UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[X]       Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018 or

 

[ ]       Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____ to ____.

 

Commission File No. 000-03978

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

                                        Nevada 95-2583928 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.)     26050 Mureau Road, Calabasas, California 91302 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (818) 591-9800

 

No Change

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

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 website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  

 

Large accelerated filer __ Accelerated filer __

 

Non-accelerated filer __ Smaller reporting company X Emerging growth company __

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. __

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class Outstanding at August 15, 2018 Common Stock, no par value per share 5,307,133

 

 

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UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

   Page No. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   3  Part I - Financial Information   4  Item 1. Financial Statements   4  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   17  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   30  Item 4. Controls and Procedures   30  Part II - Other Information   30  Item 1. Legal Proceedings   30  Item 1A. Risk Factors   31  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   31  Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   31  Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   31  Item 5. Other Information   31  Item 6. Exhibits   31  Signatures   32 

 

  

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Form 10-Q, and the documents incorporated by reference in this document, our press releases and oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf, may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (or “the Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or “the Exchange Act”). In this context, forward-looking statements are not historical facts and include statements about our plans, objectives, beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “seeks,” “plans,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “targets,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof or similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are contained throughout this Form 10-Q, including, but not limited to, statements found in Part I – Item 2 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions involving judgments about, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. These predictions are also affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

·failure to meet minimum capital and surplus requirements; ·vulnerability to significant catastrophic property loss; ·a change in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board; ·ability to adjust claims accurately; ·insufficiency of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves to cover future losses; ·changes in federal or state tax laws; ·ability to realize deferred tax assets; ·ability to accurately underwrite risks and charge adequate premium; ·ability to obtain reinsurance or collect from reinsurers and or losses in excess of reinsurance limits; ·extensive regulation and legislative changes; ·reliance on subsidiaries to satisfy obligations; ·downgrade in financial strength rating by A.M. Best; ·changes in interest rates; ·investments subject to credit, prepayment and other risks; ·geographic concentration; ·reliance on independent insurance agents and brokers; ·insufficient reserve for doubtful accounts; ·litigation; ·enforceability of exclusions and limitations in policies; ·reliance on information technology systems; ·ability to prevent or detect acts of fraud with disclosure controls and procedures; ·change in general economic conditions; ·dependence on key personnel; ·ability to attract, develop and retain employees and maintain appropriate staffing levels; ·insolvency, financial difficulties, or default in performance of obligations by parties with significant contracts or relationships; ·ability to effectively compete; ·maximization of long-term value and no focus on short-term earnings expectations; ·control by a small number of shareholders; ·failure to maintain effective system of internal controls; and ·difficulty in effecting a change of control or sale of any subsidiaries.

Please see Part I - Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as other documents we file with the SEC from time-to-time, for other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our current expectations and from the forward-looking statements discussed herein. Because of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and, except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

 

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PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017     (Unaudited)       ASSETS           Investments           Available-for-sale:           Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: $66,514,426 at June 30, 2018, and $58,153,120 at December 31, 2017)  $64,768,482   $57,849,454  Held-to-maturity:           Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: $20,602,000 at June 30, 2018, and $28,098,000 at December 31, 2017)   20,602,000    28,098,000  Short-term investments, at fair value   200,000    1,847,778  Total Investments   85,570,482    87,795,232  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   7,835,200    9,366,944  Accrued investment income   320,141    490,579  Receivables, net   4,549,625    6,005,764  Reinsurance recoverable:           Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses   93,753    126,682  Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   8,804,650    8,393,550  Deferred policy acquisition costs   3,717,504    4,162,771  Property and equipment, net   9,817,942    10,014,869  Deferred income taxes   4,178,429    3,380,806  Other assets   611,765    561,561  Total Assets  $125,499,491   $130,298,758              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                       LIABILITIES           Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses  $50,066,053   $49,076,991  Unearned premiums   16,823,958    18,768,264  Advance premium and premium deposits   239,788    207,808  Accrued expenses and other liabilities   1,602,709    2,300,358  Total Liabilities   $68,732,508   $70,353,421              Commitments and contingencies                       STOCKHOLDERS'  EQUITY           Common stock, no par value – authorized 10,000,000 shares; 5,307,133, shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017  $3,772,872   $3,772,872  Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,379,295)   (239,896) Retained earnings   54,373,406    56,412,361  Total Stockholders’ Equity  $56,766,983   $59,945,337              Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  $125,499,491   $130,298,758 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended    June 30  June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017 REVENUES             Insurance company operation:                     Net earned premium  $7,362,945   $8,220,150   $15,044,572   $16,140,849  Investment income   452,508    263,988    897,209    476,174  Net realized investments gains   137    155    137    155  Other income   112,199    67,261    167,889    135,473  Total Insurance Company Operation   7,927,789    8,551,554    16,109,807    16,752,651                        Other insurance operations:                     Gross commissions and fees   671,449    671,453    1,278,106    1,412,628  Investment income   98    70    195    119  Finance charges and fees earned   34,380    18,180    52,476    36,341  Other income   9,736    49    9,757    64  Total Revenues   8,643,452    9,241,306    17,450,341    18,201,803                        EXPENSES                     Losses and loss adjustment expenses   4,929,203    5,908,674    12,730,960    14,433,855  Policy acquisition costs   1,515,476    1,591,503    3,136,981    3,089,137  Salaries and employee benefits   1,126,503    1,964,725    2,414,580    3,313,368  Commissions to agents/brokers   40,541    44,994    81,880    86,883  Other operating expenses   744,697    1,082,236    1,610,840    1,896,735  Total Expenses   8,356,420    10,592,132    19,975,241    22,819,978                        Income (loss) before taxes   287,032    (1,350,826)   (2,524,900)   (4,618,175) Income tax expense (benefit)   118,735    (460,091)   (485,945)   (1,580,188)

Net Income (Loss) 

  $168,297   $(890,735)  $(2,038,955)  $(3,037,987)                                                                   PER SHARE DATA:                     Basic                         Earnings (loss) per share  $0.03   $(0.17)  $(0.38)  $(0.57)     Weighted average shares   5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133  Diluted                         Earnings (loss) per share  $0.03   $(0.17)  $(0.38)  $(0.57)     Weighted average shares   5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133 

  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

 

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UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended    June 30  June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017                             Net income (loss)  $168,297   $(890,735)  $(2,038,955)  $(3,037,987) Other changes in comprehensive loss:                     Changes in net unrealized losses on securities  classified as available-for-sale arising  during the period   (309,070)   (7,473)   (1,442,141)   (15,801) Income tax benefit related to changes in unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale arising during the period   64,904    2,541    302,850    5,372  Net realized investments gains   (137)   (155)   (137)   (155) Income tax expense related to net realized investment gains   29    53    29    53              Comprehensive Loss  $(75,977)  $(895,769)  $(3,178,354)  $(3,048,518)

 

  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

 

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UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

   Six Months Ended    June 30    2018  2017 Cash flows from operating activities:           Net loss  $(2,038,955)  $(3,037,987) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operations:           Depreciation and amortization   281,717    264,710  Bond amortization, net   128,839    (426,603) Bad debt expense   279    15,420  Non-cash stock based compensation   —      11,552  Realized investment gains   (137)   (155) Changes in assets and liabilities:           Net receivables and accrued investment income   1,626,298    (318,323) Reinsurance recoverable   (378,171)   (2,790,506) Deferred policy acquisition costs   445,267    9,643  Other assets   (47,437)   415,723  Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   989,062    4,883,233  Unearned premiums   (1,944,306)   501,849  Advance premium and premium deposits   31,980    161,441  Accrued expenses and other liabilities   (697,649)   47,035  Income taxes current/deferred   (497,511)   (1,584,493) Net Cash Used by Operating Activities   (2,100,724)   (1,847,461)             Cash flows from investing activities:           Purchase of fixed maturity investments   (10,735,449)   (29,347,552) Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity investments   8,741,441    25,218,000  Proceeds from sale or call of fixed maturity investments   1,000,000    1,050,155  Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments   1,647,778    (2,100,663) Additions to property and equipment   (84,790)   (95,441) Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities   568,980    (5,275,501)             Cash flows from financing activities:           Net Cash Used by Financing Activities   —      —                Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   (1,531,744)   (7,122,962) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period   9,366,944    22,602,982  Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period  $7,835,200   $15,480,020              Supplemental cash flow information           Cash paid during the period for:           Interest   —      —    Income taxes  $8,800   $8,800 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

JUNE 30, 2018

 

 

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Unico American Corporation is an insurance holding company that underwrites property and casualty insurance through its insurance company subsidiary; provides property, casualty, and health insurance through its agency subsidiaries; and provides insurance premium financing and membership association services through its other subsidiaries. Unico American Corporation is referred to herein as the "Company" or "Unico" and such references include both the corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. Unico was incorporated under the laws of Nevada in 1969.

 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Unico American Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X for smaller reporting companies. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. Quarterly condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to current quarter presentation.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect its reported amounts of assets and liabilities and its disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of its financial statements, as well as its reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to losses and loss adjustment expenses. While every effort is made to ensure the integrity of such estimates, actual results may differ.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company employs a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). Financial assets and financial liabilities recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value are categorized based on the reliability of inputs for the valuation techniques (see Note 8).

 

The Company has used the following methods and assumptions in estimating its fair value disclosures:

 

1.Investment securities, excluding long-term certificates of deposit – Fair values are obtained from widely accepted third party vendors.

 

2.Long-term certificates of deposit – The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these instruments approximate their fair values.

 

 

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NOTE 2 – REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK – EFFECTS ON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On December 19, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This program has no expiration date and may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had remaining authority under the 2008 program to repurchase up to an aggregate of 188,655 shares of its common stock. The 2008 program is the only program under which there is authority to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not repurchase any stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company has retired or will retire all stock repurchased.

 

NOTE 3 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The following table represents the reconciliation of the Company's basic earnings (loss) per share and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017 Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share             Net income (loss)  $168,297   $(890,735)  $(2,038,955)  $(3,037,987)                       Weighted average shares outstanding   5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133                        Basic earnings (loss) per share  $0.03   $(0.17)  $(0.38)  $(0.57)                       Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share                     Net income (loss)  $168,297   $(890,735)  $(2,038,955)  $(3,037,987)                       Weighted average shares outstanding   5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133  Diluted shares outstanding   5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133    5,307,133                        Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $0.03   $(0.17)  $(0.38)  $(0.57)

 

Basic earnings per share exclude the impact of common share equivalents and are based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share utilize the average market price per share when applying the treasury stock method in determining common share dilution. When outstanding stock options are dilutive, they are treated as common share equivalents for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share and represent the difference between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding. In loss periods, stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share, as the inclusion of stock options would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

NOTE 4 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Recently adopted standards

 

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”  ASU 2018-02 was issued as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) on December 22, 2017. Accounting guidance required deferred tax items to be revalued based on the new tax laws (the most significant of which reduced the corporate tax rate to 21% percent from 34% percent) and to include the change in income from continuing operations. ASU 2018-02 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 for the year ended December 31, 2017 (see Note 5 for impact of ASU 2018-02 adoption to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).

 

In May 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting." ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU 2017-09 became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-09 does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

 

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, the transaction price for a contract is allocated among separately identifiable performance obligations and a portion of the transaction price is recognized as revenue when the associated performance obligation has been completed or transferred to the customer. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Standards not yet adopted

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit losses with a current expected credit loss model, which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures for better understanding of significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. The Company is currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-13 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but expects the primary changes to be (i) the use of the expected credit loss model for its premium receivables and reinsurance recoverables and (ii) the presentation of credit losses within the available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolio through an allowance method rather than as a direct write-down. ASU 2016-13 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2019, but provides for an early adoption for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018. The Company has not determined when it will adopt ASU 2016-13.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by all leases, including those historically accounted for as operating leases. The Company is currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2018, and will be applied under a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 5 – ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES

TCJA, signed into law on December 22, 2017, reduced the corporate Federal income tax rate from 34% to 21%, effective for years beginning after December 31, 2017. The current income tax expense for the period ending June 30, 2018 is affected by this change in the law. As a result of the TCJA, the Company has recognized a decrease to its net deferred asset as of December 31, 2017 in the amount of $2,176,862. The Company has determined that no other changes are required to the deferred tax asset (liability) as of June 30, 2018.

 

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries file consolidated federal and state income tax returns. Pursuant to a tax allocation agreement, the Company’s subsidiaries, Crusader Insurance Company (“Crusader”) and American Acceptance Corporation (“AAC”), are allocated taxes or tax credits in the case of losses, at current corporate rates based on their own taxable income or loss. The Company files income tax returns under U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal income tax authorities for tax returns filed starting at taxable year 2014 and California state income tax authorities for tax returns filed starting at taxable year 2013. There are no ongoing examinations of income tax returns by federal or state tax authorities.

 

As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities and, therefore, had not accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.

 

As a California based insurance company, Crusader is obligated to pay a premium tax on gross premiums written in all states that Crusader is admitted. Premium taxes are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. The premium tax is in lieu of state franchise taxes and is not included in the provision for state taxes.

 

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NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consist of the following:

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017         Building  and leasehold improvements located in Calabasas, California  $8,397,025   $8,352,181  Furniture, fixtures, and equipment   2,757,308    2,724,775  Computer software   362,647    355,234  Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (3,486,523)   (3,204,806) Land located in Calabasas, California   1,787,485    1,787,485          Property and equipment, net  $9,817,942   $10,014,869 

 

Depreciation on the Calabasas building, owned by Crusader, is computed using the straight line method over 39 years. Depreciation on furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the Calabasas building is computed using the straight line method over 3 to 15 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements in the Calabasas building is being computed using the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the remaining years of the lease. Depreciation and amortization expense on all property and equipment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, was $141,516 and $281,717, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was $132,441 and $264,710, respectively.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Calabasas building has generated rental revenue from non-affiliated tenants in the amount of $89,211 and $175,117, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, rental revenue from non-affiliated tenants in the amount of $57,900 and $115,645, respectively, which is included in “Other income” from insurance company operation in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Calabasas building incurred operating expenses (including depreciation) in the amount of $186,205 and $374,109, respectively, and $180,621 and $347,595 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in “Other operating expenses” in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The total square footage of the Calabasas building is 46,884, including common areas. As of June 30, 2018, 14,481 square feet of the Calabasas building was leased to non-affiliated entities. As of June 30, 2018 the Calabasas building was fully occupied.

 

The Company capitalizes certain computer software costs purchased from outside vendors for internal use. These costs also include configuration and customization activities, coding, testing and installation. Training costs and maintenance are expensed as incurred, while upgrade and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditure will result in additional functionality. The capitalized costs are not depreciated until the software is placed into production.

 

NOTE 7 – SEGMENT REPORTING

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for the way information about operating segments is reported in financial statements. The Company has identified its insurance company operation as its primary reporting segment. Revenues from this segment comprised 92% and 93% of consolidated revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 93% and 92% of consolidated revenues for the three and six ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company’s remaining operations constitute a variety of specialty insurance services, each with unique characteristics and individually insignificant to consolidated revenues.

 

 

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Revenues, income (loss) before taxes, and assets by segment are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017 Revenues             Insurance company operation  $7,927,789   $8,551,554   $16,109,807   $16,752,651                        Other insurance operations   2,906,772    3,575,396    5,949,544    6,964,851  Intersegment eliminations (1)   (2,191,109)   (2,885,644)   (4,609,010)   (5,515,699) Total other insurance operations   715,663    689,752    1,340,534    1,449,152  Total revenues  $8,643,452   $9,241,306   $17,450,341   $18,201,803                        Income (Loss) Before Taxes                     Insurance company operation  $892,285   $(346,898)  $(1,060,329)  $(3,410,818) Other insurance operations   (605,253)   (1,003,928)   (1,464,571)   (1,207,357) Total income (loss) before taxes  $287,032   $(1,350,826)  $(2,524,900)  $(4,618,175)

 

   As of    June 30  December 31    2018  2017 Assets       Insurance company operation  $114,015,943   $117,274,626  Intersegment eliminations (2)   (2,583,114)   (2,486,500) Total insurance company operation   111,432,829    114,788,126  Other insurance operations   14,066,662    15,510,632  Total assets  $125,499,491   $130,298,758 

 

(1)Intersegment revenue eliminations reflect rents paid by Unico to Crusader for space leased in the Calabasas building and commissions paid by Crusader to Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. (“Unifax”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Unico. (2)Intersegment asset eliminations reflect the elimination of Crusader receivables from Unifax and Unifax payables to Crusader.

 

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In determining the fair value of its financial instruments, the Company employs a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). Financial assets and financial liabilities recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value are categorized based on the reliability of inputs for the valuation techniques as follows:

 

Level 1 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

 

Level 2 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets; or valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability as of the reporting date.

 

Level 3 – Financial assets and financial liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the financial assets and financial liabilities as of the reporting date.

 

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Thus, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 or Level 2) or unobservable (Level 3). The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

 

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The following table presents information about the Company’s consolidated financial instruments and their estimated fair values, which are measured on a recurring basis, and are allocated among the three levels within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017:

 

   Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total June 30, 2018             Financial instruments:                     Available-for-sale fixed maturities:                     U.S. treasury securities  $10,512,602   $—     $—     $10,512,602  Corporate securities   —      32,326,331    —      32,326,331  Agency mortgage backed securities   —      21,929,549    —      21,929,549  Held-to-maturity fixed securities:                     Certificates of deposit   —      20,602,000    —      20,602,000  Total fixed maturities   10,512,602    74,857,880    —      85,370,482  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   7,835,200    —      —      7,835,200  Short-term investments   200,000    —      —      200,000  Total financial instruments at fair value  $18,547,802   $74,857,880   $—     $93,405,682                        December 31, 2017                     Financial instruments:                     Available-for-sale fixed maturities:                     U.S. treasury securities  $7,454,225   $—     $—     $7,454,225  Corporate securities   —      28,657,640    —      28,657,640  Agency mortgage backed securities   —      21,737,589    —      21,737,589  Held-to-maturity fixed securities:                     Certificates of deposit   —      28,098,000    —      28,098,000  Total fixed maturities   7,454,225    78,493,229    —      85,947,454  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   9,366,944    —      —      9,366,944  Short-term investments   1,847,778    —      —      1,847,778  Total financial instruments at fair value  $18,668,947   $78,493,229   $—     $97,162,176 

 

Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at either the actual date of the event or a change in circumstances that caused the transfer. The Company did not have any transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

NOTE 9 – INVESTMENTS

A summary of investment income, net of investment expenses and realized gains, is as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017               Fixed maturities  $469,500   $245,331   $931,667   $423,764  Short-term investments and cash equivalents   11,642    43,977    19,588    77,779  Gross investment income   481,142    289,308    951,255    501,543  Less: investment expenses
   (28,536)   (25,250)   (53,851)   (25,250) Net investment income
   452,606    264,058    897,404    476,293  Net realized gains   137    155    137    155  Net investment income, realized gains
  $452,743   $264,213   $897,541   $476,448 

 

 

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The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in fixed maturities by category are as follows:

 

  

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

Gross

Unrealized Losses

 

Estimated

Fair

Value

June 30, 2018             Available-for-sale fixed maturities:                     U.S. treasury securities  $10,718,524   $67   $(205,989)  $10,512,602  Corporate securities   33,242,576    6,285    (922,530)   32,326,331  Agency mortgage-backed securities   22,553,326    —      (623,777)   21,929,549  Held-to-maturity fixed securities:                     Certificates of deposits   20,602,000    —      —      20,602,000  Total fixed maturities  $87,116,426   $6,352   $(1,752,296)  $85,370,482 

 

  

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

Gross

Unrealized Losses

 

Estimated

Fair

Value

December 31, 2017             Available-for-sale fixed maturities:                     U.S. treasury securities  $7,517,901   $21   $(63,697)  $7,454,225  Corporate securities   28,745,223    43,204    (130,787)   28,657,640  Agency mortgage-backed securities   21,889,996    —      (152,407)   21,737,589  Held-to-maturity fixed securities:                     Certificates of deposits   28,098,000    —      —      28,098,000  Total fixed maturities  $86,251,120   $43,225   $(346,891)  $85,947,454 

 

A summary of the unrealized gains (losses) on investments in fixed maturities carried at fair value and the applicable deferred federal income taxes are shown below:

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017         Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturities  $6,352   $43,225  Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities   (1,752,296)   (346,891) Net unrealized losses on fixed maturities   (1,745,944)   (303,666) Deferred federal tax benefit   366,649    63,770  Net unrealized losses, net of deferred income taxes  $(1,379,295)  $(239,896)

 

A summary of estimated fair value, gross unrealized losses, and number of securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continually been in that position is shown below:

 

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer   

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

June 30, 2018                   U.S. treasury securities  $10,165,938   $(205,989)   8   $—     $—      —    Corporate securities   30,145,410    (922,530)   41    —      —      —    Agency mortgage-backed securities   21,929,549    (623,777)   18    —      —      —    Total  $62,240,897   $(1,752,296)   67   $—     $—      —   

 

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer   

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

December 31, 2017                   U.S. treasury securities  $7,454,204   $(63,697)   6   $—     $—      —    Corporate securities   20,335,512    (130,787)   26    —      —      —    Agency mortgage-backed securities   21,737,589    (152,407)   17    —      —      —    Total  $49,527,305   $(346,891)   49   $—     $—      —   

 

 

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The Company closely monitors its investments. If an unrealized loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, it is written off as a realized loss through the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific analysis as of the balance sheet date and considers various factors including the length of time to maturity and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The unrealized losses as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, were determined to be temporary.

 

Although the Company does not intend to sell its fixed maturity investments prior to maturity, the Company may sell investment securities from time to time in response to cash flow requirements, economic and/or market conditions. The Company had realized gains of $137 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to realized gains of $155 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The unrealized gains or losses from fixed maturities are reported as “Accumulated other comprehensive income or loss,” which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of any deferred tax effect.

 

The Company’s investment in certificates of deposit included $20,202,000 and $27,698,000 of brokered certificates of deposit as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. Brokered certificates of deposit provide the safety and security of a certificate of deposit combined with the convenience gained by one-stop shopping for rates at various institutions. This allows the Company to spread its investments across multiple institutions so that all of its certificate of deposit investments are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Brokered certificates of deposit are purchased through UnionBanc Investment Services, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, member of FINRA/SIPC, and a subsidiary of MUFG Union Bank, N.A. Brokered certificates of deposit are a direct obligation of the issuing depository institution, are bank products of the issuing depository institution, are held in the name of Union Bank as Custodian for the benefit of the Company, and are FDIC insured within permissible limits. All the Company’s brokered certificates of deposit are within the FDIC insured permissible limits.

 

The following certificates of deposit from four different banks represent statutory deposits that are assigned to and held by the California State Treasurer and the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Nevada. These deposits are required for writing certain lines of business in California and for admission to transact insurance business in the state of Nevada.

 

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017         Long-term certificates of deposit  $400,000   $400,000  Short-term certificates of deposit   200,000    200,000  Total state held deposits  $600,000   $600,000 

 

All the Company’s brokered and non-brokered certificates of deposit are within the FDIC insured permissible limits. Due to nature of the Company’s business, certain bank accounts may exceed FDIC insured permissible limits.

 

Short-term investments have an initial maturity between three and twelve months and consist of the following:

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017             Certificates of deposit  $200,000   $200,000  U.S. treasury bills   —      1,148,395  Commercial paper   —      499,383  Total short-term investments  $200,000   $1,847,778 

 

 

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NOTE 10- CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017         Cash  $496,110   $774,226  Cash equivalents   7,339,090    8,592,718  Restricted cash   —      —    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash  $7,835,200   $9,366,944 

 

Cash equivalents were comprised of highly liquid investments with initial maturity of 90 days or less. As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, cash equivalents included custodial trust, bank money market accounts, and a bank savings account.

 

The restricted cash was represented by two cash deposits placed by Crusader with the Los Angeles Superior Court in lieu of appeal bonds. In December 2015, a judgment was finalized on a Crusader policy liability claim. Crusader appealed the judgment. As a part of the appeal, Crusader deposited $7,924,178 in cash with the Los Angeles Superior Court on December 28, 2015, in lieu of an appeal bond. This cash deposit was required to appeal the judgment. In March 2016, an additional judgment for plaintiff’s attorney fees and costs on this Crusader policy liability claim was finalized. Crusader appealed this additional judgment. That additional appeal required an additional $5,449,615 cash deposit, which was made on March 21, 2016, in lieu of an appeal bond. In September 2017, the two judgments were settled between the parties thereto for a total of $7,000,000 which was paid from the two deposits, and the remaining funds on deposit with the Los Angeles Superior Court for the two appeals in the amount of $6,373,793 were returned to Crusader and were invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, and cash equivalents.

 

NOTE 11 – UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

The following table provides an analysis of Crusader’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance sheet liability for the periods indicated:

 

   Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017         Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1 – gross of reinsurance  $49,076,991   $47,055,787  Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   8,393,550    9,520,970  Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1 – net of reinsurance   40,683,441    37,534,817              Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:           Provision for insured events of current year   10,661,378    12,064,708  Development of insured events of prior years   2,069,582    2,369,147  Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   12,730,960    14,433,855              Loss and loss adjustment expense payments:           Attributable to insured events of the current year   2,819,187    2,700,347  Attributable to insured events of prior years   9,333,811    9,820,928  Total payments   12,152,998    12,521,275              Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at June 30 – net of reinsurance   41,261,403    39,447,397  Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   8,804,650    12,491,623  Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at June 30 – gross of reinsurance  $50,066,053   $51,939,020 

 

 

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Some lines of insurance are commonly referred to as "long-tail" lines because of the extended time required before claims are ultimately settled. Lines of insurance in which claims are settled relatively quickly are called "short-tail" lines. It is generally more difficult to estimate loss reserves for long-tail lines because of the long period of time that elapses between the occurrence of a claim and its final disposition and the difficulty of estimating the settlement value of the claim. Crusader’s short-tail lines consist of its property coverages, and its long-tail lines consist of its liability coverages. However, Crusader’s long-tail liability claims tend to be settled relatively quicker than other long-tail lines not underwritten by Crusader, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, umbrella liability, and medical malpractice. Since trends develop over longer periods of time on long-tail lines of business, the Company generally gives credibility to those trends more slowly than for short-tail or less volatile lines of business.

 

NOTE 12 – CONTINGENCIES

The Company, by virtue of the nature of the business conducted by it, becomes involved in numerous legal proceedings as either plaintiff or defendant. From time to time, the Company is required to resort to legal proceedings against vendors providing services to the Company or against customers or their agents to enforce collection of premiums, commissions, or fees. These routine items of litigation do not materially affect the Company and are handled on a routine basis by the Company through its counsel.

 

The Company establishes reserves for lawsuits, regulatory actions, and other contingencies for which the Company is able to estimate its potential exposure and believes a loss is probable. For loss contingencies believed to be reasonably possible, the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingency, an estimate of the possible loss, a range of loss, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made.

 

Likewise, the Company is sometimes named as a cross-defendant in litigation, which is principally directed against an insured who was issued a policy of insurance directly or indirectly through the Company. Incidental actions related to disputes concerning the issuance or non-issuance of individual policies are sometimes brought by customers or others. These items are also handled on a routine basis by counsel, and they do not generally affect the operations of the Company. Management is confident that the ultimate outcome of pending litigation should not have an adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company vigorously defends itself unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate.

 

One of the Company’s agents, which was appointed in 2008 to assist the Company in implementing its Trucking Program, failed to pay the net premium and policy fees due Unifax, the exclusive general agent for Crusader. The agent was initially late in paying its February 2009 production that was due to Unifax on April 15, 2009. In May 2009, as a result of the agent’s failure to timely pay its balance due to Unifax, the Company terminated its agency agreement and assumed ownership and control of that agent’s policy expirations written with the Company. The Company subsequently commenced legal proceedings against the agent corporation, its three principals (who personally guaranteed the agent’s obligations) and another individual for the recovery of the balance due and any related recovery costs incurred. All related recovery costs have been expensed as incurred. The agent corporation and two of its principals filed bankruptcy. The corporation was adjudicated bankrupt. The Company obtained judgments, non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, for the full amount due from the two principals who filed bankruptcy. The other principal stipulated to a judgment of $1,200,000. The claim against the fourth individual was resolved. The Company collected $0 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the agent’s balance due to Unifax was $1,181,272. As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company’s bad debt reserve associated with this matter was $1,181,272, which represents 100% of the balance due to Unifax. Although the receivable is fully reserved for financial reporting purposes at June 30, 2018, the Company continues to pursue collection of the judgments from the three principals.

 

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

General

Unico American Corporation, referred to herein as the "Company” or “Unico," is an insurance holding company that underwrites property and casualty insurance through its insurance company subsidiary, Crusader Insurance Company (“Crusader”); provides property, casualty, health and life insurance through its agency subsidiaries, Unifax Insurance Systems, Inc. (“Unifax”) and American Insurance Brokers, Inc. (“AIB”); provides insurance premium financing through its subsidiary American Acceptance Company (“AAC”); and provides membership association services through its subsidiary Insurance Club, Inc., dba AAQHC, an Administrator (“AAQHC”).

 

 

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Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2018, were $8,643,452 compared to $9,241,306 for the three months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of $597,854 (6%). Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018, were $17,450,341 compared to $18,201,803 for the six months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of $751,462 (4%). The Company had net income of $168,297 for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to net loss of $890,735 for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase in net income of $1,059,032. The Company had net loss of $2,038,955 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to net loss of $3,037,987 for the six months ended June 30, 2017, an decrease in net loss of $999,032.

 

This overview discusses some of the relevant factors that management considers in evaluating the Company's performance, prospects, and risks. It is not all inclusive and is meant to be read in conjunction with the entirety of the management discussion and analysis, the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and all other items contained within the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Revenue and Income Generation

The Company receives its revenues primarily from earned premium derived from the insurance company operations, commission and fee income generated from the insurance agency operations, finance charges and fee income from the premium finance operations, and investment income from funds generated primarily from the insurance company operation. The insurance company operation generated approximately 92% and 93% of consolidated revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 93% and 92% of consolidated revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company’s remaining operations constitute a variety of specialty insurance services, each with unique characteristics and individually not material to consolidated revenues.

 

Insurance Company Operation

As of June 30, 2018, Crusader was licensed as an admitted insurance carrier in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. From 2004 until September 2014, all of Crusader’s business was written in the state of California. Crusader business remains concentrated in California (99.6% of direct written premium (before reinsurance ceded) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 99.5% of direct written premium (before reinsurance ceded) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017).

 

Crusader’s total direct written premium (direct written premium before premium ceded to reinsurers), as reported on Crusader’s statutory financial statements, was produced geographically as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  Decrease  2018  2017  Decrease                     California  $7,753,668   $10,315,353   $(2,561,685)  $16,380,339   $19,845,521   $(3,465,182) Arizona   26,087    49,961    (23,874)   55,559    89,818    (34,259) Washington   6,444    6,444    —      6,444    6,444    —    Total direct written premium  $7,786,199   $10,371,758   $(2,585,559)  $16,442,342   $19,941,783   $(3,499,441)

 

Written premium is a financial measure that is defined, under the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the California Department of Insurance, as the contractually determined amount charged by the insurance company to the policyholder for the effective period of the contract based on the expectation of risk, policy benefits, and expenses associated with the coverage provided by the terms of the policies. Written premium is a required statutory measure. Written premium is defined under GAAP in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 405, “Liabilities,” as “premiums on all policies an entity has issued in a period.” Earned premium represents the portion of written premium that is recognized as income in the financial statements for the period presented and earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies.

 

The following is a reconciliation of net written premium to net earned premium (after premium ceded to reinsurers):

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017               Net written premium  $6,095,588   $8,682,550   $12,999,900   $16,625,393  Change in direct unearned premium   1,230,382    (479,307)   1,944,306    (501,849) Change in ceded unearned premium   36,975    16,907    100,366    17,305  Net earned premium  $7,362,945   $8,220,150   $15,044,572   $16,140,849 

 

 

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The insurance company operation underwriting profitability is defined by pre-tax underwriting profit, which is calculated as net earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs.

 

Crusader’s underwriting profit (loss) before income taxes is as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30   

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Increase

(Decrease)

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Increase

(Decrease)

                    Net written premium  $6,095,588   $8,682,550   $(2,586,962)  $12,999,900   $16,625,393   $(3,625,493) Change in net unearned premium   1,267,357    (462,400)   1,729,757    2,044,672    (484,544)   2,529,216  Net earned premium   7,362,945    8,220,150    (857,205)   15,044,572    16,140,849    (1,096,277) Less:                               Losses and loss adjustment expenses   4,929,203    5,908,674    (979,471)   12,730,960    14,433,855    (1,702,895) Policy acquisition costs   1,515,476    1,591,503    (76,027)   3,136,981    3,089,137    47,844  Total underwriting expenses   6,444,679    7,500,177    (1,055,498)   15,867,941    17,522,992    (1,655,051) Underwriting profit (loss) before income taxes  $918,266   $719,973   $198,293   $(823,369)  $(1,382,143)  $558,774 

 

Underwriting profit or loss before income taxes is a non-GAAP financial measure. Underwriting profit or loss before income taxes represents one measure of the pretax profitability of the insurance company operation and is derived by subtracting losses and loss adjustment expenses, and policy acquisition costs from net earned premium, which are all GAAP financial measures. Management believes disclosure of underwriting profit or loss before income taxes is useful supplemental information that helps align the reader’s understanding with management’s view of insurance company operations profitability. Each of these captions is presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations but is not subtotaled.

 

The following is a reconciliation of Crusader’s underwriting profit (loss) before income taxes to the Company’s income (loss) before taxes:

 

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  2018  2017               Underwriting profit (loss) before income taxes  $918,266   $719,973   $(823,369)  $(1,382,143) Insurance company operation revenues:                     Investment income   452,508    263,988    897,209    476,174  Net realized investment gains   137    155    137    155  Other income   112,199    67,261    167,889    135,473  Other insurance operations revenues:                     Gross commissions and fees   671,449    671,453    1,278,106    1,412,628  Investment income   98    70    195    119  Finance charges and fees earned   34,380    18,180    52,476    36,341  Other income   9,736    49    9,757    64  Less expenses:                     Salaries and employee benefits   1,126,503    1,964,725    2,414,580    3,313,368  Commissions to agents/brokers   40,541    44,994    81,880    86,883  Other operating expenses   744,697    1,082,236    1,610,840    1,896,735  Income (loss) before taxes  $287,032   $(1,350,826)  $(2,524,900)  $(4,618,175)

 

The Company evaluates its unearned premiums periodically for premium deficiencies by comparing the sum of expected claim costs, unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs, and maintenance costs partially offset by net investment income to related unearned premiums. To the extent that any of the Company’s programs become unprofitable, a premium deficiency reserve may be required. There was an increase in the premium deficiency reserve by $30,000 to $75,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the premium deficiency reserve of $45,000 as of December 31, 2017; The Company did not carry such reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

 

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The following table provides an analysis of the losses and loss adjustment expenses:

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  Decrease  2018  2017  Decrease                     Losses and loss adjustment expenses:                               Provision for insured events of current year  $4,652,240   $5,567,142   $(914,902)  $10,661,378   $12,064,708   $(1,403,330) Development of insured events of prior years   276,963    341,532    (64,569)   2,069,582    2,369,147    (299,565) Total losses and loss adjustment expenses  $4,929,203   $5,908,674   $(979,471)  $12,730,960   $14,433,855   $(1,702,895)

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 67% and 85% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 72% and 89% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. For further analysis, refer to “Results of Operations.”

 

On December 14, 2017, A.M. Best Company reaffirmed Crusader’s Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent), and revised the rating outlook to “negative” from “stable.” The negative outlook reflects A.M. Best’s concerns with Crusader’s recent decline in underwriting performance as well as its recent leadership changes and the execution risk that comes with such changes.

 

The property and casualty insurance business is cyclical in nature. The conditions of a “soft market” include premium rates that are stable or falling and insurance is readily available. Contrarily, “hard market” conditions occur during periods in which premium rates rise and coverage may be more difficult to find. The Company believes that the California property and casualty insurance market is relatively mature and intensely competitive, with different products in different stages of the soft/hard market cycle at any given time.

 

Revenues from Other Insurance Operations

The Company’s revenues from other insurance operations consist of commissions, fees, investment and other income. Excluding investment and other income, these operations accounted for approximately 8% of total revenues in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately 7% and 8% of total revenues in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

 

Investments and Liquidity

The Company generated revenues from its total invested assets of $87,316,426 (at amortized cost) and $87,076,660 (at amortized cost) as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company also generated revenue from two cash deposits placed with the Los Angeles Superior Court by Crusader in lieu of appeal bonds. These two deposits, totaling $13,373,793, were made on December 28, 2015, for $7,924,178, and on March 21, 2016, for $5,449,615, and their respective balances were included in “Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and were not a part of the total invested assets as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. In September 2017, both judgments were settled for a total of $7,000,000 which was paid from the two deposits, and the remaining funds on deposit with the Los Angeles Superior Court were returned to Crusader.

 

Net investment income (net of investment expenses) included in insurance company operation and other insurance operations revenue increased $188,548 (71%) and $421,111 (88%) to $452,606 and $897,404 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $264,058 and $476,293 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. This increase in net investment income was due primarily to increase in the yield on average invested assets as a result of a change in the investment guidelines during 2017 and increases in interest rates.

 

Due to the current interest rate environment, a current target effective duration for the Company’s investment portfolio is between 3.25 and 4.75 years. As of June 30, 2018, all of the Company’s investments are in U.S. treasury securities, corporate fixed maturity securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured certificates of deposit, money market funds, and a savings account. The Company’s investments in U.S. treasury securities, corporate fixed maturity securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, and money market funds are readily marketable. As of June 30, 2018, the weighted average maturity of the Company’s investments was approximately 6.6 years, and the effective duration for available-for-sale investments (investments managed under the investment guidelines approved in 2017) was 3.81 years.

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Crusader has a significant amount of cash as a result of its holdings of unearned premium reserves, its reserves for loss and loss adjustment expense payments, restricted cash, and its capital and surplus. Crusader's loss and loss adjustment expense payments are the most significant cash flow requirement of the Company. These payments are continually monitored and projected to ensure that the Company has the liquidity to cover these payments without the need to liquidate its investments. Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments (at amortized cost) of the Company at June 30, 2018, were $95,151,626 compared to $97,465,842 at December 31, 2017. Crusader's cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments were 98% of the total cash and investments (at amortized cost) held by the Company as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017.

 

As of June 30, 2018, all of the Company’s investments are in U.S. treasury securities, FDIC insured certificates of deposit, other fixed maturity securities, and short-term investments. All of the Company’s investments, except for the certificates of deposit, are readily marketable. The Company’s investments, at amortized cost, were as follows:

 

   June 30  December 31    2018  2017 Fixed maturities:           Certificates of deposit  $20,602,000   $28,098,000  U.S. treasury securities   10,718,524    7,517,901  Corporate securities   33,242,576    28,745,223  Agency mortgage-backed securities   22,553,326    21,889,996  Total fixed maturities   87,116,426    86,251,120  Short-term investments   200,000    1,847,778  Total investments  $87,316,426   $88,098,898 

 

The short-term investments include U.S. treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper that are all highly rated and have initial maturity between three and twelve months.

 

The Company is required to classify its investment securities into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities. Although part of the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities is classified as available-for-sale and, while the Company may sell investment securities from time to time in response to economic and market conditions, its investment guidelines place primary emphasis on buying and holding high-quality investments to maturity.

 

On March 24, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved new investment guidelines. Those guidelines are similar to what the Company believes are general investment guidelines used by Crusader’s peers.

 

Under the new investment guidelines, investments may only include U.S. treasury notes, U.S. government agency notes, mortgage-backed securities (including pass through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations) that are backed by agency and non-agency collateral, commercial mortgage-backed securities, U.S. corporate obligations, asset backed securities (including but not limited to credit card, automobile and home equity backed securities), tax-exempt bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks, commercial paper, repurchase agreements (treasuries only), mutual funds, exchange traded funds, bank certificates of deposits and time deposits. The new investment guidelines provide for certain investment limitations in each investment category.

 

Unless agreed to in advance in writing by Crusader, investments in the following types of securities are prohibited:

 

    Mortgage loans, except for mortgage backed securities issued by an agency of the U.S. government.     Derivative mortgage-backed securities including interest only, principal only and inverse floating rate securities.     All fixed maturity real estate securities, except mortgage-backed securities (including pass through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations) that are backed by agency and non-agency collateral and commercial mortgage-backed securities.     Options and futures contracts.     All non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.     Any security that would not be in compliance with the regulations of Crusader’s state of domicile.

 

The Company’s previous investment guidelines on equity securities limited investments in equity securities to an aggregate maximum of $2,000,000. The Company’s previous investment guidelines on fixed maturities limited those investments to high-grade obligations with a maximum term of eight years. The maximum investment authorized in any one issuer was $2,000,000. This dollar limitation excluded bond premium paid in excess of par value and U.S. government or U.S. government guaranteed issues. Investments in municipal securities were primarily pre-refunded and secured by U.S. treasury securities. The short-term investments were either U.S. government obligations, FDIC insured, or were in an institution with a Moody's rating of at least P2 and/or a Standard & Poor's rating of A1. All of the Company's fixed maturity investment securities were rated, readily marketable, and could be liquidated without any materially adverse financial impact.

 

 

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Historically, the Company managed Crusader’s investments in-house. Effective April 1, 2017, an outside investment advisor began managing Crusader’s investments.  The advisor’s role currently is limited to maintaining Crusader’s portfolio within the new investment guidelines and providing investment accounting services to the Company.  The investments will continue to be held by Crusader’s current custodian, Union Bank Global Custody Services.

 

On December 19, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This program has no expiration date and may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had remaining authority under the 2008 program to repurchase up to an aggregate of 188,655 shares of its common stock. The 2008 program is the only program under which there is authority to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not repurchase any stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company has retired or will retire all stock repurchased.

 

The Company reported $2,100,724 net cash used by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1,847,461 net cash used by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Fluctuations in cash flows from operating activities relate to changes in loss and loss adjustment expense payments, unearned premium holdings, and the timing of the collection and the payment of insurance-related receivables and payables. The variability of the Company’s losses and loss adjustment expenses is primarily due to its small population of claims which may result in greater fluctuations in claim frequency and/or severity. Although the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflect net cash used by operating activities, the Company does not anticipate future liquidity problems, and the Company believes it continues to be well capitalized and adequately reserved. 

 

While material capital expenditures may be funded through borrowings, the Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at June 30, 2018, net of statutory deposits of $700,000, and California insurance company statutory dividend restrictions applicable to Crusader, plus the cash to be generated from operations, should be sufficient to meet its operating requirements during the next 12 months without the necessity of borrowing funds. There were no trust restrictions on cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at June 30, 2018.

 

Results of Operations

All comparisons made in this discussion are comparing the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, unless otherwise indicated.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, total revenues were $8,643,452, a decrease of $597,854 (6%) and $17,450,341, a decrease of $751,462 (4%) compared to total revenues of $9,241,306 and $18,201,803 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company had income before taxes of $287,032 and a loss before taxes of $2,524,900, respectively, an increase of $1,637,858 (121%) in income before taxes and a decrease of $2,093,275 (45%) in loss before taxes, compared to loss before taxes of $1,350,826 and $4,618,175 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company had net income of $168,297 and a net loss of $2,038,955, respectively, an increase of $1,059,032 (119%) in net income and a decrease of $999,032 (33%) in net loss, compared to net loss of $890,735 and $3,037,987 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

 

The decrease in revenues of $597,854 for the three months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, was primarily due to a decrease in net earned premium of $857,205 (10%) offset partially by an increase in net investment income of $188,548 (71%). The decrease in revenues of $751,462 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017, was primarily due to a decrease in net earned premium of $1,096,277 (7%) offset partially by an increase in net investment income of $421,111 (88%).

 

 

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The increase in income before tax of $1,637,858 for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, was due primarily to a decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses of $979,471 (17%) and a decrease in salaries and employee benefits of $838,222 (43%). The decrease in loss before tax of $2,093,275 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017, was due primarily to a decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses of $1,702,895 (12%) and a decrease in salaries and employee benefits of $898,788 (27%). The decrease in salaries and employee benefits for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was due primarily to costs associated with a termination of an employment agreement with an employee during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Written premium is a required statutory measure. Direct written premium reported on Crusader’s statutory financial statements decreased $2,585,559 (25%) and $3,499,441 (18%) to $7,786,199 and $16,442,342 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $10,371,758 and $19,941,783 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, due primarily to curtailment or exclusion of coverage for risk of assault and battery claims at night clubs in California, and, to a lesser extent, decreases in direct written premium in other Crusader’s insurance programs.

 

The property casualty insurance marketplace continues to be intensely competitive. While Crusader attempts to meet such competition with competitive prices, its emphasis is on service, promotion, and distribution. Crusader believes that rate adequacy is more important than premium growth and that underwriting profit (net earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs) is its primary goal. As a result, Crusader received approvals from the California Department of Insurance for rate increases for several programs in May 2017 (implemented during the three months ended June 30, 2017), February 2018 (implemented during the three months ended March 31, 2018), and April 2018 (implemented during the three months ended June 30, 2018). The purpose of the rate increases is to ensure Crusader charges adequate premium for risks it underwrites.

 

Crusader believes that it can currently grow its sales and profitability by continuing to focus upon four areas of its operations: (1) product development, (2) improved service to retail brokers, (3) appointment of captive and independent retail agents, and (4) use of alternative marketing channels.

 

While the Company’s policy administration system continues to support the Company’s existing operations, the Company believes it would realize more competitive parity with respect to product and service by switching or upgrading to a more contemporary platform. The Company is currently evaluating its alternatives, with particular urgency focused upon streamlining operations and improving its risk selection and pricing activity.

 

Earned premium (before reinsurance) decreased $875,870 (9%) to $9,016,581 and $1,053,286 (5%) to $18,386,648 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $9,892,451 and $19,439,934, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company writes annual policies. Earned premium represents a portion of written premium that is recognized as income in the financial statements for the period presented and earned daily on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies, and, therefore, premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediately preceding year.

 

Ceded earned premium decreased $18,665 (1%) to $1,653,636 and increased $42,991 (1%) to $3,342,076 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1,672,301 and $3,299,085 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. Ceded earned premium as a percentage of direct earned premium was 18% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 17% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Reinsurance treaties are generally structured in layers, with different negotiated economic terms and retention of participation, or liability, in each layer. In calendar year 2018, Crusader retained a participation in its excess of loss reinsurance treaties of 5% in its 1st layer (reinsured losses between $500,000 and $1,000,000), 0% in its 2nd layer (reinsured losses between $1,000,000 and $4,000,000), and 0% in its property and casualty clash treaty. In calendar year 2017, Crusader retained a participation in its excess of loss reinsurance treaties of 5% in its 1st layer (reinsured losses between $500,000 and $1,000,000), 0% in its 2nd layer (reinsured losses between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000), and 0% in its property and casualty clash treaty.

 

Crusader also has catastrophe reinsurance treaties from various highly rated California authorized and California unauthorized reinsurance companies. These reinsurance treaties help protect Crusader against losses in excess of certain retentions from catastrophic events that may occur on property risks which Crusader insures. In calendar years 2018 and 2017, Crusader retained a participation in its catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance treaties of 5% in its 1st layer (reinsured losses between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000) and 0% in its 2nd layer (reinsured losses between $10,000,000 and $46,000,000).

 

 

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The Company evaluates each of its ceded reinsurance contracts at its inception to determine if there is a sufficient risk transfer to allow the contract to be accounted for as reinsurance under current accounting literature. As of June 30, 2018, all such ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transfer reinsurance.

 

Net investment income increased $188,548 (71%) to $452,606 and $421,111 (88%) to $897,404 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $264,058 and $476,293 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company had realized gains of $137 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to realized gains of $155 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. This increase in investment income was due primarily to increase in the yield on average invested assets as a result of a change in the investment guidelines during 2017 and increases in interest rates.

 

Net investment income, excluding net realized investment gains, and average annualized yields on the Company’s average invested assets are as follows:

  

Three Months Ended June 30

 

Six Months Ended June 30

    2018   2017   2018   2017               Average invested assets (1) - at amortized cost  $88,496,289   $77,831,665   $87,707,662   $84,273,251  Net investment income from:                     Invested assets (2)  $443,466   $254,730   $882,600   $459,772  Cash equivalents   9,140    9,328    14,804    16,521  Total investment income  $452,606   $264,058   $897,404   $476,293  Annualized yield on average invested assets (3)   2.0%   1.2%   2.0%   1.0%

 

(1)The average is based on the beginning and ending balance of the amortized cost of the invested assets for each respective period.

 

(2) Net investment income from invested assets included interest on the cash deposits in lieu of appeal bonds of $25,745 and $51,490 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. There was no such interest for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as the appeal bonds were closed in September 2017. Investment income from invested assets included $28,536 and $53,851 of investment expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $25,250 of investment expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

(3) Annualized yield on average invested assets did not include the investment income from cash equivalents and cash deposits in lieu of appeal bonds.

 

The par value, amortized cost, estimated fair (market) value, and weighted average yield of fixed maturity investments by contractual maturity are as follows:

 

 

Par Value

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Weighted

Average Yield

Maturities by Year at June 30, 2018             Due in one year  $17,020,000   $17,019,826   $17,012,466    1.2% Due after one year through five years   41,457,000    41,420,365    40,606,908    2.2% Due after five years and beyond   28,112,166    28,676,235    27,751,108    2.8% Total  $86,589,166   $87,116,426   $85,370,482    2.2%

 

 

 

Par Value

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Weighted

Average Yield

Maturities by Year at December 31, 2017             Due in one year  $21,272,000   $21,272,019   $21,271,851    1.1% Due after one year through five years   32,161,000    32,213,970    32,052,025    1.9% Due after five years and beyond   32,162,020    32,765,131    32,623,578    2.7% Total  $85,595,020   $86,251,120   $85,947,454    2.0%

 

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

 

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The weighted average maturity of the Company’s fixed maturity investments was 6.6 years as of June 30, 2018, and 6.8 years as of December 31, 2017.

 

A summary of estimated fair value, gross unrealized losses, and number of securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continually been in that position is shown below:

 

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer   

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

June 30, 2018                   U.S. treasury securities  $10,165,938   $(205,989)   8   $—     $—      —    Corporate securities   30,145,410    (922,530)   41    —      —      —    Agency mortgage-backed securities   21,929,549    (623,777)   18    —      —      —    Total  $62,240,897   $(1,752,296)   67   $—     $—      —   

 

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer   

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Number of Securities

December 31, 2017                   U.S. treasury securities  $7,454,204   $(63,697)   6   $—     $—      —    Corporate securities   20,335,512    (130,787)   26    —      —      —    Agency mortgage-backed securities   21,737,589    (152,407)   17    —      —      —    Total  $49,527,305   $(346,891)   49   $—     $—      —   

 

The Company closely monitors its investments. If an unrealized loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, it is written off as a realized loss through the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific analysis as of the balance sheet date and considers various factors including the length of time to maturity and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The unrealized losses as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, were determined to be temporary.

 

Although the Company does not intend to sell its fixed maturity investments prior to maturity, the Company may sell investment securities from time to time in response to cash flow requirements, economic and/or market conditions. The Company had realized gains of $137 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to realized gains of $155 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The unrealized gains or losses from fixed maturities are reported as “Accumulated other comprehensive income or loss,” which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of any deferred tax effect.

 

Other income included in insurance company operation and other insurance operations increased $54,625 (81%) to $121,935 and $42,109 (31%) to $177,646 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $67,310 and $135,537 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively due primarily to an increase in rental revenue generated by the Calabasas building.

 

Gross commissions and fees decreased $4 (0%) to $671,449 and $134,522 (10%) to $1,278,106 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to gross commissions and fees of $671,453 and $1,412,628 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

 

The changes in gross commission and fee income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, are as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30    Six Months Ended June 30          Increase        Increase    2018  2017  (Decrease)  2018  2017  (Decrease)                     Policy fee income  $374,330   $407,245   $(32,915)  $755,250   $814,590   $(59,340) Health insurance program   281,233    246,695    34,538    490,640    557,906    (67,266) Membership and fee income   15,886    17,513    (1,627)   32,216    35,756    (3,540) Daily automobile rental insurance program contingent commission   —      —      —      —      4,376    (4,376) Total  $671,449   $671,453   $(4)  $1,278,106   $1,412,628   $(134,522)

 

 

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Unifax sells and services insurance policies for Crusader. The commissions paid by Crusader to Unifax are eliminated as intercompany transactions and are not reflected as income in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Unifax also receives non-refundable policy fee income that is directly related to the Crusader policies it sells. For financial statement reporting purposes, policy fees are earned ratably over the life of the related insurance policy. The unearned portion of the policy fee is recorded as a liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Accrued expenses and other liabilities.” The earned portion of the policy fee charged to the policyholder by Unifax is recognized as income in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Policy fee income decreased $32,915 (8%) and $59,340 (7%) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to reduction in policy counts.

 

AIB markets health insurance in California through non-affiliated insurance companies for individuals and groups. For these services, AIB receives commission based on the premiums that it writes. Commission income increased $34,538 (14%) and decreased $67,266 (12%) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in commission income reported in the three months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the prior year period, is primarily a result of the timing of commission receipts. The decrease in commission income reported in the six months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the prior year period, is primarily a result of a cumulative commission correction of $68,971 by the non-affiliated insurance carriers received during the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

AAQHC is a third party administrator for contracted insurance companies and is a membership association that provides various consumer benefits to its members, including participation in group health care insurance policies that AAQHC negotiates for the association. For these services, AAQHC receives membership and fee income from its members. Membership and fee income decreased $1,627 (9%) and $3,540 (10%) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. These decreases are primarily a result of a decrease in the number of association members enrolled in AAQHC.

 

The daily automobile rental insurance program was produced by Bedford. Bedford received commission income from non-affiliated insurance companies based on written premium. Bedford stopped selling and servicing daily automobile rental policies in 2015. Accordingly, since 2016, all Bedford’s commission income is comprised of commission on previous business written. As a result, the daily automobile rental insurance program commission income for the six months ended June 30, 2018, decreased $4,376 (100%), compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. There was no daily automobile rental insurance program commission income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 or for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Finance charges and fees earned consist of finance charges, late fees, returned check fees, and payment processing fees. These charges and fees earned by AAC increased $16,200 (89%) to $34,380 and $16,135 (44%) to $52,476 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $18,180 and $36,341 in fees earned during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, AAC issued 543 and 1,203 loans, respectively, and had 1,887 loans outstanding as of June 30, 2018. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, AAC issued 800 and 1,543 loans, respectively, and had 2,307 loans outstanding as of June 30, 2017. AAC provides premium financing only for Crusader policies produced by Unifax in California. The decrease in loans issued during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 is due primarily to the decrease in the number of policies issued by Unifax. AAC has offered 0% financing on policies produced by Unifax for Crusader from July 2010 through February 2018. Effective March 1, 2018, the annual percentage rate charged on AAC new loans increased up to 4.99% from 0%. The increase in the annual percentage rate has contributed to the increase in finance charges and fees earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. The Company believes the new interest rate is competitive and will not have a negative impact on its business.

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 67% and 85% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 72% and 89% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

  

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Loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss adjustment expenses by net earned premium. Losses and loss adjustment expenses and loss ratios are as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30    2018  2018 Loss Ratio  2017  2017 Loss Ratio  Decrease                  Net earned premium  $7,362,945        $8,220,150        $(857,205) Losses and loss adjustment expenses:                          Provision for insured events of current year   4,652,240    63%   5,567,142    68%   (914,902) Development of insured events of prior years   276,963    4%   341,532    4%   (64,569) Total losses and loss adjustment expenses  $4,929,203    67%  $5,908,674    72%  $(979,471)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2018 Loss Ratio  2017  2017 Loss Ratio  Decrease                  Net earned premium  $15,044,572        $16,140,849        $(1,096,277) Losses and loss adjustment expenses:                          Provision for insured events of current year   10,661,378    71%   12,064,708    75%   (1,403,330) Development of insured events of prior years   2,069,582    14%   2,369,147    14%   (299,565) Total losses and loss adjustment expenses  $12,730,960    85%  $14,433,855    89%  $(1,702,895)

 

Some lines of insurance are commonly referred to as "long-tail" lines because of the extended time required before claims are ultimately settled. Lines of insurance in which claims are settled relatively quickly are called "short-tail" lines. It is generally more difficult to estimate loss reserves for long-tail lines because of the long period of time that elapses between the occurrence of a claim and its final disposition and the difficulty of estimating the settlement value of the claim. Crusader’s short-tail lines consist of its property coverages, and its long-tail lines consist of its liability coverages. However, Crusader’s long-tail liability claims tend to be settled relatively quicker than other long-tail lines not underwritten by Crusader, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, umbrella liability, and medical malpractice. Since trends develop over longer periods of time on long-tail lines of business, the Company generally gives credibility to those trends more slowly than for short-tail or less volatile lines of business.

 

The $4,652,240 provision for insured events of current year for the three months ended June 30, 2018, was $914,902 lower than the $5,567,142 provision for insured events of current year for the three months ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to lower IBNR reserves on long-tail liability claims during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

The $276,963 development of insured events of prior years for the three months ended June 30, 2018, was $64,569 lower than the $341,532 for the three months ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to long-term liability claims on the 2013 accident year. The $276,963 development of insured events of prior years during the three months ended June 30, 2018 was due primarily to the strengthening of 2014 accident years loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.

 

The $10,661,378 provision for insured events of current year for the six months ended June 30, 2018, was $1,403,330 lower than the $12,064,708 provision for insured events of current year for the six months ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to lower incurred but not reported reserves (“IBNR”) on long-tail liability claims during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

The $2,069,582 development of insured events of prior years for the six months ended June 30, 2018, was $299,565 lower than the $2,369,147 for the six months ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to lower incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses on long-tail liability claims for 2013, 2014, and 2015 accident years during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The $2,069,582 development of insured events of prior years during the six months ended June 30, 2018, was due primarily to strengthening 2014 accident years loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.

  

 

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The following table breaks out adverse (favorable) development from total losses and loss adjustment expenses quarterly since June 30, 2016:

 

      

 

Provision for Insured Events of Current Year

    Adverse (Favorable) Development of Insured Events of Prior Years    

 

Total Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

   Three Months Ended:                  June 30, 2018   $4,652,240   $276,963   $4,929,203   March 31, 2018    6,009,138    1,792,619    7,801,757   December 31, 2017    5,330,275    808,481    6,138,756   September 30, 2017    5,982,245    3,935,651    9,917,896   June 30, 2017    5,567,142    341,532    5,908,674   March 31, 2017     6,497,566    2,027,615    8,525,181   December 31, 2016    5,731,198    (886,671)   4,844,527   September 30, 2016    6,792,115    1,245,985    8,038,100   June 30, 2016    5,603,427    (744,670)   4,858,757 

 

The variability of Crusader’s losses and loss adjustment expenses for the periods presented is primarily due to the small and diverse population of Crusader’s policyholders and claims, which may result in greater fluctuations in claim frequency and/or severity. In addition, Crusader’s reinsurance retention, which is relatively high in relationship to its net earned premium, can result in increased loss ratio volatility when large losses are incurred in a relatively short period of time. Nevertheless, management believes that its reinsurance retention is reasonable given the amount of Crusader’s surplus and its goal to minimize ceded premium.

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires estimation of certain liabilities, most significantly the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Management makes its best estimate of the liability for these unpaid claims costs as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Due to the inherent uncertainties in estimating the Company’s unpaid claims costs, actual loss and loss adjustment expense payments are expected to vary, perhaps significantly, from any estimate made prior to the settling of all claims. Variability is inherent in establishing loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, especially for a small insurer such as Crusader. For any given line of insurance, accident year, or other group of claims, there is a continuum of possible loss and loss adjustment expense reserve estimates, each having its own unique degree of propriety or reasonableness. Due to the complexity and nature of the insurance claims process, there are potentially an infinite number of reasonably likely scenarios. Management draws on its collective experience to judgmentally determine its best estimate. In addition to applying a variety of standard actuarial methods to the data, an extensive series of diagnostic tests are applied to the resultant loss and loss adjustment expense reserve estimates to determine management’s best estimate of the unpaid claims liability. Among the statistics reviewed for each accident year are: loss and loss adjustment expense development patterns; frequencies; severities; and ratios of loss to premium, loss adjustment expense to premium, and loss adjustment expense to loss.

 

When there is clear evidence that the actual claims costs emerged are different than expected for any prior accident year, the claims cost estimates for that year are revised accordingly. If the claims costs that emerge are less favorable than initially anticipated, generally, the Company increases its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves immediately. However, if the claims costs that emerge are more favorable than initially anticipated, generally, the Company reduces its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves over time while it continues to assess the validity of the observed trends based on the subsequent emerged claim costs.

 

The establishment of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is a detailed process as there are many factors that can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim. Estimates are based on a variety of industry data and on the Company’s current and historical accident year claims data, including but not limited to reported claim counts, open claim counts, closed claim counts, closed claim counts with payments, paid losses, paid loss adjustment expenses, case loss reserves, case loss adjustment expense reserves, earned premiums and policy exposures, salvage and subrogation, and unallocated loss adjustment expenses paid. Many other factors, including changes in reinsurance, changes in pricing, changes in policy forms and coverage, changes in underwriting and risk selection, legislative changes, results of litigation and inflation are also taken into account.

 

At the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for each accident year (i.e., for all claims incurred within each year) are re-evaluated independently by the Company’s president, the Company’s chief financial officer, and by an independent consulting actuary.  Generally accepted actuarial methods, including the widely used Bornhuetter-Ferguson and loss development methods, are employed to estimate ultimate claims costs. An actuarial central estimate of the ultimate claims costs and IBNR reserves is ultimately determined by management and tested for reasonableness by the independent consulting actuary.

 

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Policy acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, inspection fees, and certain other underwriting costs that are directly related to and vary with the successful production of Crusader insurance policies. These costs include both Crusader expenses and the allocated expenses of other Unico subsidiaries. Crusader's reinsurers pay Crusader a ceding commission, which is primarily a reimbursement of the acquisition cost related to the ceded premium. No ceding commission is received on facultative or catastrophe ceded premium. Policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commission, are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. The Company annually reevaluates its acquisition costs to determine that costs related to successful policy acquisition are capitalized and deferred. These costs were approximately 21% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 19% of net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. Policy acquisition costs decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the prior period, due primarily to the decrease in premium. Policy acquisition costs increased during the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the prior year period, partly due to higher amortization of deferred acquisition costs resulting from a reduction in a deferral rate of commission related acquisition costs and an increase in the premium deficiency reserve by $30,000 to $75,000, as compared to the premium deficiency reserve $45,000 as of December 31, 2017; The Company did not carry such reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Policy acquisition costs and the ratio to net earned premium are as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30  Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  (Decrease)  2018  2017  Increase                     Policy acquisition costs  $1,515,476   $1,591,503   $(76,027)  $3,136,981   $3,089,137   $47,844  Ratio to net earned premium (GAAP ratio)   21%   19%        21%   19%     

 

Salaries and employee benefits decreased $838,222 (43%) to $1,126,503 and $898,788 (27%) to $2,414,580 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $1,964,725 and $3,313,368 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Salaries and employee benefits incurred and charged to operating expenses are as follows:

   Three Months Ended June 30    2018  2017  Decrease            Total salaries and employee benefits incurred  $1,975,558   $2,620,615   $(645,057) Less: charged to losses and loss adjustment expenses   (452,103)   (302,683)   (149,420) Less: capitalized to policy acquisition costs   (396,952)   (353,207)   (43,745) Net amount charged to operating expenses  $1,126,503   $1,964,725   $(838,222)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30    2018  2017   Decrease            Total salaries and employee benefits incurred  $4,068,262   $4,617,886   $(549,624) Less: charged to losses and loss adjustment expenses   (882,250)   (625,701)   (256,549) Less: capitalized to policy acquisition costs   (771,432)   (678,817)   (92,615) Net amount charged to operating expenses  $2,414,580   $3,313,368   $(898,788)

 

The decrease in the total salaries and employee benefits incurred for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was due primarily to costs associated with a termination of an employment agreement with an employee during the six months ended June 30, 2017; there are no such agreements for any other employees other than those agreements disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in the total salaries and employee benefits incurred was partially offset by an increase in the number of claims department personnel for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Also contributing to the decrease in the net amount of salaries and employee benefits charged to operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was a decrease in support personnel.

 

 

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Commissions to agents/brokers decreased $4,453 (10%) to $40,541 and $5,003 (6%) to $81,880 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $44,994 and $86,883 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. These decreases in commissions to agents/brokers were due primarily to timing of payment receipts.

 

Other operating expenses decreased $337,539 (31%) to $744,697 and $285,895 (15%) to $1,610,840 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $1,082,236 and $1,896,735 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The decreases in other operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, were related primarily to fees associated with the California Department of Insurance financial examination of Crusader and consulting expenses incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017; there were no such expenses incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. The decreases in other operating expenses were partially offset by an increase in building maintenance expenses and higher costs of acquiring new employees.

 

Income tax provision increased $578,826 (126%) to an income tax expense of $118,735 (41% of pre-tax income) and increased $1,094,243 (69%) to a benefit of $485,945 (19% of pre-tax loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to an income tax expense of $460,091 (34% of pre-tax income) and $1,580,188 (34% of pre-tax loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The increase in income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income for the three months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, is primarily due to a change in valuation allowance on the state net operating loss carryforwards. The decrease in income tax benefit during the six months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to six months ended June 30, 2017, was primarily due to a reduction in the corporate Federal income tax rate from 34% to 21%, effective for years beginning after December 31, 2017 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The calculated tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2018, consisted of federal tax benefit rate of 21% and a state income tax benefit rate of 1.3%. The calculated tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017, was comprised of a calculated federal tax benefit rate of approximately 34% while the calculated state tax expense rate was approximately 0.6%.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the periods presented, there were no off-balance sheet transactions, unconditional purchase obligations or similar instruments and the Company was not a guarantor of any other entities’ debt or other financial obligations.

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company is currently a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. The Company has elected to comply with the scaled disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies and has therefore omitted the information required under Item 305 of Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

An evaluation was carried out by the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2018, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2018.

 

During the period covered by this report, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are named from time to time as defendants in various legal actions that are incidental to its business, including those which arise out of or are related to the handling of claims made in connection with Crusader’s insurance policies. The Company establishes reserves for certain claims-related lawsuits, regulatory actions and other contingencies when the Company believes a loss is probable and is able to estimate its potential exposure. While actual losses may differ from the amounts recorded and such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance, the Company is not aware of any currently pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings that, either individually or in the aggregate, it anticipates will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There were no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in response to Item 1A to Part I of Form 10-K.

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101The following information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*

 

*XBRL information is furnished and deemed not filed as part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

UNICO AMERICAN CORPORATION

 

Date: August 15, 2018 By: /s/ CARY L. CHELDIN

Cary L. Cheldin

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief

Executive Officer, (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date: August 15, 2018 By: /s/ MICHAEL BUDNITSKY

Michael Budnitsky

Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, (Principal

Accounting and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

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