BROWN & BROWN, INC. (BRO) FY 2024 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
Company Overview
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to those Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). In addition, see “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below regarding important information on non-GAAP financial measures contained in our discussion and analysis.
We are a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. As an insurance intermediary, our principal sources of revenue are commissions paid by insurance companies and, to a lesser extent, fees paid directly by customers. Commission revenues generally represent a percentage of the premium paid by an insured and are affected by fluctuations in both premium rate levels charged by insurance companies and the insureds’ underlying “insurable exposure units,” which are units that insurance companies use to measure or express insurance exposed to risk (such as property values, sales or payroll levels) to determine what premium to charge the insured. Insurance companies establish these premium rates based upon many factors, including loss experience, risk profile and reinsurance rates paid by such insurance companies, none of which we control. We also participate in capitalized captive insurance facilities (the "Captives") for the purpose of having additional capacity to place coverage, drive additional revenues and to participate in underwriting results. The Captives focus on property insurance for earthquake and wind exposed properties underwritten by certain of our MGUs and limit the Company's exposure to claims expenses through reinsurance or by only participating in certain tranches of the underwriting.
We have increased revenues every year from 1993 to 2024, with the exception of 2009, when our revenues declined 1.0%. Our revenues grew from $95.6 million in 1993 to $4.8 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%. In the same 31-year period, we increased net income from $8.1 million to $1.0 billion in 2024, a 16.8% compound annual growth rate.
The volume of business from new and existing customers, fluctuations in insurable exposure units, changes in premium rate levels, changes in general economic and competitive conditions, a reduction of purchased limits or the occurrence of catastrophic weather events all affect our revenues. For example, higher levels of inflation, an increase the value of insurable exposure units, or a general decline in economic activity, could increase or decrease the value of insurable exposure units. Conversely, increasing costs of litigation settlements and awards could cause some customers to seek higher levels of insurance coverage. Historically, we have grown our revenues as a result of our focus on new business, customer retention and acquisitions. We foster a strong, decentralized sales and service culture, which enables responsiveness to changing business conditions and drives accountability for results.
The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions, and therefore, it represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold, and specific fee-based services rendered. The net change in core commissions and fees reflects the aggregate changes attributable to: (i) net new and lost accounts; (ii) net changes in our customers’ exposure units, deductibles or insured limits; (iii) net changes in insurance premium rates or the commission rate paid to us by our carrier partners; (iv) the net change in fees paid to us by our customers; and (v) any businesses acquired or disposed of.
We also earn profit-sharing contingent commissions, which are commissions based primarily on underwriting results, but in select situations may reflect additional considerations for volume, growth and/or retention. These commissions, which are included in our commissions and fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income, are estimated and accrued throughout the year based on actual premiums written and knowledge, to the extent it is available, of losses incurred. Payments are primarily received in the first and second quarters of each subsequent year, based upon the aforementioned considerations for the prior year(s), but may differ from the amount estimated and accrued due to the lack of complete visibility regarding loss information until they are received. Over the last three years, profit-sharing contingent commissions have averaged approximately 3.6% of commissions and fees revenue.
Fee revenues primarily relate to services other than securing coverage for our customers, and for fees negotiated in lieu of commissions. Fee revenues are generated by: (i) our Programs and Wholesale Brokerage segments, which earn fees primarily for the issuance of insurance policies on behalf of insurance carriers and (ii) our Retail segment in our large-account customer base, where we primarily earn fees for securing insurance for our customers, in our F&I businesses where we earn fees for assisting our customers with creating and selling warranty and service risk management programs and fees for Medicare Set-aside services, Social Security disability services and Medicare benefits advocacy services. Fee revenues as a percentage of our total commissions and fees, represented 21.1% in 2024 and 23.9% in 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our commissions and fees growth rate was 12.1% and our consolidated Organic Revenue growth rate was 10.4%.
Historically, investment income has consisted primarily of interest earnings on operating cash and where permitted, on premiums collected and held in a fiduciary capacity before being remitted to insurance companies. Our policy as it relates to the Company’s capital is to invest available funds in high-quality, short-term money-market funds and fixed income investment securities. Investment income also includes gains and losses realized from the sale of investments. Other income primarily reflects other miscellaneous revenues.
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Income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $157 million, or 13.7% over 2023, driven by Organic Revenue growth, increased profit-sharing contingent commissions, leveraging our expense base, net new business, increased investment income, acquisitions completed in the past twelve months and the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables. This was partially offset by a decrease in the gain on disposal primarily associated with the divestiture of certain businesses within the former Services segment during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In the discussion and analysis of our results of operations, in addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we provide references to the following non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of the SEC rules: Organic Revenue, EBITDAC, EBITDAC Margin, EBITDAC - Adjusted and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted. We present these measures because we believe such information is of interest to the investment community. We believe they provide additional meaningful methods to evaluate the Company’s operating performance from period to period. These measures of operating performance may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis due to the impact of certain items that have a high degree of variability, that we believe are not indicative of ongoing performance and that are not easily comparable from period to period. This non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company’s consolidated income statements and balance sheets as of the relevant date. Consistent with Regulation G, a description of such information is provided below and tabular reconciliations of this supplemental non-GAAP financial information to our most comparable GAAP information are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Results of Operations - Segment Information.”
We view Organic Revenue and Organic Revenue growth as important indicators when assessing and evaluating our performance on a consolidated basis and for each of our three segments, because they allow us to determine a comparable, but non-GAAP, measurement of revenue growth that is associated with the revenue sources that were a part of our business in both the current and prior year, and that are expected to continue in the future. We also view EBITDAC, EBITDAC - Adjusted, EBITDAC Margin and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted as important indicators when assessing and evaluating our performance, as they present more comparable measurements of our operating margins in a meaningful and consistent manner. As disclosed in our most recent proxy statement, we use Organic Revenue growth, and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted as key performance metrics for our short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans for executive officers and other key employees.
Beginning January 1, 2024, we no longer exclude Foreign Currency Translation from the calculation of EBITDAC - Adjusted and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted. Prior periods are presented on the same basis so that the calculations of EBITDAC - Adjusted and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted are comparable for both periods. We no longer exclude Foreign Currency Translation from the calculation of these earnings measures because fluctuations in Foreign Currency Translation affect both our revenues and expenses, largely offsetting each other. Therefore, excluding Foreign Currency Translation from these earnings measures provides no meaningful incremental value in evaluating our financial performance.
Non-GAAP Revenue Measures
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Organic Revenue is our core commissions and fees less: (i) the core commissions and fees earned for the first twelve months by newly acquired operations; (ii) divested business (core commissions and fees generated from offices, books of business or niches sold or terminated during the comparable period) and (iii) Foreign Currency Translation (as defined below). The term “core commissions and fees” excludes profit-sharing contingent commissions and therefore represents the revenues earned directly from specific insurance policies sold and specific fee-based services rendered. Organic Revenue can be expressed as a dollar amount or a percentage rate when describing Organic Revenue growth.
Non-GAAP Earnings Measures
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EBITDAC is defined as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
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EBITDAC Margin is defined as EBITDAC divided by total revenues.
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EBITDAC - Adjusted is defined as EBITDAC, excluding (i) (gain)/loss on disposal, (ii) for 2022 and 2023, Acquisition/Integration Costs (as defined below) and (iii) for 2023, the 1Q23 Nonrecurring Cost (as defined below).
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EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted is defined as EBITDAC - Adjusted divided by total revenues.
Definitions Related to Certain Components of Non-GAAP Measures
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“Acquisition/Integration Costs” means the acquisition and integration costs (e.g., costs associated with regulatory filings, legal/accounting services, due diligence and the costs of integrating our information technology systems) arising out of our acquisitions of GRP (Jersey) Holdco Limited and its business, Orchid Underwriters Agency and CrossCover Insurance Services, and BdB Limited companies, which are not considered to be normal, recurring or part of the ongoing operations.
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“Foreign Currency Translation” means the period-over-period impact of foreign currency translation, which is calculated by applying current-year foreign exchange rates to the various functional currencies in our business to our reporting currency of U.S. dollars for the same period in the prior year.
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“1Q23 Nonrecurring Cost” means approximately $11.0 million expensed and substantially paid in the first quarter of 2023 to resolve a business matter, which is not considered to be normal, recurring or part of the ongoing operations.
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“(Gain)/loss on disposal” is a caption on our consolidated statements of income which reflects net proceeds received as compared to net book value related to sales of books of business and other divestiture transactions, such as the disposal of a business through sale or closure.
Our industry peers may provide similar supplemental non-GAAP information with respect to one or more of these measures, although they may not use the same or comparable terminology and may not make identical adjustments; and therefore, comparability may be limited. This supplemental non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisitions
Part of our business strategy is to attract high-quality insurance intermediaries and service organizations to join our operations. From 1993 through the fourth quarter of 2024, we acquired 676 insurance intermediary operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We continually evaluate our estimates, which are based upon a combination of historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for our judgments about the recognition of revenues, expenses, carrying values of our assets and liabilities, of which values are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We believe that of our significant accounting and reporting policies, the more critical policies include our accounting for revenue recognition, business combinations and purchase price allocations, intangible asset impairments, non-cash stock-based compensation and reserves for litigation. In particular, the accounting for these areas is subject to uncertainty, because it requires significant use of judgment to be made by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our revenue is commissions derived from our performance as agents and brokers, acting on behalf of insurance carriers to sell products to customers that are seeking to transfer risk; and conversely, acting on behalf of those customers in negotiating with insurance carriers seeking to acquire risk in exchange for premiums. In the majority of these arrangements, our performance obligation is complete upon the effective date of the bound policy; as such, that is when the associated revenue is recognized. In some arrangements, where we are compensated through commissions, we also perform other services for our customer beyond binding of coverage. In those arrangements we apportion the commission between binding of coverage and other services based on their relative fair value and recognize the associated revenue as those performance obligations are satisfied. Where the Company’s performance obligations have been completed, but the final amount of compensation is unknown due to variable factors, we estimate the amount of such compensation. We refine those estimates upon our receipt of additional information or final settlement, whichever occurs first.
To a lesser extent, the Company earns revenues in the form of fees. Like commissions, fees paid to us in lieu of commission, are recognized upon the effective date of the bound policy. When we are paid a fee for service; however, the associated revenue is recognized over a period of time that coincides with when the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of our work, which characterizes most of our claims processing arrangements and various services performed in our property and casualty, and employee benefits practices. Other fees are typically recognized upon the completion of the delivery of the agreed-upon services to the customer.
To a much lesser extent, the Company earns revenues in the form of net retained earned premiums in connection with the Captives. These premiums are reported net of the ceded premiums for reinsurance and recognized ratably over the associated policy periods.
Management determines a cancellation reserve based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted in accordance with known circumstances.
See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the nature and timing of our revenues.
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Business Combinations and Purchase Price Allocations
We have acquired significant intangible assets through acquisitions of businesses. These assets primarily consist of purchased customer accounts and the excess of purchase prices over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired (goodwill). The determination of estimated useful lives and the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets requires significant judgment and affects the amount of future amortization and possible impairment charges.
In connection with acquisitions, we record the estimated value of the net tangible assets purchased and the value of the identifiable intangible assets purchased, which primarily consist of purchased customer accounts. Purchased customer accounts include the right to represent insureds or claimants supported by the physical records and files obtained from acquired businesses that contain information about insurance policies, customers and other matters essential to policy renewals of delivery of services. Their value primarily represents the present value of the underlying net cash flows expected to be received over the estimated future duration of the acquired customer relationships. The valuation of purchased customer accounts involves significant estimates and assumptions concerning matters such as cancellation frequency, expenses and discount rates. Any change in these assumptions could affect the carrying value of purchased customer accounts. Purchased customer accounts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives, generally 15 years. The excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets is assigned to goodwill and is not amortized.
The recorded purchase prices for all acquisitions include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions, where an earn-out is part of the negotiated transaction. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income as a result of updated expectations for the performance of the associated business.
The fair value of earn-out obligations is based upon the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions contained in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business, and this estimate reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated based on the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These estimates are then discounted to a present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecast earn-out payments will be made.
Intangible Assets Impairment
Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment, measured by a fair-value-based test. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to an impairment review based upon an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets. To determine if there is potential impairment of goodwill, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. The Company may elect to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment, or as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is not determined that the fair value of the reporting unit more likely than not exceeds the carrying amount, the Company will calculate the fair value of the reporting unit for comparison against the carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss would be recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value is estimated based upon multiples of earnings, or on a discounted cash flow basis.
Management assesses the recoverability of our goodwill and our amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Any of the following factors, if present, may trigger an impairment review: (i) a significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, (ii) a significant negative industry or economic trend, and (iii) a significant decline in our market capitalization. If the recoverability of these assets is unlikely because of the existence of one or more of the above-referenced factors, an impairment analysis is performed. Management must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of these assets. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to revise the assessment and, if appropriate, record an impairment charge. We completed our most recent evaluation of impairment for goodwill as of November 30, 2024 and determined that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of such assets. Additionally, there have been no impairments recorded for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation
We grant non-vested stock awards to our employees, with the related compensation expense recognized in the financial statements over the associated service period based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards, subject to any performance modification. During the performance measurement period, we review the probable outcome of the performance conditions associated with our performance awards and adjust the expense recognition accruals with the expected performance outcome.
During the first quarter of 2023, the performance conditions for approximately 970,000 shares of the Company’s common stock granted under the Company’s 2019 SIP were determined by the Compensation Committee to have been satisfied relative to the performance-based grants issued in 2020 and 2022. These grants had a performance measurement period that concluded on December 31, 2022. The vesting condition for these grants requires continuous employment for a period of up to five years from the 2020 grant date and four years from the 2022 grant date in order for the awarded shares to become fully vested and nonforfeitable. As a result of the awarding of these shares, the
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grantees will be eligible to receive payments of dividends and exercise voting privileges. The awarded shares will be included as issued and outstanding common stock shares and included in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share.
During the first quarter of 2024, the performance conditions for approximately 1.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock granted under the Company’s 2019 SIP were determined by the Compensation Committee to have been satisfied relative to the performance-based grants issued in 2021 and 2023. These grants had a performance measurement period that concluded on December 31, 2023. The vesting condition for these grants requires continuous employment for a period of up to five years from the 2021 grant date and four years from the 2023 grant date in order for the awarded shares to become fully vested and nonforfeitable. As a result of the awarding of these shares, the grantees will be eligible to receive payments of dividends and exercise voting privileges. The awarded shares will be included as issued and outstanding common stock shares and included in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share.
During the first quarter of 2025, the performance conditions for approximately 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock granted under the Company’s 2019 SIP are expected to be determined by the Compensation Committee to have been satisfied relative to the performance-based grants issued in 2022. These grants had a performance measurement period that concluded on December 31, 2024. The vesting condition for these grants requires continuous employment for a period of up to five years from the 2022 grant date in order for the awarded shares to become fully vested and nonforfeitable. As a result of the awarding of these shares, the grantees will be eligible to receive payments of dividends and exercise voting privileges. The awarded shares will be included as issued and outstanding common stock shares and included in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share.
Litigation and Claims
We are subject to numerous litigation and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. If it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss is estimable, an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded in accrued expenses in the accompanying financial statements. Professional fees related to these claims are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income as incurred. Management, with the assistance of in-house and outside counsel, determines whether it is probable that a liability has been incurred and estimates the amount of loss based upon analysis of individual issues. New developments or changes in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters may significantly affect the required reserves and affect our net income.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
The following discussion and analysis regarding results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes. For a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, see Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2024.
Financial information relating to our Consolidated Financial Results is as follows:
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2024 | % Change | 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REVENUES | ||||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 4,539 | 11.6 | % | $ | 4,069 | ||||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | 166 | 27.7 | % | 130 | ||||||||
| Investment income | 93 | 78.8 | % | 52 | ||||||||
| Other income, net | 7 | 16.7 | % | 6 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | 4,805 | 12.9 | % | 4,257 | ||||||||
| EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 2,406 | 10.0 | % | 2,187 | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 710 | 9.2 | % | 650 | ||||||||
| Gain on disposal | (31 | ) | (78.3 | )% | (143 | ) | ||||||
| Amortization | 178 | 7.2 | % | 166 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 44 | 10.0 | % | 40 | ||||||||
| Interest | 193 | 1.6 | % | 190 | ||||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | 2 | (90.5 | )% | 21 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | 3,502 | 12.6 | % | 3,111 | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,303 | 13.7 | % | 1,146 | ||||||||
| Income taxes | 301 | 9.5 | % | 275 | ||||||||
| Net income before non-controlling interests | 1,002 | 15.0 | % | 871 | ||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 | NMF | — | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to the Company | $ | 993 | 14.0 | % | $ | 871 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1) | 27.1 | % | 26.9 | % | ||||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted (2) | $ | 1,689 | 17.0 | % | $ | 1,444 | ||||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted (2) | 35.2 | % | 33.9 | % | ||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate (2) | 10.4 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues | 50.1 | % | 51.4 | % | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses relative to total revenues | 14.8 | % | 15.3 | % | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 82 | 18.8 | % | $ | 69 | ||||||
| Total assets at December 31, | $ | 17,612 | 18.3 | % | $ | 14,883 |
(2)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(3)
A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
Commissions and Fees
Commissions and fees, including profit-sharing contingent commissions and earned premiums for 2024, increased $506.0 million to $4,705 million, or 12.1% over 2023. Core commissions and fees in 2024 increased $470 million, composed of (i) approximately $415 million of net new and renewal business, which reflects an Organic Revenue growth rate of 10.4%; (ii) $146 million from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2023; (iii) an increase from the impact of Foreign Currency Translation of $10 million and (iv) an offsetting decrease of $101 million related to commissions and fees revenue from businesses or books of business divested in the preceding twelve months. Profit-sharing contingent commissions for 2024 increased by $36 million, or 27.7%, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was driven primarily by (i) improved underwriting results, overall growth of the business, as well as qualifying for certain profit-sharing contingent commissions that we did not qualify for in the prior year and (ii) recent acquisitions.
Investment Income
Investment income for 2024 was $93 million, compared with $52 million in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher average interest rates and cash balances compared to 2023.
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Other Income, Net
Other income for 2024 was $7 million, compared with $6 million in 2023. Other income consists of miscellaneous income and therefore, it can fluctuate between comparable periods.
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of total revenues was 50.1% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 51.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and increased 10.0%, or $219 million. This increase included $69 million of compensation costs related to stand-alone acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2023. Therefore, employee compensation and benefits expense attributable to those offices that existed in the same time periods of 2024 and 2023 increased by $150 million, or 6.9%. This underlying employee compensation and benefits expense increase was primarily related to: (i) an increase in staff costs attributable to new hires; (ii) an increase in producer compensation associated with revenue growth; (iii) an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation driven by the strong financial performance of the Company and (iv) the year-over-year increase of approximately $21 million in the value of deferred compensation liabilities driven by changes in the market prices of our deferred compensation plan, with such amount substantially offset within other operating expenses as we hold assets to fund these liabilities, partially offset by (v) employee compensation and benefits associated with certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses divested in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses represented 14.8% of total revenues for 2024 as compared to 15.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Other operating expenses for 2024 increased $60 million, or 9.2%, from the same period of 2023. This change includes: (i) $27 million of other operating expenses related to stand-alone acquisitions that had no comparable costs in the same period of 2023; (ii) increased information technology-related costs; (iii) and to a lesser extent, increased variable costs associated with revenue growth, offset by (iv) the 1Q23 Nonrecurring Cost (v) other operating expenses associated with certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses divested in the fourth quarter of 2023 and (vi) the year-over-year decrease of approximately $21 million in the value of assets held to fund the associated liabilities within our deferred compensation plan, which was substantially offset within employee compensation and benefits, as noted above.
Gain or Loss on Disposal
The Company recognized net gains on disposals of $31 million in 2024 and $143 million in 2023. The gains on disposal were primarily attributable to the selling of certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses in the fourth quarter of 2023 and settlement of certain related contingent payments in 2024. Although we do not routinely sell businesses or customer accounts, we periodically sell an office or a book of business (one or more customer accounts) that we believe does not produce reasonable margins or demonstrate a potential for adequate growth, or because doing so is in the Company’s best interest.
Amortization
Amortization expense for 2024 increased $12 million to $178 million, or 7.2% over 2023. This change reflects the amortization of new intangibles from businesses acquired within the past twelve months, net of certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized or written off in the (Gain)/Loss on disposal.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense for 2024 increased $4 million to $44 million, or 10.0% over 2023. Changes in depreciation expense reflect net additions of fixed assets resulting from businesses acquired in the past twelve months and the addition of fixed assets resulting from business initiatives, partially offset by the impact of fixed assets that became fully depreciated or written off in the gain or loss on disposal.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for 2024 increased $3 million to $193 million, or 1.6%, from 2023.
Change in Estimated Acquisition Earn-Out Payables
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 - Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquirer to recognize 100% of the fair value of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase price arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. The recorded purchase price for acquisitions includes an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations are required to be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income when incurred or reasonably estimated. Estimations of
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potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired operations or entities, usually for periods ranging from one to three years.
The net charge or credit to the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period is the combination of the net change in the estimated acquisition earn-out payables liability, and the accretion of the present value discount on those liabilities.
As of December 31, 2024, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were reevaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement. The resulting net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change in fair value of estimated acquisition earn-out payables | $ | (6 | ) | $ | 14 | ||
| Interest expense accretion | 8 | 7 | |||||
| Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables | $ | 2 | $ | 21 |
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of estimated earn-out payables was reevaluated and decreased by $6 million for 2024 and increased by $14 million for 2023, which are credits and charges, exclusive of interest expense accretion, to the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2024 and 2023.
As of December 31, 2024, the estimated acquisition earn-out payables equaled $167 million, of which $75 million was recorded as accounts payable and $92 million was recorded as other non-current liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated acquisition earn-out payables equaled $249 million, of which $146 million was recorded as accounts payable and $103 million was recorded as other non-current liabilities.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on income from operations was 23.1% in 2024 and 24.1% in 2023.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — SEGMENT INFORMATION
As discussed in Note 15 “Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we operate three reportable segments: Retail, Programs and Wholesale Brokerage. On a segmented basis, changes in amortization, depreciation and interest expenses generally result from activity associated with acquisitions. Likewise, other income consists primarily of miscellaneous income and therefore can fluctuate between comparable periods. As such, management primarily focuses on the Organic Revenue growth rate and EBITDAC Margin when evaluating the operational efficiency of a segment.
The reconciliation of total commissions and fees included in the Consolidated Statements of Income to Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, including by segment, and the growth rates for Organic Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
| 2024 | Retail(1) | Programs | Wholesale Brokerage | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commissions and fees | $ | 2,720 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 1,375 | $ | 1,160 | $ | 610 | $ | 539 | $ | 4,705 | $ | 4,199 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total change | $ | 220 | $ | 215 | $ | 71 | $ | 506 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total growth % | 8.8 | % | 18.5 | % | 13.2 | % | 12.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | (44 | ) | (50 | ) | (95 | ) | (65 | ) | (27 | ) | (15 | ) | (166 | ) | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 2,676 | $ | 2,450 | $ | 1,280 | $ | 1,095 | $ | 583 | $ | 524 | $ | 4,539 | $ | 4,069 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions revenues | (81 | ) | — | (57 | ) | — | (8 | ) | — | (146 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dispositions | — | (6 | ) | — | (97 | ) | — | 2 | — | (101 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | — | 8 | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue(2) | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,452 | $ | 1,223 | $ | 999 | $ | 575 | $ | 527 | $ | 4,393 | $ | 3,978 | ||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth(2) | $ | 143 | $ | 224 | $ | 48 | $ | 415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate(2) | 5.8 | % | 22.4 | % | 9.1 | % | 10.4 | % |
(1)
The Retail segment includes commissions and fees reported as “Other” in the Segment Information table in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.
36
The reconciliation of total commissions and fees included in the Consolidated Statements of Income to Organic Revenue, a non-GAAP financial measure, including by segment, and the growth rates for Organic Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, by segment, are as follows:
| 2023 | Retail(1) | Programs | Wholesale Brokerage | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commissions and fees | $ | 2,500 | $ | 2,153 | $ | 1,160 | $ | 957 | $ | 539 | $ | 453 | $ | 4,199 | $ | 3,563 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total change | $ | 347 | $ | 203 | $ | 86 | $ | 636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total growth % | 16.1 | % | 21.2 | % | 19.0 | % | 17.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | (50 | ) | (49 | ) | (65 | ) | (28 | ) | (15 | ) | (12 | ) | (130 | ) | (89 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 2,450 | $ | 2,104 | $ | 1,095 | $ | 929 | $ | 524 | $ | 441 | $ | 4,069 | $ | 3,474 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions revenues | (203 | ) | — | (47 | ) | — | (34 | ) | — | (284 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dispositions | — | (20 | ) | — | (26 | ) | — | (5 | ) | — | (51 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | — | 9 | — | — | — | 1 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue(2) | $ | 2,247 | $ | 2,093 | $ | 1,048 | $ | 903 | $ | 490 | $ | 437 | $ | 3,785 | $ | 3,433 | ||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth(2) | $ | 154 | $ | 145 | $ | 53 | $ | 352 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate(2) | 7.4 | % | 16.1 | % | 12.1 | % | 10.3 | % |
(1)
The Retail segment includes commissions and fees reported as “Other” in the Segment Information table in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes corporate and consolidation items.
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.
The reconciliation of income before income taxes, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and EBITDAC - Adjusted, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted, a non-GAAP measure, for the year ended December 31, 2024, including by segment, is as follows:
| (in millions) | Retail | Programs | Wholesale Brokerage | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenues | $ | 2,729 | $ | 1,400 | $ | 616 | $ | 60 | $ | 4,805 | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 602 | 603 | 175 | (77 | ) | 1,303 | ||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin(1) | 22.1 | % | 43.1 | % | 28.4 | % | NMF | 27.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Amortization | 119 | 47 | 12 | — | 178 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 21 | 15 | 3 | 5 | 44 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest | 71 | 30 | 11 | 81 | 193 | |||||||||||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | 8 | (7 | ) | 1 | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| EBITDAC(2) | $ | 821 | $ | 688 | $ | 202 | $ | 9 | $ | 1,720 | ||||||||||
| EBITDAC Margin(2) | 30.1 | % | 49.1 | % | 32.8 | % | NMF | 35.8 | % | |||||||||||
| (Gain)/loss on disposal | (3 | ) | (28 | ) | - | - | (31 | ) | ||||||||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted(2) | $ | 818 | $ | 660 | $ | 202 | $ | 9 | $ | 1,689 | ||||||||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted(2) | 30.0 | % | 47.1 | % | 32.8 | % | NMF | 35.2 | % |
(1)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure.
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
37
The reconciliation of income before income taxes, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income, to EBITDAC, a non-GAAP measure, and EBITDAC - Adjusted, a non-GAAP measure, and Income Before Income Taxes Margin to EBITDAC Margin, a non-GAAP measure, and EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted, a non-GAAP measure, for the year ended December 31, 2023, including by segment, is as follows:
| (in millions) | Retail | Programs | Wholesale Brokerage | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenues | $ | 2,508 | $ | 1,173 | $ | 541 | $ | 35 | $ | 4,257 | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 537 | 551 | 126 | (68 | ) | 1,146 | ||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin(1) | 21.4 | % | 47.0 | % | 23.3 | % | NMF | 26.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Amortization | 112 | 42 | 11 | 1 | 166 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 19 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 40 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest | 85 | 36 | 12 | 57 | 190 | |||||||||||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | 1 | — | 20 | — | 21 | |||||||||||||||
| EBITDAC(2) | $ | 754 | $ | 642 | $ | 172 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | 1,563 | |||||||||
| 'EBITDAC Margin(2) | 30.1 | % | 54.7 | % | 31.8 | % | NMF | 36.7 | % | |||||||||||
| (Gain)/loss on disposal | (3 | ) | (141 | ) | — | 1 | (143 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition/Integration Costs | 10 | — | 1 | 2 | 13 | |||||||||||||||
| 1Q23 Nonrecurring Cost | — | — | — | 11 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted(2) | 761 | 501 | 173 | 9 | 1,444 | |||||||||||||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted(2) | 30.3 | % | 42.7 | % | 32.0 | % | NMF | 33.9 | % |
(1)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
38
Retail Segment
The Retail segment provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public, professional and individual insured customers, and non-insurance risk-mitigating products through our F&I businesses. Approximately 77% of the Retail segment’s commissions and fees revenue is commission based.
Financial information relating to our Retail segment for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2024 | % Change | 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REVENUES | ||||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 2,676 | 9.1 | % | $ | 2,453 | ||||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | 44 | (12.0 | )% | 50 | ||||||||
| Investment income | 6 | NMF | 1 | |||||||||
| Other income, net | 3 | (25.0 | )% | 4 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,729 | 8.8 | % | 2,508 | ||||||||
| EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 1,462 | 9.4 | % | 1,336 | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 449 | 6.7 | % | 421 | ||||||||
| (Gain)/loss on disposal | (3 | ) | — | (3 | ) | |||||||
| Amortization | 119 | 6.3 | % | 112 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 21 | 10.5 | % | 19 | ||||||||
| Interest | 71 | (16.5 | )% | 85 | ||||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | 8 | NMF | 1 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,127 | 7.9 | % | 1,971 | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 602 | 12.1 | % | $ | 537 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1) | 22.1 | % | 21.4 | % | ||||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted (2) | $ | 818 | 7.5 | % | $ | 761 | ||||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted (2) | 30.0 | % | 30.3 | % | ||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate (2) | 5.8 | % | 7.4 | % | ||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues | 53.6 | % | 53.3 | % | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses relative to total revenues | 16.5 | % | 16.8 | % | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 48 | 4.3 | % | $ | 46 | ||||||
| Total assets at December 31 | $ | 9,389 | 8.4 | % | $ | 8,658 |
(1)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The Retail segment’s total revenues in 2024 increased 8.8%, or $221 million, over 2023, to $2,729 million. The $223 million increase in core commissions and fees was driven by the following: (i) approximately $81 million related to the core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2023; (ii) an increase of $143 million related to net new and renewal business; (iii) an increase from the impact of Foreign Currency Translation of $8 million; and (iv) an offsetting decrease of $6 million related to commissions and fees recorded in 2023 from businesses since divested. Profit-sharing contingent commissions in 2024 decreased 12.0%, or $6 million, over 2023, to $44 million. This decrease was primarily the result of not qualifying for certain profit-sharing contingent commissions in 2024, due to higher loss ratios experienced by our insurance carrier partners. The Retail segment’s total commissions and fees increased 8.7% and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 5.8% for 2024. The Organic Revenue growth rate was driven by net new business written during the preceding twelve months and growth on renewals of existing customers. Renewal business was impacted by moderating insurance premium rates and exposure units.
Income before income taxes for 2024 increased 12.1%, or $65 million, over the same period in 2023, to $602 million. The primary factors driving this increase were: (i) a decrease in allocated interest expense, (ii) the profit associated with the net increase in revenue as described above and partially offset by, (iii) the increase in the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
EBITDAC - Adjusted for 2024 increased 7.5%, or $57 million, from the same period in 2023, to $818 million. EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted for 2024 decreased to 30.0% from 30.3% in the same period in 2023. The decrease in EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted was primarily driven by (i) a decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions, (ii) higher non-cash stock-based compensation and (iii) higher compensation due to investments in employees, which was partially offset by (iv) the net increase in revenue as described above and (v) leveraging our expense base.
39
Programs Segment
The Programs segment manages over 60 programs supported by over 100 well-capitalized carrier partners. In most cases, the insurance carriers that support these programs have delegated underwriting and, in many instances, claims-handling authority to our programs operations. These programs are generally distributed through a global network of independent agents and Brown & Brown retail agents, and offer targeted products and services designed for specific industries, trade groups, professions, public entities and market niches. This segment also operates a write-your-own flood insurance carrier, WNFIC and participates in two Captives. WNFIC’s underwriting business consists of policies written on behalf of and fully ceded to the NFIP, as well as excess flood policies, which are fully reinsured in the private market. The Captives provide additional underwriting capacity that enable growth in core commissions and fees, and allow us to participate in underwriting results with limited exposure to claims expenses. The Company has traditionally participated in underwriting profits through profit-sharing contingent commissions. These Captives give us another way to continue to participate in underwriting results while limiting exposure to claims expenses. The Captives focus on property insurance for earthquake and wind exposed properties underwritten by certain of our MGUs. The Captives limit the Company's exposure to claims expenses either through reinsurance or by participating in limited tranches of the underwriting risk.
The Programs segment operations can be grouped into five broad categories: Professional Programs, Personal Lines Programs, Commercial Programs, Public Entity-Related Programs and Specialty Programs. Approximately 79% of the Programs segment’s commissions and fees revenue is commission based.
Financial information relating to our Programs segment for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2024 | % Change | 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REVENUES | ||||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 1,280 | 16.9 | % | $ | 1,095 | ||||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | 95 | 46.2 | % | 65 | ||||||||
| Investment income | 23 | 91.7 | % | 12 | ||||||||
| Other income, net | 2 | 100.0 | % | 1 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,400 | 19.4 | % | 1,173 | ||||||||
| EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 450 | 5.9 | % | 425 | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 290 | 17.4 | % | 247 | ||||||||
| (Gain)/loss on disposal | (28 | ) | (80.1 | )% | (141 | ) | ||||||
| Amortization | 47 | 11.9 | % | 42 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 15 | 15.4 | % | 13 | ||||||||
| Interest | 30 | (16.7 | )% | 36 | ||||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | (7 | ) | NMF | — | ||||||||
| Total expenses | 797 | 28.1 | % | 622 | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 603 | 9.4 | % | $ | 551 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1) | 43.1 | % | 47.0 | % | ||||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted (2) | $ | 660 | 31.7 | % | $ | 501 | ||||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted (2) | 47.1 | % | 42.7 | % | ||||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate (2) | 22.4 | % | 16.1 | % | ||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues | 32.1 | % | 36.2 | % | ||||||||
| Other operating expenses relative to total revenues | 20.7 | % | 21.1 | % | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 15 | (11.8 | )% | $ | 17 | ||||||
| Total assets at December 31 | $ | 6,158 | 47.0 | % | $ | 4,188 |
(1)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The Programs segment’s total revenue for 2024 increased 19.4%, or $227 million, as compared to the same period in 2023, to $1,400 million. The $185 million increase in core commissions and fees revenue was driven by: (i) approximately $224 million of net new renewal business and fee revenues; (ii) an offsetting decrease of $97 million related to commissions and fees revenue from business divested in the preceding twelve months and (iii) $57 million from acquisitions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2023. Profit-sharing contingent commissions in 2024 increased 46.2%, or $30 million, from 2023, to $95 million which was primarily driven by qualifying for certain contingent commissions that we did not qualify for in the prior year, favorable loss ratios, prior year adjustments and acquisitions. Total commissions and fees increase 18.5% and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 22.4% for 2024. The Organic Revenue growth was driven primarily by strong net new business, good retention as well as exposure unit expansion across several of our programs and claims revenue associated with hurricanes Helene and Milton.
40
Income before income taxes for 2024 increased 9.4%, or $52 million, from 2023, to $603 million. Income before income taxes increased due to the drivers of EBITDAC - Adjusted described below partially offset by changes in the gains on disposal which were primarily attributable to the selling of certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses in the fourth quarter of 2023.
EBITDAC - Adjusted for 2024 increased 31.7%, or $159 million, from the same period in 2023, to $660 million. EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted for 2024 increased to 47.1% from 42.7%. EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted increased due to strong Organic Revenue growth and leveraging our expense base, increase in profit sharing contingent commissions and the sale of certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Wholesale Brokerage Segment
The Wholesale Brokerage segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, including Brown & Brown retail agents. Approximately 85% of the Wholesale Brokerage segment’s commissions and fees revenue is commission based.
Financial information relating to our Wholesale Brokerage segment for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2024 | % Change | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REVENUES | |||||||||||
| Core commissions and fees | $ | 583 | 11.3 | % | $ | 524 | |||||
| Profit-sharing contingent commissions | 27 | 80.0 | % | 15 | |||||||
| Investment income | 6 | 200.0 | % | 2 | |||||||
| Other income, net | — | — | % | — | |||||||
| Total revenues | 616 | 13.9 | % | 541 | |||||||
| EXPENSES | |||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 322 | 13.4 | % | 284 | |||||||
| Other operating expenses | 92 | 8.2 | % | 85 | |||||||
| (Gain)/loss on disposal | — | — | % | — | |||||||
| Amortization | 12 | 9.1 | % | 11 | |||||||
| Depreciation | 3 | — | % | 3 | |||||||
| Interest | 11 | (8.3 | )% | 12 | |||||||
| Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables | 1 | (95.0 | )% | 20 | |||||||
| Total expenses | 441 | 6.3 | % | 415 | |||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 175 | 38.9 | % | $ | 126 | |||||
| Income Before Income Taxes Margin (1) | 28.4 | % | 23.3 | % | |||||||
| EBITDAC - Adjusted (2) | $ | 202 | 16.8 | % | $ | 173 | |||||
| EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted (2) | 32.8 | % | 32.0 | % | |||||||
| Organic Revenue growth rate (2) | 9.1 | % | 12.1 | % | |||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits relative to total revenues | 52.3 | % | 52.5 | % | |||||||
| Other operating expenses relative to total revenues | 14.9 | % | 15.7 | % | |||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 3 | 0.0 | % | $ | 3 | |||||
| Total assets at December 31 | $ | 1,607 | 3.1 | % | $ | 1,559 |
(1)
“Income Before Income Taxes Margin” is defined as income before income taxes divided by total revenues
(2)
A non-GAAP financial measure
NMF = Not a meaningful figure
The Wholesale Brokerage segment’s total revenues for 2024 increased 13.9%, or $75 million, over 2023, to $616 million. The $59 million increase in core commissions and fees was driven by the following: (i) $48 million related to net new and renewal business; (ii) $10 million related to core commissions and fees revenue from acquisitions and dispositions that had no comparable revenues in the same period of 2023; and (iii) an increase from the impact of Foreign Currency Translation of $1 million. Profit-sharing contingent commissions for 2024 increased $12 million compared to 2023, to $27 million, primarily driven by improved underwriting results, increased written premium, finalization of prior-year estimates and acquisitions completed in the past twelve months. The Wholesale Brokerage segment’s growth rate for total commissions and fees was 13.2%, and the Organic Revenue growth rate was 9.1% for 2024. The Organic Revenue growth rate was driven by strong new business and good retention, as well as a combination of exposure unit and rate increases.
41
Income before income taxes for 2024 increased 38.9%, or $49 million, over 2023, to $175 million, due to the following: (i) the growth of EBITDAC - Adjusted described below and (ii) a decrease in the change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables.
EBITDAC - Adjusted for 2024 increased 16.8%, or $29 million, from the same period in 2023, to $202 million. EBITDAC Margin - Adjusted for 2024 increased to 32.8% from 32.0% for the same period in 2023 due to: (i) total revenues growth; (ii) certain nonrecurring operating expenses in the prior year; and (iii) leveraging our expense base.
Other
As discussed in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in the Segment Information tables “Other” includes any income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments, and corporate-related items, including the intercompany interest expense charges to reporting segments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company seeks to maintain a conservative balance sheet and strong liquidity profile. Our capital requirements to operate as an insurance intermediary are low, and we have been able to grow and invest in our business through a combination of cash that has been generated from operations, the disciplined use of debt and the issuance of equity as part of the purchase price consideration to acquire certain businesses. We have the ability to utilize our Revolving Credit Facility, which as of December 31, 2024 provided capacity for up to $550 million in additional available cash. We believe that we have access to additional funds, if needed, through the capital markets or private placements to obtain further debt financing under the current market conditions. The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investment portfolio and funds generated from operations, together with the funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement"), will be sufficient to satisfy its normal liquidity needs, including principal payments on our long-term debt, for the next 12 months and in the long term.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains an expansion option for up to an additional $500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to the approval of participating lenders. Additionally, the Company may, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of additional term loan commitments by new or existing lenders, increase either Term Loan Commitment under the existing Loan Agreement or the term loans issued thereunder or issue new tranches of term loans in an aggregate additional amount of up to $400 million. Including the expansion options under all existing credit agreements, the Company has access to up to $1,450 million of incremental borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2024.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $675 million at December 31, 2024 reflecting a decrease of $25 million from the $700 million balance at December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $172 million of cash and cash equivalents outside of the U.S. From time to time, the Company will evaluate the repatriation of available funds from our non-U.S. operating subsidiaries or permanently reinvest a portion of those funds in those various territories.
Operating Cash Flows
Our operating cash flows are primarily derived from the net income generated during the period adjusted for non-cash expenses, which include depreciation, amortization, changes in estimated earnout payables, non-cash stock based compensation and deferred income taxes while excluding gains and losses on sales/disposals of investments, businesses, fixed assets and customer accounts, payments on acquisition earn-outs in excess of original estimated payables and changes in working capital which relate primarily to the timing of payments of accrued liabilities and receipts of receivables from commissions and fees related to our revenues. Our ratio of current assets to current liabilities (the “current ratio”) was 1.10 and 1.04 for December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Cash flows generated from operating activities totaled $1,174 million and $1,010 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing an increase of $164 million, 16.2%. Operating cash flows generated in 2024 included $1,002 million from net income before non-controlling interests with $277 million of non-cash adjustments, offset by $105 million from changes in working capital. The growth in cash from operations is primarily due to increased operating margins from strong organic revenue growth, offset by an increase in our taxes paid, net of refunds, of $84 million mainly due to the 2023 deferral of $121 million related to certain federal income tax payments due to Hurricane Idalia tax relief, which was announced by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") on August 30, 2023. These deferred income tax payments were paid by the IRS deadline of February 15, 2024.
Investing Cash Flows
Cash flows used for investing activities were $898 million and $587 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $311 million, 53.0%.
42
Acquisitions
During 2024, the Company completed 32 acquisitions (including book purchases) and paid $890 million, net of cash, and cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity acquired, most notably for the purchases of Quintes Holding B.V. and The Canopy Group for $695 million and $51 million, respectively. Net cash paid for acquisitions increased $259 million in 2024, up from $631 million in 2023.
Dispositions
The Company received cash proceeds from the sale of businesses, fixed assets and customer accounts totaling $70 million and $107 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of certain third-party claims administration and adjusting services businesses in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures amounted to $82 million and $69 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and included purchases of furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements related to office moves and hardware and software purchases related to information technology investments.
Financing Cash Flows
Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $64 million and $187 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of $123 million, 65.8%.
Fiduciary Receivables and Liabilities
Fiduciary cash represents funds in the Company's possession collected from customers to be remitted to insurance companies and funds from insurance companies to be distributed to insureds for the settlement of claims or refunds. The net change in fiduciary cash is represented by the net change in fiduciary liabilities and fiduciary receivables and is presented as cash flows from financing activities in the statement of cash flows. Financing cash flows reflect an increase of $191 million and $189 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to fiduciary receivables and liabilities.
Acquisition Earn-outs
Payments on acquisition earn-outs related to the original acquisition date estimates totaled $117 million and $90 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Dividends
During 2024 and 2023, the Company paid cash dividends of $154 million and $135 million, respectively, an increase of $19 million, 14.1%. On January 22, 2025, the board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share to be paid on February 12, 2025.
Debt
Net proceeds from long term debt totaled $25 million in 2024, compared to net cash used of $151 million in 2023.
Total debt at December 31, 2024 was $3,824 million net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, which was an increase of $28 million compared to December 31, 2023. The increase includes: the issuance of $600 million senior notes, $150 million of net additions to the Revolving Credit Facility and the amortization of discounted debt related to our various unsecured senior notes and debt issuance cost amortization of $4 million; offset by the repayment of $719 million in senior notes and floating-rate debt balances net of Revolving Credit Facility activity and the addition of deferred financing costs and discount on debt of $7 million.
The Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., Truist Bank and BMO Harris Bank N.A. as co-syndication agents, and U.S. Bank National Association, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, PNC Bank, National Association, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and Citizens Bank, N.A. as co-documentation agents. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the credit agreement dated April 17, 2014, among certain of such parties, as amended by that certain amended and restated credit agreement dated June 28, 2017 (the “Original Credit Agreement”). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among other certain terms, extended the maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility of $800 million and unsecured term loans associated with the agreement of $250 million to October 27, 2026.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company repaid $25 million of principal related to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement term loan through the quarterly scheduled principal payments. The Second Amended and Restated Credit
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Agreement term loan had an outstanding balance of $194 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company's next scheduled principal payment of $6 million is due in March 2025.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company repaid $44 million of principal related to the Term Loans issued under the Term A-2 Loan Commitment (“Term A-2 Loans”) through quarterly scheduled principal payments. The Term A-2 Loans had an outstanding balance of $412 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s next scheduled principal payment of $13 million is due in March 2025.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company repaid $150 million of principal related to the Term Loans issued under the Term A-1 Loan Commitment (“Term A-1 Loans”). The Term A-1 Loans had an outstanding balance of $150 million as of December 31, 2024. The note matures on March 31, 2025 which the Company intends to repay at maturity.
On February 13, 2024, the Company drew down on the Revolving Credit Facility by $150 million, and the proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repaid $250 million of the outstanding balance on the Revolving Credit Facility. On October 23, 2024, the Company drew down on the Revolving Credit Facility by $350 million in connection with the acquisition of Quintes Holding B.V. The Company repaid $100 million thereafter, leaving an outstanding balance of $250 million on the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2024.
On June 11, 2024, the Company completed the issuance of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.650% senior notes due 2034 (the “2034 Senior Notes”). The net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the 2034 Senior Notes, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $593 million. The 2034 Senior Notes were given investment grade ratings of BBB- stable outlook and Baa3 positive outlook. The 2034 Senior Notes will mature in June 2034. Interest on the 2034 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The 2034 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Company may redeem the 2034 Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time and from time to time, at the “make whole” redemption prices specified in the prospectus supplement for the 2034 Senior Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In September 2024, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the 2034 Senior Notes to repay $500 million of the 4.200% senior notes due September 2024. In June 2024, the Company also used $100 million of the proceeds to repay a portion of an outstanding term loan balance. As of December 31, 2024 there was a total outstanding debt balance of $600 million exclusive of the associated discount balance on the 2034 Senior Notes.
Total debt at December 31, 2023 was $3,796 million net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, which was a decrease of $146 million compared to December 31, 2022. The decrease includes: the scheduled principal payments related to our various existing floating-rate debt term notes in total of $250 million; offset by the amortization of discounted debt related to our various unsecured Senior Notes, and debt issuance cost amortization of $4 million and the net increase of $100 million balance on the Revolving Credit Facility.
During the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, the Company repaid $15 million of principal related to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement term loan through the quarterly scheduled principal payments. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement term loan had an outstanding balance of $219 million as of December 31, 2023.
During the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, the Company repaid $25 million of principal related to the Term Loans issued under the Term A-2 Loans through quarterly scheduled principal payments. The Term A-2 Loans had an outstanding balance of $456 million as of December 31, 2023.
On February 10, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment") of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which provided that the overnight London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) should be replaced with a successor rate. The amendment also included additional terms and conditions for the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) loans and Risk-free Reference Rate ("RFR") loans.
By May 31, 2023, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of $210 million on the term loan (the “Term Loan”) associated with the Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), which was entered into on December 21, 2018, with cash on hand of $40 million and $170 million of proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility. The Term Loan was terminated early due to the agreement's benchmark reference rate to the LIBOR which was due to cease on June 30, 2023. Any proceeds related to this terminated note on the Revolving Credit Facility were repaid by the end of the third quarter of 2023.
On October 2, 2023, the Company obtained $250 million from the Revolving Credit Facility in connection with the acquisition of Kentro Capital Limited. During the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company repaid $150 million of the proceeds on the Revolving Credit Facility and had a $100 million outstanding balance.
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Contractual Cash Obligations
As of December 31, 2024, our contractual cash obligations were as follows:
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 4-5 Years | After 5 Years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 3,856 | $ | 225 | $ | 781 | $ | 350 | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | 241 | 9 | 22 | 19 | 191 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating leases(1) | 278 | 54 | 94 | 62 | 68 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest obligations | 1,575 | 172 | 287 | 230 | 886 | ||||||||||||||
| Maximum future acquisition contingency payments(2) | 494 | 209 | 280 | 5 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total contractual cash obligations(3),(4) | $ | 6,444 | $ | 669 | $ | 1,464 | $ | 666 | $ | 3,645 |
(1)
Includes $14 million of future lease commitments expected to commence in 2025.
(2)
Includes $167 million of current and non-current estimated earn-out payables. Earn-out payables for acquisitions not denominated in U.S. dollars are measured at the current foreign exchange rate. Five of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables include provisions with no maximum potential earn-out amount. The amount recorded for these acquisitions as of December 31, 2024, is $4 million. The Company deems a significant increase to this amount to be unlikely.
(3)
Does not include approximately $43 million of current liability for a dividend of $0.1500 per share approved by the board of directors on
January 22, 2025 and paid on February 12, 2025.
(4)
Does not include approximately $90 million reflected in accounts payable related to federal income tax payments due to Hurricane Milton tax relief, which was announced by the Internal Revenue Service on October 11, 2024. These deferred income tax payments will be paid by the deadline of May 1, 2025.