internal use and the payroll costs associated with the processing and settlement of certain catastrophe claims which are recoverable from reinsurers under reinsurance contracts. The year-over-year decrease of $2,643,000 was primarily attributable to a decrease in stock-based compensation expense and an increase in recovered and capitalized payroll costs, offset by an increase in employee incentive bonuses, and increase in the headcount of temporary and full-time employees and merit increases for non-executive employees effective in late February 2023.

Interest Expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $11,117,000 and $7,768,000, respectively. The increase primarily resulted from interest expense related to our 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes issued in May 2022, offset by decreased interest expense from a reduction in promissory notes on our real estate investments.

Impairment Loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0 compared with approximately $2,284,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, resulting from an impairment of renewal rights intangible assets associated with United policies assumed in the Northeast and Southeast regions.

Income Tax Expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $28,393,000 for federal, state, and foreign income taxes compared with income tax benefit of approximately $13,815,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, resulting in an effective tax rate of 24.1% for 2023 and 20.2% for 2022. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the elimination of the valuation allowance established as of December 31, 2022.

27

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2023 (losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred related to net premiums earned) was 51.3% compared with 80.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses and the increase in net premiums earned.

The expense ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2023 (defined as total expenses excluding losses and loss adjustment expenses related to net premiums earned) was 36.0% compared with 42.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in our expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in net premiums earned and the decrease in policy acquisition, underwriting and personnel expenses.

The combined ratio is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 87.3% compared with 122.5% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses, the decrease in policy acquisition, underwriting and personnel expenses, and the increase in net premiums earned.

Due to the impact our reinsurance costs have on net premiums earned from period to period, our management believes the combined ratio measured to gross premiums earned is more relevant in assessing overall performance. The combined ratio to gross premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 56.6% compared with 78.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in 2023 was primarily attributable to the decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses and the increase in gross premiums earned.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 with the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflect net loss of approximately $54,603,000, or $6.24 loss per share, compared with net income of approximately $7,242,000, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The year-over-year decrease was primarily attributable to a $143,938,000 increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses, an $11,245,000 increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses, and an $11,083,000 increase in general and administrative personnel expenses, offset by an $86,269,000 increase in net premiums earned and a $3,937,000 net increase in income from our investment portfolio (consisting of net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains or losses).

Revenue

Gross Premiums Earned on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $724,716,000 and $577,044,000, respectively. The $147,672,000 increase in 2022 was primarily attributable to the increased policies in force from the growth in TypTap’s business, offset by a normal decrease due to policy attrition. Gross premiums earned from the United policies assumed were $73,261,000 in 2022 compared with $98,498,000 in 2021. HCPCI’s gross premiums earned were $426,501,000 in 2022 compared with $401,137,000 in 2021. TypTap’s gross premiums earned were $298,215,000 in 2022 compared with $175,907,000 in 2021.

Premiums Ceded for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $261,144,000 and $199,741,000, respectively, representing 36.0% and 34.6%, respectively, of gross premiums earned. The $61,403,000 increase was primarily attributable to increased reinsurance costs effective June 1, 2022 and an increased overall reinsurance coverage amount as a result of premium growth and expansion, offset by a net reduction in premiums ceded attributable to retrospective provisions under multi-year reinsurance contracts. In addition, premiums ceded were increased by a reversal of $12,600,000 of previously accrued benefits attributable to retrospective provisions under multi-year reinsurance contracts due to the effects of Hurricane Ian.

Net Premiums Written for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 totaled approximately $464,875,000 and $474,648,000, respectively. The $9,773,000 decrease in 2022 resulted primarily from an increase in premiums ceded to reinsurers as described above, offset by an increase in gross premiums written from the growth of TypTap business of approximately $100,680,000. HCPCI’s and TypTap’s gross premiums written were approximately $377,860,000 and $348,159,000, respectively, for 2022 compared with approximately $426,910,000 and $247,479,000, respectively, for 2021. We had approximately 210,400 policies in force at December 31, 2022 (excluding policies assumed from United) as compared with approximately 180,700 policies in force at December 31, 2021.

Net Premiums Earned for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $463,572,000 and $377,303,000, respectively, and reflect the gross premiums earned less reinsurance costs as described above.

28

The following is a reconciliation of our Net Premiums Written to Net Premiums Earned for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["","","2022","","","2021"],["Net Premiums Written","","$","464,875","","","$","474,648"],["Increase in Unearned Premiums","","","(1,303",")","","","(97,345",")"],["Net Premiums Earned","","$","463,572","","","$","377,303"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Net Investment Income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $32,447,000 and $12,335,000, respectively. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a $12,040,000 increase in income from real estate investments, a $4,992,000 increase in income from available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and a $4,142,000 increase in interest income from cash and cash equivalents. See Net Investment Income under Note 5 -- “Investments” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Realized Investment Losses for the year ended December 31, 2022 were approximately $1,187,000 compared with approximately $6,472,000 of net realized investment gains for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to net realized losses of approximately $996,000 from sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared with net realized gains of approximately $4,123,000 from sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net Unrealized Investment Losses for the year ended December 31, 2022 were approximately $7,153,000 compared with approximately $1,363,000 of net unrealized investment gains for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net unrealized investment gains or losses represent the net change in the fair value of equity securities. The decrease in 2022 was primarily attributable to an overall deterioration in the equity market compared with 2021.

Gain from Remeasurement of Contingent Liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $3,117,000, resulting from the decrease in the balance of contingent liabilities in connection with the renewal rights agreements entered into with United. See Note 10 -- “Intangible Assets, Net” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Expenses

Our consolidated Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to approximately $371,463,000 and $227,525,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The losses and loss adjustment expenses of HCPCI Insurance Operations were $204,549,000 and $147,198,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to approximately $42,100,000 of losses from Hurricane Ian and a $20,338,000 net increase in losses attributable to the United policies due to an increase in the number of policies assumed from United or any subsequent renewal or replacement of United policies. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for TypTap were $173,828,000 and $80,863,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to $45,365,000 of losses due to the greater number of TypTap policies in force, approximately $23,200,000 of losses from Hurricane Ian, a $14,389,000 net increase in losses attributable to the United policies due to an increase in the number of policies assumed from United or any subsequent renewal or replacement of United policies, and $13,544,000 of prior period loss development. See “Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $104,977,000 and $93,732,000, respectively. Policy acquisition expenses for HCPCI were $59,398,000 and $59,321,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. TypTap policy acquisition expenses were $45,733,000 and $34,593,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to amortization of increased commission costs related to the growth of TypTap’s policies in force during 2022 and the policies assumed from United or any subsequent renewal or replacement of United policies.

Debt Conversion Expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $0 and $1,754,000, respectively, representing costs associated with certain of the conversions of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes.

General and Administrative Personnel Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $56,511,000 and $45,428,000, respectively. The year-over-year increase of $11,083,000 was primarily attributable to a $9,607,000 increase in salaries and wages expense due to an increase in the headcount of temporary and full-time employees and merit increases for non-executive employees and a $1,353,000 increase in stock-based compensation expense.

29

Interest Expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $7,768,000 and $6,400,000, respectively. The increase primarily resulted from interest expense related to our 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes issued in May 2022, offset by conversions of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes during the second half of 2021.

Income Tax Benefit for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $13,815,000 for federal, state, and foreign income taxes compared with income tax expense of approximately $3,991,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.2% for 2022 and 35.5% for 2021. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a valuation allowance established as of December 31, 2022 and the recognition of tax benefits attributable to restricted stock that vested during 2022.

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2022 (losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred related to net premiums earned) was 80.1% compared with 60.3% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses due to Hurricane Ian, offset in part by the increase in net premiums earned.

The expense ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2022 (defined as total expenses excluding losses and loss adjustment expenses related to net premiums earned) was 42.4% compared with 44.8% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in our expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in net premiums earned and the decrease in debt conversion expense, offset in part by the increase in policy acquisition, underwriting and personnel expenses.

The combined ratio is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 122.5% compared with 105.1% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses combined with the increases in reinsurance costs and policy acquisition, underwriting and personnel expenses.

The combined ratio to gross premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 78.4% compared with 68.7% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in 2022 was primarily attributable to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses due to Hurricane Ian, offset in part by the increase in gross premiums earned.

Seasonality of Our Business

Our insurance business is seasonal. Hurricanes and tropical storms affecting Florida, our primary market, and other southeastern states typically occur during the period from June 1st through November 30th of each year. Winter storms in the northeast usually occur during the period between December 1st and March 31st of each year. Also, with our reinsurance treaty year typically effective on June 1st of each year, any variation in the cost of our reinsurance, whether due to changes in reinsurance rates, coverage levels or changes in the total insured value of our policy base, will occur and be reflected in our financial results beginning on June 1st of each year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Throughout our history, our liquidity requirements have been met through issuances of our common and preferred stock, debt offerings and funds from operations. We expect our future liquidity requirements will be met by funds from operations, primarily the cash received by our insurance subsidiaries from premiums written and investment income. We may consider raising additional capital through debt and/or equity offerings to support our growth and future investment opportunities.

Our insurance subsidiaries require liquidity and adequate capital to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and claimants and to fund operating expenses. In addition, we attempt to maintain adequate levels of liquidity and surplus to manage any differences between the duration of our liabilities and invested assets. In the insurance industry, cash collected for premiums from policies written is invested, interest and dividends are earned thereon, and losses and loss adjustment expenses are paid out over a period of years. This period of time varies by the circumstances surrounding each claim. Substantially all of our losses and loss adjustment expenses, excluding litigated claims, are fully settled and paid within approximately 100 days of the claim receipt date. Additional cash outflow occurs through payments of underwriting costs such as commissions, taxes, payroll, and general overhead expenses.

We believe that we maintain sufficient liquidity to pay claims and expenses, as well as to satisfy commitments in the event of unforeseen events such as reinsurer insolvencies, inadequate premium rates, or reserve deficiencies. We maintain a comprehensive reinsurance program at levels management considers adequate to diversify risk and safeguard our financial position.

In the future, we anticipate our primary use of funds will be to pay claims, reinsurance premiums, interest, and dividends and to fund operating expenses and real estate acquisitions.

30

Convertible Senior Notes, Promissory Notes, and Finance Leases

The following table summarizes the principal and interest payment obligations for our indebtedness at December 31, 2023:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Maturity Date","","Payment Due Date"],["4.75% Convertible Senior Notes*","","June 2042","","June 1 and December 1"],["4.25% Convertible Senior Notes**","","March 2037","","March 1 and September 1"],["4.55% Promissory Note","","Through August 2036","","1st day of each month"],["5.50% Promissory Note","","Through July 2033","","1st day of each month"],["Finance leases","","Through October 2024","","Various"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["*","At the option of the noteholders, we may be required to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes on June 1, 2027, June 1, 2032 or June 1, 2037."],["**","At the option of the noteholders, we may be required to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes on March 1, 2027 or March 1, 2032."]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

See Note 13 -- “Long-Term Debt” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Limited Partnership Investments

Our limited partnership investments consist of six private equity funds managed by their general partners. Two of these funds have unexpired capital commitments which are callable at the discretion of the fund’s general partner for funding new investments or expenses of the fund. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to provide additional capital for the four remaining funds with expired capital commitments. At December 31, 2023, there was an aggregate unfunded capital balance of $4,205,000. See c) Limited Partnership Investments under Note 5 -- “Investments” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Real Estate Investments

Real estate has long been a significant component of our overall investment portfolio. It diversifies our portfolio and helps offset the volatility of other higher-risk assets. Thus, we may consider expanding our real estate investment portfolio should an opportunity arise.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are summarized below.

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $230,658,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written, and reinsurance recoveries of approximately $244,060,000 less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Net cash provided by investing activities of $4,269,000 was primarily due to the proceeds from calls, repayments and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $328,719,000, the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $34,528,000, the proceeds from sales of real estate investments of $21,746,000, and distributions received from limited partnership investments of $3,115,000, offset by the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $352,653,000, the purchases of property and equipment of $6,502,000, the purchases of real estate investments of $21,405,000, and the purchase of intangible assets of $1,786,000. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $67,117,000, which was primarily due to net proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $84,572,000 and proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $12,000,000, offset by $13,719,000 of cash dividend payments, the redemption of long-term debt of $6,895,000, cash dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $6,763,000, $784,000 of share repurchases, and repayments of long-term debt of $562,000.

31

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $12,000, which consisted primarily of cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments less cash received from net premiums written and reinsurance recoveries of approximately $200,551,000. Net cash used in investing activities of $434,537,000 was primarily due to the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $637,730,000, the purchases of property and equipment of $6,341,000, and the purchase of intangible assets from United of $3,800,000, offset by the proceeds from calls, repayments and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $151,415,000, the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $43,321,000, $14,500,000 of compensation received for the property relinquished through eminent domain, and distributions received from limited partnership investments of $5,360,000. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $41,067,000, which was primarily due to the proceeds from issuance of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes of $172,500,000, offset by $88,312,000 of share repurchases, $15,157,000 of net cash dividend payments, net repayment of our revolving credit facility of $15,000,000, debt issuance costs paid of $6,041,000, cash dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $5,508,000, and repayments of long-term debt of $1,009,000.

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was approximately $96,503,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written and reinsurance recoveries of approximately $48,921,000 less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Net cash provided by investing activities of $36,852,000 was primarily due to the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $135,365,000, the proceeds from calls, repayments and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $23,430,000, and the distributions of $4,657,000 received from limited partnership investments, offset by the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $121,104,000, additional investments in limited partnership interests of $3,756,000, and the purchases of property and equipment of $3,318,000. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $64,301,000, which was primarily due to net proceeds of $93,738,000 from Centerbridge for investment in TTIG, offset by $13,759,000 of net cash dividend payments, net repayment of our revolving credit facility of $8,750,000, cash dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $2,542,000, $1,895,000 of debt conversion expense paid and $1,314,000 used in share repurchases.

Investments

The main objective of our investment policy is to maximize our after-tax investment income with a reasonable level of risk given the current financial market. Our excess cash is invested primarily in money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and fixed-maturity and equity securities.

At December 31, 2023, we had $428,775,000 of fixed-maturity and equity investments, which are carried at fair value. Changes in the general interest rate environment affect the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments. While a rising interest rate environment enhances the returns available on new investments, it reduces the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments and thus the availability of gains on disposition. A decline in interest rates reduces the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments but increases the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments, creating the opportunity for realized investment gains on disposition.

In the future, we may alter our investment policy with regard to investments in federal, state and municipal obligations, preferred and common equity securities and real estate mortgages, as permitted by applicable law, including insurance regulations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of December 31, 2023, we had unexpired capital commitments for limited partnerships in which we hold interests. Such commitments are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. See Note 25 -- “Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are related to our losses and loss adjustment expenses, which include amounts estimated for claims incurred but not yet reported. We base our estimates on various assumptions and actuarial data we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

32

We believe our accounting policies specific to losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance recoverable, reinsurance with retrospective provisions, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, limited partnership investments, acquired intangible assets, warrants, and redeemable noncontrolling interest involve our most significant judgments and estimates material to our consolidated financial statements.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. We establish reserves for the estimated total unpaid costs of losses including loss adjustment expenses (LAE). Loss and LAE reserves reflect management’s best estimate of the total cost of (i) claims that have been incurred, but not yet paid in full, and (ii) claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”). Reserves established by us represent an estimate of the outcome of future events and, as such, cannot be considered an exact calculation of our liability. Rather, loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our company’s liability based on the application of actuarial techniques and other projection methodologies and taking into consideration other facts and circumstances known at the balance sheet date. The process of establishing loss and LAE reserves is complex and inherently imprecise, as it involves the estimation of the outcome of future uncertain events. The impact of both internal and external variables on ultimate losses and LAE costs is difficult to estimate. In determining loss and LAE reserves, we give careful consideration to all available data and actuarial analyses.

Currently, our estimated ultimate liability is calculated using the principles and procedures described in Note 15 -- “Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are applied to the lines of business written. However, because the establishment of loss and LAE reserves is an inherently uncertain process, we cannot be certain that ultimate losses will not exceed the established loss and LAE reserves and have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Changes in estimates, or differences between estimates and amounts ultimately paid, are reflected in the operating results of the period during which such adjustments are made.

Our reported results, financial position and liquidity would be affected by likely changes in key assumptions that determine our net loss reserves. Management does not believe that any reasonably likely changes in the frequency of claims would affect our loss and LAE reserves. However, management believes that a reasonably likely increase or decrease in the severity of claims could impact our net loss and LAE reserves. The table below summarizes the effect on net loss and LAE reserves and equity in the event of reasonably likely changes in the severity of claims considered in establishing loss and LAE reserves. The range of reasonably likely changes in the severity of our claims was established based on a review of changes in loss year development and applied to loss and LAE reserves as a whole. The selected range of changes does not indicate what could be the potential best or worst case or likely scenarios:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["Year Ended December 31, 2023"],["Change in Reserves","","Reserves","","","Percentage Change in Equity, Net of Tax"],["-20.0%","","","468,058","","","","26.81","%"],["-15.0%","","","497,312","","","","20.11","%"],["-10.0%","","","526,566","","","","13.41","%"],["-5.0%","","","555,819","","","","6.70","%"],["Base","","","585,073","","","","\u2014"],["5.0%","","","614,327","","","","(6.70",")%"],["10.0%","","","643,580","","","","(13.41",")%"],["15.0%","","","672,834","","","","(20.11",")%"],["20.0%","","","702,088","","","","(26.81",")%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Reinsurance Recoverable. Our reinsurance recoverable balance represents an estimate of the amount of paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses that is recoverable from reinsurers. This estimate is determined in a manner consistent with the terms of the applicable reinsurance contracts and based on the ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses we expect to incur. Given the uncertainty of the ultimate amounts of losses and loss adjustment expenses, the estimate may vary significantly from the eventual outcome.

Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions. From time to time, our reinsurance contracts may include retrospective provisions that adjust premiums in the event losses are minimal or zero. As described earlier, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the estimation of future losses. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we will recognize an asset in the period in which the absence of loss experience obligates the reinsurer to pay cash or other consideration under the contract. In the event that a loss arises, we will derecognize such asset in the period in which a loss arises. Such adjustments to the asset, which accrue throughout the contract term, will negatively impact our operating results when a catastrophic loss event occurs during the contract term.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we accrued benefits and recognized reductions in premiums ceded of $27,972,000, $18,710,000 and $10,864,000, respectively.

33

As of December 31, 2023, we had $44,289,000 of accrued benefits, the amount that would be charged to earnings in the event we experience a catastrophic loss that exceeds the coverage limit provided under such agreement. As of December 31, 2022, we had $16,317,000 of accrued benefits, the amount that would be charged to earnings in the event we experience a catastrophic loss that exceeds the coverage limit provided under such agreements. In October 2022, we received a $5,457,000 premium refund in connection with the previous two multi-year reinsurance contracts which were commuted in May 2022. We believe the credit risk associated with the collectability of these accrued benefits is minimal based on available information about the reinsurer’s financial position and the reinsurer’s demonstrated ability to comply with contract terms.

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, resulting in two components of income tax expense (benefit): current and deferred. Current income tax expense (benefit) reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. We determine deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Deferred tax assets, representing future reductions in taxable income, are recorded with the assumption that taxable income will be present in the future. Given the uncertainty regarding future taxable income, valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized, if any. We have elected to classify the related interest and penalties, if any, as income tax expense as permitted by current accounting standards.

Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock-based compensation awards under our stockholder-approved incentive plans in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of U.S. GAAP, which require the measurement, and recognition of compensation for all stock-based awards made to employees, non-employee directors, and third-party award recipients including stock options, restricted stock and warrant issuances based on estimated fair values. For restricted stock with service-based vesting conditions, fair value is determined by the market price of the stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is then recognized ratably over the requisite or derived service period of the award. Restricted stock awards with market-based vesting conditions require the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist to estimate the fair value and derived service period of the award. We then recognize the compensation expense ratably over this derived service period. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and derived service periods. We develop our estimates based on historical data and market information. We primarily use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the following variables for input to calculate the fair value of each stock award on the option grant date: 1) expected volatility of our stock price, 2) the risk-free interest rate, 3) expected term of each award, 4) expected dividends, and 5) an expected forfeiture rate. For stock-based awards granted by non-public subsidiaries, we determine the fair value with the assistance of an independent valuation specialist who may use different valuation methods such as a Monte Carlo simulation model and a binomial distribution model. Inputs such as an estimated stock price of our private subsidiary and expected price volatility used in these valuation methods are derived mathematically from a data analysis of many public peer companies with similar characteristics.

Limited Partnership Investments. The valuation of our limited partnership investments is prepared by the general partner of each fund. We use net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the general partner to estimate our share of the fair value of these investments. However, the timing of the delivery of the fund’s financial statements and NAV information is on a three-month lag which results in a three-month delay in the recognition of our share of the limited partnership’s earnings or losses. But because this is the best information available, we use it as an estimate for the fair value at our reporting dates, unless conditions have changed significantly in the economy or securities markets since the previous quarter due to an event such as changes in the government’s fiscal or monetary policies. In such a case, we will adjust our estimate with the assistance from the general partner.

Acquired Intangible Assets. Acquired intangible assets represent the fair value of consideration we paid and are estimated to pay in exchange for the renewal rights and non-compete intangible assets acquired from the seller. In the renewal rights transactions, we purchased the right, but not the obligation, to offer homeowners insurance coverage to all policyholders of the seller in certain states on the agreed-upon policy replacement date. The renewal rights agreements also contain a non-compete clause whereby the seller agrees not to offer homeowners insurance policies in these states through a specified date. We record intangible assets based on the fair value of the consideration we paid and are estimated to pay to the seller as provided in the renewal rights agreements with the seller. We engaged a third-party valuation specialist to assist with the allocation of the renewal rights and non-compete intangible assets acquired. Uncertainty is inherent in the estimates of future payments and in the assumptions made in allocating value to separate intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets are evaluated to ensure that there is no impairment to carrying value and no change required in the amortization period. Based on the review and the assessment, we concluded that there was no impairment related to the renewal rights intangible assets at December 31, 2023.