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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

Brown & Brown, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Brown & Brown” or the “Company”) is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and service organization that markets and sells insurance products and services, primarily in the property, casualty and employee benefits areas. Brown & Brown’s business is divided into four reportable segments. The Retail Segment provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public, professional and individual insured customers, and non-insurance risk-mitigating products through our automobile dealer services (“F&I”) businesses. The National Programs Segment, which acts as a managing general agent (“MGA”), provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches, all of which are delivered through a nationwide network of independent agents, including Brown & Brown retail agents. The Wholesale Brokerage Segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, as well as Brown & Brown retail agents. The Services Segment provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers’ compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services and claims adjusting services.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” which provides guidance for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license).  ASU 2018-15 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019.  The impact of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to be material to the Company.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The new guidance eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The updated guidance requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, and recognizing a non-cash impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value with the loss not exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on future interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)”: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2016-15”), which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified and applies to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. ASU 2016-15 became effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2018 and has determined there is no impact on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows. The Company already presented cash paid on contingent consideration in business combination as prescribed by ASU 2016-15 and does not, at this time, engage in the other activities being addressed in this ASU.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”) to clarify certain aspects of the principal-versus-agent guidance included in the new revenue standard ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). The FASB issued the ASU in response to concerns identified by stakeholders, including those related to (1) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal-versus-agent guidance and (2) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue standard’s control principle. The Company adopted ASU 2016-08 effective contemporaneously with ASU 2014-09 beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of ASU 2016-08 was limited to the claims administering activities of one of our businesses within our Services Segment and therefore was not material to the net income of the Company.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“Topic 842”), which provides guidance for accounting for leases.  Under Topic 842, all leases are required to be recorded on the balance sheet and are classified as either operating leases or finance leases.  Effective as of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842, and all related amendments, which established Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842.  The Company adopted these standards by the recognition of right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities on the balance sheet. As permitted by Topic 842, the Company elected the transition practical expedient to adopt as of January 1, 2019, the date of initial application under the modified retrospective approach for leases existing at that date, with an adjustment to retained earnings. As a result, the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2018 was not restated and continues to be reported under ASC Topic 840 (“Topic 840”) which did not require the recognition of operating lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and thus is not comparative.  For the year ended December 31, 2019, all of the Companys leases are classified as operating leases, which are primarily real estate leases for office space.  The expense recognition for operating leases under Topic 842 is substantially consistent with Topic 840, where operating lease charges are recorded entirely in operating expenses.  As a result, there is no significant difference in the Companys results of operations presented in the Companys Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for each period presented.

The adoption of Topic 842 had a significant impact on the Company’s balance sheet with the recognition of the operating lease right-of-use asset and the liability for operating leases.  Upon adoption, leases that were classified as operating leases under Topic 840 were classified as operating leases under Topic 842.  For the adoption of Topic 842, the Company recorded an adjustment of $202.9 million to operating lease right-of-use asset and the related lease liability, with no impact to retained earnings.  The deferred rent previously accrued under Topic 840 was reclassified to the right-of-use asset upon the adoption of Topic 842.  The lease liability is the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, determined under Topic 840, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the effective date of January 1, 2019.  As permitted under Topic 842, the Company elected to use the practical expedient that permits the Company to not reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease, the classification of the Company’s existing operating leases, and initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company did not elect the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining the lease term (when considering lessee options to extend or terminate the lease and to purchase the underlying asset) and in assessing impairment of the Company’s right-of-use assets. The application of the practical expedient did not have a significant impact on the measurement of the operating lease liability.

The impact of the adoption of Topic 842 on the balance sheet at January 1, 2019 was (in thousands):

(in thousands)

 

Balance at

December 31, 2018

 

 

Adjustments due to Topic 842

 

 

Balance at

January 1, 2019

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

$

128,716

 

 

$

(3,004

)

 

$

125,712

 

Operating lease assets

 

 

 

 

 

178,304

 

 

 

178,304

 

Total Assets

 

 

6,688,668

 

 

 

175,300

 

 

 

6,863,968

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

279,310

 

 

 

13,836

 

 

 

293,146

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

161,464

 

 

 

161,464

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

3,688,100

 

 

 

175,300

 

 

 

3,863,400

 

For contracts entered into on or after the January 1, 2019, at the inception of a contract the Company assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. This assessment is based on: (1) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) whether the Company obtains the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period, and (3) whether the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset. Leases entered into prior to January 1, 2019 are accounted for under Topic 840 and were not reassessed. For real estate leases that contain both lease and non-lease components, the Company elected to account the lease components together with non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance).

Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if any one of the following criteria are met: the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, or the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset or the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any one of these criteria. None of the Company’s real estate leases for office space meet the definition of a finance lease. The Company’s policy is to own, rather than lease, equipment.

For leases at the lease commencement date, a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are recognized. The right-of-use asset represents the right to use the leased asset for the lease term. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which primarily comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease incentives received. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments under the lease. For the Company’s operating leases, the lease payments are discounted using an incremental borrowing rate, which approximates the rate of interest that would be paid on a secured borrowing in an amount equal to the lease payments for the underlying asset under similar terms.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: the fixed noncancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early. Some of the Companys real estate leases contain variable lease payments, including payments based on an index or rate. Variable lease payments based on an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at lease commencement and based on the minimum amount stated in the lease. Lease components are included in the measurement of the initial lease liability. Additional payments based on the change in an index or rate, or payments based on a change in the Companys portion of the operating expenses, including real estate taxes and insurance, are recorded as a period expense when incurred. Lease modifications result in remeasurement of the right-of-use assets and the lease liability.

Lease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments, inclusive of lease incentives, plus any initial direct costs, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Included in lease expense are any variable lease payments incurred in the period that were not included in the initial lease liability.

The Company elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a total term of 12 months or less. The effect of short-term leases on the Company’s right-of-use asset and lease liability would not be significant.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“Topic 606”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. Topic 606 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services.  It supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard’s core principle is that a company should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014–09, and all related amendments, which established ASC Topic 606. The Company adopted these standards by recognizing the cumulative effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method for contracts not completed as of the day of adoption. The cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 on January 1, 2018 was an increase in retained earnings within stockholders’ equity of $117.5 million. Under the modified retrospective method, the Company was not required to restate comparative financial information prior to the adoption of these standards and, therefore, such information presented prior to January 1, 2018 continue to be reported under the Company’s previous accounting policies.

The following areas are impacted by the adoption of Topic 606:

The Company earns commissions and fees paid by insurance carriers for the binding of insurance coverage. These commissions and fees are earned at a point in time upon the effective date of bound insurance coverage, as no performance obligation exists after coverage is bound. If there are other services within the contract, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price for each separate performance obligation, and the corresponding apportioned revenue is recognized over the period of time in which the customer receives the service, and as the performance obligations are fulfilled and the Company is entitled to that portion of revenue using the output method for the services. In situations where multiple performance obligations exist within a contract, the use of estimates is required to allocate the transaction price on a relative stand-alone selling price basis to each separate performance obligation.

Commission revenues – Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, commission revenues, including those billed on an installment basis, were recognized on the latter of the policy effective date or the date that the premium was billed to the customer, with the exception of the Company’s Arrowhead businesses, which followed a policy of recognizing these revenues on the latter of the policy effective date or processed date in our systems.  As a result of the adoption of Topic 606, commission revenues associated with the issuance of policies are now recognized upon the effective date of the associated policy. The overall impact of these changes are not significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing revenue has impacted our fiscal quarters when compared to prior years. These commission revenues, including those billed on an installment basis, are now recognized earlier than they had been previously. Revenue is now accrued based upon the completion of the performance obligation, thereby creating a current asset for the unbilled revenue, until such time as an invoice is generated, which typically does not exceed 12 months. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 increased base and incentive commissions revenue, as defined in Note 2, by $9.9 million compared to what would have been recognized under the Company’s previous accounting policies. Incentive commissions represent a form of variable consideration which includes additional commissions over base commissions received from insurance carriers based on predetermined production levels mutually agreed upon by both parties.

Profit-sharing contingent commissions – Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, revenue that was not fixed and determinable because a contingency existed was not recognized until the contingency was resolved.  Under Topic 606, the Company must estimate the amount of consideration that will be received in the coming year such that a significant reversal of revenue is not probable.  Profit-sharing contingent commissions represent a form of variable consideration associated with the placement of coverage, for which we earn commissions and fees.  In connection with Topic 606, profit-sharing contingent commissions are estimated with a constraint applied and accrued relative to the recognition of the corresponding core commissions.  The resulting effect on the timing of recognizing profit-sharing contingent commissions will now more closely follow a similar pattern as our commissions and fees with any true-ups recognized when payments are received or as additional information that affects the estimate becomes available.  For the year ended December 31, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 reduced profit-sharing contingent commissions revenue by $2.3 million compared to what would have been recognized under our previous accounting policies.

Fee revenues – The Company earns fee revenue related to services other than securing insurance coverage, which are predominantly in the Company’s National Programs and Services Segments, and to a lesser extent in the large accounts businesses within the Company’s Retail Segment, where the Company receives negotiated fees in lieu of a commission. In accordance with Topic 606, fee revenue from fee agreements are recognized in earlier periods and others in later periods as compared to our previous accounting treatment depending on when the services within the contract are satisfied and when we have transferred control of the related services to the customer. The overall impact of these changes is not significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing fees revenue will impact our fiscal quarters when compared to prior years. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the adoption of Topic 606 increased fees revenue by $6.2 million compared to what would have been recognized under our previous accounting policies, including a one-time $10.5 million increase for revenues within our Services Segment. Excluding this increase, fee revenues would have decreased by $4.3 million.

Additionally, the Company has evaluated ASC Topic 340 – Other Assets and Deferred Cost (“ASC 340”) which requires companies to defer certain incremental cost to obtain customer contracts, and certain costs to fulfill customer contracts. 

Incremental cost to obtain – The adoption of ASC 340 resulted in the Company deferring certain costs to obtain customer contracts primarily as they relate to commission-based compensation plans in the Retail Segment, in which the Company pays an incremental amount of compensation on new business. These incremental costs are deferred and amortized over a 15-year period, which is consistent with the analysis performed on acquired customer accounts and referenced in Note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For incremental costs with an amortization period of less than 12 months, the costs are expensed as incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company deferred $13.7 million of incremental cost to obtain customer contracts. The Company expensed $0.5 million of the incremental cost to obtain customer contracts for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Cost to fulfill – The adoption of ASC 340 resulted in the Company deferring certain costs to fulfill contracts and to recognize these costs as the associated performance obligations are fulfilled. In order for contract fulfillment costs to be deferred under ASC 340, the costs must (1) relate directly to a specific contract or anticipated contract, (2) generate or enhance resources that the Company will use in satisfying its obligations under the contract, and (3) be expected to be recovered through sufficient net cash flows from the contract. The Company does not expect the overall impact of these changes to be significant on a full-year basis, but the timing of recognizing these expenses will impact quarterly results compared to prior years as such recognition better aligns with the associated revenue. With the modified retrospective adoption of Topic 606, the Company deferred $52.7 million in contract fulfillment costs on its opening balance sheet on January 1, 2018 based upon the estimated average time spent on policy renewals. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had net expense of $1.3 million related to the release of previously deferred contract fulfillment costs associated with performance obligations that were satisfied in the period, net of current year deferrals for costs incurred that related to performance obligations yet to be fulfilled.

In connection with the implementation of Topic 606 and ASC 340, we modified, and in some instances instituted, additional accounting procedures, processes and internal controls. While the relative impacts of these standards to our revenue and expense streams are significant during a calendar year, we do not view these modifications and additions as a material change in our internal controls over financial reporting on a full year basis.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and ASC Topic 340 – Other Assets and Deferred Cost (the “New Revenue Standard”):

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance at

December 31, 2017

 

 

Adjustments

due to the

New Revenue

Standard

 

 

Balance at

January 1, 2018

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums, commissions and fees receivable

 

$

546,402

 

 

$

153,058

 

 

$

699,460

 

Other current assets

 

 

47,864

 

 

 

52,680

 

 

 

100,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums payable to insurance companies

 

 

685,163

 

 

 

12,107

 

 

 

697,270

 

Accounts payable

 

 

64,177

 

 

 

8,747

 

 

 

72,924

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

228,748

 

 

 

22,794

 

 

 

251,542

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

256,185

 

 

 

44,575

 

 

 

300,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

$

2,456,599

 

 

$

117,515

 

 

$

2,574,114

 

 

The $52.7 million adjustment to other current assets reflects the deferral of certain cost to fulfill contracts. The $12.1 million adjustment to premiums payable to insurance companies reflects the estimated amount payable to outside brokers on unbilled premiums, commissions and fees

receivable. The $8.7 million adjustment to accounts payable and the $22.8 million adjustment to accrued expenses and other liabilities consists of commissions payable and deferred revenue, respectively.

The following table illustrates the impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard has had on our reported results in the consolidated statement of income.

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

(in thousands)

 

As reported

 

 

Impact of adopting

the New Revenue

Standard

 

 

Balances without

the New Revenue

Standard

 

Statement of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

 

$

2,009,857

 

 

$

18,399

 

 

$

1,991,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

 

1,068,914

 

 

 

(8,835

)

 

 

1,077,749

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

332,118

 

 

 

10,621

 

 

 

321,497

 

Income taxes

 

 

118,207

 

 

 

4,246

 

 

 

113,961

 

Net income

 

$

344,255

 

 

$

12,367

 

 

$

331,888

 

 

Principle of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment results for prior periods have been recast, where appropriate, to reflect the current year segmental structure. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in order to conform to the current year presentation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company earns commissions paid by insurance carriers for the binding of insurance coverage. Commissions are earned at a point in time upon the effective date of bound insurance coverage, as no performance obligation exists after coverage is bound. If there are other services within the contract, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price for each separate performance obligation, and the corresponding apportioned revenue is recognized over a period of time as the performance obligations are fulfilled. The Company earns fee revenue by receiving negotiated fees in lieu of a commission and from services other than securing insurance coverage. Fee revenues from certain agreements are recognized depending on when the services within the contract are satisfied and when we have transferred control of the related services to the customer. In situations where multiple performance obligations exist within a fee contract, the use of estimates is required to allocate the transaction price on a relative stand-alone selling price basis to each separate performance obligation. Incentive commissions represent a form of variable consideration which includes additional commissions over base commissions received from insurance carriers based on predetermined production levels mutually agreed upon by both parties. Profit-sharing contingent commissions represent a form of variable consideration associated with the placement of coverage, for which we earn commissions.  Profit-sharing contingent commissions and incentive commissions are estimated with a constraint applied and accrued relative to the recognition of the corresponding core commissions based on the amount of consideration that will be received in the coming year such that a significant reversal of revenue is not probable. Guaranteed supplemental commissions, a form of variable consideration, represent guaranteed fixed-base agreements in lieu of profit-sharing contingent commissions.

Management determines the policy cancellation reserve based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted for any known circumstances.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with quoted market prices having maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Investments Premiums Commissions and Fees Receivable

Restricted Cash and Investments, and Premiums, Commissions and Fees Receivable

In our capacity as an insurance agent or broker, the Company typically collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting the authorized commissions, remits the net premiums to the appropriate insurance company or companies. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, premiums are receivable from insureds. Unremitted net insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until the Company disburses them. Where allowed by law, the Company invests these unremitted funds only in cash, money market accounts, tax-free variable-rate demand bonds and commercial paper held for a short-term. In certain states in which the Company operates, the use and investment alternatives for these funds are regulated and restricted by various state laws and agencies. These restricted funds are reported as restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest income earned on these unremitted funds, where allowed by state law, is reported as investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

In other circumstances, the insurance companies collect the premiums directly from the insureds and remit the applicable commissions to the Company. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, commissions are receivables from insurance companies. Fees are primarily receivables due from customers.

Investments

Investments

Certificates of deposit, and other securities, having maturities of more than three months when purchased are reported at cost and are adjusted for other-than-temporary market value declines.  The Company’s investment holdings include U.S. Government securities, municipal bonds, domestic corporate and foreign corporate bonds as well as short-duration fixed income funds.  Investments within the portfolio or funds are held as available-for-sale and are carried at their fair value.  Any gain/loss applicable from the fair value change is recorded, net of tax, as other comprehensive income within the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Realized gains and losses are reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income, with the cost of securities sold determined on a specific identification basis.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in other income. Depreciation has been determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the related lease.

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

All of our business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 are accounted for using the acquisition method. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based upon a multiple of average annual EBITDA, operating profit and/or core revenue earned over a period of 3 years within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based upon the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions contained in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’ future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and this estimate reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These estimates are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

Amortizable intangible assets are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization, and consist of purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements. Purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives and contract periods, which range from 3 to 15 years. Purchased customer accounts primarily consist of records and files that contain information about insurance policies and the related insured parties that are essential to policy renewals.

The excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and amortizable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. While goodwill is not amortizable, it is subject to assessment at least annually, and more frequently in the presence of certain circumstances, for impairment by application of a fair value-based test. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment of goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value is estimated based upon multiples of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables (“EBITDAC”), or on a discounted cash flow basis. The Company completed its most recent annual assessment as of November 30, 2019 and determined that the fair value of goodwill significantly exceeded the carrying value of such assets. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, there are no accumulated impairment losses.

The carrying value of amortizable intangible assets attributable to each business or asset group comprising the Company is periodically reviewed by management to determine if there are events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Accordingly, if there are any such changes in circumstances during the year, the Company assesses the carrying value of its amortizable intangible assets by considering the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the corresponding business or asset group. Any impairment identified through this assessment may require that the carrying value of related amortizable intangible assets be adjusted. There were no impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company records income tax expense using the asset-and-liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values and the income tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and has elected to file consolidated returns in certain states. Deferred income taxes are provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements and relate principally to expenses charged to income for financial reporting purposes in one period and deducted for income tax purposes in other periods.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including participating securities) issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding plus equivalent shares, assuming the exercise of stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed by application of the treasury-stock method. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2017 reflects the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on March 28, 2018.

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31:

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017(1)

 

Net income

 

$

398,514

 

 

$

344,255

 

 

$

399,630

 

Net income attributable to unvested awarded

   performance stock

 

 

(12,873

)

 

 

(8,297

)

 

 

(9,746

)

Net income attributable to common shares

 

$

385,641

 

 

$

335,958

 

 

$

389,884

 

Weighted average number of common shares

   outstanding – basic

 

 

281,566

 

 

 

277,663

 

 

 

279,394

 

Less unvested awarded performance stock

   included in weighted average number of

   common shares outstanding – basic

 

 

(9,095

)

 

 

(6,692

)

 

 

(6,814

)

Weighted average number of common

   shares outstanding for basic earnings

   per common share

 

 

272,471

 

 

 

270,971

 

 

 

272,580

 

Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

2,145

 

 

 

4,550

 

 

 

5,006

 

Weighted average number of shares

   outstanding – diluted

 

 

274,616

 

 

 

275,521

 

 

 

277,586

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.42

 

 

$

1.24

 

 

$

1.43

 

Diluted

 

$

1.40

 

 

$

1.22

 

 

$

1.40

 

 

(1)The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2017 reflects the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on March 28, 2018.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents; restricted cash and short-term investments; investments; premiums, commissions and fees receivable; reinsurance recoverable; prepaid reinsurance premiums; premiums payable to insurance companies; losses and loss adjustment reserve; unearned premium; premium deposits and credits due customers and accounts payable, at December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt approximates fair value at December 31, 2019 and 2018 as our fixed-rate borrowings of $848.7 million approximate their values using market quotes of notes with the similar terms as ours, which we deem a close approximation of current market rates. The estimated fair value of the $715.0 million currently outstanding approximates the carrying value due to the variable interest rate based upon adjusted LIBOR.  See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fair values related to the establishment of intangible assets and the establishment and adjustment of earn-out payables.  See Note 6 for information on the fair value of investments and Note 9 for information on the fair value of long-term debt.

Stock-Based Compensation

Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants non-vested stock awards to its employees and officers and fully vested stock awards to directors. The Company uses the modified-prospective method to account for share-based payments. Under the modified-prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006 and for all awards granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006 that remained unvested on that date. The Company uses the alternative-transition method to account for the income tax effects of payments made related to stock-based compensation.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing all stock options and shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Compensation for non-vested stock awards is measured at fair value on the grant date based upon the number of shares expected to vest. Compensation cost for all awards is recognized in earnings, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

The Company protects itself from claims-related losses by reinsuring all claims risk exposure. The only line of insurance in which the Company acts in a risk-bearing capacity is flood insurance associated with the Wright National Flood Insurance Company (“WNFIC”), which is part of our National Programs Segment. However, all exposure is reinsured with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) for basic admitted policies conforming to the National Flood Insurance Program. For excess flood insurance policies, all exposure is reinsured with a reinsurance carrier with an AM Best Company rating of “A” or better. Reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from the primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursement and reserves related to ceded business are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of reinsurance contracts. Premiums earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred are reported net of reinsurance amounts. Other underwriting expenses are shown net of earned ceding commission income. The liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums are reported gross of ceded reinsurance recoverable.

Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses, are reported as assets and are included in reinsurance recoverable even though amounts due on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense are not recoverable from the reinsurer until such losses are paid. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any material credit risk through its reinsurance as the reinsurer is FEMA for basic admitted flood policies and national reinsurance carriers for private flood policies, which has an AM Best Company rating of “A” or better. Historically, no amounts due from reinsurance carriers have been written off as uncollectible.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Reserve

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Reserve

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment reserve include amounts determined on individual claims and other estimates based upon the past experience of WNFIC and the policyholders for IBNR claims, less anticipated salvage and subrogation recoverable. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting reserves are continually reviewed and updated, and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in operations currently.

WNFIC engages the services of outside actuarial consulting firms (the “Actuaries”) to assist on an annual basis to render an opinion on the sufficiency of the Company’s estimates for unpaid losses and related loss adjustment reserve. The Actuaries utilize both industry experience and the Company’s own experience to develop estimates of those amounts as of year-end. These estimated liabilities are subject to the impact of future changes in claim severity, frequency and other factors. In spite of the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and related loss adjustment reserve are adequate.

Premiums from WNFIC are recognized as income over the coverage period of the related policies. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of the policies in force and are determined on a daily pro rata basis. The income is recorded to the commissions and fees line of the income statement.