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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

4.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Investments

 

The Company’s investments in fixed maturities, which are classified as available for sale, and equity securities are carried at their fair value.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair values of the Company's fixed maturities and equity securities are determined on the basis of quoted market prices where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses third-party pricing services to assist in determining fair value.  In many instances, these services examine the pricing of similar instruments to estimate fair value.  The Company purchases bonds with the expectation of holding them to their maturity; however, changes to the portfolio are sometimes required to assure it is appropriately matched to liabilities.  In addition, changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations may cause the Company to sell an investment before it matures.  The difference between amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and, accordingly, has no effect on net income (loss) other than for the credit loss component of impairments and losses recognized as a result of the intent to sell.  Equity securities are measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss).  

 

For investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies where the ownership interest is less than 3%, the Company carries these investments at fair value, and the change in the difference between cost and the fair value of these interests, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity and, accordingly, has no effect on net income (loss).  The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies where its ownership interest exceeds 3%. The equity method of accounting for an investment in a limited partnership and limited liability company requires that its cost basis be updated to account for the income or loss earned on the investment. The receipt of results for investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies may vary. If results are received on a timely basis, they are included in current results. If they are not received on a timely basis, they are recorded on a one quarter lag. The recording of such results are applied consistently for each investment once the timing of receiving the results has been established. The income or loss associated with the limited partnerships and limited liability companies is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, and the adjusted cost basis approximates fair value.

The Company’s investments in other invested assets were valued at $152.7 million and $97.0 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  These amounts relate to investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies whose carrying value approximates fair value.    

Net realized gains and losses on investments are determined based on the first-in, first-out method.

 

The Company implemented new accounting guidance on January 1, 2020 related to the measurement of expected credit losses on financial instruments.  For available for sale debt securities, credit losses are still measured similar to the old guidance; however, the new guidance requires that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down of the amortized cost basis of the impaired security and allows for the reversal of credit losses in the current period net income (loss).  Any impairments related to factors other than credit losses and the intent to sell continue to be recorded through other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

 

The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to its investments, including reviewing each available for sale debt security in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the decline in fair value below amortized cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or other factors.  In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security to the amortized cost basis of the security.  If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded.  Subsequent changes in the allowances are recorded in the period of change as either credit loss expense or reversal of credit loss expense.  Any impairments related to factors other than credit losses and the intent to sell are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of taxes.  

 

For fixed maturities, the factors considered in reaching the conclusion that a credit loss exists include, among others, whether:

 

 

(1)

the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis;

 

(2)

the issuer is in financial distress;

 

(3)

the investment is secured;

 

(4)

a significant credit rating action occurred;

 

(5)

scheduled interest payments were delayed or missed;

 

(6)

changes in laws or regulations have affected an issuer or industry;

 

(7)

the investment has an unrealized loss and was identified by the Company’s investment manager as an investment to be sold before recovery or maturity;

 

(8)

the investment failed cash flow projection testing to determine if anticipated principal and interest payments will be realized; and

 

(9)

changes in US Treasury rates and/or credit spreads since original purchase to identify whether the unrealized loss is simply due to interest rate movement.

 

According to accounting guidance for debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company is required to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery.  If either of these conditions is met, any allowance for expected credit losses is written off and the amortized cost basis is written down to the fair value of the fixed maturity security with any incremental impairment reported in earnings.  That new amortized cost basis shall not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value.

 

The Company elected the practical expedient to exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the available for sale debt securities for the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment and to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses for accrued interest receivables.  Accrued interest receivable is written off through net realized investment gains (losses) at the time the issuer of the bond defaults or is expected to default on payment.  The Company made an accounting policy election to present the accrued interest receivable balance with other assets on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. Accrued interest receivable related to fixed maturities was $5.2 million and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Variable Interest Entities

A Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) refers to an investment in which an investor holds a controlling interest that is not based on the majority of voting rights. Under the VIE model, the party that has the power to exercise significant management influence and maintain a controlling financial interest in the entity’s economics is said to be the primary beneficiary, and is required to consolidate the entity within their results. Other entities that participate in a VIE, for which their financial interests fluctuate with changes in the fair value of the investment entity’s net assets but do not have significant management influence and the ability to direct the VIE’s significant economic activities are said to have a variable interest in the VIE but do not consolidate the VIE in their financial results.

The Company has variable interests in four VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as their ownership interest exceeds 3% of their respective investments.   

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has a cash management program that provides for the investment of excess cash balances primarily in short-term money market instruments. Generally, bank balances exceed federally insured limits. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had approximately $65.4 million and $58.0 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents that was invested in a diversified portfolio of high quality short-term debt securities.

Valuation of Premium Receivables

The Company evaluates the collectability of premium receivables based on a combination of factors.  In instances in which the Company is aware of a specific circumstance where a party may be unable to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific allowance for expected credit losses against amounts due is recorded to reduce the net receivable to the amount reasonably believed by management to be collectible.  For all remaining balances, the allowance is based upon the Company’s ongoing review of key aspects of amounts outstanding, including but not limited to, length of collection periods, direct placement with collection agencies, solvency of insured or agent, terminated agents, and other relevant factors. The allowance for expected credit losses was $3.0 million and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.  Accounting guidance allows for the testing of goodwill for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors.  Impairment of goodwill is recognized only if the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.  

Impairment of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life is tested at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Accounting guidance allows for the testing of indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors.  Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible assets exceeds the fair value of said assets. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the assets over the fair value of said assets.  

Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The carrying amounts of definite lived intangible assets are regularly reviewed for indicators of impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is in excess of its undiscounted projected cash flows. The impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset.   

See Note 8 for additional information on goodwill and intangible assets as well as the results of qualitative impairment assessments performed.

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk from various areas of exposure with reinsurers.  Amounts receivable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the reinsured policy and the reinsurance contract.  

The Company regularly reviews the collectability of reinsurance receivables.  An allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables is recognized based upon the Company’s ongoing review of key aspects of amounts outstanding, including but not limited to, length of collection periods, disputes, applicable coverage defenses, insolvent reinsurers, financial strength of solvent reinsurers based on AM Best Ratings and other relevant factors. Any changes in the allowance resulting from this review are included in net losses and loss adjustment expenses on the consolidated statements of operations during the period in which the determination is made.  The allowance for expected credit losses was $9.0 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The applicable accounting guidance requires that the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk under the reinsured portions of the underlying insurance contracts and that there must be a reasonably possible chance that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the transaction.  The Company has evaluated its reinsurance contracts and concluded that each contract qualifies for reinsurance accounting treatment pursuant to this guidance.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  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 in the period that includes the enactment date.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The deferred tax asset balance is analyzed regularly by management.  This assessment requires significant judgment and considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies and/or actions. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations can generate sufficient taxable income to realize the remaining deferred income tax assets, and accordingly, the Company has not established any valuation allowances.  

Deferred Acquisition Costs

The costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts primarily include commissions, premium taxes and certain other costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts.  The excess of the Company’s costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts over the related ceding commissions earned from reinsurers is capitalized as deferred acquisition costs and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.  

The amortization of deferred acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $144.9 million, $140.9 million, and $132.3 million, respectively.  

Premium Deficiency

A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected loss and loss adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceeds related unearned premium after consideration of investment income.  This evaluation is done at a distribution and product line level in Insurance Operations and Exited Lines and at a treaty level in Reinsurance Operations.  Any future expected loss on the related unearned premium is recorded first by impairing the unamortized acquisition costs on the related unearned premium followed by an increase to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves on additional expected loss in excess of unamortized acquisition costs.  No premium deficiency reserve existed as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to cash flow variability from interest rate risk and limit exposure to severe equity market changes.  The derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and included in other assets and other liabilities.  Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives instruments are recognized as net realized investment gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations.

Margin Borrowing Facility

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet represent the outstanding borrowings.  The outstanding borrowings are due on demand; therefore, the cash receipts and cash payments related to the margin borrowing facility are shown net in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Subordinated Notes

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet represent the outstanding balances, net of deferred issuance cost.  See Note 13 for details.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents the Company’s best estimate of future amounts needed to pay losses and related settlement expenses with respect to events insured by the Company.  This liability is based upon the accumulation of individual case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period with respect to direct business, estimates received from ceding companies with respect to assumed reinsurance, and estimates of unreported losses.

The process of establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment is complex, requiring the use of informed actuarially based estimates and management’s judgment.  In some cases, significant periods of time, up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss and the reporting of that loss to the Company.  To establish this liability, the Company regularly reviews and updates the methods of making such estimates and establishing the resulting liabilities.  Any resulting adjustments are recorded in consolidated statements of operations during the period in which the determination is made.

Retirement of Treasury Stock

Upon the formal retirement of treasury stock, Global Indemnity Group, LLC offsets the par value of the treasury stock that is being retired against common shares and reflects any excess of cost over par value as a deduction from Additional Paid-in Capital.

Share Redemptions

When shares are redeemed, Global Indemnity Group, LLC offsets the par value of the redeemed shares against common shares and reflects any excess of cost over par value as a deduction from Retained Earnings.

Premiums

Premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the respective policies and treaties.  Unearned premiums are computed on a pro rata basis to the day of expiration.  

Mandatory reinstatement premiums assessed on reinsurance policies are earned in the period of the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums.  

Contingent Commissions

Certain professional general agencies of GBLI are paid special incentives, referred to as contingent commissions, when results of business produced by these agencies are more favorable than predetermined thresholds.  Similarly, in some circumstances, companies that cede business to the Reinsurance Operations are paid profit commissions based on the profitability of the ceded portfolio.  These commissions are charged to other underwriting expenses when incurred.  

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock options and other equity based compensation using the modified prospective application of the fair value-based method permitted by the appropriate accounting guidance.  See Note 18 for details.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding.  In periods of net income, diluted earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted-average common shares outstanding and the weighted-average common share equivalents outstanding, which include options and other equity awards.  In periods of net loss, diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share.  See Note 20 for details.

Foreign Currency

At times, the Company maintains investments and cash accounts in foreign currencies related to the operations of its business.  At period-end, the Company re-measures non-U.S. currency financial assets to their current U.S. dollar equivalent.  The resulting gain or loss for foreign denominated fixed maturity investments, if any, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity; whereas, the gain or loss on foreign denominated cash accounts and equity securities is reflected in income during the period.  Financial liabilities, if any, are generally adjusted within the reserving process.  However, for known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, the Company re-measures the liabilities to their current U.S. dollar equivalent each period end with the resulting gain or loss reflected in income during the period.  Net transaction gains and losses, primarily comprised of re-measurement of known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, were a gain of $0.5 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.  

 

Leases

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception.  Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. For leases with a term of greater than 12 months, lease right-of-use assets (“ROU”) and lease liabilities are included on the consolidated balance sheets.   

 

 

Lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date.  The Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments.  The ROU asset is calculated using the initial lease liability amount, plus any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received, plus any initial direct costs incurred.  Lease expenses for minimum lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The Company’s lease agreements may contain both lease and non-lease components which are accounted separately.  The Company elected the practical expedient on not separating lease components from non-lease components for its equipment leases.

 

Rental income derived from subleases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the operating lease term.

Other Income

Other income is primarily comprised of fee income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and gain on sale of the renewal rights related to the Company’s manufactured and dwelling homes products.