ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

or

Commission file number 0-3722

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  o No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  o No ☒

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  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No  o

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,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company”in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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.  o

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

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2019, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $10,800,070. For purposes hereof, beneficial ownership is determined under rules adopted pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the foregoing excludes value ascribed to common stock that may be deemed beneficially owned by the directors and executive officers, and 10% or greater stockholders, of the registrant, some of whom may not be deemed to be affiliates upon judicial determination. On March 13, 2020 there were 20,472,162 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year end, have been incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

The Company

Atlantic American Corporation, a Georgia corporation incorporated in 1968 (the “Parent” or “Company”), is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries in well-defined specialty markets within the life and health and property and casualty insurance industries. The Parent’s principal operating subsidiaries are American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) within the property and casualty insurance industry and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”) within the life and health insurance industry. Each of American Southern and Bankers Fidelity is managed separately based upon the type of products it offers, and is evaluated on its individual performance. The Company’s strategy is to focus on well-defined geographic, demographic and/or product niches within the insurance marketplace. Each of American Southern and Bankers Fidelity operates with relative autonomy, which structure is designed to allow for quick reaction to market opportunities.

The Parent has no significant business operations of its own and relies on fees, dividends and other distributions from its operating subsidiaries as the principal source of cash flow to meet its obligations. Additional information regarding the cash flow and liquidity needs of the Parent can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Property and Casualty Operations

American Southern comprises the Company’s property and casualty operations and its primary product lines are as follows:

Business Automobile Insurance policies provide bodily injury and/or property damage liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and physical damage coverage for commercial accounts.

General Liability Insurance policies cover bodily injury and property damage liability for both premises and completed operations exposures for general classes of business.

Surety Bonds are contracts under which one party, the insurance company issuing the surety bond, guarantees to a third party that the primary party will fulfill an obligation in accordance with a contractual agreement. This obligation may involve meeting a contractual commitment, paying a debt or performing certain duties.

American Southern provides tailored business automobile insurance coverage, on a multi-year contract basis, to state governments, local municipalities and other large motor pools and fleets (“block accounts”) that can be specifically rated and underwritten. The size of the block accounts insured by American Southern are generally such that individual class experience can be determined, which allows for customized policy terms and rates. American Southern is licensed to do business in 32 states and the District of Columbia. While the majority of American Southern’s premiums are derived from its automobile lines of business, American Southern also offers inland marine and general liability coverages. Additionally, American Southern directly provides surety bond coverage for school bus transportation and subdivision construction, as well as performance and payment bonds.

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of American Southern’s net earned premiums from each of its principal product lines:

Life and Health Operations

Bankers Fidelity comprises the life and health operations of the Company and offers a variety of life and supplemental health products. Products offered by Bankers Fidelity include ordinary and term life insurance, Medicare supplement and other accident and health insurance products. Health insurance products, primarily Medicare supplement insurance, accounted for 93% of Bankers Fidelity’s net earned premiums in 2019 while life insurance, including both whole and term life insurance policies, accounted for the balance. In terms of the number of policies written in 2019, 87% were health insurance policies and 13% were life insurance policies.

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of Bankers Fidelity’s net earned premiums from each of its principal product lines followed by a brief description of the principal products:

Life Insurance products include non-participating term, individual and group whole life insurance policies with a variety of riders and options. Policy premiums are dependent upon a number of factors, including issue age, level of coverage and selected riders or options.

Medicare Supplement Insurance includes 8 of the 11 standardized Medicare supplement policies created under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (“MIPPA”), which are designed to provide insurance coverage for certain expenses not covered by the Medicare program, including copayments and deductibles.

Other Accident and Health Insurance coverages include several individual and group policies providing for the payment of standard benefits in connection with the treatment of diagnosed cancer and other critical illnesses, as well as a number of other policies providing nursing facility care, accident expense, hospital indemnity and disability coverages.

Marketing

Property and Casualty Operations

A portion of American Southern’s business is marketed through a small number of specialized, experienced independent agents. American Southern’s agent selection process is actively managed by internal marketing personnel with oversight from management. Senior management carefully reviews all new programs prior to acceptance. Most of American Southern’s agents are paid an up-front commission with the potential for additional commissions by participating in a profit sharing arrangement that is directly linked to the profitability

of the underlying business. American Southern also solicits business from governmental entities. As an experienced writer of insurance policies for certain governmental programs, the company actively pursues this market on a direct basis. Much of this business is priced by means of competitive bid situations and there can be no assurance with respect to ultimate profitability or that the company can obtain or retain such business at the time of a specific contract renewal.

Life and Health Operations

Bankers Fidelity acquires its clientele through three distribution channels spread across 46 different states and two business divisions, all of which utilize commissioned, independent agents. The three distribution channels include traditional independent agents, brokers typically interested in a specific product of Bankers Fidelity and brokers who focus on sales within the group/employer benefits arena of BankersWorksite, all of which are responsible for their own marketing and sales activities. Contracting as independent agents enables Bankers Fidelity to effectively expand or contract its sales force without incurring significant expense.

Bankers Fidelity had 5,783 licensed agents contracted in both senior market and worksite divisions as of December 31, 2019. During 2019, approximately 1,465 of these licensed agents wrote policies on behalf of Bankers Fidelity.

Bankers Fidelity’s marketing and distribution strategy revolves around five pillars: Diversification, Differentiation, Quality, Retention and Profitability.

Diversification. Through unique product offerings such as the Vantage Recovery®, short-term care product and a group whole life product featuring a chronic illness rider, the Company is able to offer its distributors an array of products to sell that stand out from the competition. As the Company continues to expand its geographical footprint with agents and products, one of its main objectives is to have a healthy mix of all of its product lines nationwide.

Differentiation. Bankers Fidelity prides itself on the quality of Customer Service it offers to policyholders and agents. A dedicated agent support team is available to the field to support them on administration, underwriting, sales training, product questions and a plethora of other services which differentiates the Company from other carriers. Additionally, a customer loyalty team is available solely to serve insureds for any of their insurance needs. Unlike larger carriers, Bankers Fidelity prides itself on being agile which helps to quickly execute senior management’s initiatives.

Quality. Bankers Fidelity is focused on being a niche carrier that delivers superior service, quality products and innovative solutions. Sophisticated technology and reporting allows the home office teams to work with the sales force to deliver a tailored experience and phenomenal customer service.

Retention. Through seasonal campaigns and customer outreach, the Company is focused on client retention and servicing its policyholder’s through various stages in their life. By providing its agents with an innovative product portfolio they are able to meet the needs of our policyholders at all stages of their lives.

Profitability. In an effort to be sustainable in the marketplace as a long-term partner, senior management is focused on diversification, differentiation, quality and retention to ultimately service its policyholders and agents and provide security to home office employees.

Underwriting

Property and Casualty Operations

American Southern specializes in underwriting various risks that are sufficiently large enough to establish separate class experience, relying upon the underwriting expertise of its agents.

During the course of the policy life, extensive use is made of risk management representatives to assist commercial underwriters in identifying and correcting potential loss exposures and to physically inspect new accounts. The underwriting results from each insured are reviewed on an individual basis periodically. When results are below expectations, management takes corrective action which may include adjusting rates, revising underwriting standards, adjusting commissions paid to agents, and/or altering or declining to renew accounts at expiration.

Life and Health Operations

Bankers Fidelity issues a variety of products that span from the worksite markets to the senior markets for both life and health insurance. Products offered by Bankers Fidelity include life insurance, typically with small face amounts, Medicare supplement and other accident and health insurance. Bankers Fidelity also provides an array of worksite products such as accident, cancer, critical illness, hospital indemnity and life insurance that is offered to employers who are looking to provide coverage for their employees and have the related premiums deducted through payroll deductions.

The majority of the products are underwritten on a non-medical basis using a simplified issue approach by which an application containing a variety of health related questions is submitted. Applications for insurance are reviewed to determine the face amount, age, medical history and any other necessary information. Bankers Fidelity utilizes information obtained directly from the insured, the medical claims data, prescription utilization reports as well as telephone interviews to determine whether an applicant meets the company’s underwriting criteria. Bankers Fidelity may also utilize medical records and investigative services to supplement and substantiate information, as necessary.

Policyholder and Claims Services

The Company believes that prompt, efficient policyholder and claims services are essential to its continued success in marketing its insurance products (see “Competition”). Additionally, the Company believes that its insureds are particularly sensitive to claims processing time and to the accessibility of qualified staff to answer inquiries. Accordingly, the Company’s policyholder and claims services seek to offer expeditious disposition of service requests by providing toll-free access for all customers, 24-hour claim reporting services, and direct computer links with some of its largest accounts. The Company also utilizes an automatic call distribution system to ensure that inbound calls to customer service support groups are processed efficiently. Operational data generated from this system allows management to further refine ongoing client service programs and service representative training modules.

Property and Casualty Operations

American Southern controls its claims costs by utilizing an in-house staff of claims supervisors to investigate, verify, negotiate and settle claims. Upon notification of an occurrence purportedly giving rise to a claim, a claim file is established. The claims department then conducts a preliminary investigation, determines whether an insurable event has occurred and, if so, updates the file for the findings and any required reserve adjustments. Frequently, independent adjusters and appraisers are utilized to service claims which require on-site inspections.

Life and Health Operations

Insureds may obtain claim forms by calling the claims department customer service group or through Bankers Fidelity’s website. To shorten claim processing time, a letter detailing all supporting documents that are required to complete a claim for a particular policy is sent to the customer along with the correct claim form. With respect to life policies, the claim is entered into Bankers Fidelity’s claims system when the proper documentation is received. Properly documented claims are generally paid within five business days of receipt. With regard to Medicare supplement policies, the claim is either directly billed to Bankers Fidelity by the provider or sent electronically through a Medicare clearing house.

Reserves

Reserves are set by line of business within each of the subsidiaries. At December 31, 2019, approximately 64% of the reserves related to property and casualty losses and approximately 36% related to life and health losses. The Company’s property and casualty operations incur losses which may take extended periods of time to evaluate and settle. Issues with respect to legal liability, actual loss quantification, legal discovery and ultimate subrogation, among other factors, may influence the initial and subsequent estimates of loss. In the property and casualty operations, the Company’s general practice is to reserve at the higher end of the determined reasonable range of loss if no other value within the range is determined to be more probable. The Company’s life and health operations generally incur losses which are more readily quantified. Medical claims received are recorded in case reserves based on contractual terms using the submitted billings as a basis for determination. Life claims

are recorded based on contract value at the time of notification to the Company; although policy reserves related to such contracts have been previously established. Individual case reserves are established by a claims processor on each individual claim and are periodically reviewed and adjusted as new information becomes known during the course of handling a claim. Regular internal periodic reviews are also performed by management to ensure that loss reserves are established and revised timely relative to the receipt of new or additional information. Lines of business for which loss data (e.g. paid losses and case reserves) emerge over a long period of time are referred to as long-tail lines of business. Lines of business for which loss data emerge more quickly are referred to as short-tail lines of business. The Company’s long-tail line of business generally consists of its general liability coverage while the short-tail lines of business generally consist of property and automobile coverages.

The Company’s actuaries regularly review reserves for both current and prior accident years using the most current claims data. These reviews incorporate a variety of actuarial methods (discussed in Critical Accounting Policies) and judgments and involve a disciplined analysis. For most lines of business, certain actuarial methods and specific assumptions are deemed more appropriate based on the current circumstances affecting that line of business. These selections incorporate input from claims personnel and operating management on reported loss cost trends and other factors that could affect the reserve estimates.

For long-tail lines of business, the emergence of paid losses and case reserves is less credible in the early periods, and accordingly may not be indicative of ultimate losses. For these lines, methods which incorporate a development pattern assumption are given less weight in calculating incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for the early periods of loss emergence because such a low percentage of ultimate losses are reported in that time frame. Accordingly, for any given accident year, the rate at which losses on long-tail lines of business emerge in the early periods is generally not as reliable an indication of ultimate losses as it would be for shorter-tail lines of business. The estimation of reserves for these lines of business in the early periods of loss emergence is therefore largely influenced by statistical analyses and application of prior accident years’ loss ratios, after considering changes to earned pricing, loss costs, mix of business, ceded reinsurance and other factors that are expected to affect the estimated ultimate losses. For later periods of loss emergence, methods which incorporate a development pattern assumption are given more weight in estimating ultimate losses. For short-tail lines of business, the emergence of paid loss and case reserves is more credible in the early periods and is more likely to be indicative of ultimate losses. The method used to set reserves for these lines of business is based upon utilization of a historical development pattern for reported losses. IBNR reserves for the current year are set as the difference between the estimated fully developed ultimate losses for each year, less the established, related case reserves and cumulative related payments. IBNR reserves for prior accident years are similarly determined, again relying on an indicated, historical development pattern for reported losses.

Based on the results of regular reserve estimate reviews, the Company determines the appropriate reserve adjustment, if any, to record in each period. If necessary, recorded reserve estimates are changed after consideration of numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the magnitude of the difference between the actuarial indication and the recorded reserves, improvement or deterioration of actuarial indication in the period, the maturity of the accident year, trends observed over the recent past and the level of volatility within a particular line of business. In general, changes are made more quickly to recognize changes in estimates to ultimate losses in mature accident years and less volatile lines of business.

Estimating case reserves and ultimate losses involves various considerations which differ according to the line of business. In addition, changes in legislative and regulatory environments may impact loss estimates. General liability claims may have a long pattern of loss emergence. Given the broad nature of potential general liability coverages, investigative time periods may be extended and questions of coverage may exist. Such uncertainties create greater imprecision in estimating required levels of loss reserves. The property and automobile lines of business generally have less variable reserve estimates than other lines. This is largely due to the coverages having relatively shorter periods of loss emergence. Estimates, however, can still vary due to a number of factors, including interpretations of frequency and severity trends. Severity trends can be impacted by changes in internal claim handling and reserving practices in addition to changes in the external environment. These changes in claim practices increase the uncertainty in the interpretation of case reserve data, which increases the uncertainty in recorded reserve levels.

The Company’s policy is to record reserves for losses and claims in amounts which approximate actuarial best estimates of ultimate values. Actuarial best estimates do not necessarily represent the midpoint value determined using the various actuarial methods; however, such estimates will fall between the estimated low and

high end reserve values. The range of estimates developed in connection with the December 31, 2019 actuarial review indicated that reserves could be as much as 8.5% lower or as much as 4.2% higher. In the opinion of management, recorded reserves represent the best estimate of outstanding losses, although significant judgments are made in the derivation of reserve estimates and revisions to such estimates are expected to be made in future periods. Any such revisions could be material, and may materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in any future period.

Property and Casualty Operations

American Southern maintains loss reserves representing estimates of amounts necessary for payment of losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”), and which are not discounted. IBNR reserves are also maintained for future development. These loss reserves are estimates, based on known facts and circumstances at a given date, of amounts the Company expects to pay on incurred claims. All balances are reviewed periodically by the Company’s independent consulting actuary. Reserves for LAE are intended to cover the ultimate costs of settling claims, including investigation and defense of any lawsuits resulting from such claims. Loss reserves for reported claims are based on a case-by-case evaluation of the type of claim involved, the circumstances surrounding the claim, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss along with anticipated future development. The LAE for claims reported and claims not reported is based on historical statistical data and anticipated future development. Inflation and other factors which may affect claim payments are implicitly reflected in the reserving process through analysis and consideration of cost trends and reviews of historical reserve results.

American Southern establishes reserves for claims based upon: (a) management’s estimate of ultimate liability and claims adjusters’ evaluations of unpaid claims reported prior to the close of the accounting period, (b) estimates of IBNR claims based on past experience, and (c) estimates of LAE. If no value is determined to be more probable in estimating a loss after considering all factors, the Company’s general practice is to reserve at the higher end of the determined reasonable range of loss. The estimated liability is periodically reviewed and updated, and changes to the estimated liability are recorded in the statement of operations in the period in which such changes become known.

Life and Health Operations

Bankers Fidelity establishes liabilities for future policy benefits to meet projected future obligations under outstanding policies. These reserves are calculated to satisfy policy and contract obligations as they mature. The amount of reserves for insurance policies is calculated using assumptions for interest rates, mortality and morbidity rates, expenses, and withdrawals. Reserves are adjusted periodically based on published actuarial tables with modifications to reflect actual experience. The use of significantly different assumptions, or actual results that differ significantly from our estimates, could materially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations or financial condition.

See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on insurance reserves and policyholder funds.

Reinsurance

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries from time to time purchase reinsurance from unaffiliated insurers and reinsurers to reduce their potential liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. In a reinsurance transaction, an insurance company transfers, or “cedes,” a portion or all of its exposure on insurance policies to a reinsurer. The reinsurer assumes the exposure in return for a portion of the premiums. The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge the insurer from primary liability for the full amount of the policies written by it, and the ceding company will incur a loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement.

Property and Casualty Operations

American Southern’s basic reinsurance treaties generally cover all claims in excess of specified per occurrence limitations. Limits per occurrence within the reinsurance treaties are as follows: Inland marine and commercial automobile physical damage - $175,000 excess of $100,000 retention; and automobile liability and general liability - excess coverage of $2.0 million less retentions that may vary from $100,000 to $200,000

depending on the account. American Southern maintains a property catastrophe treaty with a $5.7 million limit excess of $300,000 retention. American Southern also issues individual surety bonds with face amounts generally up to $1.5 million, and limited to $5.0 million in aggregate per account, that are not reinsured.

Life and Health Operations

Bankers Fidelity has entered into reinsurance contracts ceding the excess of its life retention. Maximum retention by Bankers Fidelity on any one individual in the case of life insurance policies is $100,000. At December 31, 2019, $11.4 million of the $257.7 million of life insurance in force at Bankers Fidelity was reinsured under a mix of coinsurance and yearly renewable term agreements. Certain prior year reinsurance agreements also remain in force although they no longer provide reinsurance for new business.

Bankers Fidelity has also entered into a reinsurance contract ceding excess new Medicare supplement business to General Re Life Corporation. Ceding thresholds are set annually. During 2019, the liability of the reinsurer was 50% of all new Medicare supplement business issued by the Company on amounts up to a maximum retention of $15.0 million of annualized premium. Accordingly, $8.0 million of the company’s $16.0 million of new annualized Medicare supplement premium was ceded.

Competition

Competition for insurance products is based on many factors including premiums charged, terms and conditions of coverage, service provided, financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, claims services, reputation, perceived financial strength and the experience of the organization in the line of business being written.

Property and Casualty Operations

The businesses in which American Southern engages are highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing and service. Many competing property and casualty companies, which have been in business longer than American Southern, offer more diversified lines of insurance and have substantially greater financial resources. Management believes, however, that the policies it sells are competitive with those providing similar benefits offered by other insurers doing business in the states in which American Southern operates. American Southern attempts to develop strong relationships with its agents and, consequently, believes it is better positioned for new opportunities and programs with those agents.

Life and Health Operations

The life and health insurance business remains highly competitive and includes a large number of insurance companies, many of which are new entrants to the business of providing Medicare supplement and other accident and health insurance products. Bankers Fidelity has established itself as a trusted carrier of choice for its customers providing quality and sustainability for nearly 65 years.

In order to compete, Bankers Fidelity actively seeks opportunities in niche markets, developing long-term relationships with a select number of independent marketing organizations. Additionally, Bankers Fidelity actively promotes BankersWorksite, the group benefits division, as well as selective association partnerships. It competes with other insurers to attract and retain the allegiance of its independent agents through commission and sales incentive arrangements, accessibility and marketing assistance, lead programs, reputation and market expertise. Bankers Fidelity successfully competes in its chosen markets by establishing relationships with independent agents and providing proprietary marketing initiatives as well as providing outstanding service to policyholders.

Ratings

Ratings of insurance companies are not designed for investors and do not constitute recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings are important measures within the insurance industry, and higher ratings should have a favorable impact on the ability of a company to compete in the marketplace.

Each year A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) publishes Best’s Insurance Reports, which includes assessments and ratings of all insurance companies. A.M. Best’s ratings, which may be revised or revoked at any time, follow a graduated scale of rating categories and notches ranging from A++ (Superior) to F (in liquidation). A.M. Best’s ratings are based on a detailed analysis of the statutory financial condition and operations of an insurance company compared to the industry in general.

American Southern. American Southern Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Safety Insurance Company, are each, as of the date of this report, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

Bankers Fidelity. Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company, are each, as of the date of this report, rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

Regulation

In common with all domestic insurance companies, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. Statutes typically delegate regulatory, supervisory, and administrative powers to state insurance commissioners. The method of such regulation varies, but regulation relates generally to the licensing of insurers and their agents, the nature of and limitations on investments, approval of policy forms, reserve requirements, the standards of solvency to be met and maintained, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, and periodic examinations of insurers and trade practices, among other things. The Company’s products generally are subject to rate regulation by state insurance commissions, which require that certain minimum loss ratios be maintained. Certain states also have insurance holding company laws which require registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies controlled by other corporations licensed to transact business within their respective jurisdictions. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to such legislation and are registered as controlled insurers in those jurisdictions in which such registration is required. Such laws vary from state to state, but typically require periodic disclosure concerning the corporation which controls the registered insurers and all subsidiaries of such corporations, as well as prior notice to, or approval by, the state insurance commissioners of intercorporate transfers of assets (including payments of dividends by the insurance subsidiaries in excess of specified amounts) within the holding company system. The Company believes it is in compliance with all such requirements.

Most states require that rate schedules and other information be filed with the state’s insurance regulatory authority, either directly or through a ratings organization with which the insurer is affiliated. The regulatory authority may disapprove a rate filing if it determines that the rates are inadequate, excessive, or discriminatory. The Company has historically experienced no significant regulatory resistance to its applications for rate adjustments; however, the Company cannot provide any assurance that it will not receive any objections to any applications in the future.

A state may require that acceptable securities be deposited for the protection either of policyholders located in those states or of all policyholders. As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all such requirements, and securities with an amortized cost of $10.7 million were on deposit either directly with various state authorities or with third parties pursuant to various custodial agreements on behalf of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.

Virtually all of the states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require participation in their respective guaranty funds designed to cover claims against insolvent insurers. Insurers authorized to transact business in these jurisdictions are generally subject to assessments of up to 4% of annual direct premiums written in that jurisdiction to pay such claims, if any. The likelihood and amount of any future assessments cannot be estimated until an insolvency has occurred.

NAIC Ratios

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) was established to, among other things, provide guidelines to assess the financial strength of insurance companies for state regulatory purposes. The NAIC conducts annual reviews of the financial data of insurance companies primarily through the application of financial ratios prepared on a statutory basis. Annual statements are required to be submitted to state insurance departments to assist them in monitoring insurance companies in their state and to allow such states to determine a desirable range for each such ratio with which companies should comply.

The NAIC developed the Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) to help state regulators identify companies that may require regulatory attention. Financial examiners review annual financial statements and the results of key financial ratios based on year-end data with the goal of identifying insurers that appear to require immediate regulatory attention. Each ratio has an established “usual range” of results. A ratio result falling outside the usual range, however, is not necessarily considered adverse; rather, unusual values are used as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in some years, it may not be unusual for financially

sound companies to have several ratios with results outside the usual ranges. Generally, an insurance company may become subject to regulatory scrutiny or, depending on the company’s financial condition, regulatory action if certain of its key IRIS ratios fall outside the usual ranges and the insurer’s financial condition is trending downward.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company had two ratios outside the usual range, primarily as a result of a decline in net income and net change in surplus before considering paid in amounts. However, after considering paid in amounts, the gross change in surplus would result in a value within the usual range. Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company had three ratios outside the usual range, primarily as a result of net loss for the year and certain surplus ratios. The net loss at Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company is primarily related to federal income taxes incurred which resulted in a corresponding decrease in surplus levels for the year. American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company had no IRIS ratios outside the usual ranges. Management does not anticipate regulatory action as a result of the 2019 IRIS ratio results for the insurance subsidiaries.

Risk-Based Capital

Risk-based capital (“RBC”) is a metric used by ratings agencies and regulators as an early warning tool to identify weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating further regulatory action. The RBC calculation determines the amount of adjusted capital needed by a company to avoid regulatory action. “Authorized Control Level Risk-Based Capital” (“ACL”) is calculated, and if a company’s adjusted capital is 200% or lower than ACL, it is subject to regulatory action. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries’ RBC levels exceeded the required regulatory levels.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

The Company’s operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential and personal identifiable information within technology platforms. Cybersecurity is a high priority and the Company has made significant investments in order to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. In recent years, the Company has enhanced intrusion protection and detection technology, infrastructure and application firewalls, and network monitoring. The Company has also installed advanced endpoint threat protection technology and implemented a mandatory security awareness training program for all employees.

The Company has a sophisticated technology environment that supports the replication of data across multiple secure data centers. It is a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that is continually tested to ensure capabilities to resume business in the event of a disaster. The Company’s technology environment is managed by an experienced team of professionals who follow an extensive set of policies and procedures related to data security. Through recurring internal and external audits, controls are regularly reviewed, tested, and enhanced to ensure best practices. The Company has augmented the information security program through a partnership with a leading global cybersecurity provider to review and implement additional services such as Security Event Monitoring, Advanced Endpoint Threat Detection, Incident Management Retainer Services, and Strategic Advisory Services focused on Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) duties such as counter-threat intelligence.

The information security program also includes a cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (“IRP”) that was established to help protect the integrity, availability and confidentiality of information, prevent loss of service, and comply with legal requirements. The IRP specifies the process for identifying and reporting an incident, initial investigation, risk classification, documentation and communication of incidents, responder procedures, incident reporting, and ongoing training. Additionally, the IRP specifies the notification to directors, officers, and other corporate insiders to not trade the Company’s securities while in possession of potentially material nonpublic information about the incident.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has oversight of the Company’s information security program. The Company’s senior officers, including its Chief Information Officer, are responsible for the operation of the information security program and regularly communicate with the Audit Committee on the state of the program.

The Company also maintains dedicated cyber liability insurance for breach event costs including post breach event remediation costs; cyber crime coverage (including financial fraud, telecommunications fraud, and phishing attacks); and coverage for system failure, bricking loss, and physical damage. The policy also provides coverage for lost revenue due to a damaged reputation from a cyber breach.

Investments

Investment income represents a significant portion of the Company’s operating and total income. Insurance company investments are subject to state insurance laws and regulations which limit the concentration and types of investments. The following table provides information on the Company’s investments as of the dates indicated.

Estimated fair values are determined as discussed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of the Company’s investment portfolio for periods shown were as follows:

During 2019, the Company engaged a global investment management firm serving the insurance industry to manage the Company’s investment portfolios. Management’s recent investment strategy has been a continued focus on quality and diversification, while improving the overall risk versus return profile of the portfolio.

Employees

The Company and its subsidiaries employed 155 people at December 31, 2019. Of the 155 people employed at December 31, 2019, 151 were full-time.

Financial Information by Industry Segment

Each of American Southern and Bankers Fidelity operate with relative autonomy and each company is evaluated on its individual performance. American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance

market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market. Each segment derives revenue from the collection of premiums, as well as from investment income. Substantially all revenue other than that in the corporate and other segment is from external sources. See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Available Information

The Company files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The public can read and obtain copies of those materials by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers like the Company that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s web site is www.sec.gov. In addition, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company, the Company makes copies available to the public, free of charge, on or through its web site at www.atlam.com. Neither the Company’s website, nor the information appearing on the website, is included, incorporated into, or a part of, this report.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The table below and the information following the table set forth, for each executive officer of the Company as of December 31, 2019, his name, age, positions with the Company and business experience for the past five years, as well as any prior service to the Company.

Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.

Mr. Howell has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 1995, and prior thereto served as Executive Vice President of the Company from October 1992 to May 1995. He has been a Director of the Company since October 1992 and effective February 24, 2009, began serving as Chairman of the board of directors. He is also Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gray Television, Inc.

Mr. Franklin has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company since November 2017, and prior thereto served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 2017 to November 2017. Since 2000 he has held various roles of increasing responsibility with Atlantic American and its subsidiaries, previously serving as Vice President, Accounting and Treasurer of Bankers Fidelity since 2009.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained or incorporated by reference herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, and include estimates and assumptions related to, among other things, general economic, competitive, operational and legislative developments. Forward-looking statements are subject to changes and uncertainties which are, in many instances, beyond the Company’s control and have been made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Actual results could differ materially from those expected by the Company, depending on the occurrence or outcome of various factors. These factors include, among others: significant changes in general economic conditions; the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks; unexpected developments in the health care or insurance industries affecting providers or individuals, including the cost or availability of services, or the tax consequences related thereto; disruption to the financial markets; unanticipated increases in the rate, number and amounts of claims outstanding; the level of performance of

reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect the Company against losses; changes in the stock markets, interest rates or other financial markets, including the potential effect on the Company’s statutory capital levels; the uncertain effect on the Company of regulatory and market-driven changes in practices relating to the payment of incentive compensation to brokers, agents and other producers; the incidence and severity of catastrophes, both natural and man-made; stronger than anticipated competitive activity; unfavorable judicial or legislative developments; the potential effect of regulatory developments, including those which could increase the Company’s business costs and required capital levels; the Company’s ability to distribute its products through distribution channels, both current and future; the uncertain effect of emerging claim and coverage issues; the effect of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements; and risks related to cybersecurity matters, such as breaches of our computer network or the loss of unauthorized access to the data we maintain. Many of such factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. As a result, the Company’s actual financial condition and results of operations could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. Undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K (a “smaller reporting company”), we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not providing the information required by this Item.

Not applicable.

Leased Properties. The Company leases space for its principal offices and for some of its insurance operations in an office building located in Atlanta, Georgia, from Delta Life Insurance Company under a lease which continues until either party provides written notice of cancellation at least twelve months in advance of the actual termination date. The lease, which commenced on November 1, 2007, provides for rent adjustments on every fifth anniversary of the commencement date. Under the current terms of the lease, the Company occupies approximately 49,586 square feet of office space. Delta Life Insurance Company, the owner of the building, is controlled by an affiliate of the Company. The terms of the lease are believed by Company management to be comparable to terms which could be obtained by the Company from unrelated parties for comparable rental property.

American Southern leases space for its office in a building located in Atlanta, Georgia. The lease term expires September 30, 2026. Under the terms of the lease, American Southern occupies approximately 17,014 square feet.

The Company believes that its current properties are in good condition, and are sufficient for the operations of its business.

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are, and expect to continue to be, involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, both as a liability insurer defending third-party claims brought against insureds and as an insurer defending coverage claims brought against it. The Company accounts for such exposures through the establishment of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. We do not expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for probable losses and costs of defense, will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, although the results of such litigation could be material to the consolidated results of operations for any given period.

Not applicable.

PART II

The Company’s common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market (Symbol: AAME). As of March 13, 2020, there were 2,436 shareholders of record.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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 December 31, 2019.

Stock Performance Graph

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not providing the information required by this Item.

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not providing the information required by this Item.

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”) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

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”) in the property and casualty insurance industry, and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”) in the life and health insurance industry. Each operating company is managed separately, offers different products and is evaluated on its individual performance.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, in management’s belief, conform to general practices within the insurance industry. The following is an explanation of the Company’s accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management. These accounting policies inherently require significant judgment and assumptions and actual operating results could differ significantly from management’s estimates determined using these policies. Atlantic American does not expect that changes in the estimates determined using these policies will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity, although changes could have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations.

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses comprised 31% of the Company’s total liabilities at December 31, 2019. This liability includes estimates for: 1) unpaid losses on claims reported prior to December 31, 2019, 2) future development on those reported claims, 3) unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to December 31, 2019 but not yet reported and 4) unpaid loss adjustment expenses for reported and unreported claims incurred prior to December 31, 2019. Quantification of loss estimates for each of these components involves a significant degree of judgment and estimates may vary, materially, from period to period. Estimated unpaid losses on reported claims are developed based on historical experience with similar claims by the Company. Development on reported claims, estimates of unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to December 31, 2019 but not yet reported, and estimates of unpaid loss adjustment expenses are developed based on the Company’s historical experience, using actuarial methods to assist in the analysis. The Company’s actuaries develop ranges of estimated development on reported and unreported claims as well as loss adjustment expenses using various methods, including the paid-loss development method, the reported-loss development method, the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and the reported Bornhuetter-Ferguson method. Any single method used to estimate ultimate losses has inherent advantages and disadvantages due to the trends and changes affecting the business environment and the Company’s administrative policies. Further, external factors, such as legislative changes, medical cost inflation, and others may directly or indirectly impact the relative adequacy of liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. The Company’s approach is to select an estimate of ultimate losses based on comparing results of a variety of reserving methods, as opposed to total reliance on any single method. Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are reviewed periodically for significant lines of business, and when current results differ from the original assumptions used to develop such estimates, the amount of the Company’s recorded liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is adjusted. In the event the Company’s actual reported losses in any period are materially in excess of the previously estimated amounts, such losses, to the extent reinsurance coverage does not exist, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Future policy benefits comprised 36% of the Company’s total liabilities at December 31, 2019. These liabilities relate primarily to life insurance products and are based upon assumed future investment yields, mortality rates, and withdrawal rates after giving effect to possible risks of adverse deviation. The assumed mortality and withdrawal rates are based upon the Company’s experience. If actual results differ from the initial assumptions, the amount of the Company’s recorded liability could require adjustment.

Deferred acquisition costs comprised 10% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2019. Deferred acquisition costs are commissions, premium taxes, and other incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that results directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred by the Company had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. The deferred amounts are recorded as an asset on the balance sheet and amortized to expense in a systematic manner. Traditional life insurance and long-duration health insurance deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized over the estimated premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing the related liability for policy benefit reserves. Deferred acquisition costs for property and casualty insurance and short-duration health insurance are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. Deferred policy acquisition costs are expensed when such costs are deemed not to be recoverable from future premiums (for traditional life and long-duration health insurance) and from the related unearned premiums and investment income (for property and casualty and short-duration health insurance). Assessments of recoverability for property and casualty and short-duration health insurance are extremely sensitive to the estimates of a subsequent year’s projected losses related to the unearned premiums. Projected loss estimates for a current block of business for which unearned premiums remain to be earned may vary significantly from the indicated losses incurred in any previous calendar year.

Receivables are amounts due from reinsurers, insureds and agents, and any sales of investment securities not yet settled, and comprised 12% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2019. Insured and agent balances are evaluated periodically for collectibility. Annually, the Company performs an analysis of the creditworthiness of the reinsurers with whom the Company contracts using various data sources. Failure of reinsurers to meet their obligations due to insolvencies, disputes or otherwise could result in uncollectible amounts and losses to the Company. Allowances for uncollectible amounts are established, as and when a loss has been determined probable, against the related receivable. Losses are recognized by the Company when determined on a specific account basis and a general provision for loss is made based on the Company’s historical experience.

Cash and investments comprised 75% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2019. Substantially all of the Company’s investments are in bonds and common and preferred stocks, the values of which are subject to significant market fluctuations. The Company carries all fixed maturities, which includes bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, and equity securities, which includes common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, as available for sale and, accordingly, at their estimated fair values. On occasion, the value of a fixed maturity investment may decline to a value below its amortized purchase price and remain at such value for an extended period of time. When a fixed maturity investment’s indicated fair value has declined below its cost basis for a period of time, the Company evaluates such investment for an other than temporary impairment. 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. If an other than temporary impairment is deemed to exist, then the Company will write down the amortized cost basis of the investment to its estimated fair value. While any such write down does not impact the reported value of the investment in the Company’s balance sheet, it is reflected as a realized investment loss in the Company’s net income or other comprehensive income, depending upon the nature of the loss, in the period incurred.

The Company determines the fair values of certain financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10-20, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10-20”). The fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities are largely determined by either independent methods prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which do not differ materially from nationally quoted market prices, when available, or independent broker quotations. See Note 2 and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements with respect to assets and liabilities carried at fair value and information about the inputs used to value those financial instruments, by hierarchy level, in accordance with ASC 820-10-20.

Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for tax purposes. These deferred income taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates. Valuation allowances are recognized to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is deemed more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers estimates of future taxable income and tax planning strategies.

Share-based transactions include employee and director share-based compensation awards. The Company determines a grant date fair value based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for actual forfeitures, in the consolidated statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation awards, the Company recognizes the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date.

Refer to Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for details regarding the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Overall Corporate Results

Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income or 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 income tax expense, which is 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 or unrealized investment gains or losses, 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 loss to operating loss is as follows:

On a consolidated basis, the Company had a net loss of $0.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, in 2019, compared to net loss of $0.7 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in 2018. Operating loss was $7.5 million in 2019 as compared to $3.9 million in 2018. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to unfavorable loss experience in the life and health operations, partially offset by favorable loss experience in the property and casualty operations.

Total revenue was $198.2 million in 2019 as compared to $185.6 million in 2018. Premium revenue increased to $181.9 million in 2019 from $172.9 million in 2018. The increase in premium revenue was primarily due to an increase in the automobile physical damage and automobile liability lines of business within the property and casualty operations. Also contributing to the increase in premium revenue was an increase in the Medicare supplement line of business in the life and health operations.

A more detailed analysis of the operating companies and other corporate activities follows.

UNDERWRITING RESULTS

American Southern

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios:

Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $6.4 million, or 10.7%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. The increase in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to an increase in premiums written in the automobile physical damage and automobile liability lines of business due to increased writings from certain agencies and additional writings from a new agency relationship that began in the second half of 2018. Also contributing to the increase in gross written premiums was an increase in premiums written in the general liability line of business and rate increases on certain programs. Partially offsetting the increase in gross written premiums was a decline in premiums written in the surety line of business as a result of increased competition.

Ceded premiums increased $0.4 million, or 8.8%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. The increase in ceded premiums was primarily due to an increase in earned premiums in certain accounts within the automobile physical damage and general liability lines of business, which are subject to reinsurance.

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business:

Net earned premiums increased $4.9 million, or 9.1%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. The increase in net earned premiums was primarily attributable to an increase in automobile physical damage coverage resulting from additional writings from the new agency relationship mentioned previously. Also contributing to the increase in net earned premiums was an increase in premiums earned in the automobile liability line of business due to rate increases in various programs. 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 losses and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern increased $0.7 million, or 1.8%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. As a percentage of premiums, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were 67.4% in 2019 as compared to 72.2% in 2018. The decrease in the loss ratio was primarily due to more favorable loss experience in the automobile liability line of business as a result of additional writings in 2019 and rate increases on existing business.

Commissions and underwriting expenses increased $2.4 million, or 16.0%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. As a percentage of premiums, these expenses were 29.2% in 2019 as compared to 27.4% in 2018. The increase 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. In 2019, variable commissions at American Southern increased $1.6 million as compared to 2018 due to improved loss ratios from certain accounts subject to variable commissions.

In establishing reserves, American Southern 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, American Southern generally experiences reserve redundancies when analyzing the development of prior year losses in a current period. At December 31, 2019, the range of estimates developed in connection with the loss reserves for American Southern indicated that reserves could be as much as 10.4% lower or as much as 4.0% higher. Development from prior years’ reserves has historically reduced the current year loss ratio; however, such reduction in the current year loss ratio is generally offset by the reserves established in the current year for current period losses. American Southern’s estimated net reserve redundancies for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. To the extent reserve redundancies vary between years, there is an incremental impact on the results of operations of American Southern and the Company. The indicated redundancy in 2019 was $0.1 million less than in 2018. After considering the impact on contingent commissions and other related accruals, the $0.1 million decrease in the redundancy resulted in an estimated decrease in income from operations before tax of approximately $0.1 million in 2019 as compared to 2018. Management believes that such differences will continue in future periods but is unable to determine if or when incremental redundancies will increase or decrease, until the underlying losses are ultimately settled.

Contingent commissions, if contractually applicable, are ultimately payable to participating agents based on the underlying profitability of a particular insurance contract or a group of insurance contracts, and are periodically evaluated and accrued as earned. In 2019, approximately 44% of American Southern’s earned premium provides for contractual commission arrangements which compensate the company’s agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write, compared to 47% in 2018. By structuring its business in this manner, American Southern provides its agents with an economic incentive to place profitable business with American Southern. In periods in which loss reserves reflect favorable development from prior years’ reserves, there is generally a highly correlated increase in commission expense also related to the prior year business. Accordingly, favorable loss development from prior years, while anticipated to continue in future periods, is not an indicator of significant additional profitability in the current year.

Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes, for the periods indicated, Bankers Fidelity’s premiums, losses and expenses:

Net earned premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $4.1 million, or 3.5%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. Gross earned premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $15.1 million, or 9.2%, in 2019 as compared to 2018, due primarily to the implementation of rate increases on renewal business, as appropriate. Other health product premiums increased $0.3 million, or 3.6%, during 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s group health products. Gross earned premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.5 million, or 5.1%, in 2019 from 2018 due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity. Premiums ceded increased $10.8 million, or 17.6%, in 2019 from 2018. The increase in ceded premiums was due to an increase in Medicare supplement premiums subject to the reinsurance agreement.

Benefits and losses increased $5.9 million, or 6.2%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses were 80.9% in 2019 as compared to 78.8% in 2018. Throughout 2018 and continuing into 2019, Bankers Fidelity experienced a higher than expected level of claims in the Medicare supplement line of business which had an unfavorable effect on the company’s loss patterns and increased the resultant loss ratio.

Commissions and underwriting expenses increased $3.3 million, or 10.2%, during 2019 as compared to 2018. As a percentage of earned premiums, these expenses were 28.9% in 2019 as compared to 27.1% in 2018. The increase in the expense ratio was primarily due to a decrease in the net amount of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) for the years ending 2019 versus 2018. The decrease in the net change in DAC during 2019 is primarily due to a lower volume of new business sales in the Medicare supplement line of business. Also contributing to the increase in the expense ratio was an increase in expenses related to servicing the Medicare supplement line of business.

Net Investment Income and Realized Gains (Losses)

Investment income decreased $0.6 million, or 6.0%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. The decrease in investment income was primarily attributable to a decrease in the equity in earnings from investments in real estate partnerships of $0.4 million.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $1.6 million in 2019 as compared to net realized investment gains of $5.2 million in 2018. The net realized investment gains in 2019 resulted from the disposition of certain of the Company’s investments in equity and fixed maturities. The net realized investment gains in 2018 were primarily attributable to gains of $5.8 million from the sale of property held within the Company’s

real estate partnership investments as well as gains from the sale of a number 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. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Equity Securities

As described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, on January 1, 2018 the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, which requires, among other things, investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period, with any changes in fair value reported in net income during the period, with certain exceptions. As a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, the Company recognized net unrealized gains on equity securities still held of $5.5 million and unrealized losses on equity securities still held of $2.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.1 million, or 4.6%, in 2019 as compared to 2018 due to an increase in the average London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) during the years ending 2019 and 2018, respectively, as the interest rates on the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) are directly related to LIBOR.

Income Taxes

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for 2019 resulted from permanent differences related to meals & entertainment and vested stock grants. Also contributing to differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate was 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.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for 2018 resulted from provision-to-filed return adjustments that are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $0.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2018.

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 December 31, 2019, the Parent had approximately $5.3 million of unrestricted cash and investments.

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 December 31, 2019, the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries had an aggregate statutory surplus of $81.4 million. Dividends were paid to Atlantic American by its subsidiaries totaling $4.8 million in each of the years ended in 2019 and 2018.

The Parent provides certain administrative, purchasing and other services to each of its subsidiaries. The amount charged to and paid by the subsidiaries for these services was $7.2 million and $8.0 million in 2019

and 2018, respectively. In addition, the Parent has a formal tax-sharing agreement with each of its insurance subsidiaries. A net total of $3.3 million and $3.4 million were paid to the Parent under the tax sharing agreement in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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 December 31, 2019, the effective interest rate was 5.96%. 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 December 31, 2019, 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 redemption 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. The Company had accrued, but unpaid, dividends, on the Series D Preferred Stock of $17,722 at December 31, 2019 and 2018. During each of 2019 and 2018, the Company paid Series D Preferred Stock dividends of $0.4 million.

Cash and cash equivalents increased from $12.6 million at December 31, 2018 to $12.9 million at December 31, 2019. The increase in cash and cash equivalents during 2019 was primarily attributable to $3.1 million of net investment sales and maturity of securities exceeding purchases of securities. Partially offsetting the increase in cash and cash equivalents was the net cash used operations of $1.8 million during 2019. Also partially offsetting the increase were dividends paid on the Company’s common stock and Series D Preferred Stock of $0.8 million, and the net acquisition of treasury stock for $0.2 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.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) outbreak was a global health emergency. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization raised the COVID-19 outbreak to “pandemic” status. The spread of COVID-19 may negatively impact the Company’s business, investments and results of operations. See Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impact of Inflation

Insurance premiums are established before the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses, or the extent to which inflation may affect such losses and expenses, are known. Consequently, the Company attempts, in establishing its premiums, to anticipate the potential impact of inflation. If, for competitive reasons, premiums cannot be increased to anticipate inflation, this cost would be absorbed by the Company. Inflation also affects the rate of investment return on the Company’s investment portfolio with a corresponding effect on investment income. To date, inflation has not had a material effect on the Company’s results of operations in any of the periods presented.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, the Company has structured borrowings that, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet at an amount that differs from the ultimate contractual obligation. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not providing the table of contractual obligations required by this Item.

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not providing the information required by this Item.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Atlantic American Corporation
Atlanta, Georgia

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

Atlanta, Georgia
March 24, 2020

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) which, for insurance companies, differ in some respects from the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. These financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results achieved in any historical period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.

At December 31, 2019, the Parent owned four insurance subsidiaries, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”), and American Southern Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”), in addition to one non-insurance subsidiary, xCalibre Risk Services, Inc. The Parent has issued a guarantee of all liabilities of Bankers Fidelity.

Premium Revenue and Cost Recognition

Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due; accident and health insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the premium paying period and property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Losses, benefits and expenses are accrued as incurred and are associated with premiums as they are earned so as to result in recognition of profits over the lives of the contracts. For traditional life insurance and long-duration health insurance, this association is accomplished by the provision of a future policy benefits reserve and the deferral and subsequent amortization of the costs of acquiring business, which are referred to as “deferred policy acquisition costs” (principally commissions, premium taxes, and other incremental direct costs of issuing policies). Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) are amortized over the estimated premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing the policy benefits reserve. The Company provides for insurance benefits and losses on accident, health, and property-casualty claims based upon estimates of projected ultimate losses. DAC for property and casualty insurance and short-duration health insurance is amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. Contingent commissions, if contractually applicable, are ultimately payable to agents based on the underlying profitability of a particular insurance contract or a group of insurance contracts, and are periodically evaluated and accrued as earned. In periods in which revisions are made to the estimated loss reserves related to the particular insurance contract or group of insurance contracts subject to such commissions, corresponding adjustments are also made to the related accruals. DAC is expensed when such costs are deemed not to be recoverable from future premiums (for traditional life and long-duration health insurance) and from the related unearned premiums and investment income (for property and casualty and short-duration health insurance).

Intangibles

Intangibles consist of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired and is not amortized. Other indefinite-lived intangibles represent the value of licenses and are not amortized. The Company periodically reviews its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles to determine if any adverse conditions exist that could indicate impairment. Conditions that could trigger impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant change in business climate that could affect the value of the related asset, an adverse action, or an assessment by a regulator. No impairment of the Company’s recorded intangibles was identified during any of the periods presented.

Investments

The Company’s investments in fixed maturities, which include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as “available-for-sale” and, accordingly, are carried at fair value with the after-tax difference from amortized cost, as adjusted if applicable, reflected in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other

comprehensive income or loss. Effective January 1, 2018, upon adoption of new accounting guidance, the Company’s equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net income. Prior to January 1, 2018, changes in fair value were reported in other comprehensive income. The fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities are largely determined by either independent methods prescribed by the NAIC, which do not differ materially from publicly quoted market prices, when available, or independent broker quotations. As of December 31, 2018, the Company owned certain fixed maturities in the amount of $1,066, with valuations that were derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable. As of December 31, 2019, all fixed maturities were valued using publicly quoted market prices or techniques with observable inputs. Values that are not determined using quoted market prices inherently involve a greater degree of judgment and uncertainty and therefore ultimately greater price volatility than the value of securities with publicly quoted market prices. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balance and real estate is carried at historical cost. Other invested assets are comprised of investments in limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and real estate joint ventures, and are accounted for using the equity method. If the value of a fixed maturity security or other invested asset declines below its cost or amortized cost, as applicable, and the decline is considered to be other than temporary, a realized loss is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the investment to its estimated fair value, which becomes the new cost basis.

Premiums and discounts related to investments are amortized or accreted over the life of the related investment as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividends and interest income are recognized when earned or declared. The cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. Unrealized gains (losses) in the value of fixed maturities are accounted for as a direct increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity, net of deferred tax and, accordingly, have no effect on net income.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. They arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax laws and tax rates as those changes are enacted. The provision for income taxes represents the total amount of income taxes due related to the current year, plus the change in deferred income taxes during the year. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on management’s assessment of the relevant facts, it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common and participating shares outstanding during the relevant period. Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common and participating shares outstanding during the relevant period, plus options outstanding, if applicable, using the treasury stock method and the assumed conversion of the Series D preferred stock, if dilutive. Unless otherwise indicated, earnings per common share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments in short-term, highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less from date of purchase.

Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. For each reinsurance agreement, the Company determines if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums, benefits and DAC are reported net of insurance ceded.

Share-Based Transactions

For employee and director share-based compensation awards, the Company determines a grant date fair value based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for actual forfeitures, in the consolidated statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation awards, the Company recognizes the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders' equity at cost. The Company uses the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) purchase cost to determine the cost of treasury stock that is reissued. The Company includes any gains and losses in additional paid-in capital when treasury stock is reissued.

Immaterial Error Correction

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company corrected a prior period immaterial error to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2018. The correction resulted in an increase to gross unrealized holding loss arising during 2018 of $6,099 before taxes ($4,818 after taxes), with an offsetting decrease to the reclassification adjustment for net realized gains of $6,099 before taxes ($4,818 after taxes). The correction had no impact to shareholders’ equity, net loss, total other comprehensive loss, total comprehensive loss, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Reclassification of Effect of Tax Rate Change from AOCI to Retained Earnings. In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2018-02”). The FASB issued this guidance for the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities related to items recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) resulting from legislated tax reform enacted on December 22, 2017. The tax reform reduced the federal tax rate applied to the Company’s deferred tax balances from 35% to 21% on enactment. The Company recorded the total effect of the change in enacted tax rates on deferred tax balances in the income tax expense component of net income. ASU 2018-02 permits the Company to reclassify out of AOCI and into retained earnings the “stranded” tax effects that resulted from recording the tax effects of unrealized investment gains at a 35% tax rate because the 14% reduction in tax rate was recognized in net income instead of other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 as of January 1, 2018. As a result, on January 1, 2018, the Company reclassified $2,100 of stranded tax effects related to continuing operations which increased AOCI and reduced retained earnings.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The issues addressed in ASU 2016-15 are: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, 4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, 6) distributions received from equity method investees, 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 as of January 1, 2018, which impacted the classification of distributions from equity method investees. The Company made the election to use the nature of distributions approach. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company classified distributions from equity method investees of $379 and $10,777, respectively, as cash flows from operating activities.

Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10)

(“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 provides updated guidance for the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance requires investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value with any changes in valuation reported in net income except for investments that are consolidated or are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The guidance also requires a deferred tax asset resulting from net unrealized losses on available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities that are recognized in AOCI to be evaluated for recoverability in combination with the Company’s other deferred tax assets. Under previous guidance, the Company measured investments in equity securities at fair value with any changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the recognition of $9,825 of net after tax unrealized gains on equity securities as a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 and decreased AOCI by the same amount. The Company elected to report changes in the fair value of equity securities in a separate line item on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2017, equity securities were classified as AFS in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. However, upon adoption, the updated guidance eliminated the AFS balance sheet classification for equity securities.

Leases. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The objective of this ASU, along with several related ASUs issued subsequently, is to increase transparency and comparability between organizations that enter into lease agreements. For lessees, the key difference of the new standard from the previous guidance (Topic 840) is the recognition of a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet. The most significant change is the requirement to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases classified as operating leases. The new standard requires disclosures to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

As part of the transition to the new standard, the Company was required to measure and recognize leases that existed at January 1, 2019 and elected to use a modified retrospective approach. For leases that existed at the effective date, the Company elected the package of three transition practical expedients and therefore did not reassess any of the following: (i) whether an arrangement is or contains a lease, (ii) lease classification, or (iii) what qualifies as an initial direct cost.

The adoption of this ASU resulted in the Company recognizing a ROU asset of $6,088 as part of other assets and a lease liability of $6,088 as part of accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or liquidity.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09, as modified, provides guidance for recognizing revenue which excludes insurance contracts and financial instruments. Revenue is to be recognized when, or as, goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that an entity is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2019, approximately $190, or approximately one-tenth of 1% of the Company's total revenues, were within the scope of this updated guidance. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). This updated guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing several exceptions contained in existing guidance and amending other existing guidance to simplify several other income tax accounting matters. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, although earlier adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the updated guidance January 1, 2021, and does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This guidance removes the following disclosure requirements from Topic 820: (1) the amount of and reasons for transfers

between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (2) the policy for timing of transfers between levels, and (3) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. This disclosure also includes the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects to adopt the updated guidance January 1, 2020, and does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-12, Financial Services —Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (“ASU 2018-12”). This guidance (1) improves the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits and modifies the rate used to discount future cash flows, (2) simplifies and improves the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit (or account balance) contracts, (3) simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and (4) improves the effectiveness of the required disclosures. ASU 2018-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023, although earlier adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined the method or timing for adoption or estimated the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 is intended to simplify the evaluation of goodwill. The updated guidance requires recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment based on the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit compared to its estimated fair value, with the amount of the impairment not to exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Under existing guidance, if the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. An impairment loss is then recognized for the excess, if any, of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill compared to the implied goodwill value. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects to adopt the updated guidance January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis as required. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments (including reinsurance recoverable and policy loans) held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Under current GAAP, entities generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. ASU 2016-13 will remove all recognition thresholds and will require entities to recognize an allowance for credit losses equal to the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the entity expects to collect over the instrument’s contractual life. ASU 2016-13 also amends the credit loss measurement guidance for AFS debt securities and beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. Credit losses on AFS debt securities carried at fair value will continue to be measured as OTTI when incurred; however, the losses will be recognized through an allowance and no longer as an adjustment to the cost basis. Recoveries of OTTI will be recognized as reversals of valuation allowances and no longer accreted as investment income through an adjustment to the investment yield. The allowance on AFS debt securities cannot cause the net carrying value to be below fair value and, therefore, it is possible that increases in fair value due to decreases in market interest rates could cause the reversal of a valuation allowance and increase net income. The new guidance will also require purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since original issuance to be recorded based on contractual amounts due and an initial allowance recorded at the date of purchase. For the Company, the amendments in ASU 2016-13 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has not yet determined the timing of adoption. Implementation matters yet to be addressed include determining the impact of valuation allowances on the effective interest method for recognizing interest income from AFS debt securities as well as updating our

investment accounting system functionality to adjust valuation allowances based on changes in fair value. The estimated effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements can only be estimated based on the current investment portfolio at any given point in time, and accordingly, has not currently been determined.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used in developing and evaluating deferred income taxes, deferred acquisition costs, insurance reserves, investments, and receivables, among others, and actual results could differ materially from management’s estimates.

The following tables set forth the estimated fair value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and cost or amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities and equity securities, aggregated by type and industry, as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Fixed maturities were comprised of the following:

Bonds having an amortized cost of $10,669 and $10,452 and included in the tables above were on deposit with insurance regulatory authorities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in accordance with statutory requirements.

The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 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.

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 December 31, 2019 and 2018.