SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

(a) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).  Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized below.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

(b) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FNHC and all other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary.  All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  We assess our contractual, ownership or other interests in a VIE to determine if our interest participates in the variability the VIE was designed to absorb and pass onto variable interest holders.  We perform an ongoing qualitative assessment of our variable interests in VIEs to determine whether we have a controlling financial interest and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  If we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE in our consolidated financial statements.

In connection with the investment in Monarch Delaware, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this VIE, as we possess both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance.  Accordingly, we consolidate the VIE in our consolidated financial statements.

Refer to note 14 for additional information on the VIE.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

(c) ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates.

Similar to other property and casualty insurers, our liability for loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, although supported by actuarial projections and other data is ultimately based on management's reasoned expectations of future events. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, we believe that this liability is adequate. Estimates are reviewed regularly and adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

FAIR VALUE

(d) FAIR VALUE

The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists.  Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value.  Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction.  Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not acting under duress.  Our nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of liabilities.  Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Refer to note 3 for additional information regarding fair value.

INVESTMENTS

(e) INVESTMENTS

Investments consist of debt and equity securities.  Debt securities consist of securities with an initial fixed maturity, which include corporate bonds, municipal bonds and United States government bonds.  Equity securities generally consist of securities that represent ownership interests in an enterprise.  The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in debt and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date.

Held-to-maturity investments are recorded at the amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity.  All other securities were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses during the year, net of the related tax effect applicable to available-for-sale, are excluded from income and reflected in other comprehensive income, and the cumulative effect is reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.  If a decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its fair value and the amount of the write-down is recorded as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss on the statement of income.  In addition, any portion of such decline related to debt securities that is believed to arise from factors other than credit is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income rather than against income.

Net realized gains and losses on investments are determined in accordance with the specific identification method.

Net investment income consists primarily of interest income from debt securities, cash and cash equivalents, including any premium amortization or discount accretion and dividend income from equity securities; less expenses related to investments.

Refer to note 4 for additional information regarding investments.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(f) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all deposit balances with a bank that are available for immediate withdrawal and highly liquid investments.  All investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of the purchase are considered cash equivalents.

PREMIUMS AND UNEARNED PREMIUMS

(g) PREMIUMS AND UNEARNED PREMIUMS

Premiums are recognized as revenue on a pro-rata basis over the term of an insurance policy.  Assumed reinsurance premiums written and earned are based on reports received from ceding companies for pro-rata treaty contracts and are generally recorded as written based on contract terms for excess-of-loss and quota share contracts.  Premiums are earned ratably over the terms of the related coverage.

Unearned premiums and ceded unearned premiums represent the portion of gross premiums written and ceded premiums written, respectively, relating to the unexpired terms of such coverage.

Premium receivable balances are reported net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible premium amounts.  Such allowance is based upon an ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, the creditworthiness of the insured and other relevant factors.  Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.

REINSURANCE

(h) REINSURANCE

Reinsurance is used to mitigate the exposure to losses, manage capacity and protect capital resources.  Reinsuring loss exposures does not relieve a ceding entity from its obligations to policyholders and cedants.  Reinsurance recoverables (including amounts related to claims incurred but not reported) and ceded unearned premiums are reported as assets.  To minimize exposure to losses from a reinsurer’s inability to pay, the financial condition of such reinsurer is evaluated initially upon placement of the reinsurance and periodically thereafter.  In addition to considering the financial condition of the reinsurer, the collectability of the reinsurance recoverables is evaluated (and where appropriate, whether an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables is to be established) based upon a number of other factors.  Such factors include the amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, disputes, any collateral or letters of credit held and other relevant factors.  To the extent that an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable is established, amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables.  The Company currently has no allowances for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables.

Ceded premiums written are recorded in accordance with applicable terms of the various reinsurance contracts and ceded premiums earned are charged against revenue over the period of the various reinsurance contracts.  This also generally applies to reinstatement premiums paid to a reinsurer, which arise when contractually-specified ceded loss triggers have been breached.  Ceded commissions reduce commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses and ceded losses incurred reduce net loss and loss adjustment expense incurred over the applicable periods of the various reinsurance contracts with third party reinsurers.  If premiums or commissions are subject to adjustment (for example, retrospectively-rated or experience-rated), the estimated ultimate premium or commission is recognized over the period of the contract.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured business and consistent with the terms of the underlying reinsurance contract.

OTHER INCOME

(i) OTHER INCOME

Other income represents primarily policy fees, commission, brokerage and other income.  Policy fees represent a non-refundable application fee for insurance coverage, which are intended to reimburse us for the costs incurred to underwrite the policy.  Policy fees are recognized on the effective date of the insurance policy.  Commission and brokerage income is recognized on a pro-rata basis over the respective terms of the contracts.

DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS

(j) DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS

Deferred Acquisition Costs (“DAC”) represent those costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal of existing insurance contracts.  The Company defers incremental costs that result directly from, and are essential to, the acquisition or renewal of an insurance contract.  Such DAC generally include agent or broker commissions, premium taxes, medical and inspection fees that would not have been incurred if the insurance contract had not been acquired or renewed.  Each cost is analyzed to assess whether it is fully deferrable.

The Company also defers a portion of the employee total compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits directly related to time spent performing specific acquisition or renewal activities, including costs associated with the time spent on underwriting, policy issuance and processing, and sales force contract selling.

The acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums written are earned, generally 12 months.  It is grouped consistent with the manner in which the insurance contracts are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability and is reviewed for recoverability based on the profitability of the underlying insurance contracts.  Investment income is anticipated in assessing the recoverability of DAC.  The Company assesses the recoverability of DAC on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

(k) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.  Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

The Company accounts for internal-use software development costs in accordance with accounting guidelines which state that software costs, including internal payroll costs, incurred in connection with the development or acquisition of software for internal use is charged to expense as incurred until the project enters the application development phase.  Costs incurred in the application development phase are capitalized and are depreciated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 5 years, beginning when the software is ready for use.

LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

(l) LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

The reserves for loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the balance sheet date. Such liabilities are determined based upon our assessment of claims pending and the development of prior years' loss liability. These amounts include liabilities based upon individual case estimates for reported losses and LAE’s and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and LAE’s are settled.

The estimates of the liability for loss and LAE reserves are subject to the effect of trends in claims severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As part of this process, we review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated legal developments, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data become available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing liability for loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Adjustments are reflected in results of operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.

INCOME TAXES

(m) INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss, capital loss and tax-credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

(n) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for share-based compensation based on the estimated grant date fair value. The Company grants awards with service only conditions and generally amortizes them on a straight-line over the requisite service period of the award, which is the vesting term.  The fair value of the restricted stock grants is determined based on the closing market price on the date of grant.  Non-employee directors are treated as employees for accounting purposes.

BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

(o) BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, while diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of such common shares and dilutive share equivalents result from the assumed exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted common stock and are calculated using the treasury stock method.

ADJUSTMENTS

(p) ADJUSTMENTS

During our third quarter 2015 analysis of actual experience to date under the July 1, 2014 quota share reinsurance contract, we re-evaluated the accounting treatment for quota share reinsurance contracts with retrospective rating provisions.  As a result of this re-evaluation, we concluded reinsurance contracts which have retrospective rating provisions should be accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification 944, Financial Services — Insurance (“ASC 944”), where amounts due to (from) the assuming companies are accrued based on estimated contract experience to date as though the contracts were terminated.  Refer to note 2 in our Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 for additional information.

The adjustments to our accounting for the July 1, 2014 quota share reinsurance treaty, inclusive of other adjustments, are not material in any prior quarter or annual period based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors in accordance with SEC Guidance.

As a result, we recorded these adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2015.  The adjustments increased net income by $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

(q) RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain amounts in prior year’s consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In the current period, the Company concluded it was appropriate to classify accounts on the consolidated balance sheets that do not have material balances in the periods being presented, such as contingent quota-share profit sharing, deferred quota-share profit sharing, and accounts payable and accrued expenses.  These prior year accounts are included within other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.  We have also reclassified certain revenue accounts that do not have material balances and included them within other income in the consolidated statements of operations.  In addition, during the current period, we reclassify certain costs and expenses, principally, operating and underwriting expenses, salaries and wages and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.  These respective account balances are now included in commissions and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company believes this reclassification provide greater clarity and insight into the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

(r) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, making it effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration-Contracts. The amendments in this ASU apply to all insurance entities that issue short-duration contracts as defined in Topic 944, Financial Services—Insurance. The amendments require insurance entities to disclose for annual reporting periods information on the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. This new guidance affects disclosures only and will have no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  Most notably, this new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard would have on our consolidated financial statements.