QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number 0-18649
The National Security Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
63-1020300
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
661 East Davis Street
Elba, Alabama
36323
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip-Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number including Area Code (334) 897-2273
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Act). (Check One) : Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of November 13, 2018, there were 2,527,136 shares, $1.00 par value, of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
Any statement contained in this report which is not a historical fact, or which might otherwise be considered an opinion or projection concerning the Company or its business, whether expressed or implied, is meant as and should be considered a forward-looking statement as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following report contains forward-looking statements that are not strictly historical and that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements include any statements containing the words “expect,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other words of a similar nature. Management cautions investors about forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve certain evaluation criteria, such as risks, uncertainties, estimates, and/or assumptions made by individuals informed of the Company and industries in which we operate. Any variation in the preceding evaluation criteria could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following:
▪
The insurance industry is highly competitive and the Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies. Many of the competing companies have more abundant financial resources than the Company.
▪
Insurance is a highly regulated industry. It is possible that legislation may be enacted which would have an adverse effect on the Company's business.
▪
The Company is subject to regulation by state governments for each of the states in which it conducts business. The Company cannot predict the subject of any future regulatory initiative(s) or its (their) impact on the Company's business. Company insurance rates are also subject to approval by state insurance departments in each of these states. We are often limited in the level of rate increases we can obtain.
▪
The Company is rated by various insurance rating agencies. If a rating is downgraded from its current level by one of these agencies, sales of the Company's products and stock price could be adversely impacted.
▪
The Company's financial results are adversely affected by increases in policy claims received by the Company. While a manageable risk, this fluctuation is often unpredictable.
▪
The Company's investments are subject to a variety of risks. Investments are subject to defaults and changes in market value. Market value can be affected by changes in interest rates, market performance and the economy.
▪
The Company mitigates risk associated with life policies through implementing effective underwriting and reinsurance strategies. These factors mitigate, not eliminate, risk related to mortality and morbidity exposure. The Company has established reserves for claims and future policy benefits based on amounts determined by independent actuaries. There is no assurance that these estimated reserves will prove to be sufficient or that the Company will not incur claims exceeding reserves, which could result in operating losses and loss of capital.
▪
The Company mitigates risk associated with property and casualty policies through implementing effective underwriting and reinsurance strategies. The Company obtains reinsurance which increases underwriting capacity and limits the risk associated with policy claims. The Company is subject to credit risk with regard to reinsurers as reinsurance does not alleviate the Company's liability to its insured's for the ceded risks. The Company utilizes a third-party to develop a reinsurance treaty with reinsurers who are reliable and financially stable. However, there is no guarantee that booked reinsurance recoverable will actually be recovered. A reinsurer's insolvency or inability to make payments due could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of the Company.
▪
The Company's ability to continue to pay dividends to shareholders is contingent upon profitability and capital adequacy of the insurance subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries operate under regulatory restrictions that could limit the ability to fund future dividend payments of the Company. An adverse event or series of events could materially impact the ability of the insurance subsidiaries to fund future dividends, and consequently, the Board of Directors would have to suspend the declaration of dividends to shareholders.
▪
The Company is subject to the risk of adverse settlements or judgments resulting from litigation of contested claims. It is difficult to predict or quantify the expected results of litigation because the outcome depends on decisions of the court and jury that are based on facts and legal arguments presented at the trial.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The National Security Group, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), National Security Fire and Casualty Company (NSFC) and NATSCO, Inc. (NATSCO). NSFC includes a wholly-owned subsidiary, Omega One Insurance Company (Omega). The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The financial information presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which includes information and disclosures not presented herein.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the more significant estimates included in these consolidated financial statements are reserves for future life insurance policy benefits, liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance recoverable associated with loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, assessments of other-than-temporary impairments on investments and accruals for contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The adjusted weighted average shares outstanding were 2,524,715 at September 30, 2018 and 2,519,798 at September 30, 2017. The Company did not have any dilutive securities as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.
Reclassifications
Certain 2017 amounts have been reclassified from the prior year consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2018 presentation.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash balances which are generally held in non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts subject to FDIC insured limits of $250,000 per entity. At September 30, 2018, the net amount exceeding FDIC insured limits was $4,019,000 at three financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. Management of the Company reviews financial information of financial institutions on a quarterly basis and believes the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Policy receivables are reported at unpaid balances. Policy receivables are generally offset by associated unearned premium liabilities and are not subject to significant credit risk. Receivables from agents, less provision for credit losses, are composed of balances due from independent agents. At September 30, 2018, the single largest balance due from one agent totaled $623,000.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to policyholders. A failure of a reinsurer to meet its obligation could result in losses to the insurance subsidiaries. Allowances for losses on reinsurance recoverables are established if amounts are believed to be uncollectible. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no amounts were deemed uncollectible. The Company, at least annually, evaluates the financial condition of all reinsurers and evaluates any potential concentrations of credit risk. At September 30, 2018, management does not believe the Company is exposed to any significant credit risk related to its reinsurance program.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
Accounting Changes Not Yet Adopted
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance to that removes, modifies and adds to the disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance removes the requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets, the policy for timing and transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance modifies disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value and clarifies the purpose of the measurement uncertainty disclosure. The guidance adds requirements to disclose changes in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve the existing recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity. The guidance improves timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits and modifies the rate used to discount future cash flows. The guidance will simplify and improve accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit type contracts and simplify the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. The guidance also introduces certain financial statement presentation requirements, as well as significant additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance. Due to the nature and extent of the changes required to the Company’s life insurance operations, the adoption of this standard is expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
In June 2018, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment awards. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year The Company does not make any material share-based payments and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees (for capital and operating leases) to recognize the lease liability and right-of-use asset at the commencement date of the lease. Additional transition guidance was issued in 2018. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance that shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Derivatives and Hedging
In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance that amends and simplifies hedge accounting guidance in order to enable entities to better portray the economic results of their risk management activities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The guidance eliminates the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and improves the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2017. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $435,000 reclassification to accumulated other comprehensive income from retained earnings related to stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, FASB issued guidance on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard. This standard will not impact accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted by the new guidance, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to, in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued a deferral of the effective date by one year. This guidance is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption of this standard is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Insurance contracts are specifically scoped out of this new guidance.
The Company does not have policy fees or any material services that may be subject to the new revenue recognition guidance. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance requires entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. The guidance eliminates the requirement for public companies to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $2,107,000 reclassification to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income related to accumulated unrealized gains on equity securities as well as recognition of a $45,000 loss, net of tax, related to the change in value of equity securities.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments shall be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Compensation - Stock Compensation
In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance to provide clarity and reduce diversity in practice as well as cost and complexity when there is a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 2 – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company holds a passive interest in a limited partnership that is considered to be a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) under the provisions of ASC 810 Consolidation. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entity and is not required to consolidate under ASC 810. The entity is a private placement investment fund formed for the purpose of investing in private equity investments. The Company owns less than 1% of the limited partnership. The carrying value of the investment totals $116,000 and is included as a component of Other Invested Assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
In December 2005, the Company formed National Security Capital Trust I, a statutory trust created under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, for the sole purpose of issuing, in private placement transactions, $9,000,000 of trust preferred securities (TPS) and using the proceeds thereof, together with the equity proceeds received from the Company in the initial formation of the Trust, to purchase $9,279,000 of variable rate subordinated debentures issued by the Company. The Company owns all voting securities of the Trust and the subordinated debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The Trust will meet the obligations of the TPS with the interest and principal paid on the subordinated debentures. The Company received net proceeds from the TPS transactions, after commissions and other costs of issuance, of $9,005,000. The Company also holds all the voting securities issued by the Trust and such trusts are considered to be VIE's. The Trust is not consolidated because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the trust. The Subordinated Debentures, disclosed in Note 7, are reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of long-term debt. The Company's equity investments in the Trust total $279,000 and are included in Other Assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
In June 2007, the Company formed National Security Capital Trust II for the sole purpose of issuing, in private placement transactions, $3,000,000 of trust preferred securities (TPS) and using the proceeds thereof, together with the equity proceeds received from the Company in the initial formation of the Trust, to purchase $3,093,000 unsecured junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. The Company owns all voting securities of the Trust and the subordinated debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The Trust will meet the obligations of the TPS with the interest and principal paid on the subordinated debentures. The Company received net proceeds from the TPS transactions, after commissions and other costs of issuance, of $2,995,000. The Company also holds all the voting securities issued by the Trust and such trusts are considered to be VIE's. The Trust is not consolidated because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Trust. The Subordinated Debentures, disclosed in Note 7, are reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of long-term debt. The Company's equity investments in the Trust total $93,000 and are included in Other Assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS
Our investment in available-for-sale securities, which are reported at fair value, includes fixed maturity securities and prior to January 1, 2018, equity securities. Net unrealized gains or losses on equity securities prior to January 1, 2018, and on fixed maturities are reported after-tax as a component of other comprehensive income. As of January 1, 2018, changes in fair value of equity securities are recognized through net income.
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2018 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Available-for-sale securities:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Corporate debt securities
$
39,241
$
422
$
1,063
$
38,600
Mortgage backed securities
14,486
55
694
13,847
Private label asset backed securities
13,762
130
40
13,852
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
11,685
140
182
11,643
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
21,022
18
763
20,277
Total
$
100,196
$
765
$
2,742
$
98,219
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in held-to-maturity securities as of September 30, 2018 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Held-to-maturity securities:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Mortgage backed securities
$
1,482
$
6
$
34
$
1,454
Total
$
1,482
$
6
$
34
$
1,454
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Available-for-sale securities:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Corporate debt securities
$
39,127
$
1,103
$
321
$
39,909
Mortgage backed securities
12,892
177
274
12,795
Private label asset backed securities
10,128
382
—
10,510
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
13,758
389
54
14,093
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Held-to-maturity securities:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Mortgage backed securities
$
1,615
$
29
$
—
$
1,644
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
1
—
—
1
Total
$
1,616
$
29
$
—
$
1,645
The amortized cost and aggregate fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
A summary of securities available-for-sale with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2018, along with the related fair value, aggregated by the length of time that investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
September 30, 2018
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Total
Securities in a Loss Position
Fixed maturities
Corporate debt securities
$
20,029
$
631
$
6,906
$
432
$
26,935
$
1,063
49
Mortgage backed securities
7,491
233
4,734
461
12,225
694
29
Private asset backed securities
4,854
40
—
—
4,854
40
6
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
3,660
54
3,458
128
7,118
182
15
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
11,243
232
8,442
531
19,685
763
28
$
47,277
$
1,190
$
23,540
$
1,552
$
70,817
$
2,742
127
A summary of securities held-to-maturity with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2018 along with the related fair value, aggregated by the length of time that investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, is as follows:
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
A summary of securities available-for-sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2017, along with the related fair value, aggregated by the length of time that investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
December 31, 2017
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Total
Securities in a Loss Position
Fixed maturities
Corporate debt securities
$
6,567
$
166
$
5,607
$
155
$
12,174
$
321
20
Mortgage backed securities
5,872
124
2,281
150
8,153
274
17
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
2,176
7
2,574
47
4,750
54
9
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies
4,878
111
6,667
206
11,545
317
18
$
19,493
$
408
$
17,129
$
558
$
36,622
$
966
64
There were no equity securities or securities held-to-maturity with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2017.
The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate securities in an unrealized loss position in order to identify other-than-temporary impairments. For securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether the Company has the intent to sell the security or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, the Company is required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment with the entire unrealized loss reported in earnings. For securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet these conditions, the Company assesses whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. If the impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company is required to separate the other-than-temporary impairments into two components: the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The credit loss is the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The credit loss component of other-than-temporary impairments is reported in earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.
Management has evaluated each security in a significant unrealized loss position in both the debt and equity investment portfolios. The Company has no material exposure to sub-prime mortgage loans and approximately 5.75% of the fixed income investment portfolio is rated below investment grade. In evaluating whether or not the equity loss positions were other-than-temporary impairments, Management evaluated financial information on each company and where available, reviewed analyst reports from at least two independent sources. Based on a review of the available financial information, the prospect for future earnings of each company and consideration of the Company’s intent and ability to hold the securities until market values recovered, it was determined that the securities in an accumulated loss position in the portfolio were temporary impairments.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and year ended December 31, 2017, the Company realized no other-than-temporary impairments. At September 30, 2018, the three largest losses not realized as an impairment were in the bond portfolio and each totaled $108,000. Each of these losses was driven by changes in market interest rates. At December 31, 2017, the single largest loss not realized as an impairment was in the bond portfolio and totaled $75,000. The second largest loss position was in the bond portfolio and totaled $60,000. The third largest loss position was in the bond portfolio and totaled $53,000.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
Major categories of investment income are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Fixed maturities
$
989
$
860
$
2,843
$
2,518
Equity securities
21
24
61
72
Mortgage loans on real estate
2
2
6
7
Investment real estate
1
2
2
4
Policy loans
35
30
105
96
Company owned life insurance change in surrender value
3
38
(133
)
95
Other
6
14
21
101
1,057
970
2,905
2,893
Less: Investment expenses
37
31
106
98
Net investment income
$
1,020
$
939
$
2,799
$
2,795
Major categories of realized investment gains and losses are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Fixed maturities
$
27
$
75
$
156
$
310
Change in fair value of equity securities
426
—
57
—
Other, principally real estate
—
—
(88
)
2
Net realized investment gains (losses)
$
453
$
75
$
125
$
312
An analysis of the net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities before deferred tax
$
(3,268
)
$
1,402
Deferred income tax
686
(476
)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
$
(2,582
)
$
926
NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Our available-for-sale securities consists of fixed maturity and equity securities which are recorded at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The change in the fair value of these investments, unless deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
We are permitted to elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the change in fair value recorded in earnings. We elected not to measure any eligible items using the fair value option.
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and establishes a framework
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
to make the measurement of fair value more consistent and comparable. In determining fair value, we primarily use prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.
The Company categorizes assets and liabilities carried at their fair value based upon a fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 1 assets and liabilities consist of money market fund deposits and certain of our marketable debt and equity instruments, including equity instruments offsetting deferred compensation, that are traded in an active market with sufficient volume and frequency of transactions.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 2 assets include certain of our marketable debt and equity instruments with quoted market prices that are traded in less active markets or priced using a quoted market price for similar instruments. Level 2 assets also include marketable equity instruments with security-specific restrictions that would transfer to the buyer, marketable debt instruments priced using indicator prices which represent non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated by observable market quotes, as well as derivative contracts and debt instruments priced using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Marketable debt instruments in this category generally include commercial paper, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements for fixed-income instruments, and a majority of floating-rate notes, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.
Level 3 assets and liabilities include marketable debt instruments, non-marketable equity investments, derivative contracts, and company issued debt with values are determined using inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the values of the instruments being measured. Level 3 assets also include marketable debt instruments that are priced using indicator prices that we were unable to corroborate with observable market quotes.
Marketable debt instruments in this category generally include asset-backed securities and certain floating-rate notes, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 are summarized in the following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
Corporate debt securities
$
38,600
$
—
$
38,600
$
—
Mortgage backed securities
13,847
—
13,847
—
Private label asset backed securities
13,852
—
13,852
—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
11,643
—
11,643
—
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
Government corporations and agencies
20,277
20,277
—
—
Trading securities
107
107
—
—
Equity securities
4,566
3,454
—
1,112
Total Financial Assets
$
102,892
$
23,838
$
77,942
$
1,112
Financial Liabilities
Interest rate swap
$
(272
)
$
—
$
—
$
(272
)
Total Financial Liabilities
$
(272
)
$
—
$
—
$
(272
)
The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
Fixed maturities available-for-sale — The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs.
Trading securities — Trading securities consist primarily of mutual funds whose fair values are determined consistent with similar instruments described above under “Fixed Maturities” and below under “Equity Securities.”
Equity securities — Equity securities consist principally of investments in common and preferred stock of publicly traded companies and privately traded securities. The fair values of our publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Estimated fair values for our privately traded equity securities require a substantial level of judgment. Privately traded equity securities are classified within Level 3.
Interest rate swaps — Interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value either as assets, within other assets or as liabilities, within other liabilities. The fair values of our interest rate swaps are provided by a third-party broker and are classified within Level 3.
As of September 30, 2018, Level 3 fair value measurements of assets include $1,112,000 of equity securities in a local community bank whose value is based on an evaluation of the financial statements of the entity. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value.
As of September 30, 2018, Level 3 fair value measurements of liabilities include $272,000 net fair value of various interest rate swap agreements whose value is based on analysis provided by a third party that utilizes financial modeling tools and assumptions on interest and other factors. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value. Additional information regarding the interest rate swap agreements is provided in Note 7.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands):
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
Equity Securities
Interest Rate Swap
Beginning balance
$
1,073
$
(608
)
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
Included in earnings
39
—
Included in other comprehensive income
—
336
Purchases:
—
—
Sales:
—
—
Issuances:
—
—
Settlements:
—
—
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3
—
—
Ending balance
$
1,112
$
(272
)
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held as of September 30, 2018:
$
—
$
—
For the nine months ended ended September 30, 2018, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair values on a nonrecurring basis.
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 are summarized in the following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements (in thousands):
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2017
Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Interest Rate Swap
Beginning balance
$
1,258
$
(1,030
)
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
Included in earnings
—
—
Included in other comprehensive income
114
422
Purchases:
46
—
Sales:
(345
)
—
Issuances:
—
—
Settlements:
—
—
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3
—
—
Ending balance
$
1,073
$
(608
)
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held as of December 31, 2017:
$
—
$
—
For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair values on a nonrecurring basis.
The Company is exposed to certain risks in the normal course of its business operations. The primary risk that is managed through the use of derivatives is interest rate risk on floating rate borrowings. This risk is managed through the use of interest rate swap agreements which are designated as cash flow hedges. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the interest rate swap is included as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 7 for additional information about the interest rate swap agreements.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practical to estimate that value:
Cash and cash equivalents — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity — the carrying amount is amortized cost; the fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities that are classified as held-to-maturity are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services.
Mortgage loans — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the restrictive nature and limited marketability of the mortgage notes.
Policy loans — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Company owned life insurance — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Other invested assets — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Other policyholder funds — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Debt — the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Assets and related instruments
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Held-to-maturity securities
$
1,482
$
1,454
$
1,616
$
1,645
Mortgage loans
158
158
162
162
Policy loans
1,837
1,837
1,810
1,810
Company owned life insurance
4,841
4,841
4,974
4,974
Other invested assets
2,235
2,235
2,574
2,574
Liabilities and related instruments
Other policyholder funds
1,494
1,494
1,706
1,706
Short-term notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
800
800
1,300
1,300
Long-term debt
14,348
14,348
14,339
14,339
NOTE 5 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Major categories of property and equipment are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Building and improvements
$
3,378
$
3,378
Electronic data processing equipment
1,518
1,512
Furniture and fixtures
488
486
5,384
5,376
Less accumulated depreciation
3,713
3,595
Property and equipment, net
$
1,671
$
1,781
Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $119,000 ($121,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017).
NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES
On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a comprehensive tax legislation which, among other things, reduced the Company's statutory federal income tax rate from 34% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In addition to the reduction in tax rates, the TCJA makes broad and complex changes to the Internal Revenue Code that will introduce changes to many tax related exclusions, deductions and credits. Management believes that, based on its historical pattern of taxable income, the Company will produce sufficient income in the future to realize its deferred tax assets. The Company recognized net deferred tax asset positions of $1,457,000 at September 30, 2018 and $1,487,000 at December 31, 2017.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
Total income tax expense (benefit) varies from amounts computed by applying current federal income tax rates to income or loss before income taxes. The reasons for these differences and the approximate tax effects are as follows:
Nine months ended September 30,
2018
2017
Federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income/loss
21.0
%
34.0
%
Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest
(0.9
)%
1.5
%
Company owned life insurance
1.2
%
1.0
%
Small life deduction
—
%
10.0
%
Other, net
2.2
%
(4.5
)%
Effective federal income tax rate
23.5
%
42.0
%
The Company recognizes tax-related interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. The Company is not subject to examinations by authorities related to its U.S. federal or state income tax filings for years prior to 2014. Tax returns have been filed through the year 2016.
NOTE 7 – NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2018
2017
Current portion of installment note payable due in November with variable interest rate equal to the WSJ prime rate plus 0.5%. Unsecured.
$
800
$
800
Line of credit with variable interest rate equal to the WSJ prime rate, subject to a 5.0% floor; maturity March 2020 (renewed March 2018). Interest payments due quarterly. Unsecured.
—
500
$
800
$
1,300
Long-term debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2018
2017
Promissory note with variable interest rate equal to the WSJ prime rate plus 0.5%; maturity November 2019. Annual installment payments beginning November 2017 with final balloon payment due November 30, 2019. Unsecured.
$
2,200
$
2,200
Subordinated debentures issued on December 15, 2005 with floating rate interest equal to 3-Month LIBOR plus 375 basis points; net of $162,000 in debt issuance cost ($168,000 in 2017); maturity December 2035. Interest payable quarterly. Redeemable prior to maturity. Unsecured.
9,117
9,111
Subordinated debentures issued on June 21, 2007 with floating rate interest equal to 3-Month LIBOR plus 340 basis points; net of $62,000 in debt issuance cost ($65,000 in 2017); maturity June 15, 2037. Interest payable quarterly. Redeemable prior to maturity. Unsecured.
3,031
3,028
$
14,348
$
14,339
The Company has entered into various swap agreements related to the trust preferred securities. On March 19, 2009, the Company entered into a forward swap effective September 17, 2012, with a notional amount of $3,000,000 and
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
designated the swap as a hedge against changes in cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR) associated with the subordinated debentures issued June 21, 2007. Quarterly, commencing September 17, 2012, under the terms of the forward swap, the Company will pay interest at a fixed rate of 7.02% until March 15, 2019. On May 26, 2010, the Company entered into a forward swap with a notional amount of $9,000,000 effective December 15, 2015, which hedges against changes in cash flows following the termination of the fixed rate period. Quarterly, commencing March 16, 2016 under the terms of the forward swap, the Company pays interest at a fixed rate of 8.49% until March 15, 2020.
The swaps entered into in 2009 and 2010 have fair values of $17,000 (liability) and $255,000 (liability), respectively, for a total liability of $272,000 at September 30, 2018 ($608,000 at December 31, 2017). The swap liability is reported as a component of other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. A net valuation gain of $265,000 (net of tax) is included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the swap agreements at September 30, 2018. A net valuation gain of $278,000 (net of tax) was included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the swap at December 31, 2017.
We use dollar offset at the hedge's inception and for each reporting period thereafter to assess whether the derivative used in a hedging transaction is expected to be, and has been, effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Since inception, no portion of the hedged item has been deemed ineffective. For all hedges, we discontinue hedge accounting if it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be, or has ceased to be, effective as a hedge.
The Company’s interest rate swaps include provisions requiring the Company to post collateral when the derivative is in a net liability position. At September 30, 2018, the Company has securities on deposit with fair market values of $918,000 ($918,000 of which is posted as collateral). At December 31, 2017, the Company had securities on deposit with fair market values of $1,446,000 (all of which is posted as collateral). See Note 4 for additional information about the interest rate swaps.
NOTE 8 – POLICY AND CLAIM RESERVES
The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and events occur that may impact the resolution of unsettled claims. Reserve estimation can be an inherently uncertain process and reserves estimates can be revised up or down depending on changes in circumstances. Changes in prior years' reserve estimates are reflected in the results of operations in the year such changes are determined.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
The following table is a reconciliation of beginning and ending property and casualty reserve balances for claims and claim adjustment expense (dollars in thousands):
Nine months ended September 30,
2018
2017
Summary of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves
Balance, beginning of year
$
7,075
$
7,531
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
327
1,184
Net balances at beginning of year
6,748
6,347
Net losses:
Provision for claims and claim adjustment expenses for claims arising in current year
25,460
32,867
Estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses for claims arising in prior years
(250
)
(1,355
)
Total increases
25,210
31,512
Claims and claim adjustment expense payments for claims arising in:
Current year
20,906
26,275
Prior years
3,592
3,041
Total payments
24,498
29,316
Net balance at end of period
7,460
8,543
Plus reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
184
354
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at end of period
$
7,644
$
8,897
The slight increase in claim and claim adjustment expense reserves before reinsurance recoverable is primarily due to the increase in reserves associated with Hurricane Florence which occurred in September of 2018. The estimate for claims arising in prior years was reduced $250,000 in 2018 (reduced $1,355,000 in 2017) due to favorable loss development during the year on claims arising in prior years.
Accident and Health Claim Reserves
The Company, through its life insurance subsidiary, underwrites a limited number of short duration accident and health contracts. These claims are typically settled in three years or less and the reserve for unpaid claims totaled $372,000 at September 30, 2018 ($367,000 at December 31, 2017). These claims are a component of policy and contract claims which totaled $826,000 at September 30, 2018 ($903,000 at December 31, 2017).
NOTE 9 – REINSURANCE
The Company's insurance operations utilize reinsurance in the risk management process in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to large risks, provide additional capacity for future growth and effect business-sharing arrangements. Life reinsurance is placed through yearly renewable term coverage. Property and casualty reinsurance is placed on an excess of loss basis to cover losses from catastrophe events. Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the insurance subsidiaries as the primary insurer, except for cases involving a novation. Failure of re-insurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the insurance subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries evaluate the financial conditions of their reinsurance companies and monitor concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the companies to minimize their exposure to significant losses from reinsurance insolvencies.
In the normal course of business, NSFC seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other individually significant large loss events that cause unfavorable underwriting results or have adverse impacts on regulatory capital levels by re-insuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with reinsurance companies. NSFC maintains a catastrophe reinsurance agreement to cover losses from catastrophic events, primarily hurricanes and tropical storms.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
Under the catastrophe reinsurance program, the Company retains the first $4,000,000 in losses from each catastrophe event. Catastrophe reinsurance coverage is maintained in three layers as follows:
Layer
Reinsurers' Limits of Liability
First Layer
100% of $13,500,000 in excess of $4,000,000 retention
Second Layer
100% of $25,000,000 in excess of $17,500,000
Third Layer
100% of $30,000,000 in excess of $42,500,000
Each reinsurance layer covers events occurring from January 1 through December 31 of the contract year. All significant reinsurance companies under the program carry A.M. Best ratings of A- (Excellent) or higher, or equivalent ratings.
The Company's catastrophe reinsurance contract allows for one reinstatement. The Company maintains reinstatement premium protection (RPP) to cover reinstatement premiums incurred. The RPP further reduces risk from a major catastrophe and serves to protect the Company's capital position by reducing the modeled 100 year event net cost.
Amounts recoverable from re-insurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the underlying insurance policies. Amounts paid for prospective reinsurance contracts are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and amortized over the remaining contract period.
In the normal course of business, NSIC seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to reinsurance companies under excess coverage contracts. NSIC retains a maximum of $50,000 of coverage per individual life. Cost is amortized over the reinsurance contract period.
At September 30, 2018, the largest reinsurance recoverable of a single reinsurer was $318,000 ($322,000 at December 31, 2017). Amounts reported as ceded incurred losses were related to development of losses from prior year catastrophes.
NOTE 10 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company and its subsidiaries have an established retirement savings plan (401K Plan). All full-time employees are eligible to participate, and all employer contributions are fully vested for employees who have completed 1,000 hours of service in the year of contribution. Company matching contributions for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $135,000 and $144,000, respectively. The Company contributes dollar-for-dollar matching contributions up to 5% of compensation subject to government limits.
The Company established a non-qualified plan under which Company directors are allowed to defer all or a portion of directors' fees into various investment options. A supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) covers named executive officers, with the Company contributing 15% of executive compensation to the plan. Contributions to the plan are fully vested upon the earlier of death, disability, change in control, or ten years of participation in the plan. Costs for amounts related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 amounted to an approximate increase of $128,000 and $215,000 in employee benefit related expenses, respectively.
The Company and its subsidiaries established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in January 2010, to enable eligible employees to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company's common stock and to provide retirement and other benefits to such employees. There were contributions of $232,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and contributions of $268,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. All contributions were made in cash for purchase of Company shares in the open market. The Company has not allocated newly issued shares directly to the plan and the plan has no debt.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED AMOUNTS EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2017 AMOUNTS)
NOTE 11 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and year ended December 31, 2017, changes in shareholders' equity consisted of net income of $1,835,000 and net loss of $1,203,000, respectively; dividends paid of $379,000 in 2018 and $504,000 in 2017; decreases in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes, of $2,317,000 in 2018 and increases in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes, of $1,204,000 in 2017. Other comprehensive gains and losses consisted of accumulated unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and unrealized loss on interest rate swaps.
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series as shall from time to time be determined and authorized by the Board of Directors. The directors may make specific provisions regarding (a) the voting rights, if any (b) whether such dividends are to be cumulative or noncumulative (c) the redemption provisions, if any (d) participating rights, if any (e) any sinking fund or other retirement provisions (f) dividend rates (g) the number of shares of such series and (h) liquidation preference. There is currently no Preferred Stock issued or outstanding.
Common Stock
The holders of the Class A Common Stock will have one-twentieth of one vote per share, and the holders of the common stock will have one vote per share. There is currently no Class A Common Stock issued or outstanding.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or distribution of the assets of the Company remaining after the payments to the holders of the Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts to which they may be entitled as provided in the resolution or resolutions creating any series thereof, the remaining assets of the Company shall be divided and distributed among the holders of both classes of common stock, except as may otherwise be provided in any such resolution or resolutions.
The table below provides information regarding the Company's preferred and common stock as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: