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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 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, 2017
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)

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     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, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer   Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company   Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
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 9, 2017 was 20,414,591.
 



ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.      Financial Information
Page No.
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
     
  2
     
  3
     
  4
     
  5
     
 
     
 
7
     
Item 2.
19
     
Item 4.
25
     
Part II.    Other Information
 
     
Item 2.
26
     
Item 6.
26
     
27
 
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,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
10,678
   
$
13,252
 
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $207,660 and $210,505)
   
208,041
     
210,670
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $11,453 and $11,453)
   
23,401
     
20,257
 
Other invested assets (cost: $9,542 and $9,709)
   
9,542
     
9,709
 
Policy loans
   
2,181
     
2,265
 
Real estate
   
38
     
38
 
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
1,238
 
Total investments
   
244,441
     
244,177
 
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
   
12,299
     
11,703
 
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $260 and $280)
   
7,184
     
12,581
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
-
     
160
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
30,612
     
28,975
 
Other assets
   
5,156
     
5,208
 
Intangibles
   
2,544
     
2,544
 
Total assets
 
$
312,914
   
$
318,600
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds:
           
Future policy benefits
 
$
76,099
   
$
74,843
 
Unearned premiums
   
16,895
     
23,208
 
Losses and claims
   
63,760
     
62,562
 
Other policy liabilities
   
1,649
     
2,066
 
Total insurance reserves and policyholder funds
   
158,403
     
162,679
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
12,903
     
16,677
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
889
     
-
 
Junior subordinated debenture obligations, net
   
33,738
     
33,738
 
Total liabilities
   
205,933
     
213,094
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 55,000 shares issued and outstanding; $5,500 redemption value
   
55
     
55
 
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,400,894; shares outstanding: 20,422,071 and 20,446,705
   
22,401
     
22,401
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
57,119
     
57,114
 
Retained earnings
   
26,544
     
27,272
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
8,014
     
5,830
 
Unearned stock grant compensation
   
(312
)
   
(428
)
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,978,823 and 1,954,189 shares
   
(6,840
)
   
(6,738
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
106,981
     
105,506
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
312,914
   
$
318,600
 

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,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenue:
           
Insurance premiums
 
$
40,782
   
$
38,458
 
Investment income
   
2,159
     
2,507
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
883
     
752
 
Other income
   
35
     
30
 
Total revenue
   
43,859
     
41,747
 
                 
Benefits and expenses:
               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
29,997
     
24,825
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
10,614
     
11,827
 
Interest expense
   
409
     
373
 
Other expense
   
3,186
     
3,346
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
44,206
     
40,371
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(347
)
   
1,376
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(126
)
   
478
 
Net income (loss)
   
(221
)
   
898
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
(99
)
   
(99
)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
 
$
(320
)
 
$
799
 
                 
Earnings (loss) per common share (basic and diluted)
 
$
(.02
)
 
$
.04
 


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,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
898
 
Other comprehensive income:
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Gross unrealized holding gain arising in the period
   
4,243
     
2,256
 
Related income tax effect
   
(1,485
)
   
(790
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income (loss) (1)
   
(883
)
   
(752
)
Related income tax effect (2)
   
309
     
263
 
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
2,184
     
977
 
Total comprehensive income
 
$
1,963
   
$
1,875
 

(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, 2017
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
 Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Unearned
Stock Grant
Compensation
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
57,114
   
$
27,272
   
$
5,830
   
$
(428
)
 
$
(6,738
)
 
$
105,506
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(221
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(221
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,184
     
-
     
-
     
2,184
 
Dividends declared on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(99
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(99
)
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
116
     
-
     
116
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(105
)
   
(105
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
5
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3
     
8
 
Balance, March 31, 2017
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
57,119
   
$
26,544
   
$
8,014
   
$
(312
)
 
$
(6,840
)
 
$
106,981
 
                                                                 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
                                                               
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,623
   
$
25,443
   
$
4,584
   
$
(273
)
 
$
(6,341
)
 
$
102,492
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
898
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
898
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
977
     
-
     
-
     
977
 
Dividends declared on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(99
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(99
)
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
119
     
-
     
119
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(170
)
   
(170
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
10
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
5
     
15
 
Balance, March 31, 2016
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,633
   
$
25,834
   
$
5,561
   
$
(154
)
 
$
(6,506
)
 
$
103,824
 
 
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,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
898
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
   
3,399
     
2,492
 
Acquisition costs deferred
   
(5,036
)
   
(2,295
)
Realized investment gains, net
   
(883
)
   
(752
)
Compensation expense related to share awards
   
116
     
119
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
387
     
291
 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
   
(126
)
   
478
 
Decrease in receivables, net
   
4,671
     
8,304
 
Decrease in insurance reserves
   
(4,276
)
   
(14,207
)
Decrease in other liabilities
   
(4,281
)
   
(2,277
)
Other, net
   
102
     
(8
)
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(6,148
)
   
(6,957
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold
   
19,782
     
14,355
 
Proceeds from investments matured, called or redeemed
   
5,842
     
4,302
 
Investments purchased
   
(21,870
)
   
(16,157
)
Additions to property and equipment
   
(83
)
   
(226
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
   
3,671
     
2,274
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from shares issued under stock plans
   
8
     
15
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
(105
)
   
(170
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(97
)
   
(155
)
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,574
)
   
(4,838
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
13,252
     
15,622
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
10,678
   
$
10,784
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
408
   
$
367
 

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”).  The Parent’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.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market. 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, 2016.  The Company’s financial condition and results of operations and cash flows as of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations and cash flows that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 or for any other future period.

       The Company’s significant accounting policies have not changed materially from those set out in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report.

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

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). This guidance applies to all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees and is designed to simplify several areas of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and related classification on the statement of cash flows.  The guidance requires the excess tax benefit or deficiency on vesting or settlement of awards to be recognized in earnings as an income tax benefit or expense, respectively.  The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017.  Adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (“ASU 2016-07”). This guidance eliminates the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting when an investment qualifies for the use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence.  Under ASU 2016-07, the equity method investor is required to add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting.  The Company adopted ASU 2016-07 as of January 1, 2017.  Adoption of ASU 2016-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). This guidance shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium to the earliest call date.  Under current GAAP, premiums and discounts on callable securities generally are amortized to the maturity date.  ASU 2017-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although earlier adoption is permitted.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 3.
Investments

The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and cost or amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
Investments were comprised of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2017
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
29,469
   
$
194
   
$
513
   
$
29,788
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
17,690
     
624
     
184
     
17,250
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
18,065
     
1,476
     
69
     
16,658
 
Financial services
   
52,480
     
2,097
     
765
     
51,148
 
Other business – diversified
   
48,320
     
852
     
2,120
     
49,588
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
41,825
     
348
     
1,559
     
43,036
 
Total corporate securities
   
160,690
     
4,773
     
4,513
     
160,430
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Other consumer – diversified
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total fixed maturities
   
208,041
     
5,591
     
5,210
     
207,660
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,462
     
498
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
5,588
     
760
     
-
     
4,828
 
Other business – diversified
   
250
     
203
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
16,101
     
10,487
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
23,401
     
11,948
     
-
     
11,453
 
Other invested assets
   
9,542
     
-
     
-
     
9,542
 
Policy loans
   
2,181
     
-
     
-
     
2,181
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
244,441
   
$
17,539
   
$
5,210
   
$
232,112
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
31,102
   
$
197
   
$
553
   
$
31,458
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
17,572
     
625
     
308
     
17,255
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
18,034
     
1,462
     
88
     
16,660
 
Financial services
   
57,282
     
1,880
     
911
     
56,313
 
Other business – diversified
   
57,419
     
1,071
     
2,337
     
58,685
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
29,069
     
471
     
1,344
     
29,942
 
Total corporate securities
   
161,804
     
4,884
     
4,680
     
161,600
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Other consumer – diversified
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total fixed maturities
   
210,670
     
5,706
     
5,541
     
210,505
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,601
     
637
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
5,402
     
574
     
-
     
4,828
 
Other business – diversified
   
244
     
197
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
13,010
     
7,396
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
20,257
     
8,804
     
-
     
11,453
 
Other invested assets
   
9,709
     
-
     
-
     
9,709
 
Policy loans
   
2,265
     
-
     
-
     
2,265
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
244,177
   
$
14,510
   
$
5,541
   
$
235,208
 

Bonds having an amortized cost of $11,020 and $11,435 and included in the tables above were on deposit with insurance regulatory authorities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, in accordance with statutory requirements.

The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
2,949
   
$
2,908
   
$
2,544
   
$
2,507
 
Due after one year through five years
   
19,725
     
19,578
     
20,278
     
20,038
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
101,460
     
101,247
     
90,667
     
90,926
 
Due after ten years
   
66,449
     
66,170
     
80,099
     
79,627
 
Varying maturities
   
17,458
     
17,757
     
17,082
     
17,407
 
Totals
 
$
208,041
   
$
207,660
   
$
210,670
   
$
210,505
 
 
The following table sets forth the carrying value, cost or amortized cost, and net unrealized gains (losses) of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

   
March 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
   
Carrying
Value
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
29,469
   
$
29,788
   
$
(319
)
 
$
31,102
   
$
31,458
   
$
(356
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
17,690
     
17,250
     
440
     
17,572
     
17,255
     
317
 
Utilities and telecom
   
19,527
     
17,622
     
1,905
     
19,635
     
17,624
     
2,011
 
Financial services
   
58,068
     
55,976
     
2,092
     
62,684
     
61,141
     
1,543
 
Other business – diversified
   
48,570
     
49,635
     
(1,065
)
   
57,663
     
58,732
     
(1,069
)
Other consumer – diversified
   
58,118
     
48,842
     
9,276
     
42,271
     
35,748
     
6,523
 
Other investments
   
12,999
     
12,999
     
-
     
13,250
     
13,250
     
-
 
Investments
 
$
244,441
   
$
232,112
   
$
12,329
   
$
244,177
   
$
235,208
   
$
8,969
 


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, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

   
March 31, 2017
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
 Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
20,307
   
$
513
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
20,307
   
$
513
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
7,869
     
184
     
-
     
-
     
7,869
     
184
 
Corporate securities
   
54,440
     
1,982
     
20,538
     
2,531
     
74,978
     
4,513
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
82,616
   
$
2,679
   
$
20,538
   
$
2,531
   
$
103,154
   
$
5,210
 
 
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
 Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
23,494
   
$
553
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,494
   
$
553
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
8,747
     
308
     
-
     
-
     
8,747
     
308
 
Corporate securities
   
59,404
     
2,124
     
20,587
     
2,556
     
79,991
     
4,680
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
91,645
   
$
2,985
   
$
20,587
   
$
2,556
   
$
112,232
   
$
5,541
 

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, 2017, there were seventy-one securities in an unrealized loss position, which 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 $1,246 related to investments in fixed maturities of eight different issuers, all related to the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas companies represent a diversified group of businesses which include, among others, refiners, pipeline owners and operators, deep water offshore rig owners and operators, all of which we believe are in continuing stages of rationalizing their current operations, investments, future capital expenditures and carefully managing their capital and liquidity positions.  Based on publicly available information, the companies are continuing to assess and revise short-term, intermediate and long-term business plans in response to the current trends in oil and gas markets.  While these companies have generally experienced credit downgrades or may be currently under credit rating review, the Company believes that many of the downgrades are in response to external market forces and not necessarily specific credit events of any obligor which would currently indicate that an other than temporary impairment need be recorded.  All of the investees have continued to make regular interest payments on their debt when and as due and the Company continues to perform in-depth analyses of the publicly available financial disclosures of each of the investees on a regular basis.  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, 2017.

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 of its fixed maturities and non-redeemable preferred stocks using Level 2 criteria, the Company utilizes data from outside sources, including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers.  Prices for the majority of the Company’s Level 2 fixed maturities and non-redeemable preferred stocks were determined using unadjusted prices received from pricing services that utilize a matrix pricing concept, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities based on various relationships to other benchmark quoted prices.

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, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $1,302 and $1,264, respectively. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.

As of March 31, 2017, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

     
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
Total
  
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
206,739
   
$
1,302
(1) 
 
$
208,041
 
Equity securities
   
18,114
     
5,287
(1) 
   
-
     
23,401
 
Cash equivalents
   
10,678
     
-
     
-
     
10,678
 
Total
 
$
28,792
   
$
212,026
   
$
1,302
   
$
242,120
 

 
(1)
All underlying securities are financial service industry related.

     As of December 31, 2016, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

     
Quoted Prices
 in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
Total
  
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
209,406
   
$
1,264
(1) 
 
$
210,670
 
Equity securities
   
15,153
     
5,104
(1) 
   
-
     
20,257
 
Cash equivalents
   
9,811
     
-
     
-
     
9,811
 
Total
 
$
24,964
   
$
214,510
   
$
1,264
   
$
240,738
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
All underlying securities are financial service industry related.
 
The following tables provide 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 periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

   
Fixed
Maturities
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
$
1,264
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
38
 
Balance, March 31, 2017
 
$
1,302
 

   
Fixed
Maturities
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
2,237
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
63
 
Balance, March 31, 2016
 
$
2,300
 

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 following table is a summary of realized investment gains (losses) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Gross gains
 
$
931
   
$
822
 
Gross losses
   
(48
)
   
(70
)
Realized investment gains, net
 
$
883
   
$
752
 


Note 4.
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, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

         
March 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
   
Level in Fair
Value
Hierarchy (1)
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
   
$
10,678
   
$
10,678
   
$
13,252
   
$
13,252
 
Fixed maturities
     (1)    
208,041
     
208,041
     
210,670
     
210,670
 
Equity securities
     (1)
 
   
23,401
     
23,401
     
20,257
     
20,257
 
Other invested assets
 
Level 3
     
9,542
     
9,542
     
9,709
     
9,709
 
Policy loans
 
Level 2
     
2,181
     
2,181
     
2,265
     
2,265
 
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, net
 
Level 2
     
33,738
     
33,738
     
33,738
     
33,738
 

(1)
See Note 3 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.
 
There have not been any transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 5.
Liabilities for Unpaid Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The roll-forward of liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, by major product, is as follows:

Property and Casualty Insurance Products
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
49,556
   
$
51,200
 
Less: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
(9,806
)
   
(11,639
)
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
39,750
     
39,561
 
                 
Incurred related to:
               
Current accident year
   
8,806
     
8,488
 
Prior accident year development (1)
   
(522
)
   
(574
)
Total incurred
   
8,284
     
7,914
 
                 
Paid related to:
               
Current accident year
   
2,312
     
1,701
 
Prior accident years
   
5,836
     
8,708
 
Total paid
   
8,148
     
10,409
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
39,886
     
37,066
 
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
9,011
     
8,915
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
48,897
   
$
45,981
 

(1)
In establishing property and casualty reserves, the Company initially reserves for losses at the higher end of the reasonable range if no other value within the range is determined to be more probable.  Selection of such an initial loss estimate is an attempt by management to give recognition that initial claims information received generally is not conclusive with respect to legal liability, is generally not comprehensive with respect to magnitude of loss and generally, based on historical experience, will develop more adversely as time passes and more information becomes available.  However, as a result, the Company generally experiences reserve redundancies when analyzing the development of prior year losses in a current period.
 
Medicare Supplement Insurance Products
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
11,263
   
$
10,547
 
Less: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
(990
)
   
-
 
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
10,273
     
10,547
 
                 
Incurred related to:
               
Current accident year
   
18,035
     
14,908
 
Prior accident year development
   
241
     
(306
)
Total incurred
   
18,276
     
14,602
 
                 
Paid related to:
               
Current accident year
   
8,797
     
7,424
 
Prior accident years
   
8,354
     
7,753
 
Total paid
   
17,151
     
15,177
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
11,398
     
9,972
 
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
1,819
     
-
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
13,217
   
$
9,972
 

Other Life and Health Insurance Products
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
1,743
   
$
2,123
 
Less: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
-
     
-
 
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
1,743
     
2,123
 
                 
Incurred related to:
               
Current accident year
   
1,527
     
1,684
 
Prior accident year development
   
653
(2) 
   
48
 
Total incurred
   
2,180
     
1,732
 
                 
Paid related to:
               
Current accident year
   
1,056
     
946
 
Prior accident years
   
1,221
     
1,189
 
Total paid
   
2,277
     
2,135
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, net
   
1,646
     
1,720
 
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
   
-
     
-
 
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses, claims and loss adjustment expenses, gross
 
$
1,646
   
$
1,720
 

(2)
The prior accident year development for other life and health insurance products was primarily due to poor morbidity and mortality.  Although the determination of the unfavorable development is subject to variability due to the lower volume of other life and health business and therefore a lower credibility of claims, influenza, the usual driver of elevated morbidity and mortality in winter, was significantly higher than in the previous year and ultimately had an unfavorable effect on the Company’s loss patterns.

Following is a reconciliation of total incurred losses to total insurance benefits and losses incurred:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Total incurred losses
 
$
28,740
   
$
24,248
 
Cash surrender value and matured endowments
   
483
     
307
 
Benefit reserve changes
   
774
     
270
 
Total insurance benefits and losses incurred
 
$
29,997
   
$
24,825
 
 
Note 6.
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 those activities necessary or incidental thereto.

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of March 31, 2017 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, 2017
 
$
18,042
   
$
23,196
 
Less: Treasury debt (3)
   
-
     
(7,500
)
Net balance March 31, 2017
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
Net balance December 31, 2016
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
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 (4)
 
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)
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.
 
Note 7.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings (loss) per common share calculations is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017     
 
 
 
Loss
    
Shares
(In thousands)
        
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share:
               
Net loss
 
$
(221
)
 
20,432
        
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(99
)
 
-
        
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
 
$
(320
)
 
20,432
$ (.02

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                  
Net income
 
$
898
   
20,406
        
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(99
)
 
-
        
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
799
   
20,406
  $  .04  
 
The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D preferred stock was excluded from the earnings (loss) per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.

Note 8.
Income Taxes

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

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
 
$
(121
)
 
$
482
 
Dividends-received deduction
   
(24
)
   
(22
)
Other permanent differences
   
19
     
18
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(126
)
 
$
478
 

 
The components of income tax expense (benefit) were:
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Current – Federal
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Deferred – Federal
   
(126
)
   
478
 
Total
 
$
(126
)
 
$
478
 

The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”).  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.
 
Note 9.
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.

Note 10.
Segment Information

The Parent’s primary insurance subsidiaries, American Southern and 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 (loss) before income taxes for each business unit for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
American Southern
 
$
14,301
   
$
14,811
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
29,537
     
26,839
 
Corporate and Other
   
21
     
97
 
Total revenue
 
$
43,859
   
$
41,747
 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
American Southern
 
$
2,150
   
$
2,231
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
(835
)
   
998
 
Corporate and Other
   
(1,662
)
   
(1,853
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(347
)
 
$
1,376
 

Note 11.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the balance of the only component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the changes in the balance of that component thereof during the three month period ended March 31, 2017, net of taxes.

   
Unrealized Gains
on Available-for-
Sale Securities
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
$
5,830
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
2,758
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(574
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
   
2,184
 
Balance, March 31, 2017
 
$
8,014
 

Note 12.
Related Party Transactions

For the three month period ended March 31, 2017, Gray Television, Inc., a related party, paid the Company approximately $145 in premiums related to a group accident plan.
 
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, 2017. 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, 2016.

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, 2016. During the three month period ended March 31, 2017, 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, 2016.

Overall Corporate Results

The following presents the Company’s revenue, expenses and net income (loss) for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 and the comparable period in 2016:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Insurance premiums
 
$
40,782
   
$
38,458
 
Investment income
   
2,159
     
2,507
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
883
     
752
 
Other income
   
35
     
30
 
Total revenue
   
43,859
     
41,747
 
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
29,997
     
24,825
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
10,614
     
11,827
 
Other expense
   
3,186
     
3,346
 
Interest expense
   
409
     
373
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
44,206
     
40,371
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(347
)
 
$
1,376
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
898
 
 
Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income (loss), 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 a limited extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization).

A reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income (loss) for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 and the comparable period in 2016 is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
 
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
898
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(126
)
   
478
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
(883
)
   
(752
)
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(1,230
)
 
$
624
 

On a consolidated basis, the Company had a net loss of $0.2 million, or a loss of $0.02 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income of $0.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the three month period ended March 31, 2016. Premium revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 increased $2.3 million, or 6.0%, to $40.8 million. The increase in premium revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in Medicare supplement business.  Operating income decreased $1.9 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period of 2016.  The decrease in operating income was primarily due to adverse loss experience in the life and health operations.  Also contributing to the decrease in operating income for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 was a decrease in investment income attributable not only to a decrease in the average yield on the Company’s investments in fixed maturities but also a $0.2 million loss from the equity in earnings from investments in real estate partnerships.
            
A more detailed analysis of the individual operating companies and other corporate activities follows.

American Southern

The following summarizes American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 and the comparable period in 2016:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
7,297
   
$
6,537
 
Ceded premiums
   
(1,149
)
   
(1,177
)
Net written premiums
 
$
6,148
   
$
5,360
 
Net earned premiums
 
$
13,091
   
$
13,725
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
8,284
     
7,914
 
Underwriting expenses
   
3,867
     
4,666
 
Underwriting income
 
$
940
   
$
1,145
 
Loss ratio
   
63.3
%
   
57.7
%
Expense ratio
   
29.5
     
34.0
 
Combined ratio
   
92.8
%
   
91.7
%
 
Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $0.8 million, or 11.6%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.  The increase in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to a premium refund of $0.5 million in the automobile liability line of business during the three month period ended March 31, 2016 that did not recur in the comparable period of 2017.  Also contributing to the increase in gross written premiums was an increase in automobile liability business from a private passenger automobile program.

Ceded premiums decreased slightly during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 due primarily to a decrease in the related earned premiums.  As American Southern’s ceded premiums are determined as a percentage of earned premiums, ceded premiums generally increase or decrease when earned premiums increase or decrease.

The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 and the comparable period in 2016:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Automobile liability
 
$
7,328
   
$
6,802
 
Automobile physical damage
   
2,244
     
2,671
 
General liability
   
730
     
770
 
Surety
   
2,086
     
2,488
 
Other lines
   
703
     
994
 
Total
 
$
13,091
   
$
13,725
 

Net earned premiums decreased $0.6 million, or 4.6%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016.  The decrease in net earned premiums was primarily attributable to decreases in automobile physical damage and surety earned premiums resulting from decreased business writings in 2016.  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 increased $0.4 million, or 4.7%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.  As a percentage of earned premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 63.3% in the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to 57.7% in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The increase in the loss ratio was primarily due to a $0.5 million loss recovery in the surety line of business and favorable loss experience in the general liability line of business during the three month period ended March 31, 2016 that did not recur in the comparable period of 2017.  Partially offsetting the increase in the loss ratio during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 was more favorable loss experience in the automobile liability and automobile physical damage lines of business.

Underwriting expenses decreased $0.8 million, or 17.1%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016.  As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 29.5% in the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to 34.0% in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The decrease in the expense ratio was primarily due to American Southern’s use of a variable commission structure with certain agents, which compensates the participating agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2017, variable commissions at American Southern decreased $0.4 million from the comparable period in 2016 due to unfavorable loss experience from accounts subject to variable commissions.
 
Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 and the comparable period in 2016:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Medicare supplement
 
$
23,851
   
$
20,904
 
Other health products
   
1,464
     
1,369
 
Life insurance
   
2,376
     
2,460
 
Total earned premiums
   
27,691
     
24,733
 
Insurance benefits and losses
   
21,713
     
16,911
 
Underwriting expenses
   
8,658
     
8,930
 
Total expenses
   
30,371
     
25,841
 
Underwriting loss
 
$
(2,680
)
 
$
(1,108
)
Loss ratio
   
78.4
%
   
68.4
%
Expense ratio
   
31.3
     
36.1
 
Combined ratio
   
109.7
%
   
104.5
%

Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $3.0 million, or 12.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.  Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $2.9 million, or 14.1%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017, due primarily to successful execution of new business generating strategies with both new and existing agents.  Other health product premiums increased $0.1 million, or 6.9%, during the same comparable period, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s disability income products. Premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 3.4%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.  During the fourth quarter of 2016, Bankers Fidelity entered into a reinsurance agreement to moderate statutory capital requirements related to premium growth in the Medicare supplement line of business.  Medicare supplement premiums ceded under the reinsurance agreement were approximately $3.9 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2017.

Benefits and losses increased $4.8 million, or 28.4%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.  As a percentage of earned premiums, benefits and losses were 78.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to 68.4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The increase in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to adverse loss experience in the Medicare supplement line of business.  Beginning late in 2016 and continuing throughout the three month period ended March 31, 2017, Bankers Fidelity experienced significantly increased levels of mortality and morbidity across all lines of business which had an unfavorable effect on the company’s loss patterns and increased the resultant quarterly loss ratio.

Underwriting expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 3.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016.  As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 31.3% in the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to 36.1% in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The decrease in the expense ratio was primarily due to the increase in earned premiums coupled with a relatively consistent level of fixed general and administrative expenses.  Also contributing to the decrease in the expense ratio was a reinsurance expense-reimbursement allowance associated with the reinsurance agreement described above, which reimbursed the company for a portion of its indirect underwriting expenses.

INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS

Investment income decreased $0.3 million, or 13.9%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016.  The decrease in investment income was attributable not only to a decrease in the average yield on the Company’s investments in fixed maturities but also a $0.2 million loss from the equity in earnings from investments in real estate partnerships.
 
The Company had net realized investment gains of $0.9 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to net realized investment gains of $0.8 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The net realized investment gains in the three month period ended March 31, 2017 resulted from the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.  The net realized investment gains in the three month period ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to a $0.6 million gain from the sale of property held within one of the Company’s real estate partnership investments.  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 increased slightly during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.  The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as the interest rates on the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) are directly related to LIBOR.

OTHER EXPENSES

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) decreased $1.4 million, or 9.0%, during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016.  The decrease in other expenses was primarily attributable to a reinsurance expense-reimbursement allowance associated with the reinsurance agreement in the life and health operations, which reimbursed a portion of the Company's indirect underwriting expenses; a $0.4 million decrease in the variable commission accrual in the property and casualty operations; and a $0.3 million decrease in incentive compensation accruals from the comparable 2016 period due to the Company's recent operating performance. On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses decreased to 33.8% in the three month period ended March 31, 2017 from 39.5% in the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The decrease in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to the increase in earned premiums coupled with a lower level of general and administrative expenses.

INCOME TAXES

The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”).  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.

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 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, 2017, the Parent had approximately $21.8 million of unrestricted cash and investments.
 
The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $0.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to statutory net income of $3.3 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  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, 2017, American Southern had $42.3 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $31.0 million of statutory surplus. In 2017, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $5.7 million would require prior approval.  Through March 31, 2017, the Parent received dividends of $1.2 million from its subsidiaries.

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, 2017, the effective interest rate was 5.12%.  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, 2017, 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, 2017, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.1 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $13.3 million at December 31, 2016 to $10.7 million at March 31, 2017. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to net cash used in operating activities of $6.1 million, additions to property and equipment of $0.1 million and the purchase of shares for treasury for $0.1 million.  Partially offsetting the decrease in cash and cash equivalents was a $3.8 million increase 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 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.
 
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 intentional 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) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  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, 2016, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  In addition, other risks and uncertainties not known by us, or that we currently determine to not be material, may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 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 31, 2016, 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, 2017.
 
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, 2017
   
12,439
   
$
4.04
     
12,439
     
720,069
 
February 1 – February 28, 2017
   
5,600
     
3.93
     
5,600
     
714,469
 
March 1 – March 31, 2017
   
8,478
     
3.88
     
8,478
     
705,991
 
Total
   
26,517
   
$
3.97
     
26,517
         

Item 6.  Exhibits

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.
 
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 12, 2017
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
   
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