HCI Group, Inc. (HCI) FY 2024 MD&A

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 1, 2025 our 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes became convertible by all holders, as the closing share price of our common stock for 20 trading days during the final 30 trading days of the immediately preceding calendar quarter was greater than 130% of the conversion price of $80.54, thus fulfilling the conversion conditions. The notes will remain convertible at least through March 31, 2025. We plan to settle all conversions fully in common stock. The current conversion ratio is approximately 12.4166 shares of common stock per $1 principal amount of notes. In addition, we have the right to redeem the 4.75% Convertible Notes at any time after June 5, 2025, if the last reported sale price of the common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 day consecutive trading day period.

On January 14, 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividends are payable on March 21, 2025 to stockholders of record on February 21, 2025.

On February 18, 2025, Tailrow, a consolidated VIE, assumed polices from Citizens. As outlined in the Consent Order issued by the FLOIR, Tailrow will assume approximately 14,000 policies, representing an estimated $36,000,000 in annualized premiums written.

On February 27, 2025, TTIG filed articles of amendment to its Restated Articles of Incorporation changing its name from TypTap Insurance Group, Inc. to Exzeo Group, Inc.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 with the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 reflect net income of approximately $127,581,000, or $8.89 diluted earnings per share, compared with net income of approximately $89,257,000, or $7.62 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a $181,676,000 increase in net premiums earned and a $17,723,000 net increase in income from our investment portfolio (consisting of net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains or losses), offset by a $120,129,000 increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses, a $8,580,000 increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses, a $9,284,000 increase in general and administrative personnel expenses, an increase of $2,227,000 in interest expense, and a $3,384,000 increase in other operating expenses due to business growth.

Revenue

Gross Premiums Earned on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $1,083,220,000 and $765,512,000, respectively. The $317,708,000 increase in 2024 was primarily attributable to the policies assumed from Citizens as well as premium rate increases. Gross premiums earned from insurance operations were $1,036,129,000 in 2024 compared with $765,512,000 in 2023. Gross premiums earned from reciprocal exchange operations were $51,207,000 in 2024 as opposed to $0 in 2023.

Premiums Ceded for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $405,659,000 and $269,627,000, respectively, representing 37.5% and 35.2%, 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 $136,032,000 increase was attributable to higher reinsurance costs for the 2024-2025 contract year, increased coverage due to growth in the number of policies in force and total insured value, and the reversal of previously accrued benefits as described in Note 14 -- “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Economic Impact of Reinsurance Contracts with Retrospective Provisions” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Net Premiums Written for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled approximately $761,108,000 and $628,995,000, respectively. Net premiums written represent the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period less any applicable reinsurance costs. The $132,113,000 increase in 2024 resulted primarily from an increase in gross premiums written from the assumption of Citizens insurance policies as well as premium rate increases, offset by an increase in premiums ceded. Gross premiums written from insurance operations were approximately $1,085,355,000 and $898,622,000, respectively, for 2024 and 2023. Gross premiums written by reciprocal exchange operations were approximately $81,412,000 in 2024 compared with $0 in 2023. We had approximately 271,300 policies in force at December 31, 2024 as compared with approximately 247,000 policies in force at December 31, 2023.

Net Premiums Earned for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $677,561,000 and $495,885,000, 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, 2024 and 2023 (amounts in thousands):

Net Investment Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $59,148,000 and $46,234,000, respectively. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a $17,758,000 increase in interest income from cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, offset by a $5,592,000 decrease in income from real estate investments. See e) 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 Gains for the year ended December 31, 2024 were approximately $3,384,000 as opposed to net realized investment losses of approximately $1,996,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to net realized gains of approximately $3,384,000 from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities in 2024 as opposed to net realized losses of approximately $1,962,000 from sales of these securities in 2023.

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Net Unrealized Investment Gains for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $2,644,000 and $3,215,000, respectively. Net unrealized investment gains or losses represent the net change in the fair value of equity securities. The decrease in 2024 was primarily attributable to the sale of securities with an unrealized gain position in 2024, compared with the sale of securities with an unrealized loss position in 2023.

Expenses

Our consolidated Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to approximately $374,708,000 and $254,579,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was attributable to net losses of $78,157,000 from Hurricane Milton, $43,000,000 from Hurricane Helene, $6,500,000 from Hurricane Debby, and losses attributable to a greater number of policies in force. The increase was offset by less prior period development in 2024 compared to 2023. Excluding the impact of the hurricanes in 2024, overall losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased when compared to 2023. 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, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $99,402,000 and $90,822,000, respectively, and primarily reflect the amortization of deferred acquisition costs such as commissions payable to agents for production and renewal of policies and premium taxes. The overall increase was primarily attributable to increased premiums in force, offset by lower policy acquisition costs in Florida resulting from lower commissions.

General and Administrative Personnel Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $63,152,000 and $53,868,000, 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 increase of $9,284,000 was primarily attributable to lower payroll costs recoverable from reinsurers, an increase in stock-based compensation expense, an increase in employee health benefits, and merit increases for non-executive employees effective in late February 2024.

Interest Expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $13,344,000 and $11,117,000, respectively. The increase primarily resulted from an increase in interest expense related to the revolving credit facility, partially offset by decreased interest expense resulting from the conversion and redemption of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes in March 2024.

Income Tax Expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $45,846,000 and $28,393,000, respectively, for federal, state, and foreign income taxes, resulting in effective tax rates of 26.4% and 24.1%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a lower prior year effective tax rate resulting from the release of valuation allowance during 2023 and a higher effective tax rate resulting from certain non-deductible compensation expense in 2024.

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2024 (losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred related to net premiums earned) was 55.3% compared with 51.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses, offset in part by the increase in net premiums earned.

The expense ratio applicable to the year ended December 31, 2024 (total expenses excluding losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest expense related to net premiums earned) was 27.8% compared with 33.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in our expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in net premiums earned, offset by the increase in general and administrative personnel expenses and the increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses.

The combined ratio (total of all expenses excluding interest expense in relation to net premiums earned) is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 83.1% compared with 85.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was attributable to the factors described above.

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.

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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.

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. 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.

Net Premiums Written for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled approximately $628,995,000 and $464,875,000, respectively. 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. 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):

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 e) 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.

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 decrease was attributable to a reduction in loss and loss adjustment expenses attributable to Hurricane Ian of approximately $58,628,000, lower losses due to lower claims and litigation frequency related to Florida policies, and less prior period development being recorded in 2023.

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. 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. 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.

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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.

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 (total expenses excluding losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest expense related to net premiums earned) was 33.7% compared with 40.7% 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 (total of all expenses excluding interest expense in relation to net premiums earned) is the measure of overall underwriting profitability before other income. Our combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 85.0% compared with 120.8% 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.

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 90 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.

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Revolving Credit Facility, Convertible Senior Notes, Promissory Notes, and Finance Leases

The following table summarizes the principal and interest payment obligations for our indebtedness at December 31, 2024:

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, 2024, there was an aggregate unfunded capital balance of $3,255,000. 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, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are summarized below.

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $331,816,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written, and reinsurance recoveries of approximately $131,593,000 less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Net cash used in investing activities of $260,110,000 was primarily due to the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $836,636,000, the purchases of real estate investments of $16,066,000, the purchases of property and equipment of $4,052,000, and additional investments in limited partnership interests of $1,233,000, offset by the proceeds from calls, repayments and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $457,102,000, the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $137,170,000, and distributions received from limited partnership investments of $3,591,000. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $75,174,000, which was primarily due to the redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests of $100,000,000, $16,598,000 of cash dividend payments, cash dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests of $2,923,000, $1,037,000 of share repurchases, and repayments of long-term debt of $519,000, offset by net borrowing under the line of credit agreement of $44,000,000 and net surplus contribution from noncontrolling interests of $2,949,000.

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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.

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.

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, 2024, we had $774,737,000 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, 2024, 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.

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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:

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.

Due to the catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton during 2024, premiums ceded were increased by $44,289,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, resulting from the reversal of benefits accrued in prior years. For the years ended

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December 31, 2023 and 2022, we accrued benefits and recognized reductions in premiums ceded of $27,972,000 and $18,710,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2024, there were no accrued benefits under such agreements. 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 agreements.

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, 2024.

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