10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2012

BROWN & BROWN, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2012

Filed May 10, 2012For Securities:BRO

Summary

Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO) reported solid revenue growth of 15.4% to $302.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in core commissions and fees, bolstered by strategic acquisitions, most notably the Arrowhead acquisition, which contributed substantially to revenues. Net income also saw a positive increase of 6.8% to $49.4 million, translating to diluted earnings per share of $0.34, up from $0.32 in the prior year. Despite a decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions and Guaranteed Supplemental Commissions (GSCs), the company demonstrated resilience through strong organic growth in its core business lines, with core organic commissions and fees increasing by 0.9%. This marks a positive inflection point after several quarters of negative internal growth, signaling potential stabilization in the middle-market economy and a modest uptick in insurance premium rates. The company's balance sheet strengthened, with total assets growing to over $3 billion, supported by significant goodwill and intangible assets resulting from acquisitions. Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and capital resources to meet its obligations through the end of 2012 and beyond, supported by operational cash flow and existing credit facilities.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$262.23M
Operating Expenses$185.56M
Interest Expense$3.61M
Net Income$46.29M
EPS (Basic)$0.16
EPS (Diluted)$0.16
Shares Outstanding (Basic)276.70M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)281.30M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 15.4% to $302.5 million for Q1 2012, driven by commissions and fees.
  • 2Net income grew by 6.8% to $49.4 million, resulting in diluted EPS of $0.34, an increase from $0.32 in Q1 2011.
  • 3Core organic commissions and fees showed positive growth of 0.9%, indicating a potential turnaround after several quarters of decline.
  • 4Significant acquisition activity, particularly the Arrowhead acquisition, contributed $41.5 million in core commissions and fees, bolstering overall revenue growth.
  • 5Employee compensation and benefits increased by 18.2%, largely due to the inclusion of newly acquired entities.
  • 6Total assets increased to $3.02 billion as of March 31, 2012, with goodwill and amortizable intangible assets comprising a substantial portion.
  • 7The company ended the quarter with $155.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, though this was a decrease from the prior quarter due to acquisition funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in commissions and fees, with a significant contribution from recent acquisitions, notably the Arrowhead General Insurance Agency Superholding Corporation. Core commissions and fees also showed positive organic growth, indicating a stabilizing market and improved premium rates.

Net income increased by 6.8% to $49.4 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $0.34 from $0.32 in the prior year. This improved profitability was achieved despite a decrease in profit-sharing contingent commissions and GSCs.

Acquisitions, such as Arrowhead, have significantly increased total assets, goodwill, and amortizable intangible assets. They have also contributed substantially to revenue growth. However, acquisitions also lead to higher employee compensation and other operating expenses due to the integration of new entities.

Brown & Brown expressed confidence in its liquidity, citing existing cash, operating cash flow, and available credit facilities. Management believes these resources will be sufficient to meet obligations through the end of 2012 and beyond, including planned debt repayments and potential future acquisitions.