form10-q.htm


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


FORM 10-Q


þ
 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

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

Commission File Number 0-3722

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

Georgia
58-1027114
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia
30319
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on November 4, 2010, was 22,269,206.



 
 

 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.Financial Information
Page No.
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
18
     
Item 3.
26
     
Item 4T.
26
     
Part II.
 
     
Item 2.
27
     
Item 6.
27
     
 
28
 
 
 


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

ASSETS
 
   
Unaudited
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Cash and cash equivalents, including short-term investments of $14,703 and $14,697
  $ 64,907     $ 20,129  
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $143,430 and $189,111)
    151,581       184,060  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $8,631 and $8,631)
    7,591       6,914  
Other invested assets (cost: $1,013 and $1,021)
    1,013       1,021  
Policy and student loans
    2,130       2,139  
Real estate
    38       38  
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       1,238  
Total investments
    163,591       195,410  
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
    11,532       11,489  
Other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $521 and $533)
    8,518       6,023  
Deferred income taxes, net
    418       6,041  
Deferred acquisition costs
    20,558       19,453  
Other assets
    1,911       1,413  
Goodwill
    2,128       2,128  
Total assets
  $ 273,563     $ 262,086  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance reserves and policy funds:
               
Future policy benefits
  $ 60,399     $ 58,981  
Unearned premiums
    20,709       18,130  
Losses and claims
    50,675       50,112  
Other policy liabilities
    1,330       1,990  
Total policy liabilities
    133,113       129,213  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    12,273       14,165  
Junior subordinated debenture obligations
    41,238       41,238  
Total liabilities
    186,624       184,616  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 70,000 shares issued and outstanding; $7,000 redemption value
    70       70  
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,373,900; shares outstanding: 22,274,962 and 22,291,310
    22,374       22,374  
Additional paid-in capital
    57,129       57,129  
Retained earnings
    4,041       3,404  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    3,453       (5,405 )
Treasury stock, at cost: 98,938 and 82,590 shares
    (128 )     (102 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    86,939       77,470  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 273,563     $ 262,086  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-2-

 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenue:
                       
Insurance premiums
  $ 24,577     $ 22,774     $ 72,322     $ 68,512  
Investment income
    2,302       2,699       7,435       8,142  
Realized investment gains, net
    211       14       224       1  
Other income
    56       51       215       202  
Total revenue
    27,146       25,538       80,196       76,857  
                                 
Benefits and expenses:
                               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
    16,451       15,840       49,266       45,753  
Commissions and underwriting expenses
    7,409       6,804       21,376       21,734  
Interest expense
    660       679       1,955       2,094  
Other
    2,045       2,044       6,381       6,848  
Total benefits and expenses
    26,565       25,367       78,978       76,429  
Income before income taxes
    581       171       1,218       428  
Income tax expense
    56       2,279       200       2,268  
Net income (loss)
    525       (2,108 )     1,018       (1,840 )
Preferred stock dividends
    (127 )     (127 )     (381 )     (381 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
  $ 398     $ (2,235 )   $ 637     $ (2,221 )
                                 
Net income (loss) per common share (basic and diluted)
  $ .02     $ (.10 )   $ .03     $ (.10 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-3-


ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 3,404     $ (5,405 )   $ (102 )   $ 77,470  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       1,018       -       -       1,018  
Increase in unrealized investment gains
    -       -       -       -       13,879       -       13,879  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    -       -       -       -       (251 )     -       (251 )
Deferred income tax attributable  to other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (4,770 )     -       (4,770 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                    9,876  
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (381 )     -       -       (381 )
Purchase of shares for treasury
    -       -       -       -       -       (26 )     (26 )
 Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 4,041     $ 3,453     $ (128 )   $ 86,939  
                                                         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,107     $ 5,119     $ (9,200 )   $ (56 )   $ 75,414  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net loss
    -       -       -       (1,840 )     -       -       (1,840 )
Decrease in unrealized investment losses
    -       -       -       -       9,395       -       9,395  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    -       -       -       -       373       -       373  
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    -       -       -       -       375       -       375  
Deferred income tax attributable  to other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (3,550 )     -       (3,550 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                    4,753  
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (381 )     -       -       (381 )
Amortization of unearned compensation
    -       -       22       -       -       -       22  
Purchase of shares for treasury
    -       -       -       -       -       (15 )     (15 )
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 2,898     $ (2,607 )   $ (71 )   $ 79,793  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-4-

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

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,018     $ (1,840 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    7,250       7,471  
Acquisition costs deferred
    (8,355 )     (7,610 )
Realized investment gains
    (224 )     (1 )
Increase (decrease) in insurance reserves
    3,900       (2,079 )
Compensation expense related to share awards
    -       22  
Depreciation and amortization
    292       216  
Deferred income tax expense
    853       2,283  
(Increase) decrease in receivables, net
    (2,307 )     4,583  
Decrease in other liabilities
    (1,524 )     (6,369 )
Other, net
    (580 )     53  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    323       (3,271 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold, called or matured
    73,142       89,688  
Investments purchased
    (28,611 )     (94,158 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (50 )     (94 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    44,481       (4,564 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of shares for treasury
    (26 )     (15 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (26 )     (15 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    44,778       (7,850 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    20,129       37,321  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 64,907     $ 29,471  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,962     $ 2,141  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ -     $ -  

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

 
-5-


 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2010
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, that are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Operating results for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010 or for any other future period.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Note 2.  Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-26, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944) – Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”) which specifies which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral.  In accordance with ASU 2010-26, incremental direct costs of contract acquisition should be capitalized.  Advertising costs should be included in deferred acquisition costs only if the capitalization criteria in the direct-response advertising guidance in Subtopic 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Capitalized Advertising Costs, are met.  All other acquisition related costs, including costs incurred by the insurer in soliciting potential customers, market research, training, administration, unsuccessful acquisition or renewal efforts, and product development, should be expensed as incurred.  If the initial application of ASU 2010-26 results in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not been capitalized previously, the entity may elect not to capitalize those types of costs.  The amendments in ASU 2010-26 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  The amendments in ASU 2010-26 should be applied prospectively upon adoption; although retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption is also permitted, but not required.  Early adoption is permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period.  The Company will adopt the amendments to ASU 2010-26 on January 1, 2012 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-6, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-6”), which requires entities to make disclosures about recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.  In accordance with ASU 2010-6, the reporting entity should disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers.  ASU 2010-6 also requires an entity to present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The disclosures in ASU 2010-6 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  See Note 11, Investments, for expanded interim disclosures.

 
-6-


In June 2009, the FASB issued amendments to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810-10 (“ASC 810-10”), which amend the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Pursuant to these amendments, an entity would consolidate a VIE, as the primary beneficiary, when the entity has both of the following: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is required.  The amendments to ASC 810-10 eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The amendments to ASC 810-10 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  The Company adopted the amendments to ASC 810-10 on January 1, 2010.  Adoption of the amendments to ASC 810-10 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 860.  The amendment to ASC 860 amends the derecognition guidance and eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity.  The amendment to ASC 860 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  Early adoption of the amendment to ASC 860 was prohibited.  The Company adopted the amendment to ASC 860 on January 1, 2010.  Adoption of the amendment to ASC 860 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Note 3.  Segment Information

The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on a specific geographic region and/or specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and pre-tax income (loss) for each business unit for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
American Southern
  $ 9,825     $ 9,586     $ 28,924     $ 29,865  
Bankers Fidelity
    17,162       15,851       50,814       46,635  
Corporate and Other
    159       101       458       357  
                                 
Total revenue
  $ 27,146     $ 25,538     $ 80,196     $ 76,857  
 

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
American Southern
  $ 1,256     $ 1,149     $ 3,128     $ 3,514  
Bankers Fidelity
    546       466       1,793       1,582  
Corporate and Other
    (1,221 )     (1,444 )     (3,703 )     (4,668 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
  $ 581     $ 171     $ 1,218     $ 428  
 
 
-7-


Note 4. Credit Arrangements

Bank Debt

At September 30, 2010, the Company had a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), pursuant to which the Company is able to, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, borrow or reborrow up to $5,000.  The interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement is, at the option of the Company, equivalent to either (a) the base rate (which equals the higher of the Prime Rate or 0.5% above the Federal Funds Rate, each as defined) or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) determined on an interest period of 1-month, 2-months, 3-months or 6-months, plus 2.00%.  Interest on amounts outstanding is payable quarterly.  The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants, including, among others, ratios that relate funded debt to both total capitalization and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as well as the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth.  The Company must also comply with limitations on capital expenditures, certain payments, additional debt obligations, equity repurchases and certain redemptions, as well as minimum risk-based capital levels.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, Wells Fargo may terminate the Credit Agreement and declare all amounts outstanding due and payable in full.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, there was no balance outstanding under this Credit Agreement and the Company was in compliance with all terms of the Credit Agreement.  The termination date of this Credit Agreement is June 30, 2011.  The Company expects that it would seek to extend or renew the Credit Agreement on or prior to expiration, although no assurances can be provided that any extension or replacement would be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

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

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of September 30, 2010 was as follows:

   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust I
   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust II
 
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
           
Principal amount owed
  $ 18,042     $ 23,196  
Balance September 30, 2010
    18,042       23,196  
Balance December 31, 2009
    18,042       23,196  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Interest payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Maturity date
 
December 4, 2032
   
May 15, 2033
 
Redeemable by issuer
 
Yes
   
Yes
 
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
               
Issuance date
 
December 4, 2002
   
May 15, 2003
 
Securities issued
    17,500       22,500  
Liquidation preference per security
  $ 1     $ 1  
Liquidation value
    17,500       22,500  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Distribution payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Distribution guaranteed by (3)
 
Atlantic American Corporation
   
Atlantic American Corporation
 

(1)  
For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
(2)  
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
(3)  
The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.
 
 
-8-

 
Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments
 
On February 21, 2006, the Company entered into a zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo to hedge future interest payments on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The notional amount of the collar was $18,042 with an effective date of March 6, 2006.  The collar has a LIBOR floor rate of 4.77% and a LIBOR cap rate of 5.85% and adjusts quarterly on the 4th of each March, June, September and December through termination on March 4, 2013.  The Company began making payments to Wells Fargo under the zero cost interest rate collar on June 4, 2008.  As a result of interest rates remaining below the LIBOR floor rate of 4.77%, these payments to Wells Fargo under the zero cost interest rate collar have continued through September 30, 2010.  While the Company may be exposed to counterparty risk should Wells Fargo fail to perform, based on the current level of interest rates, and coupled with the current macroeconomic outlook, the Company believes that its current counterparty risk exposure is minimal.

The estimated fair value and related carrying value of the Company’s interest rate collar at September 30, 2010 was a liability of approximately $1,798 with a corresponding decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity, net of deferred tax.

Note 6.  Reconciliation of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net realized gains on investments included in net income
  $ 211     $ 14     $ 224     $ 1  
                                 
Other components of comprehensive income:
                               
Net pre-tax unrealized gains on investments arising during period
  $  4,300     $  7,179     $  14,103     $  9,396  
Reclassification adjustment
    (211 )     (14 )     (224 )     (1 )
                                 
Net pre-tax unrealized gains on investments recognized in other comprehensive income
     4,089        7,165        13,879        9,395  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    (65 )     (130 )     (251 )      373  
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    -       -       -       375  
Deferred income tax attributable to other comprehensive income
    (1,409 )     (2,462 )     (4,770 )     (3,550 )
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,615       4,573       8,858       6,593  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning of period
    838       (7,180 )     (5,405 )     (9,200 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) end of period
  $  3,453     $ (2,607 )   $  3,453     $ (2,607 )
 
 
-9-


Note 7.  Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
Net income
  $ 525       22,281        
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )              
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    398       22,281     $ .02  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
Effect of dilutive stock options
             31          
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 398       22,312     $ .02  

 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2009
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share:
                 
Net loss
  $ (2,108 )     22,323          
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )                
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
  $ (2,235 )     22,323     $ (.10 )

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
Net income
  $ 1,018       22,286        
Less preferred stock dividends
    (381 )              
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    637       22,286     $ .03  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
Effect of dilutive stock options
             32          
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 637       22,318     $ .03  
 
 
-10-


   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2009
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share:
                 
Net loss
  $ (1,840 )     22,311          
Less preferred stock dividends
    (381 )                
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
  $ (2,221 )     22,311     $ (.10 )
 
The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock was excluded from the earnings (loss) per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.  All outstanding stock options were excluded from the earnings (loss) per common share calculation for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 since their impact also would have been antidilutive.

Note 8.  Income Taxes

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
  $ 203     $ 60     $ 426     $ 150  
Tax exempt interest and dividends received deductions
    (55 )     (56 )     (147 )     (174 )
Other permanent differences
    16       16       29       33  
Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets
    -       1,755       -       1,755  
Adjustment for prior years’ estimates to actual
    (108 )     504       (108 )     504  
Income tax expense
  $ 56     $ 2,279     $ 200     $ 2,268  

The components of the income tax expense were:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Current - Federal
  $ (659 )   $ (15 )   $ (653 )   $ (15 )
Deferred - Federal
    715       539       853       528  
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
     -        1,755        -        1,755  
Total
  $ 56     $ 2,279     $ 200     $ 2,268  

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the provision-to-filed return adjustments.  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change.  The actual current year DRD can vary from the estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from these investments as well as appropriate levels of taxable income.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $108 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  The provision-to-filed-return adjustments for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 were primarily due to adjustments related to the carryback and utilization of capital losses on investments in the Company’s life and health operation.

 
-11-


The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 resulted from the DRD, the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and the provision-to-filed return adjustments.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to reassessment of the realization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits.  The Company has established a corresponding valuation allowance of $1,755 as it does not anticipate having sufficient future capital gains to offset these capital losses during the applicable carryforward period.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments were $504 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009.  The provision-to-filed-return adjustments for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 were primarily due to adjustments related to the 2008 sale of the Company’s regional property and casualty operations.

Note 9.  Employee Retirement Plans

Effective May 31, 2008, the Company froze all benefits related to its qualified pension plan, as well as its supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”).  In May 2009, the Company terminated the SERP and distributed the accumulated benefits to those participating employees.  On March 11, 2010, the Company received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service approving the termination of the Company’s qualified pension plan.  In May 2010, the Company distributed the accumulated benefits to participating employees, and terminated the qualified pension plan.  In connection with the May 2010 termination and settlement of the qualified pension plan, the Company incurred a non-recurring charge of $319 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

Note 10.  Commitments and Contingencies

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

 
-12-


Note 11.  Investments

 
The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
Investments were comprised of the following:
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
 
 Carrying Value
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 64,197     $ 4,419     $ -     $ 59,778  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    14,613       300       23       14,336  
Corporate securities
                               
Utilities and telecom
    24,659       2,709       -       21,950  
Financial services
    14,989       579       1,603       16,013  
Media
    2,500       147       -       2,353  
Other business – diversified
    10,500       823       -       9,677  
Other consumer – diversified
    11,401       744       13       10,670  
Total corporate securities
    64,049       5,002       1,616       60,663  
Redeemable preferred stocks
                               
Utilities and telecom
    2,735       235       -       2,500  
Financial services
    4,902       30       137       5,009  
Media
    892       -       59       951  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    8,722       265       196       8,653  
Total fixed maturity securities
    151,581       9,986       1,835       143,430  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
    6,551       1,242       77       5,386  
Media
    916       -       2,282       3,198  
Other business – diversified
    124       77       -       47  
Total common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    7,591       1,319       2,359       8,631  
Other invested assets (fair value of $1,013)
    1,013       -       -       1,013  
Policy and student loans
    2,130       -       -       2,130  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
Investments
    163,591       11,305       4,194       156,480  
Short-term investments
    14,703       -       -       14,703  
Total investments
  $ 178,294     $ 11,305     $ 4,194     $ 171,183  
 
 
-13-


   
December 31, 2009
 
   
 
 Carrying Value
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
 
 Amortized Cost
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 124,392     $ 628     $ 3,538     $ 127,302  
Corporate securities
                               
Utilities and telecom
    24,615       695       105       24,025  
Financial services
    13,518       228       2,324       15,614  
Media
    2,412       59       -       2,353  
Other business – diversified
    6,515       125       92       6,482  
Other consumer – diversified
    4,726       134       90       4,682  
Total corporate securities
    51,786       1,241       2,611       53,156  
Redeemable preferred stocks
                               
Utilities and telecom
    2,668       168       -       2,500  
Financial services
    4,215       6       800       5,009  
Media
    806       -       145       951  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    7,882       174       945       8,653  
Total fixed maturity securities
    184,060       2,043       7,094       189,111  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
    6,097       1,029       318       5,386  
Media
    718       -       2,480       3,198  
Other business – diversified
    99       52       -       47  
Total common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    6,914       1,081       2,798       8,631  
Other invested assets (fair value of $1,021)
    1,021       -       -       1,021  
Policy and student loans
    2,139       -       -       2,139  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
Investments
    195,410       3,124       9,892       202,178  
Short-term investments
    14,697       -       -       14,697  
Total investments
  $ 210,107     $ 3,124     $ 9,892     $ 216,875  

The amortized cost and carrying value of fixed maturity securities and short-term investments at September 30, 2010 by contractual maturity were as follows. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Maturities
 
September 30, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 17,569     $ 17,507  
Due after one year through five years
    7,726       7,278  
Due after five years through ten years
    28,260       25,797  
Due after ten years
    111,639       106,558  
Varying maturities
    1,090       993  
Totals
  $ 166,284     $ 158,133  
 
 
-14-


The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains or losses of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agencies
  $ 64,197     $ 59,778     $ 4,419     $ 124,392     $ 127,302     $ (2,910 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    14,613       14,336       277       -       -       -  
Utilities and telecom
    27,394       24,450       2,944       27,283       26,525       758  
Financial services
    26,442       26,408       34       23,830       26,009       (2,179 )
Media (1)
    4,308       6,502       (2,194 )     3,936       6,502       (2,566 )
Other business – diversified
    10,624       9,724       900       6,614       6,529       85  
Other consumer – diversified
    11,594       10,863       731       4,919       4,875       44  
Other investments
    4,419       4,419       -       4,436       4,436       -  
Investments
  $ 163,591     $ 156,480     $ 7,111     $ 195,410     $ 202,178     $ (6,768 )

(1) Media includes related party investments in Gray Television, Inc. with an amortized cost basis of $3,198 and which had an aggregate carrying value of $916 and $718 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

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 September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 2,010     $ 23     $ -     $ -     $ 2,010     $ 23  
Corporate securities
    5,233       36       3,420       1,580       8,653       1,616  
Redeemable preferred stocks
    -       -       3,024       196       3,024       196  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    974       26       3,148       2,333       4,122       2,359  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 8,217     $ 85     $ 9,592     $ 4,109     $ 17,809     $ 4,194  

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 96,977     $ 3,300     $ 4,772     $ 238     $ 101,749     $ 3,538  
Corporate securities
    12,894       609       7,525       2,002       20,419       2,611  
Redeemable preferred stocks
    -       -       4,515       945       4,515       945  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
    -       -       3,683       2,798       3,683       2,798  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 109,871     $ 3,909     $ 20,495     $ 5,983     $ 130,366     $ 9,892  
 
 
-15-


The following is a summary of investment impairments the Company recorded due to other than temporary declines in values for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 44  
Other invested assets
    -       -       -       17  
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 61  

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded a $61 realized loss due to other than temporary impairments in its investment in redeemable preferred securities of General Motors Corporation and certain other invested assets. There were no impairments recorded during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.

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.  The 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, the intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of the investment obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.

As of September 30, 2010, securities in an unrealized loss position were primarily related to the Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities, and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks within the financial services and media sectors.  The media sector includes related party investments in Gray Television, Inc. which had unrealized losses of $2,282 as of September 30, 2010 and accounted for the majority of the unrealized loss position in that sector.  The Company does not intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell the securities referenced previously.  In addition, the Company asserts its intent and ability to retain the above equity securities until price recovery.  Furthermore, based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2010.

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

Level 1
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.  The Company’s Level 1 instruments consist of short-term investments.

Level 2
Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability or prices for similar assets or liabilities.  The Company’s Level 2 instruments include most of its fixed maturity securities, which consist of U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government securities, municipal bonds, and certain corporate fixed maturity securities, as well as its common and non-redeemable preferred stocks.  In determining Level 2 fair value measurements, the Company utilizes various external pricing services.

Level 3
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  The Company’s Level 3 financial instruments include certain fixed maturity securities and a zero cost interest rate collar.  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources.  As of September 30, 2010, the value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities valued using Level 3 criteria was $2,035 and the value of the zero cost interest rate collar was a liability of $1,798 (See Note 5). The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded different valuations.
 
 
-16-


As of September 30, 2010, investments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ -     $ 149,546     $ 2,035     $ 151,581  
Equity securities
    -       7,591       -       7,591  
Short-term investments
    14,703       -       -       14,703  
                                 
Total
  $ 14,703     $ 157,137     $ 2,035     $ 173,875  

As of December 31, 2009, investments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ -     $ 182,281     $ 1,779     $ 184,060  
Equity securities
    -       6,914       -       6,914  
Short-term investments
    14,697       -       -       14,697  
                                 
Total
  $ 14,697     $ 189,195     $ 1,779     $ 205,671  

The following is a roll-forward of the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.

   
Fixed Maturity Securities
   
Derivative (Liability)
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 1,779     $ (1,547 )
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
     14       (88 )
Balance, March 31, 2010
    1,793       (1,635 )
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
     155       (98 )
Balance, June 30, 2010
    1,948       (1,733 )
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
     87       (65 )
Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 2,035     $ (1,798 )

The Company’s fixed maturity securities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies.  They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows discounted at a reasonably estimated rate of interest.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.  As the derivative is an interest rate collar, changes in valuation are more closely correlated with changes in interest rates and, accordingly, values are estimated using projected cash flows at current interest rates discounted at a reasonably estimated rate of interest.  Fair value quotations are also obtained from the counterparty to the transaction.
 
 
-17-


Item 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 initial 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 27% of the Company’s total liabilities at September 30, 2010.  This liability includes estimates for: 1) unpaid losses on claims reported prior to September 30, 2010, 2) future development on those reported claims, 3) unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to September 30, 2010 but not yet reported and 4) unpaid loss adjustment expenses for reported and unreported claims incurred prior to September 30, 2010.  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 September 30, 2010 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, a variety of 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 previous 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 32% of the Company’s total liabilities at September 30, 2010.  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.

 
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Deferred acquisition costs comprised 8% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2010.  Deferred acquisition costs are commissions, premium taxes, and other costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal business and are generally deferred and amortized.  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.  The 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 comprised 7% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2010.  Insured and agent balances are evaluated periodically for collectibility.  Annually, the Company performs an analysis of the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers 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 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 84% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2010.  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 investments as available for sale and, accordingly, at their estimated fair values.  The Company owns certain fixed maturity securities that do not have publicly quoted values, but had an estimated fair value as determined by management of $2.0 million at September 30, 2010.  Such values inherently involve a greater degree of judgment and uncertainty and therefore ultimately greater price volatility.  On occasion, the value of an investment may decline to a value below its amortized purchase price and remain at such value for an extended period of time.  When an 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.  The 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, the intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of the obligations in accordance with the contractual terms of the investment, 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 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 consolidated statements of operations.

The Company determines the fair values of certain financial instruments based on the fair market hierarchy established in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10-20, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10-20”).  The fair values for fixed maturity 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 11 of the accompanying 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 comprised less than 1% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2010.  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 assets 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.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

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

 
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OVERALL CORPORATE RESULTS

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of $2.1 million, or a loss of $0.10 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2009.  The Company had net income of $1.0 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.  The net loss in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 was primarily attributable to a $1.8 million increase in the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to reassessment of the realization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits.  Income before taxes was $0.6 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to $0.2 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2009.  Income before taxes for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was $1.2 million compared to $0.4 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in income before taxes in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due to an increase in premium revenue and realized investment gains with a relatively consistent level of fixed expenses.  Also contributing to the increase in income before taxes in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was a decrease in discretionary compensation accruals.  Partially offsetting the increase in income before taxes in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was a decrease in investment income due to declining yields from invested assets. During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, a large number of securities held by the Company were called by the issuers, the proceeds from which the Company was not able to reinvest at equivalent rates.

 Premium revenue for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 increased $1.8 million, or 7.9%, to $24.6 million.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, premium revenue increased $3.8 million, or 5.6%, to $72.3 million.  The increase in premiums in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to new business generated by the Company’s life and health operation as a result of increased marketing initiatives.  Property and casualty premiums also increased during the three month period ended September 30, 2010 over the comparable period in 2009 primarily due to an increase in commercial automobile business.  Partially offsetting the increase in the life and health premiums during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was a decrease in property and casualty premiums due to the decline in general liability and surety business.

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

American Southern

The following is a summary of American Southern’s premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and the comparable periods in 2009 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Gross written premiums
  $ 11,050     $ 8,860     $ 32,003     $ 31,110  
Ceded premiums
    (1,412 )     (1,573 )     (4,052 )     (4,875 )
                                 
Net written premiums
  $ 9,638     $ 7,287     $ 27,951     $ 26,235  
                                 
Net earned premiums
  $ 8,775     $ 8,394     $ 25,621     $ 26,214  

Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $2.2 million, or 24.7%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2010, and $0.9 million, or 2.9%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, over the comparable periods in 2009.  The increase in gross written premiums during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to an increase in commercial automobile business marketed through a newly appointed general agent.  Partially offsetting the increase in gross written premiums was the continued decline in the general liability line of business resulting from continued weakness in the construction industry as well as decreases in business writings from certain targeted agencies due to the strengthening of the company’s underwriting guidelines.

Ceded premiums decreased $0.2 million, or 10.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2010, and $0.8 million, or 16.9%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, from the comparable periods in 2009.  The decrease in ceded premiums during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due to lower cession rates resulting from a new reinsurance agreement with a new carrier which incepted in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 
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The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and the comparable periods in 2009 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Commercial automobile
  $ 5,401     $ 4,759     $ 15,421     $ 14,413  
General liability
    1,254       1,417       3,847       4,610  
Property
    632       616       1,847       1,822  
Surety
    1,488       1,602       4,506       5,369  
                                 
Total
  $ 8,775     $ 8,394     $ 25,621     $ 26,214  

Net earned premiums increased $0.4 million, or 4.5%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2010 over the three month period ended September 30, 2009, and decreased $0.6 million, or 2.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, from the comparable period in 2009.  The increase in net earned premiums during the three month period ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due to the increase in commercial automobile business discussed previously.  The decrease in net earned premiums in the 2010 year to date period was primarily attributable to the decline in the general liability and surety lines of business resulting from continued weakness in the construction industry.  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 and prior years.

The following sets forth American Southern’s loss and expense ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and for the comparable periods in 2009:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Loss ratio
    56.6 %     60.1 %     58.7 %     53.9 %
Expense ratio
    41.0 %     40.4 %     42.0 %     46.6 %
                                 
Combined ratio
    97.6 %     100.5 %     100.7 %     100.5 %

The loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 decreased to 56.6% from 60.1% in the three month period ended September 30, 2009 and increased to 58.7% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from 53.9% in the comparable period of 2009.  The decrease in the loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the three month period ended September 30, 2009 was primarily due to more favorable loss experience in the commercial automobile line of business as well as a significant unanticipated loss recovery in 2010 in the surety line of business.  The increase in the loss ratio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to several large claims in the surety line of business, specifically related to subdivision performance bonds.

The expense ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 increased to 41.0% from 40.4% in the three month period ended September 30, 2009 and decreased to 42.0% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 from 46.6% in the comparable period of 2009.  The increase in the expense ratio in the three month period ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due to American Southern’s variable commission structure, which compensates the company’s agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write.  In periods where the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will increase and conversely in periods where the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will decrease. The decrease in the expense ratio in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in variable commissions resulting from inversely higher loss ratios as well as an overall decrease in underwriting expense.  Partially offsetting the decrease in the expense ratio in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was a non-recurring charge of $0.3 million which resulted from the termination and final settlement of the company’s qualified pension plan.  In the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, American Southern incurred a similar non-recurring charge of $0.4 million due to the termination of its supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”).

 
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Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and the comparable periods in 2009 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended