TIPTREE INC. (TIPT)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Insurance Carriers > SIC 6331 Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1393726. Latest filing source: 0001393726-26-000009.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read TIPT's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read TIPT's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 34,927,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-09 |
| Assets | 6,840,065,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-09 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-09. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001393726.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 25,320,000 | 3,604,000 | 23,933,000 | 18,361,000 | -29,158,000 | 38,132,000 | -8,274,000 | 13,951,000 | 53,367,000 | 34,927,000 | |||
| Operating income | -43,458,000 | -40,274,000 | -46,724,000 | ||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | 1.01 | -0.10 | 0.69 | 0.50 | -0.86 | 1.09 | -0.23 | 0.34 | 1.34 | 0.76 | |||
| Operating cash flow | 36,643,000 | 46,919,000 | 57,724,000 | 23,742,000 | 140,169,000 | 204,316,000 | 463,073,000 | 71,452,000 | 240,756,000 | 168,218,000 | |||
| Capital expenditures | 1,480,000 | 1,747,000 | 3,749,000 | 8,519,000 | 6,694,000 | 2,764,000 | 10,727,000 | 4,096,000 | 33,000 | 0.00 | |||
| Dividends paid | 3,191,000 | 3,499,000 | 4,781,000 | 5,502,000 | 5,566,000 | 5,409,000 | 7,775,000 | 7,401,000 | 18,312,000 | 9,071,000 | |||
| Share buybacks | 3,982,000 | 43,754,000 | 7,300,000 | 14,111,000 | 9,085,000 | 13,889,000 | 8,145,000 | 1,727,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
| Assets | 2,890,050,000 | 1,989,742,000 | 1,864,918,000 | 2,198,286,000 | 2,995,760,000 | 3,599,147,000 | 4,039,563,000 | 5,139,313,000 | 5,694,789,000 | 6,840,065,000 | |||
| Liabilities | 2,499,906,000 | 1,592,968,000 | 1,465,659,000 | 1,786,871,000 | 2,622,222,000 | 3,198,966,000 | 3,505,990,000 | 4,562,748,000 | 5,038,018,000 | 6,087,666,000 | |||
| Stockholders' equity | 293,431,000 | 300,077,000 | 387,101,000 | 398,062,000 | 356,144,000 | 382,954,000 | 397,365,000 | 416,866,000 | 457,698,000 | 508,551,000 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 49,786,000 | 110,667,000 | 86,003,000 | 133,117,000 | 136,920,000 | 175,718,000 | 538,065,000 | 468,711,000 | 19,437,000 | 30,784,000 | |||
| Free cash flow | 35,163,000 | 45,172,000 | 53,975,000 | 15,223,000 | 133,475,000 | 201,552,000 | 452,346,000 | 67,356,000 | 240,723,000 | 168,218,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return on equity | 8.63% | 1.20% | 6.18% | 4.61% | -8.19% | 9.96% | -2.08% | 3.35% | 11.66% | 6.87% | |||
| Return on assets | 0.88% | 0.18% | 1.28% | 0.84% | -0.97% | 1.06% | -0.20% | 0.27% | 0.94% | 0.51% | |||
| Liabilities / equity | 8.52 | 5.31 | 3.79 | 4.49 | 7.36 | 8.35 | 8.82 | 10.95 | 11.01 | 11.97 | |||
| Current ratio | 2.45 | 1.88 |
Industry Peer Context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001393726-26-000009; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001393726-26-000009; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001393726-26-000009; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2024 ended 2024-12-31; accession 0001393726-25-000028; filed 2025-03-03. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001393726-26-000009; filed 2026-03-09. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-30. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001393726.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | -0.64 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.38 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 381,625,000 | -0.03 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 404,518,000 | 5,989,000 | 0.16 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 416,514,000 | 2,153,000 | 0.04 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 446,374,000 | 6,871,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 498,221,000 | 9,050,000 | 0.22 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 546,673,000 | 12,851,000 | 0.31 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 494,362,000 | 11,915,000 | 0.29 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 503,598,000 | 19,551,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 497,426,000 | 5,635,000 | 0.13 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 528,750,000 | 18,960,000 | 0.37 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 540,302,000 | 6,421,000 | 0.13 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 3,911,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 0.00 | 14,246,000 | 0.34 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001393726-26-000026; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001393726-26-000026; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001393726-26-000026; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001393726-26-000048.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are presented in this section as follows:
•
Overview
•
Results of Operations
•
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
On May 29, 2026, the Company completed the sale of Fortegra, its insurance segment, pursuant to the Sale Agreement entered on September 26, 2025. The total consideration received for the sale of Fortegra consisted of cash proceeds of $1.65 billion, less transaction expenses of $25.0 million in which the Company received consideration of $1.12 billion. The Company recognized an after-tax gain on the sale of $372.2 million, which is included in net income from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026.
| ($ in thousands) | As of | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2026 | |||
| Consideration | $ | 1,650,000 | |
| Less: transaction expenses | 25,023 | ||
| Net consideration | 1,624,977 | ||
| Tiptree diluted ownership of Fortegra | 69.0 | % | |
| Fair value of consideration received | 1,121,743 | ||
| Less: Basis in Fortegra | 637,199 | ||
| Gain subject to tax | 484,544 | ||
| Less: Tax on gain | 112,304 | ||
| Estimated gain on disposal | $ | 372,240 |
On May 1, 2026, the Company completed the Reliance Transaction, its mortgage segment, to Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC. Total consideration from the transaction consisted of cash proceeds of $49.7 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The disposal group incurred cumulative impairment losses of $9.1 million upon its initial classification as held for sale and as a discontinued operation in 2025 which was inclusive of a goodwill and intangible impairment of $1.7 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $0.5 million in discontinued operations related to subsequent changes in estimated fair value less costs to sell, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax loss of $8.6 million.
Prior to the sales, the assets and liabilities of Fortegra and Reliance were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. Upon completion of the transactions in the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Company transferred control of the respective subsidiaries to the buyers and derecognized the related assets and liabilities from its condensed consolidated balance sheet.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of Tiptree’s consolidated financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025. In addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measure book value per share as a measurement of operating performance. Management believes this measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies. The Company has reclassified income and expenses attributable to Fortegra and Reliance to net income (loss) from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Consolidated Results
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | $ | — | $ | 92 | $ | — | $ | 482 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | — | 92 | — | 482 | ||||||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 6,502 | 6,985 | 13,264 | 16,318 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 362 | 361 | 718 | 718 | ||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 2,187 | 4,616 | 4,066 | 7,898 | ||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 9,051 | 11,962 | 18,048 | 24,934 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) before taxes | (9,051 | ) | (11,870 | ) | (18,048 | ) | (24,452 | ) | ||||||||
| Non operating income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | — | (1,454 | ) | (261 | ) | (714 | ) | |||||||||
| Other income | 3,917 | 865 | 4,883 | 1,401 | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | (5,134 | ) | (12,459 | ) | (13,426 | ) | (23,765 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: provision (benefit) for income taxes | 1,315 | (2,014 | ) | 162 | (3,619 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | (6,449 | ) | (10,445 | ) | (13,588 | ) | (20,146 | ) | ||||||||
| Discontinued operations: | ||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations (1) | 395,682 | 29,405 | 417,067 | 44,741 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 389,233 | $ | 18,960 | $ | 403,479 | $ | 24,595 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 10.38 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 10.72 | $ | 0.66 | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 10.30 | $ | 0.39 | $ | 10.64 | $ | 0.55 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 37,501,135 | 37,496,875 | 37,644,493 | 37,422,957 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted | 37,501,135 | 37,496,875 | 37,644,493 | 37,422,957 | ||||||||||||
| Dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.12 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP: (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 24.34 | $ | 13.33 | $ | 24.34 | $ | 13.33 |
(1)
See Note (3) Dispositions & Discontinued Operations for further details.
(2)
See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
The Company did not generate operating revenues from continuing operations during the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $0.1 million in the prior year, driven by lower other revenue. The Company did not generate operating revenues from continuing operations during the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $0.5 million in the prior year, driven by lower other revenue. Interest income from the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities was recorded in other income within non operating income.
Expenses
Total expenses include employee compensation and benefits, public company expenses and other expenses. Employee compensation and benefits include the expense of management, legal, and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent, and other expenses.
For the three months ended June 30, 2026, expenses were $9.1 million, which decreased $2.9 million, or 24.3%, compared to the prior year. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, expenses were $18.0 million, which decreased $6.9 million, or 27.6%, compared to the prior year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, employee compensation and benefits were $6.5 million and $13.3 million, compared to $7.0 million and $16.3 million, in the respective prior year periods. The declines were driven by lower incentive
22
Table of Contents
compensation and payroll expense associated with the reduction in workforce. Employee compensation and benefits included incentive compensation expense accruals related to the performance of the Company’s continuing and discontinued operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, incentive compensation expense included $2.9 million and $8.4 million of stock-based compensation, respectively. Other expenses were $2.2 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, respectively, compared to $4.6 million and $7.9 million for the corresponding periods in 2025, primarily driven by declines in professional fees.
Non Operating Income
For the three months ended June 30, 2026, there were no net realized and unrealized gains or losses, as compared to the losses of $1.5 million in the prior year, driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, other income was $3.9 million, as compared to $0.9 million in the prior year, primarily driven by higher interest income earned on U.S. Treasury securities held within cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net realized and unrealized losses were $0.3 million, as compared to the losses of $0.7 million in the prior year, driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, other income was $4.9 million, as compared to $1.4 million in the prior year, primarily driven by higher interest income earned on U.S. Treasury securities held within cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.
Income before taxes
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company reported a pre-tax loss of $5.1 million and $13.4 million, respectively, compared to a pre-tax loss of $12.5 million and $23.8 million, in the corresponding prior year periods. The improvement in both periods was driven by lower operating expenses and higher other income.
Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $6.4 million and $13.6 million, respectively, compared to a net loss of $10.4 million and $20.1 million, in the corresponding prior year periods. The improvement in both periods was driven by lower operating expenses and higher other income.
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company reported a net income from discontinued operations of $395.7 million and $417.1 million, respectively, compared to net income of $29.4 million and $44.7 million, in the corresponding prior year periods. The increase in both periods was primarily attributable to the gain recognized on sale on Fortegra.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $907.1 million as of June 30, 2026 compared to $723.4 million as of June 30, 2025, with the increase driven by comprehensive income over the past twelve months, including the gain on sale of Fortegra, partially offset by share repurchases and dividends. In the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company returned $4.5 million to common stockholders through dividends paid and $10.3 million through share repurchases.
Book value per share for the period ended June 30, 2026 was $24.34, a 82.6% increase from book value per share of $13.33 as of June 30, 2025, primarily driven by comprehensive income per share, including the gain recognized on Fortegra transaction, partially offset by dividends paid of $0.12 per share, net changes in non-controlling interests and preferred dividends paid at Fortegra.
DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In connection with the sale of Fortegra and Reliance, the results of operations for these businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The results of discontinued operations include the operating results of Fortegra and Reliance through their respective disposal dates in the three months ended June 30, 2026 and the gain (loss) recognized upon disposition. See Note (3) Dispositions & Discontinued Operations for detailed financial information on each business sold. Following the completion of the sales in the three months ended June 30, 2026, the assets and liabilities associated with Fortegra and Reliance were derecognized and are no longer reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2026.
Fortegra
On May 29, 2026, the Company completed the sale of Fortegra, its insurance segment, pursuant to t
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in this section as follows:
•
Overview
•
Results of Operations
•
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
Our 2025 key highlights include:
•
On September 26, 2025, Tiptree entered into the Sale Agreement with Purchaser and Fortegra whereby Tiptree and Warburg will sell Fortegra to Purchaser for aggregate consideration of $1.65 billion in cash (subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Sale Agreement). As of December 31, 2025, Tiptree owns approximately 69.1% of Fortegra on a fully diluted basis. At the closing of the Sale, Purchaser will acquire complete common equity ownership of Fortegra and all of its subsidiaries. Due to the pending transaction, Fortegra is classified as held for sale and presented in discontinued operations on Tiptree’s financial statements at December 31, 2025. This pending transaction has had no impact on Tiptree’s financial statements at December 31, 2025 other than incurred transaction expenses of approximately $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. If the transaction had been completed as of December 31, 2025, Tiptree would have reflected the below:
| As of | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | |||
| Consideration | $ | 1,650,000 | |
| Less: transaction expenses | 27,000 | ||
| Net consideration | 1,623,000 | ||
| Tiptree diluted ownership of Fortegra | 69.10 | % | |
| Fair value of consideration received | 1,121,490 | ||
| Estimated gain on disposal | $ | 419,052 |
•
On October 31, 2025, Tiptree entered into the Reliance Purchase Agreement with Reliance Buyer and Reliance whereby Tiptree will sell all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Reliance to Reliance Buyer for aggregate consideration of 93.5% of Reliance’s tangible book value, or an estimated $50 million of gross proceeds and an after-tax loss impairment recorded of $10.7 million as of December 31, 2025 (subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Reliance Purchase Agreement).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. In addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measure book value per share as measurement of operating performance. Management believes this measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies. The Company reclassified income and expenses attributable to Fortegra and Reliance to net income (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Assets and liabilities attributable to Fortegra and Reliance have been reclassified to assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale, respectively, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
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Summary of Consolidated Results
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||
| Other revenue | $ | 488 | $ | 1,520 | $ | 2,118 | ||||||
| Total revenues | 488 | 1,520 | 2,118 | |||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 33,844 | 29,159 | 30,694 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,448 | 1,451 | 1,425 | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 11,920 | 11,184 | 13,457 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 47,212 | 41,794 | 45,576 | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss) before taxes | (46,724 | ) | (40,274 | ) | (43,458 | ) | ||||||
| Non operating income: | ||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (1,518 | ) | (905 | ) | (5,289 | ) | ||||||
| Other income | 3,640 | 2,617 | 5,268 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | (44,602 | ) | (38,562 | ) | (43,479 | ) | ||||||
| Less: provision (benefit) for income taxes | (5,691 | ) | (6,217 | ) | (4,747 | ) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | (38,911 | ) | (32,345 | ) | (38,732 | ) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (1) | 73,838 | 85,712 | 52,692 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 34,927 | 53,367 | 13,960 | |||||||||
| Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | — | — | 9 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 34,927 | $ | 53,367 | $ | 13,951 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.93 | $ | 1.44 | $ | 0.38 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.76 | $ | 1.34 | $ | 0.34 | ||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares: | ||||||||||||
| Basic | 37,559,807 | 36,872,706 | 36,693,204 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 37,559,807 | 36,872,706 | 36,693,204 | |||||||||
| Dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.20 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP: (2) | ||||||||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 13.45 | $ | 12.29 | $ | 11.34 |
(1)
See Note (3) Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations for further details.
(2)
See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2025, revenues were $0.5 million, which decreased $1.0 million, or 67.9%, compared to the prior year, driven by a decrease in vessels revenue.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenues were $1.5 million, which decreased $0.6 million, or 28.2%, compared to the prior year, driven by a decrease in vessels revenue.
Expenses
Total expenses include employee compensation and benefits, public company and other expenses. Employee compensation and benefits include the expense of management, legal and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent, expenses for the run-off of our shipping operations and other related expenses.
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For the year ended December 31, 2025, expenses were $47.2 million, which increased $5.4 million, or 13.0%, compared to the prior year. Employee compensation and benefits, included incentive compensation expense which related to the performance of the Company’s continuing and discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2025, employee compensation and benefits were $33.8 million compared to $29.2 million for the prior year, driven by the increase in accrued incentive compensation expense and one-time expenses associated with reduction in workforce. Of the incentive compensation expense in 2025, $6.7 million was stock-based compensation expense, compared to $8.7 million in 2024. Other expenses were $11.9 million, compared to $11.2 million in the prior year, driven by increased professional fees and run-off expenses associated with our shipping investments.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, expenses were $41.8 million, which decreased $3.8 million, or 8.3%, compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, employee compensation and benefits were $29.2 million compared to $30.7 million, driven by a decrease in accrued cash incentive compensation expense. Of the incentive compensation expense in 2024, $8.7 million was stock-based compensation expense, compared to $6.3 million in 2023. Other expenses were $11.2 million, compared to $13.5 million in the prior year, driven primarily by decreased professional fees.
Non Operating Income
For the year ended December 31, 2025, net realized and unrealized losses were $1.5 million, which increased $0.6 million, as compared to the losses of $0.9 million in the prior year, driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net realized and unrealized losses were $0.9 million, which decreased $4.4 million, as compared to the losses of $5.3 million in the prior year, driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2025, other income was $3.6 million, as compared to $2.6 million in the prior year, with the increase driven by higher interest income on cash and cash equivalents recorded in other income. For the year ended December 31, 2024, other income was $2.6 million, as compared to $5.3 million in the prior year, with the decrease driven by lower interest income on cash and cash equivalents recorded in other income.
Income before taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported a pre-tax loss of $44.6 million, as compared to a loss of $38.6 million in the prior year, primarily driven by increased operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a pre-tax loss of $38.6, as compared to a loss of $43.5 million in the prior year, primarily driven by decreased operating expenses.
Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $38.9 million, compared to a net loss of $32.3 million in the prior year, primarily driven by increased operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations $32.3 million, compared to a net loss of $38.7 million in the prior year, primarily driven by decreased operating expenses.
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported a net income from discontinued operations of $73.8 million, compared to a net income of $85.7 million in the prior year, with the decrease driven by the after-tax loss on disposal of Reliance. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a net income from discontinued operations of $85.7 million, compared to a net income of $52.7 million, with the increase driven by underwriting and fee income growth at Fortegra.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $752.4 million as of December 31, 2025 compared to $656.8 million as of December 31, 2024, with the increase driven by comprehensive income in 2025, partially offset by preferred dividends paid at Fortegra and common dividends paid by Tiptree. In 2025, Tiptree returned $9.1 million to common stockholders through dividends paid. Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2025 was $13.45, a 9.4% increase from book value per share of $12.29 as of December 31, 2024, driven by comprehensive income per share, partially offset by dividends paid of $0.24 per share, net changes in non-controlling interests and preferred dividends paid at Fortegra.
Total stockholders’ equity was $656.8 million as of December 31, 2024 compared to $576.6 million as of December 31, 2023, with the increase driven by comprehensive income, partially offset by net changes in non-controlling interests and dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2024, Tiptree returned $18.3 million to common stockholders through dividends paid. Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2024 was $12.29, an increase from book value per share of $11.34 as of December 31, 2023, driven by comprehensive income per share, partially offset by dividends paid of $0.49 per share, net changes in non-controlling interests and preferred dividends paid at Fortegra.
HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
During 2025, Tiptree entered into two sale transactions that have been classified as discontinued operations within its consolidated
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financial statements. See Note (3) Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations for detailed financial information on each business sold.
Fortegra
On September 26, 2025, Tiptree entered into the Sale Agreement with Purchaser and Fortegra whereby Tiptree and Warburg will sell Fortegra to Purchaser for aggregate consideration of $1.65 billion in cash (subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Sale Agreement). As of December 31, 2025, Tiptree owns approximately 69.1% of Fortegra on a fully diluted basis. At the closing of the Sale, Purchaser will acquire complete common equity ownership of Fortegra and all of its subsidiaries. As a result of this agreement, and subsequent shareholder approval, Fortegra is now classified as held for sale and in discontinued operations on Tiptree’s financial statements as of December 31, 2025. The anticipated closing date, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected in the first half of 2026.
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $3.35 billion, compared to $3.07 billion in 2024, an increase of 9.1% driven by growth in specialty E&S insurance lines. Net written premiums were $1.57 billion for the year, compared to $1.44 billion in 2024, an increase of 9.4% consistent with the growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents. Tiptree reported net income of $85.3 million from Fortegra in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $82.1 million in 2024. Fortegra’s combined ratio for the year was 88.6%, compared to 90.0% in 2024, down 1.4 percentage points, reflecting the consistent underwriting performance and scalability of Fortegra’s operations.
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $3.07 billion, compared to $2.75 billion in 2023, an increase of 11.7% driven by expanding Fortegra’s distribution partner network and growing E&S insurance lines. Net written premiums were $1.44 billion for the year, compared to $1.32 billion in 2023, an increase of 9.0%, consistent with growth in gross written premiums. Tiptree reported net income of $82.1 million from Fortegra in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $55.1 million in 2023, driven primarily by the growth in underwriting fee and income. Fortegra’s combined ratio for the year was 90.0%, compared to 90.3% in 2023, down 0.3 percentage points, reflecting the consistent underwriting performance and scalability of Fortegra’s operations.
The total gross written premiums and premium equivalents of $3,347.2 million, $3,068.2 million, and $2,747.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were comprised of gross written premiums of $2,573.8 million, $2,194.0 million, and $1,896.5 million, plus assumed premiums of $499.6 million, $525.5 million, and $489.1 million, plus gross service and administrative fee additions of $273.8 million, $348.7 million, and $362.3 million.
Reliance
On October 31, 2025, Tiptree entered into the Reliance Purchase Agreement with Reliance Buyer and Reliance whereby Tiptree will sell Reliance to Reliance Buyer for aggregate consideration of 93.5% of Reliance’s tangible book value, or an estimated $50 million of gross proceeds as of December 31, 2025 (subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Reliance Purchase Agreement). As a result of this agreement, Reliance is now classified as held for sale and in discontinued operations on Tiptree’s financial statements as of December 31, 2025. The anticipated closing date, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected in the first half of 2026.
The revenues were $61.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $65.9 million in 2024, a decrease of 6.7%. Tiptree reported a net loss of $11.4 million from Reliance in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net income of $3.6 million in the prior year, with the decrease driven by after-tax loss on disposal of Reliance, lower origination volumes, and unrealized losses on the mortgage servicing asset.
The revenues were $65.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $53.9 million in 2023, an increase of 22.4%. Tiptree reported a net income of $3.6 million from Reliance in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million in the prior year, with the increase driven by higher origination volumes and loan servicing fees, and unrealized gains on the mortgage servicing asset.
Provision for Income Taxes
The income tax benefit from continuing operations of $5.7 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, was reflected as components of net income (loss) from continuing operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s effective tax rate related to pre-tax income from continuing operations was equal to 12.8% and 16.1%, respectively, with both lower than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily due to the impacts of nontaxable and nondeductible items.
As of December 31, 2025, Tiptree had approximately $146.1 million in gross capital and operating loss carryforwards, primarily driven by the sale of 14.05 million shares of Invesque in 2024 for $0.5 million of proceeds.
Tiptree signed agreements to sell its insurance and mortgage subsidiaries and recorded deferred taxes on the outside basis on those investments which represents the tax that would be due, before consideration of loss carryforwards, when Tiptree sells its shares in these subsidiaries at their carrying values on Tiptree’s balance sheet. As of December 31, 2025, the deferred tax liability relating to these investments, which remains on Tiptree’s balance since it is a parent-level tax attribute, was $117.9 million, an increase of $33.2 million
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from the year ended December 31, 2024, of which $5.8 million of expense was recorded in OCI, and $27.4 million of expense was recorded as a provision for income taxes in discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2024, the deferred tax liability relating to these investments was $84.7 million, an increase of $23.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2023, of which a $0.5 million benefit was recorded in OCI, and $23.5 million of expense was recorded as a provision for income taxes in discontinued operations.
Balance Sheet Information
Tiptree’s total assets were $6,840.1 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $5,694.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Tiptree's assets from continuing operations were $71.7 million and $59.1 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, an increase of $12.5 million, driven by higher cash and cash equivalents. Assets held for sale were $6,768.4 million and $5,635.7 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, an increase of $1,132.7 million, primarily driven by growth in Fortegra.
Total stockholders’ equity was $752.4 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $656.8 million as of December 31, 2024, with the increase primarily driven by comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, there were 37,824,472 shares of common stock outstanding as compared to 37,255,838 shares as of December 31, 2024, with the increase driven by the issuance and vesting of share-based incentive compensation and exercise of options.
NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Management believes the use of this financial measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as book value is frequently used by the financial community to analyze company growth on a relative per share basis. The following table provides a reconciliation between total stockholders’ equity and total shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | As of December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 752,399 | $ | 656,771 | $ | 576,565 | |||||
| Less: Non-controlling interests | 243,848 | 199,073 | 159,699 | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity, net of non-controlling interests | $ | 508,551 | $ | 457,698 | $ | 416,866 | |||||
| Total common shares outstanding | 37,824 | 37,256 | 36,756 | ||||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 13.45 | $ | 12.29 | $ | 11.34 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and other liquid investments, the Tiptree Credit Agreement and distributions from operating subsidiaries, including income from our investment portfolio and sales of assets, investments and operating businesses. We intend to use our cash resources to continue to fund our operations, grow our businesses and pursue new acquisition opportunities. We may seek additional sources of cash to fund acquisitions or investments. These additional sources of cash may take the form of debt or equity and may be at the parent, subsidiary or asset level. We are a holding company, and our liquidity needs are primarily for compensation, professional fees, office rent and insurance costs.
As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $30.8 million, compared to $19.4 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $11.4 million, primarily driven by the issuance of debt at the holding company. In addition, the Company holds marketable securities of $21.7 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $15.0 million in 2024.
We believe that cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash flow from operations and the proceeds of the Sale and Purchase Agreement will provide sufficient capital to continue to grow the business and pay down the outstanding debt, capital expenditures and other general corporate needs over the next several years. As we continue to expand our business, including by any acquisitions we may make in the future, require additional working capital for increased costs.
On February 7, 2025, we entered into the Tiptree Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Tiptree Holdings borrowed $75.0 million to, among other things, fund working capital and general corporate purposes. The principal of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all credit agreements under the Tiptree Credit Agreement will mature on February 7, 2028. A covenant of the credit agreement requires full repayment from the proceeds of the sale of Fortegra.
Consolidated Comparison of Cash Flows
The following table summarizes cash flows from continuing operations.
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| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (27,163 | ) | $ | (25,042 | ) | $ | (11,342 | ) | |||
| Investing activities | (6,162 | ) | 58,131 | (62,594 | ) | |||||||
| Financing activities | 55,513 | (19,563 | ) | (13,010 | ) | |||||||
| Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 22,188 | $ | 13,526 | $ | (86,946 | ) |
Refer to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow and Note (3) Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations for additional details on cash flows related to discontinued operations.
Operating Activities from Continuing Operations
Cash used in operating activities for continuing operations the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $27.2 million, $25.0 million and $11.3 million, respectively. This reflects the use of funds to support centralized management and ongoing corporate-level operating requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2023, tax refunds were received in the amount of $15.8 million, offsetting the cash used in operating activities.
Investing Activities from Continuing Operations
Investing activities from continuing operations the year ended December 31, 2025, resulted in cash used of $6.2 million driven by purchases of investments outpacing the proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. For December 31, 2024 cash provided by investing activities was $58.1 million due to proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, outpacing purchases of investments. For December 31, 2023 cash used of $62.6 million was attributable to purchases of investments outpacing the proceeds from sales and maturities of investments.
Financing Activities from Continuing Operations
Cash provided by financing activities was $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily attributable to proceeds from issuance of debt at the holding company, partially offset by the payment of dividends, cash paid in connection with vested or exercised stock awards, and payment of debt issuance costs. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, of $19.6 and $13.0 million, respectively, was primarily attributable to the payment of common dividends and cash paid in connection with vested or exercised stock awards. December 31, 2023, was also inclusive of non-controlling redemptions contributions.
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations
Cash flows pertaining to discontinued operations are reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash provided by operating activities was $195.4 million, compared to $265.8 million and $82.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 respectively. The cash used by investing activities was $195.9 million, compared to $381.1 million and $182.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The cash used in financing activities was $44.0 million, for the year ended December 31, 2025. The cash provided by financing activities was $25.9 million and $126.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As disclosed in Note (2), the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The Company believes that the following discussion addresses the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels, from highest to lowest, are defined as follows:
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•
Level 1 – Unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
•
Level 2 – Significant inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. The types of financial assets and liabilities carried at Level 2 are valued based on one or more of the following:
a)
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b)
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c)
Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
d)
Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
•
Level 3 – Significant inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including the Company’s own data and assumptions that are used in pricing the asset or liability.
The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial asset or liability and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of instrument, whether the instrument is new, whether the instrument is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market, and the current market conditions. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Tiptree’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and the consideration of factors specific to the instrument. From time to time, Tiptree’s assets and liabilities will transfer between one level to another level. It is Tiptree’s policy to recognize transfers between different levels at the end of each reporting period.
Tiptree utilizes both observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, specific issuer information and other market data is used. For broker quotes, quotes are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Unobservable inputs may include expected cash flow streams, default rates, supply and demand considerations and market volatility.
Fair Value Option
In addition to the financial instruments that the Company is required to measure at fair value, the Company has elected to make an irrevocable election to utilize fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of operations. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis and must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting guidance requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner.
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The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, in its judgment, it concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These judgments are based on projections of future income, including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of the Company’s projections. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and determines if adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance is appropriate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001393726-25-000028.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in this section as follows:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
Tiptree allocates capital to select small and middle market companies with the mission of building long-term value. Established in 2007, we have a significant track record investing in the insurance sector and across a variety of other industries, including mortgage, specialty finance and shipping. Our largest operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a leading provider of specialty insurance products and related services. We also generate earnings from a diverse group of select investments that we refer to as Tiptree Capital, which includes our Mortgage segment and other, non-insurance businesses and assets. We evaluate performance primarily by the comparison of stockholders’ long-term total return on capital, as measured by growth in stock price plus dividends paid, in addition to Adjusted Net Income.
Our 2024 highlights include:
Overall:
•Tiptree reported net income of $53.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $14.0 million in the prior year period, driven by growth in insurance operations. Return on average equity was 12.2%, compared to 3.4% in 2023.
•Adjusted net income of $100.1 million increased from $61.9 million in 2023, driven by growth in insurance operations. Adjusted return on average equity was 22.9%, as compared to 15.2% in 2023.
Insurance:
•Gross written premiums and premium equivalents were $3.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $320.3 million, or 11.7%, from the prior year period as a result of growth in E&S insurance lines in the U.S. and Europe.
•Net written premiums were $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 9.0%, driven by growth in gross written premiums and increased retention on Fortegra’s whole account quota share reinsurance arrangement from 30% to 40%, effective April 1, 2023.
•Total revenues were $2.0 billion, an increase of $380.6 million, or 23.9%, from 2023, driven by premium growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines in the U.S. and Europe.
•Combined ratio of 90.0%, driven by consistent underwriting performance and the scalability of Fortegra’s operating platform.
•Income before taxes of $183.2 million as compared to $129.8 million in 2023. Return on average equity was 26.0% in 2024 as compared to 25.7% in 2023, with the increases driven by growth in underwriting and fee revenues.
•Adjusted net income (before NCI) was $157.0 million, an increase of $41.3 million, or 35.7%, from 2023. Adjusted return on average equity was 29.1%, as compared to 29.2% in 2023.
•Fortegra’s total stockholders’ equity was $625.5 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $452.6 million as of December 31, 2023, with the increase driven by growth in retained earnings and the aggregate capital contribution from Tiptree, Warburg, and Fortegra independent directors of $40.0 million during 2024.
Tiptree Capital:
•Mortgage income before taxes was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to loss of $3.3 million in 2023, with the increase driven by the positive fair value adjustments in mortgage servicing rights, higher origination volumes and loan servicing fees.
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Key Trends:
Our results of operations are affected by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and GDP growth, market liquidity and volatility, consumer confidence, U.S. demographics, employment and wage growth, business confidence and investment, inflation, interest rates and spreads, the impact of the regulatory environment, and the other factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Generally, our businesses are positively affected by a healthy U.S. consumer, stable to gradually rising interest rates, stable markets and business conditions, and global growth and trade flows. Conversely, rising unemployment, volatile markets, rapidly rising interest rates, inflation, changing regulatory requirements and slowing business conditions can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Insurance results primarily depend on pricing, underwriting, risk retention and the accuracy of reserves, reinsurance arrangements, returns on invested assets, and policy and contract renewals and run-off. Factors affecting these items, including conditions in financial markets, the global economy and the markets in which we operate, fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and inflation, including the current period of inflationary pressures, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Fortegra designs, markets and underwrites specialty property and casualty insurance products for select target markets or niches. The business has historically generated significant fee-based revenues by incorporating value-add coverages and services. Underwriting risk is mitigated through a combination of reinsurance and sliding scale commission structures with agents, distribution partners and/or third-party reinsurers. To mitigate counterparty risk, Fortegra ensures its reinsurance receivables are placed with highly rated and appropriately capitalized counterparties or with our distribution partners’ captive insurance vehicles which are collateralized with highly liquid investments, cash or letters of credit. While Fortegra’s insurance operations have historically maintained a relatively stable combined ratio, initiatives to change the business mix along with these economic factors could generate different results than the business has historically experienced. In particular, inflation can have an impact on replacement costs associated with claims from our customers to the extent we are unable to pass the higher costs of claims through higher premiums. In addition, fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, including the British pound and Euro, would have an impact on book value between periods.
Fortegra’s investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities, loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities. Many of those investments are held at fair value. From 2021 to 2024, the U.S. fixed income markets experienced a significant rise in interest rates. Rising interest rates have and could continue to impact the value of Fortegra’s fixed maturity securities, with any unrealized losses recorded in equity, and if realized, could impact our results of operations. Offsetting the impact of a rising interest rate environment, new investments in fixed rate instruments from both maturities and portfolio growth have and could continue to result in higher net interest income on investments. The weighted average duration of our fixed income available for sale securities is less than three years. While our asset and liability mix is relatively matched, should we need to liquidate any of these investments before maturity to pay claims, any realized losses could materially negatively impact our results of operations. Changes in fair value for loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities in Fortegra’s investment portfolio are reported as unrealized gains or losses in revenues and can be impacted by changes in interest rates, credit risk, currency risk, or market risk, including specific company or industry factors. In addition, our equity holdings are relatively concentrated. General equity market trends, along with company and industry specific factors, can impact the fair value which can result in unrealized gains and losses affecting our results.
Elevated 10-year treasury yields, and the tapering of the Federal Reserve’s purchases of mortgage-backed securities, has resulted in substantial increases in mortgage interest rates. Low mortgage interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve intervention in mortgage markets, and rising home prices in certain markets, provided tailwinds to the mortgage markets in 2020 and 2021, which benefited our mortgage operations and margins. The substantial rise in rates resulted in a sharp reversal of those trends, with volumes and margins declining significantly. Only partially offsetting the declines in mortgage originations is an increase in the fair value of our mortgage servicing portfolio as rising rates slow prepayment speeds, with a resulting increase in servicing income. Continued elevated mortgage rates could have a negative impact on our mortgage operations, and is likely to be only partially mitigated by the improvement in mortgage servicing revenues. A sustained period of negative profitability in the mortgage industry could also impact the availability of funding sources for our mortgage business.
Rising interest rates can also impact the cost of floating interest rate debt obligations, while declining rates can decrease the cost of debt. Our secured revolving and term credit agreements, preferred trust securities and asset based revolving financing are all floating rate obligations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. In
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addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measures Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity and book value per share as measurements of operating performance. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity. Adjusted net income is defined as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting, all of which is reduced for non-controlling interests. The calculation of adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) that relate to investments or assets rather than business operations. Adjusted net income is presented before the impacts of non-controlling interests. Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as part of its capital allocation process and to assess comparative returns on invested capital. We believe adjusted net income provides additional clarity on the results of the Company’s underlying business operations as a whole for the periods presented by excluding distortions created by the unpredictability and volatility of realized and unrealized gains (losses). We also believe adjusted net income provides useful supplemental information to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance between periods and for comparison among companies.
Adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of these measures to their GAAP equivalents.
Selected Key Metrics
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAP: | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 2,042,854 | $ | 1,649,031 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 53,367 | $ | 13,951 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.30 | $ | 0.33 | ||||||
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.20 | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 12.2 | % | 3.4 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP: (1) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 100,060 | $ | 61,917 | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 22.9 | % | 15.2 | % | ||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 12.29 | $ | 11.34 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is presented after the impacts of non-controlling interests.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenues were $2.0 billion, which increased $393.8 million, or 23.9%, compared to the prior year period. The changes were primarily driven by growth in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees, higher investment income, net realized and unrealized gains, and an increase in other income, including interest income on cash equivalents, compared to the prior year period.
The table below provides a break down between net realized and unrealized gains and losses from Invesque and other securities which impacted our consolidated results on a pre-tax basis. Many investments are carried at fair value and marked to market through unrealized gains and losses. As a result, we expect earnings related to these investments to be relatively volatile between periods. Fixed income securities are primarily marked to market through AOCI in stockholders’ equity and do not impact net realized and unrealized gains and losses until they are sold.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) - Invesque | $ | (3,536) | $ | (11,293) | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1) | $ | 13,838 | $ | (64) |
(1) Excludes Invesque, Maritime transportation and Mortgage realized and unrealized gains and losses.
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Net Income (Loss) Attributable to common stockholders
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the net income attributable to common stockholders was $53.4 million, compared to $14.0 million in the prior year period, driven by growth in insurance underwriting and fee income and growth in net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains on the investment portfolio.
Adjusted net income & Adjusted return on average equity - Non-GAAP
Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $100.1 million, an increase of $38.1 million, or 61.6%, from the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by growth in our insurance operations. For the year ended December 31, 2024, adjusted return on average equity was 22.9%, as compared to 15.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by the increase in adjusted net income.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $656.8 million as of December 31, 2024 compared to $576.6 million as of December 31, 2023, with the increase driven by comprehensive income, partially offset by net changes in non-controlling interests and dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2024, Tiptree returned $18.3 million to common stockholders through dividends paid.
Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2024 was $12.29, an increase from book value per share of $11.34 as of December 31, 2023, driven by comprehensive income per share, partially offset by dividends paid of $0.49 per share, net changes in non-controlling interests and preferred dividends paid at Fortegra.
Results by Segment
We classify our business into two reportable segments, Insurance and Mortgage, with the remainder of our operations aggregated into Tiptree Capital - Other. Corporate activities include holding company interest expense, corporate employee compensation and benefits, and other expenses, including public company expenses.
The following tables present the components of Revenue, Income (loss) before taxes and Adjusted net income for the following periods:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 1,973,709 | $ | 1,593,070 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 65,914 | 53,864 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 3,231 | 2,097 | ||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 2,042,854 | $ | 1,649,031 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 183,158 | $ | 129,816 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 4,725 | (3,285) | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | (163) | (3,264) | ||||||||
| Corporate | (38,401) | (40,214) | ||||||||
| Total income (loss) before taxes | $ | 149,319 | $ | 83,053 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP - Adjusted net income: (1) | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 124,393 | $ | 91,963 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 1,531 | (1,082) | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 289 | 923 | ||||||||
| Corporate | (26,153) | (29,887) | ||||||||
| Total adjusted net income | $ | 100,060 | $ | 61,917 |
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(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Insurance
Our principal operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a specialty insurance underwriter and service provider, which focuses on niche lines and fee-oriented services. The combination of specialty insurance underwriting, service contract products, and related service solutions delivered through a vertically integrated business model creates a blend of traditional underwriting revenues, investment income and unregulated fee revenues. The business is an agent-driven model, distributing products through independent insurance agents, consumer finance companies, online retailers, auto dealers, and regional big box retailers to deliver products that complement the consumer transaction.
As of December 31, 2024, Fortegra was owned approximately 79.1% by Tiptree, 17.7% by Warburg and 3.2% by management and directors of Fortegra, before giving effect to the exercise of outstanding warrants and the conversion of outstanding preferred stock. The following tables and discussion present the Insurance segment results, including non-controlling interests, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenues
Earned Premiums, net represents the earned portion of gross written and assumed premiums, less the earned portion that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. Fortegra’s insurance policies generally have a term of six months to seven years depending on the underlying product and premiums are earned pro rata over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written but not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Service and Administrative Fees represent the earned portion of gross written premiums and premium equivalents, which is generated from non-insurance products including warranty service contracts, motor club contracts and other services offered as part of Fortegra’s vertically integrated product offerings. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue when realized and earned. At the end of each reporting period, gross written premiums and premium equivalents written for service contracts not earned are classified as deferred revenue, which are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Ceding Commissions and Other Revenue consists of commissions earned on policies written on behalf of third-party insurance companies with no exposure to the insured risk and certain fees earned in conjunction with underwriting policies. Other revenue also includes the interest income earned on the premium finance product offering.
Net Investment Income represents earned investment income on our portfolio of invested assets. Our invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents and equity securities. The principal factors that influence net investment income are the size of our investment portfolio, the yield on that portfolio and expenses due to external investment managers. The insurance investment portfolio includes investments held in statutory insurance companies and in unregulated entities. The portfolios held in statutory insurance companies are subject to different regulatory considerations, including with respect to types of assets, concentration limits, affiliate transactions and the use of leverage.
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Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on investments are a function of the difference between the amount received by us on the sale of a security and the security’s cost-basis, as well as any “other-than-temporary” impairments and allowances for credit losses which are recognized in earnings. In addition, equity securities and certain other investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in this line. Fortegra’s investment strategy is designed to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns across select asset classes, sectors and geographies while maintaining adequate liquidity to meet claims payment obligations. As such, volatility from realized and unrealized gains and losses may impact period-over-period performance. Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and loans held at fair value impact current period net income, while unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities impact AOCI.
Expenses
Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses represent actual insurance claims paid, changes in unpaid claim reserves, net of amounts ceded and the costs of administering claims for insurance lines. Incurred claims are impacted by loss frequency, which is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is based on the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency and loss severity include the volume of underwritten contracts, changes in claims reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, economic conditions, morbidity patterns and the attitudes of claimants towards settlements, and original pricing of the product for purposes of the loss ratio in relation to loss emergence over time. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods.
Member Benefit Claims represent the costs of services and replacement devices incurred in warranty and motor club service contracts. Member benefit claims represent claims paid on behalf of contract holders directly to third-party providers for roadside assistance and for the repair or replacement of covered products. Claims can also be paid directly to contract holders as a reimbursement payment, provided supporting documentation of loss is submitted to the Company. Claims are recognized as expense when incurred.
Commission Expenses reflect commissions paid to retail agents, program administrators and managing general underwriters, net of ceding commissions received on business ceded under certain reinsurance contracts. Commission expenses are deferred and amortized to expense in proportion to the premium earned over the policy life. Commission expense is incurred on most product lines. The majority of commissions are retrospective commissions paid to agents, distributors and retailers selling the Company’s products, including credit insurance policies, warranty service contracts and motor club memberships. When claims increase, in most cases distribution partners bear the risk through a reduction in their retrospective commissions. Commission rates are, in many cases, set by state regulators, such as in credit and collateral protection programs and are also impacted by market conditions and the retention levels of distribution partners.
Operating and Other Expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of insurance operations including employee compensation and benefits and other expenses, including, technology costs, office rent, and professional services fees, such as legal, accounting and actuarial services.
Interest Expense consists primarily of interest expense on corporate revolving debt, notes, preferred trust securities due June 15, 2037 (Preferred Trust Securities) and asset based debt for premium finance and warranty service contract financing, which is non-recourse to Fortegra.
Depreciation Expense is primarily associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization Expense is primarily associated with purchase accounting amortization including values associated with acquired customer relationships, trade names and internally developed software and technology.
Key Performance Metrics
We discuss certain key performance metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying its financial performance.
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Gross written premiums and premium equivalents represent total gross written premiums from insurance policies and warranty service contracts issued during a reporting period. They represent the volume of insurance policies written or assumed and warranty service contracts issued during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. Gross written premiums is a volume measure commonly used in the insurance industry to compare sales performance by period. Premium equivalents are used to compare sales performance of warranty service and administrative contract volumes to gross written premiums. Similar to how management considers gross written premiums to be a relevant measure of volume, regardless of the impact of reinsurance on net earned premiums, management considers premium equivalents to be a relevant measure of contract volume, regardless of whether the Company retains the full obligation. Investors also use these measures to compare sales growth among comparable companies, while management uses these measures to evaluate the relative performance of various sales channels.
Net written premiums are gross written premiums less ceded written premiums. Gross written premiums are the amounts received, or to be received, for insurance policies written or assumed by us during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. The volume of our gross written premiums in any given period is generally influenced by new business submissions, binding of new business submissions into policies, renewals of existing policies, and average size and premium rate of bound policies. Ceded written premiums are the amount of gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers. We enter into reinsurance contracts to limit our exposure to potential large losses. Ceded written premiums are earned over the reinsurance contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. The volume of our ceded written premiums is impacted by the level of our gross written premiums and any decision we make to increase or decrease retention levels, policy limits and co-participations.
Combined Ratio, Loss Ratio, Acquisition Ratio, Underwriting Ratio and Operating Expense Ratio
Combined ratio is an operating measure, which equals the sum of the underwriting ratio and the operating expense ratio. Loss ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees), and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). Acquisition ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items commission expense (less ceding fees and ceding commissions) to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees), and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). Underwriting ratio is the combination of the loss ratio and the acquisition ratio. Operating expense ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items employee compensation and benefits and other expenses to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income).
A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. These ratios are commonly used in the insurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding earnings on the insurance portfolio. Investors commonly use these measures to compare underwriting performance among companies separate from the performance of the investment portfolio. Management uses these measures to compare the profitability of various products we underwrite as well as profitability among our various agents and sales channels.
Return on average equity is expressed as the ratio of net income to average stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses this ratio as a measure of the on-going performance of the totality of the Company’s operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin
In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance of the Company’s programs and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics – underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin. We generally manage our exposure to the risks we underwrite using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and sliding scale commission agreements with our agents (e.g., commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigates our risk. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our agents and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid.
Underwriting and fee revenues represents earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other income (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). We reconcile underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses) and net unrealized gains (losses), ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income as reported in other income. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee revenues to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
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Underwriting and fee margin represents income before taxes excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses), cash and cash equivalent interest income, employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deliver our products and services on a vertically integrated basis to our agents. As such, underwriting and fee margin exclude general and administrative expenses, interest income, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses, including income taxes, as these corporate expenses support our vertically integrated delivery model and are not specifically supporting any individual business line. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee margin to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting.
Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
Results of Operations - Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Earned premiums, net | $ | 1,471,930 | $ | 1,127,834 | $ | 344,096 | 30.5 | % | ||||||
| Service and administrative fees | 405,193 | 395,969 | 9,224 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||
| Ceding commissions | 15,384 | 14,915 | 469 | 3.1 | % | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 32,976 | 26,674 | 6,302 | 23.6 | % | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 8,496 | (4,207) | 12,703 | NM% | ||||||||||
| Other revenue | 39,730 | 31,885 | 7,845 | 24.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,973,709 | $ | 1,593,070 | $ | 380,639 | 23.9 | % | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 722,190 | 482,506 | 239,684 | 49.7 | % | |||||||||
| Member benefit claims | 119,017 | 119,288 | (271) | (0.2) | % | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 648,819 | 603,033 | 45,786 | 7.6 | % | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 137,743 | 114,341 | 23,402 | 20.5 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 30,247 | 25,836 | 4,411 | 17.1 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 19,860 | 21,425 | (1,565) | (7.3) | % | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 112,675 | 96,825 | 15,850 | 16.4 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 1,790,551 | $ | 1,463,254 | $ | 327,297 | 22.4 | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes (1) | $ | 183,158 | $ | 129,816 | $ | 53,342 | 41.1 | % | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums and premium equivalents | $ | 3,068,199 | $ | 2,747,854 | $ | 320,345 | 11.7 | % | ||||||
| Net written premiums | $ | 1,438,952 | $ | 1,319,948 | $ | 119,004 | 9.0 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 45.5 | % | 40.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Acquisition ratio | 31.5 | % | 36.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 77.0 | % | 76.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating expense ratio | 13.0 | % | 14.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 90.0 | % | 90.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Return on average equity | 26.0 | % | 25.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (2): | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 157,031 | $ | 115,705 | $ | 41,326 | 35.7 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 29.1 | % | 29.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 124,393 | $ | 91,963 | $ | 32,430 | 35.3 | % |
(1) Net income was $139.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $101.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(2) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues - Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023
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For the year ended December 31, 2024, total revenues increased 23.9%, to $2.0 billion, as compared to $1.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. Earned premiums, net of $1.5 billion increased $344.1 million, or 30.5%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines. Earned premiums assumed from other insurance companies were $586.9 million, or 39.9% of total earned premiums, net, compared to $404.7 million, or 35.9%, in the prior year period. As it expands to new geographies and expands product offerings, the Company works to obtain necessary licenses and intends to write this business directly upon obtaining necessary licenses. The Company views direct written and assumed business as having similar characteristics. For the presented periods, earned premiums, net, did not include any significant regional geographic concentrations. Service and administrative fees of $405.2 million increased by 2.3% primarily driven by growth in vehicle service contract revenues. Ceding commissions of $15.4 million increased by $0.5 million, or 3.1%, in line with growth in ceded premiums. Other revenues increased by $7.8 million, or 24.6%, driven by growth in premium finance product offerings and interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, 23.3% of revenues were derived from fees that were not solely dependent upon the underwriting performance of Fortegra’s insurance products, resulting in more diversified earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2024, 79.9% of fee-based revenues were generated in non-regulated service companies, with the remainder in regulated insurance companies.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net investment income was $33.0 million as compared to $26.7 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by growth in investments and the increase in yields. Net realized and unrealized gains were $8.5 million, an improvement of $12.7 million, as compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $4.2 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. Unrealized losses on AFS securities impacting OCI for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $1.0 million, driven by negative fair value adjustments on mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds and other investments.
Expenses - Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $722.2 million, member benefit claims were $119.0 million and commission expense was $648.8 million, as compared to $482.5 million, $119.3 million, and $603.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $239.7 million, or 49.7%, was driven by growth in U.S. and European insurance lines and the shift in business mix toward commercial lines, which tend to have higher loss ratios and lower commission and expense ratios. In addition, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily as a result of lower-than-expected losses in its commercial lines of business. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $11.2 million, primarily driven by a commutation agreement with a partner resulting in a reduction of policy liabilities and unpaid claims of $75.6 million relating to policies written in the 2020 and 2021 treaty years. For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net losses and adjustment expenses included $47.7 million and $2.3 million of net catastrophe losses, respectively, primarily related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The decrease in member benefit claims of $0.3 million, or 0.2%, was driven by moderating inflation on replacement costs and labor rates. Commission expenses increased by $45.8 million, or 7.6%, generally in line with the growth in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees, partially offset by the impacts from sliding scale commission structures.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, employee compensation and benefits were $137.7 million and other expenses were $112.7 million, as compared to $114.3 million and $96.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $23.4 million, or 20.5%, driven by investments in human capital associated with growth in E&S, admitted and services lines. Other expenses increased by $15.9 million, or 16.4%, driven by a change in fair value of the Fortegra Additional Warrant liability of $7.4 million, and increased marketing and information technology expenses.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, interest expense was $30.2 million as compared to $25.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. On November 7, 2024, Fortegra issued $150.0 million of 9.25% Fixed Rate Resetting Junior Subordinated Notes due November 2064. The proceeds of the 2024 Notes were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under Fortegra’s credit agreement, for insurance company growth capital and general corporate purposes. The increase in interest expense of $4.4 million, or 17.1%, was primarily driven by the issuance of the new debt, the rise in short-term interest rates and increased borrowings on Fortegra’s corporate revolver and asset based debt for premium finance lines.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, depreciation and amortization expense was $19.9 million, including $15.4 million of intangible amortization related to purchase accounting associated with the acquisitions of Fortegra in 2014 and additional
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services businesses from 2019 to 2023, as compared to $21.4 million, including $16.9 million of intangible amortization from purchase accounting in 2023.
Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents(1)
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Property and short-tail | $ | 845,721 | $ | 548,984 | $ | 263,933 | ||||
| Contractual liability | 347,510 | 396,861 | 351,869 | |||||||
| General liability | 389,162 | 353,011 | 305,325 | |||||||
| Alternative risks | 362,153 | 330,171 | 363,362 | |||||||
| Professional liability | 276,390 | 232,944 | 82,340 | |||||||
| Europe | 163,292 | 141,208 | 125,150 | |||||||
| Commercial lines | $ | 2,384,228 | $ | 2,003,179 | $ | 1,491,979 | ||||
| Personal lines | $ | 335,236 | $ | 382,397 | $ | 397,423 | ||||
| Insurance | $ | 2,719,464 | $ | 2,385,576 | $ | 1,889,402 | ||||
| Auto and consumer goods warranty | 303,195 | 302,746 | 318,550 | |||||||
| Other services | 45,540 | 59,532 | 55,176 | |||||||
| Services | $ | 348,735 | $ | 362,278 | $ | 373,726 | ||||
| Total | $ | 3,068,199 | $ | 2,747,854 | $ | 2,263,128 |
(1) The total gross written premiums and premium equivalents of $3,068.2 million, $2,747.9 million and $2,263.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were comprised of gross written premiums of $2,194.0 million, $1,896.5 million and $1,515.1 million, plus assumed premiums of $525.5 million, $489.1 million and $374.3 million, plus gross service and administrative fee additions of $348.7 million, $362.3 million and $373.7 million. See Note (8) Reinsurance Recoverable and Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums and Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers within the respective periods for more information.
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $3.1 billion, representing an increase of $320.3 million, or 11.7%. The increase was driven by a combination of factors including expanding Fortegra’s distribution partner network and growing E&S insurance lines.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Insurance increased by $333.9 million, or 14.0%, driven by growth in specialty commercial lines, including E&S business, partially offset by decline in the personal lines. The year ended December 31, 2023, also benefited from a book-roll transaction of $125.1 million with one of Fortegra’s distribution partners. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Services decreased by $13.5 million, or 3.7%, driven by lower volume in consumer goods and vehicle service contracts, partially offset by the acquisition of Premia.
The combination of unearned premiums and deferred revenues on Fortegra’s balance sheet grew to $2.5 billion, representing an increase of $93.7 million, or 4.0%, from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, as a result of growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents.
Net written premiums
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Property and short-tail | $ | 488,669 | $ | 411,674 | $ | 188,069 | ||||
| Contractual liability | 87,470 | 68,368 | 100,338 | |||||||
| General liability | 182,407 | 163,567 | 147,442 | |||||||
| Alternative risks | 278,241 | 246,431 | 268,775 | |||||||
| Professional liability | 88,791 | 84,380 | 52,073 | |||||||
| Europe | 163,189 | 141,208 | 125,150 | |||||||
| Commercial lines | $ | 1,288,767 | $ | 1,115,628 | $ | 881,847 | ||||
| Personal lines | $ | 150,185 | $ | 204,320 | $ | 207,543 | ||||
| Insurance | $ | 1,438,952 | $ | 1,319,948 | $ | 1,089,390 |
Net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $1.4 billion, representing an increase of $119.0 million, or 9.0%, consistent with growth in gross written premiums, and as a result of increased retention on Fortegra’s whole account quota share reinsurance arrangement from 30% to 40%, effective April 1, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, commercial lines increased by $173.1 million, or 15.5%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted business. For the year ended December 31, 2024, personal lines decreased by $54.1 million, or 26.5%, driven by declines in auto and personal
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credit lines. Property and short-tail lines represented $488.7 million, or 34.0%, of the total net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $411.7 million, or 31.2%, for the prior year period. Property and short-tail net written premiums were diversified by geographic location, exposure and risk type with substantial reinsurance protection. As of December 31, 2024, the net loss to the Company in a 1-in-250 year catastrophe event represented approximately 4.2% of Fortegra’s stockholders’ equity. This reported loss includes the impact of incurred losses based on the estimated frequency and severity of potential events, reinstatements premiums, reinsurance recoveries and taxes.
Combined Ratio
The combined ratio was 90.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 90.3% for the prior year period, reflecting the consistent underwriting performance and scalability of the Company’s operating platform. The underwriting ratio was 77.0%, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the prior year period, which consists of a loss ratio of 45.5%, compared to 40.1% in the prior year period, and an acquisition ratio of 31.5%, compared to 36.2% in the prior year period. The increase in loss ratio was driven by changes in business mix towards commercial lines and increases in repair and labor costs on vehicle service contracts compared to prior year period, which was partially offset by the decline in acquisition ratio as a result of swing rate commission structures. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the loss ratio included 2.6 percentage points related to net catastrophe losses as compared to 0.2 percentage points in the prior year period. The primary catastrophic events impacting 2024 were Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The operating expense ratio was 13.0%, as compared to 14.0% in the prior year period, driven by operating efficiencies as premiums and revenues grew.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Margin - Non-GAAP
The below table shows underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin by business mix for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Services | Total | Insurance | Services | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting and Fee Revenues (1) | $ | 1,480,104 | $ | 367,986 | $ | 1,848,090 | $ | 1,141,019 | $ | 359,004 | $ | 1,500,023 | ||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 722,190 | — | 722,190 | 482,456 | 50 | 482,506 | ||||||||||||||||
| Member benefit claims | — | 119,017 | 119,017 | — | 119,288 | 119,288 | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission expense (2) | 446,687 | 135,501 | 582,188 | 411,012 | 132,478 | 543,490 | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting and Fee Margin (1) | $ | 311,227 | $ | 113,468 | $ | 424,695 | $ | 247,551 | $ | 107,188 | $ | 354,739 | ||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 48.8 | % | 32.3 | % | 45.5 | % | 42.3 | % | 33.2 | % | 40.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Acquisition ratio | 30.2 | % | 36.8 | % | 31.5 | % | 36.0 | % | 36.9 | % | 36.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 79.0 | % | 69.1 | % | 77.0 | % | 78.3 | % | 70.1 | % | 76.3 | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
(2) Commission expense in this table is presented net of ceding fees and ceding commissions of $51.2 million and $15.4 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024, and $44.6 million and $14.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Underwriting and fee revenues were $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. Total underwriting and fee revenues increased $348.1 million, or 23.2%, driven by growth in insurance. The increase in insurance was $339.1 million, or 29.7%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines. The increase in services was $9.0 million, or 2.5%, driven by growth in vehicle service contracts and premium finance offerings.
Underwriting and fee margin was $424.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $354.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Total underwriting and fee margin increased $70.0 million, or 19.7%, driven by growth in insurance. Insurance grew by $63.7 million, or 25.7%, driven by revenue growth in specialty E&S and admitted lines. Services increased by $6.3 million, or 5.9%, driven by growth in vehicle service contracts and premium finance offerings.
Return on Average Equity
Return on average equity was 26.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to 25.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income and annualized return on average equity was driven by revenue growth and consistent combined ratio, in addition to improvements in net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses.
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Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity - Non-GAAP
For the year ended December 31, 2024, adjusted net income (before NCI) and adjusted return on average equity were $157.0 million and 29.1%, respectively, as compared to $115.7 million and 29.2%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The improvement of adjusted net income was driven by the growth in revenues and consistent combined ratio, in addition to improvements in net investment income.
Tiptree Capital
Tiptree Capital consists of our Mortgage segment, which includes the operating results of Reliance, our mortgage business, and Tiptree Capital - Other, which consists of our other non-insurance operating businesses and investments.
Mortgage
Through our Mortgage operating subsidiary, Reliance, we originate, sell, securitize and service one-to-four-family, residential mortgage loans, comprised of conforming mortgage loans, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veterans Administration (“VA”), United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and to a lesser extent, non-agency jumbo prime.
We are an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We are also an approved issuer and servicer for Ginnie Mae. We originate residential mortgage loans through our retail distribution channel (directly to consumers) in 39 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2024.
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenues
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) include gains on sale of mortgage loans and the fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights. Gains on the sale of mortgage loans represent the difference between the selling price and carrying value of loans sold and are recognized upon settlement. Such gains also include the changes in fair value of loans held for sale and loan-related hedges and derivatives. We transfer the risk of loss or default to the loan purchaser, however, in some cases we are required to indemnify purchasers for losses related to non-compliance with borrowers’ creditworthiness and collateral requirements. Because of this, we recognize gains on sale net of required indemnification and premium recapture reserves. The fair value adjustment on mortgage servicing rights represents fair value adjustments considering estimated prepayments and other factors associated with changes in interest rates, plus actual run-off in the servicing portfolio. We report these adjustments separate from servicing income and servicing expense.
Other Revenue includes loan origination fees, interest income, and mortgage servicing income. Loan origination fees are earned as mortgage loans are funded. Servicing fees are earned over the life of the loan. Interest income includes interest earned on loans held for sale and interest income on bank balances and short-term investments.
Expenses
Employee Compensation and Benefits includes salaries, commissions, benefits, bonuses, other incentive compensation and related taxes for employees. Commissions expense for sales staff generally varies with loan origination volumes.
Interest Expense represents borrowing costs under warehouse and other credit facilities used primarily to fund loan originations. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including commitment fees, is included in interest expense.
Depreciation is mainly associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization is primarily associated with a trade name and internally developed software.
Other Expenses include loan origination expenses, namely, leads, appraisals, credit reporting and licensing fees, general and administrative expenses, including office rent, insurance, legal, consulting and payroll processing expenses, and servicing expense.
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The following tables present the Mortgage segment results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ | 42,978 | $ | 34,232 | ||||||
| Other revenue | 22,936 | 19,632 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 65,914 | $ | 53,864 | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 37,452 | $ | 34,040 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 2,001 | 1,856 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 343 | 617 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 21,393 | 20,636 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 61,189 | $ | 57,149 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 4,725 | $ | (3,285) | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||
| Origination volumes | $ | 946,183 | $ | 876,914 | ||||||
| Gain on sale margins | 4.8 | % | 4.7 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 6.7 | % | (4.6) | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1): | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 1,531 | $ | (1,082) | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 2.8 | % | (2.0) | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues - Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023
For the year ended December 31, 2024, $946.2 million of loans were funded, compared to $876.9 million for the prior year period, an increase of $69.3 million, or 7.9%, driven by decrease in mortgage interest rates compared to the prior year period. Gain on sale margins remained consistent at 4.8% for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Net realized and unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $43.0 million, compared to $34.2 million in the prior year period, an increase of $8.7 million or 25.5%. The primary driver of increased gain on sale revenues was the increase in volumes and positive fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights of $2.7 million in 2024 compared to a negative fair value adjustment of $1.9 million in the prior year period.
Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $22.9 million, compared to $19.6 million in the prior year period, an increase of $3.3 million, or 16.8%, driven by increased servicing revenues and interest income on mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2024, the mortgage servicing asset was $42.6 million, an increase from $40.8 million as of December 31, 2023.
Expenses - Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023
For the year ended December 31, 2024, employee compensation and benefits were $37.5 million, compared to $34.0 million in the prior year period, an increase of $3.4 million or 10.0%. The increase was driven primarily by higher commissions on higher origination volumes.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, interest expense was at $2.0 million, an increase of from the prior year period of $0.1 million, or 7.8%, with the increase driven by higher interest rates.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, other expenses were $21.4 million, compared to $20.6 million in the prior year period, an increase of $0.8 million, with the increase driven by a higher mortgage operational expenses.
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Income (loss) before taxes
The income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $4.7 million, compared to loss before taxes of $3.3 million in the prior year period driven by higher volumes.
Tiptree Capital - Other
The following tables present a summary of Tiptree Capital - Other results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ | (905) | $ | (5,289) | ||||||||
| Other income | 4,136 | 7,386 | ||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 3,231 | $ | 2,097 | ||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 515 | $ | 579 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | — | 97 | ||||||||||
| Other expenses | 2,879 | 4,685 | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 3,394 | $ | 5,361 | ||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | (163) | $ | (3,264) | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1): | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 289 | $ | 923 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 0.4 | % | 0.9 | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
Tiptree Capital - Other earns revenues from the following sources: net interest income; realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investment holdings (including Invesque until its sale in April 2024); and charter revenues from vessels within the Company’s maritime transportation operations. Subsequent to the sale of our dry bulk and tanker vessels, operations include two smaller vessels and other ancillary assets.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $3.2 million compared to $2.1 million in the prior year period with the improvement driven by decreased investment losses on Invesque in 2024, partially offset by lower interest income on cash and cash equivalents recorded in other income in 2024 compared to 2023.
Income (loss) before taxes
The loss before taxes from Tiptree Capital - Other for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $0.2 million, compared to the loss before taxes of $3.3 million in the prior year period. The improvement was driven by the same factors that impacted revenues.
Adjusted net income - Non-GAAP(1)
Adjusted net income decreased to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $0.9 million in 2023.
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Corporate
The following table presents a summary of corporate results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 8,220 | $ | 8,885 | ||||||
| Employee incentive compensation expense | 20,425 | 21,230 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,450 | 1,327 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 8,306 | 8,772 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 38,401 | $ | 40,214 |
Corporate expenses include expenses of the holding company for employee compensation and benefits, interest expense, and public company and other expenses. Corporate employee compensation and benefits includes the expense of management, legal and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent and other related expenses.
Employee compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation expense, were $28.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $30.1 million for the prior year period, driven by a decrease in accrued cash incentive compensation expense. Of the incentive compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2024, $8.7 million was stock-based compensation expense, compared to $6.3 million in 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings at the holding company and therefore incurred no interest expense for related periods. Other expenses declined to $8.3 million driven primarily by decreased professional fees.
Provision for Income Taxes
The total income tax expense of $61.7 million and $43.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is reflected as a component of net income (loss). For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 41.3% and 51.8%, respectively. The effective rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were significantly higher than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily due to the impact of outside basis deferred taxes on Tiptree’s investment in Fortegra.
Tiptree owns less than 80% of Fortegra and is required to record deferred taxes on the outside basis on its investment in Fortegra. This deferred tax liability represents the tax that would be due, before consideration of loss carryforwards, if Tiptree were to sell all of its Fortegra stock at its carrying value on Tiptree’s balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2024, this deferred tax liability relating to Fortegra was $84.7 million, which was an increase of $23.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2023, of which a $0.5 million benefit was recorded in OCI, and a $23.5 million expense was recorded as a provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2023, this deferred tax liability relating to Fortegra was $61.7 million, which was an increase of $21.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2022, of which $3.8 million expense was recorded in OCI, $1.2 million benefit was recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, and $19.1 million expense was recorded as a provision for income taxes. Excluding the impact of these deferred taxes, the effective tax rates for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were 25.5% and 28.8%, respectively.
Balance Sheet Information
Tiptree’s total assets were $5,694.8 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $5,139.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The $555.5 million increase in assets is primarily attributable to the growth in the Insurance segment.
Total stockholders’ equity was $656.8 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $576.6 million as of December 31, 2023, with the increase primarily driven by comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, there were 37,255,838 shares of common stock outstanding as compared to 36,756,187 shares as of December 31, 2023, with the increase driven by the vesting of share-based incentive compensation.
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In March and April 2024, Tiptree, Warburg and Fortegra independent directors contributed $30.0 million, $9.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to Fortegra in exchange for common shares of Fortegra. As of December 31, 2024, Fortegra was owned approximately 79.1% by Tiptree Holdings, 17.7% by Warburg and 3.2% by management and directors of Fortegra, before giving effect to the exercise of outstanding warrants and management options, and the conversion of outstanding preferred stock.
The following table is a summary of certain balance sheet information:
| As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Tiptree Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 5,432,987 | $ | 202,664 | $ | 36,818 | $ | 22,320 | $ | 5,694,789 | ||||||||
| Corporate debt | $ | 310,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 310,000 | ||||||||
| Asset based debt | 63,699 | 68,394 | — | — | 132,093 | |||||||||||||
| Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity (1) | $ | 426,412 | $ | 55,928 | $ | 35,893 | $ | (60,535) | $ | 457,698 | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fortegra preferred interests | 77,679 | — | — | — | 77,679 | |||||||||||||
| Common interests | 121,394 | — | — | — | 121,394 | |||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 625,485 | $ | 55,928 | $ | 35,893 | $ | (60,535) | $ | 656,771 |
(1) Included in Corporate equity is the deferred tax liability on the outside basis on Tiptree’s investment in Fortegra of $84.7 million as of December 31, 2024.
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NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In addition to GAAP results, management uses the non-GAAP financial measures underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin in order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners. We also use the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as measures of operating performance and as part of our resource and capital allocation process, to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and to compare relative performance among comparable companies. Adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity, underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for earned premiums, net income or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP (Insurance only)
Underwriting and Fee Revenues — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee revenues as earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other income (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). We reconcile underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses) and net unrealized gains (losses), ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income as reported in other income. Underwriting and fee revenues represents revenues generated by our underwriting and fee-based operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting and fee revenues should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenues calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee revenues differently.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,973,709 | $ | 1,593,070 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (32,976) | (26,674) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (8,496) | 4,207 | ||||||||
| Less: Ceding fees (1) | (51,247) | (44,628) | ||||||||
| Less: Ceding commissions | (15,384) | (14,915) | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalent interest income (2) | (17,516) | (11,037) | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee revenues (3) | $ | 1,848,090 | $ | 1,500,023 |
(1) Ceding fees were included in service and administrative fees on the statement of operations.
(2) Cash and cash equivalent interest income was included in other revenue on the statement of operations.
(3) Underwriting and fee revenues exclude ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income from other revenue.
Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee margin as income before taxes, excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses), cash and cash equivalent interest income, employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Underwriting and fee margin represents the underwriting performance of our underwriting and fee-based programs. As such, underwriting and fee margin excludes general administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses as those expenses support the vertically integrated business model and not any individual component of our business mix. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into the specific performance of our underlying underwriting and fee programs. Underwriting and fee income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee margin differently.
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| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 183,158 | $ | 129,816 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (32,976) | (26,674) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (8,496) | 4,207 | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalent interest income (1) | (17,516) | (11,037) | ||||||||
| Plus: Depreciation and amortization | 19,860 | 21,425 | ||||||||
| Plus: Interest expense | 30,247 | 25,836 | ||||||||
| Plus: Employee compensation and benefits | 137,743 | 114,341 | ||||||||
| Plus: Other expenses | 112,675 | 96,825 | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee margin (2) | $ | 424,695 | $ | 354,739 |
(1) Cash and cash equivalent interest income was included in other revenue on the statement of operations.
(2) Underwriting and fee margin exclude cash and cash equivalent interest income.
Adjusted Net Income — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted net income as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting, all of which is reduced for non-controlling interests. The calculation of adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) that relate to investments or assets rather than business operations. Adjusted net income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted net income differently. Adjusted net income (before NCI) is presented before the impacts of non-controlling interests.
We present adjustments for amortization associated with acquired intangible assets. The intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting in connection with Tiptree’s acquisition of Fortegra Financial in 2014, and additional services businesses from 2019 to 2024. The intangible assets acquired contribute to overall revenue generation, and the respective purchase accounting adjustments will continue to occur in future periods until such intangible assets are fully amortized in accordance with the respective amortization periods required by GAAP.
Adjusted Return on Average Equity — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted return on average equity as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “—Adjusted Net Income—Non-GAAP” above. Adjusted return on average equity should not be viewed as a substitute for return on average equity calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted return on average equity differently.
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| Year Ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Tiptree Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 183,158 | $ | 4,725 | $ | (163) | $ | (38,401) | $ | 149,319 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (43,260) | (1,091) | (540) | (16,761) | (61,652) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1) | (8,496) | (2,711) | 905 | — | (10,302) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (2) | 15,413 | — | — | — | 15,413 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 8,998 | — | — | 8,682 | 17,680 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses (3) | 3,455 | — | — | — | 3,455 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments (4) | 7,436 | — | — | — | 7,436 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Impact of tax deconsolidation of Fortegra (5) | — | — | — | 23,495 | 23,495 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (6) | (9,673) | 608 | 87 | (3,168) | (12,146) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 157,031 | $ | 1,531 | $ | 289 | $ | (26,153) | $ | 132,698 | ||||||||
| Less: Impact of non-controlling interests | (32,638) | — | — | — | (32,638) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 124,393 | $ | 1,531 | $ | 289 | $ | (26,153) | $ | 100,060 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 157,031 | $ | 1,531 | $ | 289 | $ | (26,153) | $ | 132,698 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 539,049 | $ | 54,113 | $ | 80,856 | $ | (57,350) | $ | 616,668 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity (7) | 29.1 | % | 2.8 | % | 0.4 | % | NM% | 21.5 | % |
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Tiptree Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 129,816 | $ | (3,285) | $ | (3,264) | $ | (40,214) | $ | 83,053 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (28,224) | 837 | 153 | (15,822) | (43,056) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1) | 4,207 | 1,861 | 5,289 | — | 11,357 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (2) | 16,919 | — | — | — | 16,919 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,018 | — | — | 6,251 | 8,269 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses (3) | 2,824 | — | — | — | 2,824 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments (4) | (1,769) | — | — | — | (1,769) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Impact of tax deconsolidation of Fortegra (5) | — | — | — | 19,101 | 19,101 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (6) | (10,086) | (495) | (1,255) | 797 | (11,039) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 115,705 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 85,659 | ||||||||
| Less: Impact of non-controlling interests | (23,742) | — | — | — | (23,742) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 91,963 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 61,917 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 115,705 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 85,659 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 395,661 | $ | 53,520 | $ | 100,325 | $ | 5,564 | $ | 555,070 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity (7) | 29.2 | % | (2.0) | % | 0.9 | % | NM% | 15.4 | % |
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) added back in Adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from the mortgage segment and unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage servicing rights.
(2) Specifically associated with acquisition purchase accounting. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
(3) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, included in other expenses were expenses related to legal and other expenses associated with preparation of the registration statement for the withdrawn Fortegra initial public offering in 2024 and acquisitions of services businesses in 2023, respectively.
(4) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, non-cash fair-value adjustments represent a change in fair value of the Fortegra Additional Warrant liability.
(5) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, included in the adjustment is an add-back of $23.5 million and $19.1 million, respectively, related to deferred tax expense from the WP Transaction.
(6) Tax on adjustments represents the tax applied to the total non-GAAP adjustments and includes adjustments for non-recurring or discrete tax impacts.
(7) Total Adjusted return on average equity after non-controlling interests was 22.9% and 15.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, based on $100.1 million and $61.9 million of Adjusted net income over $437.3 million and $407.1 million of average Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Management believes the use of this financial measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as book value is frequently used by the financial community to analyze company growth on a relative per share basis. The following table
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provides a reconciliation between total stockholders’ equity and total shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | As of December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 656,771 | $ | 576,565 | ||
| Less: Non-controlling interests | 199,073 | 159,699 | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity, net of non-controlling interests | $ | 457,698 | $ | 416,866 | ||
| Total common shares outstanding | 37,256 | 36,756 | ||||
| Book value per share | $ | 12.29 | $ | 11.34 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and other liquid investments, the Tiptree Credit Agreement and distributions from operating subsidiaries, including income from our investment portfolio and sales of assets and investments. We intend to use our cash resources to continue to fund our operations and grow our businesses. We may seek additional sources of cash to fund acquisitions or investments. These additional sources of cash may take the form of debt or equity and may be at the parent, subsidiary or asset level. We are a holding company, and our liquidity needs are primarily for compensation, professional fees, office rent and insurance costs.
Our subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make cash distributions will be subject to numerous business and other factors, including restrictions contained in agreements for the strategic investment by Warburg in Fortegra, our subsidiaries’ financing agreements, regulatory restrictions, availability of sufficient funds at such subsidiaries, general economic and business conditions, tax considerations, strategic plans, financial results and other factors such as target capital ratios and ratio levels anticipated by rating agencies to maintain or improve current ratings. We expect our cash and cash equivalents and distributions from operating subsidiaries, our subsidiaries’ access to financing, and sales of investments to be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, as well as the long term.
As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, were $320.1 million, compared to $468.7 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $148.6 million, primarily driven by the increase in investments, partially offset by cash flow from operations at our insurance business.
Our mortgage business relies on short term uncommitted sources of financing as a part of their normal course of operations. To date, we have been able to obtain and renew uncommitted warehouse credit facilities. If we were not able to obtain financing, then we may need to draw on other sources of liquidity to fund our mortgage business. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our insurance and mortgage borrowings.
We believe that cash flow from operations will provide sufficient capital to continue to grow the business and fund interest on the outstanding debt, capital expenditures and other general corporate needs over the next several years. As we continue to expand our business, including by any acquisitions we may make, we may, in the future, require additional working capital for increased costs.
For purposes of determining enterprise value, we consider corporate credit agreements and preferred trust securities, which we refer to as corporate debt, as corporate financing and associated interest expense is added back. The below table outlines this amount by debt outstanding and interest expense at the insurance company and corporate level.
Corporate Debt
| ($ in thousands) | Corporate Debt Outstanding as of December 31, | Interest Expense for the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 310,000 | $ | 290,000 | $ | 24,145 | $ | 19,531 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 310,000 | $ | 290,000 | $ | 24,145 | $ | 19,531 |
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On February 7, 2025, we entered into the Tiptree Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Tiptree Holdings borrowed $75.0 million to, among other things, fund working capital and general corporate purposes. The principal of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all loans under the Tiptree Credit Agreement will mature on February 7, 2028.
As of December 31, 2024, no borrowings were outstanding as compared to $130.0 million outstanding under the revolving line of credit in our insurance business as of December 31, 2023. The maximum borrowing capacity under the agreements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $200.0 million.
On October 16, 2017, a subsidiary of Fortegra issued $125.0 million of 8.50% Fixed Rate Resetting Junior Subordinated Notes due October 2057. Substantially all of the net proceeds were used to repay the existing secured credit agreement at that time, which was terminated thereafter. Beginning on October 15, 2027, the Company may redeem the 2017 Notes at par plus accrued and unpaid interest.
On November 7, 2024, Fortegra issued $150.0 million of 9.25% Fixed Rate Resetting Junior Subordinated Notes due November 2064 (“the 2024 Notes”). The proceeds of the 2024 Notes were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s credit agreement, for insurance company growth capital and general corporate purposes. Beginning on November 15, 2029, the Company may redeem the 2024 Notes at par plus accrued and unpaid interest.
On June 20, 2007, a subsidiary of Fortegra issued $35.0 million of preferred trust securities due June 15, 2037. Interest is payable quarterly at an interest rate of SOFR plus 4.10% plus a spread adjustment (previously, LIBOR plus 4.10%). The Company may redeem the preferred trust securities, in whole or in part, at a price equal to the full outstanding principal amount of such preferred trust securities outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Consolidated Comparison of Cash Flows
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in): | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 240,756 | $ | 71,452 | ||
| Investing activities | (322,985) | (244,669) | ||||
| Financing activities | 6,287 | 113,406 | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (355) | 1,525 | ||||
| Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (76,297) | $ | (58,286) |
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $240.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2024, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included growth in insurance premiums written resulting in increases in policy liabilities and unpaid claims, deferred revenues and unearned premiums, which were partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and prepaid reinsurance premiums and decreases in reinsurance payables, and other liabilities and accrued expenses.
Cash provided by operating activities was $71.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included growth in insurance premiums written resulting in increases in deferred revenues, unearned premiums, policy liabilities and unpaid claims, reinsurance payables and other liabilities and accrued expenses which were partially offset by increases in notes and accounts receivable, reinsurance recoverable and prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $323.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2024, the primary use of cash was the purchases of investments outpacing proceeds from sales and maturities, in addition to the issuance of notes receivable exceeding proceeds from notes receivable.
Cash used in investing activities was $244.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the primary uses of cash were the purchases of investments outpacing the proceeds from the sale of investments, as well as the acquisition of Premia.
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Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2024, the cash provided was primarily from Fortegra’s issuance of $150.0 million of 9.25% Fixed Rate Resetting Junior Subordinated Notes due November 2064 (the “2024 Notes”), partially offset by repayments of its revolving line of credit of $130 million and the payment of common and preferred dividends.
Cash provided by financing activities was $113.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the cash provided was primarily proceeds from corporate borrowings and mortgage warehouse facilities which exceeded repayments, partially offset by non-controlling interests distributions and the payment of dividends.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As disclosed in Note (2), the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The Company believes that the following discussion addresses the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
The initial measurement of goodwill and intangibles requires judgment concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but subject to tests for impairment annually or if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not they may be impaired. Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. At both December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had two reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, of which the fair value significantly exceeded carrying value as of that date. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
Reserves
Unpaid claims are reserve estimates that include an amount determined from individual case estimates and loss reports, and an amount, based on past experience, for losses incurred but not reported (IBNR) that are established in accordance with GAAP using generally accepted actuarial methods. The Company uses a number of algorithms in establishing its unpaid claims reserves. These algorithms are used to calculate unpaid claims as a function of paid losses, earned premiums, target loss ratios, in-force amounts, unearned premium reserves, industry recognized morbidity tables or a combination of these factors.
In arriving at the IBNR reserves, the Company conducts an actuarial analysis on a basis gross of reinsurance. The same estimates used as a basis in calculating the gross IBNR reserves are then used as the basis for calculating the net IBNR reserves, which take into account the impact of reinsurance. Anticipated future loss development patterns form a key assumption underlying these analyses. Our claims are generally reported and settled quickly, resulting in consistent historical loss development patterns. From the anticipated loss development patterns, a variety of actuarial loss projection techniques are employed, such as the chain ladder method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and expected loss ratio method.
The unpaid claims reserves represent the Company’s best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time. Actual claim costs are dependent upon a number of complex factors such as changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. These factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. The Company periodically reviews and updates its methods of making such unpaid claims reserve estimates and establishing the related liabilities based on our actual experience. The Company has not made any changes to its methodologies for determining unpaid claims reserves in the periods presented.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $0.6 million, $11.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively. In 2024, the $0.6 million favorable prior year development was
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primarily driven by lower than expected claims paid development in our commercial lines of business. In 2023, the $11.2 million favorable prior year development was primarily driven by lower than expected claims paid development in our commercial lines of business for the 2018 and 2020 accident years. In 2022, the $0.9 million favorable prior year development was primarily due to lower-than-expected claim severity in our commercial lines business.
Management considers the prior year development for all three years to be insignificant when considered in the context of our annual earned premiums, net as well as our net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $722.2 million, which resulted to a loss ratio of 45.5%. Without the $0.6 million of favorable prior year development, the 2024 loss ratio would have been approximately 0.1% higher. For comparison, the 2023 and 2022 loss ratios were 40.1% and 37.7%, respectively. In general, the Company's loss ratio results have been predictable and consistent over time, with the increase over prior year periods driven by the product mix increasing toward lines with higher loss ratios and lower acquisition ratios. Actuarial estimates are subject to estimation variability, and while management uses its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The variability in these estimates can, and have in the past, been significant to pretax income.
We analyze our development on a quarterly basis and given the short duration nature of our products, favorable or adverse development emerges quickly and allows for timely reserve strengthening, if necessary, or modifications to our product pricing or offerings.
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
While management has used its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The determination of best estimates is affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
•the quality and applicability of historical data,
•current and future economic conditions,
•trends in loss frequencies and severities for various causes of loss,
•changes in claims reporting patterns,
•claims settlement patterns and timing,
•regulatory, legislative and judicial decisions,
•morbidity patterns, and
•the attitudes of claimants towards settlements.
The adequacy of our unpaid claims reserves will be impacted by future trends that impact these factors. Two key measures of loss activity are loss frequency, which is the measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls, changes in economic activity and weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate reserves required will be different than management’s estimate. Based on our actuarial analysis, we have determined that an aggregate change that is greater than 5% in loss frequency and loss severity is not reasonably likely given the Company’s low limit underwriting and low severity philosophies. The effect of higher and lower levels of loss frequency and severity on our ultimate costs for claims occurring in 2024 would be as follows:
| Accident Year 2024 Sensitivity TestChange in Loss & Frequency & Severity on Ultimate | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in millions) | |||||
| Scenario | Ultimate Cost | Change | |||
| 5% higher | $ | 757 | $ | 36 | |
| 3% higher | $ | 743 | $ | 22 | |
| 1% higher | $ | 728 | $ | 7 | |
| Base scenario | $ | 721 | $ | — | |
| 1% lower | $ | 714 | $ | (7) |
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| 3% lower | $ | 699 | $ | (22) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% lower | $ | 685 | $ | (36) |
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
The Company defers certain costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance policies, and other products as follows:
Insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs are limited to direct costs that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related premium is earned.
Other deferred acquisition costs are limited to prepaid direct costs, typically commissions and contract transaction fees, that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related service and administrative fees are earned.
The Company evaluates whether all deferred acquisition costs are recoverable at year end, and considers investment income in the recoverability analysis for insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs. As a result of the Company’s evaluations, no write-offs for unrecoverable deferred acquisition costs were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was $657.6 million, $583.6 million and $479.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns revenues from a variety of sources:
Earned Premiums, net
Net earned premiums is from direct and assumed earned premiums consisting of revenue generated from the direct sale of insurance policies by the Company’s distributors and premiums written for insurance policies by another carrier and assumed by the Company. Whether direct or assumed, the premium is earned over the life of the respective policy using methods appropriate to the pattern of losses for the type of business. Methods used include pro rata, Rule of 78’s, and other actuarial methods. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. Direct and assumed premiums are offset by premiums ceded to the Company’s reinsurers, including PORCs, earned in the same manner. The amount ceded is proportional to the amount of risk assumed by the reinsurer.
Service and Administrative Fees
The Company earns service and administrative fees from a variety of activities. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue as they become both realized and earned. Revenues from contracts with customers were $341.5 million and $341.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and include auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor clubs, other service and administrative fees, vessel related revenue and management fee income. See Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers for more detailed disclosure regarding these revenues.
Service fee revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Administrative fee revenue includes the administration of premium associated with our producers and their PORCs. In addition, we also earn fee revenue from debt cancellation programs, motor club memberships and warranty programs. Related administrative fee revenue is recognized consistent with the earnings recognition pattern of the underlying insurance policies, debt cancellation contracts and motor club memberships being administered, using pro rata, Rule of 78’s, modified Rule of 78’s, or other methods as appropriate for the contract. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. In addition, we also record on an earned basis a ceding fee paid by our reinsurers
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on ceded insurance premiums. This fee reimburses us for administrative, underwriting, and acquisition expenses. These fees are earned primarily pro-rata over the remaining term of the policy.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting guidance requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner.
The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, in its judgment, it concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These judgments are based on projections of future income, including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of the Company’s projections. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and determines if adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance is appropriate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001393726-24-000032.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in this section as follows:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
Tiptree allocates capital to select small and middle market companies with the mission of building long-term value. Established in 2007, we have a significant track record investing in the insurance sector and across a variety of other industries, including mortgage, specialty finance and shipping. Our largest operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a leading provider of specialty insurance products and related services. We also generate earnings from a diverse group of select investments that we refer to as Tiptree Capital, which includes our Mortgage segment and other, non-insurance businesses and assets. We evaluate performance primarily by the comparison of stockholders’ long-term total return on capital, as measured by growth in stock price plus dividends paid, in addition to Adjusted Net Income.
Our 2023 highlights include:
Overall:
•Tiptree reported net income of $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $8.3 million in the prior year period, driven by growth in insurance operations and the decrease in tax expense related to the tax deconsolidation of Fortegra from $33.1 million in 2022 to $19.1 million in 2023, partially offset by lower mortgage and shipping revenues. Return on average equity was 3.4%, compared to (2.1)% in 2022.
•Adjusted net income of $61.9 million increased $8.9 million from $53.0 million in 2022, driven by growth in insurance operations. Adjusted return on average equity was 15.2%, as compared to 13.6% in 2022.
Insurance:
•Gross written premiums and premium equivalents were $2.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $484.7 million, or 21.4%, from the prior year period as a result of growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines in the U.S. and Europe, along with benefits from a book-roll transaction with one of Fortegra’s MGA partners.
•Net written premiums were $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 21.2%, consistent with growth in gross written premiums, and as a result of increased retention on Fortegra’s whole account quota share reinsurance arrangement from 30% to 40%, effective April 1, 2023.
•Total revenues were $1.6 billion, an increase of $344.3 million, or 27.6%, from 2022, driven by premium growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines in the U.S. and Europe, along with growth in net investment income.
•Combined ratio of 90.3%, driven by consistent underwriting performance and the scalability of Fortegra’s operating platform.
•Income before taxes of $129.8 million as compared to $68.2 million in 2022. Return on average equity was 25.7% in 2023 as compared to 14.6% in 2022. The increases were driven by growth in underwriting and fee revenues and increased net investment income.
•Adjusted net income (before NCI) was $115.7 million, an increase of $31.9 million, or 38.0%, from 2022. Adjusted return on average equity was 29.2%, as compared to 26.1% in 2022.
•Fortegra’s total stockholders’ equity was $452.6 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $338.7 million as of December 31, 2022, with the increase driven by net income during the year as well as an improvement in the accumulated other comprehensive loss position, which was $31.1 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $52.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
•As of December 31, 2023, Fortegra held an outstanding balance of $130.0 million on its revolving line of credit, as compared to a balance of $46.0 million as of September 30, 2023. The increase in borrowings was primarily to fund statutory capital requirements and general corporate purposes.
•In December 2023, Fortegra entered into a commutation agreement with a partner resulting in a reduction of policy liabilities and unpaid claims of $75.6 million relating to policies written in the 2020 and 2021 treaty years.
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Tiptree Capital:
•Mortgage loss before taxes was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to income of $0.9 million in 2022, with the decrease driven by declines in origination volumes and negative fair value adjustments on the mortgage servicing portfolio.
Key Trends:
Our results of operations are affected by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and GDP growth, market liquidity and volatility, consumer confidence, U.S. demographics, employment and wage growth, business confidence and investment, inflation, interest rates and spreads, the impact of the regulatory environment, and the other factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Generally, our businesses are positively affected by a healthy U.S. consumer, stable to gradually rising interest rates, stable markets and business conditions, and global growth and trade flows. Conversely, rising unemployment, volatile markets, rapidly rising interest rates, inflation, changing regulatory requirements and slowing business conditions can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Insurance results primarily depend on pricing, underwriting, risk retention and the accuracy of reserves, reinsurance arrangements, returns on invested assets, and policy and contract renewals and run-off. Factors affecting these items, including conditions in financial markets, the global economy and the markets in which we operate, fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and inflation, including the current period of inflationary pressures, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Fortegra designs, markets and underwrites specialty property and casualty insurance products for select target markets or niches. The types of products Fortegra offers tend to have limited aggregation risk and limited exposure to catastrophic and residual risk. The business has historically generated significant fee-based revenues by incorporating value-add coverages and services. Underwriting risk is mitigated through a combination of reinsurance and sliding scale commission structures with agents, distribution partners and/or third-party reinsurers. To mitigate counterparty risk, Fortegra ensures its reinsurance receivables are placed with highly rated and appropriately capitalized counterparties or with our distribution partners’ captive insurance vehicles which are collateralized with highly liquid investments, cash or letters of credit. While Fortegra’s insurance operations have historically maintained a relatively stable combined ratio, initiatives to change the business mix along with these economic factors could generate different results than the business has historically experienced. In particular, rising inflation can have an impact on replacement costs associated with claims from our customers to the extent we are unable to pass the higher costs of claims through higher premiums. In addition, fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, including the British pound and Euro, would have an impact on book value between periods.
Fortegra’s investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities, loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities. Many of those investments are held at fair value. In recent periods, the U.S. fixed income markets experienced a significant rise in interest rates. Rising interest rates have and could continue to impact the value of Fortegra’s fixed maturity securities, with any unrealized losses recorded in equity, and if realized, could impact our results of operations. Offsetting the impact of a rising interest rate environment, new investments in fixed rate instruments from both maturities and portfolio growth have and could continue to result in higher interest income on investments. The weighted average duration of our fixed income available for sale securities is less than three years. While our asset and liability mix is relatively matched, should we need to liquidate any of these investments before maturity to pay claims, any realized losses could materially negatively impact our results of operations. Changes in fair value for loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities in Fortegra’s investment portfolio are reported as unrealized gains or losses in revenues and can be impacted by changes in interest rates, credit risk, currency risk, or market risk, including specific company or industry factors. In addition, our equity holdings are relatively concentrated. General equity market trends, along with company and industry specific factors, can impact the fair value which can result in unrealized gains and losses affecting our results.
Rising 10-year treasury yields, and the tapering of the Federal Reserve’s purchases of mortgage-backed securities, has resulted in substantial increases in mortgage interest rates. Low mortgage interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve intervention in mortgage markets, and rising home prices in certain markets, provided tailwinds to the mortgage markets in 2020 and 2021, which benefited our mortgage operations and margins. The substantial rise in rates in recent periods resulted in a sharp reversal of those trends, with volumes and margins declining significantly. Only partially offsetting the declines in mortgage originations is an increase in the fair value of our mortgage servicing portfolio as rising rates slow prepayment speeds, with a resulting increase in servicing income. Continued rising or elevated mortgage rates could have a materially negative impact on our mortgage operations, and is likely to be only partially mitigated by the improvement in mortgage servicing revenues. A sustained period of negative profitability in the mortgage industry could also impact the availability of funding sources for our mortgage business.
Rising interest rates can also impact the cost of floating interest rate debt obligations, while declining rates can decrease the cost of debt. Our secured revolving and term credit agreements, preferred trust securities and asset based revolving financing are all floating rate obligations. A continuation of rising rates could have a material impact on our costs of floating rate debt.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measures Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity and book value per share as measurements of operating performance. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity. Adjusted net income is defined as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting, all of which is reduced for non-controlling interests. The calculation of adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) that relate to investments or assets rather than business operations. Adjusted net income is presented before the impacts of non-controlling interests. Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as part of its capital allocation process and to assess comparative returns on invested capital. We believe adjusted net income provides additional clarity on the results of the Company’s underlying business operations as a whole for the periods presented by excluding distortions created by the unpredictability and volatility of realized and unrealized gains (losses). We also believe adjusted net income provides useful supplemental information to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance between periods and for comparison among companies.
Adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of these measures to their GAAP equivalents.
Selected Key Metrics
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAP: | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,649,031 | $ | 1,397,752 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 13,951 | $ | (8,274) | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.33 | $ | (0.23) | ||||||
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 3.4 | % | (2.1) | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP: (1) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 61,917 | $ | 53,034 | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 15.2 | % | 13.6 | % | ||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 11.34 | $ | 10.92 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is presented after the impacts of non-controlling interests.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2023, revenues were $1,649.0 million, which increased $251.3 million, or 18.0%, compared to the prior year period. The changes were primarily driven by growth in earned premiums, net, and service and administrative fees in our insurance business, partially offset by lower mortgage and shipping revenues compared to the prior year periods.
The table below provides a break down between net realized and unrealized gains and losses from Invesque and other securities which impacted our consolidated results on a pre-tax basis. Many investments are carried at fair value and marked to market through unrealized gains and losses. As a result, we expect earnings related to these investments to be relatively volatile between periods. Fixed income securities are primarily marked to market through AOCI in stockholders’ equity and do not impact net realized and unrealized gains and losses until they are sold.
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| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Net realized gains - Maritime transportation | $ | — | $ | 34,803 | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) - Invesque | $ | (11,293) | $ | (19,360) | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)(1) | $ | (64) | $ | (9,999) |
(1) Excludes Invesque, Maritime transportation and Mortgage realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to common stockholders
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net income attributable to common stockholders was $14.0 million, compared to a net loss of $8.3 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by growth in Fortegra’s underwriting and fee operations, and tax expense associated with the tax deconsolidation of Fortegra of $19.1 million in 2023, compared to $33.1 million in 2022, partially offset by the gain on the sale of our vessels in 2022.
Adjusted net income & Adjusted return on average equity - Non-GAAP
Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $61.9 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 16.7%, from the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by growth in our insurance operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, adjusted return on average equity was 15.2%, as compared to 13.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by the increase in adjusted net income.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $576.6 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $533.6 million as of December 31, 2022, with the increase driven by comprehensive income, partially offset by net changes in non-controlling interests and dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2023, Tiptree returned $7.3 million to common stockholders through dividends paid.
Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2023 was $11.34, an increase from book value per share of $10.92 as of December 31, 2022, driven by comprehensive income per share, partially offset by dividends paid of $0.20 per share, net changes in non-controlling interests and preferred dividends paid at Fortegra.
Results by Segment
We classify our business into two reportable segments, Insurance and Mortgage, with the remainder of our operations aggregated into Tiptree Capital - Other. Corporate activities include holding company interest expense, corporate employee compensation and benefits, and other expenses, including public company expenses.
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The following tables present the components of Revenue, Income (loss) before taxes and Adjusted net income for the following periods:
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 1,593,070 | $ | 1,248,796 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 53,864 | 70,246 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 2,097 | 78,710 | ||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,649,031 | $ | 1,397,752 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 129,816 | $ | 68,150 | ||||||
| Mortgage | (3,285) | 874 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | (3,264) | 31,403 | ||||||||
| Corporate | (40,214) | (46,416) | ||||||||
| Total income (loss) before taxes | $ | 83,053 | $ | 54,011 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP - Adjusted net income: (1) | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 91,963 | $ | 73,465 | ||||||
| Mortgage | (1,082) | (4,658) | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 923 | 13,627 | ||||||||
| Corporate | (29,887) | (29,400) | ||||||||
| Total adjusted net income | $ | 61,917 | $ | 53,034 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Insurance
Our principal operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a specialty insurance underwriter and service provider, which focuses on niche lines and fee-oriented services. The combination of specialty insurance underwriting, service contract products, and related service solutions delivered through a vertically integrated business model creates a blend of traditional underwriting revenues, investment income and unregulated fee revenues. The business is an agent-driven model, distributing products through independent insurance agents, consumer finance companies, online retailers, auto dealers, and regional big box retailers to deliver products that complement the consumer transaction.
As of December 31, 2023, Fortegra was owned approximately 79.5% by Tiptree, 17.5% by Warburg and 3.0% by management and directors of Fortegra, before giving effect to the exercise of outstanding warrants and the conversion of outstanding preferred stock. The following tables and discussion present the Insurance segment results, including non-controlling interests, for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenues
Earned Premiums, net represents the earned portion of gross written and assumed premiums, less the earned portion that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. Fortegra’s insurance policies generally have a term of six months to seven years depending on the underlying product and premiums are earned pro rata over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written but not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Service and Administrative Fees represent the earned portion of gross written premiums and premium equivalents, which is generated from non-insurance products including warranty service contracts, motor club contracts and other services offered as part of Fortegra’s vertically integrated product offerings. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue when realized and earned. At the end of each reporting period, gross written premiums and premium equivalents written for service contracts not earned are classified as deferred revenue, which are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
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Ceding Commissions and Other Revenue consists of commissions earned on policies written on behalf of third-party insurance companies with no exposure to the insured risk and certain fees earned in conjunction with underwriting policies. Other revenue also includes the interest income earned on the premium finance product offering.
Net Investment Income represents earned investment income on our portfolio of invested assets. Our invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents and equity securities. The principal factors that influence net investment income are the size of our investment portfolio, the yield on that portfolio and expenses due to external investment managers. The insurance investment portfolio includes investments held in statutory insurance companies and in unregulated entities. The portfolios held in statutory insurance companies are subject to different regulatory considerations, including with respect to types of assets, concentration limits, affiliate transactions and the use of leverage.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on investments are a function of the difference between the amount received by us on the sale of a security and the security’s cost-basis, as well as any “other-than-temporary” impairments and allowances for credit losses which are recognized in earnings. In addition, equity securities and certain other investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in this line. Fortegra’s investment strategy is designed to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns across select asset classes, sectors and geographies while maintaining adequate liquidity to meet claims payment obligations. As such, volatility from realized and unrealized gains and losses may impact period-over-period performance. Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and loans held at fair value impact current period net income, while unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities impact AOCI.
Expenses
Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses represent actual insurance claims paid, changes in unpaid claim reserves, net of amounts ceded and the costs of administering claims for insurance lines. Incurred claims are impacted by loss frequency, which is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is based on the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency and loss severity include the volume of underwritten contracts, changes in claims reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, economic conditions, morbidity patterns and the attitudes of claimants towards settlements, and original pricing of the product for purposes of the loss ratio in relation to loss emergence over time. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods.
Member Benefit Claims represent the costs of services and replacement devices incurred in warranty and motor club service contracts. Member benefit claims represent claims paid on behalf of contract holders directly to third-party providers for roadside assistance and for the repair or replacement of covered products. Claims can also be paid directly to contract holders as a reimbursement payment, provided supporting documentation of loss is submitted to the Company. Claims are recognized as expense when incurred.
Commission Expenses reflect commissions paid to retail agents, program administrators and managing general underwriters, net of ceding commissions received on business ceded under certain reinsurance contracts. Commission expenses are deferred and amortized to expense in proportion to the premium earned over the policy life. Commission expense is incurred on most product lines. The majority of commissions are retrospective commissions paid to agents, distributors and retailers selling the Company’s products, including credit insurance policies, warranty service contracts and motor club memberships. When claims increase, in most cases distribution partners bear the risk through a reduction in their retrospective commissions. Commission rates are, in many cases, set by state regulators, such as in credit and collateral protection programs and are also impacted by market conditions and the retention levels of distribution partners.
Operating and Other Expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of insurance operations including employee compensation and benefits and other expenses, including, technology costs, office rent, and professional services fees, such as legal, accounting and actuarial services.
Interest Expense consists primarily of interest expense on corporate revolving debt, notes, preferred trust securities due June 15, 2037 (Preferred Trust Securities) and asset based debt for premium finance and warranty service contract financing, which is non-recourse to Fortegra.
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Depreciation Expense is primarily associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization Expense is primarily associated with purchase accounting amortization including values associated with acquired customer relationships, trade names and internally developed software and technology.
Key Performance Metrics
We discuss certain key performance metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying its financial performance.
Gross written premiums and premium equivalents represent total gross written premiums from insurance policies and warranty service contracts issued during a reporting period. They represent the volume of insurance policies written or assumed and warranty service contracts issued during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. Gross written premiums is a volume measure commonly used in the insurance industry to compare sales performance by period. Premium equivalents are used to compare sales performance of warranty service and administrative contract volumes to gross written premiums. Similar to how management considers gross written premiums to be a relevant measure of volume, regardless of the impact of reinsurance on net earned premiums, management considers premium equivalents to be a relevant measure of contract volume, regardless of whether the Company retains the full obligation. Investors also use these measures to compare sales growth among comparable companies, while management uses these measures to evaluate the relative performance of various sales channels.
Net written premiums are gross written premiums less ceded written premiums. Gross written premiums are the amounts received, or to be received, for insurance policies written or assumed by us during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. The volume of our gross written premiums in any given period is generally influenced by new business submissions, binding of new business submissions into policies, renewals of existing policies, and average size and premium rate of bound policies. Ceded written premiums are the amount of gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers. We enter into reinsurance contracts to limit our exposure to potential large losses. Ceded written premiums are earned over the reinsurance contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. The volume of our ceded written premiums is impacted by the level of our gross written premiums and any decision we make to increase or decrease retention levels, policy limits and co-participations.
Combined Ratio, Loss Ratio, Acquisition Ratio, Underwriting Ratio and Operating Expense Ratio
Combined ratio is an operating measure, which equals the sum of the underwriting ratio and the operating expense ratio. Loss ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees), and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). Acquisition ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items commission expense (less ceding fees and ceding commissions) to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees), and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). Underwriting ratio is the combination of the loss ratio and the acquisition ratio. Operating expense ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items employee compensation and benefits and other expenses to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other revenue (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income).
A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. These ratios are commonly used in the insurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding earnings on the insurance portfolio. Investors commonly use these measures to compare underwriting performance among companies separate from the performance of the investment portfolio. Management uses these measures to compare the profitability of various products we underwrite as well as profitability among our various agents and sales channels.
Return on average equity is expressed as the ratio of net income to average stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses this ratio as a measure of the on-going performance of the totality of the Company’s operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin
In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance of the Company’s programs and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics – underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin. We generally manage our exposure to the risks we underwrite using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and sliding scale commission agreements with our agents (e.g.,
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commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigates our risk. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our agents and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid.
Underwriting and fee revenues represents earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other income (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). We reconcile underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses) and net unrealized gains (losses), ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income as reported in other income. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee revenues to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and fee margin represents income before taxes excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses), cash and cash equivalent interest income, employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deliver our products and services on a vertically integrated basis to our agents. As such, underwriting and fee margin exclude general and administrative expenses, interest income, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses, including income taxes, as these corporate expenses support our vertically integrated delivery model and are not specifically supporting any individual business line. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee margin to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting.
Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
Results of Operations - Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
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| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Earned premiums, net | $ | 1,127,834 | $ | 904,765 | $ | 223,069 | 24.7 | % | ||||||
| Service and administrative fees | 395,969 | 320,720 | 75,249 | 23.5 | % | |||||||||
| Ceding commissions | 14,915 | 13,880 | 1,035 | 7.5 | % | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 26,674 | 12,219 | 14,455 | 118.3 | % | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (4,207) | (20,347) | 16,140 | (79.3) | % | |||||||||
| Other revenue | 31,885 | 17,559 | 14,326 | 81.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,593,070 | $ | 1,248,796 | $ | 344,274 | 27.6 | % | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 482,506 | 361,601 | 120,905 | 33.4 | % | |||||||||
| Member benefit claims | 119,288 | 91,004 | 28,284 | 31.1 | % | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 603,033 | 522,686 | 80,347 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 114,341 | 87,918 | 26,423 | 30.1 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 25,836 | 20,054 | 5,782 | 28.8 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 21,425 | 18,551 | 2,874 | 15.5 | % | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 96,825 | 78,832 | 17,993 | 22.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 1,463,254 | $ | 1,180,646 | $ | 282,608 | 23.9 | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes (1) | $ | 129,816 | $ | 68,150 | $ | 61,666 | 90.5 | % | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums and premium equivalents | $ | 2,747,854 | $ | 2,263,128 | $ | 484,726 | 21.4 | % | ||||||
| Net written premiums | $ | 1,319,948 | $ | 1,089,390 | $ | 230,558 | 21.2 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 40.1 | % | 37.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Acquisition ratio | 36.2 | % | 39.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 76.3 | % | 76.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating expense ratio | 14.0 | % | 13.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 90.3 | % | 90.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Return on average equity | 25.7 | % | 14.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (2): | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 115,705 | $ | 83,832 | $ | 31,873 | 38.0 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 29.2 | % | 26.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 91,963 | $ | 73,465 | $ | 18,498 | 25.2 | % |
(1) Net income was $101.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $46.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(2) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues - Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, total revenues increased 27.6%, to $1,593.1 million, as compared to $1,248.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Earned premiums, net of $1,127.8 million increased $223.1 million, or 24.7%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines. Earned premiums assumed from other insurance companies were $404.7 million, or 35.9% of total earned premiums, net, compared to $310.4 million, or 34.3%, in the prior year period. As it expands to new geographies and expands product offerings, the Company works to obtain necessary licenses and intends to write this business directly upon obtaining necessary licenses. The Company views direct written and assumed business as having similar characteristics. For the presented periods, earned premiums, net, did not include any significant regional geographic concentrations. Service and administrative fees of $396.0 million increased by 23.5% primarily driven by growth in vehicle service contract revenues. Ceding commissions of $14.9 million increased by $1.0 million, or 7.5%, in line with growth in ceded premiums. Other revenues increased by $14.3 million, or 81.6%, driven by growth in premium finance product offerings and interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, 27.8% of revenues were derived from fees that were not solely dependent upon the underwriting performance of Fortegra’s insurance products, resulting in more diversified earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 81.1% of fee-based revenues were generated in non-regulated service companies, with the remainder in regulated insurance companies.
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For the year ended December 31, 2023, net investment income was $26.7 million as compared to $12.2 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by growth in investments and the increase in yields. Net realized and unrealized losses were $4.2 million, an improvement of $16.1 million, as compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $20.3 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by the change in fair value of certain equity and other investments carried at fair value. Unrealized gains on AFS securities impacting OCI for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $19.0 million, driven by positive fair value adjustments on mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds and other investments.
Expenses - Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $482.5 million, member benefit claims were $119.3 million and commission expense was $603.0 million, as compared to $361.6 million, $91.0 million, and $522.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $120.9 million, or 33.4%, was driven by growth in U.S. and European insurance lines and the shift in business mix toward commercial lines, which tend to have higher loss ratios and lower commission and expense ratios. In addition, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily by a commutation agreement with a partner resulting in a reduction of policy liabilities and unpaid claims of $75.6 million relating to policies written in the 2020 and 2021 treaty years. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $0.9 million, primarily as a result of lower-than-expected claim severity in our commercial lines of business. For the periods presented, net losses and adjustment expenses did not include any significant catastrophic losses or regional concentration exposure. The increase in member benefit claims of $28.3 million, or 31.1%, was driven by growth in vehicle service contracts and the impacts of inflation on replacement costs and labor rates. Commission expenses increased by $80.3 million, or 15.4%, generally in line with the growth in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees, partially offset by the impacts from sliding scale commission structures.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, employee compensation and benefits were $114.3 million and other expenses were $96.8 million, as compared to $87.9 million and $78.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $26.4 million, or 30.1%, driven by continued investment in data science, European platform expansion, and to support continued growth in the U.S. insurance business. Other expenses increased by $18.0 million, or 22.8%, driven primarily by investment in data science, technology and marketing expenses, and professional fees associated with the acquisition of Premia.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, interest expense was $25.8 million as compared to $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense of $5.8 million, or 28.8%, was primarily driven by the rise in short-term interest rates and increased borrowings on Fortegra’s corporate revolver and asset based debt for premium finance lines.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, depreciation and amortization expense was $21.4 million, including $16.9 million of intangible amortization related to purchase accounting associated with the acquisitions of Fortegra, Smart AutoCare, Sky Auto, ITC and Premia, as compared to $18.6 million, including $16.2 million of intangible amortization from purchase accounting in 2022.
Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents(1,2)
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Property and short-tail | $ | 548,984 | $ | 263,933 | $ | 100,462 | ||||
| Contractual liability | 396,861 | 351,869 | 347,776 | |||||||
| General liability | 353,011 | 305,325 | 182,336 | |||||||
| Alternative risks | 330,171 | 363,362 | 409,807 | |||||||
| Professional liability | 232,944 | 82,340 | 32,028 | |||||||
| Europe | 141,208 | 125,150 | 95,917 | |||||||
| Commercial lines | $ | 2,003,179 | $ | 1,491,979 | $ | 1,168,326 | ||||
| Personal lines | $ | 382,397 | $ | 397,423 | $ | 432,522 | ||||
| Insurance | $ | 2,385,576 | $ | 1,889,402 | $ | 1,600,848 | ||||
| Auto and consumer goods warranty | 302,746 | 318,550 | 285,591 | |||||||
| Other services | 59,532 | 55,176 | 49,535 | |||||||
| Services | $ | 362,278 | $ | 373,726 | $ | 335,126 | ||||
| Total | $ | 2,747,854 | $ | 2,263,128 | $ | 1,935,974 |
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(1) The total gross written premiums and premium equivalents of $2,747.9 million, $2,263.1 million and $1,936.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were comprised of gross written premiums of $1,896.5 million, $1,515.1 million and $1,380.1 million, plus assumed premiums of $489.1 million, $374.3 million and $220.7 million, plus gross service and administrative fee additions of $362.3 million, $373.7 million and $335.1 million. See Note (8) Reinsurance Recoverable and Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums and Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers within the respective periods for more information.
(2) The premium equivalents metric excludes amounts received from failure to perform vehicle service contracts held in off-balance sheet trusts and premium finance volumes as it was determined to be unlikely these amounts will be recognized as revenue. Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been conformed resulting in a reduction of premium equivalents of $418 million and $258 million, respectively. This change only impacted the premium equivalents metric and did not impact the Company’s financial statements, including its notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $2,747.9 million, representing an increase of $484.7 million, or 21.4%. The growth is driven by a combination of factors including expanding Fortegra’s distribution partner network, growing specialty admitted and E&S insurance lines, and increasing penetration in the vehicle service contract sector.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Insurance increased by $496.2 million, or 26.3%, driven by growth in specialty commercial lines, including E&S and admitted business. The year ended December 31, 2023, also benefited from a book-roll transaction of $125.1 million with one of Fortegra’s distribution partners. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Services decreased by $11.4 million, or 3.1%, driven by lower volume in consumer goods and vehicle service contracts, partially offset by the acquisition of Premia.
The combination of unearned premiums and deferred revenues on Fortegra’s balance sheet grew to $2,368.1 million, representing an increase of $361.6 million, or 18.0%, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, as a result of growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, primarily related to E&S and admitted insurance lines, including the book roll transaction with one of Fortegra’s MGA partners.
Net written premiums
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Property and short-tail | $ | 411,674 | $ | 188,069 | $ | 69,770 | ||||
| Contractual liability | 68,368 | 100,338 | 109,345 | |||||||
| General liability | 163,567 | 147,442 | 94,617 | |||||||
| Alternative risks | 246,431 | 268,775 | 313,805 | |||||||
| Professional liability | 84,380 | 52,073 | 25,028 | |||||||
| Europe | 141,208 | 125,150 | 95,917 | |||||||
| Commercial lines | $ | 1,115,628 | $ | 881,847 | $ | 708,482 | ||||
| Personal lines | $ | 204,320 | $ | 207,543 | $ | 186,258 | ||||
| Insurance | $ | 1,319,948 | $ | 1,089,390 | $ | 894,740 |
Net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $1,319.9 million, representing an increase of $230.6 million, or 21.2%, driven by growth in commercial E&S lines. For the year ended December 31, 2023, commercial lines increased by $233.8 million, or 26.5%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted business, including a book-roll transaction of $125.1 million with one of Fortegra’s distribution partners. For the year ended December 31, 2023, personal lines decreased by $3.2 million, or 1.6%, driven by declines in personal credit lines. Property and short-tail lines represented $411.7 million, or 31.2%, of the total net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $188.1 million, or 17.3%, for the prior year period. Property and short-tail net written premiums were diversified by geographic location, exposure and risk type with substantial reinsurance protection. As of December 31, 2023, the net loss to the Company in a 1-in-250 year catastrophe event represented approximately 2.4% of Fortegra’s stockholders’ equity. This reported loss includes the impact of incurred losses based on the estimated frequency and severity of potential events, reinstatements premiums, reinsurance recoveries and taxes.
Combined Ratio
The combined ratio was 90.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 90.4% for the prior year period, reflecting the consistent underwriting performance and scalability of the Company’s operating platform. The underwriting ratio was 76.3%, a decrease of 0.4% from the prior year period, which consists of a loss ratio of 40.1%, compared to 37.7% in the prior year period, and an acquisition ratio of 36.2%, compared to 39.0% in the prior year period. The loss ratio increase was driven by a shift in business mix towards commercial lines and increases in repair and labor costs on vehicle service contracts. The decrease in the acquisition ratio was driven by the shift in business mix toward commercial lines and impacts from sliding scale commission structures. The operating expense ratio was 14.0%, as compared to 13.7% in the prior year
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period. The increase in the operating expense ratio was a result of continued investment in data science, European platform expansion, and to support continued growth in U.S. insurance lines.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Margin - Non-GAAP
The below table shows underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin by business mix for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Services | Total | Insurance | Services | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting and Fee Revenues (1) | $ | 1,141,019 | $ | 359,004 | $ | 1,500,023 | $ | 917,542 | $ | 282,843 | $ | 1,200,385 | ||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 482,456 | 50 | 482,506 | 361,476 | 125 | 361,601 | ||||||||||||||||
| Member benefit claims | — | 119,288 | 119,288 | — | 91,004 | 91,004 | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission expense (2) | 411,012 | 132,478 | 543,490 | 371,638 | 97,014 | 468,652 | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting and Fee Margin (1) | $ | 247,551 | $ | 107,188 | $ | 354,739 | $ | 184,428 | $ | 94,700 | $ | 279,128 | ||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 42.3 | % | 33.2 | % | 40.1 | % | 39.4 | % | 32.2 | % | 37.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Acquisition ratio | 36.0 | % | 36.9 | % | 36.2 | % | 40.5 | % | 34.3 | % | 39.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 78.3 | % | 70.1 | % | 76.3 | % | 79.9 | % | 66.5 | % | 76.7 | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
(2) Commission expense in this table is presented net of ceding fees and ceding commissions of $44.6 million and $14.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $40.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Underwriting and fee revenues were $1,500.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $1,200.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Total underwriting and fee revenues increased $299.6 million, or 25.0%, driven by growth in all business lines. The increase in insurance was $223.5 million, or 24.4%, driven by growth in specialty E&S and admitted insurance lines. The increase in services was $76.2 million, or 26.9%, driven by growth in vehicle service contracts and premium finance offerings, in addition to acquisitions of Premia in 2023 and ITC in 2022.
Underwriting and fee margin was $354.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $279.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Total underwriting and fee margin increased $75.6 million, or 27.1%, driven by growth in all product lines. Insurance grew by $63.1 million, or 34.2%, driven by revenue growth in specialty E&S and admitted lines. Services increased by $12.5 million, or 13.2%, driven by growth in vehicle service contracts and the acquisition of Premia and ITC, partially offset by increased member benefit claims associated with the impacts of inflation on replacement costs and labor rates.
Return on Average Equity
Return on average equity was 25.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 14.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net income and annualized return on average equity was driven by revenue growth and consistent combined ratio, in addition to improvements in net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity - Non-GAAP
For the year ended December 31, 2023, adjusted net income (before NCI) and adjusted return on average equity were $115.7 million and 29.2%, respectively, as compared to $83.8 million and 26.1%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The improvement of adjusted net income was driven by the growth in revenues and consistent combined ratio, in addition to improvements in net investment income.
Tiptree Capital
Tiptree Capital consists of our Mortgage segment, which includes the operating results of Reliance, our mortgage business, and Tiptree Capital - Other, which consists of our other non-insurance operating businesses and investments. As of December 31, 2023, Tiptree Capital - Other includes our Invesque shares and other investments.
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Mortgage
Through our Mortgage operating subsidiary, Reliance, we originate, sell, securitize and service one-to-four-family, residential mortgage loans, comprised of conforming mortgage loans, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veterans Administration (“VA”), United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and to a lesser extent, non-agency jumbo prime.
We are an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We are also an approved issuer and servicer for Ginnie Mae. We originate residential mortgage loans through our retail distribution channel (directly to consumers) in 39 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2023.
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenues
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) include gains on sale of mortgage loans and the fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights. Gains on the sale of mortgage loans represent the difference between the selling price and carrying value of loans sold and are recognized upon settlement. Such gains also include the changes in fair value of loans held for sale and loan-related hedges and derivatives. We transfer the risk of loss or default to the loan purchaser, however, in some cases we are required to indemnify purchasers for losses related to non-compliance with borrowers’ creditworthiness and collateral requirements. Because of this, we recognize gains on sale net of required indemnification and premium recapture reserves. The fair value adjustment on mortgage servicing rights represents fair value adjustments considering estimated prepayments and other factors associated with changes in interest rates, plus actual run-off in the servicing portfolio. We report these adjustments separate from servicing income and servicing expense.
Other Revenue includes loan origination fees, interest income, and mortgage servicing income. Loan origination fees are earned as mortgage loans are funded. Servicing fees are earned over the life of the loan. Interest income includes interest earned on loans held for sale and interest income on bank balances and short-term investments.
Expenses
Employee Compensation and Benefits includes salaries, commissions, benefits, bonuses, other incentive compensation and related taxes for employees. Commissions expense for sales staff generally varies with loan origination volumes.
Interest Expense represents borrowing costs under warehouse and other credit facilities used primarily to fund loan originations. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including commitment fees, is included in interest expense.
Depreciation is mainly associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization is primarily associated with a trade name and internally developed software.
Other Expenses include loan origination expenses, namely, leads, appraisals, credit reporting and licensing fees, general and administrative expenses, including office rent, insurance, legal, consulting and payroll processing expenses, and servicing expense.
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The following tables present the Mortgage segment results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ | 34,232 | $ | 51,345 | ||||||
| Other revenue | 19,632 | 18,901 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 53,864 | $ | 70,246 | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 34,040 | $ | 41,637 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 1,856 | 1,631 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 617 | 799 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 20,636 | 25,305 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 57,149 | $ | 69,372 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | (3,285) | $ | 874 | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||
| Origination volumes | $ | 876,914 | $ | 1,134,351 | ||||||
| Gain on sale margins | 4.7 | % | 4.7 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | (4.6) | % | 0.9 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1): | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (1) | $ | (1,082) | $ | (4,658) | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity (1) | (2.0) | % | (8.1) | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues - Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, $876.9 million of loans were funded, compared to $1,134.4 million for the prior year period, a decrease of $257.4 million, or 22.7%, driven by increase in mortgage interest rates compared to the prior year period. Gain on sale margins remained consistent at 4.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net realized and unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $34.2 million, compared to $51.3 million in the prior year period, a decrease of $17.1 million or 33.3%. The primary driver of decreased gain on sale revenues was the decline in volumes and negative fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights of $1.9 million in 2023 compared to a positive fair value adjustment of $7.0 million in the prior year period.
Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $19.6 million, compared to $18.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of $0.7 million, or 3.9%, driven by increased servicing revenues. As of December 31, 2023, the mortgage servicing asset was $40.8 million, a decrease from $41.4 million as of December 31, 2022.
Expenses - Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, employee compensation and benefits were $34.0 million, compared to $41.6 million in the prior year period, a decrease of $7.6 million or 18.2%. The decrease was driven primarily by reduced commissions on lower origination volumes.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, interest expense was at $1.9 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 13.8%, with the increase driven by higher interest rates.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, other expenses were $20.6 million, compared to $25.3 million in the prior year period, a decrease of $4.7 million, with the decrease driven by a reduction of mortgage operational expenses, including marketing costs.
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Income (loss) before taxes
The loss before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3.3 million, compared to income before taxes of $0.9 million in the prior year period driven by a decline in volumes.
Tiptree Capital - Other
The following tables present a summary of Tiptree Capital - Other results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Total revenue | Income (loss) before taxes | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | (9,342) | $ | (16,015) | $ | (9,342) | $ | (16,015) | ||||||||
| Maritime transportation(1) | 842 | 64,947 | (4,517) | 49,809 | ||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 10,597 | 29,778 | 10,595 | (2,391) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,097 | $ | 78,710 | $ | (3,264) | $ | 31,403 |
(1) Includes $5.4 million and $15.1 million of expenses related to our Maritime transportation operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(2) Includes asset management, our formerly held for sale mortgage originator (Luxury) for the year ended December 31, 2022, as it was deconsolidated on July 1, 2022, and certain intercompany elimination transactions.
Revenues
Tiptree Capital - Other earns revenues from the following sources: net interest income; revenues on our formerly held for sale mortgage originator (Luxury); realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investment holdings (including Invesque); and charter revenues from vessels within the Company’s maritime transportation operations. Subsequent to the sale of our dry bulk and tanker vessels, operations include two smaller vessels and other ancillary assets.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $2.1 million compared to $78.7 million in the prior year period with the decline driven by the deconsolidation of Luxury effective July 1, 2022, and the sale of five vessels, partially offset by investment gains on securities in the Company’s investment holdings and decreased investment losses on Invesque in 2023 compared to 2022.
Income (loss) before taxes
The loss before taxes from Tiptree Capital - Other for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3.3 million, compared to the income before taxes of $31.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease was driven by the same factors that impacted revenues.
Adjusted net income - Non-GAAP(1)
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
| Maritime transportation | (2,769) | 12,707 | ||||||||
| Other | 3,692 | 920 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 923 | $ | 13,627 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Adjusted net income decreased to $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $13.6 million in 2022. The decrease was driven from the sale of five vessels in 2022, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury securities recorded in other income.
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Corporate
The following table presents a summary of corporate results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 8,885 | $ | 7,948 | ||||||
| Employee incentive compensation expense | 21,230 | 19,240 | ||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 4,225 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,327 | 807 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 8,772 | 14,196 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 40,214 | $ | 46,416 |
Corporate expenses include expenses of the holding company for employee compensation and benefits, interest expense, and public company and other expenses. Corporate employee compensation and benefits includes the expense of management, legal and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent and other related expenses.
Employee compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation expense, were $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $27.2 million for the prior year period, driven by an increase in accrued bonus expense. Of the incentive compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $6.3 million was stock-based compensation expense. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings at the holding company and therefore incurred no interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $4.2 million in 2022. Other expenses of $8.8 million decreased by $5.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily driven by decreased consulting and professional fees.
Provision for Income Taxes
The total income tax expense of $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 is reflected as a component of net income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 51.8%. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 93.4%. The effective rates for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were significantly higher than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily due to the impact of outside basis deferred taxes on Tiptree’s investment in Fortegra.
Tiptree owns less than 80% of Fortegra and is required to record deferred taxes on the outside basis on its investment in Fortegra. This deferred tax liability represents the tax that would be due, before consideration of loss carryforwards, if Tiptree were to sell all of its Fortegra stock at its carrying value on Tiptree’s balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2023, this deferred tax liability relating to Fortegra was $61.7 million, which was an increase of $21.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2022, of which $3.8 million expense was recorded in OCI, $1.2 million benefit was recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, and $19.1 million expense was recorded as a provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2022, this deferred tax liability was $40.0 million, of which $14.1 million was recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, a benefit of $2.4 million in other comprehensive income and $28.3 million as a provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additional one time impacts from the transaction incurred in 2022 caused $4.8 million of expense, leading to $33.1 million of expense in the statement of operations. Excluding the impact of these deferred taxes, the effective tax rates for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 28.8% and 32.1%, respectively.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted Public Law no. 117-169, commonly referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act, which, among other things, establishes a corporate minimum tax on book earnings and an excise tax on stock buybacks. It is not expected that this legislation will have a material financial impact on the Company or its operations.
Balance Sheet Information
Tiptree’s total assets were $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared to $4.0 billion as of December 31, 2022. The $1,099.8 million increase in assets is primarily attributable to the growth in the Insurance segment.
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Total stockholders’ equity was $576.6 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $533.6 million as of December 31, 2022, with the increase primarily driven by comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, there were 36,756,187 shares of common stock outstanding as compared to 36,385,299 shares as of December 31, 2022, with the increase driven by the vesting of share-based incentive compensation and the exercise of options.
The following table is a summary of certain balance sheet information:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Total assets | 4,835,685 | $ | 160,147 | $ | 126,624 | $ | 16,857 | $ | 5,139,313 | |||||||||
| Corporate debt | $ | 290,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 290,000 | ||||||||
| Asset based debt | 67,138 | 54,350 | — | — | 121,488 | |||||||||||||
| Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity (1) | $ | 292,914 | $ | 52,297 | $ | 125,819 | $ | (54,164) | $ | 416,866 | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fortegra preferred interests | 77,679 | — | — | — | 77,679 | |||||||||||||
| Common interests | 82,020 | — | — | — | 82,020 | |||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 452,613 | $ | 52,297 | $ | 125,819 | $ | (54,164) | $ | 576,565 |
(1) Included in Corporate equity is the deferred tax liability on the outside basis on Tiptree’s investment in Fortegra of $61.7 million as of December 31, 2023.
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NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In addition to GAAP results, management uses the non-GAAP financial measures underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin in order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners. We also use the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as measures of operating performance and as part of our resource and capital allocation process, to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and to compare relative performance among comparable companies. Adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity, underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for earned premiums, net income or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP (Insurance only)
Underwriting and Fee Revenues — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee revenues as earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees (excluding ceding fees) and other income (excluding cash and cash equivalent interest income). We reconcile underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses) and net unrealized gains (losses), ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income as reported in other income. Underwriting and fee revenues represents revenues generated by our underwriting and fee-based operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting and fee revenues should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenues calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee revenues differently.
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,593,070 | $ | 1,248,796 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (26,674) | (12,219) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 4,207 | 20,347 | ||||||||
| Less: Ceding fees (1) | (44,628) | (40,154) | ||||||||
| Less: Ceding commissions | (14,915) | (13,880) | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalent interest income (2) | (11,037) | (2,505) | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee revenues (3) | $ | 1,500,023 | $ | 1,200,385 |
(1) Ceding fees were included in service and administrative fees on the statement of operations.
(2) Cash and cash equivalent interest income were included in other revenue on the statement of operations.
(3) Underwriting and fee revenues exclude ceding fees, ceding commissions and cash and cash equivalent interest income from other revenue. The year ended December 31, 2022 has been conformed resulting in a reduction of underwriting and fee revenues of $56.5 million. This change only impacted the underwriting and fee revenues metric and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including its notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee margin as income before taxes, excluding net investment income, net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses), cash and cash equivalent interest income, employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Underwriting and fee margin represents the underwriting performance of our underwriting and fee-based programs. As such, underwriting and fee margin excludes general administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses as those expenses support the vertically integrated business model and not any individual component of our business mix. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into the specific performance of our underlying underwriting and fee programs. Underwriting and fee income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee margin differently.
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| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 129,816 | $ | 68,150 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (26,674) | (12,219) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 4,207 | 20,347 | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalent interest income (1) | (11,037) | (2,505) | ||||||||
| Plus: Depreciation and amortization | 21,425 | 18,551 | ||||||||
| Plus: Interest expense | 25,836 | 20,054 | ||||||||
| Plus: Employee compensation and benefits | 114,341 | 87,918 | ||||||||
| Plus: Other expenses | 96,825 | 78,832 | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee margin (2) | $ | 354,739 | $ | 279,128 |
(1) Cash and cash equivalent interests income were included in other revenue on the statement of operations.
(2) Underwriting and fee margin exclude the cash and cash equivalent interest income. The year ended December 31, 2022 has been conformed resulting in a reduction of underwriting and fee margin of $2.5 million. This change only impacted the underwriting and fee margin metric and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including its notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Adjusted Net Income — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted net income as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting, all of which is reduced for non-controlling interests. The calculation of adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) that relate to investments or assets rather than business operations. Adjusted net income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted net income differently. Adjusted net income (before NCI) is presented before the impacts of non-controlling interests.
We present adjustments for amortization associated with acquired intangible assets. The intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting in connection with Tiptree’s acquisition of Fortegra Financial in 2014, Defend in 2019, Smart AutoCare, Sky Auto in 2020, ITC in 2022 and Premia in 2023. The intangible assets acquired contribute to overall revenue generation, and the respective purchase accounting adjustments will continue to occur in future periods until such intangible assets are fully amortized in accordance with the respective amortization periods required by GAAP.
Adjusted Return on Average Equity — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted return on average equity as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “—Adjusted Net Income—Non-GAAP” above. Adjusted return on average equity should not be viewed as a substitute for return on average equity calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted return on average equity differently.
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| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Tiptree Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 129,816 | $ | (3,285) | $ | (3,264) | $ | (40,214) | $ | 83,053 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (28,224) | 837 | 153 | (15,822) | (43,056) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1) | 4,207 | 1,861 | 5,289 | — | 11,357 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (2) | 16,919 | — | — | — | 16,919 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,018 | — | — | 6,251 | 8,269 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses (3) | 2,824 | — | — | — | 2,824 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments (4) | (1,769) | — | — | — | (1,769) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Impact of tax deconsolidation of Fortegra (5) | — | — | — | 19,101 | 19,101 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (6) | (10,086) | (495) | (1,255) | 797 | (11,039) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 115,705 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 85,659 | ||||||||
| Less: Impact of non-controlling interests | (23,742) | — | — | — | (23,742) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 91,963 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 61,917 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 115,705 | $ | (1,082) | $ | 923 | $ | (29,887) | $ | 85,659 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 395,661 | $ | 53,520 | $ | 100,325 | $ | 5,564 | $ | 555,070 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity (7) | 29.2 | % | (2.0) | % | 0.9 | % | NM% | 15.4 | % |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Tiptree Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 68,150 | $ | 874 | $ | 31,403 | $ | (46,416) | $ | 54,011 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (21,251) | (363) | (5,545) | (23,291) | (50,450) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1) | 20,347 | (7,003) | (18,788) | — | (5,444) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (2) | 16,229 | — | — | — | 16,229 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,423 | — | — | 7,093 | 9,516 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses (3) | 3,374 | — | (729) | 2,108 | 4,753 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments (4) | (939) | — | 3,555 | — | 2,616 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Impact of tax deconsolidation of Fortegra (5) | 1,560 | — | — | 31,573 | 33,133 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (6) | (6,061) | 1,834 | 3,731 | (467) | (963) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 83,832 | $ | (4,658) | $ | 13,627 | $ | (29,400) | $ | 63,401 | ||||||||
| Less: Impact of non-controlling interests | (10,367) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | (10,367) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 73,465 | $ | (4,658) | $ | 13,627 | $ | (29,400) | $ | 53,034 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income (before NCI) | $ | 83,832 | $ | (4,658) | $ | 13,627 | $ | (29,400) | $ | 63,401 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 321,320 | $ | 57,575 | $ | 98,373 | $ | (10,390) | $ | 466,878 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity (7) | 26.1 | % | (8.1) | % | 13.9 | % | NM% | 13.6 | % |
The footnotes below correspond to the tables above, under “—Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP” and “—Adjusted Return on Average Equity - Non-GAAP”.
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) added back in Adjusted net income excludes net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from the mortgage segment, those relating to our held-for-sale mortgage originator (Luxury), and unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage servicing rights.
(2) Specifically associated with acquisition purchase accounting. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
(3) For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included in other expenses were expenses related to banker and legal fees associated with the acquisitions of Premia and ITC.
(4) For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. non-cash fair-value adjustments represent a change in fair value of the Fortegra Additional Warrant liability which are added-back to adjusted net income. For the 2022 periods, maritime transportation depreciation and amortization was deducted as a reduction in the value of the vessels.
(5) For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included in the adjustment is an add-back of $19.1 million and $33.1 million, respectively, related to deferred tax expense from the WP Transaction.
(6) Tax on adjustments represents the tax applied to the total non-GAAP adjustments and includes adjustments for non-recurring or discrete tax impacts.
(7) Total Adjusted return on average equity after non-controlling interests was 15.2% and 13.6% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, based on $61.9 million and $53.0 million of Adjusted net income over $407.1 million and $390.2 million of average Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Management believes the use of this financial measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as book value is frequently used by the financial community to analyze company growth on a relative per share basis. The following table provides a reconciliation between total stockholders’ equity and total shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.
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| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | As of December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 576,565 | $ | 533,573 | ||
| Less: Non-controlling interests | 159,699 | 136,208 | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity, net of non-controlling interests | $ | 416,866 | $ | 397,365 | ||
| Total common shares outstanding | 36,756 | 36,385 | ||||
| Book value per share | $ | 11.34 | $ | 10.92 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and other liquid investments and distributions from operating subsidiaries, including income from our investment portfolio and sales of assets and investments. We intend to use our cash resources to continue to fund our operations and grow our businesses. We may seek additional sources of cash to fund acquisitions or investments. These additional sources of cash may take the form of debt or equity and may be at the parent, subsidiary or asset level. We are a holding company and our liquidity needs are primarily for compensation, professional fees, office rent and insurance costs.
Our subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make cash distributions will be subject to numerous business and other factors, including restrictions contained in agreements for the strategic investment by Warburg in Fortegra, our subsidiaries’ financing agreements, regulatory restrictions, availability of sufficient funds at such subsidiaries, general economic and business conditions, tax considerations, strategic plans, financial results and other factors such as target capital ratios and ratio levels anticipated by rating agencies to maintain or improve current ratings. We expect our cash and cash equivalents and distributions from operating subsidiaries, our subsidiaries’ access to financing, and sales of investments to be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, as well as the long term.
As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, were $468.7 million, compared to $538.1 million at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $69.4 million, primarily driven by an increase in investments.
Our mortgage business relies on short term uncommitted sources of financing as a part of their normal course of operations. To date, we have been able to obtain and renew uncommitted warehouse credit facilities. If we were not able to obtain financing, then we may need to draw on other sources of liquidity to fund our mortgage business. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements, for additional information regarding our mortgage warehouse borrowings.
We believe that cash flow from operations will provide sufficient capital to continue to grow the business and fund interest on the outstanding debt, capital expenditures and other general corporate needs over the next several years. As we continue to expand our business, including by any acquisitions we may make, we may, in the future, require additional working capital for increased costs.
For purposes of determining enterprise value, we consider corporate credit agreements and preferred trust securities, which we refer to as corporate debt, as corporate financing and associated interest expense is added back. The below table outlines this amount by debt outstanding and interest expense at the insurance company and corporate level.
Corporate Debt
| ($ in thousands) | Corporate Debt Outstanding as of December 31, | Interest Expense for the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 290,000 | $ | 160,000 | $ | 19,531 | $ | 14,675 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | — | 4,615 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 290,000 | $ | 160,000 | $ | 19,531 | $ | 19,290 |
The balance of the corporate credit facility was repaid during June 2022 as part of the WP Transaction. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements for details for prior periods.
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As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a total of $130.0 million and $0, respectively, was outstanding under the revolving line of credit in our insurance business. The maximum borrowing capacity under the agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $200.0 million. The increase in borrowings was primarily to fund statutory capital requirements and general corporate purposes.
On October 21, 2022, a subsidiary of Fortegra entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Fortegra, and its subsidiary, LOTS Intermediate Co., as borrowers, the lenders from time to time party thereto, certain of Fortegra’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent and issuing lender (the “Fortegra Credit Agreement”). The Fortegra Credit Agreement provides for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, all of which is available for the issuance of letters of credit, with a sub-limit of $25.0 million for swing loans and matures on October 1, 2027.
Consolidated Comparison of Cash Flows
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in): | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 71,452 | $ | 463,073 | ||
| Investing activities | (244,669) | 9,514 | ||||
| Financing activities | 113,406 | (115,186) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 1,525 | (1,828) | ||||
| Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (58,286) | $ | 355,573 |
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $71.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included growth in insurance premiums written resulting in increases in deferred revenues, unearned premiums, policy liabilities and unpaid claims, reinsurance payables and other liabilities and accrued expenses which were partially offset by increases in notes and accounts receivable, reinsurance recoverable and prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Cash provided by operating activities was $463.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included proceeds from mortgage loans outpacing originations and growth in insurance premiums written resulting in increases in unearned premiums, policy liabilities and unpaid claims and deferred revenues, which were partially offset by increases in deferred acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $244.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the primary uses of cash were the purchases of investments outpacing the proceeds from the sale of investments, as well as the acquisition of Premia.
Cash provided by investing activities was $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the primary sources of cash were the proceeds of sales and maturities of investments outpacing the purchases of investments offset by the acquisition of ITC.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $113.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2023, the cash provided was primarily proceeds from corporate borrowings at Fortegra and mortgage warehouse facilities which exceeded repayments, partially offset by non-controlling interests distributions and the payment of common and preferred dividends.
Cash used in financing activities was $115.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, principal repayments on mortgage warehouse facilities exceeded proceeds from borrowings, which was partially offset by cash received from the WP Transaction and the exercise of warrants.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
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The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As disclosed in Note (2), the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The Company believes that the following discussion addresses the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
The initial measurement of goodwill and intangibles requires judgment concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but subject to tests for impairment annually or if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not they may be impaired. Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. At both December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had two reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, of which the fair value substantially exceeded carrying value as of that date. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
Reserves
Unpaid claims are reserve estimates that include an amount determined from individual case estimates and loss reports, and an amount, based on past experience, for losses incurred but not reported (IBNR) that are established in accordance with GAAP using generally accepted actuarial methods. The Company uses a number of algorithms in establishing its unpaid claims reserves. These algorithms are used to calculate unpaid claims as a function of paid losses, earned premiums, target loss ratios, in-force amounts, unearned premium reserves, industry recognized morbidity tables or a combination of these factors.
In arriving at the IBNR reserves, the Company conducts an actuarial analysis on a basis gross of reinsurance. The same estimates used as a basis in calculating the gross IBNR reserves are then used as the basis for calculating the net IBNR reserves, which take into account the impact of reinsurance. Anticipated future loss development patterns form a key assumption underlying these analyses. Our claims are generally reported and settled quickly, resulting in consistent historical loss development patterns. From the anticipated loss development patterns, a variety of actuarial loss projection techniques are employed, such as the chain ladder method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and expected loss ratio method.
The unpaid claims reserves represent the Company’s best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time. Actual claim costs are dependent upon a number of complex factors such as changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. These factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. The Company periodically reviews and updates its methods of making such unpaid claims reserve estimates and establishing the related liabilities based on our actual experience. The Company has not made any changes to its methodologies for determining unpaid claims reserves in the periods presented.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $11.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, compared to unfavorable prior year development of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2023, the $11.2 million favorable prior year development was primarily driven by lower than expected claims paid development in our commercial lines of business for the 2018 and 2020 accident years. In 2022, the $0.9 million favorable prior year development is primarily due to lower-than-expected claim severity in our commercial lines business. In 2021, the $1.2 million increase in prior year development is primarily due to higher-than-expected claim severity from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business.
Management considers the prior year development for all three years to be insignificant when considered in the context of our annual earned premiums, net as well as our net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $482.5 million, which resulted to a loss ratio of 40.1%. Without the $11.2 million of favorable prior year development, the 2023 loss ratio would have been approximately 0.8% higher. For comparison, the 2022 and 2021 loss ratios were 37.7% and 35.1%, respectively. In general, the Company's loss ratio results have been predictable and consistent over time. Actuarial estimates are subject to estimation variability, and while management uses its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different
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assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The variability in these estimates can, and have in the past, been significant to pretax income.
We analyze our development on a quarterly basis and given the short duration nature of our products, favorable or adverse development emerges quickly and allows for timely reserve strengthening, if necessary, or modifications to our product pricing or offerings.
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
While management has used its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The determination of best estimates is affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
•the quality and applicability of historical data,
•current and future economic conditions,
•trends in loss frequencies and severities for various causes of loss,
•changes in claims reporting patterns,
•claims settlement patterns and timing,
•regulatory, legislative and judicial decisions,
•morbidity patterns, and
•the attitudes of claimants towards settlements.
The adequacy of our unpaid claims reserves will be impacted by future trends that impact these factors. Two key measures of loss activity are loss frequency, which is the measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls, changes in economic activity and weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate reserves required will be different than management’s estimate. Based on our actuarial analysis, we have determined that an aggregate change that is greater than 5% in loss frequency and loss severity is not reasonably likely given the Company’s low limit underwriting and low severity philosophies. The effect of higher and lower levels of loss frequency and severity on our ultimate costs for claims occurring in 2023 would be as follows:
| Accident Year 2023 Sensitivity TestChange in Loss & Frequency & Severity on Ultimate | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in millions) | |||||
| Scenario | Ultimate Cost | Change | |||
| 5% higher | $ | 518 | $ | 25 | |
| 3% higher | $ | 508 | $ | 15 | |
| 1% higher | $ | 498 | $ | 5 | |
| Base scenario | $ | 493 | $ | — | |
| 1% lower | $ | 488 | $ | (5) | |
| 3% lower | $ | 478 | $ | (15) | |
| 5% lower | $ | 468 | $ | (25) |
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
The Company defers certain costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance policies, and other products as follows:
Insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs are limited to direct costs that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related premium is earned.
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Other deferred acquisition costs are limited to prepaid direct costs, typically commissions and contract transaction fees, that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related service and administrative fees are earned.
The Company evaluates whether all deferred acquisition costs are recoverable at year end, and considers investment income in the recoverability analysis for insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs. As a result of the Company’s evaluations, no write-offs for unrecoverable deferred acquisition costs were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was $583.6 million, $479.1 million and $375.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns revenues from a variety of sources:
Earned Premiums, net
Net earned premiums is from direct and assumed earned premiums consisting of revenue generated from the direct sale of insurance policies by the Company’s distributors and premiums written for insurance policies by another carrier and assumed by the Company. Whether direct or assumed, the premium is earned over the life of the respective policy using methods appropriate to the pattern of losses for the type of business. Methods used include pro rata, Rule of 78’s, and other actuarial methods. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. Direct and assumed premiums are offset by premiums ceded to the Company’s reinsurers, including PORCs, earned in the same manner. The amount ceded is proportional to the amount of risk assumed by the reinsurer.
Service and Administrative Fees
The Company earns service and administrative fees from a variety of activities. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue as they become both realized and earned. Revenues from contracts with customers were $341.4 million and $300.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and include auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor clubs, other service and administrative fees, vessel related revenue and management fee income. See Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers for more detailed disclosure regarding these revenues.
Service fee revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Administrative fee revenue includes the administration of premium associated with our producers and their PORCs. In addition, we also earn fee revenue from debt cancellation programs, motor club memberships and warranty programs. Related administrative fee revenue is recognized consistent with the earnings recognition pattern of the underlying insurance policies, debt cancellation contracts and motor club memberships being administered, using pro rata, Rule of 78’s, modified Rule of 78’s, or other methods as appropriate for the contract. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. In addition, we also record on an earned basis a ceding fee paid by our reinsurers on ceded insurance premiums. This fee reimburses us for administrative, underwriting, and acquisition expenses. These fees are earned primarily pro-rata over the remaining term of the policy.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting guidance requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an
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unpredictable manner.
The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, in its judgment, it concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These judgments are based on projections of future income, including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of the Company’s projections. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and determines if adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance is appropriate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001393726-23-000027.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in this section as follows:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
Tiptree allocates capital to select small and middle market companies with the mission of building long-term value. Established in 2007, we have a significant track record investing in the insurance sector and across a variety of other industries, including mortgage origination, specialty finance and shipping. Our largest operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a leading provider of specialty insurance products and related services. We also generate earnings from a diverse group of select investments that we refer to as Tiptree Capital, which includes our Mortgage segment and other, non-insurance businesses and assets. We evaluate performance primarily by the comparison of stockholders’ long-term total return on capital, as measured by growth in stock price plus dividends paid, in addition to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA.
Our 2022 highlights include:
Overall:
•Tiptree reported a net loss of $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net income of $38.1 million in the prior year, driven primarily by the gain on sale of five vessels and improved performance in our insurance business more than offset by realized and unrealized losses on the insurance investment portfolio and the deferred tax liability associated with the WP Transaction.
•Adjusted net income of $63.4 million decreased 0.7% from $63.9 million in 2021, driven by improvement in insurance and shipping operations more than offset by declines in mortgage volumes and margins. Adjusted return on average equity was 13.6%, as compared to 16.5% in 2021.
•Total proceeds from vessel sales in 2022 were $116.7 million, or a net gain of $34.8 million, including the sale of two product tankers in the fourth quarter for an aggregate of $49.0 million, representing an approximate 44% gain as compared to the September 30, 2022 book value.
•In June 2022, Tiptree closed the previously announced $200 million investment in Fortegra, by Warburg. The investment gives Warburg an approximate 24% ownership in Fortegra on an as converted basis.
•As a result of the WP Transaction, Tiptree recognized a $63.2 million pre-tax gain in stockholders’ equity in the year ended December 31, 2022, which was partially offset by increased deferred tax liabilities resulting from the tax deconsolidation as Tiptree’s ownership of Fortegra was reduced to below 80%. The change in deferred tax liabilities was $44.8 million, with $11.7 million impacting stockholders’ equity directly (including AOCI) and $33.1 million impacting net income for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Insurance:
•Gross written premiums and premium equivalents were $2.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $2.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021, up 22.2% as a result of growth in specialty insurance lines and fee-based service contract offerings.
•Total revenues increased 26.9% to $1,248.8 million, from $984.1 million in 2021, driven by increases in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees.
•The combined ratio remained consistent at 90.7%.
•Income before taxes of $68.2 million decreased by $1.7 million as compared to $69.9 million in 2021. Return on average equity was 14.6% in 2022 as compared to 17.1% in 2021. The decreases resulted from increased investment losses in 2022 compared to 2021, partially offset by growth in underwriting and fee revenues.
•Adjusted net income increased 25.5% to $83.8 million, as compared to $66.8 million in 2021. Adjusted return on average equity was 26.1%, as compared to 22.2% in 2021.
•In April 2022, Fortegra acquired ITC, a provider of regulatory and compliance services to the retail automotive sector in the United Kingdom, for net cash consideration of approximately $15.0 million, plus an earn-out.
•In February 2023, Fortegra acquired Premia Solutions Limited, one of the largest providers of automotive protection products in the United Kingdom, for net cash consideration of approximately $20.8 million.
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Tiptree Capital:
•Maritime transportation income before taxes was $49.8 million in 2022, as compared to $11.6 million in 2021, driven by a rise in dry bulk and tanker charter rates and the gain on sale of three dry bulk vessels and two product tankers.
•Mortgage income before taxes was $0.9 million in 2022, as compared to $28.4 million in 2021, with the decrease driven by declines in origination volumes and gain on sale margins, partially offset by higher servicing fees and positive fair value adjustments on the mortgage servicing portfolio.
Key Trends:
Our results of operations are affected by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and GDP growth, market liquidity and volatility, consumer confidence, U.S. demographics, employment and wage growth, business confidence and investment, inflation, interest rates and spreads, the impact of the regulatory environment, and the other factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Generally, our businesses are positively affected by a healthy U.S. consumer, stable to gradually rising interest rates, stable markets and business conditions, and global growth and trade flows. Conversely, rising unemployment, volatile markets, rapidly rising interest rates, inflation, changing regulatory requirements and slowing business conditions can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Fortegra generally offers products which have low severity but high frequency loss experiences and are short duration. In addition, the business has historically generated significant fee-based revenues. The types of products Fortegra offers tend to have limited aggregation risk and limited exposure to catastrophic and residual risk. Underwriting risk is mitigated through a combination of reinsurance and retrospective commission structures with agents, distribution partners and/or third-party reinsurers. To mitigate counterparty risk, Fortegra ensures its distribution partners’ captive reinsurance entities are over-collateralized with highly liquid investments, primarily cash and cash equivalents. Insurance results primarily depend on pricing, underwriting, risk retention and the accuracy of reserves, reinsurance arrangements, returns on invested assets, and policy and contract renewals and run-off. Factors affecting these items, including conditions in financial markets, the global economy and the markets in which we operate, fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and inflation, including the current period of inflationary pressures, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. While Fortegra’s insurance operations have historically maintained a relatively stable combined ratio, initiatives to change the business mix along with these economic factors could generate different results than the business has historically experienced. In particular, the current period of rising inflation can have an impact on replacement costs associated with claims from our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass the higher costs of claims through higher premiums, lower underwriting margins could adversely affect our profitability. In addition, fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, including the British pound and Euro, may have an impact on book value between periods, associated with the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses related to multi-year insurance contracts.
Fortegra’s investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities, loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities. Many of those investments are held at fair value. In 2022, the U.S. fixed income markets experienced a significant rise in interest rates. Rising interest rates have and could continue to impact the value of Fortegra’s fixed maturity securities, with any unrealized losses recorded in equity, and if realized, could impact our results of operations. Offsetting the impact of a rising interest rate environment, new investments in fixed rate instruments from both maturities and portfolio growth can result in higher interest income on investments over time. The weighted average duration of our fixed income available for sale securities is less than three years. In 2022, 2-year treasury yields increased significantly, which resulted in unrealized losses on Fortegra’s fixed income portfolio and book value. While our asset and liability mix is relatively matched, should we need to liquidate any of these investments before maturity to pay claims, any realized losses could materially negatively impact our results of operations.
Changes in fair value for loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities in Fortegra’s investment portfolio are reported as unrealized gains or losses in revenues and can be impacted by changes in interest rates, credit risk, currency risk, or market risk, including specific company or industry factors. In addition, our equity holdings are relatively concentrated. General equity market trends, along with company and industry specific factors, can impact the fair value which can result in unrealized gains and losses affecting our results.
Rising 10-year treasury yields, and the tapering of the Federal Reserve’s purchases of mortgage-backed securities, has resulted in substantial increases in mortgage interest rates. Low mortgage interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve intervention in mortgage markets, and rising home prices in certain markets, provided tailwinds to the mortgage markets beginning in the second quarter of 2020 and through 2021, which benefited our mortgage operations and margins. The substantial rise in rates in 2022 resulted in a sharp reversal of those trends, with volumes and margins declining significantly. Only partially offsetting the declines in earnings in our origination business is an increase in the fair value of our mortgage servicing portfolio as rising rates slow prepayment speeds, with a resulting increase in servicing income. Continued rising or elevated mortgage rates could have a materially negative impact on our mortgage business results of operations, and is likely
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to be only partially mitigated by the improvement in mortgage servicing revenues. A sustained period of negative profitability in the mortgage industry could also impact the availability of funding sources for our mortgage business.
Rising interest rates can also impact the cost of floating interest rate debt obligations, while declining rates can decrease the cost of debt. Our secured revolving and term credit agreements, preferred trust securities and asset based revolving financing are all floating rate obligations. A continuation of rising rates could have a material impact on our costs of floating rate debt.
Common shares of Invesque represent a significant asset on our consolidated balance sheets, both as part of insurance investments and separately in Tiptree Capital. Our investment in Invesque, which operates in the seniors housing, skilled nursing and medical office industries, is carried on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting occupancy rates and other market factors impacting operating costs has resulted in a significant decline in Invesque’s stock price over the past three years. Any additional declines in the fair value of Invesque’s common stock could continue to have a significant impact on our results of operations and the value of the investment.
A discussion of our performance for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 appears below. A discussion of our performance for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. In addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measures Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity, Adjusted EBITDA and book value per share as measurements of operating performance. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies. Management uses Adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as part of its capital allocation process and to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Adjusted EBITDA is also used in determining incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income of the Company plus corporate interest expense, plus income taxes, plus depreciation and amortization expense, less the effects of purchase accounting, plus non-cash fair value adjustments, plus significant non-recurring expenses, and plus unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities that are reported in other comprehensive income. Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of these measures to their GAAP equivalents.
Selected Key Metrics
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAP: | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,397,752 | $ | 1,200,514 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (8,274) | $ | 38,132 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | (0.23) | $ | 1.09 | ||||||
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||
| Return on average equity | (2.1) | % | 11.4 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP: (1) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 63,401 | $ | 63,869 | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 13.6 | % | 16.5 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 81,124 | $ | 100,776 | ||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 10.92 | $ | 11.22 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2022, revenues were $1.4 billion, which increased $197.2 million, or 16.4%, compared to the prior year period. The changes were primarily driven by growth in earned premiums, net, and service and administrative fees in our insurance business, increase in charter rates and the gain on sale of five vessels in our maritime transportation operations, and increased revenues from our mortgage servicing portfolio, partially offset by lower mortgage volumes and margins and investment losses on Invesque and other investments in 2022 compared to gains in 2021.
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The table below highlights net realized and unrealized gains and losses from the sale of vessels, Invesque and other investments, which impacted our consolidated results on a pre-tax basis. Many investments are carried at fair value and marked to market through unrealized gains and losses. As a result, we expect earnings related to these investments to be relatively volatile between periods. Fixed income securities are primarily marked to market through AOCI in stockholders’ equity and do not impact net realized and unrealized gains and losses until they are sold.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Net realized gains - Maritime transportation | $ | 34,803 | $ | — | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) - Invesque | $ | (19,360) | $ | 3,736 | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)(1) | $ | (9,999) | $ | 8,885 |
(1) Excludes Invesque, Maritime transportation and Mortgage realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to common stockholders
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net loss attributable to common stockholders was $8.3 million, a decrease of $46.4 million from net income of $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by net realized and unrealized losses on Invesque and other investments in 2022 compared to gains in 2021, lower mortgage origination revenues and the tax impacts of the WP Transaction, partially offset by growth in Fortegra’s underwriting and fee operations, increased revenues from our mortgage servicing portfolio and improvement in dry bulk and tanker charter rates, and the gain on sale of five vessels.
Adjusted net income & Adjusted return on average equity - Non-GAAP
Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $63.4 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 0.7%, from the year ended December 31, 2021, driven by improved performance in our insurance and shipping operations, more than offset by declines in our mortgage business. For the year ended December 31, 2022, adjusted return on average equity was 13.6%, as compared to 16.5% at December 31, 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $81.1 million, a decrease of $19.7 million from 2021, driven by realized and unrealized losses on Invesque and other investments in 2022 (including impacts to AOCI) compared to gains in 2021, partially offset by the WP Transaction gain and improved operating performance noted above.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $533.6 million as of December 31, 2022 compared to $400.2 million as of December 31, 2021, with the increase driven by the WP Transaction and cash exercise of Tiptree warrants, partially offset by comprehensive loss in 2022 primarily resulting from unrealized losses on Available for Sale (“AFS”) securities and negative impacts from foreign currency translation. In the year ended December 31, 2022, Tiptree returned $7.4 million to stockholders through dividends paid and shares repurchased.
Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2022 was $10.92, a decrease from book value per share of $11.22 as of December 31, 2021 driven by the comprehensive loss per share primarily associated with unrealized losses on AFS securities, dividends paid of $0.16 per share, and issuance of shares as a result of the exercise of warrants and exchanges of vested subsidiary equity awards, partially offset by the net increase to Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity from the WP Transaction.
Results by Segment
We classify our business into two reportable segments, Insurance and Mortgage, with the remainder of our operations aggregated into Tiptree Capital - Other. Corporate activities include holding company interest expense, corporate employee compensation and benefits, and other expenses, including, but not limited to, public company expenses.
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The following tables present the components of Revenue, Income (loss) before taxes and Adjusted net income for the following periods:
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 1,248,796 | $ | 984,130 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 70,246 | 111,295 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 78,710 | 105,089 | ||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,397,752 | $ | 1,200,514 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes: | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 68,150 | $ | 69,857 | ||||||
| Mortgage | 874 | 28,407 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 31,403 | 17,210 | ||||||||
| Corporate | (46,416) | (50,132) | ||||||||
| Total income (loss) before taxes | $ | 54,011 | $ | 65,342 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP - Adjusted net income (1): | ||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 83,832 | $ | 66,782 | ||||||
| Mortgage | (4,658) | 17,434 | ||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 13,627 | 10,763 | ||||||||
| Corporate | (29,400) | (31,110) | ||||||||
| Total adjusted net income | $ | 63,401 | $ | 63,869 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Insurance
Our principal operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a specialty insurance underwriter and service provider, which focuses on niche business mixes and fee-oriented services. The combination of specialty insurance underwriting, service contract products, and related service solutions delivered through a vertically integrated business model creates a blend of traditional underwriting revenues, investment income and unregulated fee revenues. The business is an agent-driven model, distributing products through independent insurance agents, consumer finance companies, online retailers, auto dealers, and regional big box retailers to deliver products that complement the consumer transaction.
The following tables present the Insurance segment results for the following periods:
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Results of Operations - 2022 Compared to 2021
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Earned premiums, net | $ | 904,765 | $ | 685,552 | $ | 219,213 | 32.0 | % | ||||||
| Service and administrative fees | 320,720 | 260,525 | 60,195 | 23.1 | % | |||||||||
| Ceding commissions | 13,880 | 11,784 | 2,096 | 17.8 | % | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 12,219 | 17,896 | (5,677) | (31.7) | % | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (20,347) | (2,006) | (18,341) | NM% | ||||||||||
| Other revenue | 17,559 | 10,379 | 7,180 | 69.2 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,248,796 | $ | 984,130 | $ | 264,666 | 26.9 | % | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 361,601 | 253,473 | 108,128 | 42.7 | % | |||||||||
| Member benefit claims | 91,004 | 73,539 | 17,465 | 23.7 | % | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 522,686 | 396,683 | 126,003 | 31.8 | % | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 87,918 | 76,552 | 11,366 | 14.8 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20,054 | 17,576 | 2,478 | 14.1 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 18,551 | 17,223 | 1,328 | 7.7 | % | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 78,832 | 79,227 | (395) | (0.5) | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 1,180,646 | $ | 914,273 | $ | 266,373 | 29.1 | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes (1) | $ | 68,150 | $ | 69,857 | $ | (1,707) | (2.4) | % | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums and premium equivalents | $ | 2,680,771 | $ | 2,194,024 | $ | 486,747 | 22.2 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 14.6 | % | 17.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 77.6 | % | 74.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Expense ratio | 13.1 | % | 15.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 90.7 | % | 90.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (2): | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 83,832 | $ | 66,782 | $ | 17,050 | 25.5 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 26.1 | % | 22.2 | % |
(1) Net income was $46,423 and $48,755 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(2) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
Earned Premiums, net represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums, less the earned portion that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements, as well as the earned portion of our assumed premiums. Our insurance policies generally have a term of six months to seven years depending on the underlying product and premiums are earned pro rata over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written but not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Service and Administrative Fees represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums and premium equivalents, which is generated from non-insurance products including auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor club contracts and other services offered as part of our vertically integrated product offerings. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue when realized and earned. At the end of each reporting period, gross written premiums and premium equivalents written for service contracts not earned are classified as deferred revenue, which are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Ceding Commissions and Other Revenue consists of commissions earned on policies written on behalf of third-party insurance companies with no exposure to the insured risk and certain fees earned in conjunction with underwriting policies. Other revenue also includes interest income earned on premium finance product offerings and cash and cash equivalents.
Net Investment Income is earned on the portfolio of invested assets. Our invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents and equity securities. The principal factors that influence
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net investment income are the size of the investment portfolio, the yield on investments and expenses of external investment managers.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on investments are a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of a security and the security’s cost-basis, as well as any “other-than-temporary” impairments and allowances for credit losses which are recognized in earnings. Equity securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses also included in this line.
Revenues – 2022 compared to 2021
For the year ended December 31, 2022, total revenues increased 26.9%, to $1,248.8 million, as compared to $984.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Earned premiums, net of $904.8 million increased $219.2 million, or 32.0%, driven by growth in commercial and personal lines, including E&S insurance offerings. Service and administrative fees of $320.7 million increased by 23.1%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contract revenues. Ceding commissions of $13.9 million increased by $2.1 million, or 17.8%, driven by higher ceding fees as more business was ceded in our U.S. Insurance lines. Other revenues increased by $7.2 million, or 69.2%, driven by growth in our premium finance lines and interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net investment income of $12.2 million decreased by $5.7 million from 2021, driven by a reduction in special dividends on equity securities, increases in investment expenses on alternative investments, and a higher allocation to cash and cash equivalents which is recorded in other income. Net realized and unrealized losses were $20.3 million, compared to losses of $2.0 million in 2021, with the increase driven by realized and unrealized losses on equity securities and credit investment funds in 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, 28.2% of revenues were derived from fees that are not solely dependent upon the underwriting performance of insurance products, resulting in more diversified and consistent earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 78.0% of fee-based revenues were generated in non-regulated service companies, with the remainder in regulated insurance companies.
The combination of unearned premiums and deferred revenues on Fortegra’s balance sheet grew to $2.0 billion, representing an increase of $347.8 million, or 21.0%, from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022, as a result of growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, primarily related to admitted and E&S insurance lines as well as auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Expenses
Underwriting and fee expenses under insurance and service contracts include losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims and commissions expense.
Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses represent actual insurance claims paid, changes in unpaid claim reserves, net of amounts ceded and the costs of administering claims for insurance lines. Incurred claims are impacted by loss frequency, which is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is based on the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency and loss severity include the volume of underwritten contracts, changes in claims reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, economic conditions, morbidity patterns and the attitudes of claimants towards settlements, and original pricing of the product for purposes of the loss ratio in relation to loss emergence over time. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods.
Member Benefit Claims represent the costs of services and replacement devices incurred in auto, consumer goods and roadside service contracts. Member benefit claims represent claims paid on behalf of contract holders directly to third-party providers for roadside assistance and for the repair or replacement of covered products. Claims can also be paid directly to contract holders as a reimbursement payment, provided supporting documentation of loss is submitted to the Company. Claims are recognized as expense when incurred.
Commission Expenses reflect commissions we pay retail agents, program administrators and managing general underwriters, net of ceding commissions we receive on business ceded under certain reinsurance contracts. In addition, commission expenses include premium-related taxes. Commission expenses related to each policy we write are deferred and amortized to expense in proportion to the premium earned over the policy life. Commission expense is incurred on most product lines, the
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majority of which are retrospective commissions paid to agents, distributors and retailers selling our products, including credit insurance policies, auto and consumer goods service contracts and motor club memberships. When claims increase, in most cases our distribution partners bear the risk through a reduction in their retrospective commissions. Commission rates are, in many cases, set by state regulators, such as in credit and collateral protection programs and are also impacted by market conditions and the retention levels of our distribution partners.
Operating and Other Expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of our insurance operations including employee compensation and benefits and other expenses, including, technology costs, office rent, and professional services fees, such as legal, accounting and actuarial services.
Interest Expense consists primarily of interest expense on our corporate revolving debt, our Notes, our preferred trust securities due June 15, 2037 (“Preferred Trust Securities”) and asset-based debt for our premium finance business, which is non-recourse to Fortegra.
Depreciation is primarily associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization is primarily associated with purchase accounting amortization including values associated with acquired customer relationships, trade names and internally developed software and technology.
Expenses – 2022 compared to 2021
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $361.6 million, member benefit claims were $91.0 million and commission expense was $522.7 million, as compared to $253.5 million, $73.5 million, and $396.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $108.1 million, or 42.7%, was driven by growth in U.S. Insurance lines, partially offset by the impact of favorable prior year development of $0.9 million. In 2021, the impact of unfavorable prior year development was $2.6 million driven by higher-than-expected claim severity from business written by a small group of producers in the personal and commercial lines of business. The impact of the prior year development in 2021 increased our ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums, net by 0.4%. The increase in member benefit claims of $17.5 million, or 23.7%, was driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts. Commission expense increased by $126.0 million, or 31.8%, in line with growth in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, employee compensation and benefits were $87.9 million and other expenses were $78.8 million, as compared to $76.6 million and $79.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $11.4 million, or 14.8%, driven by investments in human capital associated with our growth objectives in E&S and service contract lines. Other expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 0.5%, driven primarily by a decrease in fair value of the Fortegra Additional Warrant liability. Included in other expenses were $2.2 million for both the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, related to acquisition fees in 2022 and professional fees associated with preparation of the registration statement for the Fortegra initial public offering which was withdrawn in 2021.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, interest expense was $20.1 million as compared to $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in interest expense of $2.5 million, or 14.1%, was driven by increased asset-based borrowings to support growth in our premium finance lines, the increase in floating rate borrowing costs, and higher usage of the revolving working capital facility and letters of credit to support net written premium growth.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense was $18.6 million, including $16.2 million of intangible amortization related to purchase accounting associated with acquisitions of ITC, Sky Auto, Smart AutoCare and Fortegra. For the year ended December 31, 2021, depreciation and amortization expense was $17.2 million, including $15.3 million of intangible amortization from purchase accounting related to acquisitions of Sky Auto, Smart AutoCare and Fortegra.
Key Performance Metrics
We discuss certain key performance metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying our financial performance.
Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents
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Gross written premiums and premium equivalents represent total gross written premiums from insurance policies and service contracts issued, as well as premium finance volumes during a reporting period. They represent the volume of insurance policies written or assumed and service contracts issued during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. Gross written premiums is a volume measure commonly used in the insurance industry to compare sales performance by period. Premium equivalents are used to compare sales performance of service and administrative contract volumes to gross written premiums. Investors also use these measures to compare sales growth among comparable companies, while management uses these measures to evaluate the relative performance of various sales channels.
The below table shows gross written premiums and premium equivalents by business mix for the following periods:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents | |||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| U.S. Insurance | $ | 1,690,072 | $ | 1,438,393 | ||
| U.S. Warranty Solutions | 852,839 | 652,052 | ||||
| Europe | 137,860 | 103,579 | ||||
| Total | $ | 2,680,771 | $ | 2,194,024 |
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $2.7 billion as compared to $2.2 billion in 2021. The growth of $486.7 million, or 22.2%, is driven by a combination of factors including Fortegra’s growing distribution partner network, expanding admitted and E&S insurance lines, and increasing market penetration in the service contract sector through the acquisitions of Smart AutoCare (January 2020) and Sky Auto (December 2020).
We believe the continued growth in commercial E&S and service contract lines will result in increased gross written premiums and premium equivalents, and therefore growth in unearned premiums and deferred revenues on the balance sheet. The growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, combined with higher retention in select products, has resulted in an increase of $347.8 million, or 21.0%, in Fortegra’s unearned premiums and deferred revenue on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022, Fortegra’s unearned premiums and deferred revenues were $2.0 billion, as compared to $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2021.
Combined Ratio, Underwriting Ratio and Expense Ratio
Combined ratio is an operating measure, which equals the sum of the underwriting ratio and the expense ratio. Underwriting ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items net losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims and commission expense to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees and ceding commissions and other revenue. Expense ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items employee compensation and benefits and other underwriting, general and administrative expenses to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees and ceding commissions and other revenue.
A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. These ratios are commonly used in the insurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding earnings on the insurance portfolio. Investors commonly use these measures to compare underwriting performance among companies separate from the performance of the investment portfolio. Management uses these measures to compare the profitability of various products we underwrite as well as profitability among our various agents and sales channels.
The combined ratio was 90.7% for the year ended December 31, 2022, which consisted of an underwriting ratio of 77.6% and an expense ratio of 13.1%, as compared to 90.6%, 74.7% and 15.9%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The combined ratio remained consistent, driven by the scalability of Fortegra’s technology and shared service platform, which improved the expense ratio, while the underwriting ratio increased due to a shift in business mix toward lines with higher loss ratios and lower expense ratios. Our focus on underwriting expertise, A.I. driven lead generation, and technology-enhanced administration improves productivity, lowers administrative costs and results in agent relationships sustained over the long-term.
Return on Average Equity
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Return on average equity is expressed as the ratio of net income to average stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses this ratio as a measure of the on-going performance of the totality of the Company’s operations.
Return on average equity was 14.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 17.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2021, driven by an increase in net realized and unrealized losses in 2022 period compared to 2021 as well as higher average equity balances, partially offset by growth in underwriting and fee revenues.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin - Non-GAAP(1)
In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics – underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin. We generally manage our exposure to the risks we underwrite using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and retrospective commission agreements with our agents (e.g., commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigate our risk. Period-over-period comparisons of revenues and expenses are often impacted by the agents and their PORC’s choice as to their risk retention appetite, specifically earned premiums, net, service and administration fees, ceding commissions, and other revenue, all components of revenue, and losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims, and commissions paid to our agents and reinsurers. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our agents and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid.
Underwriting and fee revenues represents total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses). See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee revenues to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and fee margin represents income before taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deliver our products and services on a vertically integrated basis to our agents. As such, underwriting and fee margin exclude general and administrative expenses, interest income, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses, including income taxes, as these corporate expenses support our vertically integrated delivery model and are not specifically supporting any individual business line. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee margin to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
The below table shows underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin by business mix for the following periods:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Underwriting and Fee Revenues (1) | Underwriting and Fee Margin (1) | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| U.S. Insurance | $ | 922,293 | $ | 690,154 | $ | 172,046 | $ | 141,258 | ||||||||
| U.S. Warranty Solutions | 274,923 | 230,942 | 88,264 | 90,255 | ||||||||||||
| Europe | 59,708 | 47,144 | 21,323 | 13,032 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,256,924 | $ | 968,240 | $ | 281,633 | $ | 244,545 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Underwriting and fee revenues were $1,256.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $968.2 million, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Total underwriting and fee revenues were up $288.7 million, or 29.8%, driven by growth in all product lines. U.S. Insurance revenues increased $232.1 million, or 33.6%, driven by growth in E&S commercial, collateral protection and credit insurance lines. The increase in U.S. Warranty Solutions was $44.0 million, or 19.0%, driven by growth in auto, consumer goods, and premium finance. Europe increased by $12.6 million, or 26.7%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Underwriting and fee margin was $281.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to $244.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, representing an increase of $37.1 million, or 15.2%, driven by growth in U.S Insurance and Europe. U.S. Insurance grew by $30.8 million, or 21.8%, from growth in specialty admitted and E&S lines. U.S. Warranty Solutions decreased by $2.0 million, or 2.2%, primarily driven by the deferral of revenues associated with contracts acquired by Sky Auto. This revenue deferral in 2022 for Sky Auto was partially offset by the deferral of direct marketing
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costs in other expenses and therefore had minimal impact on the combined ratio or income before taxes in comparing 2022 versus 2021. Europe increased by $8.3 million, or 63.6%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity
Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting.
Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
Management uses both measures to assess the on-going performance of our operations. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity to income before taxes and adjusted return on average equity.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity were $83.8 million and 26.1%, respectively, as compared to $66.8 million and 22.2%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The improvement in metrics was driven by the growth in revenues and consistent combined ratio.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Our insurance investment portfolio includes investments held in statutory insurance companies and in unregulated entities. The portfolios held in statutory insurance companies are subject to different regulatory considerations, including with respect to types of assets, concentration limits, affiliate transactions and the use of leverage. Our investment strategy is designed to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns across select asset classes, sectors and geographies while maintaining adequate liquidity to meet our claims payment obligations. As such, volatility from realized and unrealized gains and losses may impact period-over-period performance. Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and loans held at fair value impact current period net income, while unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities impact AOCI.
Our net investment income includes interest and dividends, net of investment expenses, on our invested assets. We report net realized and unrealized gains and losses on our investments separately from our net investment income.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net investment income was $12.2 million compared to $17.9 million in 2021 with the decrease driven by a reduction in special dividend income on equity securities, increases in investment expenses on alternative investments, and a higher allocation to cash and cash equivalents which is recorded in other income. Net realized and unrealized losses were $20.3 million, compared to losses of $2.0 million in 2021, with the increase driven by realized and unrealized losses on equity securities and credit investment funds in 2022.
Tiptree Capital
Tiptree Capital consists of our Mortgage segment, which includes the operating results of Reliance, our mortgage business, and Tiptree Capital - Other, which consists of our other non-insurance operating businesses and investments. As of December 31, 2022, Tiptree Capital - Other includes our Invesque shares and maritime transportation operations.
Mortgage
Through our Mortgage operating subsidiary, Reliance, we originate, sell, securitize and service one-to-four-family, residential mortgage loans, comprised of conforming mortgage loans, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veterans Administration (“VA”), United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and to a lesser extent, non-agency jumbo prime.
We are an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We are also an approved issuer and servicer for Ginnie Mae. We originate residential mortgage loans through our retail distribution channel (directly to consumers) in 39 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2022.
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The following tables present the Mortgage segment results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ | 51,345 | $ | 92,307 | ||||||
| Other revenue | 18,901 | 18,988 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 70,246 | $ | 111,295 | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 41,637 | $ | 56,819 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 1,631 | 1,168 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 799 | 885 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 25,305 | 24,016 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 69,372 | $ | 82,888 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 874 | $ | 28,407 | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||
| Origination volumes | $ | 1,134,351 | $ | 1,608,311 | ||||||
| Gain on sale margins | 4.7 | % | 5.6 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 0.9 | % | 38.9 | % | ||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1): | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | (4,658) | $ | 17,434 | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | (8.1) | % | 28.8 | % |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) include gains on sale of mortgage loans and the fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights. Gains on the sale of mortgage loans represent the difference between the selling price and carrying value of loans sold and are recognized upon settlement. Such gains also include the changes in fair value of loans held for sale and loan-related hedges and derivatives. We transfer the risk of loss or default to the loan purchaser, however, in some cases we are required to indemnify purchasers for losses related to non-compliance with borrowers’ creditworthiness and collateral requirements. Because of this, we recognize gains on sale net of required indemnification and premium recapture reserves. The fair value adjustment on mortgage servicing rights represents fair value adjustments considering estimated prepayments and other factors associated with changes in interest rates, plus actual run-off in the servicing portfolio. We report these adjustments separate from servicing income and servicing expense.
Other Revenue includes loan origination fees, interest income, and mortgage servicing income. Loan origination fees are earned as mortgage loans are funded. Servicing fees are earned over the life of the loan. Interest income includes interest earned on loans held for sale and interest income on bank balances and short-term investments.
Revenues - 2022 compared to 2021
For the year ended December 31, 2022, $1.1 billion of loans were funded, compared to $1.6 billion for 2021, a decrease of $474.0 million, or 29.5%. Origination volumes for 2022 declined given the rise in mortgage interest rates. Gain on sale margins decreased to 4.7% for the year ended December 31, 2022, down approximately 90 basis points from 5.6% for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net realized and unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $51.3 million, compared to $92.3 million for 2021, a decrease of $41.0 million or 44.4%. The primary driver of decreased gain on sale revenues was the decline in volumes and gain on sale margins, partially offset by positive fair value adjustments in mortgage servicing rights of $7.0 million as prepayment speeds declined from December 31, 2021.
Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $18.9 million, compared to $19.0 million for 2021, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.5%. As of December 31, 2022, the mortgage servicing asset was valued at $41.4 million, an increase from $29.8 million as of December 31, 2021.
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Expenses
Employee Compensation and Benefits includes salaries, commissions, benefits, bonuses, other incentive compensation and related taxes for employees. Commissions expense for sales staff generally varies with loan origination volumes.
Interest Expense represents borrowing costs under warehouse and other credit facilities used primarily to fund loan originations. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including commitment fees, is included in interest expense.
Depreciation is mainly associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization is primarily associated with a trade name and internally developed software.
Other Expenses include loan origination expenses, namely, leads, appraisals, credit reporting and licensing fees, general and administrative expenses, including office rent, insurance, legal, consulting and payroll processing expenses, and servicing expense.
Expenses - 2022 compared to 2021
For the year ended December 31, 2022, employee compensation and benefits were $41.6 million, compared to $56.8 million in 2021, a decrease of $15.2 million or 26.7%. The decrease was driven primarily by reduced commissions on lower origination volumes and lower performance related incentive compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2022, interest expense was at $1.6 million, an increase of $0.5 million or 39.6% driven by higher interest rates. For the year ended December 31, 2022, other expenses were $25.3 million, compared to $24.0 million in 2021, with the $1.3 million increase driven by higher loan origination expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, depreciation and amortization were $0.8 million, compared to $0.9 million in 2021, with the decrease driven by lower depreciation expense.
Income (loss) before taxes
Income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $0.9 million, compared to $28.4 million in 2021. The primary driver of the decrease was a decline in volumes and margins, partially offset by higher servicing fees attributable to the larger servicing portfolio, in addition to positive fair value adjustments on the mortgage servicing rights asset, as compared to 2021.
Tiptree Capital - Other
The following tables present a summary of Tiptree Capital - Other results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Total revenue | Income (loss) before taxes | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | (16,015) | $ | 3,091 | $ | (16,015) | $ | 3,091 | ||||||||
| Maritime transportation(1) | 64,947 | 35,562 | 49,809 | 11,635 | ||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 29,778 | 66,436 | (2,391) | 2,484 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 78,710 | $ | 105,089 | $ | 31,403 | $ | 17,210 |
(1) Includes $15.1 million and $23.9 million of expenses related to our Maritime transportation operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(2) Includes our formerly held for sale mortgage originator (Luxury), asset management, and certain intercompany elimination transactions.
Revenues
Tiptree Capital - Other earns revenues from the following sources: net interest income; revenues on our formerly held for sale mortgage originator (Luxury); realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investment holdings (primarily Invesque); and charter revenues from vessels within the Company’s maritime transportation operations. Subsequent to the sale of our dry bulk and tanker vessels, operations include two smaller seaborne vessels and other ancillary assets.
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Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $78.7 million compared to $105.1 million for 2021 with the decline primarily driven by unrealized losses on our investment in Invesque in the 2022 period compared to gains in the 2021 period and the deconsolidation of Luxury effective July 1, 2022, offset by higher charter rates and gain on sale of three dry bulk vessels and two product tankers in our maritime transportation business.
Income (loss) before taxes
The income before taxes from Tiptree Capital - Other for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $31.4 million, compared to income before taxes of $17.2 million in 2021, with the increase driven by the gain on sale of three dry bulk vessels and two product tankers, partially offset by the unrealized losses on Invesque.
Adjusted net income - Non-GAAP(1)
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
| Maritime transportation | 12,707 | 10,713 | ||||||||
| Other | 920 | 50 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,627 | $ | 10,763 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Adjusted net income increased to $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $10.8 million in 2021. The increase was driven by the improvement in maritime transportation operations.
Corporate
The following table presents a summary of corporate results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 7,948 | $ | 7,406 | ||||||
| Employee incentive compensation expense | 19,240 | 20,654 | ||||||||
| Interest expense | 4,225 | 10,032 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 807 | 805 | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 14,196 | 11,235 | ||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 46,416 | $ | 50,132 |
Corporate expenses include expenses of the holding company for interest expense, employee compensation and benefits, and public company and other expenses. Corporate employee compensation and benefits includes the expense of management, legal and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent and other related expenses.
Employee compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation expense, were $27.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $28.1 million for 2021, driven by a decrease in performance related employee incentive compensation. Of the 2022 and 2021 incentive compensation expense, $7.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively, was stock-based compensation expense primarily related to awards granted in third quarter 2021. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $4.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no outstanding borrowings at the holding company, compared to $114.1 million at December 31, 2021. Other expenses of $14.2 million increased by $2.9 million from the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by a $2.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt and increased consulting and professional fees.
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Provision for Income Taxes
On June 21, 2022, the WP Transaction was completed, in which Warburg invested $200.0 million in Tiptree’s insurance subsidiary, Fortegra. The WP Transaction, along with Fortegra management’s ownership, reduced Tiptree’s equity ownership in Fortegra below 80% such that, while still consolidated for GAAP financial reporting purposes, Fortegra will no longer be included in the consolidated tax return group with Tiptree. Tiptree has recorded deferred tax liabilities related to the basis difference in Tiptree’s investment in Fortegra as of December 31, 2022. This deferred tax liability represents the tax that would be due, before consideration of loss carryforwards, if Tiptree were to sell any of its Fortegra stock at its carrying value on Tiptree’s balance sheet. The increase in deferred tax liabilities was $44.8 million, with $11.7 million impacting stockholders’ equity directly (including AOCI) and $33.1 million impacting net income for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The total income tax expense of $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 is reflected as a component of net income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 93.4%. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was significantly higher than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily from the impact of recording deferred taxes relating to the tax deconsolidation of Fortegra. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 32.6%. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was equal to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, due to the impact of state taxes offset by other discrete items.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted Public Law no. 117-169, commonly referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act, which, among other things, establishes a corporate minimum tax on book earnings and an excise tax on stock buybacks. It is not expected that this legislation will have a material financial impact on the Company or its operations.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted, implementing numerous changes to tax law including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $7.3 million tax benefit related to the ability to carryback net operating losses to prior periods under the CARES Act, resulting in a decrease of our deferred tax asset of $16.8 million and an increase to our current receivable of $24.1 million.
Balance Sheet Information
Tiptree’s total assets were $4,039.6 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to $3,599.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The $440.4 million increase in assets is primarily attributable to the growth in the Insurance segment, proceeds from the WP Transaction and the increase in cash and equivalents from the sale of our dry bulk vessels and product tankers.
Total stockholders’ equity was $533.6 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to $400.2 million as of December 31, 2021, with the increase primarily driven by the WP Transaction, partially offset by other comprehensive losses on AFS securities for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, there were 36,385,299 shares of common stock outstanding as compared to 34,124,153 shares as of December 31, 2021, with the increase driven by the exercise of warrants and the vesting of share-based incentive compensation, partially offset by stock repurchases.
The following table is a summary of certain balance sheet information:
| As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,702,577 | $ | 156,122 | $ | 86,402 | $ | 94,462 | $ | 4,039,563 | ||||||||
| Corporate debt | $ | 160,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 160,000 | ||||||||
| Asset based debt | 60,628 | 47,454 | — | — | 108,082 | |||||||||||||
| Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity | $ | 205,666 | $ | 54,743 | $ | 71,666 | $ | 65,290 | $ | 397,365 | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fortegra preferred interests | 77,679 | — | — | — | 77,679 | |||||||||||||
| Common interests | 55,364 | — | 3,165 | — | 58,529 | |||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 338,709 | $ | 54,743 | $ | 74,831 | $ | 65,290 | $ | 533,573 |
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NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In addition to GAAP results, management uses the non-GAAP financial measures underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin in order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners. We also use the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of operating performance and as part of our resource and capital allocation process, to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Adjusted EBITDA is also used in determining incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and to compare relative performance among comparable companies. Adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity, Adjusted EBITDA, underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for earned premiums, net income or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP (Insurance only)
We generally manage exposure to underwriting risks written by using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and retrospective commission agreements with our partners (e.g., commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigates Fortegra’s risk. Period-over-period comparisons of revenues and expenses are often impacted by the PORCs and distribution partners’ choice as to whether to retain risk, specifically service and administration fees and ceding commissions, both components of revenue, and policy and contract benefits and commissions paid to our partners and reinsurers. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our partners and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid. In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues from the Insurance segment excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses). Underwriting and fee revenues represents revenues generated by underwriting and fee-based operations and allows us to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting and fee revenues should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenues calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee revenues differently.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,248,796 | $ | 984,130 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (12,219) | (17,896) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 20,347 | 2,006 | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee revenues | $ | 1,256,924 | $ | 968,240 |
Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP — We define underwriting and fee margin as income before taxes from the Insurance segment, excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Underwriting and fee margin represents the underwriting performance of our underwriting and fee-based lines. As such, underwriting and fee margin excludes general administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses as those expenses support the vertically integrated business model and not any individual component of the Company’s business mix. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into the specific performance of our underlying business mix. Underwriting and fee margin should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee margin differently.
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| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 68,150 | $ | 69,857 | ||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (12,219) | (17,896) | ||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 20,347 | 2,006 | ||||||||
| Plus: Depreciation and amortization | 18,551 | 17,223 | ||||||||
| Plus: Interest expense | 20,054 | 17,576 | ||||||||
| Plus: Employee compensation and benefits | 87,918 | 76,552 | ||||||||
| Plus: Other expenses | 78,832 | 79,227 | ||||||||
| Underwriting and fee margin | $ | 281,633 | $ | 244,545 |
Adjusted Net Income — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted net income as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting. We use adjusted net income as an internal operating performance measure in the management of business as part of our capital allocation process. We believe adjusted net income provides useful supplemental information to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance between periods and for comparison among companies. Adjusted net income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted net income differently. Adjusted net income is presented before the impacts of non-controlling interests.
We present adjustments for amortization associated with acquired intangible assets. The intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting in connection with Tiptree’s acquisition of Fortegra Financial in 2014, Defend in 2019, and Smart AutoCare and Sky Auto in 2020. The intangible assets acquired contribute to overall revenue generation, and the respective purchase accounting adjustments will continue to occur in future periods until such intangible assets are fully amortized in accordance with the respective amortization periods required by GAAP.
Adjusted Return on Average Equity — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted return on average equity as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “—Adjusted Net Income—Non-GAAP” above. We use adjusted return on average equity as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted return on average equity should not be viewed as a substitute for return on average equity calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted return on average equity differently.
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 68,150 | $ | 874 | $ | 31,403 | $ | (46,416) | $ | 54,011 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (21,251) | (363) | (5,545) | (23,291) | (50,450) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 20,347 | (7,003) | (18,788) | — | (5,444) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (1) | 16,229 | — | — | — | 16,229 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,423 | — | — | 7,093 | 9,516 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses | 3,374 | — | (729) | 2,108 | 4,753 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments | (939) | — | 3,555 | — | 2,616 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (2) | (4,501) | 1,834 | 3,731 | 31,106 | 32,170 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 83,832 | $ | (4,658) | $ | 13,627 | $ | (29,400) | $ | 63,401 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 83,832 | $ | (4,658) | $ | 13,627 | $ | (29,400) | $ | 63,401 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 321,320 | $ | 57,575 | $ | 98,373 | $ | (10,390) | $ | 466,878 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 26.1 | % | (8.1) | % | 13.9 | % | NM % | 13.6 | % |
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| For the Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 69,857 | $ | 28,407 | $ | 17,210 | $ | (50,132) | $ | 65,342 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (18,438) | (4,882) | (1,992) | 4,021 | (21,291) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (3,732) | (5,798) | (3,091) | — | (12,621) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (1) | 15,329 | — | — | — | 15,329 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,006 | 331 | 213 | 8,581 | 11,131 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses | 2,158 | — | 938 | 2,171 | 5,267 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments | — | — | (3,170) | — | (3,170) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments (2) | (398) | (624) | 655 | 4,249 | 3,882 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 66,782 | $ | 17,434 | $ | 10,763 | $ | (31,110) | $ | 63,869 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 66,782 | $ | 17,434 | $ | 10,763 | $ | (31,110) | $ | 63,869 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | $ | 300,820 | $ | 60,433 | $ | 113,717 | $ | (88,111) | $ | 386,859 | ||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 22.2 | % | 28.8 | % | 9.5 | % | NM% | 16.5 | % |
The footnotes below correspond to the tables above, under “—Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP and “—Adjusted Return on Average Equity - Non-GAAP”.
(1) Specifically associated with acquisition purchase accounting. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
(2) Tax on adjustments represents the tax applied to the total non-GAAP adjustments and includes adjustments for non-recurring or discrete tax impacts. For the year ended December 31, 2022, included in the adjustment is an add-back of $33.1 million, respectively, related to deferred tax expense from the WP Transaction.
Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP
The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income of the Company plus corporate interest expense, plus income taxes, plus depreciation and amortization expense, less the effects of purchase accounting, plus non-cash fair value adjustments, plus significant non-recurring expenses, and plus unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities reported in other comprehensive income. Adjusted EBITDA is used to determine incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (8,274) | $ | 38,132 | ||||||
| Add: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests | 11,835 | 5,919 | ||||||||
| Corporate debt related interest expense(1) | 19,290 | 24,426 | ||||||||
| Consolidated provision (benefit) for income taxes | 50,450 | 21,291 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 22,973 | 24,437 | ||||||||
| Non-cash fair value adjustments(2) | (200) | (7,945) | ||||||||
| Non-recurring expenses(3) | 2,556 | 5,267 | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax | (62,536) | (10,751) | ||||||||
| Warburg gain to book value(4) | 54,013 | — | ||||||||
| Third party non-controlling interests(5) | (8,983) | — | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 81,124 | $ | 100,776 |
| (1) | Corporate debt interest expense includes interest expense from secured corporate credit agreements, junior subordinated notes and preferred trust securities. Interest expense associated with asset-specific debt is not added-back for Adjusted EBITDA. |
|---|---|
| (2) | For maritime transportation operations, depreciation and amortization is deducted as a reduction in the value of the vessel. From insurance operations, changes in the fair value of the Fortegra Additional Warrant liability is added back. |
| (3) | Acquisition, start-up and disposition costs, including debt extinguishment, legal, taxes, banker fees and other costs. |
| (4) | The pre-tax gain recorded directly to Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity was included in Adjusted EBITDA, net of add-backs included in prior period Adjusted EBITDA. |
| (5) | Adjusts for the comprehensive income (loss) (including EBITDA and AOCI impacts) for the non-controlling interests of The Fortegra Group. |
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Management believes the use of this financial measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as book value is frequently used by the financial community to analyze company growth on a relative per share basis. The following table provides a reconciliation between total stockholders’ equity and total shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.
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| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | As of December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 533,573 | $ | 400,181 | ||
| Less: Non-controlling interests | 136,208 | 17,227 | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity, net of non-controlling interests | $ | 397,365 | $ | 382,954 | ||
| Total common shares outstanding | 36,385 | 34,124 | ||||
| Book value per share | $ | 10.92 | $ | 11.22 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and other liquid investments and distributions from operating subsidiaries, including income from our investment portfolio and sales of assets and investments. We intend to use our cash resources to continue to fund our operations and grow our businesses. We may seek additional sources of cash to fund acquisitions or investments. These additional sources of cash may take the form of debt or equity and may be at the parent, subsidiary or asset level. We are a holding company and our liquidity needs are primarily for compensation, professional fees, office rent and insurance costs.
Our subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make cash distributions will be subject to numerous business and other factors, including restrictions contained in agreements for the strategic investment by Warburg in Fortegra, our subsidiaries’ financing agreements, regulatory restrictions, availability of sufficient funds at such subsidiaries, general economic and business conditions, tax considerations, strategic plans, financial results and other factors such as target capital ratios and ratio levels anticipated by rating agencies to maintain or improve current ratings. We expect our cash and cash equivalents and distributions from operating subsidiaries, our subsidiaries’ access to financing, and sales of investments to be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, as well as the long term.
As of December 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, were $538.1 million, compared to $175.7 million at December 31, 2021, an increase of $362.3 million primarily as a result of the WP Transaction, growth in gross written premium and premium equivalents at Fortegra, sales and maturities of investments within Fortegra and the sale of three dry bulk vessels and two product tankers in our maritime transportation business.
Our mortgage business relies on short term uncommitted sources of financing as a part of their normal course of operations. To date, we have been able to obtain and renew uncommitted warehouse credit facilities. If we were not able to obtain financing, then we may need to draw on other sources of liquidity to fund our mortgage business. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements, for additional information regarding our mortgage warehouse borrowings.
We believe that cash flow from operations will provide sufficient capital to continue to grow the business and fund interest on the outstanding debt, capital expenditures and other general corporate needs over the next several years. As we continue to expand our business, including by any acquisitions we may make, we may, in the future, require additional working capital for increased costs.
For purposes of determining enterprise value and Adjusted EBITDA, we consider corporate credit agreements and preferred trust securities, which we refer to as corporate debt, as corporate financing and associated interest expense is added back. The below table outlines this amount by debt outstanding and interest expense at the insurance company and corporate level.
Corporate Debt
| ($ in thousands) | Corporate Debt Outstanding as of December 31, | Interest Expense for the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 160,000 | $ | 162,160 | $ | 14,675 | $ | 14,232 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate | — | 114,063 | 4,615 | 10,193 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 160,000 | $ | 276,223 | $ | 19,290 | $ | 24,425 |
The balance of the corporate credit facility was repaid during June 2022 as part of the WP Transaction. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements for details for prior periods.
On October 21, 2022, Fortegra entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Fortegra Financial, and its subsidiary, LOTS Intermediate Co., as borrowers, the lenders from time to time party thereto, certain of Fortegra’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent and issuing
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lender (the “Fortegra Credit Agreement”). The Fortegra Credit Agreement provides for a $200 million revolving credit facility, all of which is available for the issuance of letters of credit, with a sub-limit of $25 million for swing loans and matures on October 21, 2027.
Consolidated Comparison of Cash Flows
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total cash provided by (used in): | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by: | ||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 463,073 | $ | 204,316 | ||
| Investing activities | 9,514 | (273,759) | ||||
| Financing activities | (115,186) | 73,735 | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 357,401 | $ | 4,292 |
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $463.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included proceeds from mortgage loans outpacing originations and growth in insurance premiums written resulting in increases in unearned premiums, policy liabilities and unpaid claims and deferred revenues, which were partially offset by increases in deferred acquisition costs and reinsurance receivables.
Cash provided by operating activities was $204.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included consolidated net income (excluding unrealized gains and losses), proceeds from mortgage loans outpacing originations and growth in insurance company unearned premiums and net deferred revenues, partially offset by increases in deferred acquisition costs and reinsurance receivables.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities was $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the primary sources of cash were proceeds from the sale of investments outpacing the purchases of investments. The primary uses of cash from investing activities were the issuance of notes receivable outpacing proceeds and the acquisition of ITC.
Cash used in investing activities was $273.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, the primary uses of cash from investing activities were the purchase of investments outpacing proceeds from the sales of investments in our insurance investment portfolio, and the issuance of notes receivable outpacing proceeds.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $115.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the cash usage was from a combination of principal repayments on corporate borrowings and mortgage warehouse facilities exceeded proceeds from borrowings, the repurchase of the Company’s common stock and the payment of dividends, which was partially offset by cash received from the WP Transaction and the exercise of warrants.
Cash provided by financing activities was $73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, proceeds from borrowings exceeded principal repayments on mortgage warehouse facilities and asset-based debt supporting our premium finance operations in the insurance business, partially offset by net redemptions of non-controlling interest, the repurchase of the Company’s common stock and the payment of dividends.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As disclosed in Note (2), the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The Company believes that the following discussion addresses the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Impairment
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Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
The initial measurement of goodwill and intangibles requires judgment concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but subject to tests for impairment annually or if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not they may be impaired. Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. At both December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had two reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, of which the fair value substantially exceeded carrying value as of that date. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
Reserves
Unpaid claims are reserve estimates that are established in accordance with GAAP using generally accepted actuarial methods. Credit life and accidental death and destruction (AD&D) unpaid claims reserves include claims in the course of settlement and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Credit disability unpaid claims reserves also include continuing claim reserves for open disability claims. For all other Fortegra product lines, unpaid claims reserves are bulk reserves and are entirely IBNR. The Company uses a number of algorithms in establishing its unpaid claims reserves. These algorithms are used to calculate unpaid claims as a function of paid losses, earned premium, target loss ratios, in-force amounts, unearned premium reserves, industry recognized morbidity tables or a combination of these factors.
In arriving at the unpaid claims reserves, the Company conducts an actuarial analysis on a basis gross of reinsurance. The same estimates used as a basis in calculating the gross unpaid claims reserves are then used as the basis for calculating the net unpaid claims reserves, which take into account the impact of reinsurance. Anticipated future loss development patterns form a key assumption underlying these analyses. Our claims are generally reported and settled quickly, resulting in consistent historical loss development patterns. From the anticipated loss development patterns, a variety of actuarial loss projection techniques are employed, such as the chain ladder method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and expected loss ratio method.
The unpaid claims reserves represent the Company’s best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time. Actual claim costs are dependent upon a number of complex factors such as changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. These factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. The Company periodically reviews and updates its methods of making such unpaid claims reserve estimates and establishing the related liabilities based on our actual experience. The Company has not made any changes to its methodologies for determining unpaid claims reserves in the periods presented.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company experienced favorable prior year development of $0.9 million, compared to unfavorable prior year development of $2.6 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In 2022, the $0.9 million favorable prior year development is primarily due to lower-than-expected claim severity in our commercial lines business. In 2021, the $2.6 million increase in prior year development is primarily due to higher-than-expected claim severity from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business. In 2020, the $5.4 million increase was due to higher than expected claim frequency from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business, of which $2.2 million related to our non-standard auto business. The underlying cause of the 2020 prior year development was the result of a subset of risk where the loss ratio pegs used in our year end actuarial determination was low given the ultimate frequency that emerged. The non-standard programs which contributed to the prior year development in 2020 experienced loss emergence in excess of levels contemplated when originally pricing the products. The Company responded to this emergence by filing for increased rates for the one underperforming active program and non-renewing all business for the two programs in run-off.
Management considers the prior year development for all three years to be insignificant when considered in the context of our annual earned premiums, net as well as our net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims expenses. Earned premiums, net in 2022 were $904.8 million and net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $361.6 million, which resulted to a loss ratio of 40.0%. Without the $0.9 million of favorable prior year development, the calendar year loss ratio would have been approximately 0.1% higher. For comparison, the 2021 and 2020 loss ratios were 37.0% and 37.2%, respectively. In general, the Company's loss ratio results have been predictable and consistent over time. Actuarial estimates are subject to estimation variability, and while management uses its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The variability in these estimates can, and have in the past, been significant to pretax income.
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We analyze our development on a quarterly basis and given the short duration nature of our products, favorable or adverse development emerges quickly and allows for timely reserve strengthening, if necessary, or modifications to our product pricing or offerings.
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
While management has used its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The determination of best estimates is affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
•the quality and applicability of historical data,
•current and future economic conditions,
•trends in loss frequencies and severities for various causes of loss,
•changes in claims reporting patterns,
•claims settlement patterns and timing,
•regulatory, legislative and judicial decisions,
•morbidity patterns, and
•the attitudes of claimants towards settlements.
The adequacy of our unpaid claims reserves will be impacted by future trends that impact these factors. Two key measures of loss activity are loss frequency, which is the measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls, changes in economic activity and weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate reserves required will be different than management’s estimate. Based on our actuarial analysis, we have determined that an aggregate change that is greater than 5% in loss frequency and loss severity is not reasonably likely given the Company’s low limit underwriting and low severity philosophies. The effect of higher and lower levels of loss frequency and severity on our ultimate costs for claims occurring in 2021 would be as follows:
| Accident Year 2022 Sensitivity TestChange in Loss & Frequency & Severity on Ultimate | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | |||||
| Scenario | Ultimate Cost | Change | |||
| 5% higher | $ | 380 | $ | 18,073 | |
| 3% higher | $ | 372 | $ | 10,844 | |
| 1% higher | $ | 365 | $ | 3,615 | |
| Base scenario | $ | 361 | $ | — | |
| 1% lower | $ | 358 | $ | (3,615) | |
| 3% lower | $ | 351 | $ | (10,844) | |
| 5% lower | $ | 343 | $ | (18,073) |
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
The Company defers certain costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance policies, and other products as follows:
Insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs are limited to direct costs that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related premium is earned.
Other deferred acquisition costs are limited to prepaid direct costs, typically commissions and contract transaction fees, that
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resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related service and administrative fees are earned.
The Company evaluates whether all deferred acquisition costs are recoverable at year end, and considers investment income in the recoverability analysis for insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs. As a result of the Company’s evaluations, no write-offs for unrecoverable deferred acquisition costs were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was $479.1 million and $375.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns revenues from a variety of sources:
Earned Premiums, net
Net earned premium is from direct and assumed earned premium consisting of revenue generated from the direct sale of insurance policies by the Company’s distributors and premiums written for insurance policies by another carrier and assumed by the Company. Whether direct or assumed, the premium is earned over the life of the respective policy using methods appropriate to the pattern of losses for the type of business. Methods used include the Rule of 78's, pro rata, and other actuarial methods. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. Direct and assumed premiums are offset by premiums ceded to the Company's reinsurers, including PORCs, earned in the same manner. The amount ceded is proportional to the amount of risk assumed by the reinsurer.
Service and Administrative Fees
The Company earns service and administrative fees from a variety of activities. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue as they become both realized and earned. Revenues from contracts with customers were $300.2 million and $258.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and include auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor clubs, other service and administrative fees, vessel related revenue and management fee income. See Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers for more detailed disclosure regarding these revenues.
Service fee revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Administrative fee revenue includes the administration of premium associated with our producers and their PORCs. In addition, we also earn fee revenue from debt cancellation, motor club, and auto and consumer goods service contracts. Related administrative fee revenue is recognized consistent with the earnings recognition pattern of the underlying insurance policies, debt cancellation contracts, vehicle service contracts and motor club memberships being administered, using Rule of 78's, modified Rule of 78's, pro rata, or other actuarial methods as appropriate for the contract. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting guidance requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner.
The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, in its judgment, it concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These judgments are based on projections of future income,
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including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of the Company’s projections. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and determines if adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance is appropriate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001393726-22-000020.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in this section as follows:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
OVERVIEW
Tiptree allocates capital to select small and middle market companies with the mission of building long-term value. Established in 2007, we have a significant track record investing in the insurance sector and across a variety of other industries, including mortgage origination, specialty finance and shipping. Our largest operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a leading provider of specialty insurance products and related services. We also generate earnings from a diverse group of select investments that we refer to as Tiptree Capital, which includes our Mortgage segment and other, non-insurance businesses and assets. We evaluate performance primarily by the comparison of shareholders’ long-term total return on capital, as measured by growth in stock price plus dividends paid, in addition to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA.
Our 2021 highlights include:
Overall:
•Net income of $38.1 million increased from a net loss of $29.2 million in 2020, driven by growth in insurance and shipping operations, in addition to realized and unrealized gains on investments as compared to losses in 2020.
•Adjusted net income of $63.9 million increased 24.2% from $51.4 million in 2020, driven by improvement in insurance and shipping operations. Adjusted return on average equity was 16.5%, as compared to 13.1% in 2020.
•On October 12, 2021, Tiptree announced a $200 million strategic investment in its insurance subsidiary, Fortegra, by Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor. The investment will give Warburg Pincus an approximate 24% ownership in Fortegra on an as converted basis and is expected to close in the second quarter 2022, subject to regulatory approvals.
Insurance:
•Gross written premiums and premium equivalents were $2,194.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $1,666.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, up 31.6% as a result of growth in admitted and E&S insurance lines as well as growth in fee-based service contract offerings.
•Total revenues increased 42.4% to $984.1 million, from $691.1 million in 2020, driven by increases in earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees, and net investment income.
•The combined ratio improved to 90.6%, as compared to 91.5% in 2020, driven by the continued scalability of Fortegra’s technology and shared service platform, which improved the expense ratio, while the underwriting ratio remained stable.
•Income before taxes of $69.9 million increased by $42.9 million as compared to $26.9 million in 2020. Return on average equity was 17.1% in 2021 as compared to 8.1% in 2020. The increase in both metrics was driven by revenue growth and an improved combined ratio, in addition to improved returns on investments as compared to the prior year.
•Adjusted net income increased 53.8% to $66.8 million, as compared to $43.4 million in 2020. Adjusted return on average equity was 22.2%, as compared to 15.2% in 2020. The increase in both metrics was driven by revenue growth and an improved combined ratio.
Tiptree Capital:
•Mortgage income before taxes was $28.4 million in 2021, as compared to $31.1 million in 2020, with the decrease driven by a decline in gain on sale margins, partially offset by higher servicing fees and positive fair value adjustments on the mortgage servicing portfolio. Return on average equity was 38.9% in 2021.
•Maritime transportation income before taxes was $11.6 million in 2021, as compared to $1.5 million in 2020, with the increase driven by a rise in dry-bulk charter rates.
Key Trends:
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Our results of operations are affected by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and GDP growth, market liquidity and volatility, consumer confidence, U.S. demographics, employment and wage growth, business confidence and investment, inflation, interest rates and spreads, the impact of the regulatory environment, and the other factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in this Form 10-K. Generally, our businesses are positively affected by a healthy U.S. consumer, stable to gradually rising interest rates, stable markets and business conditions, and global growth and trade flows. Conversely, rising unemployment, volatile markets, rapidly rising interest rates, changing regulatory requirements and slowing business conditions can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Fortegra generally offers products which have low severity but high frequency loss experiences and are short duration. As a result, the business has historically generated significant fee-based revenues. In general, the types of products Fortegra offers tend to have limited aggregation risk and, thus, limited exposure to catastrophic and residual risk. Underwriting risk is mitigated through a combination of reinsurance and retrospective commission structures with agents, distribution partners and/or third-party reinsurers. To mitigate counterparty risk, Fortegra ensures its distribution partners’ captive reinsurance entities are over-collateralized with highly liquid investments, primarily cash and cash equivalents. Insurance results primarily depend on pricing, underwriting, risk retention and the accuracy of reserves, reinsurance arrangements, returns on invested assets, and policy and contract renewals and run-off. While Fortegra’s insurance operations have historically maintained a relatively stable combined ratio, initiatives to change the business mix along with economic factors could generate different results than the business has historically experienced. We believe there will continue to be growth opportunities to expand Fortegra’s specialty insurance offerings to other niche products and markets.
Fortegra’s investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities, loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities. Many investments are held at fair value. Changes in fair value for loans, credit investment funds, and equity securities are reported quarterly as unrealized gains or losses in revenues and can be impacted by changes in interest rates, credit risk, or market risk, including specific company or industry factors. Our equity holdings are relatively concentrated. General equity market trends, along with company and industry specific factors, can impact the fair value which can result in unrealized gains and losses affecting our results.
The Federal Reserve has signaled that it intends to raise interest rates in the near term. Rising 10-year treasury yields, and the tapering of the Federal Reserve’s purchases of mortgage backed securities, has resulted in increases to mortgage interest rates as well, although those rates still remain at relative historic lows.
Our businesses can also be impacted in various ways by changes in interest rates, which can result in fluctuations in the fair value of investments, revenues associated with floating rate investments, volume and revenues in mortgage operations and interest expenses associated with floating rate debt used to fund operations. Rising interest rates could impact the value of certain fixed maturity securities, with any unrealized losses recorded in equity, and if realized, could impact our results of operations. Offsetting the impact of a rising interest rate environment, new investments in fixed rate instruments from both maturities and portfolio growth can result in higher interest income on investments over time. In declining interest rate environments, the opposite impacts could occur. In addition, certain investments are based on floating interest rates, which has resulted in lower investment income during the recent period of extended low rates. Rising interest rates can also impact the cost of floating interest rate debt obligations, while declining rates can decrease the cost of debt. Our secured revolving and term credit agreements, preferred trust securities and asset-based revolving financing are all floating rate obligations.
Low mortgage rates due to the Federal Reserve intervention in mortgage markets, and rising home prices in certain markets, has resulted in a combination of higher mortgage volumes and margins beginning in the second quarter of 2020 and continuing through 2021, which has been a benefit to our mortgage operations. The recent low interest rate environment also benefits interest cost on debt, although corporate debt remains above current LIBOR rates. There can be no assurance that these positive trends will continue, the reversal of which could have a materially negative impact on our results of operations, and which may only be partially mitigated by the benefit to LIBOR based investments.
Authorities that regulate LIBOR have announced plans to phase out LIBOR, such that LIBOR is expected to cease to exist as a benchmark for floating interest rates. The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York organized the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, which identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as its preferred alternative rate for USD-LIBOR. We are not able to predict when LIBOR will cease to be available or when there will be sufficient liquidity in the SOFR markets as a replacement reference rate. Such uncertainty may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR and/or its replacement rate. To address the phase out of LIBOR, the agreements for our debt facilities include a mechanism to replace LIBOR with an alternative reference rate under specified circumstances, whether that replacement is SOFR or another benchmark. If future rates based upon the successor reference
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rate are higher than LIBOR rates as currently determined due to illiquidity or other factors, our interest expense could increase.
Common shares of Invesque represent a significant asset on our consolidated balance sheet, both as part of insurance investments and separately in Tiptree Capital. Our investment in Invesque, which operates in the seniors housing, skilled nursing and medical office industries, is carried on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. In April 2020, in response to the uncertainty in the industry, Invesque suspended its dividend to conserve liquidity. In combination with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupancy rates, Invesque’s stock declined significantly, which had a material impact on the carrying value of the investment and results of operations in 2020. While their stock price and the value of the investment increased modestly in 2021, any additional declines in the fair value of Invesque’s common stock could have a significant impact on our results of operations and the value of the investment.
The maritime transportation industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Demand for shipping capacity is a function of global economic conditions and the related demand for commodities, production and consumption patterns, and is affected by events which interrupt production, trade routes, and consumption. The shipping industry is cyclical with significant volatility in charter hire rates and profitability, which can change rapidly. General global economic conditions, along with company and industry specific factors, are expected to continue to impact the fair value of our vessels and associated operating results. While there is a current imbalance in supply and demand for shipping capacity, which led to a cyclical high in dry-bulk charter rates, a change in those factors and/or changes in global economic conditions could result in substantially lower charter rates, which could negatively impact our results of operations and the carrying value of our vessels.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of our consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. In addition to GAAP results, management uses the Non-GAAP measures Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity, Adjusted EBITDA and book value per share as measurements of operating performance. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and comparison among companies. Management uses Adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity as part of its capital allocation process and to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Adjusted EBITDA is also used in determining incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income of the Company plus corporate interest expense, plus income taxes, plus depreciation and amortization expense, less the effects of purchase accounting, plus non-cash fair value adjustments, plus significant non-recurring expenses, and plus unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities that are reported in other comprehensive income. Adjusted net income, Adjusted return on average equity and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of these measures to their GAAP equivalents.
Selected Key Metrics
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAP: | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,200,514 | $ | 810,301 | $ | 772,728 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 38,132 | $ | (29,158) | $ | 18,361 | |||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.09 | $ | (0.86) | $ | 0.50 | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | |||||||||
| Return on average equity | 11.4 | % | (6.4) | % | 5.0 | % | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP: (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 63,869 | $ | 51,431 | $ | 27,598 | |||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 16.5 | % | 13.1 | % | 6.8 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 100,776 | $ | 4,541 | $ | 68,085 | |||||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 11.22 | $ | 10.90 | $ | 11.52 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
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For the year ended December 31, 2021, revenues were $1,200.5 million, which increased $390.2 million, or 48.2% compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by growth in earned premiums, net, and service and administrative fees in the insurance business, increased revenues from our dry-bulk vessels and mortgage servicing portfolio, and net realized and unrealized gains on Invesque and other investments in 2021 compared to losses in 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenues were $810.3 million, which increased $37.6 million, or 4.9% compared to the prior year, primarily due to a combination of growth in commercial and service contract lines in our insurance business and revenues associated with our mortgage business. Offsetting these increases were net realized and unrealized losses of $83.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, on Invesque and other equity securities.
The table below provides a break down between net realized and unrealized gains and losses from Invesque and other securities which impacted our consolidated results on a pre-tax basis. Many investments are carried at fair value and marked to market through unrealized gains and losses. As a result, we expect earnings relating to these investments to be relatively volatile between periods. Fixed income securities are primarily marked to market through AOCI in stockholders’ equity and do not impact net realized and unrealized gains and losses until they are sold.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)(1) | $ | 8,885 | $ | (1,817) | $ | 12,189 | ||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) - Invesque | $ | 3,736 | $ | (81,813) | $ | (1,200) |
(1) Excludes Invesque and Mortgage realized and unrealized gains and losses. The year ended December 31, 2019 includes a $7.6 million gain on sale of our CLO business.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to common stockholders
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net income attributable to common stockholders was $38.1 million, an increase of $67.3 million from a net loss of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by net realized and unrealized gains on Invesque and other investments in 2021 compared to losses in 2020, in addition to growth in Fortegra’s underwriting and fee operations, increased revenues from our mortgage servicing portfolio and improvement in dry-bulk shipping rates.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net loss attributable to common stockholders was $29.2 million, a decrease of $47.5 million from net income of $18.4 million in 2019. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily driven by the same factors that impacted revenues in the respective periods.
Adjusted net income & Adjusted return on average equity - Non-GAAP
Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $63.9 million, an increase of $12.4 million, or 24.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, adjusted return on average equity was 16.5%, as compared to 13.1% at December 31, 2020, with the increase in both metrics driven by improved performance in our insurance and shipping operations.
Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $51.4 million, an increase of $23.8 million from 2019. The 2020 Adjusted return on average equity was 13.1%, as compared to 6.8% in 2019, with the increase in both metrics driven by improved performance in our insurance and mortgage operations.
Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $100.8 million, an increase of $96.2 million from 2020, driven by realized and unrealized gains in 2021 compared to losses in 2020 (primarily Invesque), in addition to the improved operating performance noted above.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $4.5 million, a decrease of $63.5 million from 2019, which was substantially driven by unrealized losses on Invesque and other equity securities.
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Total stockholders’ equity was $400.2 million as of December 31, 2021 compared to $373.5 million as of December 31, 2020. In the year ended December 31, 2021, Tiptree returned $8.2 million to stockholders through share repurchases and dividends paid. Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2021 was $11.22, an increase from book value per
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share of $10.90 as of December 31, 2020. The key drivers of the increase over the past four quarters were income per share and the purchase of 0.5 million shares at a discount to book value, partially offset by other comprehensive losses, dividends paid of $0.16 per share, and issuance of shares related to warrants and vested subsidiary equity awards.
Total stockholders’ equity was $373.5 million as of December 31, 2020 compared to $411.4 million as of December 31, 2019. In 2020, Tiptree returned $19.3 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends paid. Book value per share for the period ended December 31, 2020 was $10.90, a decrease from book value per share of $11.52 as of December 31, 2019. The key drivers of the reduction from the prior year were losses per share and dividends paid of $0.160 per share. The decrease was partially offset by the purchase of 2.4 million shares.
Results by Segment
We classify our business into two reportable segments, Insurance and Mortgage, with the remainder of our operations aggregated into Tiptree Capital - Other. Corporate activities include holding company interest expense, corporate employee compensation and benefits, and other expenses, including, but not limited to, public company expenses. Mortgage has been broken out of Tiptree Capital as a reportable segment because for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 it met the quantitative threshold for disclosure. Segments for the year ended December 31, 2019 were conformed to this presentation as of December 31, 2020.
The following tables present the components of Revenue, Income (loss) before taxes and Adjusted net income for the following periods:
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 984,130 | $ | 691,061 | $ | 635,085 | |||||||||
| Mortgage | 111,295 | 112,165 | 66,121 | ||||||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 105,089 | 7,075 | 71,522 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,200,514 | $ | 810,301 | $ | 772,728 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes: | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 69,857 | $ | 26,948 | $ | 37,030 | |||||||||
| Mortgage | 28,407 | 31,102 | 2,959 | ||||||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 17,210 | (61,242) | 23,391 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate | (50,132) | (35,660) | (34,241) | ||||||||||||
| Total income (loss) before taxes | $ | 65,342 | $ | (38,852) | $ | 29,139 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP - Adjusted net income (1): | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 66,782 | $ | 43,423 | $ | 32,806 | |||||||||
| Mortgage | 17,434 | 28,578 | 3,929 | ||||||||||||
| Tiptree Capital - other | 10,763 | 4,497 | 14,083 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate | (31,110) | (25,067) | (23,220) | ||||||||||||
| Total adjusted net income | $ | 63,869 | $ | 51,431 | $ | 27,598 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Insurance
Our principal operating subsidiary, Fortegra, is a specialty insurance underwriter and service provider, which focuses on niche business mixes and fee-oriented services. Our combination of specialty insurance underwriting, service contract products, and related service solutions delivered through a vertically integrated business model creates a blend of traditional underwriting revenues, investment income and unregulated fee revenues. We are an agent-driven business model, distributing our products through independent insurance agents, consumer finance companies, online retailers, auto dealers, and regional big box retailers to deliver products that complement the consumer transaction.
The following tables present the Insurance segment results for the following periods:
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Results of Operations - 2021 Compared to 2020
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Earned premiums, net | $ | 685,552 | $ | 477,991 | $ | 207,561 | 43.4 | % | ||||||
| Service and administrative fees | 260,525 | 186,973 | 73,552 | 39.3 | % | |||||||||
| Ceding commissions | 11,784 | 21,101 | (9,317) | (44.2) | % | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 17,896 | 9,916 | 7,980 | 80.5 | % | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (2,006) | (11,944) | 9,938 | NM % | ||||||||||
| Other revenue | 10,379 | 7,024 | 3,355 | 47.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 984,130 | $ | 691,061 | $ | 293,069 | 42.4 | % | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 253,473 | 178,248 | 75,225 | 42.2 | % | |||||||||
| Member benefit claims | 73,539 | 58,650 | 14,889 | 25.4 | % | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 396,683 | 280,210 | 116,473 | 41.6 | % | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 76,552 | 65,089 | 11,463 | 17.6 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 17,576 | 15,487 | 2,089 | 13.5 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 17,223 | 10,835 | 6,388 | 59.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 79,227 | 55,594 | 23,633 | 42.5 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 914,273 | $ | 664,113 | $ | 250,160 | 37.7 | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes (1) | $ | 69,857 | $ | 26,948 | $ | 42,909 | 159.2 | % | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums and premium equivalents | $ | 2,194,024 | $ | 1,666,942 | $ | 527,082 | 31.6 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 17.1 | % | 8.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 74.7 | % | 74.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Expense ratio | 15.9 | % | 16.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 90.6 | % | 91.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (2): | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 66,782 | $ | 43,423 | $ | 23,359 | 53.8 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 22.2 | % | 15.2 | % |
(1) Net income was $48,755 and $22,821 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
Earned Premiums, net
Earned premiums, net represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums, less the earned portion that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements, as well as the earned portion of our assumed premiums. Our insurance policies generally have a term of six months to seven years depending on the underlying product and premiums are earned pro rata over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written but not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Service and Administrative Fees
Service and administrative fees represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums and premium equivalents, which is generated from non-insurance products including auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor club contracts and other services offered as part of our vertically integrated product offerings. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue when realized and earned. At the end of each reporting period, gross written premiums and premium equivalents written for service contracts not earned are classified as deferred revenue, which are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy.
Ceding Commissions and Other Revenue
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Ceding commissions and other revenue consists of commissions earned on policies written on behalf of third-party insurance companies with no exposure to the insured risk and certain fees earned in conjunction with underwriting policies. Other revenue also includes the interest income earned on our premium finance product offering.
Net Investment Income
We earn investment income on our portfolio of invested assets. Our invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents and equity securities. The principal factors that influence net investment income are the size of our investment portfolio, the yield on that portfolio and expenses due to external investment managers.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are a function of the difference between the amount received by us on the sale of a security and the security’s cost-basis, as well as any “other-than-temporary” impairments and allowances for credit losses which are recognized in earnings. In addition, we carry our equity securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in this line.
Revenues – 2021 compared to 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2021, total revenues increased 42.4%, to $984.1 million, as compared to $691.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Earned premiums, net of $685.6 million increased $207.6 million, or 43.4%, driven by growth in commercial and personal lines, including E&S insurance offerings. Service and administrative fees of $260.5 million increased by 39.3%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contract revenues. Ceding commissions of $11.8 million decreased by $9.3 million, or 44.2%, driven by lower ceding fees as less business was ceded in our U.S. Insurance lines. Other revenues increased by $3.4 million, or 47.8%, driven by growth in our premium finance lines.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net investment income of $17.9 million increased $8.0 million from 2020, driven by increased interest income from growth in fixed income securities and higher dividends on equity securities. Net realized and unrealized losses were $2.0 million, a reduction in losses of $9.9 million, driven by realized and unrealized gains on equity securities in 2021, as compared to losses on equity securities and other investments in 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, 28.7% of our revenues were derived from fees that are not solely dependent upon the underwriting performance of our insurance products, resulting in more diversified and consistent earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 81.7% of our fee-based revenues were generated in non-regulated service companies, with the remainder in our regulated insurance companies.
The combination of unearned premiums and deferred revenues on Fortegra’s balance sheet grew to $1,658.8 million, representing an increase of $399.1 million, or 31.7%, from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021 as a result of growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, primarily related to admitted and E&S insurance lines as well as auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Expenses
Underwriting and fee expenses under insurance and service contracts include losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims and commissions expense.
Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses represent actual insurance claims paid, changes in unpaid claim reserves, net of amounts ceded and the costs of administering claims for insurance lines. Incurred claims are impacted by loss frequency, which is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is based on the average size of claims. Loss occurrences in our insurance products are characterized by low severity and high frequency. Factors affecting loss frequency and loss severity include the volume of underwritten contracts, changes in claims reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, economic conditions, morbidity patterns and the attitudes of claimants towards settlements, and original pricing of the product for purposes of the loss ratio in relation to loss emergence over time. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods.
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Member Benefit Claims
Member benefit claims represent the costs of services and replacement devices incurred in auto, consumer goods and roadside service contracts. Member benefit claims represent claims paid on behalf of contract holders directly to third-party providers for roadside assistance and for the repair or replacement of covered products. Claims can also be paid directly to contract holders as a reimbursement payment, provided supporting documentation of loss is submitted to the Company. Claims are recognized as expense when incurred.
Commission Expense
Commission expenses reflect commissions we pay retail agents, program administrators and managing general underwriters, net of ceding commissions we receive on business ceded under certain reinsurance contracts. In addition, commission expenses include premium-related taxes. Commission expenses related to each policy we write are deferred and amortized to expense in proportion to the premium earned over the policy life. Commission expense is incurred on most product lines, the majority of which are retrospective commissions paid to agents, distributors and retailers selling our products, including credit insurance policies, auto and consumer goods service contracts and motor club memberships. When claims increase, in most cases our distribution partners bear the risk through a reduction in their retrospective commissions. Commission rates are, in many cases, set by state regulators, such as in credit and collateral protection programs and are also impacted by market conditions and the retention levels of our distribution partners.
Operating and Other Expenses
Operating and other expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of our insurance operations including employee compensation and benefits and other expenses, including, technology costs, office rent, and professional services fees, such as legal, accounting and actuarial services.
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on our corporate revolving debt, our Notes, our preferred trust securities due June 15, 2037 (“Preferred Trust Securities”) and asset-based debt for our premium finance business, which is non-recourse to Fortegra.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation expense is primarily associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Amortization expense is primarily associated with purchase accounting amortization including values associated with acquired customer relationships, trade names and internally developed software and technology.
Expenses – 2021 compared to 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $253.5 million, member benefit claims were $73.5 million and commission expense was $396.7 million, as compared to $178.2 million, $58.7 million and $280.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $75.2 million, or 42.2%, was driven by growth in U.S. Insurance lines and the impact of prior year development of $2.6 million as a result of higher-than-expected claim severity from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business. The impact of the prior year development increased our ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums, net by 0.4%. The increase in member benefit claims of $14.9 million, or 25.4%, was driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts. Commission expense increased by $116.5 million, or 41.6%, in line with growth in earned premiums, net and service and administrative fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, employee compensation and benefits were $76.6 million and other expenses were $79.2 million, as compared to $65.1 million and $55.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $11.5 million, or 17.6%, driven by the acquisition of Sky Auto and investments in human capital associated with our growth objectives in E&S and service contract lines. Other expenses increased by $23.6 million, or 42.5%, driven by increased marketing costs aligned with revenue growth in Sky Auto, and increases in premium taxes, which grew in line with earned premiums. Included in other expenses were $2.2 million and $3.4
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million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to non-recurring professional fees associated with preparation of the registration statement for the Fortegra initial public offering which was withdrawn in April 2021, and investment banking and legal expenses associated with the acquisition of Smart AutoCare and Sky Auto in January 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, interest expense was $17.6 million as compared to $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in interest expense of $2.1 million, or 13.5%, was driven by increased asset-based borrowings to support growth in our premium finance lines and higher usage of the revolving working capital facility and letters of credit to support net written premium growth.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, depreciation and amortization expense was $17.2 million, including $15.3 million of intangible amortization related to purchase accounting associated with the acquisitions of Sky Auto, Smart AutoCare and Fortegra. For the year ended December 31, 2020, depreciation and amortization expense was $10.8 million including $9.2 million of intangible amortization from purchase accounting related to Smart AutoCare and Fortegra.
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The following tables present the Insurance segment results for the following periods:
Results of Operations - 2020 Compared to 2019
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2019 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||
| Earned premiums, net | $ | 477,991 | $ | 499,108 | $ | (21,117) | (4.2) | % | ||||||
| Service and administrative fees | 186,973 | 106,239 | 80,734 | 76.0 | % | |||||||||
| Ceding commissions | 21,101 | 9,608 | 11,493 | 119.6 | % | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 9,916 | 8,667 | 1,249 | 14.4 | % | |||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (11,944) | 6,896 | (18,840) | NM % | ||||||||||
| Other revenue | 7,024 | 4,567 | 2,457 | 53.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 691,061 | $ | 635,085 | $ | 55,976 | 8.8 | % | ||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Net losses and loss adjustment expenses | 178,248 | 151,009 | 27,239 | 18.0 | % | |||||||||
| Member benefit claims | 58,650 | 19,672 | 38,978 | 198.1 | % | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 280,210 | 303,057 | (22,847) | (7.5) | % | |||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 65,089 | 49,789 | 15,300 | 30.7 | % | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 15,487 | 14,766 | 721 | 4.9 | % | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 10,835 | 9,105 | 1,730 | 19.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 55,594 | 50,657 | 4,937 | 9.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 664,113 | $ | 598,055 | $ | 66,058 | 11.0 | % | ||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes (1) | $ | 26,948 | $ | 37,030 | $ | (10,082) | (27.2) | % | ||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums and premium equivalents | $ | 1,666,942 | $ | 1,297,042 | $ | 369,900 | 28.5 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 8.1 | % | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Underwriting ratio | 74.6 | % | 76.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Expense ratio | 16.9 | % | 15.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 91.5 | % | 92.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (2): | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 43,423 | $ | 32,806 | $ | 10,617 | 32.4 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 15.2 | % | 12.3 | % |
(1) Net income was $22,821 and $27,160 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues – 2020 compared to 2019
For the year ended December 31, 2020, total revenues increased 8.8%, to $691.1 million, as compared to $635.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Earned premiums, net of $478.0 million decreased $21.1 million, or 4.2%, driven by increased ceding of credit insurance and collateral protection premiums, and increased credit insurance cancellations driven by COVID-19 stimulus payments to consumers. This was partially offset by growth in commercial, service contract and niche personal lines programs. Service and administrative fees of $187.0 million increased by 76.0% driven by our acquisition of Smart AutoCare and growth in service contract revenues. Excluding Smart AutoCare, service and administrative fees increased by 11.7%, driven by growth in our consumer goods and roadside service contracts. Ceding commissions of $21.1 million increased by $11.5 million, or 119.6%, driven by growth in commercial lines and higher fees associated with the increase in ceded premiums in credit insurance and collateral protection programs. Other revenues increased by $2.5 million, or 53.8%, driven by growth in our premium finance lines.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, 31.1% of our revenues were derived from fees that are not solely dependent upon the underwriting performance of our insurance products, resulting in more diversified and consistent earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 79.3% of our fee-based revenues were generated in non-regulated service companies, with the remainder in our regulated insurance companies.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net investment income was $9.9 million driven by interest income on fixed income securities and dividends on equity securities. Net realized and unrealized losses were $11.9 million, a decline of $18.8
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million, driven by realized and unrealized losses on equity securities in 2020, as compared to gains on equity securities and other investments in 2019.
Expenses – 2020 compared to 2019
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $178.2 million, member benefit claims were $58.7 million and commission expense was $280.2 million, as compared to $151.0 million, $19.7 million and $303.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $27.2 million, or 18.0%, was driven by growth in our U.S. Insurance business and the impact of prior year development of $5.4 million related to higher than expected claims frequency in certain programs associated with a small group of producers. The impact of the prior year development increased our ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums, net by 1.1%. The increase in member benefit claims of $39.0 million, or 198.1%, was driven by the acquisition of Smart AutoCare. Commission expense declined by $22.8 million, or 7.5%, driven by a decline in retrospective commission payments, largely offsetting the increase in net losses and loss adjustment expense.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, employee compensation and benefits were $65.1 million and other expenses were $55.6 million, as compared to $49.8 million and $50.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $15.3 million, or 30.7%, driven by the acquisition of Smart AutoCare and investments in human capital associated with our growth objectives in E&S and service contract lines. Other expenses increased by $4.9 million, or 9.7%, driven by increases in acquisition related expenses, and premium taxes, which grew in line with premiums. Included in other expenses were $3.4 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to non-recurring professional fees associated with investment banking and legal expenses for our acquisitions of Smart AutoCare and Sky Auto.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest expense was $15.5 million as compared to $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in interest expense of $0.7 million, or 4.9%, was driven by higher outstanding asset-based debt for our premium finance business, partially offset by decreases in LIBOR over 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, depreciation and amortization expense was $10.8 million, including $9.2 million of intangible amortization related to purchase accounting associated with the acquisitions of both Smart AutoCare and Fortegra, as compared to $9.1 million and $7.5 million of intangible amortization from purchase accounting related to Fortegra, respectively, for 2019.
Key Performance Metrics
We discuss certain key performance metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying our financial performance.
Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents
Gross written premiums and premium equivalents represent total gross written premiums from insurance policies and service contracts issued, as well as premium finance volumes during a reporting period. They represent the volume of insurance policies written or assumed and service contracts issued during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. Gross written premiums is a volume measure commonly used in the insurance industry to compare sales performance by period. Premium equivalents are used to compare sales performance of service and administrative contract volumes to gross written premiums. Investors also use these measures to compare sales growth among comparable companies, while management uses these measures to evaluate the relative performance of various sales channels.
The below table shows gross written premiums and premium equivalents by business mix for the following periods:
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| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Gross Written Premiums and Premium Equivalents | |||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| U.S. Insurance | $ | 1,438,393 | $ | 1,063,743 | $ | 965,544 | ||||
| U.S. Warranty Solutions | 652,052 | 549,983 | 297,289 | |||||||
| Europe Warranty Solutions | 103,579 | 53,216 | 34,209 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 2,194,024 | $ | 1,666,942 | $ | 1,297,042 |
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $2.2 billion as compared to $1.7 billion in 2020. The growth of $527.1 million, or 31.6%, is driven by a combination of factors including Fortegra’s growing distribution partner network, expanding admitted and E&S insurance lines, and increasing market penetration in the service contract sector through the acquisitions of Smart AutoCare (January 2020) and Sky Auto (December 2020). Additionally, certain retail-oriented distribution partners were impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020, providing for a more favorable period over period comparison.
We believe the continued growth in commercial E&S and service contract lines will result in increased gross written premiums and premium equivalents, and therefore growth in unearned premiums and deferred revenues on the balance sheet. The growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, combined with higher retention in select products, has resulted in an increase of $399.1 million, or 31.7%, in Fortegra’s unearned premiums and deferred revenue on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, Fortegra’s unearned premiums and deferred revenues were $1,658.8 million, as compared to $1,259.7 million as of December 31, 2020.
Total gross written premiums and premium equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $1.7 billion as compared to $1.3 billion in 2019. U.S. Insurance lines increased by $98.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, or 10.2%, driven by growth in commercial, service contract insurance and collateral protection lines. U.S. Warranty Solutions increased by $252.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, or 85.0%, driven primarily by the acquisition of Smart AutoCare and growth in premium finance volumes. Europe Warranty Solutions increased by $19.0 million, or 55.6%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts.
The growth in gross written premiums and premium equivalents, combined with higher risk retention in select products, increased unearned premiums and deferred revenue on Fortegra’s balance sheet by $410.4 million, or 48.3%. As of December 31, 2020, Fortegra’s unearned premiums and deferred revenues were $1,259.7 million, as compared to $849.3 million as of December 31, 2019.
Combined Ratio, Underwriting Ratio and Expense Ratio
Combined ratio is an operating measure, which equals the sum of the underwriting ratio and the expense ratio. Underwriting ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items net losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims and commission expense to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees and ceding commissions and other revenue. Expense ratio is the ratio of the GAAP line items employee compensation and benefits and other underwriting, general and administrative expenses to earned premiums, net, service and administrative fees and ceding commissions and other revenue.
A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. These ratios are commonly used in the insurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding earnings on the insurance portfolio. Investors commonly use these measures to compare underwriting performance among companies separate from the performance of the investment portfolio. Management uses these measures to compare the profitability of various products we underwrite as well as profitability among our various agents and sales channels.
The combined ratio was 90.6% for the year ended December 31, 2021, which consisted of an underwriting ratio of 74.7% and an expense ratio of 15.9%, as compared to 91.5%, 74.6% and 16.9%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The improvement in the combined ratio year over year is primarily driven by the continued scalability of the technology and shared service platform, decreasing the expense ratio, while maintaining consistent underwriting performance. Our focus on underwriting expertise, A.I. driven lead generation, and technology-enhanced administration improves productivity, lowers administrative costs and results in agent relationships sustained over the long-term.
The combined ratio was 91.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020, which consisted of an underwriting ratio of 74.6% and an expense ratio of 16.9%, as compared to 92.4%, 76.5% and 15.9%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
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The improvement in the combined ratio and underwriting ratio from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to the shift in business mix as the result of the growth in commercial and service contract lines, while the increase in the expense ratio was primarily driven by the impact of purchase accounting on the recognition of revenues and expenses associated with our acquisition of Smart AutoCare.
Return on Average Equity
Return on average equity is expressed as the ratio of net income to average stockholders’ equity during the period. Management uses this ratio as a measure of the on-going performance of the totality of the Company’s operations.
Return on average equity was 17.1% for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to 8.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2020, with the increase driven by growth in underwriting and fee revenues, improvement in the combined ratio and realized and unrealized gains in 2021, as compared to realized and unrealized losses in 2020.
Return on average equity was 8.1% for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to 10.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, with the decline driven by realized and unrealized losses in 2020, as compared to realized and unrealized gains in 2019, partially offset by improvement in revenues associated with underwriting activities.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin - Non-GAAP(1)
In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics – underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin. We generally manage our exposure to the risks we underwrite using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and retrospective commission agreements with our agents (e.g., commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigate our risk. Period-over-period comparisons of revenues and expenses are often impacted by the agents and their PORC’s choice as to their risk retention appetite, specifically earned premiums, net, service and administration fees, ceding commissions, and other revenue, all components of revenue, and losses and loss adjustment expenses, member benefit claims, and commissions paid to our agents and reinsurers. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our agents and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid.
Underwriting and fee revenues represents total revenues excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses). See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee revenues to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
Underwriting and fee margin represents income before taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deliver our products and services on a vertically integrated basis to our agents. As such, underwriting and fee margin exclude general and administrative expenses, interest income, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses, including income taxes, as these corporate expenses support our vertically integrated delivery model and are not specifically supporting any individual business line. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of underwriting and fee margin to total revenues in accordance with GAAP.
The below table shows underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin by business mix for the following periods:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Underwriting and Fee Revenues (1) | Underwriting and Fee Margin (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Insurance | $ | 690,154 | $ | 507,537 | $ | 525,554 | $ | 141,258 | $ | 106,763 | $ | 105,492 | ||||||||||
| U.S. Warranty Solutions | 230,942 | 162,900 | 87,130 | 90,255 | 61,722 | 37,478 | ||||||||||||||||
| Europe Warranty Solutions | 47,144 | 22,652 | 6,834 | 13,032 | 7,496 | 2,808 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 968,240 | $ | 693,089 | $ | 619,518 | $ | 244,545 | $ | 175,981 | $ | 145,778 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Underwriting and fee revenues were $968.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $693.1 million,
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for the year ended December 31, 2020. Total underwriting and fee revenues were up $275.2 million, or 39.7%, driven by growth in all product lines. U.S. Insurance revenues increased $182.6 million, or 36.0%, driven by growth in E&S commercial, collateral protection and credit insurance lines. The increase in U.S. Warranty Solutions was $68.0 million, or 41.8%, driven by growth in auto, consumer goods, and premium finance. Europe Warranty Solutions increased by $24.5 million, or 108.1%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Underwriting and fee margin was $244.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $176.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $68.6 million, or 39.0%, driven by growth in all product lines. U.S. Insurance grew by $34.5 million, or 32.3%, as the underwriting ratio was consistent year-over-year at 79.5% while revenues increased. U.S. Warranty Solutions increased by $28.5 million, or 46.2%, driven by the growth in revenues and improvement in the underwriting ratio. Europe Warranty Solutions increased by $5.5 million, or 73.9%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts in those markets.
Underwriting and fee revenues were $693.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $619.5 million, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Total underwriting and fee revenues were up $73.6 million, or 11.9%, driven by growth in U.S. and Europe Warranty Solutions, partially offset by a decline in U.S. Insurance. The decrease in U.S. Insurance was $18.0 million, or 3.4%, driven by increased ceded premiums and cancellations from the impacts of stimulus related to COVID-19 in our credit insurance and collateral protection lines. This was partially offset by growth in commercial and niche personal lines. The increase in U.S. Warranty Solutions was $75.8 million, or 87.0%, driven by the acquisition of Smart AutoCare and growth in auto, consumer goods, and premium finance. Europe Warranty Solutions increased by $15.8 million, or 231.5%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts.
Underwriting and fee margin was $176.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $145.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Total underwriting and fee margin was up $30.2 million, or 20.7%, driven by growth in U.S. and Europe Warranty Solutions. U.S. Insurance was flat to prior year as the growth in commercial and niche personal lines offset the impacts of COVID-19 on our credit insurance and collateral protection lines. U.S. Warranty Solutions increased by $24.2 million, or 64.7%, driven by the acquisition of Smart AutoCare and growth in auto, consumer goods, and premium finance lines. Europe Warranty Solutions increased by $4.7 million, or 167.0%, driven by growth in auto and consumer goods service contracts in those markets.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Equity
Adjusted net income represents income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting.
Adjusted return on average equity represents adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
Management uses both measures to assess the on-going performance of our operations. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity to income before taxes and adjusted return on average equity.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity were $66.8 million and 22.2%, respectively, as compared to $43.4 million and 15.2%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The improvement in metrics was driven by the growth in revenues and improvement in the combined ratio.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity were $43.4 million and 15.2%, respectively, as compared to $32.8 million and 12.3%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. The improvement in both of these metrics was driven by the growth in commercial, service contracts and niche personal lines. See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation of adjusted net income and adjusted return on average equity to income before taxes and adjusted return on average equity.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
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Our insurance investment portfolio includes investments held in statutory insurance companies and in unregulated entities. The portfolios held in statutory insurance companies are subject to different regulatory considerations, including with respect to types of assets, concentration limits, affiliate transactions and the use of leverage. Our investment strategy is designed to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns across select asset classes, sectors and geographies while maintaining adequate liquidity to meet our claims payment obligations. As such, volatility from realized and unrealized gains and losses may impact period-over-period performance. Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and loans held at fair value impact current period net income, while unrealized gains and losses on Available for Sale (“AFS”) securities impact AOCI.
Our net investment income includes interest and dividends, net of investment expenses, on our invested assets. We report net realized and unrealized gains and losses on our investments separately from our net investment income.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net investment income was $17.9 million compared to $9.9 million in 2020 with the increase driven by growth in investments, resulting in incremental interest income on fixed income securities and dividends on equity securities. Net realized and unrealized losses were $2.0 million, a decline of $9.9 million, driven by a reduction in realized and unrealized losses on equity securities from 2020 to 2021.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net investment income was $9.9 million driven by growth in investments, resulting in incremental interest income on fixed income securities and dividends on equity securities. Net realized and unrealized losses were $11.9 million, a decline of $18.8 million, driven by realized and unrealized losses on equity securities in 2020 (primarily Invesque), as compared to gains on equity securities and other investments in 2019.
Tiptree Capital
Tiptree Capital consists of our Mortgage segment, which includes the operating results of Reliance, our mortgage business, and Tiptree Capital - Other, which consists of our other non-insurance operating businesses and investments. As of December 31, 2021, Tiptree Capital - Other includes our Invesque shares, maritime transportation operations, and the mortgage operations of Luxury, which is classified as held for sale on the balance sheet.
Mortgage
Through our Mortgage operating subsidiary, Reliance, we originate, sell, securitize and service one-to-four-family, residential mortgage loans, comprised of conforming mortgage loans, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veterans Administration (“VA”), United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and to a lesser extent, non-agency jumbo prime.
We are an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Company is also an approved issuer and servicer for Ginnie Mae. The Company originates residential mortgage loans through its retail distribution channel (directly to consumers) in 39 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2021.
The following tables present the Mortgage segment results for the following periods:
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Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ | 92,307 | $ | 96,590 | $ | 53,815 | |||||||||
| Other revenue | 18,988 | 15,575 | 12,306 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 111,295 | $ | 112,165 | $ | 66,121 | |||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 56,819 | $ | 58,226 | $ | 42,411 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 1,168 | 1,188 | 1,790 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 885 | 956 | 809 | ||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 24,016 | 20,693 | 18,152 | ||||||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 82,888 | $ | 81,063 | $ | 63,162 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 28,407 | $ | 31,102 | $ | 2,959 | |||||||||
| Key Performance Metrics: | |||||||||||||||
| Origination volumes | $ | 1,608,311 | $ | 1,658,126 | $ | 1,142,642 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale margins | 5.6 | % | 6.3 | % | 4.7 | % | |||||||||
| Return on average equity | 38.9 | % | 50.9 | % | 7.1 | % | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1): | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 17,434 | $ | 28,578 | $ | 3,929 | |||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 28.8 | % | 60.5 | % | 12.0 | % |
(1) See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Revenues
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) include gains on sale of mortgage loans and the fair value adjustment in mortgage servicing rights. Gains on the sale of mortgage loans represent the difference between the selling price and carrying value of loans sold and are recognized upon settlement. Such gains also include the changes in fair value of loans held for sale and loan-related hedges and derivatives. We transfer the risk of loss or default to the loan purchaser, however, in some cases we are required to indemnify purchasers for losses related to non-compliance with borrowers’ creditworthiness and collateral requirements. Because of this, we recognize gains on sale net of required indemnification and premium recapture reserves. The fair value adjustment on mortgage servicing rights represents fair value adjustments considering estimated prepayments and other factors associated with changes in interest rates, plus actual run-off in the servicing portfolio. We report these adjustments separate from servicing income and servicing expense.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes loan origination fees, interest income, and mortgage servicing income. Loan origination fees are earned as mortgage loans are funded. Servicing fees are earned over the life of the loan. Interest income includes interest earned on loans held for sale and interest income on bank balances and short-term investments.
Revenues – 2021 compared to 2020 and 2020 compared to 2019
For the year ended December 31, 2021, $1,608.3 million of loans were funded, compared to $1,658.1 million for 2020, a decrease of $49.8 million, or 3.0%. Origination volumes in 2021 and 2020 were primarily attributed to the lower interest rate environment and home price appreciation in the United States. Gain on sale margins decreased to 5.6% for the year ended December 31, 2021, down approximately 70 basis points from 6.3% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net realized and unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $92.3 million, compared to $96.6 million for 2020, a decrease of $4.3 million or 4.4%. The primary driver of decreased gain on sale revenues were the decline in volumes and gain on sale margins, partially offset by positive fair value adjustments in mortgage servicing rights of $5.8 million as interest rates increased from the year ended December 31, 2020. Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $19.0 million, compared to $15.6 million for 2020, an increase of $3.4 million, or 21.9%, driven primarily by higher servicing fees from an increase in loans serviced. As of December 31, 2021, the mortgage servicing asset recorded in other assets on the balance
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sheet was $29.8 million, an increase from $14.8 million as of December 31, 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, $1,658.1 million of loans were funded, compared to $1,142.6 million for 2019, an increase of $515.5 million, or 45.1%. The increase in origination volumes is primarily attributed to the lower interest rate environment and rising home prices in 2020 compared to 2019. Gain on sale margins also increased to 6.3% for the year ended December 31, 2020, up 165 basis points from 4.7% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $96.6 million, compared to $53.8 million for 2019, an increase of $42.8 million or 79.5%. The primary drivers of increased gains on sale were increases in origination volumes and gains on sale margins, partially offset by negative fair value adjustments in our mortgage servicing rights of $4.0 million as interest rates declined. Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $15.6 million, compared to $12.3 million for 2019, an increase of $3.3 million or 26.8%, driven by increased loan origination volumes and servicing fees. As of December 31, 2020, the mortgage servicing asset recorded in other assets on the balance sheet was $14.8 million, an increase from $8.8 million as of December 31, 2019.
Expenses
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits includes salaries, commissions, benefits, bonuses, other incentive compensation and related taxes for employees. Commissions expense for sales staff generally varies with loan origination volumes.
Interest Expense
Interest expense represents borrowing costs under warehouse and other credit facilities used primarily to fund loan originations. Amortization of deferred financing costs, including commitment fees, is included in interest expense.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation expense is mainly associated with furniture, fixtures and equipment while amortization expense is primarily associated with a trade name and internally developed software.
Other Expenses
Other expenses include loan origination expenses, namely, leads, appraisals, credit reporting and licensing fees, general and administrative expenses, including office rent, insurance, legal, consulting and payroll processing expenses, and servicing expense.
Expenses – 2021 compared to 2020 and 2020 compared to 2019
For the year ended December 31, 2021, employee compensation and benefits was $56.8 million, compared to $58.2 million in 2020, a decrease of $1.4 million or 2.4%. This decrease was driven primarily by reduced commissions on lower origination volumes. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense were both flat, at $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021, other expenses were $24.0 million, compared to $20.7 million in 2020 with the $3.3 million increase driven by increased loan origination expenses, including marketing costs.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, employee compensation and benefits was $58.2 million, compared to $42.4 million in 2019, an increase of $15.8 million or 37.3%. This increase was driven primarily by increased commissions on higher origination volumes, in addition to increased incentive compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest expense was $1.2 million, compared to $1.8 million in 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 33.3%. This is due to the reduced interest rate environment decreasing our cost of funds, partially offset by higher loan volumes. For the year ended December 31, 2020, depreciation and amortization expense was $1.0 million, compared to $0.8 million for 2019, up $0.2 million, due to purchases of fixed assets. For the year ended December 31, 2020, other expenses were $20.7 million, compared to $18.2 million in 2019, driven by increased loan origination expenses, including marketing costs, and rent.
Income (loss) before taxes
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Income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $28.4 million, compared to income before taxes of $31.1 million in 2020. The primary driver of the decrease was a decline in margins partially offset by higher servicing fees attributable to the larger servicing portfolio, in addition to positive fair value adjustments on the mortgage servicing rights asset, as compared to 2020.
Income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $31.1 million, compared to $3.0 million in 2019. The primary driver of the increase was the increase in revenue noted above, partially offset by higher compensation and other costs associated with the improved financial performance.
Tiptree Capital - Other
The following tables present a summary of Tiptree Capital - Other results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Total revenue | Income (loss) before taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | 3,091 | $ | (65,123) | $ | 9,140 | $ | 3,091 | $ | (65,123) | $ | 9,140 | ||||||||||||
| Maritime transportation | 35,562 | 22,697 | 16,591 | 11,635 | 1,493 | 1,610 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other (1) | 66,436 | 49,501 | 45,791 | 2,484 | 2,388 | 12,641 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 105,089 | $ | 7,075 | $ | 71,522 | $ | 17,210 | $ | (61,242) | $ | 23,391 |
(1) Includes our held for sale mortgage originator (Luxury), asset management, and certain intercompany elimination transactions.
Revenues
Tiptree Capital - Other earns revenues from the following sources: net interest income; revenues on our held for sale mortgage originator; realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investment holdings (primarily Invesque); and charter revenue from vessels within the Company’s maritime transportation operations.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $105.1 million compared to $7.1 million for 2020. The primary driver of the change in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 was unrealized gains on Invesque in 2021 compared to unrealized losses in 2020, partially offset by the suspension of its monthly dividend payment in April 2020, increased dry-bulk charter rates earned by the maritime transportation business, and growth in mortgage gain on sale revenues in the held for sale mortgage originator.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $7.1 million, compared to $71.5 million for 2019. The primary driver of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 were unrealized losses of $67.7 million on Invesque and the suspension of its monthly dividend payment, offset by a full year of tanker operations in our maritime transportation business and growth in mortgage gain on sale revenues in our held for sale mortgage originator.
Income (loss) before taxes
The income before taxes from Tiptree Capital - Other for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $17.2 million, compared to a loss before taxes of $61.2 million in 2020. The primary driver of the increase was unrealized gains in 2021 compared to losses in 2020 on our investment in Invesque, in addition to increased income before taxes in our maritime transportation business due to a rise in dry-bulk charter rates.
The loss before taxes from Tiptree Capital - Other for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $61.2 million, compared to income of $23.4 million in 2019. The primary drivers of the decrease were unrealized losses and discontinued dividend income on our investment in Invesque. Non-recurrence of the gain on sale of the management contracts and related assets for the CLOs managed in our asset management business in 2019 also drove the 2020 decline in income before taxes.
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Adjusted net income - Non-GAAP(1)
| ($ in thousands) | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Senior living (Invesque) | $ | — | $ | 2,001 | $ | 8,004 | ||||||||
| Maritime transportation | 10,713 | 2,291 | 1,695 | |||||||||||
| Other | 50 | 205 | 4,384 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 10,763 | $ | 4,497 | $ | 14,083 |
(1) See “—Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
Adjusted net income increased to $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $4.5 million in 2020. The increase was driven by improvement in maritime transportation operations from higher dry-bulk charter rates, partially offset by the impact of the discontinuation of the Invesque dividend in April 2020.
Adjusted net income decreased to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $14.1 million in 2019. The key driver of the decrease was the dividend income on our investment in Invesque was discontinued in April 2020. See “— Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for a reconciliation to GAAP net income.
Corporate
The following table presents a summary of corporate results for the following periods:
Results of Operations
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | $ | 7,406 | $ | 7,718 | $ | 6,542 | |||||||||
| Employee incentive compensation expense | 20,654 | 7,477 | 9,323 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 10,032 | 10,016 | 6,292 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 805 | 807 | 652 | ||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 11,235 | 9,642 | 11,432 | ||||||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 50,132 | $ | 35,660 | $ | 34,241 |
Corporate expenses include expenses of the holding company for interest expense, employee compensation and benefits, and public company and other expenses. Corporate employee compensation and benefits includes the expense of management, legal and accounting staff. Other expenses primarily consisted of audit and professional fees, insurance, office rent and other related expenses.
Employee compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation expense, was $28.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $15.2 million for 2020, driven by an increase in performance related employee incentive compensation. Of the incentive compensation expense, $8.6 million was related to stock-based compensation expense in 2021 primarily driven by the increase in Tiptree’s stock price, compared to $3.2 million in 2020. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $10.0 million. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding borrowing was $114.1 million, compared to $120.3 million at December 31, 2020. Other expenses of $11.2 million increased by $1.6 million from the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by $2.2 million of non-recurring professional and legal fees associated with preparation of the registration statement for the potential Fortegra initial public offering in 2021 (which registration statement has been withdrawn), compared to $0.8 million of non-recurring debt extinguishment fees associated with the refinancing of the corporate credit facility and acquisition-related legal fees in the prior year.
Employee compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation expense, was $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $15.9 million for 2019, driven primarily by a reduction in employee incentive compensation. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $10.0 million, up from $6.3 million in 2019, driven by a higher average outstanding balance during 2020 associated with our acquisition of Smart AutoCare in January 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding borrowing was $120.3 million, compared to $68.2 million at December 31, 2019.
Provision for Income Taxes
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The total income tax expense of $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the total income tax benefit of $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and total income tax expense of $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 are reflected as components of net income (loss).
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 32.6%. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was higher than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0% primarily from the impact of state taxes and non-deductible compensation, partially offset by the effect of stock based compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 35.1%. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was higher than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily from the impact of expected refunds arising from the CARES Act. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s effective tax rate was equal to 31.0%. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was higher than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily from the impact of the non-recurring return-to-provision, as well as ongoing state and foreign taxes.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted, implementing numerous changes to tax law including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $7.3 million tax benefit related to the ability to carry back net operating losses to prior periods under the CARES Act, resulting in a decrease of our deferred tax asset of $16.8 million and increase to our current receivable of $24.1 million.
Balance Sheet Information
Tiptree’s total assets were $3,599.1 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to $2,995.8 million as of December 31, 2020. The $603.4 million increase in assets is primarily attributable to the growth in the Insurance segment.
Total stockholders’ equity was $400.2 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to $373.5 million as of December 31, 2020, primarily driven by net income for year ended December 31, 2021, partially offset by dividends. As of December 31, 2021, there were 34,124,153 shares of common stock outstanding as compared to 32,682,462 as of December 31, 2020.
The following table is a summary of certain balance sheet information:
| As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,002,152 | $ | 201,134 | $ | 384,564 | $ | 11,297 | $ | 3,599,147 | ||||||||
| Corporate debt | $ | 162,160 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 114,063 | $ | 276,223 | ||||||||
| Asset based debt | 42,310 | 72,518 | 13,600 | — | 128,428 | |||||||||||||
| Tiptree Inc. stockholders’ equity | $ | 292,865 | $ | 59,237 | $ | 117,984 | $ | (87,132) | $ | 382,954 | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests - Other | 11,066 | 1,169 | 3,930 | 1,062 | 17,227 | |||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 303,931 | $ | 60,406 | $ | 121,914 | $ | (86,070) | $ | 400,181 |
NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In addition to GAAP results, management uses the non-GAAP financial measures underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin in order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners. We also use the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of operating performance and as part of our resource and capital allocation process, to assess comparative returns on invested capital. Adjusted EBITDA is also used in determining incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Management believes these measures provide supplemental information useful to investors as they are frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance and to compare relative performance among comparable companies. Adjusted net income, adjusted return on average equity, Adjusted EBITDA, underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for earned premiums, net income or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
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Underwriting and Fee Revenues and Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP (Insurance only)
The following tables present revenue and expenses by business mix. We generally manage exposure to underwriting risks written by using both reinsurance (e.g., quota share and excess of loss) and retrospective commission agreements with our partners (e.g., commissions paid are adjusted based on the actual underlying losses incurred), which mitigates Fortegra’s risk. Period-over-period comparisons of revenues and expenses are often impacted by the PORCs and distribution partners’ choice as to whether to retain risk, specifically service and administration fees and ceding commissions, both components of revenue, and policy and contract benefits and commissions paid to our partners and reinsurers. Generally, when losses are incurred, the risk which is retained by our partners and reinsurers is reflected in a reduction in commissions paid. In order to better explain to investors the underwriting performance and the respective retentions between the Company and its agents and reinsurance partners, we use the non-GAAP metrics underwriting and fee revenues and underwriting and fee margin.
Underwriting and Fee Revenues — Non-GAAP
We define underwriting and fee revenues as total revenues from the Insurance segment excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses). Underwriting and fee revenues represents revenues generated by underwriting and fee-based operations and allows us to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting and fee revenues should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenues calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee revenues differently.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 984,130 | $ | 691,061 | $ | 635,085 | |||||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (17,896) | (9,916) | (8,667) | ||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 2,006 | 11,944 | (6,896) | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting and fee revenues | $ | 968,240 | $ | 693,089 | $ | 619,522 |
Underwriting and Fee Margin — Non-GAAP
We define underwriting and fee margin as income before taxes from the Insurance segment, excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses), employee compensation and benefits, other expenses, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Underwriting and fee margin represents the underwriting performance of our underwriting and fee-based lines. As such, underwriting and fee margin excludes general administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization and other corporate expenses as those expenses support the vertically integrated business model and not any individual component of the Company’s business mix. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into the specific performance of our underlying business mix. Underwriting and fee margin should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting and fee margin differently.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 69,857 | $ | 26,948 | $ | 37,030 | |||||||||
| Less: Net investment income | (17,896) | (9,916) | (8,667) | ||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 2,006 | 11,944 | (6,896) | ||||||||||||
| Plus: Depreciation and amortization | 17,223 | 10,835 | 9,105 | ||||||||||||
| Plus: Interest expense | 17,576 | 15,487 | 14,766 | ||||||||||||
| Plus: Employee compensation and benefits | 76,552 | 65,089 | 49,789 | ||||||||||||
| Plus: Other expenses | 79,227 | 55,594 | 50,657 | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting and fee margin | $ | 244,545 | $ | 175,981 | $ | 145,784 |
Adjusted Net Income — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted net income as income before taxes, less provision (benefit) for income taxes, and excluding the after-tax impact of various expenses that we consider to be unique and non-recurring in nature, including merger and acquisition related expenses, stock-based compensation, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and intangibles amortization associated with purchase accounting. We use adjusted net income as an internal operating performance measure in the
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management of business as part of our capital allocation process. We believe adjusted net income provides useful supplemental information to investors as it is frequently used by the financial community to analyze financial performance between periods and for comparison among companies. Adjusted net income should not be viewed as a substitute for income before taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted net income differently.
We present adjustments for amortization associated with acquired intangible assets. The intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting in connection with Tiptree’s acquisition of Fortegra Financial in 2014, Defend in 2019, and Smart AutoCare and Sky Auto in 2020. The intangible assets acquired contribute to overall revenue generation, and the respective purchase accounting adjustments will continue to occur in future periods until such intangible assets are fully amortized in accordance with the respective amortization periods required by GAAP.
Adjusted Return on Average Equity — Non-GAAP
We define adjusted return on average equity as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “—Adjusted Net Income—Non-GAAP” above. We use adjusted return on average equity as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted return on average equity should not be viewed as a substitute for return on average equity calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted return on average equity differently.
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 69,857 | $ | 28,407 | $ | 17,210 | $ | (50,132) | $ | 65,342 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (18,438) | (4,882) | (1,992) | 4,021 | (21,291) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (3,732) | (5,798) | (3,091) | — | (12,621) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (1) | 15,329 | — | — | — | 15,329 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,006 | 331 | 213 | 8,581 | 11,131 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses | 2,158 | — | 938 | 2,171 | 5,267 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments | — | — | (3,170) | — | (3,170) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments | (398) | (624) | 655 | 4,249 | 3,882 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 66,782 | $ | 17,434 | $ | 10,763 | $ | (31,110) | $ | 63,869 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 66,782 | $ | 17,434 | $ | 10,763 | $ | (31,110) | $ | 63,869 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | 300,820 | 60,433 | 113,717 | (88,111) | 386,859 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 22.2 | % | 28.8 | % | 9.5 | % | NM% | 16.5 | % |
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 26,948 | $ | 31,102 | $ | (61,242) | $ | (35,660) | $ | (38,852) | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (3,725) | (7,066) | 13,624 | 10,794 | 13,627 | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 13,804 | 4,018 | 67,668 | — | 85,490 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (1) | 9,213 | — | — | — | 9,213 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,287 | 2,482 | 174 | 3,172 | 8,115 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses | 3,418 | — | 624 | 758 | 4,800 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments | — | — | (2,141) | — | (2,141) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments | (8,522) | (1,958) | (14,210) | (4,131) | (28,821) | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 43,423 | $ | 28,578 | $ | 4,497 | $ | (25,067) | $ | 51,431 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 43,423 | $ | 28,578 | $ | 4,497 | $ | (25,067) | $ | 51,431 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | 285,760 | 47,202 | 138,606 | (79,092) | 392,476 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 15.2 | % | 60.5 | % | 3.2 | % | NM% | 13.1 | % |
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| For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Capital | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Insurance | Mortgage | Other | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 37,030 | $ | 2,959 | $ | 23,391 | $ | (34,241) | $ | 29,139 | ||||||||
| Less: Income tax (benefit) expense | (8,455) | (640) | (4,457) | 4,535 | (9,017) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (6,896) | 2,056 | (6,148) | — | (10,988) | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Intangibles amortization (1) | 7,510 | — | — | — | 7,510 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 2,891 | 170 | — | 3,299 | 6,360 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-recurring expenses | 1,975 | — | 202 | 2,079 | 4,256 | |||||||||||||
| Plus: Non-cash fair value adjustments | — | — | (153) | — | (153) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Tax on adjustments | (1,249) | (616) | 1,248 | 1,108 | 491 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 32,806 | $ | 3,929 | $ | 14,083 | $ | (23,220) | $ | 27,598 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 32,806 | $ | 3,929 | $ | 14,083 | $ | (23,220) | $ | 27,598 | ||||||||
| Average stockholders’ equity | 266,397 | 32,785 | 161,133 | (54,978) | 405,337 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted return on average equity | 12.3 | % | 12.0 | % | 8.7 | % | NM% | 6.8 | % |
The footnotes below correspond to the tables above, under “—Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP and “—Adjusted Return on Average Equity - Non-GAAP”.
(1) Specifically associated with acquisition purchase accounting. See Note (3) Acquisitions.
Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP
The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income of the Company plus corporate interest expense, plus income taxes, plus depreciation and amortization expense, less the effects of purchase accounting, plus non-cash fair value adjustments, plus significant non-recurring expenses, and plus unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities reported in other comprehensive income. Adjusted EBITDA is used to determine incentive compensation for the Company’s executive officers. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or substitute for GAAP net income.
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 38,132 | $ | (29,158) | $ | 18,361 | ||||||||||||
| Add: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests | 5,919 | 3,933 | 1,761 | |||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt related interest expense(1) | 24,426 | 23,322 | 19,754 | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated provision (benefit) for income taxes | 21,291 | (13,627) | 9,017 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 24,437 | 17,268 | 13,083 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-cash fair value adjustments(2) | (7,945) | (7,122) | (3,156) | |||||||||||||||
| Non-recurring expenses(3) | 5,267 | 4,800 | 4,257 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities | (10,751) | 5,125 | 5,008 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 100,776 | $ | 4,541 | $ | 68,085 |
| (1) | Corporate debt interest expense includes interest expense from secured corporate credit agreements, junior subordinated notes and preferred trust securities. Interest expense associated with asset-specific debt is not added-back for Adjusted EBITDA. |
|---|---|
| (2) | For maritime transportation operations, depreciation and amortization is deducted as a reduction in the value of the vessel. |
| (3) | Acquisition, start-up and disposition costs, including debt extinguishment, legal, taxes, banker fees and other costs. |
Book Value per share - Non-GAAP
Management believes the use of this financial measure provides supplemental information useful to investors as book value is frequently used by the financial community to analyze company growth on a relative per share basis. The following table provides a reconciliation between total stockholders’ equity and total shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.
| ($ in thousands, except per share information) | As of December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 400,181 | $ | 373,538 | $ | 411,415 | ||||
| Less: Non-controlling interests | 17,227 | 17,394 | 13,353 | |||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity, net of non-controlling interests | $ | 382,954 | $ | 356,144 | $ | 398,062 | ||||
| Total common shares outstanding | 34,124 | 32,682 | 34,563 | |||||||
| Book value per share | $ | 11.22 | $ | 10.90 | $ | 11.52 |
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and other liquid investments and distributions from operating subsidiaries, including income from our investment portfolio and sales of assets and investments. We intend to use our cash resources to continue to fund our operations and grow our businesses. We may seek additional sources of cash to fund acquisitions or investments. These additional sources of cash may take the form of debt or equity and may be at the parent, subsidiary or asset level. We are a holding company and our liquidity needs are primarily for interest payments on the Fortress credit facility, compensation, professional fees, office rent and insurance costs. In February 2020, we refinanced our existing facility with Fortress, extending the maturity to February 2025 and increasing the principal amount to $125 million, generating approximately $53 million of cash after repaying the existing facility and expenses. A portion of those funds were invested in Fortegra to fund growth, with the remainder used to provide additional liquidity. As a condition to the closing of the WP Transaction, we will assign the Fortress credit facility to Fortegra who will use proceeds from the WP Transaction to payoff all of the unpaid principal balance of the Fortress credit facility. In addition, on or prior to the closing of the WP Transaction, Fortegra will have certain of its subsidiaries repay $30.0 million principal balance of aggregate intercompany promissory notes to Tiptree Holdings LLC, plus accrued interest.
Our subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make cash distributions will be subject to numerous business and other factors, including restrictions contained in agreements for the strategic investment by Warburg Pincus in Fortegra, our subsidiaries’ financing agreements, regulatory restrictions, availability of sufficient funds at such subsidiaries, general economic and business conditions, tax considerations, strategic plans, financial results and other factors such as target capital ratios and ratio levels anticipated by rating agencies to maintain or improve current ratings. We expect our cash and cash equivalents and distributions from operating subsidiaries, our subsidiaries’ access to financing, and sales of investments to be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, as well as the long term.
As of December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, were $175.7 million, compared to $136.9 million at December 31, 2020, an increase of $38.8 million primarily as a result of additional gross written premium and premium equivalents at Fortegra.
Our mortgage business relies on short term uncommitted sources of financing as a part of their normal course of operations. To date, we have been able to obtain and renew uncommitted warehouse credit facilities. If we were not able to obtain financing, then we may need to draw on other sources of liquidity to fund our mortgage business. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements, for additional information regarding our mortgage warehouse borrowings.
We believe that cash flow from operations will provide sufficient capital to continue to grow the business and fund interest on the outstanding debt, capital expenditures and other general corporate needs over the next several years. As we continue to expand our business, including by any acquisitions we may make, we may, in the future, require additional working capital for increased costs.
For purposes of determining enterprise value and Adjusted EBITDA, we consider corporate credit agreements and preferred trust securities, which we refer to as corporate debt, as corporate financing and associated interest expense is added back. The below table outlines this amount by debt outstanding and interest expense at the insurance company and corporate level.
Corporate Debt
| ($ in thousands) | Corporate Debt Outstanding as of December 31, | Interest Expense for the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 162,160 | $ | 160,000 | $ | 185,000 | $ | 14,232 | $ | 13,305 | $ | 13,390 | |||||||||||||||
| Corporate | 114,063 | 120,313 | 68,210 | 10,193 | 10,017 | 6,292 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 276,223 | $ | 280,313 | $ | 253,210 | $ | 24,425 | $ | 23,322 | $ | 19,682 |
As of December 31, 2021, the credit facility with Fortress carries a rate of LIBOR (with a minimum LIBOR rate of 1.0%), plus a margin of 6.75% per annum. The agreement requires quarterly principal payments of approximately $1.56 million. See Note (11) Debt, net in the notes to consolidated financial statements for details.
On August 4, 2020, Fortegra entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Fortegra and its wholly-owned subsidiary, LOTS Intermediate Co., as borrowers, the lenders from time to time party thereto, certain of
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Fortegra’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent and issuing lender (the “Fortegra Credit Agreement”). The Fortegra Credit Agreement provides for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, all of which is available for the issuance of letters of credit, with a sub-limit of $17.5 million for swing loans, and matures on August 4, 2023.
Consolidated Comparison of Cash Flows
| ($ in thousands) | For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total cash provided by (used in): | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by: | ||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 204,316 | $ | 140,169 | $ | 23,742 | ||||
| Investing activities | (273,759) | (123,491) | (8,327) | |||||||
| Financing activities | 73,735 | 31,749 | 36,928 | |||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 4,292 | $ | 48,427 | $ | 52,343 |
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $204.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included consolidated net income (excluding unrealized gains and losses), proceeds from mortgage loans outpacing originations and growth in insurance company unearned premiums and net deferred revenues, partially offset by increases in deferred acquisition costs and reinsurance receivables.
Cash provided by operating activities was $140.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included proceeds from mortgage loans outpacing originations, offset by increases in notes and accounts receivable and decreases in unearned premiums from our insurance operations.
Cash provided by operating activities was $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2019, the primary sources of cash from operating activities included consolidated net income (excluding unrealized gains and losses), increases in unearned premiums, reinsurance payables, and deferred revenues, offset by increases in notes and accounts receivable and reinsurance receivables related to growth in our insurance operations.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $273.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, the primary use of cash from investing activities was the purchase of investments outpacing proceeds from the sales of investments in our insurance investment portfolio, and the issuance of notes receivable outpacing proceeds.
Cash used in investing activities was $123.5 million for the year ended year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, the primary use of cash from investing activities was the purchase of investments outpacing proceeds from the sales of investments in our insurance investment portfolio and the issuance of notes receivables outpacing proceeds. This was partially offset by proceeds received in connection with the acquisition of Smart AutoCare.
Cash used in investing activities was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2019, the primary use of cash from investing activities was the issuance of notes receivables outpacing proceeds. This was offset by proceeds associated with a contingent earn-out from our sale of Care, proceeds from the sale of our Telos business, and sales and maturities of investments in excess of purchases in our insurance investment portfolio.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2021, proceeds from borrowings exceeded principal repayments on mortgage warehouse facilities and asset-based debt supporting our premium finance operations in the insurance business, partially offset by net redemptions of non-controlling interest of $3.5 million, the repurchase of the Company’s common stock and other changes in additional paid-in capital of $8.1 million and the payment of $5.3 million in dividends.
Cash provided by financing activities was $31.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, our new borrowings exceeded our principal paydowns, primarily from increased borrowings on our secured term credit agreement and our secured corporate revolving credit agreement in our insurance operations, partially offset by decreased borrowings on our mortgage
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warehouse facilities. Net cash provided by increased borrowings was offset by the repurchase of $13.9 million of the Company’s common stock and the payment of $5.6 million in dividends.
Cash provided by financing activities was $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2019, our new borrowings exceeded our principal repayments primarily from increased borrowings on our mortgage warehouse facilities due to increased volume in our mortgage business, increased borrowing on our secured corporate credit agreement in our insurance business to support growth, and a vessel backed term loan, offset by the repayment of asset based borrowings in our credit loan fund, held within our insurance investment portfolio. Net cash provided by increased borrowings was partially offset by the repurchase of $9.1 million of the Company’s common stock and the payment of $5.5 million in dividends.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As disclosed in Note (2), the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The Company believes that the following discussion addresses the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
The initial measurement of goodwill and intangibles requires judgment concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but subject to tests for impairment annually or if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not they may be impaired. Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had two reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, of which the fair value substantially exceeded carrying value as of that date. See Note (9) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net.
Reserves
Unpaid claims are reserve estimates that are established in accordance with GAAP using generally accepted actuarial methods. Credit life and accidental death and destruction (AD&D) unpaid claims reserves include claims in the course of settlement and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Credit disability unpaid claims reserves also include continuing claim reserves for open disability claims. For all other Fortegra product lines, unpaid claims reserves are bulk reserves and are entirely IBNR. The Company uses a number of algorithms in establishing its unpaid claims reserves. These algorithms are used to calculate unpaid claims as a function of paid losses, earned premium, target loss ratios, in-force amounts, unearned premium reserves, industry recognized morbidity tables or a combination of these factors.
In arriving at the unpaid claims reserves, the Company conducts an actuarial analysis on a basis gross of reinsurance. The same estimates used as a basis in calculating the gross unpaid claims reserves are then used as the basis for calculating the net unpaid claims reserves, which take into account the impact of reinsurance. Anticipated future loss development patterns form a key assumption underlying these analyses. Our claims are generally reported and settled quickly, resulting in consistent historical loss development patterns. From the anticipated loss development patterns, a variety of actuarial loss projection techniques are employed, such as the chain ladder method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and expected loss ratio method.
The unpaid claims reserves represent the Company’s best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time. Actual claim costs are dependent upon a number of complex factors such as changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. These factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. The Company periodically reviews and updates its methods of making such unpaid claims reserve estimates and establishing the related liabilities based on our actual experience. The Company has not made any changes to its methodologies for determining unpaid claims reserves in the periods presented.
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company experienced an increase in prior year development of $2.6 million, $5.4 million, and $5.2 million, respectively. In 2021, the $2.6 million increase in prior year development is
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primarily due to higher-than-expected claim severity from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business. In 2020, the $5.4 million increase was due to higher than expected claim frequency from business written by a small group of producers of our personal and commercial lines of business, of which $2.2 million related to our non-standard auto business. The underlying cause of the 2020 prior year development was the result of a subset of risk where the loss ratio pegs used in our year end actuarial determination was low given the ultimate frequency that emerged. In 2019, the entire $5.2 million increase related to our non-standard auto business. The underlying cause of this development was higher than expected claim frequency. The non-standard programs which contributed to the prior year development in both 2020 and 2019, one active program which was new in 2018 and two programs in run-off, experienced loss emergence in excess of levels contemplated when originally pricing the products. The Company responded to this emergence by filing for increased rates for the one underperforming active program and non-renewing all business for the two programs in run-off.
Management considers the prior year development for all three years to be insignificant when considered in the context of our annual earned premiums, net as well as our net losses and loss adjustment expenses and member benefit claims expenses. Earned premiums, net in 2021 were $685.6 million and net losses and loss adjustment expenses were $253.5 million, which resulted to a loss ratio of 37.0%. Without the $2.6 million prior year development, the calendar year loss ratio would have been approximately 0.4% lower. For comparison, the 2020 and 2019 loss ratios were 37.2% and 30.3%, respectively. In general, the Company's loss ratio results have been predictable and consistent over time. In 2021, the $2.6 million prior year development represented only 3.7% of pretax income of our insurance business of $69.9 million, and 3.1% of the opening net liability for losses and loss adjustment expense of $83.9 million in the same year. Actuarial estimates are subject to estimation variability, and while management uses its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The variability in these estimates can, and have in the past, been significant to pretax income.
We analyze our development on a quarterly basis and given the short duration nature of our products, favorable or adverse development emerges quickly and allows for timely reserve strengthening, if necessary, or modifications to our product pricing or offerings.
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
While management has used its best judgment in establishing the estimate of required unpaid claims, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different unpaid claims estimates. The determination of best estimates is affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
•the quality and applicability of historical data,
•current and future economic conditions,
•trends in loss frequencies and severities for various causes of loss,
•changes in claims reporting patterns,
•claims settlement patterns and timing,
•regulatory, legislative and judicial decisions,
•morbidity patterns, and
•the attitudes of claimants towards settlements.
The adequacy of our unpaid claims reserves will be impacted by future trends that impact these factors. Two key measures of loss activity are loss frequency, which is the measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls, changes in economic activity and weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate reserves required will be different than management’s estimate. Based on our actuarial analysis, we have determined that an aggregate change that is greater than 5% in loss frequency and loss severity is not reasonably likely given the Company’s low limit underwriting and low severity philosophies. The effect of higher and lower levels of loss frequency and severity on our ultimate costs for claims occurring in 2021 would be as follows:
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| Accident Year 2021 Sensitivity TestChange in Loss & Frequency & Severity on Ultimate | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | |||||
| Scenario | Ultimate Cost | Change | |||
| 5% higher | $ | 263 | $ | 12,515 | |
| 3% higher | $ | 258 | $ | 7,509 | |
| 1% higher | $ | 253 | $ | 2,503 | |
| Base scenario | $ | 250 | $ | — | |
| 1% lower | $ | 248 | $ | (2,503) | |
| 3% lower | $ | 243 | $ | (7,509) | |
| 5% lower | $ | 238 | $ | (12,515) |
Based upon our internal analysis and our review of the statement of actuarial opinions provided by our actuarial consultants, we believe that the amounts recorded for policy liabilities and unpaid claims reasonably represents the amount necessary to pay all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents that have occurred as of the balance sheet date.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
The Company defers certain costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance policies, and other products as follows:
Insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs are limited to direct costs that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related premium is earned.
Other deferred acquisition costs are limited to prepaid direct costs, typically commissions and contract transaction fees, that resulted from successful contract transactions and would not have been incurred by the Company had the transactions not occurred. These capitalized costs are amortized as the related service and administrative fees are earned.
The Company evaluates whether all deferred acquisition costs are recoverable at year end, and considers investment income in the recoverability analysis for insurance policy related deferred acquisition costs. As a result of the Company’s evaluations, no write-offs for unrecoverable deferred acquisition costs were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was $375.1 million, $265.8 million and $287.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns revenues from a variety of sources:
Earned Premiums, net
Net earned premium is from direct and assumed earned premium consisting of revenue generated from the direct sale of insurance policies by the Company’s distributors and premiums written for insurance policies by another carrier and assumed by the Company. Whether direct or assumed, the premium is earned over the life of the respective policy using methods appropriate to the pattern of losses for the type of business. Methods used include the Rule of 78's, pro rata, and other actuarial methods. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available. Direct and assumed premiums are offset by premiums ceded to the Company's reinsurers, including PORCs, earned in the same manner. The amount ceded is proportional to the amount of risk assumed by the reinsurer.
Service and Administrative Fees
The Company earns service and administrative fees from a variety of activities. Such fees are typically positively correlated with transaction volume and are recognized as revenue as they become both realized and earned. Revenues from contracts with customers were $258.6 million, $163.6 million and $89.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and include auto and consumer goods service contracts, motor clubs, other service and administrative fees, vessel related revenue and management fee income. See Note (14) Revenue from Contracts with Customers for more
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detailed disclosure regarding these revenues.
Service fee revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Administrative fee revenue includes the administration of premium associated with our producers and their PORCs. In addition, we also earn fee revenue from debt cancellation, motor club, and auto and consumer goods service contracts. Related administrative fee revenue is recognized consistent with the earnings recognition pattern of the underlying insurance policies, debt cancellation contracts, vehicle service contracts and motor club memberships being administered, using Rule of 78's, modified Rule of 78's, pro rata, or other actuarial methods as appropriate for the contract. Management selects the appropriate method based on available information, and periodically reviews the selections as additional information becomes available.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting guidance requires these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner.
The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, in its judgment, it concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These judgments are based on projections of future income, including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of the Company’s projections. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and determines if adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance is appropriate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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