2019 Q2

 

Second Quarter 2019 Allstate Agency Value Index

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Values Increase for All Size Groups!

More than 25% of Allstate agency purchases financed by PPC LOAN in the second quarter of 2019 were either part of a merger transaction or an acquisition by an existing Allstate agency owner. In fact, the Second Quarter of 2019 marks the first time in over a year that PPC LOAN financed each of the following transaction types in a single quarter:

  • Acquisition of an established agency by an Outside Buyer
  • Acquisition of a satellite by an Existing Agency Owner
  • Merger of two or more agencies by an Outside Buyer into a single location
  • Merger of at least one agency into an Existing Agency Owner’s current location
Allstate Agency Price to 12MM Earned Premium Ratio (National Average)
$0 to $100,000
$100,001 to $200,000
$200,001 to $300,000
$300,001 and up
Simple Average
Low
High
2000
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.202
0.117
0.262
2001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.209
0.133
0.311
2002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.197
0.119
0.255
2003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.199
0.147
0.254
2004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.236
0.157
0.393
2005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.259
0.175
0.398
2006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.298
0.188
0.402
2007
2.37
2.65
2.92
3.01
2.96
1.21
4.56
2007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.292
0.121
0.456
2008
2.32
2.41
2.74
3.13
2.71
1.45
4.06
2008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.271
0.145
0.406
2009
2.14
2.35
2.50
2.78
2.46
0.82
3.97
2009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.247
0.082
0.397
2010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.24
0.106
0.353
2010 1st QTR
1.94
2.29
2.52
2.91
2.39
1.06
3.53
2010 2nd QTR
2
2.27
2.47
2.8
2.37
1.17
3.16
2010 3rd QTR
2.22
2.26
2.5
2.74
2.43
1.42
3.31
2010 4th QTR
1.94
2.33
2.49
2.76
2.41
1.95
3.28
2011 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.231
0.12
0.366
2011 1st QTR
1.78
2.36
2.49
2.73
2.47
1.2
3.57
2011 2nd QTR
1.99
2.37
2.41
2.53
2.33
1.2
3.66
2011 3rd QTR
1.89
2.16
2.45
2.7
2.25
1.5
3.66
2011 4th QTR
2.05
2.23
2.45
2.52
2.34
1.62
3.37
2012 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.229
0.127
0.336
2012 1st QTR
1.87
2.2
2.41
2.54
2.3
1.47
3.07
2012 2nd QTR
1.84
2.27
2.4
2.56
2.3
1.46
3.29
2012 3rd QTR
1.96
2.22
2.33
2.59
2.28
1.27
3.24
2012 4th QTR
2.14
2.21
2.43
2.55
2.39
1.53
3.36
2013 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.247
0.107
0.349
2013 1st QTR
2.1
2.15
2.38
2.51
2.3
1.28
2.95
2013 2nd QTR
N/A
1.99
2.3
2.57
2.34
1.88
3.07
2013 3rd QTR
2.19
2.18
2.39
2.68
2.5
1.59
3.07
2013 4th QTR
N/A
2.2
2.48
2.74
2.5
1.07
3.49
2014 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.264
0.107
0.352
2014 1st QTR
1.74
2.32
2.35
2.7
2.38
1.07
3.16
2014 2nd QTR
N/A
2.43
2.47
2.76
2.62
1.73
3.52
2014 3rd QTR
N/A
2.52
2.54
2.77
2.66
1.97
3.45
2014 4th QTR
N/A
2.43
2.54
2.79
2.69
1.94
3.52
2015 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.251
0.126
0.431
2015 1st QTR
N/A
1.99
2.45
2.66
2.5
1.69
3.35
2015 2nd QTR
1.48
2.4
2.5
2.85
2.54
1.34
4.31
2015 3rd QTR
1.26
2.04
2.71
3.05
2.55
1.26
3.66
2015 4th QTR
1.86
2.22
2.39
2.91
2.43
1.68
3.31
2016 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.258
0.081
0.378
2016 1st QTR
1.53
2.09
2.47
2.61
2.35
0.81
3.01
2016 2nd QTR
N/A
2.1
2.51
2.79
2.59
1.61
3.78
2016 3rd QTR
2.55
2.15
2.54
2.74
2.58
1.8
3.67
2016 4th QTR
1.8
2.34
2.42
2.76
2.57
1.65
3.24
2017 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.253
0.118
0.362
2017 1st QTR
N/A
2.21
2.33
2.82
2.61
1.6
3.3
2017 2nd QTR
N/A
2.09
2.31
2.71
2.39
1.72
2.91
2017 3rd QTR
1.18
2.43
2.45
2.84
2.59
1.18
3.51
2017 4th QTR
1.6
2.2
2.29
2.9
2.41
1.6
3.62
2018 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.261
0.135
0.365
2018 1st QTR
1.43
2.21
2.35
2.9
2.62
1.35
3.26
2018 2nd QTR
N/A
2.15
2.41
2.93
2.63
1.6
3.65
2018 3rd QTR
2.07
2.08
2.35
2.96
2.58
1.82
3.13
2018 4th QTR
2.18
2.39
2.49
2.69
2.5
1.84
3.21
2019 1st QTR
N/A
1.46
2.47
2.64
0.244
0.140
0.321
2019 2nd QTR
2.17
2.35
2.57
2.98
0.277
0.175
0.358
Use the arrows to see agency values over time.

Clearly, a market that allows both existing agency owners and outside buyers to make purchase offers for both large and small sized agencies for the purpose of either a stand-alone location or a merger bodes well for Allstate agency values.

Entrepreneurs considering Allstate Insurance agency ownership will find different aspects of ownership that get them excited about joining the company as an agent. Some will be very satisfied with pursuing a scratch start-up or even purchasing a smaller sized agency that qualifies for ECP. Some of the best outside buyer candidates, who would look to transition to Allstate after accomplished careers in another field, often prefer the prospect of purchasing a larger sized agency – one that is already cash flowing at a level that meets their needs.

When specifically addressing those entrepreneurs who want to join Allstate Insurance and immediately have ownership of a large amount of renewal commission dollars (say $300,000 or greater), having the option to either buy a larger established agency, or purchase and merge two agencies to get to their desired cash flow level gives Allstate Insurance the best opportunity to secure elite talent. This quarter drives the point home as buyers have stated loud and clear that they will pay a little more if they can get what they want. This has always been the appeal of Allstate over other agent-based carriers like State Farm. Allstate Insurance lets you as the buyer negotiate your deal, select your location, and manage your business to your specifications – none of which are available with other carriers.

With many Allstate designated regions allowing for more opportunities to join the ranks as an Allstate agency owner (mergers, satellites, start-ups, ECP purchases and established agency purchases), values were certain to go up, as buyers can see the value in pulling off a strategic purchase that they believe gives them the best chance to succeed.

 

$0 to $100,000 in New/Renewal Commission

All agencies financed in this size group by PPC LOAN in the second quarter of 2019 were part of a merger transaction.

 

$100,000 to $200,000 in New/Renewal Commission

On the surface, the ECP program fully applying to those agencies with less than $1.5 Million in earned premium appears to be making these sized books a more attractive purchase option than they have been in the past.

Additionally, one-third of the agencies in this size group transitioned this quarter were sold to an existing Allstate agency owner. The inclusion of existing Allstate agency owners as part of the approved purchaser group was a significant factor in this quarter’s growth in value.

 

$200,000 to $300,000 in New/Renewal Commission

It has been a long time since Allstate agencies with $2 Million to $3 Million in earned premium realized an average sales multiple of 2.57 times as they did this quarter. In fact, the last time this mark was achieved was back in the 3rd Quarter of 2015, when agencies in this size group realized an average sale multiple of 2.71 times.

Good news for this size group is that all of the purchases this quarter were consummated by outside buyers. This is certainly a testament to not only the quality of the individual agencies that were sold specifically in this quarter, but also to the cash flow that all agencies in this size group afford to their purchaser.

 

$300,000+ in New/Renewal Commission

After a decrease in value the last two quarters, it is no surprise that the largest size group would realize an increase in value deeper into 2019. In fact, the 2.98 times multiple realized this quarter is the highest value this size group has experienced since a 3.05 times sale multiple was realized in the 3rd quarter of 2015.

The value increase realized this quarter can be attributed to:

1. Merger – It was a rare occurrence; however, this quarter an existing agency owner was able to purchase and merge an agency with over $3 million in earned premium. This sale was a contributing factor to the increase value this size group experienced.

2. Existing Agent Buyers – It is no secret that existing agents, have historically made aggressive purchase offers when approved to purchase a satellite location. This quarter was no different, and existing agents were instrumental in driving the increase in this size group’s value.

Percentage of Agency Sales by Size Group
$0 to $100,000
$100,001 to $200,000
$200,001 to $300,000
$300,001 and up
2007 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2012 1st QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2012 2nd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2012 3rd QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2012 4th QTR
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2013 1st QTR
17%
28%
27%
28%
2013 2nd QTR
N/A
21%
38%
41%
2013 3rd QTR
7%
15%
26%
52%
2013 4th QTR
N/A
25%
42%
33%
2014 1st QTR
6%
15%
58%
21%
2014 2nd QTR
N/A
17%
29%
54%
2014 3rd QTR
N/A
5%
43%
52%
2014 4th QTR
N/A
3%
36%
61%
2015 1st QTR
N/A
12%
41%
47%
2015 2nd QTR
4%
22%
44%
30%
2015 3rd QTR
5%
32%
27%
36%
2015 4th QTR
14%
31%
24%
31%
2016 1st QTR
9%
31%
24%
31%
2016 2nd QTR
N/A
14%
35%
51%
2016 3rd QTR
3%
13%
41%
45%
2016 4th QTR
4%
17%
22%
57%
2017 1st QTR
N/A
17%
22%
61%
2017 2nd QTR
N/A
21%
47%
32%
2017 3rd QTR
4%
25%
21%
50%
2017 4th QTR
4%
24%
44%
28%
2018 1st QTR
11%
17%
11%
61%
2018 2nd QTR
N/A
20%
28%
52%
2018 3rd QTR
5%
16%
32%
47%
2018 4th QTR
4%
32%
36%
28%
2019 1st QTR
N/A
11%
33%
56%
2019 2nd QTR
4%
13%
25%
58%
Use the arrows to see agency values over time.

The Allstate buy/sell market in the second quarter of 2019 was dominated by agencies with over $2 million in earned premium. These represented 83% of the agencies financed by PPC LOAN.

Allstate Agency Value Ratios
Agency Price to New/Renewal Commissions
Agency Price to Total Revenues
2007 1st QTR
2.95
2.37
2007 2nd QTR
2.74
2.39
2007 3rd QTR
2.75
2.35
2007 4th QTR
2.49
2.18
2008 1st QTR
2.95
2.38
2008 2nd QTR
2.74
2.39
2008 3rd QTR
2.75
2.35
2008 4th QTR
2.49
2.18
2009 1st QTR
2.65
2.28
2009 2nd QTR
2.5
2.22
2009 3rd QTR
2.42
2.17
2009 4th QTR
2.37
2.17
2010 1st QTR
2.39
2.08
2010 2nd QTR
2.37
2.09
2010 3rd QTR
2.43
2.13
2010 4th QTR
2.41
2.09
2011 1st QTR
2.47
2.18
2011 2nd QTR
2.33
2.05
2011 3rd QTR
2.25
2
2011 4th QTR
2.3
2.06
2012 1st QTR
2.3
2.02
2012 2nd QTR
2.32
2.05
2012 3rd QTR
2.28
2.05
2012 4th QTR
2.39
2.11
2013 1st QTR
2.3
2.06
2013 2nd QTR
2.33
2.11
2013 3rd QTR
2.5
2.21
2013 4th QTR
2.5
2.19
2014 1st QTR
2.38
2.17
2014 2nd QTR
2.62
2.28
2014 3rd QTR
2.66
2.31
2014 4th QTR
2.69
2.32
2015 1st QTR
2.5
2.19
2015 2nd QTR
2.54
2.21
2015 3rd QTR
2.55
2.24
2015 4th QTR
2.43
2.14
2016 1st QTR
2.35
2.06
2016 2nd QTR
2.59
2.32
2016 3rd QTR
2.58
2.4
2016 4th QTR
2.57
2.37
2017 1st QTR
2.61
2.35
2017 2nd QTR
2.39
2.18
2017 3rd QTR
2.59
2.35
2017 4th QTR
2.41
2.22
2018 1st QTR
2.62
2.4
2018 2nd QTR
2.63
2.35
2018 3rd QTR
2.58
2.21
2018 4th QTR
2.5
2.34
2019 1st QTR
2.44
2.16
2019 2nd QTR
2.77
2.45
Use the arrows to see agency values over time.

For those agency owners residing in a state where a good portion of the homeowner’s insurance is written through a third-party brokerage company (primarily coastal counties), looking at the multiple of revenues may be your best measuring stick for agency value as it takes into consideration both Allstate and brokered (i.e. non-Allstate) revenues. Certainly, the brokerage book is a reliable source of renewal income and has a level of value that is not presented in the traditional multiple applicable to Allstate commissions.