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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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                                   FORM 10-K
 
(MARK ONE)
    [X]     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
            THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)
            FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995.
                                      OR
   [  ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
            THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
            FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO ________
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-7201.
 
                               POE & BROWN, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                               
           FLORIDA                          59-0864469
 (State or other jurisdiction            (I.R.S. Employer
               of                     Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
220 SOUTH RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (904) 252-9601 --------------------- SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK $.10 PAR VALUE (Title of class) --------------------- 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, AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST NINETY (90) DAYS. YES X NO --- --- INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM 405 OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO THE BEST OF THE REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K [ ]. THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY NON-AFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT, COMPUTED BY REFERENCE TO THE LAST REPORTED PRICE AT WHICH THE STOCK WAS SOLD ON MARCH 4, 1996, WAS $161,684,057. THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK, $.10 PAR VALUE, OUTSTANDING AS OF MARCH 4, 1996, WAS 8,682,359. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE PORTIONS OF THE REGISTRANT'S 1995 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO PARTS I AND II OF THIS REPORT. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE PORTIONS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, THE REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS IS NOT DEEMED FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT. PORTIONS OF THE REGISTRANT'S PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 1996 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO PART III OF THIS REPORT. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 POE & BROWN, INC. FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Poe & Brown, Inc. (the "Company") is a general insurance agency headquartered in Daytona Beach and Tampa, Florida that resulted from an April 28, 1993 business combination involving Poe & Associates, Inc. ("Poe") and Brown & Brown, Inc. ("Brown"). Poe was incorporated in 1958 and Brown commenced business in 1939. Industry segment information is not presented because the Company realizes substantially all of its revenues from the general insurance agency business. The Company is a diversified insurance brokerage and agency that markets and sells primarily property and casualty insurance products and services to its clients. Because the Company does not engage in underwriting activities, it does not assume underwriting risks. Instead, it acts in an agency capacity to provide its customers with targeted, customized risk management products. The Company is compensated for its services by commissions paid by insurance companies and fees for administration and benefit consulting services. The commission is usually a percentage of the premium paid by an insured. Commission rates generally depend upon the type of insurance, the particular insurance company, and the nature of the services provided by the Company. In some cases, a commission is shared with other agents or brokers who have acted jointly with the Company in a transaction. The Company may also receive from an insurance company a contingent commission that is generally based on the profitability and volume of business placed with it by the Company over a given period of time. Fees are principally generated by the Service Division, which offers administration and benefit consulting services primarily in the workers' compensation and employee benefit markets. The amount of the Company's income from commissions and fees is a function of, among other factors, continued new business production, retention of existing customers, acquisitions, and fluctuations in insurance premium rates and insurable exposure units. Premium pricing within the property and casualty insurance underwriting industry has been cyclical and has displayed a high degree of volatility based on prevailing economic and competitive conditions. Since the mid-1980s, the property and casualty insurance industry has been in a "soft market" during which the underwriting capacity of insurance companies expanded, stimulating an increase in competition and a decrease in premium rates and related commissions and fees. Significant reductions in premium rates occurred during the years 1987 through 1989 and continue, although to a lesser degree, through the present. The effect of this softness in rates on the Company's revenues has been somewhat offset by the Company's acquisitions and new business production. The Company cannot predict the timing or extent of premium pricing changes as a result of market fluctuations or their effect on the Company's operations in the future. The Company's activities are conducted in 17 locations throughout Florida, and in 10 additional locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Because the Company's business is concentrated in Florida, the occurrence of adverse economic conditions or an adverse regulatory climate in Florida could have a materially adverse effect on its business, although the Company has not encountered such conditions in the past. The Company's business is divided into four divisions: (i) the Retail Division; (ii) the National Programs Division; (iii) the Service Division; and (iv) the Brokerage Division. The Retail Division is composed of Company employees in 23 offices that market and sell a broad range of insurance products to insureds. The National Programs Division works with underwriters to develop proprietary insurance programs for specific niche markets. These programs are marketed and sold primarily through approximately 270 independent agencies and more than 2,000 independent agents across the United States. The Company receives an override on the commissions generated by these independent agencies. The Service Division provides insurance-related 1 3 services such as third-party administration and consultation for workers' compensation and employee benefit markets. The Brokerage Division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance primarily through independent agents. The following table sets forth a summary of (i) the commission and fee revenues realized from each of the Company's operating divisions for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 (in thousands of dollars), and (ii) the percentage of the Company's total commission and fee revenues represented by each division for each of such periods:
1993 % 1994 % 1995 % ------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- Retail Division(1)................ $58,959 62.4% $56,018 58.4% $ 59,552 58.4% Nat'l Programs Division........... 23,633 25.0% 26,519 27.7% 27,542 27.0% Service Division.................. 10,166 10.8% 10,643 11.1% 10,751 10.5% Brokerage Division................ 1,662 1.8% 2,672 2.8% 4,153 4.1% ------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- Total................... $94,420 100% $95,852 100% $101,998 100% ======= ===== ======= ===== ======== =====
- --------------- (1) In 1993 and 1994, the Company sold retail offices in Tallahassee, Florida and Westlake Village, California and various other customer accounts. More than half the decline in Retail Division revenues from 1993 to 1994 is attributable to those dispositions. RETAIL DIVISION The Company's Retail Division operates through 23 locations in eight states. These locations employ approximately 550 persons. The Company's retail insurance agency business consists primarily of selling and marketing property and casualty insurance coverages to commercial, professional, and to a limited extent, individual customers. The categories of insurance principally sold by the Company are: Casualty -- insurance relating to legal liabilities, workers' compensation, commercial and private passenger automobile coverages, and fidelity and surety insurance; and Property -- insurance against physical damage to property and resultant interruption of business or extra expense caused by fire, windstorm or other perils. The Company also sells and services all forms of group and individual life, accident, health, hospitalization, medical and dental insurance programs. Each category of insurance is serviced by insurance specialists employed by the Company. No material part of the Company's retail business depends upon a single customer or a few customers. During 1995, the Company's Retail Division received approximately $418,000 of fees and commissions from Rock-Tenn Company, the Company's largest single Retail Division customer. Such amount represented less than 1% of the Retail Division's total commission and fee revenues for 1995. In connection with the selling and marketing of insurance coverages, the Company provides a broad range of related services to its customers, such as risk management surveys and analysis, consultation in connection with placing insurance coverages, and claims processing. The Company believes these services are important factors in securing and retaining customers. NATIONAL PROGRAMS DIVISION The National Programs Division tailors insurance products to the needs of a particular professional or trade group, negotiates policy forms, coverages, and commission rates with an insurance company, and, in certain cases, secures the formal or informal endorsement of the product by an association. The National Programs Division's programs are marketed and sold primarily through a national network of approximately 270 independent agencies and more than 2,000 independent agents, who solicit customers though advertisements in association publications, direct mailings and personal contact. The Company also markets these products directly in Florida through the National Programs Division's Professional Services Program. Under agency agreements with the insurance companies that underwrite these programs, the Company usually has authority to bind coverages, subject to established guidelines, to bill and collect premiums and, in some cases, to process claims. 2 4 The Company is committed to ongoing market research and development of new proprietary programs. The Company employs a variety of methods, including interviews with members of prospective professional and trade groups, to assess the coverage needs of various professional groups and trade associations to which the Company does not presently offer insurance products. If the initial market research is positive, the Company studies the existing and potential competition and locates potential carriers for the program. A proposal is then submitted to and negotiated with a selected carrier and, in most instances, a professional or trade association concerning endorsement of the program. New programs are introduced through written communications, personal visits with agents, placements of advertising in trade publications and, where appropriate, participation in trade shows and conventions. Several new programs are currently being reviewed by the Company. There can be no assurance, however, as to whether the Company will be successful in developing any such new programs or what the market reception will be. Professional Groups. The professional groups targeted by the National Programs Division include dentists, lawyers, physicians, and optometrists and opticians. Set forth below is a brief description of the programs offered to these four major professional groups. - Dentists: The largest program marketed by the National Programs Division is a package insurance policy known as the Professional Protector Plan(R), which provides comprehensive coverage for dentists, including practice protection and professional liability. This program, initiated in 1969, is endorsed by 31 state or component dental societies, and is offered in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This program presently insures approximately 37,100 dentists, which the Company believes represents approximately 27% of the eligible practicing dentists within the Company's marketing territories. - Lawyers: The Company began marketing lawyers' professional liability insurance in 1973, and the national Lawyer's Protector Plan(R) was introduced in 1983. The program presently insures approximately 36,000 attorneys and is offered in 46 states and the Virgin Islands. - Physicians: The Company markets professional liability insurance for physicians, surgeons, and other health care providers through a program known as the Physicians Protector Plan(R). The program, initiated in 1980, is currently offered in thirteen states and insures approximately 5,000 physicians. - Optometrists and Opticians: The Optometric Protector Plan(R) was created in 1973 to provide optometrists and opticians with a package of practice and professional liability coverage. This program insures approximately 7,000 optometrists and opticians in all states and Puerto Rico. The professional programs described above are underwritten predominantly through CNA Insurance Companies ("CNA"). The Company and CNA are parties to Program Agency Agreements with respect to each of the programs described above. Among other things, these agreements grant the Company the exclusive right to solicit and receive applications for program policies directly and from other licensed agents and to bind and issue such policies and endorsements thereto. In fulfilling its obligations under the agreements, the Company must comply with the administrative and underwriting guidelines established by CNA. The Company must use its best efforts to promote the programs and solicit and sell program policies. The Company is compensated through commissions on premiums, which vary according to insurance product (e.g., workers' compensation, commercial umbrella, package coverage, monoline professional and general liability) and the Company's role in the transaction. The commission to which the Company is entitled may change upon 90 days' written notice from CNA. The Program Agency Agreements are generally cancellable by either party on six months' or one year's advance written notice for any reason. An agreement may also be terminated upon breach, by the non-breaching party, subject to certain opportunities to cure the breach. Commercial. The National Programs Division's Towing Operators Protector Plan(R) was introduced in 1993 and currently provides specialized insurance products to tow-truck operators in 29 states. The Automobile Dealers Protector Plan(R) insures used car dealers not affiliated with manufacturers. In Florida, the program is endorsed by the Florida Independent Auto Dealers Association. Since 1994, this Plan has been expanded into eight additional states, and currently insures approximately 3,000 dealers in nine states. Health Care Insurers, Inc. ("HCI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was created in 1989 to market and sell professional health care liability insurance and 3 5 property coverages through independent agents to hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, medical groups, and clinics. HCI currently represents 165 clients in 22 states. The Insurance Administration Center ("IAC") became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in 1989. IAC was founded in 1962 to serve as insurance consultant to the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors ("NAW") and NAW's industry associations, which have a total of approximately 40,000 members. IAC currently serves NAW members as a third-party administration facility for life and health coverages, and markets and sells various employee benefits, property, and casualty insurance products to NAW members. IAC's third-party administration services include billing, premium accounting, eligibility, enrollment, claims payments, and financial reporting, and IAC currently processes claims for approximately 350 employers associated with NAW in a program for which New York Life Insurance Company is the lead underwriter. Since April 1995, IAC's property and casualty offerings have been principally underwritten by General Accident Insurance Company. Prior to that time, they were principally underwritten by CIGNA. SERVICE DIVISION The Service Division consists of two separate components: (i) insurance and related services as a third-party administrator ("TPA") and consultant for employee health and welfare benefit plans, and (ii) insurance and related services providing comprehensive risk management and third-party administration to self-funded workers' compensation plans. In connection with its employee benefit plan administrative services, the Service Division provides TPA services and consulting related to benefit plan design and costing, arrangement for the placement of stop-loss insurance and other employee benefit coverages, and settlement of claims. The Service Division provides utilization management services such as pre-admission review, concurrent/retrospective review, pre-treatment review of certain non-hospital treatment plans, and medical and psychiatric case management. In addition to the administration of self-funded health care plans, the Service Division offers administration of flexible benefit plans, including plan design, employee communication, enrollment and reporting. The Service Division's workers' compensation TPA services include risk management services such as loss control, claim administration, access to major reinsurance markets, cost containment consulting, and services for secondary disability and subrogation recoveries. The Service Division provides workers' compensation TPA services for approximately 2,000 employers representing more than $2 billion of employee payroll. The Company's largest workers' compensation contract represents approximately 72% of the Company's workers' compensation TPA revenues, or 5% of the Company's total commission and fee revenues. BROKERAGE DIVISION The Brokerage Division markets excess and surplus lines and specialty insurance products to the Company's Retail Division, as well as other retail agencies throughout Florida and the Southeast. The Brokerage Division represents various U.S. and U.K. surplus lines companies and is also a Lloyd's of London correspondent. In addition to surplus lines carriers, the Brokerage Division represents admitted carriers for smaller agencies that do not have access to large insurance carrier representation. Excess and surplus products include commercial automobile, garage, restaurant, builder's risk and inland marine lines. Difficult-to-insure general liability and products liability coverages are a specialty, as is excess workers' compensation. Retail agency business is solicited through mailings and direct contact with retail agency representatives. Effective July 1, 1995, the Company acquired Roehrig Flood & Associates, Inc., an excess and surplus lines broker located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Effective January 1, 1996, the Company acquired a 75% ownership in Florida Intracoastal Underwriters, Ltd. ("FIU") of Miami Lakes, Florida. FIU is a managing general agency that specializes in providing insurance coverages for coastal and inland high-value condominiums and apartments. FIU has developed a unique reinsurance facility to support the underwriting activities associated with these risks. 4 6 EMPLOYEES As of December 31, 1995, the Company had 1,035 full-time equivalent employees. The Company has contracts with its sales employees that include provisions restricting their right to solicit the Company's customers after termination of employment with the Company. The enforceability of such contracts varies from state to state depending upon state statutes, judicial decisions, and factual circumstances. The majority of these contracts are terminable by either party; however, the agreements not to solicit the Company's customers continue generally for a period of at least three years after employment termination. None of the Company's employees is represented by a labor union, and the Company considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory. COMPETITION The insurance agency business is highly competitive, and numerous firms actively compete with the Company for customers and insurance carriers. Although the Company is the largest insurance agency headquartered in Florida, a number of firms with much greater resources and market presence compete with the Company in Florida and elsewhere. This situation is particularly pronounced outside Florida. Competition in the insurance business is largely based on innovation, quality of service, and price. A number of insurance companies are engaged in the direct sale of insurance, primarily to individuals, and do not pay commissions to agents and brokers. To date, such direct writing has had relatively little effect on the Company's operations, primarily because the Company's Retail Division is commercially oriented. REGULATION, LICENSING AND AGENCY CONTRACTS The Company or its designated employees must be licensed to act as agents by state regulatory authorities in the states in which the Company conducts business. Regulations and licensing laws vary in individual states and are often complex. The applicable licensing laws and regulations in all states are subject to amendment or reinterpretation by state regulatory authorities, and such authorities are vested in most cases with relatively broad discretion as to the granting, revocation, suspension and renewal of licenses. The possibility exists that the Company could be excluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on some or all of its activities in, or otherwise subjected to penalties by, a particular state. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's executive offices are located at 220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32115 and 401 East Jackson Street, Suite 1700, Tampa, Florida 33602. The Company also maintains offices in the following cities: Phoenix, Arizona; San Francisco, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Glastonbury, Connecticut; Brooksville, Florida; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Ft. Myers, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; Kissimmee, Florida; Leesburg, Florida; Melbourne, Florida; Miami Lakes, Florida; Naples, Florida; Orlando, Florida; St. Petersburg, Florida; Sarasota, Florida; West Palm Beach, Florida; Winter Haven, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Clark, New Jersey; Somerset, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Houston, Texas. The Company occupies office premises under noncancellable operating leases expiring at various dates. These leases generally contain renewal options and escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors' operating expenses and other charges. The Company expects that most leases will be renewed or replaced upon expiration. See Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders for additional information on the Company's lease commitments. At December 31, 1995 the Company owned one building located in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida having an aggregate book value of approximately $128,000, including improvements. There are no outstanding mortgages on this building. This building generated lease revenue during 1995 of approximately $16,600. During 1995, two other buildings having an aggregate book value approximating $186,000 were sold for a 5 7 minimal gain. The Company also owns an office condominium in Venice, Florida which has a net book value of $195,000, with no outstanding mortgage. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On February 21, 1995, an Amended Complaint was filed in an action pending in the Superior Court of Puerto Rico, Bayamon division, and captioned Cadillac Uniform & Linen Supply Company, et al. v. General Accident Insurance Company, Puerto Rico, Limited, et al. The case was originally filed on November 23, 1994, and named General Accident Insurance Company, Puerto Rico Limited, and Benj. Acosta, Inc. as defendants. The Amended Complaint added several defendants, including the Company and Poe & Brown of California, Inc. ("P&B/Cal."), a subsidiary of the Company, as parties to the case. The Plaintiffs allege that P&B/Cal. failed to procure sufficient coverage for a commercial laundry facility that was rendered inoperable for a period of time as the result of a fire, and further allege that the Company is vicariously liable for the actions of P&B/Cal. The Amended Complaint seeks damages of $11.2 million against P&B/Cal., the Company, the P&B/Cal. employee who handled the account and LBI Corp., a/k/a Levinson Bros., Inc. The Company and P&B/Cal. believe that P&B/Cal. has meritorious defenses to each of the claims asserted against it, and that the Company likewise has meritorious defenses to allegations premised upon theories of vicarious liability. Both the Company and P&B/Cal. intend to contest this action vigorously. In the event that damages are awarded against P&B/Cal. or the Company, P&B/Cal. and the Company believe that available insurance would be sufficient to cover such loss. On September 9, 1994, the Company was named as a third-party defendant in a case pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, captioned Alec Sharp, an Underwriter at Lloyds on behalf of himself and other Lloyd's Underwriters and Colin Trevor Dingley, on behalf of himself and other Lloyd's Underwriters v. Best Security Corp., d/b/a Independent Armored, et al. The third-party complaint was filed against the Company by some of the defendants in the action. The case arose from the theft of jewelry claimed to be worth approximately $7 million from an armored car owned and operated by Best Security Corp. Plaintiffs, the insurers, sought a declaratory judgment against the insured and purported additional insureds that the policy was void from inception because the insured made misrepresentations on the application. In the third-party complaint, the third-party plaintiffs alleged that the Company issued certificates of insurance naming additional insureds without authorization, and claimed the Company failed to communicate information given to the Company by the named insured to the Underwriters at Lloyds of London. As of March 15, 1996, the claims of all but three of the third-party plaintiffs had been resolved through settlement. The Company does not believe the three remaining claims will have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or future operations of the Company. In 1992, the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") completed examinations of the Company's federal income tax returns for the years 1988, 1989, and 1990. As a result of these examinations, the Service issued Reports of Proposed Adjustments asserting income tax deficiencies which, by including interest and state income taxes for the periods examined and the Company's estimates of similar adjustments for subsequent periods through December 31, 1993, would have totalled $6,100,000. The disputed issues related primarily to the deductibility of amortization of purchased customer accounts of approximately $5,107,000 and of non-compete agreements of approximately $993,000. In addition, the Service's report included a dispute regarding the timing at which the Company's payments made pursuant to certain indemnity agreements would be deductible for tax reporting purposes. During 1994, the Company reached a settlement with the Service with respect to certain of the disputed amortization items and the indemnity agreement payment issue. This settlement reduced the total remaining asserted income tax deficiencies to approximately $2,800,000. In March 1995, the Company reached an agreement with the Service on the remaining unsettled items. The agreement resulted in payments by the Company of approximately $349,000. With all disputed items settled, the Company recorded a $451,000 reduction in its general tax reserve. The Company is involved in various other pending or threatened proceedings by or against the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries that involve routine litigation relating to insurance risks placed by the Company and other contractual matters. Management of the Company does not believe that any of such 6 8 pending or threatened proceedings (including the proceedings described above) will have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or future operations of the Company. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the Company's fourth quarter ended December 31, 1995. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock is traded on the National Market System of The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "POBR." The approximate number of shareholders of record as of March 4, 1996 was 842, and the closing price per share on that date was $25.25. The table below sets forth information for each quarter in the last two fiscal years concerning (i) the high and low sales prices for the Company's common stock, and (ii) cash dividends declared per share.
STOCK PRICE RANGE CASH ------------------- DIVIDENDS HIGH LOW PER SHARE ------ ------ --------- 1995 First quarter....................................... $22.50 $20.25 $0.12 Second quarter...................................... 24.25 22.00 0.12 Third quarter....................................... 25.25 23.25 0.12 Fourth quarter...................................... 25.25 24.25 0.12 1994 First quarter....................................... $19.50 $17.63 $0.10 Second quarter...................................... 20.50 18.25 0.10 Third quarter....................................... 22.75 19.75 0.10 Fourth quarter...................................... 21.75 19.50 0.12
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Information under the caption "Financial Highlights" on page 2 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Information under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages 18-22 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Consolidated Financial Statements of Poe & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries, together with the reports thereon of Arthur Andersen LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, appearing on pages 23-41 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference. 7 9 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not Applicable. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information contained under the caption "Management" on pages 4-6 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information contained under the caption "Executive Compensation" on pages 7-10 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference; provided, however, that the report of the Compensation Committee on executive compensation, which begins on page 10 thereof, and the stock performance graph on page 12 thereof shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Information contained under the caption "Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" on pages 2-3 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Information contained under the captions "Executive Compensation -- Transactions with Directors" and "Executive Compensation -- Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" on pages 9-10 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Consolidated Financial Statements of Poe & Brown, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference from pages 23-41 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders) consisting of: (a) Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. (b) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. (c) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. (d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. (e) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (f) Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants. 2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule included on page 14 of this report, consisting of: (a) Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. 8 10 The independent auditors' report with respect to the above-listed financial statement schedule appears on page 12 of this report on Form 10-K. All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto. 3. EXHIBITS 3a -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as last amended on April 28, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3a to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994). 3b -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant effective March 22, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3b to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S-4). 4 -- Revolving Loan Agreement dated November 9, 1994, by and among the Registrant and SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, N.A., f/k/a SunBank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994). 10a(1) -- Lease of Registrant for office space at 220 South Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida dated August 15, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(3) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993). 10a(2) -- Lease agreement for office space at SunTrust Financial Centre, Tampa, Florida, dated February 1995, between Southeast Financial Center Associates, as landlord, and Registrant, as tenant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(4) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994). 10b -- Registrant's 1985 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984). 10c -- Registrant's 1989 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10f to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989). 10d -- Loan Agreement between Continental Casualty Company and Registrant dated August 23, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10d to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991). 10e -- Indemnity Agreement dated January 1, 1979, among the Registrant, Whiting National Management, Inc., and Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10g to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S-4). 10f -- Agency Agreement dated January 1, 1979 among the Registrant, Whiting National Management, Inc., and Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10h to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S-4). 10g -- Indemnification Agreement, dated February 22, 1993, between the Registrant and William F. Poe, Sr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10k to Registration Statement No. 33-58090 on Form S4).* 10h -- Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated May 1, 1983, as amended April 27, 1993, between the Registrant and Kenneth E. Hill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10i to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993). 10i -- Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 1993 between the Registrant and William F. Poe, Sr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10j to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993). 10j -- Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 1993 between the Registrant and J. Hyatt Brown (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10k to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993). 10k -- Portions of Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 1993 between the Registrant and Kenneth E. Hill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10l to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).
9 11 10l -- Portions of Employment Agreement, dated April 28, 1993 between the Registrant and Jim W. Henderson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10m to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993). 10m -- Portions of Promissory Note and Security Agreement, dated January 20, 1995, between William F. Poe Sr., and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10n to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994). 10n -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Registrant, The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc., Smith Barney, Inc. and certain selling shareholders of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-61591 on Form S-3). 11 -- Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings 13 -- Portions of Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders (not deemed "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except for those portions specifically incorporated by reference herein). 22 -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23a -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23b -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 24a -- Powers of Attorney pursuant to which this Form 10-K has been signed on behalf of certain directors and officers of the Registrant. 24b -- Resolutions of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary. 27 -- Financial Data Schedule.
- --------------- * The registrant has Indemnification Agreements with certain of its other directors and former directors (Joseph E. Brown, Bruce G. Geer, V.C. Jordan, Jr., Byrne Litschgi, Charles W. Poe, William F. Poe, Jr., and Bernard H. Mizel) that are identical in all material respects to Exhibit 10g except for the parties involved and the dates executed. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 1995, reporting (i) the Registrant's decision not to renew the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP as the Registrant's independent accountants, and (ii) the engagement of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Registrant's new independent accountants. 10 12 SCHEDULE II POE & BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E - ---------------------------- -------- ------------------------------ ------------- -------- ADDITIONS ------------------------------ BALANCE (1) (2) AT ---------- ----------------- BALANCE BEGINNING CHARGED TO CHARGED TO AT OF COST AND OTHER ACCOUNTS -- DEDUCTIONS -- END OF DESCRIPTION PERIOD EXPENSES EXPENSES DESCRIBE PERIOD - ---------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ------------- -------- Year ended December 31, 1995 Deducted from asset account: Allowance for doubtful accounts............. $69,000 $ 72,000 $ -- $ 41,000(A) $100,000 -------- ---------- ----------------- ------------- -------- Year ended December 31, 1994 Deducted from asset account: Allowance for doubtful accounts............. $435,000 $ 19,000 $ -- $ 385,000(A) $69,000 -------- ---------- ----------------- ------------- -------- Year ended December 31, 1993 Deducted from asset account: Allowance for doubtful accounts............. $590,000 $562,000 $ -- $ 717,000(A) $435,000 -------- ---------- ----------------- ------------- --------
- --------------- (A) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. 11 13 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE To Poe & Brown, Inc.: We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the 1995 consolidated financial statements included in Poe & Brown, Inc.'s Annual Report to Stockholders incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 29, 1996. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item 14(a)2 is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. The 1995 amounts in this schedule have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the 1995 basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the 1995 basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Arthur Andersen LLP Orlando, Florida January 29, 1996 12 14 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. POE & BROWN, INC. Registrant By: * ------------------------------------ J. Hyatt Brown Chief Executive Officer Date: March 19, 1996 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------- * Chairman of the Board, March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- President and Chief Executive J. Hyatt Brown Officer (Principal Executive Officer) * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Samuel P. Bell, III * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Bradley Currey, Jr. * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Bruce G. Geer * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Jim W. Henderson * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Kenneth E. Hill * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Theodore J. Hoepner * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Charles W. Poe
13 15
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------- * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- William F. Poe * Director March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- William F. Poe, Jr. * Vice President, Treasurer and March 19, 1996 - --------------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer James A. Orchard (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) *By: /s/ LAUREL J. LENFESTEY - --------------------------------------------- Laurel J. Lenfestey Attorney-in-Fact
14 16 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 -- Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings 13 -- Portions of 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders 22 -- Subsidiaries 23a -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 23b -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 24a -- Powers of Attorney 24b -- Certified Resolutions of the Board of Directors 27 -- Financial Data Schedule
15
   1
                                  EXHIBIT 11

               STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS


Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------ 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands, except per share data) Average shares outstanding........................ 8,660 8,593 8,441 Net effect of dilutive stock options, based on the treasury stock method........................................... 39 77 130 ------- ------- ------ Total shares used in computation............... 8,699 8,670 8,571 ======= ======= ====== Net income........................................ $14,799 $13,519 $8,118 ======= ======= ====== Net income per share.............................. $ 1.70 $ 1.56 $ 0.95 ======= ======= ======
   1
                                  EXHIBIT 13

                Portions of 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders
   2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General


                 [CHART 1: Net Income (in millions) by year:]

                                 1990 - $ 5.8
                                 1991 - $ 5.9
                                 1992 - $ 2.6
                                 1993 - $ 8.1
                                 1994 - $13.5
                                 1995 - $14.8

         [CHART 2: Pre-tax Margin as a Percent of Revenue, by year:]

                                 1990 - 11.7%
                                 1991 - 12.7%
                                 1992 -  9.1%
                                 1993 - 13.3%
                                 1994 - 20.3%
                                 1995 - 21.9%

In April of 1993, Poe & Associates, Inc., headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and
Brown & Brown, Inc., headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, combined to form
Poe & Brown, Inc. (the "Company"). Since that time, the Company's operating
results have steadily improved. The Company achieved pre-tax income from
operations of $23,329,000 in 1995, compared to $20,586,000 in 1994 and
$13,047,000 in 1993. Pre-tax income, as a percentage of total revenues, was
21.9% in 1995, 20.3% in 1994 and 13.3% in 1993. This trend is primarily the
result of the Company's achievement of revenue growth and operating efficiency
improvements.   
     The Company's revenues are comprised principally of commissions
paid by insurance companies, fees paid directly by clients and investment
income. Commission revenues generally represent a percentage of the premium
paid by the insured and are materially affected by fluctuations in both premium
rate levels charged by insurance underwriters and the volume of premiums
written by such underwriters. These premium rates are established by insurance
companies based upon many factors, none of which are controlled by the Company.
Beginning in 1986 and continuing through 1995, revenues have been adversely
influenced by a consistent decline in premium rates resulting from intense
competition among property and casualty insurers for expanding market share.
Among other factors, this condition of prevailing decline in premium rates,
commonly referred to as a "soft market," has generally resulted in flat to
reduced commissions on renewal business. Although some forecasts predict
premium increases, the probability of overall rate increases in 1996 is
unpredictable.
     Revenues are further impacted by the development of new and existing
proprietary programs, fluctuations in insurable exposure units and the volume
of business from new and existing clients and changes in general economic and
competitive conditions.  For example, stagnant rates of inflation in recent
years have generally limited the increase in insurable exposure units such as
property values, sales and payroll levels. Conversely, the increasing trend in
litigation settlements and awards has caused some clients to seek higher levels
of insurance coverage. Still, the Company's revenues continue to grow through
acquisitions, new business initiatives and development of new products, markets
and services. Effective March 1, 1995, the Company acquired Insurance West by
merger. This merger has been accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and,
accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements have been restated
for all prior periods. Also during 1995, the Company acquired four general
insurance agencies, an insurance brokerage firm and several books of business
(customer accounts) which were accounted for as purchases.
     Contingent commissions may be paid to the Company by insurance carriers
based upon the volume and profitability of the business placed with 


                  18  Poe & Brown, Inc.   1995 Annual Report
   3
           [CHART 1: Revenue Per Employee (in thousands), by year:]

                                 1990 - $ 75.1
                                 1991 - $ 79.5
                                 1992 - $ 82.4
                                 1993 - $ 97.6
                                 1994 - $102.3
                                 1995 - $102.8


                  [CHART 2: Employees at Year End, by year:]

                                 1990 - 1,100
                                 1991 - 1,073
                                 1992 - 1,111
                                 1993 - 1,002
                                 1994 -   993
                                 1995 - 1,035

such carriers by the Company, and are generally received in the first
quarter of each year. In each of the last three years, contingent commissions
have represented less than 3.5% of total revenues.
     Fee revenues are generated primarily by the Service Division of the
Company, which offers administration and benefit consulting services primarily
in the workers' compensation and employee benefit self-insurance markets.
Florida's legislative reform of workers' compensation insurance, as well as
certain market factors, have resulted in increased competition in this service
sector. In response to this increased competition, the Company has offered
value-added services that enabled it to increase 1995 fee revenues over those
recognized in 1994. For the past three years, service fee revenues have ranged
from 9.9% to 11.1% of total commissions and fees.
     Investment income consists primarily of interest earnings on premiums
and advance premiums collected and not immediately remitted to insurance
carriers, with such funds being held in a fiduciary capacity. Investment income
also includes gains and losses realized from the sale of investments, although
in 1995 such sales were minimal and realized gains and losses were immaterial.
In 1994, investment income included a $2,185,000 realized gain from the sale of
a portion of the Company's investment in Rock-Tenn Company ("Rock-Tenn"). The
Company's policy is to invest its available funds in high-quality, fixed-income
investment securities.
     In 1995, total expenses represented 78.1% of total revenues, compared to
79.7% in 1994 and 86.7% in 1993. This improving trend is primarily attributable
to continuing operational efficiencies realized from recent mergers and
acquisitions, expense initiatives resulting in lower employee benefit costs and
reductions of interest expense due to significant repayments of debt.
     The Company anticipates that results of operations for 1996 will
continue to be influenced by these competitive and economic conditions.
     The following discussion and analysis regarding results of operations and
liquidity and capital resources should be considered in conjunction with the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes.


Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

COMMISSIONS AND FEES  
Commissions and fees increased 6% in 1995, 2% in 1994 and 7% in 1993. Excluding
the effect of acquisitions, commissions and fees increased 3% in 1995 and 4% in
1993. Acquisition activity in 1994 did not have a material impact on
commissions and fees. The 1995 results reflect an increase in commissions for
each of the Company's operating divisions, mainly through new business growth.
In general, property and casualty insurance premium prices remained flat in
1995; however, there were some continued increases in premium rates for coastal
properties as a result of recent hurricanes in Florida. In addition, certain
segments and industries had some increases in insurable exposure units during
1995. Both of these factors, along with the record level of new business,
contributed to the increase in the 1995 Retail Division revenues.
     

                 19  Poe & Brown, Inc.    1995 Annual Report
     
   4
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
       [CHART 1: Interest Expense as a Percentage of Revenue, by year:]

                                 1990 - 1.9%
                                 1991 - 2.3%
                                 1992 - 2.3%
                                 1993 - 1.8%
                                 1994 - 1.3%
                                 1995 - 0.8%

      [CHART 2: Operating Expense as a Percentage of Revenue, by year:]

                                 1990 - 27.0%
                                 1991 - 25.6%
                                 1992 - 27.5%
                                 1993 - 26.5%
                                 1994 - 22.5%
                                 1995 - 21.6%

INVESTMENT INCOME
Investment income decreased to $3,733,000 in 1995 compared to $5,126,000 in
1994. The 1994 results included a $2,185,000 gain from the sale of
approximately 23% of the Company's investment in the common stock of Rock-Tenn.
This sale was in conjunction with an initial public offering by Rock-Tenn of 
its common stock. The Company continues to own 509,064 shares of common stock 
of Rock-Tenn and has no current plans to sell these shares. Excluding this 
gain, investment income in 1995 increased by $792,000, or 27%, primarily due 
to increased available funds and the implementation of a consolidated cash 
management program which has resulted in improved earnings on cash and cash 
equivalents.


OTHER INCOME
Other income consists primarily of gains and losses from the sale and
disposition of assets. During 1995, gains on the sale of customer accounts were
$590,000, compared to $411,000 in 1994 and $864,000 in 1993.


EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 
Employee compensation and benefits increased 5% in 1995, remained constant in
1994 and increased less than 3% in 1993. Excluding acquisitions, employee
compensation and benefits increased 1% in 1995, remained constant in 1994 and
decreased less than 1% in 1993. Employee compensation and benefits, as a
percentage of total revenue, remained constant in 1995 and 1994 at 52%, down
from 54% in 1993. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had 1,035 full-time
equivalent employees, compared to 993 at the beginning of the year. The
increase in personnel in 1995 is primarily related to acquisitions. The 1995
increase in compensation and employee benefits of $2,519,000 is primarily
attributable to the addition of personnel through acquisitions, additional
commission expense as a result of the increased commission and fee revenues,
and additional expense due to the acceleration of vesting of benefits under
certain terminated deferred compensation arrangements effective July 1, 1995.


OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 
Other operating expenses remained constant in 1995, compared to a decrease of
12% in 1994, as compared to 1993. Excluding acquisitions, operating expenses 
decreased 3% in 1995 and 12% in 1994. The 1994 decrease is primarily 
attributable to approximately $2,500,000 of non-recurring merger and 
combination costs related to the Poe & Associates merger with Brown &
Brown, incurred in 1993, and subsequent improvements in operational 
efficiencies that resulted in decreases to most other operating expenses.


INTEREST AND AMORTIZATION
Interest and amortization decreased $580,000 and $553,000, or 10% and 9%, in
1995 and 1994, respectively, due primarily to a reduction in outstanding debt.


                 20  Poe & Brown, Inc.    1995 Annual Report


   5

INCOME TAXES    
The effective rate on income from operations was 36.6% in 1995, 34.3% in 1994
and 37.8% in 1993. The lower effective tax rates in 1995 and 1994 are
primarily due to the effect of recording a $451,000 and a $700,000 reduction,
respectively, to the general tax reserves, as a result of reaching a settlement
agreement with the Internal Revenue Service ("Service") on the Service's
outstanding examination issues (see below for detailed discussion of  this
adjustment).
     In 1992, the Service completed examinations of the Company's
federal income tax returns for tax years 1988, 1989 and 1990. As a result of
these examinations, the Service issued Reports of Proposed Adjustments
asserting income tax deficiencies which, by including interest and state income
taxes for the periods examined and the Company's estimates of similar
adjustments for subsequent periods through December 31, 1993, would have
totaled $6,100,000. The disputed items related primarily to the deductibility
of amortization of purchased customer accounts of approximately $5,107,000 and
of non-compete agreements of approximately $993,000. In addition, the Service's
report included a dispute regarding the time at which the Company's payments
made, pursuant to certain indemnity agreements, would be deductible for tax
reporting purposes.
     During 1994 and 1995, the Company reached settlement agreements with the
Service with respect to all of the disputed items. In 1994, a partial
settlement was reached. Payments made under this partial settlement
resulted in a $400,000 reduction to the previously established tax reserves.
During 1994, after considering this reduction, the Company reduced the
remaining general tax reserves by $700,000. This decrease was recorded as a
reduction to the 1994 income tax provision.
     In March of 1995, the Company reached an agreement with the Service on all
remaining items. This agreement resulted in payments that reduced the reserve
by approximately $349,000. After considering these reductions, the Company
recorded a $451,000 reduction in the general tax reserve, which was recorded as
a reduction to the 1995 income tax provision.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash and cash equivalents of $28,350,000 at December 31, 1995
increased $5,165,000 from the December 31, 1994 balance of $23,185,000. During
1995, primary sources of cash were $21,208,000 from operating activities,
$1,469,000 from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts and $106,000 from
the exercise of stock options and issuances of common stock. Cash was used
during 1995 primarily for payments on long-term debt of $2,132,000, additions to
fixed assets of $5,321,000, purchases of investments of $1,208,000,
acquisitions of businesses of $6,005,000 and payments of dividends of
$4,149,000.
     The Company's cash and cash equivalents of $23,185,000 at December 31,
1994 decreased $3,947,000 from the December 31, 1993 balance of $27,132,000.
During 1994, primary sources of cash were $10,396,000 from operating activities,
$2,346,000 from sales of investments and $1,687,000 from the exercise of stock
options and issuances of common stock. Cash was used during 1994 primarily for
payments on long-term debt of $12,004,000 and payments of dividends of
$3,542,000.
     The Company's cash and cash equivalents of $27,132,000 at December 31,
1993 increased


                 21  Poe & Brown, Inc.    1995 Annual Report


   6


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


$8,326,000 from the December 31, 1992 balance of $18,806,000. During 1993,
primary sources of cash were $20,709,000 from operating activities, $427,000
from the sale of fixed assets and customer accounts and $3,833,000 from bank
borrowings. Cash was used during 1993 primarily for payments required under
acquisition-related contingency agreements and for purchases of fixed assets
totaling $3,935,000, repayment of long-term debt of $11,090,000 and payments of
dividends of $2,971,000.
     The Company's working capital ratio was 1.13 to 1.0, 1.10 to 1.0 and 1.03
to 1.0 as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The increase in
the ratio at December 31, 1995 was primarily the result of higher net cash
flows from operations.
     In 1993, the Company entered into a long-term credit facility with a
national banking institution that consisted of two secured term loans
aggregating $7,500,000 that carried interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2%. These
bank term loans were used to replace approximately $3,750,000 of 8.5% notes
held by an insurance company and to fund acquisition contingency payments
finalized in 1993. As of December 31, 1993, all acquisition contingency
agreements had been finalized. This debt was fully retired during 1994.
     The Company has had available an unsecured line of credit with a national
banking institution totaling $3,500,000 since 1991, but that line of credit was
reduced to $2,000,000 in conjunction with the credit facility referred to
above. During 1994, in connection with the repayment of the long-term credit
facility referred to above, the $2,000,000 line of credit was terminated.
     In November 1994, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility
with a national banking association that provides for borrowings of up to
$10,000,000. On borrowings under this facility of less than $1,000,000, the
interest rate is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus
 .50%. On borrowings under this facility equal to or in excess of $1,000,000,
the interest rate is LIBOR plus .50% to 1.25%, depending on certain financial
ratios. A commitment fee is assessed in the amount of .25% per annum on the
unused balance. The facility expires in November 1997. No borrowings were
outstanding against this line of credit as of December 31, 1995. Borrowings 
would be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, subject to
existing or permitted liens.
     The Company has a credit agreement with a major insurance company under
which $6,000,000 (the maximum amount available for borrowings) was outstanding
at December 31, 1995, at an interest rate equal to the prime rate plus 1%. The
amount available under this facility decreases by $1,000,000 each August,
through the year 2001, when it will expire.
     The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term
investment portfolio, funds generated from operations and the availability of
the bank line of credit will be sufficient to satisfy its normal financial
needs through at least the end of 1996.




                 22  Poe & Brown, Inc.    1995 Annual Report


   7


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------- (in thousands, except per share data) 1995 1994 1993 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES Commissions and fees $101,998 $95,852 $94,420 Investment income 3,733 5,126 2,061 Other income 634 602 1,340 -------- ------- ------- Total revenues 106,365 101,580 97,821 -------- ------- ------- EXPENSES Employee compensation and benefits 55,073 52,554 52,699 Other operating expenses 22,951 22,848 25,930 Interest and amortization 5,012 5,592 6,145 -------- ------- ------- Total expenses 83,036 80,994 84,774 -------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes 23,329 20,586 13,047 Income taxes 8,530 7,067 4,929 -------- ------- ------- Net income $14,799 $13,519 $8,118 ======== ======= ======= Net income per share $1.70 $1.56 $0.95 ======== ======= ======= Weighted average number of shares outstanding 8,699 8,670 8,571 ======== ======= =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 23 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 8 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, ---------------------- (in thousands, except per share data) 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,350 $ 23,185 Short-term investments 1,308 787 Premiums, commissions and fees receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $100 at 1995 and $69 at 1994 56,553 56,784 Other current assets 6,336 6,779 -------- ------- Total current assets 92,547 87,535 Fixed assets, net 10,412 8,330 Intangibles, net 36,613 32,973 Investments 8,473 9,274 Other assets 3,076 2,868 -------- -------- Total assets $151,121 $140,980 ======== ======== LIABILITIES Premiums payable to insurance companies $ 64,588 $ 63,195 Premium deposits and credits due customers 6,070 6,970 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 9,417 8,302 Current portion of long-term debt 1,768 1,434 -------- -------- Total current liabilities 81,843 79,901 Long-term debt 7,023 7,430 Deferred income taxes 1,502 3,778 Other liabilities 6,341 5,765 -------- -------- Total liabilities 96,709 96,874 -------- -------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, par value $.10 per share; authorized 18,000 shares; issued 8,682 shares at 1995 and 8,635 shares at 1994 868 864 Additional paid-in capital 2,614 2,241 Retained earnings 46,094 35,660 Net unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $3,027 at 1995 and $3,344 at 1994 4,836 5,341 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 54,412 44,106 -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $151,121 $140,980 ======== ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 24 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 9 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL NET UNREALIZED TREASURY STOCK PAID-IN RETAINED APPRECIATION (in thousands, except per share data) SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS (DEPRECIATION) SHARES AMOUNT TOTAL - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1993 8,539 $ 854 $1,125 $20,736 $ - 161 $(1,483) $21,232 Net income 8,118 8,118 Issued for stock option plans and employee stock purchase plans 11 1 13 (116) 677 691 Tax benefit from sale of option shares by employees 176 176 Cash dividends paid ($.40 per share) (2,971) (2,971) ----- ----- ------ ------- --------- ---- ------- ------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 8,550 855 1,314 25,883 - 45 (806) 27,246 Net income 13,519 13,519 Issued for stock option plans and employee stock purchase plans 85 9 872 (45) 806 1,687 Tax benefit from sale of option shares by employees 55 55 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (see Note 1) 23 23 Net increase in unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities 5,318 5,318 Partnership distributions for Insurance West (200) (200) Cash dividends paid ($.42 per share) (3,542) (3,542) ----- ----- ------ ------ --------- ---- ------- ------ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994 8,635 864 2,241 35,660 5,341 - - 44,106 Net income 14,799 14,799 Acquired and issued for stock option plans and employee stock purchase plans 47 4 318 (216) 106 Tax benefit from sale of option shares by employees 55 55 Net decrease in unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities (505) (505) Cash dividends paid ($.48 per share) (4,149) (4,149) ------ ---- ------ ------- --------- ---- ------- ------ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 8,682 $868 $2,614 $46,094 $ 4,836 - $ - $54,412 ====== ==== ====== ======= ========= ==== ======= =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 25 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 10 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 1993 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $14,799 $13,519 $8,118 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 6,487 6,398 7,030 Provision for doubtful accounts 31 19 562 Deferred income taxes (2,191) (1,173) 499 Net gains on sales of investments, fixed assets and customer accounts (537) (2,231) (864) Premiums, commissions and fees receivable decrease (increase) 200 (2,374) 1,982 Other assets decrease (increase) 235 (2,439) 805 Premiums payable to insurance companies increase (decrease) 1,393 (3,951) 4,657 Premium deposits and credits due customers (decrease) increase (900) 1,919 (471) Accounts payable and accrued expenses increase (decrease) 1,115 (683) (2,821) Other liabilities increase 576 1,392 1,212 -------- ------- ------- Net cash provided by operating activities 21,208 10,396 20,709 -------- ------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to fixed assets (5,321) (2,400) (1,815) Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired (6,005) (1,382) (2,120) Proceeds from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts 1,469 1,337 427 Purchases of investments (1,208) (187) (93) Proceeds from sales of investments 642 2,346 709 Other investing activities, net - (53) (130) ------- ------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities (10,423) (339) (3,022) ------- ------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments on long-term debt (2,132) (12,004) (11,090) Proceeds from long-term debt 500 - 3,833 Exercise of stock options, issuances of stock and treasury stock sales 106 1,687 691 Tax benefit from sale of option shares by employees 55 55 176 Partnership distributions - (200) - Cash dividends paid (4,149) (3,542) (2,971) ------- ------- ------- Net cash used in financing activities (5,620) (14,004) (9,361) ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 5,165 (3,947) 8,326 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 23,185 27,132 18,806 -------- ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $28,350 $23,185 $27,132 ======== ======= =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 26 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 11 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies NATURE OF OPERATIONS Poe & Brown, Inc. (the "Company") is a diversified insurance brokerage and agency that markets and sells primarily property and casualty insurance products and services to its clients. The Company's business is divided into four divisions: the Retail Division, which markets and sells a broad range of insurance products to commercial, professional and individual clients; the National Programs Division, which develops and markets proprietary professional liability, property, casualty and life and health insurance programs to members of various professional and trade groups through independent agencies; the Service Division, which provides insurance-related services, such as third-party administration and consultation for workers' compensation and employee benefit self-insurance markets; and the Brokerage Division, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance primarily through independent agents and brokers. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Poe & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. REVENUE RECOGNITION Commissions relating to the brokerage and agency activity, whereby the Company has primary responsibility for the collection of premiums from insureds, are generally recognized as of the latter of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date billed to the customer. Commissions to be received directly from insurance companies are generally recognized when determined. Subsequent commission adjustments, such as policy endorsements, are recognized upon notification from the insurance companies. Commission revenues are reported net of sub-broker commissions. Contingent commissions from insurance companies are recognized when received. Fee income is recognized as services are rendered. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments having maturities of three months or less when purchased. Premiums received from insureds, but not yet remitted to insurance carriers, are held in cash and cash equivalents in a fiduciary capacity. PREMIUMS, COMMISSIONS AND FEES RECEIVABLE In its capacity as an insurance broker or agent, the Company typically collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its authorized commission, remits the premiums to the appropriate 27 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 12 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS insurance companies. In other circumstances, the insurance companies collect the premiums directly from the insureds and remit the applicable commissions to the Company. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, "premiums" are receivable from insureds and "commissions" are receivable from insurance companies. "Fees" are receivable primarily from customers of the Service Division. INVESTMENTS Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under these rules, the Company's marketable equity security investments have been classified as "available-for-sale" and are reported at estimated fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in investment income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income. Nonmarketable equity securities and certificates of deposit having maturities of more than three months when purchased are reported at cost, adjusted for other-than-temporary market value declines. Application of SFAS No. 115 resulted in net unrealized gains reported in shareholders' equity of $4,836,000 in 1995 and $5,341,000 in 1994, net of deferred income taxes of $3,027,000 and $3,344,000, respectively. The adoption of this Statement resulted in an increase of $23,000 to shareholders' equity as of January 1, 1994, net of $15,000 in deferred taxes. As of January 1, 1994, the Company owned 659,064 shares of common stock of Rock-Tenn Company ("Rock-Tenn") with an aggregate cost of $565,000. As of that date, the common stock of Rock-Tenn was not publicly traded and, therefore, had no readily determinable market value. However, on March 3, 1994, the common stock of Rock-Tenn was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and began trading on the Nasdaq over-the-counter securities market at the initial public offering price of $16.50 per share. As part of the initial public offering of Rock-Tenn's common stock, the Company sold 150,000 shares of its investment in this stock and reported a net after-tax gain of $1,342,000 in the first quarter of 1994. The remaining 509,064 shares of Rock-Tenn common stock held by the Company have been classified as non-current, available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. The Company has no current plans to sell these shares. FIXED ASSETS Fixed assets are stated at cost. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in income. Depreciation has been provided using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the term of the related leases. 28 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 13 INTANGIBLES Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and principally represent purchased customer accounts, non-compete agreements, purchased contract agreements and the excess of costs over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired (goodwill). Purchased customer accounts, non-compete agreements and purchased contract agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives and contract periods, which range from four to 15 years. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis for periods ranging from 15 to 40 years. Purchased customer accounts are records and files obtained from acquired businesses that contain information on insurance policies and the related insured parties that is essential to policy renewals. The carrying value of intangibles, corresponding with each agency division comprising the Company, is periodically reviewed by management to determine if the facts and circumstances suggest that they may be impaired. In the insurance brokerage and agency industry, it is common for agencies or customer accounts to be acquired at a price determined as a multiple of the corresponding revenues. Accordingly, the Company assesses the carrying value of its intangibles by comparison to a reasonable multiple applied to corresponding revenues and considers the operating cash flow generated by the corresponding agency division. Any impairment identified through this assessment may require that the carrying value of related intangibles be adjusted. INCOME TAXES The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for in the consolidated financial statements and relate principally to expenses charged to income for financial reporting purposes in one period and deducted for income tax purposes in other periods, unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities and basis differences of intangible assets. NET INCOME PER SHARE Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, which is the same on both a primary and fully-diluted basis. Note 2 - Mergers On April 28, 1993, Poe & Associates, Inc. ("Poe") issued 3,013,975 shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Brown & Brown, Inc. ("Brown"), a closely-held general insurance agency headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Subsequent to that transaction, the Company's name was changed to Poe & Brown, Inc. On November 11, 1993, the Company issued 124,736 shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Arch-Holmes Insurance, Inc. ("Arch-Holmes"), a closely-held general insurance agency headquartered in Hollywood, Florida. Each of these transactions was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and, accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements have been restated for all periods prior to the mergers to include the results of operations, financial positions and cash flows of Brown and Arch-Holmes. To conform to Poe's year end, the fiscal year ends for Brown and Arch-Holmes were changed to December 31, effective on each of the respective merger dates. 29 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 14 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table reflects the 1993 individual company operating results of Poe, Brown and Arch-Holmes. Amounts pertaining to Brown and Arch-Holmes for 1993 reflect their respective operating results up to their dates of merger.
----------------------------------------------- (in thousands) POE BROWN ARCH-HOLMES COMBINED --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1993 Revenues $ 81,099 $ 13,488 $ 1,265 $ 95,852 Net income (loss) 7,012 1,145 (39) 8,118 ======== ======== ======= ========
Effective March 1, 1995, the Company issued 146,300 shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the partnership interest in Insurance West, a Phoenix, Arizona general insurance agency. The merger has been accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and, accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements have been restated for all periods prior to the merger to include the results of operations, financial positions and cash flows of Insurance West. The individual company operating results of Insurance West prior to the date of the merger are not material to the Company's consolidated operating results. Note 3 - Acquisitions During 1995, the Company acquired four general insurance agencies, an insurance brokerage firm and several books of business (customer accounts) which were accounted for as purchases. The total cost of these acquisitions was $7,250,000, including $5,715,000 of cash payments and notes payable of $1,535,000. The excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired of approximately $7,225,000 was assigned to purchased customer accounts, goodwill and other intangible assets. During 1994, the Company acquired the assets of three insurance agencies for an aggregate cost of $656,000. Substantially all of this cost was assigned to purchased customer accounts, non-compete agreements and goodwill. The Company had no acquisitions during 1993 accounted for as purchases. Additional or return consideration resulting from acquisition contingency provisions are recorded as adjustments to intangibles when they occur. Certain contingency payments relating to these acquisitions were finalized in 1993, resulting in a net increase to the original combined purchase price of $5,893,000. The results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, including 1995 and 1994 acquisitions as though they occurred on January 1, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were not materially different from the results of operations as reported. 30 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 15 Note 4 - Investments Investments at December 31 consisted of the following:
1995 CARRYING VALUE --------------------------- (in thousands) CURRENT NON-CURRENT - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available-for-sale marketable equity securities $ 287 $ 8,272 Nonmarketable equity securities and certificates of deposit 1,021 201 ------- ------- Total investments $ 1,308 $ 8,473 ======= ======= 1994 CARRYING VALUE --------------------------- (in thousands) CURRENT NON-CURRENT - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available-for-sale marketable equity securities $ 317 $ 9,163 Nonmarketable equity securities and certificates of deposit 470 111 ------- ------- Total investments $ 787 $ 9,274 ======= =======
Available-for-sale securities at December 31 consisted of the following:
------------------------------------------------------- GROSS GROSS UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED (in thousands) COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marketable Equity Securities: 1995 $ 732 $ 7,855 $ 28 $ 8,559 1994 $ 795 $ 8,739 $ 54 $ 9,480 ====== ======= ===== =======
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $329,000 in 1995, resulting in gross realized gains and losses of $42,000 and $41,000 respectively. In 1994, the Company's proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $2,314,000, from which $2,185,000 of gross gains were realized. Cash, cash equivalents, investments, premiums and commissions receivable, premiums payable to insurance companies, premium deposits and credits due customers, accounts payable and accrued expenses and long-term debt are considered financial instruments. The carrying amount for each of these items at December 31, 1995 approximates its fair value. 31 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 16 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 5 - Fixed Assets Fixed assets at December 31 are summarized as follows:
--------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 20,153 $ 17,180 Land, buildings and improvements 672 1,349 Leasehold improvements 644 1,564 -------- -------- $ 21,469 $ 20,093 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 11,057 11,763 -------- -------- $ 10,412 $ 8,330 ======== ========
Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $2,352,000 in 1995, $2,132,000 in 1994 and $2,650,000 in 1993. Note 6 - Intangibles Intangibles at December 31 were comprised of the following:
-------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchased customer accounts $ 32,244 $ 26,999 Non-compete agreements 10,996 9,706 Goodwill 20,358 19,431 Purchased contract agreements 1,102 789 -------- -------- 64,700 56,925 Less accumulated amortization 28,087 23,952 -------- -------- $ 36,613 $ 32,973 ======== ========
Amortization expense amounted to $4,135,000 in 1995, $4,266,000 in 1994 and $4,380,000 in 1993. 32 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 17 Note 7 - Long-Term Debt Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:
------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long-term credit agreement $ 6,000 $ 7,000 Notes payable from treasury stock purchases 1,422 1,662 Acquisition notes payable 1,350 - Other notes payable 19 202 ------- ------- 8,791 8,864 Less current portion 1,768 1,434 ------- ------- Long-term debt $ 7,023 $ 7,430 ======= =======
In 1991, the Company entered into a long-term credit agreement with a major insurance company that made available $10,000,000 at an interest rate equal to the prime rate plus 1% (9.5% at December 31, 1995). The amount of available credit decreases by $1 million each August through the year 2001, when it will expire. This credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain other covenants. In November 1994, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility with a national banking association that provides for borrowings of up to $10,000,000. On borrowings under this facility of less than $1,000,000, the interest rate is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus .50%. On borrowings under this facility equal to or in excess of $1,000,000, the interest rate is LIBOR plus .50% to 1.25%, depending on certain financial ratios. A commitment fee is assessed in the amount of .25% per annum on the unused balance. The facility expires in November 1997. No borrowings were outstanding against this line of credit as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. Borrowings would be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, subject to existing or permitted liens. Treasury stock notes payable are due to various individuals for the redemption of Brown & Brown, Inc. stock. These notes bear no interest and have maturities ranging from calendar years ending 1997 to 2001. These notes have been discounted at effective yields ranging from 8.5% to 9.2% for presentation in the consolidated financial statements. Acquisition notes payable represents debt incurred to former owners of certain agencies acquired in 1995. These notes, including future contingent payments, are payable in monthly and annual installments through 1998, including interest ranging from 5% to 6%. Maturities of long-term debt for succeeding years are $1,768,000 in 1996, $1,810,000 in 1997, $1,564,000 in 1998, $1,254,000 in 1999, $1,257,000 in 2000 and a total of $1,138,000 thereafter. Interest expense included in the consolidated statements of income was $877,000 in 1995, $1,326,000 in 1994 and $1,765,000 in 1993. 33 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 18 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies The Company leases facilities and certain items of office equipment under noncancelable operating lease arrangements expiring on various dates through 2005. These occupancy leases generally contain renewal options and escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors' operating expenses and other charges. The Company anticipates that most of these leases will be renewed or replaced upon expiration. At December 31, 1995, the aggregate future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable lease agreements are as follows:
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, (in thousands) - ---------------------------------------------------------- 1996 $ 3,633 1997 3,573 1998 3,346 1999 3,330 2000 2,997 Thereafter (2001-2005) 8,258 -------- Total minimum future lease payments $ 25,137 ========
Rental expense in 1995, 1994 and 1993 for operating leases totaled $4,785,000, $4,269,000 and $4,594,000, respectively. The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. Management of the Company does not believe that any such claims or lawsuits will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Note 9 - Income Taxes Effective January 1, 1993, the Company changed its method of accounting for income taxes from the deferred method to the liability method required by Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The cumulative effect of adopting Statement No. 109 as of January 1, 1993 was to increase net income by $119,000. At December 31, 1995, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of $850,000 for income tax reporting purposes that expire in the years 1996 through 2002. These carryforwards were derived from agency acquisitions by the Company beginning in 1985. For financial reporting purposes, a valuation allowance of $38,000 has been recognized to offset the deferred tax assets related to these carryforwards. 34 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 19 Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the corresponding amounts used for income tax reporting purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, were as follows:
------------------------------ (in thousands) 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax liabilities: Fixed assets $ 577 $ 444 Net unrealized appreciation of available-for-sale securities 3,027 3,344 Installment sales 204 296 Prepaid insurance and pension 769 666 Intangible assets 32 628 General tax reserves - 800 Other - 239 ------- ------- Total deferred tax liabilities 4,609 6,417 ------- ------- Deferred tax assets: Deferred compensation 1,269 1,062 Accruals and reserves 1,376 1,250 Net operating loss carryforwards 327 327 Other 173 38 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (38) (38) ------- ------- Total deferred tax assets 3,107 2,639 ------- ------- Net deferred tax liabilities $ 1,502 $ 3,778 ======= =======
Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
--------------------------------------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 1993 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current: Federal $ 9,374 $ 7,237 $ 3,728 State 1,347 1,003 702 -------- -------- -------- Total current provision 10,721 8,240 4,430 -------- -------- -------- Deferred: Federal (2,037) (1,076) 419 State (154) (97) 80 -------- -------- -------- Total deferred (benefit) provision (2,191) (1,173) 499 -------- -------- -------- Total tax provision $ 8,530 $ 7,067 $ 4,929 ======== ======== ========
35 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 20 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A reconciliation of the differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate is as follows:
-------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 34.2% State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.5 2.8 3.6 Interest exempt from taxation and dividend exclusion (0.4) (0.3) (0.3) Non-deductible goodwill amortization 0.7 0.7 1.2 Internal Revenue Service examination (1.9) (3.4) - Other, net (0.3) (0.5) (0.9) ----- ----- ----- Effective tax rate 36.6% 34.3% 37.8% ===== ===== =====
Income taxes payable as of December 31, 1995 were $425,000 and are reported as a component of accounts payable and accrued expenses. Income taxes receivable as of December 31, 1994 were $894,000 and were reported as a component of other current assets. In 1992, the Internal Revenue Service ("Service") completed examinations of the Company's federal income tax returns for tax years 1988, 1989 and 1990. As a result of its examinations, the Service issued Reports of Proposed Adjustments, asserting income tax deficiencies which, by including interest and state income taxes for the periods examined and the Company's estimates of similar tax adjustments for subsequent periods through December 31, 1993, would total $6,100,000. The disputed issues related primarily to the deductibility of amortization of purchased customer accounts of approximately $5,107,000 and of non-compete agreements of approximately $993,000. In addition, the Service's report included a dispute regarding the timing at which the Company's payments made, pursuant to certain indemnity agreements, would be deductible for tax reporting purposes. During 1994, the Company reached a settlement with the Service with respect to certain of the disputed amortization items and the indemnity agreement payment issue. This settlement reduced the total remaining asserted income tax deficiencies to approximately $2,800,000. Based on this settlement and review of the remaining unsettled items, the Company reduced its general income tax reserves to $800,000, which was sufficient to cover its ultimate liability resulting from the settlement of the remaining items. Accordingly, after taking into consideration a $400,000 reduction of the reserve resulting from payments under the partial settlement agreement, during 1994 the Company recorded a $700,000 adjustment to decrease the originally established reserves of $1,900,000. This decrease was recorded as a reduction to the current income tax provision. 36 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 21 In March of 1995, the Company reached a settlement with the Service on all remaining items. The settlement resulted in payments of approximately $349,000 that reduced the recorded reserve. With all disputed items settled, the Company recorded a $451,000 reduction in the general tax reserve, which is recorded as a reduction to the 1995 income tax provision. Note 10 - Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all previous Poe & Associates, Inc. employees with one or more years of service. The benefits are based on years of service and compensation during the period of employment. Annual contributions are made in conformity with minimum funding requirements and maximum deductible limitations. On April 1, 1995, the defined benefit pension plan was amended to freeze the accrual of further benefits. The impact of this amendment on the defined benefit pension plan's liabilities was not material. The plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Accumulated benefit obligations, including vested benefits of $2,322 in 1995 and $3,642 in 1994 $ (2,326) $ (3,793) ========== ========== Projected benefit obligations for service rendered to date $ (2,326) $ (3,808) Plan assets at fair value, principally consisting of a group annuity contract 2,237 3,787 ---------- ---------- Excess (deficit) of plan assets over (under) projected benefit obligations (89) (21) Unrecognized net excess of plan assets under previously accrued but unfunded pension costs, to be amortized 255 583 ---------- ---------- Net prepaid pension costs $ 166 $ 562 ========== ==========
The following assumptions were used in determining the actuarial present value of the benefit obligations and pension costs:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------ 1995 1994 1993 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount rate 7.5% 7.5% 7.5% Long-term rate for compensation increase 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% Long-term rate of return on plan assets 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% ------- ------ ------
37 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 22 Pension costs included in the Company's consolidated statements of income are comprised of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------- (in thousands) 1995 1994 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Service cost $ 63 $ 91 $ 221 Interest cost 215 304 232 Actual return on assets (318) 113 (284) Net amortization and deferral 166 (407) (39) ------- ------- ------- Net pension cost $ 126 $ 101 $ 130 ======= ======= =======
During 1994, the defined benefit pension plan was converted to a cash balance plan. The impact of this change on the plan costs and plan liabilities was not material. The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, under which all eligible employees may subscribe to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at 85% of the lesser of the market value of such shares at the beginning or the end of the subscription period. Payment is made through payroll deductions, not to exceed 10% of base pay, over the 12-month subscription period. The common shares are issued at the end of the purchase period. During 1995, the shareholders approved the authorization of 150,000 additional shares of common stock to be used for issuance under this program. Accordingly, at December 31, 1995, a total of 115,534 shares were authorized and reserved for future issuance relating to this program. The Company has a Deferred Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (401(k)) covering substantially all employees with one year of service. Under this plan, the Company makes contributions equal to that of the participants', subject to a maximum of 2.5% of a participant's salary. Further, the Company provides for a discretionary profit sharing contribution for all eligible employees. The Company's contributions to the plan totaled $1,334,000 in 1995, $1,208,000 in 1994 and $1,085,000 in 1993. 38 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 23 Note 11 - Stock Option Plans The Company has adopted stock option plans which provide for the granting to key employees options to purchase shares of its common stock. The following schedule summarizes the transactions from 1993 through 1995 pertaining to these plans:
----------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PER SHARE OPTION SHARES OPTION PRICE RANGE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding, January 1, 1993 299,640 $6.00 - $14.75 Exercised (129,462) 6.00 - 9.45 Canceled (9,936) 7.60 -------- ----------------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1993 160,242 6.00 - 14.75 Exercised (65,173) 6.00 - 14.75 Canceled (8,689) 7.60 - 14.75 -------- ----------------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1994 86,380 7.60 Exercised (60,399) 7.60 Canceled (10,601) 7.60 -------- ----------------------- Outstanding December 31, 1995 15,380 $7.60 ======== =======================
All options outstanding as of December 31, 1995 are exercisable. At December 31, 1995, a total of 285,745 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance relating to these plans. Note 12 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The Company's significant non-cash investing and financing activities and cash payments for interest and income taxes are as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------ (in thousands) 1995 1994 1993 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of available-for-sale securities net of tax effect of ($317) for 1995 and $3,344 for 1994 $ (505) $5,341 $ - Notes payable issued for purchased customer accounts 1,535 - 3,862 Notes received on the sale of fixed assets and customer accounts - 266 1,532 Cash paid during the year for: Interest 896 1,462 1,944 Income taxes 9,107 9,597 3,978 ====== ====== =====
39 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 24 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 13 - Business Concentrations Substantially all of the Company's premiums receivable from customers and premiums payable to insurance companies arise from policies sold on behalf of insurance companies. The Company, as broker and agent, typically collects premiums, retains its commission and remits the balance to the insurance companies. A significant portion of business written by the Company is for customers located in Florida. Accordingly, the occurrence of adverse economic conditions or an adverse regulatory climate in Florida could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, although no such conditions have been encountered in the past. For the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, approximately 24% and 22%, respectively, of the Company's revenues were from insurance policies underwritten by one insurance company. Should this carrier seek to terminate its arrangement with the Company, the Company believes alternative insurance companies are available to underwrite the business, although some additional expenses and loss of market share would at least initially result. No other insurance company accounts for as much as five percent of the Company's revenues. Note 14 - Reinsurance Indemnity Whiting National Insurance Company ("Whiting"), the Company's risk-bearing subsidiary, ceased underwriting operations in early 1985 and, in 1988, entered into liquidation by the New York State Insurance Department ("Department"). Since then, the handling of Whiting's affairs has been the responsibility of the Department. In 1979, the Company agreed to indemnify a ceding insurer, should Whiting fail to perform under a reinsurance contract. As a result, the Company is directly responsible for the management and adjudication of claims outstanding under that indemnification contract. The Company has historically estimated that certain recoveries related to the indemnity were available to it from the Whiting liquidation. While none of the underlying facts or operations of law as to the Company's rights or creditor priority had changed, the liquidation activities proceeded more slowly than anticipated, making realization of those recoveries uncertain. As a result, in 1992, those estimated recoveries were written off and reserves associated with the underlying indemnity obligation were bolstered because of adverse loss developments. Reserves are revised based on developments to date, the Company's estimates of the outcome of this matter and its experience of contesting and settling claims related to this matter. As the scope of the liability or recovery becomes better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs or recoveries. Management of the Company does not believe that any such changes will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. 40 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report 25 REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors of Poe & Brown, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Poe & Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements, based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Poe & Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Arthur Anderson LLP Orlando, Florida January 29, 1996 To the Board of Directors of Poe & Brown, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Poe & Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Poe & Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1994, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Ernst & Young LLP Tampa, Florida January 28, 1995, except for the last paragraph of Note 2, as to which the date is March 1, 1995. 41 Poe & Brown, Inc. 1995 Annual Report
   1
                                  EXHIBIT 22

                              POE & BROWN, INC.
                                 SUBSIDIARIES


Florida Corporations:

Farr Insurance Inc.
Poe 1991, Inc.
W.F. Poe Associates, Inc.
Jordan, Roberts & Company
Brown & Brown, Inc.
Ernest Smith Insurance Agency, Inc.
Underwriters Services, Inc.
Madoline Corporation


Foreign Corporations:

Poe & Brown of Arizona, Inc. (AZ)
Poe & Brown of California, Inc. (CA)
Poe & Brown of Connecticut, Inc. (CT)
Poe & Brown of New Jersey, Inc. (NJ)
Poe & Brown of Georgia, Inc. (GA)
Poe & Brown of North Carolina, Inc. (NC)
Poe & Brown of Texas, Inc. (TX)
Pan American Insurance Management Corp. (NC)
Poe & Brown of Pennsylvania, Inc. (PA)
Poe & Associates of Illinois, Inc. (IL)
DSD Insurance Agency, Inc. (AZ)
The Homeowner Association Risk Purchasing Group, Inc. (AZ)
AG General Agency, Inc. (TX)
P & O of Texas, Inc. (TX)
Health Care Insurers, Inc. (CO)
PhysicianPlans, Inc. (CT)

Indirect Subsidiaries:

MacDuff America, Inc. (FL)
MacDuff Underwriters, Inc. (FL)
MacDuff Pinellas Underwriters, Inc. (FL)
Hotel-Motel Insurance Group, Inc. (FL)
Halcyon Underwriters, Inc. (FL)
America Underwriting Management, Inc. (FL)
Roehrig, Flood & Associates, Inc. (FL)
   1

                                 Exhibit 23a

             Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Poe & Brown, Inc. of our report dated January 28, 1995, except for the last
paragraph of Note 2, as to which the date is March 1, 1995, included in the
1995 Annual Report to Shareholders of Poe & Brown, Inc.

Our audit also included the financial statement schedule of Poe & Brown, Inc.
listed in Item 14(a) for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993.  This
schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, the financial
statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein for the years ended December 31, 1994 and
1993.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment
Number 1 dated December 3, 1992 to Registration Statement Number 33-1900 dated
November 27, 1985 on Form S-8, Registration Statement Number 33-76 dated
September 3, 1985 on Form S-8, Post-Effective Amendment Number 2 to 
Registration Statement Number 2-61019 dated May 27, 1980 on Form S-8, 
Registration Statement Number 33-41204 dated June 12, 1991 on Form S-8 and
Registration Statement Number 33-41825 dated July 22, 1991 on Form S-8 of our
report dated January 28, 1995, except for the last paragraph of Note 2, as to
which the date is March 1, 1995, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements as of December 31, 1994 and for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1994 incorporated herein by reference, and our report
included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement
schedule included in the Annual Report (10-K) of Poe & Brown, Inc.



ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Tampa, Florida
March 18, 1996
   1
                                 EXHIBIT 23b


             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To Poe & Brown, Inc.:

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our reports included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statements (File No's. 33-1900, 33-76,
2-61019, 33-41204 and 33-41825).


                                                           Arthur Andersen LLP


Orlando, Florida
   March 18, 1996

   1
                                 EXHIBIT 24a

                              POWERS OF ATTORNEY
   2
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 8, 1996                            /s/ J. HYATT BROWN
                                                -------------------------
                                                J. Hyatt Brown

   3
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 8, 1996                            /s/ SAMUEL P. BELL, III
                                                -------------------------
                                                Samuel P. Bell, III

   4
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 8, 1996                            /s/ BRADLEY CURREY, JR.
                                                -------------------------
                                                Bradley Currey, Jr.

   5
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 18, 1996                           /s/ BRUCE G. GEER
                                                -------------------------
                                                Bruce G. Geer

   6
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 18, 1996                           /s/ JIM W. HENDERSON
                                                -------------------------
                                                Jim W. Henderson
   7
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 8, 1996                            /s/ KENNETH E. HILL
                                                -------------------------
                                                Kenneth E. Hill

   8
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 11, 1996                           /s/ THEODORE J. HOEPNER
                                                -------------------------
                                                Theodore J. Hoepner

   9
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 10, 1996                           /s/ CHARLES W. POE
                                                -------------------------
                                                Charles W. Poe

   10
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 15, 1996                           /s/ WILLIAM F. POE, JR.
                                                -------------------------
                                                William F. Poe, Jr.

   11
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
A. Orchard, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 8, 1996                            /s/ WILLIAM F. POE, SR.
                                                -------------------------
                                                William F. Poe, Sr.

   12
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        The undersigned constitutes and appoints Laurel J. Lenfestey and James
L. Olivier, or either of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Poe & Brown, Inc., and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Dated: March 14, 1996                           /s/ JAMES A. ORCHARD
                                                -------------------------
                                                James A. Orchard

   1
                                 EXHIBIT 24b

               CERTIFIED RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


        The undersigned, Laurel J. Lenfestey, hereby certifies that she is the
duly elected, qualified and acting Secretary of Poe & Brown, Inc., a Florida
corporation (the "Company"), and that the following resolutions were adopted by
unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors of the Company as of March
11, 1996:

              RESOLVED, that the March 7, 1996 draft of the Company's 1995
              Form 10-K submitted to the Directors is hereby approved in form
              and substance, subject to any revisions deemed necessary or
              appropriate by Laurel J. Lenfestey, the Company's Vice President,
              Secretary and General Counsel, and that the Chief Executive
              Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized to
              sign the Form 10-K on behalf of the Company, either personally or
              through a power of attorney, and to cause the Form 10-K to be
              filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance
              with the rules promulgated by the Commission;

              FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate officers of the Company
              are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions they deem
              necessary or appropriate, including the payment of all necessary
              filing fees, to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolution.




        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Secretary of the Company has
executed this Certificate this 19th day of March, 1996.



                                        /s/ LAUREL J. LENFESTEY
                                        --------------------------------
                                        Laurel J. Lenfestey
                                        Secretary
 

5 EXHIBIT 27 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF POE & BROWN FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 US DOLLARS YEAR DEC-31-1995 JAN-01-1995 DEC-31-1995 1 28,350 1,299 56,653 100 0 92,547 21,469 11,057 151,121 81,843 0 0 0 868 53,544 151,121 101,998 106,365 0 78,024 0 0 5,012 23,329 8,530 14,799 0 0 0 14,799 1.70 1.70