ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

☑	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

OR

☐	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)

(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  ☑   No ☐

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  ☑   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 ☑

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

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on May 7, 2015 was 20,573,336.

 

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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS

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

 

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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

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

 

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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

(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.

 

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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

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

 

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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

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

 

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 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 financial 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, 2014.  The Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 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.

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 and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “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, 2015 and 2014.

 

Revenues		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
American Southern		$	14,772			$	14,201
Bankers Fidelity			26,070				26,838
Corporate and Other			107				121
Total revenue		$	40,949			$	41,160

Income Before Income Taxes		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
American Southern		$	1,849			$	1,057
Bankers Fidelity			1,190				1,648
Corporate and Other			(2,029	)			(1,712	)
Income before income taxes		$	1,010			$	993

Note 3.

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, 2015 was as follows:

(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)

On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

(4)

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.

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Note 4.

Earnings Per Common Share

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

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 5.

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:

The components of income tax expense were:

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The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.  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 primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 resulted from the DRD, the SLD and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.

Note 6.

Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is, and expects to continue to be, 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.

 

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Note 7.

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

Investments were comprised of the following:

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The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

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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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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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 the 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, 2015, securities in an unrealized loss position primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities within the other diversified business, other diversified consumer and financial services sectors. Securities in an unrealized loss position reported in the other diversified business sector included gross unrealized losses of $1,088 related to investments in fixed maturities in the oil and gas industry.  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, 2015.

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 significantly 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $2,264 and $2,214, respectively. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.

 

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As of March 31, 2015, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

As of December 31, 2014, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month period ended March 31, 2015.

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.

 

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Note 8.

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.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

(1)

See Note 7 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

Note 9.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the changes in the balance of each component thereof during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, net of taxes.

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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, 2015. 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, 2014.

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 and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “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, 2014. During the three month period ended March 31, 2015, 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, 2014.

Overall Corporate Results

The following presents the Company’s revenue, expenses and net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the comparable period in 2014:

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Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income, and believes it is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” operating 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, 2015 and the comparable period in 2014 is as follows:

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $0.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to net income of $0.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2014. Premium revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 decreased $1.0 million, or 2.7%, to $37.4 million. The decrease in premium revenue was primarily due to a decrease in Medicare supplement business in the life and health operations resulting from a decline in both first year and renewal premiums.  Operating income decreased to $0.1 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from $0.9 million in the comparable period of 2014.  The decrease in operating income for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to unfavorable loss experience in the life and health operations coupled with a decrease in premium revenue as well as an increase in other expense of $0.7 million due to increased legal and consulting fees.  Partially offsetting the decrease in operating income was the reduction in interest expense from the decrease in the average outstanding balance of the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) as well as increased profitability in the property and casualty operations.

  

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, 2015 and the comparable period in 2014:

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Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $1.2 million, or 16.2%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 over the comparable period in 2014.  The increase in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to an increase of $1.4 million in automobile physical damage written premiums resulting from two new programs which incepted in 2014 as well as an increase in surety business of $0.8 million from an existing agency.  Partially offsetting the increase in gross written premiums was a decrease of $1.0 million in the commercial automobile liability line of business due primarily to the cancellation of an agency in the second quarter of 2014.

Ceded premiums decreased $0.3 million, or 15.8%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014.  American Southern’s ceded premiums are determined as a percentage of earned premiums.  The decrease in ceded premiums for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to the decline in commercial automobile liability earned premiums.  Commercial automobile liability business generally has higher contractual reinsurance cession rates than other lines of business.

The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the comparable period in 2014:

Net earned premiums increased $0.2 million, or 1.8%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 over the comparable period in 2014.  The increase in net earned premiums was primarily attributable to increases in automobile physical damage, property and surety earned premiums from both new and existing programs.  Partially offsetting the increase was the decrease in commercial automobile liability earned premiums due primarily to an agency cancellation. 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.

The performance of an insurance company is often measured by its combined ratio.  The combined ratio represents the percentage of losses, loss adjustment expenses and other expenses that are incurred for each dollar of premium earned by the company.  A combined ratio of under 100% represents an underwriting profit while a combined ratio of over 100% indicates an underwriting loss.  The combined ratio is divided into two components, the loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned) and the expense ratio (the ratio of expenses incurred to premiums earned).

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern decreased $1.6 million, or 15.9%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014.  As a percentage of premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 64.0% in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to 77.5% in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  The decrease in the loss ratio was due to more favorable loss experience in significantly all lines of business.  The improvement in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to actions taken in the prior year to better rationalize American Southern's book of business and to strengthen guidelines with respect to new and renewal business.

Underwriting expenses increased $1.4 million, or 45.6%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 over the comparable period in 2014.  As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 33.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to 23.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  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, 2015, these commissions at American Southern increased $1.3 million from the comparable period in 2014 due to more favorable loss experience.

 

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Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the comparable period in 2014:

Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity decreased $1.3 million, or 5.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014.  Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business decreased $1.2 million, or 5.4%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, due primarily to a decline in both first year and renewal premiums. Other health product premiums increased slightly during the same comparable period, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s group health products. Premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 4.5%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.

Benefits and losses increased slightly during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 over the comparable period in 2014.  As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses were 69.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to 65.9% in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  The increase in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to higher losses in the Medicare supplement line of business coupled with the decrease in premium revenue discussed previously.  Also contributing to the increase in the loss ratio was more favorable loss experience in the three month period ended March 31, 2014 due to reduced medical utilization by policyholders resulting from worse than normal winter weather in the company’s primary markets which did not recur in the 2015 comparable period.

Underwriting expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 3.9%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014, due primarily to a decrease in agency related expenses of $0.3 million.  As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 33.7% in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to 33.3% in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  The slight increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to the decrease in premium revenue.

Investment income for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was virtually unchanged from the comparable period in 2014.  While the Company has experienced a decrease in the average yield on fixed maturities, the average invested balances in fixed maturities were higher in the first quarter of 2015 than in the first quarter of 2014.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $1.0 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to net realized investment gains of $0.1 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.   The net realized investment gains in the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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.

 

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Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 18.6%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014 due to a decrease in the outstanding amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures.  On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7.5 million of its then outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures, which decreased the outstanding balance to $33.7 million and resulted in lower interest expense.

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) increased $1.4 million, or 11.1%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 over the comparable period in 2014.  The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in commission accruals at American Southern.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2015, these commissions at American Southern increased $1.3 million from the comparable period in 2014 due to more favorable loss experience.  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 legal and consulting fees of $0.7 million.  Partially offsetting the increase in other expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was a decrease in agency related expenses in the life and health operations of $0.3 million as well as a decrease in incentive compensation accruals of $0.4 million due to the Company’s recent operating performance.  On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses increased to 38.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2015 from 33.6% in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  The increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to increases in commission accruals and other expenses both discussed previously.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.  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 primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 resulted from the DRD, the SLD and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.

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 principal 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, 2015, the Parent had approximately $21.3 million of unrestricted cash and investments.

 

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The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $2.6 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to statutory net income of $2.7 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.  Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business.  In periods in which the Company’s first year premiums increase, 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 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries.  At March 31, 2015, American Southern had $39.6 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $34.8 million of statutory surplus. In 2015, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $7.6 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.  As a result of the Parent’s tax loss, it is anticipated that the tax-sharing agreement will continue to provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries to assist in meeting its cash flow obligations.

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 Debentures.  The outstanding $18.0 million and $15.7 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, 2015, the effective interest rate was 4.3%.  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.

At March 31, 2015, the Company had 55,000 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 1,378,000 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, 2015, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.1 million.

Cash and cash equivalents increased from $16.4 million at December 31, 2014 to $19.7 million at March 31, 2015. The increase in cash and cash equivalents during the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to a $7.7 million increase resulting from the sale and maturity of securities exceeding investment purchases.  Partially offsetting the increase in cash and cash equivalents was net cash used in operating activities of $4.2 million, additions to property and equipment of $0.1 million and the purchase of shares for treasury for $0.1 million.

The Company believes that existing cash balances as well as the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it expects to receive 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.

 

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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, 2014, any 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.

 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

On May 6, 2014, 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, 2015.

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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.

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