Our corporate headquarters is located at 953 American Lane, 3rd Floor, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173, USA. The Company-owned facility consists of one three-story office building with approximately 110,000 square feet. An unaffiliated tenant currently leases one floor of the building. We believe that the Schaumburg facility will be sufficient space to support the growth and expansion of our business.
Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “is expected,” “budget,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Atlas to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties.
We are a financial services holding company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our core business is the underwriting of commercial automobile insurance policies, focusing on the “light” commercial automobile sector, which is carried out through our Insurance Subsidiaries (American Country, American Service, Gateway and Global Liberty) in conjunction with our wholly owned managing general agency, AGMI. This sector includes taxi cabs, non-emergency para-transit, limousine, livery, including certain transportation network companies (“TNCs”) drivers/operators, and business auto. Our goal is to always be the preferred specialty insurance business in any geographic areas where our value proposition delivers benefit to all stakeholders. During 2018, our Insurance Subsidiaries were licensed to write property and casualty (“P&C”) insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia in the United States (“U.S.”). During the 2018 fiscal year, the Insurance Subsidiaries distributed their products through a network of independent retail agents, and actively wrote insurance in 42 states and the District of Columbia. We embrace continuous improvement, analytics and technology as a means of building on the strong heritage our subsidiary companies cultivated in the niche markets we serve.
Since Atlas’ formation in 2010, we have disposed of non-core assets, consolidated infrastructure and placed into run-off certain non-core lines of business previously written by our Insurance Subsidiaries. Our focus going forward is the underwriting of commercial automobile insurance in the U.S. Substantially all of our new premiums written are in “light” commercial automobile lines of business. See ‘Item 1, 2019 Developments’ and “Risk Factors - Risk Related to 2019 Developments - Regulatory Developments” for certain developments with respect to the Company and the Insurance Subsidiaries subsequent to December 31, 2018.
Our primary target market is made up of small to mid-size taxi, limousine, other livery, including TNC drivers/operators, and non-emergency para-transit operators. The “light” commercial automobile policies we underwrite provide coverage for lightweight commercial vehicles typically with the minimum limits prescribed by statute, municipal or other regulatory requirements. The majority of our policyholders are individual owners or small fleet operators. In certain jurisdictions like Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada and New York, we have also been successful working with larger operators who retain a meaningful amount of their own risk of loss through higher retentions, self-insurance or self-funded captive insurance entity arrangements. In these cases, we provide support in the areas of day-to-day policy administration and claims handling consistent with the value proposition we offer to all of our insureds, generally on a fee for service basis. We may also provide excess coverage above the levels of risk retained by the insureds where a better than average loss ratio is expected. Through these arrangements, we are able to effectively utilize the significant specialized operating infrastructure we maintain to generate revenue from business segments that may otherwise be more price sensitive.
We believe that operators of “light” commercial automobiles may be less likely than other business segments within the commercial automobile insurance market to take vehicles out of service, as their businesses and business reputations rely heavily on availability. Our target market has changed in recent years as a result of TNC and other trends related to mobility. The significant expansion of TNC has resulted in a reduction in taxi vehicles available to insure; however, it has increased the number of livery operators. Market research also suggests that the combined addressable markets between traditional taxi, livery and TNC companies expanded during this period.
Our surety program primarily consisted of U.S. Customs bonds. We engage a former affiliate, Avalon Risk Management, to help coordinate customer service and claims handling for the surety bonds written as this program runs-off. This non-core program is 100% reinsured to an unrelated third party and has been transitioned to another carrier.
The Gateway truck and workers’ compensation programs were put into run-off during 2012. The workers’ compensation program was 100% reinsured retrospectively and prospectively to an unrelated third party. The workers’ compensation reinsurance agreement was terminated during 2017.
Global Liberty’s homeowners program, which is substantially reinsured, was placed into run-off prior to Atlas’ acquisition.There is a relatively small book of business, which is substantially reinsured, that is still in run-off.
A brief summary of each of these critical accounting estimates follows. For a more detailed discussion of the effect of these estimates on our consolidated financial statements, and the judgments and assumptions related to these estimates, see the referenced sections of this document. For a complete summary of our significant accounting policies, see ‘Part II, Item 8, Note 1, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation,’ in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair values for bonds and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or values obtained from independent pricing services. Atlas employs a fair value hierarchy to categorize the inputs it uses in valuation techniques to measure the fair value. The hierarchy is comprised of quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), third party pricing models using available trade, bid and market information (Level 2) and internal models without observable market information (Level 3). The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the period in which events occur impacting the availability of inputs to the fair value methodology. Typically, transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 occur due to collateral performance.
See ‘Part II, Item 8, Note 5, Investments’ in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of OTTI.
The provision for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses represent the estimated liabilities for reported claims, plus those incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”), and the related estimated claim adjustment expenses. Unpaid claim expenses are determined using case-basis evaluations and statistical analyses, including insurance industry claims data, and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses is adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are included in current operations and are accounted for as changes in estimates.
Atlas considers the impact of inflation when establishing adequate rates and estimating the provision for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses. We establish reserves to cover our estimated liability for the payment of claims and expenses related to the administration of claims incurred on the insurance policies we write. Inflation has a larger impact the longer the time between the issuance of the policy and the final settlement of claims. Greater than expected claims costs above the established reserves will require an increase in claims reserves and reduce the earnings in the period the deficiency was established. We consider the impact of inflation on these reserves when establishing policy rates.
At any given point in time, the recorded claim liabilities represent our best estimate of the ultimate settlement and administration cost of insured claims incurred and unpaid. Since the process of estimating claim and claim adjustment liabilities requires significant judgment due to a number of variables, such as fluctuations in inflation, judicial decisions, legislative changes and changes in
In compliance with annual statutory reporting requirements, our appointed independent actuaries provide a Statement of Actuarial Opinion (“SAO”) indicating that carried claim liabilities recorded at each annual balance sheet date make a reasonable provision for the Insurance Subsidiaries’ claim liabilities obligations under the term of contracts and agreements with our policyholders. Recorded claim liabilities are compared to the indicated range provided in the actuary’s report accompanying the SAO. At December 31, 2018, the recorded amount for claim liabilities falls within the range determined by the appointed independent actuaries.
The methods employed by actuaries include a range of estimated claim liabilities, each reflecting a level of uncertainty. Projections of claim liabilities are subject to potentially large variability in the estimation process since the ultimate disposition of claims incurred prior to the financial statement date, whether reported or not, is subject to the outcome of events that have not yet occurred. Examples of these events include jury decisions, court interpretations, legislative changes, and economic conditions. Any estimate of future costs is subject to the inherent limitation on one’s ability to predict the aggregate course of future events. It should therefore be expected that the actual emergence of claim liabilities will vary, perhaps materially, from any estimate.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, Atlas considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the DTAs. Atlas performs an assessment of recoverability of its DTAs on a quarterly basis. If, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not the DTAs will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized in income in the period that such determination is made. As of December 31, 2018, Atlas has a valuation allowance of $29.4 million recorded against the Company’s DTAs. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017.
As part of Atlas’ insurance risk management policies, portions of its insurance risk is ceded to reinsurers. Reinsurance premiums and claims adjustment expenses are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and claims and claims adjustment expenses ceded to other companies have been reported as a reduction of premium revenue and incurred claims. Commissions paid to Atlas by reinsurers on business ceded have been accounted for as a reduction of the related policy acquisition costs. Reinsurance recoverables are recorded for that portion of paid and unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses that are ceded to other companies. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are recorded for unearned premiums that have been ceded to other companies.
Gross premiums written were $286.6 million in 2018, an increase of 3.9% from $276.0 million in 2017.
In-force premium was $286.1 million as of December 31, 2018, an increase of $17.6 million from $268.5 million as of December 31, 2017.
The combined ratio was 129.0% in 2018, an increase of 6.5 points, compared to 122.5% in 2017.
Return on equity was a negative 166.1% in 2018 as compared to a negative 35.6% in 2017.
Other underwriting expenses consist primarily of personnel related expenses (including salaries, benefits and certain costs associated with awards under our equity compensation plans, such as share-based compensation expense) and other general operating expenses. We believe that because a portion of our personnel expenses are relatively fixed in nature, changes in premium writings may impact our operating scale and operating expense ratios.
Gross premiums written were $286.6 million in 2018 compared to $276.0 million in 2017, representing an increase of 3.9%. The increase is primarily due to growth in our para-transit and livery/TNC lines, primarily in New York and California, partially offset by a decrease in taxi gross premiums written. The decrease in taxi business resulted from the non-renewal of one large Illinois account and the loss of airport business in certain states due to the lowering of the A.M. Best ratings of American Country, American Service and Gateway, or collectively, the “ASI Pool Subsidiaries.”
In-force premium was $286.1 million, $268.5 million and $224.6 million as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Gross unearned premium reserves were $134.0 million and $128.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in gross unearned premium reserves and in-force premium since December, 31, 2017 primarily resulted from growth in our para-transit and livery/TNC lines during the second half of 2018. Gross unearned premium reserves were $128.0 million and $113.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in gross unearned premium reserves and in-force premium since December 31, 2016 primarily resulted from growth in the states of California, New Jersey and New York, offset by a reduction in business in the states of Louisiana, Michigan and Minnesota.
As illustrated by the table above, 38.4%, 36.0% and 31.0% of Atlas’ gross premiums written in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, came from New York. The five states currently producing the most premium volume accounted for 66.4% of gross premiums written in 2018, as compared to 64.2% and 55.4% in 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, the increase in New York gross premiums written came from growth in the livery/TNC line, and the increase in California gross premiums written resulted from growth in all products. In 2017, approximately 62.5% of the increase in New York gross premiums written came from one new large limousine fleet account.
The loss ratio relating to the net claims incurred was 101.1%, 94.5% and 78.8 % in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The loss ratio increase in 2018 was primarily the result of the reserve strengthening on prior accident years between 2013 and 2017, which created a 6.6% increase in the loss ratio for 2018. The loss ratio increase in 2017 was primarily the result of the Company’s re-estimation of its unpaid claims liabilities on prior accident years, creating a 15.7% increase in the loss ratio in 2017.
We experienced unfavorable reserve development of $82.7 million, $75.4 million and $32.6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is reported by accident year and line of business in the tables below.
Year-end 2018 reserve estimates for the Insurance Subsidiaries were strengthened to the high point of the actuarial range established by the outside independent actuaries for each entity based on December 31, 2018 data, claim settlement activities, and other factors evaluated subsequent to the receipt of the 2018 actuarial opinions. While the Company believes that the changes made to its claim process will result in better outcomes than would have otherwise been the case, uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome exists, and it cannot be assumed that reserve estimates will be adequate. Primarily as a result of regulatory concerns regarding reserve levels, the ASI Pool Companies were placed into rehabilitation in 2019. See ‘Item 1, 2019 Developments’ and “Item 1A, Risk Factors - Risks Related to 2019 Developments - Regulatory Developments” for certain developments with respect to the Company and the Insurance Subsidiaries subsequent to December 31, 2018. Incremental claim outcomes and other factors could result in future adjustments to reserves and reserve estimates.
Overall, the actuarially determined liability for remaining claims related to accident years 2015 and prior in general was indicated to be significantly higher than carried reserves.
Based on year-end 2017 actuarial work, Atlas determined that this significant reserve increase was necessary to ensure sufficient IBNR levels to extinguish the remaining claims especially for older accident years.
The unfavorable development was primarily from our core commercial automobile liability line.
Excluding pre-acquisition Global Liberty reserve development, the development of our core lines on prior accident years was $23.2 million in 2016.
Michigan commercial automobile claims accounted for approximately 62.5% of this $23.2 million development.
Pre-acquisition Global Liberty claims reserve development was $7.9 million in 2016.
The remaining unfavorable prior year development of $1.5 million in 2016 is attributable to assigned risk pools and run-off of non-core business.
Acquisition costs represent commissions and taxes incurred on net premiums earned, offset by ceding commission on business reinsured. Acquisition costs were $26.1 million, $27.9 million and $18.8 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing 12.0%, 12.9% and 11.0% of net premiums earned, respectively.
Gross commissions incurred excluding profit sharing commissions increased by $2.2 million in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase resulted from higher than average acquisition costs on reinsurance business assumed, partially offset by certain TNC business underwritten at zero commissions. Gross profit sharing commissions incurred decreased by $1.5 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily as a result of fewer agents being eligible for profit sharing commissions. Gross profit sharing commissions are awarded based on the combination of developed loss experience and premium growth. Premium and other taxes incurred increased by $802,000 in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of premium growth in jurisdictions with higher premium tax rates, offset by attrition in states with lower rates.
Ceded commissions incurred excluding profit sharing commissions decreased by $1.5 million in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the decrease in ceded premiums written for the Quota Share. Ceded profit sharing commissions incurred increased by $758,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in ceded profit sharing commissions resulted from favorable loss ratios on Atlas’ excess of loss reinsurance agreements and the Global Quota Share, offset by unfavorable loss ratios on the Quota Share.
Other underwriting expenses increased by approximately $2.1 million over the prior year period.
Depreciation, leasehold improvement amortization and facility costs increased by $599,000 compared to the prior year period because Atlas’ new headquarters building operated for a full year in 2018.
Salary, payroll taxes and employee benefit costs increased by $0.1 million.
DPAC amortization decreased by $1.0 million compared to the prior year period due to an increase in the percentage applied to deferrable expenses.
Expenses recovered pursuant to stock purchase agreements were $520,000. During 2017, there were no expenses recovered pursuant to stock purchase agreements.
Maintenance costs related to Atlas’ enterprise policy management software increased by approximately $1.0 million.
Bank fees increased by $952,000 over the prior year period due to an increase in charges related to processing customer payments.
Depreciation, leasehold improvement amortization and facility costs related to Atlas’ new headquarters building increased by $806,000 compared to the prior year period.
Because salary, payroll taxes and employee benefit costs decreased and gross premiums written and gross unearned premium reserves increased, DPAC amortization increased by $1.6 million.
There were no expenses recovered pursuant to stock purchase agreements. During 2016, there were $6.3 million in expenses recovered pursuant to stock purchase agreements.
Net investment income is primarily comprised of interest income, dividend income and income from other invested assets, net of investment expenses, which are comprised of investment management fees, custodial fees and allocated salaries. Net investment income, net of investment expenses, was $2.6 million in 2018, a decrease of 45.9%, compared to $4.9 million in 2017, following an increase of 1.5% in 2017 compared to $4.8 million in 2016. These amounts are primarily comprised of interest income. In 2018, the decrease resulted from lower returns on equity method investments and less interest income from collateral loans due to loan pay-offs, partially offset by higher interest income on our fixed income securities portfolio. In 2017, the increase was primarily due to an increase in interest income from fixed income securities with higher coupon rates and a decrease in investment manager costs. The gross yield on our fixed income securities was 2.6%, 2.3% and 2.2% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The gross yield on our cash and cash equivalents was 0.7%, 0.3% and 0.1% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, the increase in the gross yield on our cash investments was due to higher interest rates on certain accounts and higher balances in accounts earning
The Company performed an assessment of the recoverability of goodwill related to Anchor Group Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2018. As a result of continued poor results driven from reserve development, declining premium base, and its March 2019 withdrawal from the A.M. Best interactive rating process, the Company concluded that it should impair the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Anchor Group Holdings, Inc. The resulting assessment reduced the carrying value of goodwill to $0, which resulted in a goodwill impairment loss of $2.7 million for 2018. There were no goodwill impairment losses during 2017 and 2016.
Beginning January 1, 2018, Atlas adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, which requires changes in the unrealized market value of equities held at fair value to be recorded through net income. In 2018, Atlas recorded losses of $198,000 through net income related to the changes in the unrealized amounts on equities held at fair value.
Atlas generated pre-tax loss of $64.2 million and $44.2 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and pre-tax income of $512,000 in 2016. The causes of these changes are attributed to the combined effects of the reasons cited in the ‘Net Premiums Earned,’ ‘Net Claims Incurred,’ ‘Acquisition Costs,’ ‘Other Underwriting Expenses,’ ‘Net Investment Income,’ ‘Goodwill Impairment Loss,’ ‘Interest Expense,’ ‘Loss from Change in Fair Value of Equity Securities,’ ‘Net Realized Investment Gains’ and ‘Other Income’ sections above.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”) was signed into law. Among other things, beginning with the 2018 tax year, the Tax Act reduced the Company’s corporate federal tax rate from a marginal rate of 35% to a flat 21%, eliminated the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”), changed reserving and other aspects of the computation of taxable income for insurance companies, and modified the net operating loss carryback and carryforward provisions for all entities in the group except for those subject to tax as P&C companies. The modified net operating loss provisions no longer allow a carryback to prior years to recover past taxes, but now allow an indefinite carryforward period subject to a yearly utilization limit. As discussed above, any net operating losses with respect to the insurance entities taxed as P&C companies retain the current net operating loss carryback and carryover provisions, which are two years carryback and 20 years carryforward. As of December 31, 2016, the Company measured its deferred tax items at the enacted rate in effect of 35%. Due to the Tax Act’s enactment, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 were re-measured at the new enacted tax rate of 21%. In 2017, the Company recognized income tax expense of $10.5 million related to reduction in the net deferred tax asset as a result of this re-measurement.
Upon the transaction forming Atlas on December 31, 2010, a yearly limitation as required by Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382 that applies to changes in ownership on the future utilization of Atlas’ net operating loss carryforwards was calculated. The Insurance Subsidiaries’ prior parent retained those tax assets previously attributed to the Insurance Subsidiaries that could not be utilized by Atlas as a result of this limitation. As a result, Atlas’ ability to recognize future tax benefits associated with a portion of its deferred tax assets generated during prior years have been permanently limited to the amount determined under IRC Section 382. The result is a maximum expected net deferred tax asset, which Atlas has available after the merger and believed more-likely-than-not to be utilized in the future, after consideration of a valuation allowance.
management’s expectations of future profit with vehicles in-force at their highest levels and steady new and renewal business;
predictive modeling in underwriting and claims, which we believe are generating better priced risks that are expected to create overall profitability over time; and
Atlas had net loss of $80.0 million and $38.8 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net income of $2.6 million in 2016. Loss per common share diluted was $6.67 and $3.22 in 2018 and 2017, respectively. After taking the impact of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares into consideration, earnings per common share diluted were $0.19 in 2016.
Atlas’ short-term investments are comprised of bonds and money market funds. As of December 31, 2018, short-term investments totaled $4.7 million. Atlas had no short-term investments as of December 31, 2017.
Atlas’ other investments are comprised of collateral loans and various limited partnerships that invest in income-producing real estate, equities or insurance linked securities. Atlas accounts for these limited partnership investments using the equity method of accounting. The carrying values of these other investments were $25.0 million and $31.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The carrying values of the equity method limited partnerships were $24.0 million and $25.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in the carrying value of the limited partnerships was primarily due to the return of capital offset by contributions to other equity method limited partnerships. The carrying value of these investments is Atlas’ share of the net book value for each limited partnership, an amount that approximates fair value. Atlas receives payments on a routine basis that approximates the income earned on one of the limited partnerships that invest in income-producing real estate. The carrying values of the collateral loans were $1.0 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease was due to the repayment of two collateral loans.
As of December 31, 2018, 26.1% of the fixed income securities, including treasury bills, bankers’ acceptances, government bonds and corporate bonds had contractual maturities of five years or less, compared to 28.4% as of December 31, 2017. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Atlas holds cash and high grade short-term assets, which, along with fixed income security maturities, management believes are sufficient for the payment of claims on a timely basis. In the event that additional cash is required to meet obligations to policyholders, Atlas believes that a high quality securities portfolio provides us with sufficient liquidity. As of December 31, 2018, the fixed income securities had a weighted average life of 4.8 years and a duration of 3.8 years, compared to a weighted average life of 4.9 years and a duration of 3.9 years as of December 31, 2017. Changes in interest rates may have a modest market value impact on the Atlas portfolio relative to longer duration portfolios. Atlas can and typically does hold bonds to maturity by matching duration with the anticipated liquidity needs.
The debt-to-equity ratio is the sum of the Company’s long-term debt and interest payable divided by total shareholders’ equity. The Company’s debt-to-equity ratio as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 430.5% and 26.8%, respectively. The increase is the result of the decrease in shareholders’ equity. See the ‘Shareholders’ Equity’ and ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ subsections of the ‘Financial Condition’ section for further information.
Credit risk is defined as the risk of financial loss due to failure of the other party to a financial instrument to discharge an obligation. Atlas is exposed to credit risk principally through its investments and balances receivable from policyholders, agents and reinsurers. It monitors concentration and credit quality risk through policies designed to limit and monitor its exposure to individual issuers or related groups (with the exception of U.S. government bonds) as well as through ongoing review of the credit ratings of issuers in the securities portfolio. Credit exposure to any one individual policyholder is not material. The Company’s insurance policies, however, are distributed by agents who may manage cash collection on its behalf pursuant to the terms of their agency agreement. Atlas has protocols to evaluate the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurers’ insolvency. The fixed income securities portfolio consists of predominantly investment grade securities in corporate and government bonds with 99.5% rated ‘BBB’ or better as of December 31, 2018 compared to 99.3% as of December 31, 2017.
Atlas recognizes losses on securities for which a decline in market value was deemed to be other-than-temporary. Management performs a quarterly analysis of the securities holdings to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. Atlas did not recognize any charges for securities impairments that were considered other-than-temporary in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
The length of time securities may be held in an unrealized loss position may vary based on the opinion of the appointed investment manager and their respective analyses related to valuation and to the various credit risks that may prevent us from recapturing the principal investment. In cases of securities with a maturity date where the appointed investment manager determines that there is little or no risk of default prior to the maturity of a holding, Atlas would elect to hold the security in an unrealized loss position
The total fair value of the securities in an unrealized loss position was $115.4 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to $108.1 million as of December 31, 2017. Unrealized losses were $3.4 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in unrealized losses primarily resulted from negative changes in market values (see ‘Part II, Item 8, Note 5, Investments’ in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Atlas has the ability and intent to hold the securities in an unrealized loss position until their fair value is recovered. Therefore, Atlas does not expect the market value loss position of these investments to be realized in the near term.
As of December 31, 2018, Atlas’ allowance for bad debt was $5.1 million, compared to $3.4 million as of December 31, 2017. The increase in the allowance for bad debt resulted from an analysis of certain past due balances during 2018.
Atlas purchases reinsurance from third parties in order to reduce its liability on individual risks and its exposure to large claims. Reinsurance is coverage purchased by one insurance company from another for part of the risk originally underwritten by the purchasing (ceding) insurance company. The practice of ceding insurance to reinsurers allows an insurance company to reduce its exposure to claims by size, geographic area and type of risk, or on a particular policy. An effect of ceding insurance is to permit an insurance company to write additional insurance for risks in greater numbers or in larger amounts than it would otherwise insure independently, based on its statutory capital, risk tolerance and other factors.
Atlas generally purchases reinsurance to limit net exposure to a maximum amount on any one loss of $500,000 with respect to commercial automobile liability claims. Atlas also purchases reinsurance to protect against awards in excess of its policy limits. Atlas continually evaluates and adjusts its reinsurance needs based on business volume, mix and supply levels. As a result, the Company has entered into the Quota Share with Swiss Re for ASI Pool Subsidiaries and the Global Quota Share with Swiss Re for Global Liberty. Under the Quota Share, cessions can be increased at our election should we want to utilize it as a means of deleveraging. This gives us flexibility in terms of the timing and approach to potential future capital raising activities in light of anticipated increased operating leverage.
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilized. When considering the extent of the valuation allowance on Atlas’ DTA, weight is given by management to both positive and negative evidence. U.S. GAAP states that a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against DTAs. Based on Atlas’ cumulative loss in recent years, Atlas has established a valuation allowance of $29.4 million for its gross future deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017.
The provision for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses increased by 29.2% to $273.5 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to $211.6 million as of December 31, 2017. During 2018, case reserves increased by 24.6% compared to 2017, while
Atlas experienced $32.6 million in unfavorable prior accident year development in 2016 as reflected as incurred related to prior years in the table above. The unfavorable development is primarily from our core commercial automobile liability line. Excluding pre-acquisition Global Liberty reserve development, the development of our core lines on prior accident years was $23.2 million in 2016. Michigan commercial automobile claims accounted for approximately 62.5% of this development. Pre-acquisition Global Liberty claims reserve development was $7.9 million in 2016. The remaining unfavorable prior year development of $1.5 million for 2016 is attributable to assigned risk pools and run-off of non-core business.
Estimated claims liabilities are calculated based on actuarial assumptions and may differ from actual future claims settlements. The amounts in the table above have been presented net of reinsurance.
As of December 31, 2018, we had contractual obligations to provide additional funds for investments in limited liability investments included in other investments for up to $6.0 million not included in the table above. There is no certainty of when these amounts will be required to be provided.
As of December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC rules.
During 2018, the Company issued 7,408 ordinary voting common shares as a result of the vesting of RSUs and 27,195 ordinary voting common shares, then immediately canceled 6,169 shares, as a result of a cashless exercise of options. During 2017, the Company issued 7,408 ordinary voting common shares as a result of the vesting of RSUs and 133,338 ordinary voting common shares as a result of the exercise of options.
The Loan Agreement also provided for the issuance of letters of credit in an amount up to $2.0 million outstanding at any time. In addition, there was a non-utilization fee for each of the $30.0 million line of credit and $5.0 million revolving line of credit equal to 0.50% per annum of an amount equal to $30.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, less the daily average of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under such credit lines (plus, in the case of the $30.0 million line of credit, the aggregate amount of the letter of credit obligations outstanding).
Cash provided by investing activities during 2018 was due to the net sales and maturities of fixed income securities, the net sales of equity securities and the repayment of two collateral loans, partially offset by property and equipment purchases. Cash used in investing activities during 2017 was due to the net purchases of fixed income and equity securities and the furnishings and improvements for the Company’s new headquarters, offset by the net sales of other investments. Cash provided by investing activities during 2016 was due to the net sale of invested assets, offset by the purchase of a building and land used for the Company’s headquarters.
Cash used in financing activities during 2018 was primarily a result of shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program. Cash provided by financing activities during 2017 resulted from the proceeds of the issuance of the Company’s senior unsecured notes and options exercised, partially offset by the repayment of the Revolver and Draw Amount. Cash used in financing activities during 2016 resulted from the buyback of preferred shares pursuant to the Gateway stock purchase agreement, partially offset by the proceeds from the Revolver and Draw Amount.
The Insurance Subsidiaries must each maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus of $1.5 million, $2.4 million and $3.5 million under the provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code, the Missouri Insurance Code and the New York Insurance Code, respectively. Dividends may only be paid from statutory unassigned surplus, and payments may not be made if such surplus is less than a stipulated amount. The dividend restriction for the ASI Pool Subsidiaries is the greater of statutory net income or 10% of total statutory capital and surplus. The dividend restriction for Global Liberty is the lower of 10% of statutory surplus or 100% of adjusted net investment income for the preceding twelve months. Atlas' Insurance Subsidiaries did not declare or pay any dividends to Atlas during 2018 or 2017. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to 2019 Developments - Regulatory Developments” for certain developments with respect to the Insurance Subsidiaries subsequent to December 31, 2018.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated February 12, 2020 expressed an adverse opinion.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified: The Company did not have an effective internal control in place to monitor the progress of all aspects of its financial reporting close process to timely identify delays, as described in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (“Management’s Report”). This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2018 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated February 12, 2020, on those consolidated financial statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated statement of financial position and the related statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, and our report dated February 12, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Insurance Subsidiaries distribute their insurance products through AGMI, which has contracted a network of retail independent agents. Together, the Insurance Subsidiaries are licensed to write property and casualty (“P&C”) insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. Atlas’ core products are actively distributed in 42 of those states plus the District of Columbia. The Insurance Subsidiaries and the Company’s other non-insurance subsidiaries share common management and operating infrastructure.
Atlas’ ordinary voting common shares are listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol “AFH.”
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlas and the entities it controls. Subsidiaries are entities over which Atlas, directly or indirectly, has the power to govern the financial and operating policies in order to obtain the benefits from their activities, generally accompanying an equity shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to Atlas and would be de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. The operating results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year will be included in the consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from the effective date of acquisition and up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by Atlas.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. The liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses and related amounts recoverable from reinsurers represents the most significant estimate in the accompanying financial statements, and differences between such estimates and actual results could be material. Significant estimates in the accompanying financial statements also include the fair values of investments, deferred policy acquisition cost recoverability, deferred tax asset valuation and business combinations.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid securities with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Investments in fixed income are classified as available-for-sale. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when Atlas may decide to sell those securities due to changes in market interest rates, liquidity needs, changes in yields or alternative investments, and for other reasons. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in shareholders’ equity.
Atlas’ fixed income portfolio is managed by a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registered investment adviser specializing in the management of insurance company portfolios. Management works directly with them to ensure that Atlas benefits from their expertise and also evaluates investments as well as specific positions independently using internal resources. Atlas’ investment adviser has a team of credit analysts for all investment grade fixed income sectors. The investment process begins with an independent analyst review of each security’s credit worthiness using both quantitative tools and qualitative review. At the issuer level, this includes reviews of past financial data, trends in financial stability, projections for the future, reliability of the management team in place and market data (credit spread, equity prices, trends in this data for the issuer and the issuer’s industry). Reviews also consider industry trends and the macro-economic environment. This analysis is continuous, integrating new information as it becomes available. As of December 31, 2018, this process did not generate any significant difference in the rating assessment between Atlas’ review and the rating agencies.
When anticipated claims, claims adjustment expenses, commissions and other acquisition costs exceed recorded unearned premium and any future installment premiums on existing policies, a premium deficiency reserve is recognized by recording a reduction to DPAC with a corresponding charge to operations. Atlas utilizes anticipated investment income as a factor in its premium deficiency calculation. Atlas concluded that no premium deficiency adjustments were necessary in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
When considering the extent of the valuation allowance on Atlas’ DTA, weight is given by management to both positive and negative evidence. U.S. GAAP states that a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against DTAs. However, the strength and trend of earnings, as well as other relevant factors are considered.
Depreciation on buildings and building improvements are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 33 years for buildings and 10 years for building improvements. Depreciation and amortization on equipment and internal use software is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, which range from 5 years for vehicles, 5 years for furniture, 5 years for enterprise software and 3 years for all other software and computer equipment and the term of the lease for leased equipment.
Contracts under which Atlas’ Insurance Subsidiaries accept risk at the inception of the contract from another party (the insured holder of the policy) by agreeing to compensate the policyholder or other insured beneficiary if a specified future event (the insured event) adversely affects the holder of the policy are classified as insurance contracts. All policies are short-duration contracts.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The provisions of this update modify the income tax consequences for intra-entity transactions not involving inventory. For public entities, this guidance is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the update in the first quarter of 2018 using the prescribed modified retrospective approach. Although Atlas has a number of fixed income securities that were transferred between companies owned by Atlas, this ASU did not affect the consolidated financial statements, because the transactions are between two U.S. entities that are part of the same consolidated group, the transactions were elected to be deferred for U.S. tax purposes until the items leave the group, which is consistent with the pre-tax GAAP treatment, and the Company already reports as part of its computational approach, the State tax results (which are zero) under the new ASU.
The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20 and ASU 2017-05, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This update is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that applies to all entities that have contracts with customers, except for those that fall within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. Updates may be applied retrospectively to each period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the update in the first quarter of 2018 with no impact on the consolidated financial statements. While these updates to Topic 606 are expected to have a significant impact on many companies, Atlas’ revenue is derived from transactions that do not fall within the scope of Topic 606, namely insurance contracts, investment income, and lease income.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update eliminate, add and modify certain disclosure
requirements for fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans on adopting the update on the required effective date. Atlas does not currently have any Level 3 fair value measurements, therefore the provisions of this update are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Atlas will continue to monitor the investment portfolio until adoption for any changes.
Common shares are defined as ordinary voting common shares, restricted voting common shares and participative restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Earnings per common share diluted is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period plus the incremental number of shares added as a result of converting dilutive potential ordinary voting common shares, calculated using the treasury stock method (or, in the case of the convertible preferred shares, using the “if-converted” method).
Atlas’ dilutive potential ordinary voting common shares consist of outstanding stock options to purchase ordinary voting common shares and, for the 2016 computation, preferred shares potentially convertible to ordinary voting common shares at the option of the holder at any date after December 31, 2018 (2,538,560 preferred shares at the rate of 0.1270 ordinary voting common shares for each preferred share related to the Gateway acquisition, all of which were redeemed during the third quarter of 2016, are considered to have been redeemed on the last day of the third quarter of 2016) and after March 11, 2020 (4,000,000 preferred shares at the rate of 0.0500 ordinary voting common shares for each preferred share related to the Anchor acquisition, all of which were canceled as of December 31, 2016). See ‘Part II, Item 8, Note 14, Share Capital and Mezzanine Equity,’ in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the redemption and cancellation of the preferred shares.
The effects of these convertible instruments are excluded from the computation of earnings per common share diluted in periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive. Convertible preferred shares are anti-dilutive when the amount of dividends declared or accumulated in the current period per common share obtainable upon conversion exceeds earnings per common share basic. In 2018 and 2017, all exercisable stock options were deemed to be anti-dilutive. The potentially dilutive impact for all exercisable stock options excluded from the calculation due to anti-dilution is 16,372 and 71,475 common shares for 2018 and 2017, respectively. In 2016, all exercisable stock options were deemed to be dilutive and all of the convertible preferred shares were deemed to be anti-dilutive. The potentially dilutive impact for the convertible preferred stock excluded from the calculation due to anti-dilution is 441,357 common shares for 2016.
As certain securities and debentures have the right to call or prepay obligations, the actual settlement dates may differ from contractual maturity.
Atlas’ other investments are comprised of collateral loans and various limited partnerships that invest in income-producing real estate, equities or insurance linked securities. Atlas accounts for these limited partnership investments using the equity method of accounting. The carrying values of the equity method limited partnerships were $24.0 million and $25.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The carrying value of these investments is Atlas’ share of the net book value for each limited
The Company recognizes an impairment loss for equity method limited partnerships when evidence demonstrates that the loss is other-than-temporary. To determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the Company evaluates whether or not the investee could sustain a level of earnings that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. Collateral loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect the contractual principal and interest. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans equal to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or the present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Valuation allowances are adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or the present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no valuation allowances established for equity method limited partnerships and loans.
Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Comprised of securities that are collateralized by mortgage obligations and other assets. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets or similar assets in active or inactive markets, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, collateral performance and credit spreads.
Though Atlas believes the valuation methods used in determining fair value are appropriate, different methodologies or assumptions could result in a different fair value as of December 31, 2018. Management does not believe that reasonable changes to the inputs to its valuation methodology would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. Among other things, beginning with the 2018 tax year, the Tax Act reduced the Company’s corporate federal tax rate from a marginal rate of 35% to a flat 21%, eliminated the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”), changed reserving and other aspects of the computation of taxable income for insurance companies, and modified the net operating loss carryback and carryforward provisions for all entities in the group except for those subject to tax as P&C companies. The modified net operating loss provisions no longer allow a carryback to prior years to recover past taxes, but now allow an indefinite carryforward period subject to a yearly utilization limit. As discussed above, any net operating losses with respect to the insurance entities taxed as P&C companies retain the current net operating loss carryback and carryover provisions, which are two years carryback and 20 years carryforward. As of December 31, 2016, the Company measured its deferred tax items at the enacted rate in effect of 35%. Due to the Tax Act’s enactment, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 have been re-measured at the new enacted tax rate of 21%. In 2017, the Company recognized income tax expense of $10.5 million related to reduction in the net deferred tax asset as a result of this re-measurement.
Atlas’ effective tax rate was (24.6)%, 12.1% and (416.8)% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Upon the transaction forming Atlas on December 31, 2010, a yearly limitation as required by U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended, “IRC”) Section 382 that applies to changes in ownership on the future utilization of Atlas’ net operating loss carryforwards was calculated. The Insurance Subsidiaries’ prior parent retained those tax assets previously attributed to the Insurance Subsidiaries, which could not be utilized by Atlas as a result of this limitation. As a result, Atlas’ ability to recognize future tax benefits associated with a portion of its deferred tax assets generated during prior years has been permanently limited to the amount determined under IRC Section 382. The result is a maximum expected net deferred tax asset that Atlas has available after the merger, which is believed more-likely-than-not to be utilized in the future, after consideration of the valuation allowance.
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilized. When considering the extent of the valuation allowance on Atlas’ DTA, weight is given by management to both positive and negative evidence. U.S. GAAP states that a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative
On May 22, 2012, Atlas closed the sale and leaseback of its former headquarters building to 150 Northwest Point, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Atlas recognized a gain on the sale of this property of $213,000, which was deferred and recognized over the initial five year lease term, which ended in May 2017. The deferred gain was completely recognized at the end of the second quarter in 2017. There was no offset to rent expense recognized in 2018. Atlas recognized $17,000 and $43,000 as an offset to rent expense in 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was no rental expense recognized on the former headquarters building in 2018. Total rental expense recognized on the former headquarters building was $740,000 and $743,000 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Related principally to office space, required under operating leases, having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year.
Atlas is exposed to credit risk on balances receivable from policyholders, agents and reinsurers. Credit exposure to any one individual policyholder is not material. The Company’s policies, however, are distributed by agents who may manage cash collection on its behalf pursuant to the terms of their agency agreement. Atlas has procedures to monitor and minimize its exposure to delinquent agent balances, including, but not limited to, reviewing account current statements, processing policy cancellations for non-payment and other collection efforts deemed appropriate. Atlas also has procedures to evaluate the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurers’ insolvency.
Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business therein to bear a portion of contingent and incurred claims handling expenses and the unfunded amount of “covered” claims and unearned premium obligations of impaired or insolvent insurance companies, either up to the policy’s limit, the applicable guaranty fund covered claims obligation cap, or 100% of statutorily defined workers’ compensation benefits, subject to applicable deductibles. These obligations are funded by assessments, made on a retrospective, prospective or pre-funded basis, which are levied by guaranty associations within the state, up to prescribed limits (typically 2% of “net direct premiums written”), on all member insurers in the state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in certain covered lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer was engaged.
In addition, as a condition to the ability to conduct business in certain states (and within the jurisdiction of some local governments), insurance companies are subject to or required to participate in various premium or claims based insurance-related assessments, including non-voluntary assigned risk pools, underwriting associations, workers’ compensation second-injury funds, reinsurance funds and other state insurance facilities. Atlas’ proportionate share of these various premium or claims based insurance-related assessments, including non-voluntary assigned risk pools, underwriting associations, workers’ compensation second-injury funds, reinsurance funds and other state insurance facilities, is not expected to be material.
During 2016, Atlas purchased a building and land for $9.3 million to serve as its new corporate headquarters to replace its former leased office space. Atlas’ Chicago area staff moved into this space in late October 2017 and occupies approximately 70,000 square feet in the building. An unrelated tenant occupies the remaining office space in the building. The Company made improvements to its corporate headquarters building of $1.1 million, $7.8 million and $139,000 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Rental income related to this lease agreement was $433,000, $415,000 and $69,000 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense related to the building and its improvements was $1.1 million and $171,000 in 2018 and 2017, respectively. There was no depreciation expense related to the building and its improvements recorded in 2016.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 the Company capitalized $7.9 million, $2.9 million, and $449,000, respectively, of costs incurred, consisting primarily of external consultants and internal labor costs incurred during the application development stage of the internal-use software. Substantially all of the costs incurred during the period were part of the application development stage. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, there was $705,000, $563,000, and $576,000, respectively, of amortization expense recorded for projects in the post-implementation/operation stage.
pre-acquisition Global Liberty reserve development, the development of our core lines on prior accident years was $23.2 million in 2016. Michigan commercial automobile claims accounted for approximately 62.5% of this development. Pre-acquisition Global Liberty claims reserve development was $7.9 million in 2016. The remaining unfavorable prior year development of $1.5 million in 2016 is attributable to assigned risk pools and run-off of non-core business.
For purposes of this discussion, Atlas will disaggregate data based on the type of coverage into commercial automobile liability, including personal injury protection, and all other lines. Commercial automobile liability is the main line of business that Atlas operates. All other lines includes commercial automobile physical damage, taxi workers’ compensation, other liability and Atlas’ short duration lines that are currently in run-off. Amounts related to the Gateway and Global Liberty acquisitions have been included retrospectively for all years presented in the tables below.
Year 2009 negative amounts results from the termination of reinsurance agreements.
The cumulative number of reported claims for commercial automobile liability was calculated using actual number of claims at the feature/coverage level. For the other lines, claim counts were calculated using actual claim counts at the feature/coverage level for all claims excluding those from assigned risk pools and surety. The actual claim counts for assigned risk pools and surety may not be available for all years presented and are therefore not included in the reported claims amounts.
The following is supplementary information about the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for the year ended December 31, 2018 (amounts are unaudited).
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, a director who either directly or indirectly purchases up to $100,000 of Atlas ordinary voting common stock on the open market, through the employee stock purchase plan, or via other means acceptable under this plan (see ‘Part II, Item 8, Note 13, Other Employee Benefit Plans’ in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) will receive a 3 to 1 matching grant of restricted stock grants for ordinary voting common shares (or, for Canadian taxpayers, restricted stock units) based on the aggregate purchase price of ordinary voting common shares the director purchases during the 6 month period that began on June 18, 2013 and ended on December 31, 2013, or for new directors within 6 months of their initial appointment date (“Purchase Period”). Matching share grants of 148,152 restricted stock grants for ordinary voting common shares and 37,038 restricted stock units were made on February 28, 2014 (“Grant Date”). The number of ordinary voting common shares issued on the Grant Date were determined by dividing (A) the dollar amount of the Company matching contribution due based on purchases during the Purchase Period by (B) the closing common share price of one share of Company ordinary voting common share at close of market on June 17, 2013 (“Closing Price”), which was $8.10 per share. The restricted stock grants for ordinary voting common shares will vest 20% on each anniversary of the Grant Date, subject to the terms of the Guidelines. The matching grant will be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Equity Incentive Plan and applicable grant agreements. The matching grant award was discontinued during 2018 with no additional grants under the program since those discussed above.
On December 31, 2018, the Company awarded restricted stock unit grants for ordinary voting common shares of the Company to its external directors pursuant to a director equity award agreement dated December 31, 2018. The awards, which were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in March 2018, were valued at $40,000 per external director (“Aggregate Award”) and were made under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan. The number of restricted stock units awarded was determined by dividing (A) the Aggregate Award by (B) the closing price of one share of Company ordinary voting common share at the close of market on April 4, 2018, which was $10.50 per share. For new directors, the Aggregate Award is proportionate to the director’s start date and priced as of that same day. During 2018, the Company awarded 17,524 RSU grants having an aggregate grant date fair value of $179,000. The RSUs will vest 33.3% on January 1 of each year for the next three years.
In accordance with ASC 718 (Stock-Based Compensation), Atlas has recognized share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the last separately vesting portion of the award. Share-based compensation expense is a component of other underwriting expenses on the statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income. Atlas recognized share-based compensation expense of $1.2 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and $1.6 million in 2016. As of December 31, 2018, there was $644,000 of unrecognized total compensation expense related to all restricted stock and restricted stock units grants for ordinary voting common shares. The expense will be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
The Atlas Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) encourages employee interest in the operation, growth and development of Atlas and provides an additional investment opportunity to employees. Full time and permanent part time employees working more than 30 hours per week are allowed to invest up to 7.5% of adjusted salary in Atlas ordinary voting common shares. Atlas matches 100% of the employee contribution up to 2.5% of annual earnings, plus 50% of additional contributions up to 5% of annual earnings, for a total maximum expense of 5% of annual earnings per participant. Atlas’ matching contributions are discretionary. Atlas also pays all administrative costs related to this plan. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, Atlas’ costs incurred related to the matching portion of the ESPP were $239,000, $212,000 and $199,000, respectively. Share purchases pursuant to this plan are made in the open market.
other factors. The Share Repurchase Program and the Board’s authorization of the program could have been modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During 2018, 255,505 shares were repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program. No shares were repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program during 2017.
During the first quarter of 2016, the Company canceled 401,940 preferred shares pursuant to the Gateway stock purchase agreement. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company redeemed all 2,538,560 of the remaining preferred shares issued to the former owner of Gateway. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company canceled the remaining 4,000,000 preferred shares pursuant to the Anchor stock purchase agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no outstanding preferred shares. The preferred shares redeemed and canceled during 2016 pursuant to the Gateway stock purchase agreement have been recorded as a recovery of acquisition expense and additional acquisition expense, respectively, and not as an adjustment to goodwill, because the fair value of the contingent consideration was determined to be zero at the date of acquisition. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, such adjustments are reflected in the statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income in the period that the contingency is re-estimated. The Anchor cancellation was recorded as a recovery of acquisition expense.
DPAC represent those costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal written premium. Such DPAC generally includes agent commissions, premium taxes and a portion of employee compensation and benefits directly related to time spent performing specific acquisition or renewal activities. The method followed in determining the DPAC limits the deferral to its realizable value by giving consideration to estimated future claims and expenses to be incurred as premiums are earned. Changes in estimates, if any, are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. Anticipated investment income is included in determining the realizable value of the DPAC. Atlas’ DPAC are reported net of deferred ceding commissions.
At December 31, 2016, American Acquisition was in compliance with the covenants of the Loan Agreement. In February 2017, American Acquisition filed its statutorily required financial statements for 2016, which are used to determine on-going compliance with the covenants contained in the Loan Agreement. As a result of the reserve strengthening and its effect on American Acquisition’s 2016 financial statements, American Acquisition was not in compliance with the Loan Agreements’ EBITDA Ratio covenant as of March 13, 2017. American Acquisition had a thirty day period to cure this covenant non-compliance, and the Company and American Acquisition agreed with the lender to a modification to the loan covenants to more specifically address the effects of reserve modifications and/or obtaining a waiver with respect to the existing non-compliance.
Interest expense on notes payable was $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Atlas’ Insurance Subsidiaries are required to report their financial condition and results of operations in accordance with statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by state insurance laws and regulations and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). State insurance laws and regulations also prescribe the form and content of statutory financial statements, require the performance of periodic financial examinations of insurers, establish standards for the types and amounts of investments insurers may hold and require minimum capital and surplus levels. The Insurance Subsidiaries must each maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus of $1.5 million, $2.4 million and $3.5 million under the provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code, the Missouri Insurance Code and the New York Insurance Code, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, each of our Insurance Subsidiaries individually exceed the minimum required statutory capital and surplus requirements. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to 2019 Developments - Regulatory Developments” for certain developments with respect to the Insurance Subsidiaries subsequent to December 31, 2018.
The transaction will be subject to court approval and a bid process established by the Rehabilitator and approved by the court, and there can be no assurance that the transaction will be consummated on the terms described herein or at all.