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

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
OR

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

Commission File Number 0-3722

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on November 5, 2015 was 20,547,430.
 


ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

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

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
ASSETS     
 
   
Unaudited
September 30,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
14,637
   
$
16,375
 
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $213,450 and $207,568)
   
211,810
     
214,888
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $10,953 and $11,969)
   
19,988
     
18,924
 
Other invested assets (cost: $2,372 and $2,995)
   
2,372
     
2,995
 
Policy loans
   
2,181
     
2,202
 
Real estate
   
38
     
38
 
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
1,238
 
Total investments
   
237,627
     
240,285
 
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
   
14,243
     
14,348
 
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $683 and $439)
   
14,404
     
10,728
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
310
     
-
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
27,675
     
26,981
 
Other assets
   
5,763
     
5,747
 
Intangibles
   
2,544
     
2,544
 
Total assets
 
$
317,203
   
$
317,008
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds:
               
Future policy benefits
 
$
71,576
   
$
70,845
 
Unearned premiums
   
27,251
     
24,544
 
Losses and claims
   
65,241
     
66,625
 
Other policy liabilities
   
1,294
     
2,080
 
Total insurance reserves and policyholder funds
   
165,362
     
164,094
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
14,891
     
13,586
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
-
     
1,395
 
Junior subordinated debenture obligations, net
   
33,738
     
33,738
 
Total liabilities
   
213,991
     
212,813
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 55,000 shares issued and outstanding; $5,500 redemption value
   
55
     
55
 
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,400,894; shares outstanding: 20,566,330 and 20,600,039
   
22,401
     
22,401
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
56,619
     
56,491
 
Retained earnings
   
25,429
     
21,866
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
4,807
     
9,279
 
Unearned stock grant compensation
   
(395
)
   
(460
)
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,834,564 and 1,800,855 shares
   
(5,704
)
   
(5,437
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
103,212
     
104,195
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
317,203
   
$
317,008
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
-2-

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Revenue:
               
Insurance premiums
 
$
37,859
   
$
38,337
   
$
113,349
   
$
115,211
 
Investment income
   
2,456
     
2,678
     
7,547
     
7,875
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
7
     
848
     
5,106
     
1,441
 
Other income
   
37
     
793
     
78
     
875
 
Total revenue
   
40,359
     
42,656
     
126,080
     
125,402
 
                                 
Benefits and expenses:
                               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
24,637
     
27,094
     
76,261
     
80,991
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
11,816
     
10,238
     
33,024
     
30,219
 
Interest expense
   
361
     
388
     
1,064
     
1,251
 
Other expense
   
3,180
     
3,349
     
10,167
     
9,375
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
39,994
     
41,069
     
120,516
     
121,836
 
Income before income taxes
   
365
     
1,587
     
5,564
     
3,566
 
Income tax expense
   
127
     
136
     
1,290
     
418
 
Net income
   
238
     
1,451
     
4,274
     
3,148
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
(100
)
   
(117
)
   
(299
)
   
(353
)
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
138
   
$
1,334
   
$
3,975
   
$
2,795
 
                                 
Earnings per common share (basic and diluted)
 
$
.01
   
$
.06
   
$
.19
   
$
.13
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
-3-

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net income
 
$
238
   
$
1,451
   
$
4,274
   
$
3,148
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) arising in the period      (3,729      (7,103      (1,774      2,627  
Related income tax effect
   
1,306
     
2,487
     
621
     
(919
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income (1)
   
(7
)
   
(848
)
   
(5,106
)
   
(1,441
)
Related income tax effect (2)
   
2
     
296
     
1,787
     
504
 
Net effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(2,428
)
   
(5,168
)
   
(4,472
)
   
771
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(2,190
)
 
$
(3,717
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$
3,919
 

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

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

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

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Unearned
Stock Grant
Compensation
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,491
   
$
21,866
   
$
9,279
   
$
(460
)
 
$
(5,437
)
 
$
104,195
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,274
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,274
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(4,472
)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,472
)
Dividends on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(412
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(412
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
Restricted stock grants
   
-
     
-
     
106
     
-
     
-
     
(184
)
   
78
     
-
 
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
249
     
-
     
249
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(360
)
   
(360
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
15
     
37
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,619
   
$
25,429
   
$
4,807
   
$
(395
)
 
$
(5,704
)
 
$
103,212
 
                                                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
                                                               
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
65
   
$
22,401
   
$
57,103
   
$
18,738
   
$
6,204
   
$
(485
)
 
$
(3,099
)
 
$
100,927
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,148
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,148
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
771
     
-
     
-
     
771
 
Dividends on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(422
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(422
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(353
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(353
)
Restricted stock grants
   
-
     
-
     
328
     
-
     
-
     
(559
)
   
231
     
-
 
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
480
     
-
     
480
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(2,440
)
   
(2,440
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
42
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
29
     
71
 
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
65
   
$
22,401
   
$
57,473
   
$
21,111
   
$
6,975
   
$
(564
)
 
$
(5,279
)
 
$
102,182
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
-5-

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

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       
Net income
 
$
4,274
   
$
3,148
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
   
7,857
     
8,060
 
Acquisition costs deferred
   
(8,551
)
   
(7,543
)
Realized investment gains, net
   
(5,106
)
   
(1,441
)
Gain on purchase of debt securities
   
-
     
(750
)
Increase in insurance reserves
   
1,268
     
3,191
 
Compensation expense related to share awards
   
249
     
480
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
834
     
675
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
703
     
335
 
Increase in receivables, net
   
(3,571
)
   
(5,976
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
   
1,006
     
(1,788
)
Other, net
   
(330
)
   
(164
)
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(1,367
)
   
(1,773
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold, called or matured
   
80,493
     
53,534
 
Investments purchased
   
(79,932
)
   
(55,051
)
Additions to property and equipment
   
(197
)
   
(3,777
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
364
     
(5,294
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment for debt securities
   
-
     
(6,750
)
Payment of dividends on common stock
   
(412
)
   
(422
)
Proceeds from shares issued under stock plans
   
37
     
71
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
(360
)
   
(2,440
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(735
)
   
(9,541
)
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,738
)
   
(16,608
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
16,375
     
33,102
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
14,637
   
$
16,494
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
1,063
   
$
1,296
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
1,165
   
$
442
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
-6-

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

Note 1.    Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”).  The Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 or for any other future period.

The Company’s significant accounting policies have not changed materially from those set out in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report.

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

Note 2.   Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (“ASU 2015-09”). The main objective of ASU 2015-09 is to enhance disclosures about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, specifically the development of claims, the frequency and severity of claims, and expanded disclosures about reserves that are discounted.  ASU 2015-09 will also require insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and effects on the financial statements.  The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Since ASU 2015-09 is a disclosure only update, the Company does not expect its adoption to 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 and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
American Southern
 
$
14,899
   
$
14,819
   
$
45,335
   
$
43,167
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
25,370
     
26,909
     
80,260
     
81,040
 
Corporate and Other
   
90
     
928
     
485
     
1,195
 
Total revenue
 
$
40,359
   
$
42,656
   
$
126,080
   
$
125,402
 
 
-7-

Income Before Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
American Southern
 
$
1,572
   
$
1,500
   
$
5,245
   
$
3,695
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
290
     
1,051
     
5,380
     
3,833
 
Corporate and Other
   
(1,497
)
   
(964
)
   
(5,061
)
   
(3,962
)
Income before income taxes
 
$
365
   
$
1,587
   
$
5,564
   
$
3,566
 

Note 4.   Junior Subordinated Debentures

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

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of September 30, 2015 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, 2015
 
$
18,042
   
$
23,196
 
Less: Treasury debt (3)
   
-
     
(7,500
)
Net balance September 30, 2015
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
Net balance December 31, 2014
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Interest payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Maturity date
 
December 4, 2032
   
May 15, 2033
 
Redeemable by issuer
 
Yes
   
Yes
 
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
               
Issuance date
 
December 4, 2002
   
May 15, 2003
 
Securities issued
   
17,500
     
22,500
 
Liquidation preference per security
 
$
1
   
$
1
 
Liquidation value
 
$
17,500
   
$
22,500
 
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Distribution payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Distribution guaranteed by (4)
 
Atlantic American Corporation
   
Atlantic American Corporation
 

(1) For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

(2) The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.

(3) On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  Consideration tendered, upon settlement, was $6,750 plus accrued interest resulting in a gain of $750 recognized in other income on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014.

(4) The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.
 
-8-

Note 5.   Earnings Per Common Share

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
  Per Share
Amount
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
             
Net income
 
$
238
     
20,589
     
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(100
)
   
-
     
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
138
     
20,589
   $
 .01

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
  Per Share
Amount
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
              
Net income
 
$
1,451
     
20,768
      
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(117
)
   
-
      
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
1,334
     
20,768
   $
          .06

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
  Per Share
Amount
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
              
Net income
 
$
4,274
     
20,584
      
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(299
)
   
-
      
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
3,975
     
20,584
   $
          .19

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
  Per Share
 Amount
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
            
Net income
 
$
3,148
     
20,885
     
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(353
)
   
-
     
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
2,795
     
20,885
   $
          .13

The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D preferred stock was excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.
 
-9-

Note 6.   Income Taxes

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
 
$
127
   
$
555
   
$
1,947
   
$
1,248
 
Dividends-received deduction
   
(21
)
   
(27
)
   
(75
)
   
(88
)
Small life insurance company deduction
   
51
     
(114
)
   
(572
)
   
(275
)
Other permanent differences
   
9
     
17
     
29
     
36
 
Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets
   
-
     
(365
)
   
-
     
(573
)
Adjustment for prior years’ estimates to actual
   
(39
)
   
70
     
(39
)
   
70
 
Income tax expense
 
$
127
   
$
136
   
$
1,290
   
$
418
 

The components of income tax expense were:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Current - Federal
 
$
(532
)
 
$
(46
)
 
$
587
   
$
83
 
Deferred - Federal
   
659
     
547
     
703
     
908
 
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
   
-
     
(365
)
   
-
     
(573
)
Total
 
$
127
   
$
136
   
$
1,290
   
$
418
 

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, 2015 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3,000 and is ultimately phased out at $15,000.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 resulted from the DRD, the SLD and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.  All unused capital loss carryforwards expired at the end of 2014.

The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $39 and $70 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 7.   Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is, and expects to continue to be, involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses.  In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
-10-

Note 8.   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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
Investments were comprised of the following:

   
September 30, 2015
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
               
Bonds:
               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
30,782
   
$
430
   
$
243
   
$
30,595
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
25,720
     
721
     
415
     
25,414
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
17,728
     
1,537
     
727
     
16,918
 
Financial services
   
51,108
     
2,167
     
1,149
     
50,090
 
Other business – diversified
   
63,014
     
944
     
4,066
     
66,136
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
23,014
     
183
     
1,024
     
23,855
 
Total corporate securities
   
154,864
     
4,831
     
6,966
     
156,999
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
   
252
     
2
     
-
     
250
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
444
     
2
     
-
     
442
 
Total fixed maturities
   
211,810
     
5,984
     
7,624
     
213,450
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,305
     
341
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
5,039
     
711
     
-
     
4,328
 
Other business – diversified
   
195
     
148
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
13,449
     
7,835
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
19,988
     
9,035
     
-
     
10,953
 
Other invested assets
   
2,372
     
-
     
-
     
2,372
 
Policy loans
   
2,181
     
-
     
-
     
2,181
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
237,627
   
$
15,019
   
$
7,624
   
$
230,232
 
 
-11-

   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
 Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
               
Bonds:
               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
33,898
   
$
1,459
   
$
30
   
$
32,469
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
11,459
     
681
     
-
     
10,778
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
13,980
     
2,355
     
-
     
11,625
 
Financial services
   
59,224
     
3,404
     
588
     
56,408
 
Other business – diversified
   
70,139
     
2,076
     
1,830
     
69,893
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
25,388
     
332
     
547
     
25,603
 
Total corporate securities
   
168,731
     
8,167
     
2,965
     
163,529
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
   
608
     
8
     
-
     
600
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
192
     
-
     
-
     
192
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
800
     
8
     
-
     
792
 
Total fixed maturities
   
214,888
     
10,315
     
2,995
     
207,568
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,403
     
439
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
6,083
     
739
     
-
     
5,344
 
Other business – diversified
   
226
     
179
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
11,212
     
5,598
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
18,924
     
6,955
     
-
     
11,969
 
Other invested assets
   
2,995
     
-
     
-
     
2,995
 
Policy loans
   
2,202
     
-
     
-
     
2,202
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
240,285
   
$
17,270
   
$
2,995
   
$
226,010
 

The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at September 30, 2015 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.

   
September 30, 2015
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
4,186
   
$
4,115
 
Due after one year through five years
   
20,023
     
19,593
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
94,107
     
96,140
 
Due after ten years
   
92,368
     
92,607
 
Varying maturities
   
1,126
     
995
 
Totals
 
$
211,810
   
$
213,450
 
 
-12-

The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains (losses) of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
 (Losses)
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
30,782
   
$
30,595
   
$
187
   
$
33,898
   
$
32,469
   
$
1,429
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
25,720
     
25,414
     
306
     
11,459
     
10,778
     
681
 
Utilities and telecom
   
19,033
     
17,882
     
1,151
     
15,383
     
12,589
     
2,794
 
Financial services
   
56,399
     
54,668
     
1,731
     
65,915
     
62,352
     
3,563
 
Other business – diversified
   
63,209
     
66,183
     
(2,974
)
   
70,365
     
69,940
     
425
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
36,655
     
29,661
     
6,994
     
36,792
     
31,409
     
5,383
 
Other investments
   
5,829
     
5,829
     
-
     
6,473
     
6,473
     
-
 
Investments
 
$
237,627
   
$
230,232
   
$
7,395
   
$
240,285
   
$
226,010
   
$
14,275
 

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
September 30, 2015
 
   
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
 
$
9,498
   
$
242
   
$
503
   
$
1
   
$
10,001
   
$
243
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
13,237
     
415
     
-
     
-
     
13,237
     
415
 
Corporate securities
   
69,731
     
3,496
     
14,644
     
3,470
     
84,375
     
6,966
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
92,466
   
$
4,153
   
$
15,147
   
$
3,471
   
$
107,613
   
$
7,624
 

   
December 31, 2014
 
   
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
 
$
3,695
   
$
7
   
$
2,692
   
$
23
   
$
6,387
   
$
30
 
Corporate securities
   
43,996
     
1,604
     
9,293
     
1,361
     
53,289
     
2,965
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
47,691
   
$
1,611
   
$
11,985
   
$
1,384
   
$
59,676
   
$
2,995
 
 
-13-

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.

During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded impairments related to the following investments. There were no impairments recorded during the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2015.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
$
-
   
$
196
   
$
-
   
$
196
 

As of September 30, 2015, securities in an unrealized loss position primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities within the other diversified business, other diversified consumer, utilities and telecom and financial services sectors. Securities in an unrealized loss position reported in the other diversified business sector included gross unrealized losses of $2,582 related to investments in fixed maturities of 11 different issuers, all related to the oil and gas industry.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, including those described above, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2015.

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

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

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

Level 3 Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 3 criteria consist of a limited number of fixed maturities. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $2,241 and $2,214, respectively. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.
 
-14-

As of September 30, 2015, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

     
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
 Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
     
Total
  
Assets:
               
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
209,569
   
$
2,241
   
$
211,810
 
Equity securities
   
15,228
     
4,760
     
-
     
19,988
 
Cash equivalents
   
13,731
     
-
     
-
     
13,731
 
Total
 
$
28,959
   
$
214,329
   
$
2,241
   
$
245,529
 

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

     
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     
Total
  
Assets:
               
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
212,674
   
$
2,214
   
$
214,888
 
Equity securities
   
13,148
     
5,776
     
-
     
18,924
 
Cash equivalents
   
15,009
     
-
     
-
     
15,009
 
Total
 
$
28,157
   
$
218,450
   
$
2,214
   
$
248,821
 

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015.

   
Fixed
Maturities
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
2,214
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
50
 
Balance, March 31, 2015
   
2,264
 
Total unrealized losses included in other comprehensive loss
   
(57
)
Balance, June 30, 2015
   
2,207
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive loss
   
34
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
2,241
 

The Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies. They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows (based on current cash flows) discounted at reasonable estimated rates of interest.  There are no assumed prepayments and/or default probability assumptions as a majority of these instruments contain certain U.S. government agency strips to support the ultimate repayment of the principal.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.
 
-15-

 
Note 9.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using available market information from various market sources and appropriate valuation methodologies as of the respective dates. However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The following table sets forth the carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Level in Fair
Value
Hierarchy (1)
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Level 1
$
14,637
$
14,637
$
16,375
$
16,375
Fixed maturities
(1)
211,810
211,810
214,888
214,888
Equity securities
(1)
19,988
19,988
18,924
18,924
Other invested assets
Level 3
2,372
2,372
2,995
2,995
Policy loans
Level 2
2,181
2,181
2,202
2,202
Real estate
Level 2
38
38
38
38
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
Level 2
1,238
1,238
1,238
1,238
 
Liabilities:
Junior Subordinated Debentures, net
Level 2
33,738
33,738
33,738
33,738

(1) See Note 8 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

Note 10.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the changes in the balance of each component thereof during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, net of taxes.
 

 
 
Unrealized Gains
on Available-for-
Sale Securities
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
9,279
 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
   
(1,153
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(3,319
)
Net current period other comprehensive loss
   
(4,472
)
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
4,807
 
 
Item 2.

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

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) as of and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability. The Company’s critical accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management are disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, there were no changes to the critical accounting policies or related estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Overall Corporate Results

The following presents the Company’s revenue, expenses and net income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and the comparable periods in 2014:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Insurance premiums
 
$
37,859
   
$
38,337
   
$
113,349
   
$
115,211
 
Investment income
   
2,456
     
2,678
     
7,547
     
7,875
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
7
     
848
     
5,106
     
1,441
 
Other income
   
37
     
793
     
78
     
875
 
Total revenue
   
40,359
     
42,656
     
126,080
     
125,402
 
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
24,637
     
27,094
     
76,261
     
80,991
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
11,816
     
10,238
     
33,024
     
30,219
 
Other expense
   
3,180
     
3,349
     
10,167
     
9,375
 
Interest expense
   
361
     
388
     
1,064
     
1,251
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
39,994
     
41,069
     
120,516
     
121,836
 
Income before income taxes
 
$
365
   
$
1,587
   
$
5,564
   
$
3,566
 
Net income
 
$
238
   
$
1,451
   
$
4,274
   
$
3,148
 
 
Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income, and believes it is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” operating results of the Company before considering certain items that are either beyond the control of management (such as taxes, which are subject to timing, regulatory and rate changes depending on the timing of the associated revenues and expenses) or are not expected to regularly impact the Company’s operational results (such as any realized investment gains, which are not a part of the Company’s primary operations and are, to an extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization).

A reconciliation of net income to operating income (loss) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and the comparable periods in 2014 is as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Net Income to non-GAAP Measurement
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Net income
 
$
238
   
$
1,451
   
$
4,274
   
$
3,148
 
Income tax expense
   
127
     
136
     
1,290
     
418
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
(7
)
   
(848
)
   
(5,106
)
   
(1,441
)
Gain on purchase of debt securities (1)
   
-
     
(750
)
   
-
     
(750
)
Operating income (loss)
 
$
358
   
$
(11
)
 
$
458
   
$
1,375
 

(1) Gain from the purchase of $7.5 million of the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”). See Note 4 of the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2014. The Company had net income of $4.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $3.1 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. Premium revenue for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 decreased $0.5 million, or 1.2%, to $37.9 million from $38.3 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, premium revenue decreased $1.9 million, or 1.6%, to $113.3 million from $115.2 million in the comparable 2014 period. The decrease in premium revenue for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was due primarily to a decrease in Medicare supplement business in the life and health operations resulting from a decline in both first year and renewal premiums. The decrease in net income for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to both a decrease in realized investment gains and a $0.8 million gain from the purchase of the Company’s Junior Subordinated Debentures in the comparable 2014 period that did not recur in 2015. The increase in net income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was due to an increase in realized investment gains. Operating income increased $0.4 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2015 over the three month period ended September 30, 2014, but decreased $0.9 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable period in 2014. The increase in operating income for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to increased profitability in the property and casualty operations and a decrease in stock grant compensation expense. The decrease in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to less favorable loss experience and a decrease in premium revenue in the life and health operations coupled with a decline in investment income from lower average yields on the Company’s investments in fixed maturities. Also contributing to the decrease in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was an increase in other expense of $0.9 million due to increased legal and consulting fees. Partially offsetting the decrease in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was the reduction in interest expense from the decrease in the average outstanding balance of the Company’s Junior Subordinated Debentures, a decrease in compensation expense from stock awards as well as increased profitability in the property and casualty operations.

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

The following summarizes American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and the comparable periods in 2014:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015
2014
2015
2014
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross written premiums
$
10,379
$
9,293
$
47,639
$
43,452
Ceded premiums
(1,143
)
(1,445
)
(3,745
)
(4,694
)
Net written premiums
$
9,236
$
7,848
$
43,894
$
38,758
Net earned premiums
$
13,888
$
13,191
$
41,249
$
39,142
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
8,326
9,530
26,206
29,207
Underwriting expenses
5,000
3,789
13,884
10,265
Underwriting income (loss)
$
562
$
(128
)
$
1,159
$
(330
)
Loss ratio
60.0
%
72.3
%
63.5
%
74.6
%
Expense ratio
36.0
28.7
33.7
26.2
Combined ratio
96.0
%
101.0
%
97.2
%
100.8
%

Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $1.1 million, or 11.7%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $4.2 million, or 9.6%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, over the comparable periods in 2014. The increase in gross written premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to an increase in automobile physical damage written premiums resulting from two new programs which incepted in 2014 as well as an increase in surety business from an existing agency. During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, automobile physical damage gross written premiums from the two new programs increased $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, while the surety gross written premiums increased $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2014. Partially offsetting the increase in gross written premiums for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was a decrease of $1.0 million in the commercial automobile liability line of business due primarily to the cancellation of an agency in the second quarter of 2014.

Ceded premiums decreased $0.3 million, or 20.9%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $0.9 million, or 20.2%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014. American Southern’s ceded premiums are determined as a percentage of earned premiums and generally increase or decrease as earned premiums increase or decrease. However, the change in ceded premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was disproportionate to the increase in earned premiums due primarily to a decrease in earned premiums from certain commercial automobile liability accounts, cancelled in the second quarter of 2014, which had been subject to reinsurance. Commercial automobile liability business, when reinsured, generally has higher contractual reinsurance cession rates than other lines of business and therefore changes in earned premiums in this line of business, when reinsured and significant, may impact the overall ratio of premiums ceded to premiums earned as in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015.

The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and the comparable periods in 2014 (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Automobile liability
 
$
6,160
   
$
6,627
   
$
18,735
   
$
20,194
 
Automobile physical damage
   
3,417
     
2,859
     
10,306
     
7,982
 
General liability
   
807
     
940
     
2,364
     
2,807
 
Property
   
1,040
     
972
     
3,068
     
2,700
 
Surety
   
2,464
     
1,793
     
6,776
     
5,459
 
Total
 
$
13,888
   
$
13,191
   
$
41,249
   
$
39,142
 
 
Net earned premiums increased $0.7 million, or 5.3%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $2.1 million, or 5.4%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, over the comparable periods in 2014. The increase in net earned premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to increases in automobile physical damage, property and surety earned premiums from both new and existing programs. Partially offsetting the increase for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was the decrease in commercial automobile liability earned premiums due primarily to an agency cancellation. Premiums are earned ratably over their respective policy terms, and therefore premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediately preceding year.

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

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern decreased $1.2 million, or 12.6%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $3.0 million, or 10.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014. As a percentage of premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 60.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to 72.3% in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, this ratio decreased to 63.5% from 74.6% in the comparable period of 2014. The decrease in the loss ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was due to more favorable loss experience in the automobile and surety lines of business and was primarily attributable to actions taken in prior years to better rationalize American Southern's book of business and to strengthen guidelines with respect to new and renewal business.

Underwriting expenses increased $1.2 million, or 32.0%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $3.6 million, or 35.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, over the comparable periods in 2014. As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 36.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to 28.7% in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, this ratio increased to 33.7% from 26.2% in the comparable period of 2014. The increase in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to American Southern’s variable commission structure, which compensates the company’s agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write. During periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease. During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, these commissions at American Southern increased $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2014 due to more favorable loss experience.

Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and the comparable periods in 2014:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Medicare supplement
 
$
20,077
   
$
21,218
   
$
60,479
   
$
64,118
 
Other health products
   
1,237
     
1,183
     
3,609
     
3,556
 
Life insurance
   
2,657
     
2,745
     
8,012
     
8,395
 
Total earned premiums
   
23,971
     
25,146
     
72,100
     
76,069
 
Insurance benefits and losses
   
16,311
     
17,564
     
50,055
     
51,784
 
Underwriting expenses
   
8,769
     
8,294
     
24,825
     
25,423
 
Total expenses
   
25,080
     
25,858
     
74,880
     
77,207
 
Underwriting loss
 
$
(1,109
)
 
$
(712
)
 
$
(2,780
)
 
$
(1,138
)
Loss ratio
   
68.0
%
   
69.8
%
   
69.4
%
   
68.1
%
Expense ratio
   
36.6
     
33.0
     
34.5
     
33.4
 
Combined ratio
   
104.6
%
   
102.8
%
   
103.9
%
   
101.5
%
 
Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity decreased $1.2 million, or 4.7%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $4.0 million, or 5.2%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014. Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business decreased $1.1 million, or 5.4%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $3.6 million, or 5.7%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, due primarily to a decline in both first year and renewal premiums. Other health product premiums increased slightly during the same comparable periods, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s group health products. Premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 3.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $0.4 million, or 4.6%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 from the comparable 2014 periods due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.

Benefits and losses decreased $1.3 million, or 7.1%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $1.7 million, or 3.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014. As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses were 68.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to 69.8% in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, this ratio increased to 69.4% from 68.1% in the comparable period of 2014. The decrease in the loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was due to more favorable loss experience, primarily in the Medicare supplement line of business. The increase in the loss ratio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to the company’s initiative to moderate pricing increases in various Medicare supplement product offerings in certain markets to remain competitive.

Underwriting expenses increased $0.5 million, or 5.7%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015 over the three month period ended September 30, 2014, and decreased $0.6 million, or 2.4%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable period in 2014. As a percentage of premiums, underwriting expenses were 36.6% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to 33.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, this ratio increased to 34.5% from 33.4% in the comparable period of 2014. The increase in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to a higher investment in agent lead expense. Partially offsetting the increase in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 were decreases in general advertising and other agency related expenses as well as a decrease in external actuarial consulting fees.

INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS

Investment income decreased $0.2 million, or 8.3%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $0.3 million, or 4.2%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014. The decrease in investment income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the average yield on the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $7,000 during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to net realized investment gains of $0.9 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. The Company had net realized investment gains of $5.1 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to net realized investment gains of $1.4 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. The net realized investment gains in the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 were primarily attributable to a $3.2 million gain from the sale of property held within two of 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. The net realized investment gains in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 also resulted from the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities. During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded investment impairments due to other than temporary declines in values of $0.2 million on certain of its investments in non-redeemable preferred stocks. While the impairments did not impact the carrying value of the investments, they resulted in realized losses which reduced reported realized investment gains. There were no impairments recorded during the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and, as may be determined to be appropriate, makes adjustments for impairments and/or will divest investments.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense decreased slightly during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $0.2 million, or 14.9%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, from the comparable periods in 2014 due to a decrease in the outstanding amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures. On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7.5 million of its then outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures, which decreased the outstanding balance to $33.7 million and resulted in lower prospective interest expense.
 
OTHER EXPENSES

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) increased $1.4 million, or 10.4%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and $3.6 million, or 9.1%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, over the comparable periods in 2014. The increase in other expenses for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to an increase in commission accruals at American Southern due to more favorable loss experience. During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, these commissions at American Southern increased $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2014. The majority of American Southern’s business is structured in a way that agents are compensated based upon the loss ratios of the business they place with the company. During periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease. Also contributing to the increase in other expenses for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was an increase in legal and consulting fees of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2014. Further, agent lead expense in the life and health operations increased $0.7 million and $1.2 million in the same comparable periods, resulting from increased lead investment. Partially offsetting the increase in other expenses for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 were decreases in general advertising expenses, other agency related expenses and external actuarial consulting fees in the life and health operations as well as a decrease in compensation expense from stock awards. Additionally, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, incentive compensation expense decreased $0.4 million from the comparable 2014 period due to the Company’s recent operating performance. On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses increased to 39.6% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015 from 35.4% in the three month period ended September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, this ratio increased to 38.1% from 34.4% in the comparable period of 2014. The increase in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to the increase in commission accruals at American Southern.

INCOME TAXES

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, 2015 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”). The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income. The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”). The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3.0 million and is ultimately phased out at $15.0 million.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 resulted from the DRD, the SLD and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve. All unused capital loss carryforwards expired at the end of 2014.

The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year, after the Company’s tax return for the previous year is filed with the IRS.

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 September 30, 2015, the Parent had approximately $22.7 million of unrestricted cash and investments.
 
The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $7.2 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to statutory net income of $4.9 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business. In periods in which the Company’s first year premiums increase, statutory results are generally lower than results determined under GAAP. Statutory results for the Company’s property and casualty operations may differ from the Company’s results of operations under GAAP due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s life and health operations’ statutory results may differ from GAAP results primarily due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes, as well as the use of different reserving methods.

Over 90% of the invested assets of the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries are invested in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, the use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations. Dividend payments to a parent corporation by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries. At September 30, 2015, American Southern had $38.4 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $35.7 million of statutory surplus. In 2015, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $7.6 million would require prior approval. Through September 30, 2015, the Parent received dividends of $4.9 million from its subsidiaries.

The Parent provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries. The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries include reimbursements for various shared services and other expenses incurred directly on behalf of the subsidiaries by the Parent. In addition, there is in place a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Parent and its insurance subsidiaries. As a result of the Parent’s tax loss, it is anticipated that the tax-sharing agreement will continue to provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries to assist in meeting its cash flow obligations.

The Company has two statutory trusts which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts and investing the gross proceeds of the trust preferred securities in Junior Subordinated Debentures. The outstanding $18.0 million and $15.7 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 4, 2032 and May 15, 2033, respectively, are callable quarterly, in whole or in part, only at the option of the Company, and have an interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The margin ranges from 4.00% to 4.10%. At September 30, 2015, the effective interest rate was 4.38%. 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 September 30, 2015, the Company had 55,000 shares of Series D preferred stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) outstanding. All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock are held by an affiliate of the Company’s controlling shareholder. The outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative. In certain circumstances, the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,378,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval; and are redeemable solely at the Company’s option. The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently convertible. At September 30, 2015, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.3 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $16.4 million at December 31, 2014 to $14.6 million at September 30, 2015. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to net cash used in operating activities of $1.4 million, additions to property and equipment of $0.2 million, dividends paid on the Company’s common stock of $0.4 million and the purchase of shares for treasury for $0.4 million. Partially offsetting the decrease in cash and cash equivalents was a $0.6 million increase resulting from the sale and maturity of securities exceeding investment purchases.

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

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

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

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws. Those statements, to the extent they are not historical facts, should be considered forward-looking statements, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts, or otherwise.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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

On May 6, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan that allows for the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Repurchase Plan") on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company. Any such repurchases can be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements.

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 September 30, 2015.
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 
July 1 – July 31, 2015
   
15,108
   
$
3.75
     
15,108
     
371,455
 
August 1 – August 31, 2015
   
9,777
     
3.69
     
9,777
     
361,678
 
September 1 – September 30, 2015
   
20,285
     
3.79
     
20,285
     
341,393
 
Total
   
45,170
   
$
3.75