10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

BROWN & BROWN, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 14, 2001For Securities:BRO

Summary

Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO) filed its quarterly report on November 14, 2001, for the period ending September 30, 2001. The filing highlights the company's market risk exposure, primarily related to interest rates on its long-term debt. While a significant portion of its debt ($82.4 million) is variable-rate, tied to LIBOR or prime rates, the company's investment portfolio is relatively small ($10.6 million) and its earnings from investments are not material to overall results. Management indicates that potential impacts from interest rate changes are manageable and that they do not currently utilize derivatives for hedging. The report also details the company's active acquisition strategy, with several share issuances to acquire agencies across the country. These acquisitions, including Huval Insurance Agency, Spencer & Associates, The Young Agency, Layne & Associates, among others, were accounted for using the pooling-of-interests method. The company also addressed a pending legal proceeding, Gresham & Associates, Inc. v. Anthony T. Strianese et al., noting no material developments since its prior filing and stating that other routine litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant portion of long-term debt ($82.4 million) is variable-rate, exposed to interest rate fluctuations.
  • 2Marketable investment portfolio is small ($10.6 million), representing only 2.3% of total assets, with immaterial earnings impact.
  • 3A hypothetical 1% change in interest rates could impact future net income by approximately $824,000.
  • 4Company is not using derivatives to hedge interest rate risk, citing favorable market conditions.
  • 5Active acquisition strategy continues, with multiple share issuances in Q3 2001 to acquire several insurance agencies.
  • 6Acquisitions are being accounted for using the pooling-of-interests method.
  • 7Management believes pending and threatened litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position or results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown & Brown's primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. This is mainly due to a significant portion of its long-term debt ($82.4 million as of September 30, 2001) carrying variable interest rates.

The company's investment portfolio, valued at $10.6 million, is relatively small and comprised mostly of equity investments. Market value changes are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income. Earnings on investments are not material to the company's overall financial results.

Brown & Brown has been actively acquiring other insurance agencies. The report details several share-for-share acquisitions during the quarter, including Huval Insurance Agency, Spencer & Associates, The Young Agency, Layne & Associates, and others, all accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method.

There have been no material developments in the Gresham & Associates, Inc. v. Anthony T. Strianese et al. legal proceeding since the company's previous filing. Management believes that this and other routine litigation will not materially affect the company's financial condition or operational results.