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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 0-3722

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia
 
58-1027114
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.,
   
Atlanta, Georgia
 
30319
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(404) 266-5500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  þ   No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ¨   No þ

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on May 7, 2013, was 21,381,797.
 


 
 

 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I.   Financial Information
Page No.
   
Item 1. 
   
 
2
   
 
3
   
 
4
   
 
5
   
 
6
   
 
7
   
Item 2.
17
   
Item 4.
23
     
Part II.  Other Information  
   
Item 2.
24
     
Item 6.
25
   
Signatures
26


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.     Financial Statements

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS
 
   
Unaudited
       
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 18,777     $ 18,951  
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $199,555 and $201,986)
    223,539       230,508  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $10,477 and $10,477)
    13,819       12,205  
Other invested assets (cost: $617 and $565)
    617       565  
Policy loans
    2,289       2,338  
Real estate
    38       38  
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       1,238  
Total investments
    241,540       246,892  
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
    16,666       18,768  
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $364 and $379)
    6,868       6,330  
Deferred acquisition costs
    26,610       26,133  
Other assets
    959       975  
Goodwill
    2,128       2,128  
Total assets
  $ 313,548     $ 320,177  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds:
               
Future policy benefits
  $ 67,603     $ 66,932  
Unearned premiums
    21,620       22,637  
Losses and claims
    60,124       62,873  
Other policy liabilities
    1,628       2,116  
Total insurance reserves and policyholder funds
    150,975       154,558  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    11,031       11,481  
Deferred income taxes, net
    6,277       7,164  
Junior subordinated debenture obligations
    41,238       41,238  
Total liabilities
    209,521       214,441  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 70,000 shares issued and outstanding; $7,000 redemption value
    70       70  
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,400,894; shares outstanding: 21,135,574 and 21,216,542
    22,401       22,401  
Additional paid-in capital
    57,180       57,180  
Retained earnings
    8,993       8,621  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    17,762       19,571  
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,265,320 and 1,184,352 shares
    (2,379 )     (2,107 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    104,027       105,736  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 313,548     $ 320,177  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
           
Insurance premiums
  $ 33,019     $ 30,681  
Investment income
    2,905       2,883  
Realized investment gains, net
    678       958  
Other income
    48       29  
Total revenue
    36,650       34,551  
                 
Benefits and expenses:
               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
    23,362       22,672  
Commissions and underwriting expenses
    9,283       7,033  
Interest expense
    577       657  
Other expense
    2,417       2,469  
Total benefits and expenses
    35,639       32,831  
Income before income taxes
    1,011       1,720  
Income tax expense
    89       63  
Net income
    922       1,657  
Preferred stock dividends
    (127 )     (127 )
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 795     $ 1,530  
                 
Earnings per common share (basic and diluted)
  $ .04     $ .07  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net income
  $ 922     $ 1,657  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Gross unrealized holding loss arising in the period
    (2,246 )     (1,446 )
Related income tax effect
    786       506  
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income (1)
    (678 )     (958 )
Related income tax effect (2)
    237       336  
Net effect on other comprehensive loss
    (1,901 )     (1,562 )
Derivative financial instrument:
               
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    141       153  
Related income tax effect
    (49 )     (54 )
Net effect on other comprehensive income
    92       99  
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    (1,809 )     (1,463 )
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (887 )   $ 194  

 
(1)
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities recognized in realized investment gains, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
(2)
Income tax effect on reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in income tax expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
  $ 70     $ 22,401     $ 57,180     $ 8,621     $ 19,571     $ (2,107 )   $ 105,736  
Net income
    -       -       -       922       -       -       922  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       (1,809 )     -       (1,809 )
Dividends declared on common stock
    -       -       -       (423 )     -       -       (423 )
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (127 )     -       -       (127 )
Purchase of shares for treasury
    -       -       -       -       -       (272 )     (272 )
Balance, March 31, 2013
  $ 70     $ 22,401     $ 57,180     $ 8,993     $ 17,762     $ (2,379 )   $ 104,027  
                                                         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2011
  $ 70     $ 22,401     $ 57,136     $ 6,179     $ 12,244     $ (1,753 )   $ 96,277  
Net income
    -       -       -       1,657       -       -       1,657  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       (1,463 )     -       (1,463 )
Dividends declared on common stock
    -       -       -       (426 )     -       -       (426 )
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (127 )     -       -       (127 )
Balance, March 31, 2012
  $ 70     $ 22,401     $ 57,136     $ 7,283     $ 10,781     $ (1,753 )   $ 95,918  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 922     $ 1,657  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    2,796       2,960  
Acquisition costs deferred
    (3,273 )     (3,431 )
Realized investment gains
    (678 )     (958 )
(Decrease) increase in insurance reserves
    (3,583 )     2,688  
Depreciation and amortization
    142       112  
Deferred income tax expense  (benefit)
    87       (33 )
Decrease (increase) in receivables, net
    1,564       (761 )
Decrease in other liabilities
    (858 )     (2,937 )
Other, net
    48       (21 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (2,833 )     (724 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold, called or matured
    13,521       16,864  
Investments purchased
    (10,510 )     (18,808 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (80 )     (72 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    2,931       (2,016 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment of dividends on Series D Preferred Stock
    -       (508 )
Purchase of shares for treasury
    (272 )     -  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (272 )     (508 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (174 )     (3,248 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    18,951       21,285  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 18,777     $ 18,037  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 643     $ 659  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 310     $ -  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Note 1.    Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company’s results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or for any other future period.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, 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 materially from those estimates.

Note 2.    Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The main objective of ASU 2013-02 is to enhance disclosures for reclassification adjustments including changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the ASU requires an entity to provide enhanced disclosures to present separately by component reclassifications out of AOCI. In addition, an entity is also required to provide a tabular disclosure of the effect of items reclassified out of AOCI on the respective line items of net income but only if the item reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety. For other reclassification items that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety, the new disclosure would only require a cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for those items. ASU 2013-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013.  Since ASU 2013-02 was a disclosure only update, its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.  See Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Note 11 for expanded disclosures.
 

Note 3.    Segment Information

The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
American Southern
  $ 10,490     $ 11,264  
Bankers Fidelity
    25,938       23,081  
Corporate and Other
    222       206  
Total revenue
  $ 36,650     $ 34,551  

Income Before Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
American Southern
  $ 1,442     $ 715  
Bankers Fidelity
    1,037       2,616  
Corporate and Other
    (1,468 )     (1,611 )
Income before income taxes
  $ 1,011     $ 1,720  

Note 4.    Credit Arrangements

Junior Subordinated Debentures

The Company has two unconsolidated Connecticut statutory business trusts, which exist for the exclusive purposes of: (i) issuing trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”) representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts; (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Preferred Securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) of Atlantic American; and (iii) engaging in only those activities necessary or incidental thereto.

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of March 31, 2013 was as follows:

   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust I
   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust II
 
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
           
Principal amount owed
  $ 18,042     $ 23,196  
Balance March 31, 2013
    18,042       23,196  
Balance December 31, 2012
    18,042       23,196  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Interest payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Maturity date
 
December 4, 2032
   
May 15, 2033
 
Redeemable by issuer
 
Yes
   
Yes
 
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
               
Issuance date
 
December 4, 2002
   
May 15, 2003
 
Securities issued
    17,500       22,500  
Liquidation preference per security
  $ 1     $ 1  
Liquidation value
    17,500       22,500  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Distribution payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Distribution guaranteed by (3)
 
Atlantic American Corporation
   
Atlantic American Corporation
 


 
(1)
For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
 
(2)
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
 
(3)
The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.
 
Note 5.    Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company’s zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association terminated on March 4, 2013, the stated maturity date, by its terms. There were no balances outstanding under the zero cost interest rate collar at that time.

Note 6.    Earnings Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings per common share calculations is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2013
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
Net income
  $ 922       21,182        
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )              
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    795       21,182     $ .04  
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
Effect of dilutive stock options
            40          
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 795       21,222     $ .04  

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
Net income
  $ 1,657       21,274        
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )              
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    1,530       21,274     $ .07  
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
Effect of dilutive stock options
            77          
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 1,530       21,351     $ .07  

The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock was excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.
 
 
Note 7.    Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and income tax expense is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
  $ 354     $ 602  
Dividends received deduction
    (37 )     (44 )
Small life insurance company deduction
    -       (205 )
Other permanent differences
    9       8  
Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets
    (237 )     (298 )
Income tax expense
  $ 89     $ 63  

The components of income tax expense were:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Current - Federal
  $ 2     $ 96  
Deferred - Federal
    324       265  
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    (237 )     (298 )
Total
  $ 89     $ 63  

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 resulted from the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from the estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.   The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the unanticipated utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 resulted from the DRD, the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”) and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3,000 and is ultimately phased out at $15,000.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was also due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits.

Note 8.    Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses.  In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 

Note 9.    Investments

The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
Investments were comprised of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 23,614     $ 3,682     $ -     $ 19,932  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    17,630       2,390       -       15,240  
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    20,141       2,928       9       17,222  
Financial services
    44,054       3,909       330       40,475  
Other business – diversified
    59,964       5,637       440       54,767  
Other consumer – diversified
    54,391       6,363       188       48,216  
Total corporate securities
    178,550       18,837       967       160,680  
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
    3,552       42       -       3,510  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    3,745       42       -       3,703  
Total fixed maturities
    223,539       24,951       967       199,555  
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    1,474       510       -       964  
Financial services
    8,724       944       9       7,789  
Other business – diversified
    156       109       -       47  
Other consumer – diversified
    3,465       1,788       -       1,677  
Total equity securities
    13,819       3,351       9       10,477  
Other invested assets
    617       -       -       617  
Policy loans
    2,289       -       -       2,289  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
Total investments
  $ 241,540     $ 28,302     $ 976     $ 214,214  


   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 27,512     $ 4,618     $ -     $ 22,894  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    17,761       2,514       -       15,247  
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    17,921       3,128       -       14,793  
Financial services
    43,695       3,957       415       40,153  
Other business – diversified
    66,741       7,172       12       59,581  
Other consumer – diversified
    52,910       7,665       120       45,365  
Total corporate securities
    181,267       21,922       547       159,892  
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
    3,775       18       3       3,760  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    3,968       18       3       3,953  
Total fixed maturities
    230,508       29,072       550       201,986  
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    1,298       334       -       964  
Financial services
    8,607       857       39       7,789  
Other business – diversified
    134       87       -       47  
Other consumer – diversified
    2,166       489       -       1,677  
Total equity securities
    12,205       1,767       39       10,477  
Other invested assets
    565       -       -       565  
Policy loans
    2,338       -       -       2,338  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
Total investments
  $ 246,892     $ 30,839     $ 589     $ 216,642  
 
The amortized cost and carrying value of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at March 31, 2013 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 501     $ 500  
Due after one year through five years
    6,836       6,150  
Due after five years through ten years
    32,739       29,929  
Due after ten years
    182,292       161,982  
Varying maturities
    1,171       994  
Totals
  $ 223,539     $ 199,555  


The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 23,614     $ 19,932     $ 3,682     $ 27,512     $ 22,894     $ 4,618  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    17,630       15,240       2,390       17,761       15,247       2,514  
Utilities and telecom
    21,615       18,186       3,429       19,219       15,757       3,462  
Financial services
    56,330       51,774       4,556       56,077       51,702       4,375  
Other business – diversified
    60,120       54,814       5,306       66,875       59,628       7,247  
Other consumer – diversified
    58,049       50,086       7,963       55,269       47,235       8,034  
Other investments
    4,182       4,182       -       4,179       4,179       -  
Investments
  $ 241,540     $ 214,214     $ 27,326     $ 246,892     $ 216,642     $ 30,250  

The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Corporate securities
  $ 17,607     $ 647     $ 1,680     $ 320     $ 19,287     $ 967  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    2,007       9       -       -       2,007       9  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 19,614     $ 656     $ 1,680     $ 320     $ 21,294     $ 976  

   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Corporate securities
  $ 8,806     $ 147     $ 1,600     $ 400     $ 10,406     $ 547  
Redeemable preferred stocks
    1,216       3       -       -       1,216       3  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    3,494       39       -       -       3,494       39  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 13,516     $ 189     $ 1,600     $ 400     $ 15,116     $ 589  

 
The evaluation for an other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating a potential impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, management’s intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the expectation of prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of its obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.

As of March 31, 2013, securities in an unrealized loss position primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities within the other diversified business and financial services sectors. The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, including those described above, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2013.

The following describes the fair value hierarchy and provides information as to the extent to which the Company uses fair value to measure the value of its financial instruments and information about the inputs used to value those financial instruments. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

Level 1
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 1 criteria include cash equivalents and exchange traded common stocks.

Level 2
Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for an asset or liability or prices for similar assets or liabilities. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 2 criteria include substantially all of its fixed maturities, which consist of U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate fixed maturities, as well as its non-redeemable preferred stocks. In determining fair value measurements using Level 2 criteria, the Company utilizes various external pricing sources.

Level 3
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 3 criteria consist of a limited number of fixed maturities. As of March 31, 2013, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $2,092. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.
 
 
As of March 31, 2013, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ -     $ 221,447     $ 2,092     $ 223,539  
Equity securities
    5,321       8,498       -       13,819  
Cash equivalents
    19,237       -       -       19,237  
Total
  $ 24,558     $ 229,945     $ 2,092     $ 256,595  

As of December 31, 2012, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ -     $ 228,384     $ 2,124     $ 230,508  
Equity securities
    3,805       8,400       -       12,205  
Cash equivalents
    15,326       -       -       15,326  
Total
  $ 19,131     $ 236,784     $ 2,124     $ 258,039  
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative financial instrument
  $ -     $ -     $ 141     $ 141  

The following is a roll-forward of the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month period ended March 31, 2013.

   
Fixed
Maturities
   
Derivative
(Liability)
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
  $ 2,124     $ (141 )
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
    (32 )     141  
Balance, March 31, 2013
  $ 2,092     $ -  

The Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies. They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows (based on current cash flows) discounted at reasonable estimated rates of interest.  There are no assumed prepayments and/or default probability assumptions as a majority of these instruments contain certain U.S. government agency strips to support repayment of the principal.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.  The Company’s derivative financial instrument was an interest rate collar which terminated on March 4, 2013, the stated maturity date, by its terms.
 
 
Note 10.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using available market information from various market sources and appropriate valuation methodologies as of the respective dates.  However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
The following table sets forth the carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
         
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Level in Fair
Value
Hierarchy (1)
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
    $ 18,777     $ 18,777     $ 18,951     $ 18,951  
Fixed maturities
    (1)       223,539       223,539       230,508       230,508  
Equity securities
    (1)       13,819       13,819       12,205       12,205  
Other invested assets
 
Level 3
      617       617       565       565  
Policy loans
 
Level 2
      2,289       2,289       2,338       2,338  
Real estate
 
Level 2
      38       38       38       38  
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
 
Level 2
      1,238       1,238       1,238       1,238  
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
Junior subordinated debentures
 
Level 2
      41,238       41,238       41,238       41,238  
Derivative financial instrument
 
Level 3
      -       -       141       141  

 
(1)
See Note 9 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

The fair value estimates as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were based on pertinent information available to management as of the respective dates.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from amounts that might ultimately be realized in a market exchange on any subsequent date.

Note 11.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the changes in the balance of each component thereof during the three month period ended March 31, 2013, net of taxes.

   
Unrealized Gains
on Available-for-
Sale Securities
   
Derivative
Financial
Instrument
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
  $ 19,663     $ (92 )   $ 19,571  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
    (1,460 )     92       (1,368 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
    (441 )     -       (441 )
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (1,901 )     92       (1,809 )
Balance, March 31, 2013
  $ 17,762     $ -     $ 17,762  


Item 2.

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

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) as of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2013. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Atlantic American is an insurance holding company whose operations are conducted primarily through its insurance subsidiaries: American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“Bankers Fidelity”).  Each operating company is managed separately, offers different products and is evaluated on its individual performance.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures.   Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability. The Company’s critical accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management are disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. During the three month period ended March 31, 2013, there were no changes to the critical accounting policies or related estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable to the Company, see Note 2 of the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Overall Corporate Results

The following presents the Company’s revenue, expenses and net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the comparable period in 2012:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Insurance premiums
  $ 33,019     $ 30,681  
Investment income
    2,905       2,883  
Realized investment gains, net
    678       958  
Other income
    48       29  
Total revenue
    36,650       34,551  
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
    23,362       22,672  
Commissions and underwriting expenses
    9,283       7,033  
Other expense
    2,417       2,469  
Interest expense
    577       657  
Total benefits and expenses
    35,639       32,831  
Income before income taxes
  $ 1,011     $ 1,720  
Net income
  $ 922     $ 1,657  

 
Management evaluates operating income and believes it is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” results of the Company before considering certain items that are either beyond the control of management (such as taxes, which are subject to timing, regulatory and rate changes depending on the timing of the associated revenues and expenses) or are not expected to regularly impact the Company’s operational results (such as any realized investment gains, which are not a part of the Company’s primary operations and are, to an extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization).

A reconciliation of net income to operating income for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the comparable period in 2012 is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Reconciliation of Net Income to non-GAAP Measurement
 
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income
  $ 922     $ 1,657  
Income tax expense
    89       63  
Realized investment gains, net
    (678 )     (958 )
Operating income
  $ 333     $ 762  

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $0.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to net income of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in net income during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 was primarily attributable to increased losses in the life and health operations, increases in advertising expense for television commercials and social media initiatives as well as a decrease in realized investment gains. Operating income decreased to $0.3 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from $0.8 million in the comparable period of 2012.  Premium revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 increased $2.3 million, or 7.6%, to $33.0 million. The increase in premium revenue was primarily due to an increase in Medicare supplement business in the life and health operations.  While premiums in the property and casualty operations decreased, profitability increased due to a more favorable loss experience in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.

A more detailed analysis of the individual operating companies and other corporate activities is provided below.

American Southern

The following summarizes American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the comparable period in 2012:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 8,876     $ 9,549  
Ceded premiums
    (1,897 )     (1,915 )
Net written premiums
  $ 6,979     $ 7,634  
Net earned premiums
  $ 8,927     $ 9,812  
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    5,322       8,019  
Underwriting expenses
    3,726       2,529  
Underwriting loss
  $ (121 )   $ (736 )
Loss ratio
    59.6 %     81.7 %
Expense ratio
    41.8       25.8  
Combined ratio
    101.4 %     107.5 %

 
Gross written premiums at American Southern decreased $0.7 million, or 7.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012.  The decrease in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to a decrease of $1.5 million in commercial automobile written premiums resulting from the cancellation by the company of two agencies and a trucking liability program in 2012 due to unfavorable loss experience.  Partially offsetting the decrease in gross written premiums was an increase of $0.8 million in commercial automobile business written by an existing agency attributable to new business and rate increases on renewal business.

Ceded premiums decreased slightly during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012.  The decrease in ceded premiums was primarily due to the decrease in related earned premiums.  As American Southern’s ceded premiums are determined as a percentage of earned premiums, a decrease in ceded premiums occurs when earned premiums decrease.

The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the comparable period in 2012 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Commercial automobile
  $ 5,862     $ 6,320  
General liability
    750       1,163  
Property
    599       442  
Surety
    1,716       1,887  
Total
  $ 8,927     $ 9,812  

Net earned premiums decreased $0.9 million, or 9.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012.  The decrease in net earned premiums was primarily attributable to the decline in commercial automobile and general liability earned premiums resulting from the cancellation by the company of two agencies and a trucking liability program as discussed previously as well as the cancellation of certain general liability programs in 2012.  Premiums are earned ratably over their respective policy terms, and therefore premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediately preceding year.

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern decreased $2.7 million, or 33.6%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012.  As a percentage of premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 59.6% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to 81.7% in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in the loss ratio was primarily due to more favorable loss experience in all lines of business during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012.  During the three month period ended March 31 2012, American Southern experienced significant increases in the frequency and severity of claims in the commercial automobile, general liability and surety lines of business which did not recur in the comparable 2013 period.  The improvement in the current year loss ratio was primarily attributable to the rationalization of American Southern’s book of business and strengthening of the underwriting guidelines with respect to such business.

Underwriting expenses increased $1.2 million, or 47.3%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 41.8% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to 25.8% in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in the expense ratio was primarily due to American Southern’s variable commission structure, which compensates the company’s agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write.  During periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease. During the three month period ended March 31, 2013, these commissions at American Southern increased $1.2 million from the comparable period in 2012 due to the more favorable loss experience.
 

Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the comparable period in 2012:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Medicare supplement
  $ 20,197     $ 16,874  
Other health products
    1,145       1,118  
Life insurance
    2,750       2,877  
Total earned premiums
    24,092       20,869  
Insurance benefits and losses
    18,040       14,653  
Underwriting expenses
    6,861       5,813  
Total expenses
    24,901       20,466  
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ (809 )   $ 403  
Loss ratio
    74.9 %     70.2 %
Expense ratio
    28.5       27.9  
Combined ratio
    103.4 %     98.1 %

Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $3.2 million, or 15.4%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $3.3 million, or 19.7%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013, due primarily to an increase in business generated from the company’s core producers and newly appointed general agents, an increase in business issued in the state of Missouri as a result of favorable pricing compared to competitors, and active management and implementation of rate increases on renewal business, as appropriate.  Other health product premiums increased slightly during the same comparable period, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s short-term care products. Premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 4.4%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 due to redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.

Benefits and losses increased $3.4 million, or 23.1%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses were 74.9% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to 70.2% in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to unfavorable loss experience in the Medicare supplement line of business during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2013, Bankers Fidelity experienced an increase in losses in the Medicare supplement line of business resulting from a disproportionate number of first quarter deductible reimbursements.  As the company’s Medicare supplement product generally reimburses the annual Part B deductible of an insured, annual deductible reimbursements are generally incurred disproportionately at the beginning of a calendar year as opposed to the end of a calendar year.  Such trends were even more pronounced in the first quarter of 2013.  Bankers Fidelity continues to implement rate increases on its Medicare supplement business to help mitigate the impact of higher medical costs.

Underwriting expenses increased $1.0 million, or 18.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 28.5% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to 27.9% in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to increases in advertising and agency related expenses.  Advertising expenses increased $0.5 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012 and included charges for television commercials and social media initiatives.
 

INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS

Investment income increased slightly during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  The increase in investment income was primarily attributable to a higher average balance of fixed maturities held by the Company in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $0.7 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2013, compared to net realized investment gains of $1.0 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.   The net realized investment gains in the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 resulted from the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.  Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and, as may be determined to be appropriate, makes adjustments for impairments and/or will divest investments.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 12.2%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012 due primarily to the termination of the Company’s zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) on March 4, 2013, the stated maturity date, by its terms.  The interest rate collar had a London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) floor of 4.77%.  As a result of interest rates remaining below the LIBOR floor, the Company was required to make payments to Wells Fargo under the interest rate collar for all periods presented, through the maturity date.

OTHER EXPENSES

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) increased $2.2 million, or 23.1%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 over the comparable period in 2012.  The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to increased commission accruals at American Southern due to recent favorable loss experience.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2013, these commissions at American Southern increased $1.2 million over the comparable period in 2012.  The majority of American Southern’s business is structured in a way that agents are compensated based upon the loss ratios of the business they place with the company.  During periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease.  Also contributing to the increase in other expenses was an increase in commission and underwriting costs in the life and health operations associated with the higher volume of business as well as increases in advertising and agency related expenses.  On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses increased to 35.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 from 31.0% in the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in commission accruals and advertising expenses discussed previously.

INCOME TAXES

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 resulted from the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from the estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the unanticipated utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.  The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 resulted from the DRD, the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”) and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3.0 million and is ultimately phased out at $15.0 million. The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was also due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels, and meeting debt service requirements.  Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but generally are expected to continue within historical ranges.  The Company’s primary sources of cash are written premiums, investment income and proceeds from the sale and maturity of its invested assets.  The Company believes that, within each operating company, total invested assets will be sufficient to satisfy all policy liabilities and that cash inflows from investment earnings, future premium receipts and reinsurance collections will be adequate to fund the payment of claims and expenses as needed.

Cash flows at the Parent are derived from dividends, management fees, and tax-sharing payments, as described below, from the subsidiaries.  The cash needs of the Parent are for the payment of operating expenses, the acquisition of capital assets and debt service requirements, as well as the repurchase of shares and payments of any dividends as may be authorized and approved by the Company’s board of directors from time to time.  At March 31, 2013, the Parent had approximately $27.9 million of unrestricted cash and investments.

The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $2.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 compared to statutory net income of nil for the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business.  In a scenario in which the Company is growing, statutory results are generally lower than results determined under GAAP.  Statutory results for the Company’s property and casualty operations may differ from the Company’s results of operations under GAAP due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes.  The Company’s life and health operations’ statutory results may differ from GAAP results primarily due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes, as well as the use of different reserving methods.

Over 90% of the invested assets of the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries are invested in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, the use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations.  Dividend payments to a parent corporation by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries.  At March 31, 2013, American Southern had $37.5 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $34.2 million of statutory surplus. In 2013, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $9.6 million would require prior approval.

The Parent provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries.  The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries include reimbursements for various shared services and other expenses incurred directly on behalf of the subsidiaries by the Parent.  In addition, there is in place a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Parent and its insurance subsidiaries.  It is anticipated that this agreement will provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries due to the subsidiaries' use of the Parent’s tax loss carryforwards, which totaled approximately $4.7 million at March 31, 2013.

The Company has two statutory trusts which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts and investing the gross proceeds of the trust preferred securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”).  The outstanding $18.0 million and $23.2 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 4, 2032 and May 15, 2033, respectively, are callable quarterly, in whole or in part, only at the option of the Company, and have an interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The margin ranges from 4.00% to 4.10%.  At March 31, 2013, the effective interest rate was 4.4%.  The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuances of the trust preferred securities represent a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent of each trust’s obligations with respect to the trust preferred securities.  Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer Junior Subordinated Debenture interest payments, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related trust preferred securities.  The Company has not made such an election.

The Company intends to pay its obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures using existing cash balances, dividend and tax-sharing payments from the operating subsidiaries, or from potential future financing arrangements.

The Company had a zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo, which terminated on March 4, 2013, the stated maturity date, by its terms.  There were no balances outstanding under the zero cost interest rate collar at that time.
 

At March 31, 2013, the Company had 70,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) outstanding.  All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock are held by an affiliate of the Company’s controlling shareholder. The outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative.  In certain circumstances, the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,754,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval; and are redeemable solely at the Company’s option.  The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently convertible.  At March 31, 2013, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.1 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $19.0 million at December 31, 2012 to $18.8 million at March 31, 2013. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 was primarily attributable to net cash used in operating activities of $2.8 million and the purchase of shares for treasury for $0.3 million.  Partially offsetting the decrease was net cash provided by investing activities of $2.9 million resulting from the sale and maturity of securities exceeding investment purchases.

The Company believes that existing cash balances as well as the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it receives from its subsidiaries and, if needed, additional borrowings from financial institutions, will enable the Company to meet its liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. Management is not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or operations.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives.  The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more persons.  The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and, while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and may not be detected.  An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  Those statements, to the extent they are not historical facts, should be considered forward-looking statements, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws.  The Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts, or otherwise.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On October 30, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan that allows for the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Repurchase Plan") on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company.  Any such repurchases can be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements.

Other than pursuant to the Repurchase Plan, no purchases of common stock of the Company were made by or on behalf of the Company during the periods described below.

The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of shares of its common stock on a monthly basis during the three month period ended March 31, 2013.

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 
January 1 – January 31, 2013
    10,968     $ 3.32       10,968       733,137  
February 1 – February 28, 2013
    40,000       3.29       40,000       693,137  
March 1 – March 31, 2013
    30,000       3.46       30,000       663,137  
Total
    80,968     $ 3.36       80,968          


Item 6.  Exhibits

10.1
Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
   
10.2
Form of Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan Director Restricted Stock Agreement.
   
10.3
Form of Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan Employee Restricted Stock Agreement.
   
31.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document. *
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. *
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. *
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. *
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. *
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. *

* Furnished herewith (not filed).  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
 
 
(Registrant)
     
Date: May 14, 2013
By:
/s/ John G. Sample, Jr.
   
John G. Sample, Jr.
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
Title
   
Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
   
Form of Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan Director Restricted Stock Agreement.
   
Form of Atlantic American Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Plan Employee Restricted Stock Agreement.
   
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document. *
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. *
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. *
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. *
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. *
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. *

* Furnished herewith (not filed).  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.