Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number

001-34126

 

 

Homeowners Choice, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Florida   20-5961396
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100

Tampa, FL 33607

(Address, including zip code of principal executive offices)

(813) 405-3600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on May 2, 2012 was 8,819,010.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
  PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

ITEM 1

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011

     1   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended March  31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

     2   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three months ended March  31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

     3   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three months ended March  31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

     4-5   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity Three months ended March  31, 2012 (unaudited)

     6   
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     7-24   

ITEM 2

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     25-36   

ITEM 3

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     37   

ITEM 4

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     37   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION   

ITEM 1

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     37   

ITEM 1a

 

RISK FACTORS

     37   

ITEM 2

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     38   

ITEM 6

 

EXHIBITS

     39-44   
 

SIGNATURES

     45   
 

CERTIFICATIONS

  


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     At March 31, 2012      At December 31, 2011  
     (Unaudited)         
Assets      

Investments:

     

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $37,228 and $34,147)

   $ 38,832         34,642   

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value

     8,124         5,207   

Time deposits

     12,546         12,427   

Other investments

     6,585         6,483   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     66,087         58,759   

Cash and cash equivalents

     110,876         100,355   

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

     315         408   

Premiums receivable

     13,747         12,222   

Assumed reinsurance balances receivable

     1,189         1,687   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     3,094         14,169   

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     9,350         12,321   

Property and equipment, net

     10,605         10,499   

Goodwill

     161         161   

Deferred income taxes

     3,081         2,368   

Other assets

     2,604         1,869   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 221,109         214,818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     33,476         27,424   

Unearned premiums

     90,875         108,677   

Advance premiums

     11,204         2,132   

Accrued expenses

     3,984         3,478   

Income taxes payable

     5,097         4,956   

Dividends payable

     1,499         218   

Other liabilities

     5,176         4,103   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     151,311         150,988   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

7% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (liquidation preference $10.00 per share), no par value, 1,500,000 shares authorized, 1,046,559 and 1,247,700 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011

     —           —     

Preferred stock (no par value, 18,500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding)

     —           —     

Common stock, (no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 6,581,141 and 6,202,485 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011)

     —           —     

Additional paid-in capital

     30,321         29,636   

Retained earnings

     38,499         33,986   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     978         208   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     69,798         63,830   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 221,109         214,818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  

Revenue

    

Gross premiums earned

   $ 54,698        30,896   

Premiums ceded

     (14,329     (14,222
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     40,369        16,674   

Net investment income

     522        564   

Realized investment gains

     21        153   

Policy fee income

     515        187   

Other

     225        471   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     41,652        18,049   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     19,168        10,403   

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     6,585        4,263   

Other operating expenses

     4,518        2,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     30,271        16,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     11,381        1,255   

Income taxes

     4,413        462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,968        793   

Preferred stock dividends

     (181     (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 6,787        776   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.07        .13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ .88        .12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

   $ .15        .10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  

Net income

   $ 6,968        793   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

    

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments:

    

Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period

     1,274        (18

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains

     (21     (153
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

     1,253        (171

Deferred income taxes on above change

     (483     66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     770        (105
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 7,738        688   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 6,968        793   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Stock-based compensation

     53        9   

Net amortization of premiums on investments in fixed-maturity securities

     58        26   

Depreciation and amortization

     294        63   

Deferred income taxes

     (1,196     (922

Realized gains on sales of investments

     (21     (153

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Premiums receivable

     (1,525     1,152   

Assumed reinsurance balances receivable

     498        26   

Advance premiums

     9,072        5,947   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     11,075        8,149   

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

     93        (102

Other assets

     (810     (5,136

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     2,971        2,650   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     6,052        1,904   

Unearned premiums

     (17,802     (17,968

Income taxes payable

     141        1,026   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     1,579        (354
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     17,500        (2,890
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment, net

     (296     (654

Purchase of other investments

     (131     —     

Purchase of fixed-maturity securities

     (4,336     (7,292

Purchase of equity securities

     (2,877     (3,718

Proceeds from sales, calls and repayments of fixed-maturity securities

     1,222        7,698   

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

     100        532   

Increase in time deposits, net

     (119     (138
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (6,437     (3,572
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock

     —          11,307   

Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options

     —          50   

Proceeds from the exercise of common stock warrants

     195        —     

Cash dividends paid

     (1,174     (616

Repurchases of common stock

     —          (693

Excess tax benefit from common stock options exercised

     437        36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (542     10,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     10,521        3,622   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     100,355        54,849   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 110,876        58,471   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(continued)

 

4


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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
 
     2012      2011  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

     

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 5,030         321   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

   $ —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-cash investing activity –

     

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, available for sale, net of tax

   $ 770         (105
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 

    

 

Preferred Stock

    

 

Common Stock

     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income
     Total  
     Shares     Amount      Shares      Amount             

Balance at December 31, 2011

     1,247,700      $ —           6,202,485         —           29,636         33,986        208         63,830   

Net Income (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           —           6,968        —           6,968   

Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           —           —          770         770   

Exercise of stock options (unaudited)

     —          —           145,594         —           —           —          —           —     

Exercise of common stock warrants (unaudited)

     —          —           31,921         —           195         —          —           195   

Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           437         —          —           437   

Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (unaudited)

     (201,141     —           201,141         —           —           —          —           —     

Common stock dividends (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           —           (2,274     —           (2,274

Preferred stock dividends (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           —           (181     —           (181

Stock-based compensation (unaudited)

     —          —           —           —           53         —          —           53   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012 (unaudited)

     1,046,559      $ —           6,581,141         —           30,321         38,499        978         69,798   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements for Homeowners Choice, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), which consist of Homeowners Choice Managers, Inc., Southern Administration, Inc., Claddaugh Casualty Insurance Company, Ltd., Cypress Property Management Services, Inc., HCI Holdings LLC and its subsidiary, TV Investment Holdings, LLC, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and its subsidiary, HCPCI Holdings LLC, and HCI Technical Resources, Inc. and its subsidiary, Unthink Technologies Private Limited, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules for interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, in the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2012 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012.

In preparing the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management was required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the financial reporting date and throughout the periods being reported upon. Certain of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex and consequently actual results may differ from these estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of loss and loss adjustment expenses, assumed reinsurance balances receivable, the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs, and the determination of deferred income taxes. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the amounts provided are reasonable. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

(continued)

 

7


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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Acquisition Accounting. The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method, which requires an allocation of the purchase price of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. In the event the net assets acquired exceed the purchase price, the Company will recognize a gain on bargain purchase.

Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized. Rather, the Company is required to test goodwill for impairment at least annually or sooner in the event there are changes in circumstances indicating the asset may be impaired. The Company’s goodwill relates to a business acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2011. The Company plans to perform its goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each year beginning with the fourth quarter in 2012. Thus, the Company did not recognize any impairment charges in the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Foreign Currency. The functional currency of the Company’s Indian subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. As such, the monetary assets and liabilities of this subsidiary are remeasured into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Expenses recorded in the local currency are remeasured at the prevailing exchange rate. Exchange gains and losses resulting from these remeasurements are included in the results of operations.

Basic and diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Potentially dilutive securities at March 31, 2012 consisted of stock options, common stock warrants, and the 7.0% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock issued March 25, 2011 (see Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity).

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12. In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12 (“ASU 2011-12”), Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-05”). Stakeholders raised concerns that the new presentation requirements about reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income would be difficult for preparers and may add unnecessary complexity to financial statements. In addition, it is difficult for some stakeholders to change systems in time to gather the information for the new presentation requirements by the effective date of Update 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this update, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2011-12 are effective on a retrospective basis for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and interim periods within those years. An entity should provide the disclosures required by ASU 2011-12 retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures required by GAAP by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45. This information will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by ASU 2011-11 retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued

 

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08 (“ASU 2011-08”), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of ASU 2011-08 is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under the amendments in ASU 2011-08, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-05”), Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The objective of ASU 2011-05 is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. To achieve this goal and to facilitate convergence of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the FASB decided to eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 require that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. The amendments do not require any transition disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued

 

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 (“ASU 2011-04”), Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” The objective of ASU 2011-04 is to provide clarification of Topic 820 and, also, to ensure that fair value has the same meaning in GAAP and in international financial reporting standards (“IFRSs”) and that their respective fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are generally the same. Thus, this update results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and IFRSs. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied prospectively. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26. In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26 (“ASU 2010-26”), Financial Services – Insurance (ASC Topic 944), Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. The objective of the amendments in ASU 2010-26 is to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. The amendments in ASU 2010-26 specify which costs should be capitalized. The amendments in ASU 2010-26 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and can be applied prospectively upon adoption. Retrospective or prospective application is permitted. Early adoption is permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2010-26 effective January 1, 2012 on a prospective basis. As such, the Company recognized additional amortization expense of $1.2 million with a corresponding decrease in deferred acquisition costs as of the date of adoption. This one-time adjustment reduced our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 by approximately $741,000, or $0.09 earnings per diluted common share. In addition, certain direct marketing, compensation, and other administrative costs will no longer be deferred. Rather, such costs will be expensed as incurred beginning January 1, 2012.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Investments

The Company holds investments in fixed-maturity securities as well as equity securities, which are classified as available for sale. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities by security type were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gain
     Gross
Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
 

March 31, 2012

          

Fixed-maturity Securities:

          

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

   $ 509         51         —          560   

Corporate bonds

     12,154         303         (65     12,392   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     10,657         588         (1     11,244   

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

     10,025         567         (2     10,590   

Other

     3,883         163         —          4,046   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 37,228         1,672         (68     38,832   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 8,147         198         (221     8,124   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

          

Fixed-maturity Securities:

          

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

   $ 509         47         —          556   

Corporate bonds

     10,199         58         (417     9,840   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     10,574         314         (14     10,874   

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

     9,982         393         (3     10,372   

Other

     2,883         117         —          3,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 34,147         929         (434     34,642   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 5,364         133         (290     5,207   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Investments, continued

 

The scheduled maturities of fixed-maturity securities at March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amortized Cost      Fair Value  

Available-for-sale

     

Due in one year or less

   $ 2,017         2,058   

Due after one year through five years

     10,163         10,348   

Due after five years through ten years

     9,785         10,161   

Due after ten years

     4,606         5,021   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     10,657         11,244   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 37,228         38,832   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment Sales

Proceeds received, and the gross realized gains and losses from sales, calls and repayments of available-for-sale securities, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Proceeds      Gross Realized
Gains
     Gross Realized
Losses
 

Three months ended March 31, 2012

        

Fixed-maturity securities

   $ 1,222         29         (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 100         —           (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2011

        

Fixed-maturity securities

   $ 7,698         131         (23
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 532         52         (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts reported for the three months ended March 31, 2011 include the gross realized gains and losses from equity option contracts. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into equity contracts for exchange traded call and put options to meet certain investment objectives. With respect to these option contracts, the Company received net proceeds of $51,000 and realized a $51,000 gain, which is included in the realized investment gains in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no open option contracts at March 31, 2011. The Company held no option contracts during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Investments, continued

 

Other-than-temporary Impairment

The Company regularly reviews its individual investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). The Company considers various factors in determining whether each individual security is other-than-temporarily impaired, including:

 

   

the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings;

 

   

the length of time and the extent to which the market value of the security has been below its cost or amortized cost;

 

   

general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors;

 

   

nonpayment by the issuer of its contractually obligated interest and principal payments; and

 

   

the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of costs.

Securities with gross unrealized loss positions at March 31, 2012, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Less than Twelve
Months
     Twelve Months or
Greater
     Total  

As of March 31, 2012

   Gross
Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
 

Fixed-maturity securities

              

Corporate Bonds

   $ (65     2,206         —          —           (65     2,206   

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     (2     1,004         —          —           (2     1,004   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     (1     460         —          —           (1     460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed-maturity securities

     (68     3,670         —          —           (68     3,670   

Equity securities

     (80     3,113         (141     78         (221     3,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ (148     6,783         (141     78         (289     6,861   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company believes there were no fundamental issues such as credit losses or other factors with respect to any of its available-for-sale securities. The unrealized losses on investments in fixed-maturity securities were caused by interest rate changes. It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the par value of the investments. In determining whether equity securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of cost. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or market conditions and not credit quality, and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold its available-for-sale investments until a market price recovery or maturity, the Company does not consider any of its investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Investments, continued

 

Other investments consist primarily of real estate and the related assets and operations of the marina facility acquired in 2011. Operating activities related to the Company’s real estate investment include leasing of office and retail space to tenants, wet and dry boat storage, and fuel services with respect to marina clients and other recreational boaters.

Other invested assets consist of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     At March 31, 2012     At December 31, 2011  

Building

   $ 1,418        1,418   

Land

     4,438        4,438   

Land improvements

     283        283   

Other

     535        404   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total, at cost

     6,674        6,543   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (89     (60
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments

   $ 6,585        6,483   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

Fair values of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities are determined in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities or other inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar securities. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the security and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.

The fair values for fixed-maturity securities that do not trade on a daily basis are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent pricing service and information provided by brokers. Management reviews the assumptions and methods utilized by the pricing service and then compares the relevant data and pricing to broker-provided data. The Company gains assurance of the overall reasonableness and consistent application of the assumptions and methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through ongoing monitoring of the reported fair values.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements, continued

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 – Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable.

The following table presents information about the Company’s available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value (in thousands):

 

     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
     Total  

As of March 31, 2012

           

Fixed-maturity securities

           

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

   $ 560         —           —           560   

Corporate bonds

     12,392         —           —           12,392   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —           11,244         —           11,244   

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

     10,590         —           —           10,590   

Other

     3,782         264         —           4,046   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed-maturity securities

     27,324         11,508         —           38,832   

Equity securities

     8,124         —           —           8,124   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 35,448         11,508         —           46,956   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

           

Fixed-maturity securities

           

U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies

   $ 556         —           —           556   

Corporate bonds

     9,840         —           —           9,840   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —           10,874         —           10,874   

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

     10,372         —           —           10,372   

Other

     2,735         265         —           3,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed-maturity securities

     23,503         11,139         —           34,642   

Equity securities

     5,207         —           —           5,207   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 28,710         11,139         —           39,849   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 or 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 5 – Other Assets

Other assets at March 31, 2012 include a $200,000 deposit paid in late March 2012 with respect to the Company’s purchase of property located in Treasure Island, Florida. The property was purchased from Rice Family Holdings LLLP, John’s Pass Marina, Inc. and Gators on the Pass, Inc. and consists primarily of land and improvements, a restaurant, and a marina facility purchased for $8.1 million plus closing costs. The purchase was completed on April 2, 2012, which is the day the Company acquired a controlling financial interest in the business operations related to this acquisition. The Company’s primary reason for the acquisition was to further strengthen its investment property portfolio. Given the acquisition date, the Company has not finalized its determination of the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, or provided supplemental pro forma financial information as it is impracticable to do so at this time. In addition, the Company has not yet determined a qualitative description of the factors that make up goodwill to be recognized, if any.

Note 6 – Reinsurance

The Company cedes a portion of its homeowners insurance exposure to other entities under catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties. The Company remains liable with respect to claims payments in the event that any of the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. The Company attempts to evaluate the financial condition of its reinsurers and to monitor concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

The impact of the catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties on premiums written and earned is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Premiums Written

    

Direct

   $ 38,174        15,122   

Assumed

     (1,278     (2,194
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross written

     36,896        12,928   

Ceded

     (14,329     (14,222
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

     22,567        (1,294
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

    

Direct

   $ 33,298        27,987   

Assumed

     21,400        2,909   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross earned

     54,698        30,896   

Ceded

     (14,329     (14,222
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 40,369        16,674   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no recoveries pertaining to reinsurance contracts that were deducted from losses incurred. Prepaid reinsurance premiums related to eighteen reinsurers at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and there were no amounts receivable with respect to reinsurers. Thus, there were no concentrations of credit risk associated with reinsurance receivables and prepaid reinsurance premiums as of March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 7 – Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) is determined on an individual case basis for all claims reported. The liability also includes amounts for unallocated expenses, anticipated future claim development and losses incurred, but not reported.

Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 27,424        22,146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incurred related to:

    

Current period

     18,406        8,736   

Prior periods

     762        1,667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred

     19,168        10,403   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid related to:

    

Current period

     (4,391     (1,653

Prior periods

     (8,725     (6,846
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total paid

     (13,116     (8,499
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 33,476        24,050   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company writes insurance in the state of Florida, which could be exposed to hurricanes or other natural catastrophes. Although the occurrence of a major catastrophe could have a significant effect on our monthly or quarterly results, the Company believes that such an event would not be so material as to disrupt the overall normal operations of the Company. However, the Company is unable to predict the frequency or severity of any such events that may occur in the near term or thereafter.

Note 8 – Income Taxes

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded approximately $4.4 million and $0.5 million of income taxes, respectively, which resulted in estimated annual effective tax rates of approximately 39% and 37%, respectively. The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate due to state income taxes, stock-based compensation and other nondeductible items.

 

(continued)

 

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Table of Contents

HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 9 – Earnings Per Common Share

A summary of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share is presented below (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012      For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  
     Income
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
     Per-Share
Amount
     Income
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
     Per-Share
Amount
 

Net income

   $ 6,968        —            $ 793        —        

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     (181     —              (17     —        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

Basic Earnings Per Share

               

Income available to common stockholders

     6,787        6,326       $ 1.07         776        6,172       $ 0.13   
       

 

 

         

 

 

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities

               

Stock Options

     —          240            —          440      

Convertible preferred stock

     181        1,207            17        83      

Warrants

     —          128            —          —        
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

    

Diluted Earnings Per Share

               

Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions

   $ 6,968        7,901       $ 0.88       $ 793        6,695       $ 0.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, 1,738,335 warrants to purchase 905,001 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of $9.10 exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common stock.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Effective March 18, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million (inclusive of commissions) of the Company’s common shares. The repurchase plan allowed the Company to repurchase shares from time to time through March 19, 2010. This repurchase plan was supplemented in December 2009 upon approval by the Board of Directors to extend the repurchase authority by an additional $3.0 million and continue until the repurchase plan is terminated by the Company or the maximum number of dollars has been expended. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 83,594 shares at an average price of $8.23 per share and a total cost, inclusive of fees and commissions, of $693,000, or $8.29 per share.

As of March 28, 2011, the maximum amount designated for repurchases under this plan was expended and the share repurchase program was terminated.

Common Stock Warrants

At March 31, 2012, the Company has reserved 1,316,959 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of its common stock warrants. A summary of the warrants outstanding at March 31, 2012 is presented below:

 

     Number
Of  Warrants
Outstanding
    Number of Common Shares
Issuable Upon Conversion
of Warrants Outstanding
 

Warrants issued with IPO units

     1,666,668        833,334   

Warrants issued to the Company’s placement agents net of forfeitures and repurchases

     71,667        71,667   

Warrants issued in 2011*

     1,000,000        500,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2011

     2,738,335        1,405,001   

Exercise of warrants issued with IPO units

     (42,750     (21,375

Exercise of placement agent warrants

     (66,667     (66,667
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2012

     2,628,918        1,316,959   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* In connection with the HomeWise assumption transaction in November 2011, the Company issued 1,000,000 warrants, which may be exercised to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per share exercise price of $9.10.

The warrants issued prior to 2011 may be exercised at an exercise price equal to $9.10 per share on or before July 30, 2013. At any time after January 30, 2009 and before the expiration of the warrants, the Company at its option may cancel the warrants in whole or in part, provided that the closing price per share of the Company’s common stock has exceeded $11.38 for at least ten trading days within any period of twenty consecutive trading days, including the last trading day of the period. The placement agents also have the option to effect a cashless exercise in which the warrants would be exchanged for the number of shares which is equal to the intrinsic value of the warrant divided by the current value of the underlying shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, 10,546 shares of common stock were issued upon the cashless exercise of 66,667 warrants.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity, continued

 

The fair value of warrants issued in 2011 was estimated on the date of issuance using the following assumptions and the Black-Scholes option pricing model:

 

Expected volatility

     52

Risk-free interest rate

     .23

Expected dividend yield

     5.00

Expected life (in years)

     1.75   

Per share grant date fair value of warrants issued

   $ 0.754   

The Company is amortizing the $754,000 aggregate value of the warrants as policy acquisition costs over the expected policy term of the policies assumed in the transaction. The warrants, the issuance of which is not registered or required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, are exercisable for a term beginning on November 1, 2011 through July 31, 2013 unless cancelled earlier at the Company’s option under the terms specified by the warrant agreement.

Preferred Stock

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company designated 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s preferred stock as Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (“Series A Preferred”).

On March 25, 2011, the Company closed its preferred stock offering under which a total of 1,247,700 shares of its Series A Preferred were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $12.5 million and net proceeds after offering costs of approximately $11.3 million. Dividends on the Series A Preferred will be cumulative from the date of original issue and will accrue on the last day of each month, at an annual rate of 7.0% of the $10 liquidation preference per share, equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $0.70 per share. Accrued but unpaid dividends will accumulate and earn additional dividends at 7.0%, compounded monthly.

Shareholders of Series A Preferred may convert all or any portion of their shares, at their option, at any time, into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion rate of one share of common stock for each share of Series A Preferred, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10 per share; provided, however, that the Company may terminate this conversion right on or after March 31, 2014, if for at least twenty trading days within any period of thirty consecutive trading days, the market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the conversion price of the Series A Preferred by more than 20% and our common stock is then traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Capital Market, or the NYSE Amex. Under certain circumstances, the Company will be required to adjust the conversion rate. The initial conversion price of $10 per share is subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or similar changes with respect to the Company’s common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, holders of 201,141 shares of Series A Preferred converted their Series A Preferred shares to 201,141 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2012 1,046,559 shares of Series A Preferred remain outstanding.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity, continued

 

Preferred Stock, continued

 

Shareholders of record of the Company’s Series A Preferred at the close of business on a date for determining shareholders entitled to dividends will be entitled to receive the dividends payable on their Series A Preferred shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion of such Series A Preferred shares before the dividend payment date. The Series A Preferred terms include a provision requiring such shareholders to pay an amount equal to the amount of the dividend payable. That requirement has been permanently waived by the Company.

Holders of the Series A Preferred shares generally have no voting rights, except under limited circumstances, and holders are entitled to receive cumulative preferential dividends when and as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors.

In addition, the Company is authorized to issue up to an additional 18,500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value. The authorized but unissued and undesignated preferred stock may be issued in one or more series and the shares of each series shall have such rights as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors subject to the rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred.

On March 23, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on its Series A Preferred shares in the amount of $0.05833 per share for each of the months of April, May, and June 2012. The April 2012 dividend is payable April 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2012. The May 2012 dividend is payable May 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2012. The June 2012 dividend is payable June 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2012.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Option Plan

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718 – “Compensation – Stock Compensation.”

The Company’s 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for granting of stock options to employees, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company. Under the Plan, options may be granted to purchase a total of 6,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. At March 31, 2012, options to purchase 4,804,800 shares are available for grant under the Plan. The outstanding options vest over periods ranging from immediately vested to five years and are exercisable over the contractual term of ten years.

A summary of the activity in the Company’s stock option plan is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     620,000      $ 2.97         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Exercised

     (217,003     3.33         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Outstanding at March 31, 2012

     402,997        2.78         5.5 years       $ 3,997   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2012

     369,797      $ 2.50         5.2 years       $ 3,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At March 31, 2012, there was approximately $40,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of twenty-two (22) months. The total fair value of shares vesting and recognized as compensation expense was approximately $53,000 and $9,000, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and there was no associated income tax benefit recognized in either period. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, a total of 217,003 options were exercised and net settled by surrender of 71,409 shares. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was $1,470,101 and the associated income tax benefit recognized was approximately $437,000. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was $120,820 and the associated income tax benefit recognized was approximately $36,000.

No options were granted during the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(continued)

 

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HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(unaudited)

 

Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies

In connection with the Company’s April 20, 2011 acquisition of the marina property located in Pinellas County, Florida, the Company assumed the liability to complete a site assessment and remediation of environmental contamination that resulted from a petroleum release at the marina site in late 2009. The Company and its environmental consultants have assumed the remedial action work plan developed by prior management and its environmental consultant, which consists of completing the site assessment, performing soil excavation, and installing wells for collection of groundwater and soil samples throughout the monitoring phase of the project. At acquisition, the Company recorded a liability of $150,000 with respect to the planned remedial action. Such liability was determined based on reasonably estimable costs of completing the actions defined in the existing ongoing work plan. As of March 31, 2012, a total of $29,000 has been expended with respect to the site assessment and the remaining $121,000 accrued at acquisition is included in other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Although the Company has accrued all reasonably estimable costs of completing the actions defined in the current ongoing work plan, it is possible that additional testing and additional environmental monitoring and remediation will be required in the near future as part of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the Florida Department of Health, the agency contracted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to administer cases of petroleum contamination in Pinellas County, in which case additional expenses could significantly exceed the current estimated liability. However, based on information known at March 31, 2012, the Company does not expect that such additional expenses would have a material adverse effect on the liquidity or financial condition of the Company.

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

On April 19, 2012, the Company entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as representative of the underwriters (the “Underwriter”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 1,600,000 shares (the “Underwritten Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”), for $11.75 per share, less a 6.0% underwriting commission. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the Underwriter an option to purchase up to an additional 240,000 shares (the “Additional Shares”) of Common Stock at the public offering price, less a 6.0% underwriting commission, within 45 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering was made pursuant to the Company’s effective registration statement on Form S-3, as amended, and the Prospectus Supplement dated April 19, 2012. The Company completed the sale of the Underwritten Shares and Additional Shares on April 25, 2012 under which a total of 1,840,000 shares of its Common Stock were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $21.6 million and estimated net proceeds of $20.0 million after offering costs.

For information on the Company’s April 2012 acquisition, see Note 5 – “Other Assets.”

 

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ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes and information included under this Item 2 and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 30, 2012. Unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this Form 10-Q, the terms “HCI,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “our company,” and similar references refer to Homeowners Choice, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions or future events. 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. Among 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 effect of governmental regulation; changes in insurance regulations; the frequency and extent of claims; uncertainties inherent in reserve estimates; catastrophic events; a change in the demand for, pricing of, availability or collectability of reinsurance; restrictions on our ability to change premium rates; increased rate pressure on premiums; changing rates of inflation; and other risks and uncertainties detailed herein and from time to time in our SEC reports.

OVERVIEW

General

Homeowners Choice, Inc. is a property and casualty insurance holding company incorporated in Florida in 2006. Through our subsidiaries, we provide property and casualty homeowners’ insurance, condominium-owners’ insurance, and tenants’ insurance to individuals owning property in Florida. We offer these insurance products at competitive rates, while pursuing profitability using selective underwriting criteria. Our principal revenues are earned premiums, which are reported net of reinsurance costs, and investment income. We cede a substantial portion of our earned premiums to reinsurers to mitigate risks primarily associated with hurricanes and other catastrophic events. Our principal expenses are claims from policyholders, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses. As of March 31, 2012, we had total assets of $221.1 million and stockholders’ equity of $69.8 million. Our net income was approximately $7.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Income available to common stockholders was approximately $6.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, or $.88 earnings per diluted common share.

 

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We began operations in June of 2007 by participating in a “take-out program” through which we assumed insurance policies held by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”), a Florida state-supported insurer. The take-out program is a legislatively mandated program designed to reduce the state’s risk exposure by encouraging private companies to assume policies from Citizens. Policies were assumed in eight separate assumption transactions which took place in July and November 2007, February, June, October and December 2008, December 2009, and December 2010. In November 2011, we completed an assumption transaction with HomeWise Insurance Company (“HomeWise”) through which we acquired the Florida policies of HomeWise. Substantially all of our premium revenue since inception has come from the policies acquired in these assumption transactions. Our current policies in force represent approximately $215 million in annualized premiums. Through the Citizens assumptions and HomeWise acquisition, we have been able to increase our geographic diversification within the state of Florida.

Citizens requires us to offer renewals on the policies we acquire for a period of three years subsequent to the initial expiration of the assumed policies. The policyholders have the option to renew with us or they may ask their agent to place their coverage with another insurance company. With respect to the assumptions through December 31, 2009, policyholders could also elect to return to Citizens, i.e. opt out, prior to the policy renewal date. With respect to the December 31, 2010 assumption, the opt-out provision was limited to thirty days from the assumption date. We strive to retain these policies by offering competitive rates to our policyholders at premiums we consider commensurate with the risk.

We face various challenges to implementing our operating and growth strategies. Since our policies cover Florida homeowners, condominium owners, and tenants, we cover losses that may arise from, among other things, catastrophes such as hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes, which could have a significant effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. To mitigate our risk of such catastrophic losses, we cede a portion of our exposure to reinsurers under catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties. Even without catastrophic events, we may incur losses and loss adjustment expenses that deviate substantially from our estimates and that may exceed our reserves, in which case our net income and capital would decrease. Our operating and growth strategies may also be impacted by regulation and supervision of our business by the state of Florida, which must approve our policy forms and premium rates as well as monitor our insurance subsidiary’s ability to meet all requirements for regulatory compliance. Additionally, we compete with large, well-established insurance companies as well as other specialty insurers that, in most cases, possess greater financial resources, larger agency networks, and greater name recognition. We believe recent trends in the competitive environment in Florida however, such as a de-emphasis of Florida property risk by large national insurers and efforts by the state of Florida to reduce exposure at Citizens, bode well for our competitive position in the market.

 

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Recent Developments

On March 28, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on its common shares of $0.20 per share. The dividends will be paid June 15, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business May 17, 2012. In addition, on March 23, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our Series A Preferred shares in the amount of $0.05833 per share for each of the months of April, May, and June 2012. The April 2012 dividend is payable April 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2012. The May 2012 dividend is payable May 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2012. The June 2012 dividend is payable June 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2012.

On April 2, 2012, we acquired property located in Treasure Island, Florida for approximately $8.1 million from Rice Family Holdings LLLP, John’s Pass Marina, Inc. and Gators on the Pass, Inc. The property consists primarily of land and improvements, a restaurant, and a marina facility. Our primary reason for this acquisition was to further strengthen our investment property portfolio.

On April 19, 2012, we entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as representative of the underwriters (the “Underwriter”), pursuant to which the we agreed to sell 1,600,000 shares (the “Underwritten Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”), for $11.75 per share, less a 6.0% underwriting commission. Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, we granted the Underwriter an option to purchase up to an additional 240,000 shares (the “Additional Shares”) of Common Stock at the public offering price, less a 6.0% underwriting commission, within 45 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering was made pursuant to our effective registration statement on Form S-3, as amended, and the Prospectus Supplement dated April 19, 2012. We completed the sale of the Underwritten Shares and Additional Shares on April 25, 2012 under which a total of 1,840,000 shares of our Common Stock were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $21.6 million and estimated net proceeds of $20.0 million after offering costs.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating Revenue

    

Gross premiums earned

   $ 54,698        30,896   

Premiums ceded

     (14,329     (14,222
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     40,369        16,674   

Net investment income

     522        564   

Realized investment gains

     21        153   

Policy fee income

     515        187   

Other Income

     225        471   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenue

     41,652        18,049   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     19,168        10,403   

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

     6,585        4,263   

Other operating expenses

     4,518        2,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     30,271        16,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     11,381        1,255   

Income taxes

     4,413        462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,968        793   

Preferred stock dividends

     (181     (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 6,787        776   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Net Premiums Earned:

    

Loss Ratio

     47.48     62.39

Expense Ratio

     27.50     38.33
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined Ratio

     74.98     100.72
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Gross Premiums Earned:

    

Loss Ratio

     35.04     33.67

Expense Ratio

     20.30     20.68
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined Ratio

     55.34     54.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per Share Data:

    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.07      $ .13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ .88      $ .12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflect income available to common stockholders of $6.8 million, or $.88 earnings per diluted common share, compared to income available to common stockholders of $0.8 million, or $.12 earnings per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Effective November 1, 2011, we assumed certain rights and obligations with respect to approximately 70,000 Florida homeowners insurance policies representing approximately $106 million in annual gross premiums under an assumption agreement with HomeWise. This assumption transaction accounted for approximately $21.5 million of our $54.7 million in gross premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012. In addition, effective January 1, 2012, we entered into an all other perils excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement, which required us to pay $850,000 in premiums to certain reinsurers to indemnify the Company with respect to our net excess liability as a result of any loss or losses which may occur during the period from January 1 through May 31, 2012 under any policies, contracts and binders of insurance or reinsurance assumed from HomeWise (see Premiums Ceded below).

Revenue

Gross Premiums Earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $54.7 million and principally reflect the revenue from policies acquired from HomeWise and policies originally acquired from Citizens. The policies acquired from HomeWise in November 2011 contributed approximately $21.5 million to our gross premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Gross premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $30.9 million and principally reflect the revenue from policies we acquired from Citizens.

Premiums Ceded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $14.3 million and $14.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recognized approximately $509,000 of the $850,000 total paid with respect to the all other perils excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement that was effective January 1, 2012 and provides coverage through May 31, 2012 with respect to the policies we acquired from HomeWise. Our premiums ceded represent amounts paid to reinsurers to cover losses from catastrophes that exceed the thresholds defined by our catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties. Our reinsurance rates are based primarily on policy exposures reflected in gross premiums earned. Premiums ceded were 26.2% and 46.0% of gross premiums earned during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As a result of the HomeWise assumption completed in November 2011, we anticipate our reinsurance cost will range from 43% to 45% of gross premiums earned for the reinsurance treaty year beginning in June 2012.

Net Premiums Earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $40.4 million and $16.7 million, respectively, and reflect the gross premiums earned less reinsurance costs as described above. Net premiums earned increased by $23.7 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily as a result of the increase in gross premiums earned.

Net Premiums Written during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $22.6 million and $(1.3) million, respectively. Net premiums written represent the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period less reinsurance costs. The significant increase in 2012 compared to 2011 is directly attributed to the HomeWise assumption completed in November 2011.

 

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The following is a reconciliation of our total Net Premiums Written to Net Premiums Earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012      2011  

Net Premiums Written

   $ 22,567         (1,294

Decrease in Unearned Premiums

     17,802         17,968   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Premiums Earned

   $ 40,369         16,674   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Investment Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. There were no other-than-temporary impairments recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Realized Investment Gains for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 of $21,000 and $153,000, respectively, reflect the net gain realized from sales of securities during the period.

Policy Fee Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and reflects the policy fee income we earn with respect to our issuance of renewal policies.

Other Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, other income is primarily rental income from our Tampa office building. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, other income is primarily related to approximately $90,000 of rental income from our Tampa office building and approximately $381,000 from nonrecurring items.

Expenses

Our Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses amounted to $19.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Our losses and loss adjustment expense reserves (“Reserves”), which are more fully described below under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” are specific to homeowners insurance, which is our only line of business. These Reserves include both case reserves on reported claims and our reserves for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses. At each period-end date, the balance of our Reserves is based on our best estimate of the ultimate cost of each claim for those known cases and the IBNR loss reserves are estimated based primarily on our historical experience. Our Reserves increased from $27.4 million at December 31, 2011 to $33.5 million at March 31, 2012. The $6.1 million increase in our Reserves during 2012 is comprised of $14.0 million in new reserves specific to the three months ended March 31, 2012 offset by reductions of $6.2 million and $1.7 million in our Reserves for 2011 and 2010 and prior years, respectively. The $14.0 million in Reserves established for 2012 claims is due to the increase in our policy exposure, which resulted in an increase in the amount of reported losses in 2012. The decrease of $7.9 million specific to our 2011 and prior accident-year reserves is due to favorable development arising from lower than expected loss development during 2012 relative to expectations used to establish our Reserve estimates at the end of 2011. Factors that are attributable to this favorable development may include a lower severity of claims than the severity of claims considered in establishing our Reserves and actual case development may be more favorable than originally anticipated.

 

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Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 of $6.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, primarily reflect the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, commissions payable to agents for production and renewal of policies, and premium taxes and policy fees. The $2.3 million increase in 2012 is primarily attributable to an increase in our commissions and premium taxes for policy renewals combined with the one-time, $1.2 million adjustment specific to our adoption in January 2012 of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26 (see Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements).

Other Operating Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $4.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Such expenses include administrative compensation and related benefits, corporate insurance, professional fees, office lease and related expenses, information system expense, and other general and administrative costs. The $2.4 million increase is primarily attributable to increases in compensation and related expenses, expenses related to our India operations, and other general administrative costs of $1.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, we had 200 employees of which 64 were located in Noida, India and 136 were located primarily at our headquarters in Tampa, Florida, compared to 80 employees at March 31, 2011.

Income Taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $4.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for state and federal income taxes resulting in an effective tax rate of 39% for 2012 and 37% for 2011.

Ratios:

The loss ratio applicable to the three months ended March 31, 2012 (loss and loss adjustment expenses related to net premiums earned) was 47.5% compared to 62.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our loss ratio was positively impacted by a significant increase in our gross premiums earned during 2012 (see Gross Premiums Earned above). Our loss ratio was negatively impacted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 by a March storm event.

The expense ratio applicable to the three months ended March 31, 2012 (policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses related to net premiums earned plus compensation, employee benefits, and other operating expenses) was 27.5% compared to 38.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in our expense ratio is attributable to the significant increase in our gross premiums earned as we experienced an increase in our policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses during 2012 (see Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses above).

The combined loss and expense ratio (total of all expenses related to net premiums earned) is the key measure of underwriting performance traditionally used in the property and casualty industry. A combined ratio under 100% generally reflects profitable underwriting results. A combined ratio over 100% generally reflects unprofitable underwriting results. Our combined ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 75.0% compared to 100.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our combined ratio was positively impacted by a significant increase in our gross premiums earned during 2012 (see Gross Premiums Earned above). Our combined loss ratio was negatively impacted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 by a March storm event.

 

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Due to the impact our reinsurance costs have on net premiums earned from period to period, our management believes the combined loss and expense ratio measured to gross premiums earned is more relevant in assessing overall performance. The combined loss and expense ratio to gross premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 55.3% compared to 54.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Seasonality of Our Business

Our insurance business is seasonal as hurricanes and tropical storms typically occur during the period from June 1 through November 30 each year. With our reinsurance treaty year effective on June 1 each year, any variation in the cost of our reinsurance, whether due to changes in reinsurance rates or changes in the total insured value of our policy base, will occur and be reflected in our financial results beginning June 1 each year.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Since inception, our liquidity requirements have been met through issuance of our common and preferred stock and funds from operations. We expect our future liquidity requirements will be met by funds from operations, primarily the cash received by our insurance subsidiary from premiums written and investment income.

Our insurance subsidiary requires 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 loss and loss adjustment expenses are paid out over a period of years. This period of time varies by the circumstances surrounding each claim. A substantial portion of our losses and loss expenses are fully settled and paid within 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 our insurance subsidiary’s claims and expenses, as well as 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 and operating expenses.

Preferred Stock

On March 25, 2011, we completed our preferred stock offering under which a total of 1,247,700 shares of our Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (“Series A Preferred”) were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $12.5 million and net proceeds after offering costs of approximately $11.3 million. Dividends on the Series A Preferred are cumulative from the date of original issue and accrue on the last day of each month, at an annual rate of 7.0% of the $10 liquidation preference per share, equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $0.70 per share. Accrued but unpaid dividends accumulate and earn additional dividends at 7.0%, compounded monthly.

Shareholders of Series A Preferred may convert all or any portion of their shares, at their option, at any time, into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion rate of one share of common stock for each share of Series A Preferred, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10 per share; provided, however, that we may terminate this conversion right on or after March 31, 2014, if for at least twenty trading days within any period of thirty consecutive trading days, the market price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of the Series A Preferred by more than 20% and our common stock is then traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Capital Market, or the NYSE Amex. Under certain circumstances, we will be required to adjust the conversion rate. The initial conversion price of $10 per share is subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or similar changes with respect to our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, holders of 201,141 shares of Series A Preferred converted their Series A Preferred shares to 201,141 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2012, 1,046,559 shares of Series A Preferred remain outstanding. Shareholders of record of our Series A Preferred at the close of business on a date for determining shareholders entitled to dividends will be entitled to receive the dividends payable on their Series A Preferred shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion of such Series A Preferred shares before the dividend payment date. The Series A Preferred terms include a provision requiring such shareholders to pay an amount equal to the amount of the dividend payable. That requirement has been permanently waived by the Company.

 

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The Series A Preferred is not redeemable prior to March 31, 2014. If the Company issues a conversion cancellation notice, the Series A Preferred will be redeemable on or after March 31, 2014 for cash, at our option, in whole or in part, at $10 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. Otherwise, the Series A Preferred will be redeemable for cash, at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to $10.40 per share for redemptions on or after March 31, 2014; $10.20 per share for redemptions on or after March 31, 2015; and $10 per share for redemptions on or after March 31, 2016 plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date.

The Series A Preferred shares have no stated maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption requirements.

Holders of the Series A Preferred shares generally have no voting rights, except under limited circumstances, and holders are entitled to receive cumulative preferential dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below.

Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $17.5 million, which consisted primarily of cash received from net written premiums less cash disbursed for operating expenses and losses and loss adjustment expenses. Net cash used in investing activities of $6.4 million was primarily due to the purchase of various available-for-sale securities. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $0.5 million, which was primarily due to cash dividends paid.

Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was approximately $2.9 million, which consisted primarily of cash received from net written premiums less cash disbursed for operating expenses and losses and loss adjustment expenses. Net cash used in investing activities of $3.6 million was primarily due to the purchase of various available-for-sale securities. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $10.1 million, which was primarily due to the issuance of preferred stock.

Investments

The main objective of our investment policy is to maximize our after-tax investment income with a minimum of risk given the current financial market. Our excess cash is invested primarily in money market accounts, time deposits (i.e. CDs maturing in more than twelve months), and fixed-maturity and equity security available-for-sale investments.

 

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At March 31, 2012, we have approximately $47.0 million of available-for-sale 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.

With the exception of large national banks, it is our current policy not to maintain cash deposits of more than an aggregate of $5.5 million in any one bank at any time. From time to time, we may have in excess of $5.5 million of cash designated for investment and on deposit at a single national brokerage firm. In the future, we may alter our investment policy to include or increase 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, 2011 and March 31, 2012, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1) of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information under this item.

 

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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. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in our financial statements. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are related to our losses and loss adjustment expenses (“Reserves”), which include amounts estimated for claims incurred but not yet reported. Reserves are determined by establishing liabilities in amounts estimated to cover incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. Such Reserves are determined based on our assessment of claims reported and the development of pending claims. These Reserves are based on individual case estimates for the reported losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and loss adjustment expenses are adjusted.

The IBNR reserves represent our estimate of the ultimate cost of all claims that have occurred but have not been reported to us and, in some cases, may not yet be known to the insured. Estimating the IBNR component of our Reserves involves considerable judgment on the part of management. At March 31, 2012, $12.6 million of the total $33.5 million we have reserved for losses and loss adjustment expenses is specific to our estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The remaining $20.9 million relates to known cases which have been reported but not yet fully settled in which case we have booked a reserve based on our best estimate of the ultimate cost of each claim. At March 31, 2012, $12.7 million of the $20.9 million in reserves for known cases relates to claims incurred during prior years.

Based on all information known to us, we believe our Reserves at March 31, 2012 are adequate to cover our claims for losses that had occurred as of that date including losses yet to be reported. However, these estimates are subject to trends in claim severity and frequency and must continually be reviewed by management. As part of the process, we review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated regulatory and legal developments, changes in social attitudes, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data becomes available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.

In addition to Reserves, we believe our accounting policies specific to premium revenue recognition, losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance, deferred policy acquisition costs, income taxes, and stock-based compensation expense involve our most significant judgments and estimates material to our consolidated financial statements. These accounting estimates and related risks that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates are more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, there have been no material changes with respect to any of our critical accounting policies.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 2 to our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1) of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information under this item.

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a party to claims and legal actions arising routinely in the ordinary course of our business. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the claims and lawsuits asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1a – RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2012.

 

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ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

  (a) Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

 

  (b) Use of Proceeds

None.

 

  (c) Repurchases of Securities

None.

Working Capital Restrictions and Other Limitations on Payment of Dividends

We are not subject to working capital restrictions or other limitations on the payment of dividends. Our insurance subsidiary, however, is subject to restrictions on the dividends it may pay to our parent corporation, Homeowners Choice, Inc. Those restrictions could impact our ability to pay dividends if our Board of Directors determines to do so.

Under Florida law, a domestic insurer such as our insurance subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., may not pay any dividend or distribute cash or other property to its stockholder except out of that part of its available and accumulated capital and surplus funds which is derived from realized net operating profits on its business and net realized capital gains. Additionally, Florida statutes preclude our insurance subsidiary from making dividend payments or distributions to its stockholder, Homeowners Choice, Inc., without prior approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation if the dividend or distribution would exceed the larger of (1) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of its capital surplus or (b) net income, not including realized capital gains, plus a two year carry forward, (2) 10.0% of capital surplus with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains or (3) the lesser of (a) 10.0% of capital surplus or (b) net investment income plus a three year carry forward with dividends payable constrained to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains.

 

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ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

    3.1    Articles of Incorporation, with amendments. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 29, 2011.
    3.2    Bylaws as amended April 16, 2009. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 23, 2009.
    4.1    Form of Common Stock Certificate. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.2    Warrant Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.3    Form of Warrant Certificate. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.4    Warrant Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Anderson & Strudwick, Incorporated. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.5    Form of Warrant Certificate issued to Anderson & Strudwick. Incorporated. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.

 

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    4.6    Form of Unit Certificate. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.7    Warrant Agreement dated July 30, 2008, between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and GunnAllen Financial, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.8    Letter Agreement dated August 1, 2008 among Homeowners Choice, Inc., Anderson & Strudwick, Incorporated and GunnAllen Financial, Inc., whereby we waive certain cancellation rights under warrants issued to the other parties. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513) filed August 6, 2008.
    4.9    See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 of this report for provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and our Bylaws, as amended, defining certain rights of security holders. See also Exhibits 10.6 and 10.7 defining certain rights of the recipients of stock options and other equity-based awards.
    4.10    Specimen 7% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock Certificate Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-A filed March 25, 2011.
  10.1    Executive Agreement dated May 1, 2007 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Francis X. McCahill, III. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended.

 

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  10.2    Executive Agreement dated May 1, 2007 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Richard R. Allen. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended.
  10.3    Placement Agreement dated March 25, 20111 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Anderson & Strudwick, Incorporated. Incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to our Form 8-K filed March 31, 2011.
  10.4    Executive Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2011 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Paresh Patel. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2011.
  10.5    Consulting Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Scorpio Systems, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended. See amendment to Consulting Agreement at Exhibit 10.12.
  10.6    Homeowners Choice, Inc. 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 29, 2008.
  10.7    Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended.
  10.9    Software License Agreement executed April 8, 2008 with an effective date of November 1, 2007 by and between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Scorpio Systems, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended.
  10.10    PR-M Non-Bonus Assumption Agreement dated December 1, 2007 by and between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 30, 2010.

 

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  10.12    Amendment dated August 21, 2008 to Consulting Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Scorpio Systems, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Form 8-K filed August 21, 2008.
  10.13    Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract effective June 1, 2010 by Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Subscribing Reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 13, 2010.
  10.14    Reinstatement Premium Protection Agreement effective June 1, 2010 by Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Subscribing Reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 13, 2010.
  10.15    Aggregate Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement dated June 1, 2010 by Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Subscribing Reinsurers. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 13, 2010.
  10.16    Aggregate Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement dated June 1, 2011 by Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and Subscribing Reinsurers (Layer B). Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2011.
  10.17    Form of indemnification agreement for our officers and directors. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2009.
  10.18    Lease Agreement dated April 8, 2008 between 2340 Drew St, LLC and Homeowners Choice, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-150513), originally filed April 30, 2008, effective July 24, 2008, as amended.

 

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  10.19    Reimbursement Contract effective June 1, 2010 between Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company and the State Board of Administration which administers the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 13, 2010.
  10.20    Separation Agreement dated June 17, 2011 between Francis X. McCahill, III and Homeowners Choice, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2011.
  10.21    Bill of Sale and Assignment dated July 1, 2011 by Scorpio Systems, Inc. to Homeowners Choice, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2011.
  10.22    All other perils reinsurance agreement effective January 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012 by and between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and various reinsurers. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 30, 2012.
  10.23    Retention bonus agreement dated February 16, 2012 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Paresh Patel. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 30, 2012.
  10.24    Executive Employment Agreement dated March 8, 2012 between Homeowners Choice, Inc. and Scott R. Wallace. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 30, 2012.
  10.25    Assumption Agreement dated November 2, 2011 by and between Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. and HomeWise Insurance Company. Incorporated by reference to the correspondingly numbered exhibit to our Form 10-K filed March 30, 2012.
  10.26    Commercial Real Estate Contract dated March 9, 2012 among HCI Holdings LLC and Rice Family Holdings, LLLP, John’s Pass Marina, Inc. and Gators on the Pass, Inc.
  10.27    Restricted Stock Agreement dated April 20, 2012 whereby the Company issued 100,000 shares of restricted common stock to Scott R. Wallace.
  10.28    Restricted Stock Agreement dated May 8, 2012 whereby the Company issued 30,000 shares of restricted common stock to Richard R. Allen. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of our Form 8-K filed May 10, 2012.
  10.29    Restricted Stock Agreement dated May 8, 2012 whereby the Company issued 30,000 shares of restricted common stock to Sanjay Madhu. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of our Form 8-K filed May 10, 2012.
  10.30    Restricted Stock Agreement dated May 8, 2012 whereby the Company issued 20,000 shares of restricted common stock to Andrew L. Graham. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of our Form 8-K filed May 10, 2012.
  31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
  31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
  32.1    Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.ss.1350
  32.2    Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.ss.1350
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.(1)
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.(1)

 

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101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.(1)
101.DEF    XBRL Definition Linkbase.(1)
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.(1)
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.(1)

 

(1) Pursuant to Rule 406T of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-T, the interactive data files on Exhibit 101 of this report are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, who has signed this report on behalf of the Company.

 

    HOMEOWNERS CHOICE, INC.
May 14, 2012     By  

/s/ Paresh Patel

      Paresh Patel
      Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
May 14, 2012     By  

/s/ Richard R. Allen

      Richard R. Allen
      Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

A signed original of this document has been provided to Homeowners Choice, Inc. and will be retained by Homeowners Choice, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

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