================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

                                    FORM 10-K


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

                   For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997
                                            or
            |_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
              THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

                          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          (I.R.S. employer
           incorporation or organization)          identification no.)

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

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

           Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
                                      None
           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                          Common Stock, $1.00 par value
                                (Title of class)

                       ----------------------------------

     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 X . No .

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this 10-K or any amendment to this Form
10-K. |_|
                            ------------------------

     The aggregate  market value of common stock held by  non-affiliates  of the
registrant  as of March 8, 1998,  was  $28,205,853.  On March 8, 1998 there were
18,915,027  shares of the registrant's  common stock, par value $1.00 per share,
outstanding.
                            ------------------------

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


     1.  Portions of  registrant's  Annual Report to  Shareholders  for the year
ended December 31, 1997 - Parts I, II and IV.
     2.  Portions of  registrant's  Proxy  Statement  for the Annual  Meeting of
Shareholders, to be held on May 5, 1998, have been incorporated in Items 10, 11,
12 and 13 of Part III of this Form 10-K.
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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I                                                                    Page
    Item  1.  Business..................................................    3

                The Company..............................................   3
                  Casualty Division......................................   3
                  Life and Health Division...............................   5
                  Marketing..............................................   5
                  Underwriting...........................................   6
                  Operating Results......................................   8
                  Policyholder and Claims Services.......................   9
                  Reserves...............................................  10
                  Reinsurance............................................  12
                  Competition............................................  12
                  Rating.................................................  13
                  Regulation.............................................  13
                  NAIC Ratios............................................  14
                  Risk-Based Capital.....................................  14
                  Investments............................................  15
                  Employees..............................................  16
                Financial Information by Industry Segment................  16
                Executive Officers of the Registrant.....................  16
                Forward-Looking Statements...............................  17
    Item  2.  Properties.................................................  17
    Item  3.  Legal Proceedings..........................................  17
    Item  4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders........  17

PART II
    Item  5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
                Related Shareholder Matters..............................  18
    Item  6.  Selected Financial Data....................................  19
    Item  7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                and Results of Operations................................  19
    Item  8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................  19
    Item  9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
                and Financial Disclosure.................................  19

PART III
    Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant........  20
    Item 11.   Executive Compensation....................................  20
    Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
                 Management..............................................  20
    Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............  20

PART IV

    Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports 
                 on Form 8-K.............................................  20


                                       2



                                     PART I


ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

The Company


    Atlantic  American  Corporation,  a Georgia  Corporation  (the  "Parent"  or
"Company")  incorporated in 1968, is a holding company that operates through its
subsidiaries in well-defined specialty markets of the life, health, property and
casualty insurance  industries.  Atlantic American's principal  subsidiaries are
Georgia Casualty & Surety Company ("Georgia Casualty"), incorporated in 1947 and
acquired  in  1968,   Bankers  Fidelity  Life  Insurance  Company   ("Bankers"),
incorporated  in 1955 and  acquired in 1976,  and  American  Southern  Insurance
Company  and its wholly  owned  subsidiary  American  Safety  Insurance  Company
(collectively, "American Southern"), incorporated in 1936 and acquired in 1995.

    On January 1, 1997, the Company's wholly-owned  subsidiary Atlantic American
Life Insurance  Company  ("Atlantic  American  Life"),  incorporated in 1946 and
acquired in 1968, was merged with and into Bankers.  The business and operations
of Atlantic American Life, which were substantially similar to those of Bankers,
have been consolidated into Bankers.

    In addition, during 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock
of  American  Independent  Life  Insurance  Company  ("AI").  AI,  domiciled  in
Pennsylvania,  was  acquired  to  complement  the  operations  of  Bankers.  The
operations of AI were  assimilated  into the operations of Bankers shortly after
the acquisition and expanded the Company's  geographic  presence in the Life and
Health area by five states.

    During 1997,  the Company also  acquired  100% of the  outstanding  stock of
Self-Insurance  Administrators,  Inc. ("SIA").  SIA, domiciled in Georgia,  is a
third party administrator that specializes in providing  administrative services
to those companies and  organizations  that choose to self-insure their workers'
compensation  risks.  The  acquisition of SIA provides the Company with an entry
into alternative services in the property and casualty insurance marketplace.

    During 1996, the Company sold its majority interest in Leath Furniture,  LLC
(f/k/a/ Leath  Furniture,  Inc.,  "Leath").  Leath is reflected as  discontinued
operations in the Company's financial statements for 1996 and 1995.

    Together  Bankers  and AI  constitute  the "Life and  Health  Division"  and
Georgia Casualty and American Southern constitute the "Casualty Division".

    The Company's  strategy is to focus on  well-defined  niches within  various
areas of the insurance marketplace.  Each of the Company's subsidiaries operates
autonomously as the Company believes this allows each subsidiary to best exploit
its expertise.  However, the Company seeks to develop and expand cross-marketing
and joint-underwriting opportunities as they arise.

    Additional  information  concerning the Company and its  subsidiaries may be
found in  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and
Results of  Operations"  of the Company's  1997 Annual  Report to  Shareholders,
which is incorporated herein by reference.

    Casualty Division

    The  Casualty  Division is divided  into two  distinct  operating  entities,
American  Southern and Georgia  Casualty.  The primary  products  offered by the
Casualty  Division  are  described  below,  followed  by  an  overview  of  both
companies.

    Workers'  Compensation  insurance  policies  provide  indemnity  and medical
    ----------------------
benefits  to  insured  workers  for  injuries  sustained  in the course of their
employment.

    Business Automobile Insurance policies provide for bodily injury or property
    -----------------------------
damage liability coverage,  uninsured  motorists  coverage,  and physical damage
coverage.

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

    Property  insurance  policies  provide  for  payment  of  losses on real and
    --------
personal property caused by fire and other multiple perils.

                                       3


    American Southern.  American Southern provides tailored fleet automobile and
long-haul physical damage insurance coverage, on a multi-year contract basis, to
state governments,  local  municipalities and other large motor pools and fleets
("block accounts") that can be specifically rated and underwritten.  The size of
the block accounts  insured by American  Southern are such that individual class
experience generally can be determined, which allows for customized policy terms
and rates.  American  Southern  produces  business in 18 of the 24 states in the
Southeast and Midwest in which it is authorized to conduct  business.  While the
majority of American  Southern's  premiums are derived from auto  liability  and
auto  physical  damage,  American  Southern  also  provides  property,   general
liability, and surety coverages.

    The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of
American  Southern's net earned premiums for each of its principal product lines
since its acquisition by the Company.

                                         Year Ended December 31,

                                         -----------------------
                                            (in thousands)
                                            1997        1996
                                         ----------  -----------
        Automobile Physical Damage       $  4,508     $  4,865
        Automobile Liability               30,909       30,889
        General Liability                   3,116        1,947
        Property                            3,206        3,461
        Surety                                 60           88
                                         ==========  ===========
            Total                         $41,799      $41,250
                                         ==========  ===========


    Georgia Casualty. Georgia Casualty is a property-casualty  insurance company
engaged in the sale of commercial  lines of insurance,  focusing on underwriting
workers' compensation and commercial coverages in the Southeast.

    Georgia Casualty writes business for both mainstream  business  accounts and
for  industries  that are perceived to be high risk. The company is selective in
its  underwriting and focuses on insureds with stringent safety and loss control
standards, or accounts that are willing to implement such standards.

    Georgia Casualty has a diversified book of business that includes commercial
lines other than workers' compensation,  including business automobile,  general
liability,  property,  commercial  umbrella;  and, beginning in 1997, a Business
Owners Policy ("BOP") was introduced.

    Georgia  Casualty  concentrates  its efforts in those states and  industries
which  management  believes offer the greatest  opportunity  for  profitability.
Currently, Georgia Casualty is focusing the majority of its new business efforts
in Georgia and Mississippi,  states which management believes offer the greatest
opportunity for balanced,  profitable growth. Outside of its core states, at the
end of 1997,  Georgia  Casualty had  authority  to produce  business in Florida,
South  Carolina,  North Carolina and Tennessee and the company  intends to begin
writing business in some of these states in 1998.

    The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of
Georgia Casualty's net earned premiums for each of its principal product lines:


                                           Year Ended December 31,
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                             (in thousands)
                             1997       1996       1995       1994       1993
                          ------------------------------------------------------
Workers' Compensation      $12,841    $13,826    $14,954    $11,958    $ 9,890
Business Automobile          4,031      2,550      1,436      1,054        953
General Liability            1,387      1,152      1,025      1,065      1,180
Property                     1,657      1,269        887        574        801
                          ------------------------------------------------------
   Total Casualty          $19,916    $18,797    $18,302    $14,651    $12,824
                          ======================================================

                                       4

Life and Health Division

    The Life and Health  Division of Atlantic  American offers a variety of life
and  supplemental  health  products with a focus on the senior and middle income
markets.  Products  offered by the Life and Health  Division  include:  ordinary
life,  Medicare  supplement,  cancer,  and other  supplemental  health products.
Medicare  supplement,  offered on both a standard and preferred basis,  accounts
for  46.5% of the Life and  Health  Division's  net  premiums.  Life  insurance,
including both whole and term life insurance policies, accounts for 38.8% of the
Life and Health Division's  premiums.  The Life and Health Division has begun to
offer  several  of its  products,  both life and  supplemental  health,  through
payroll deduction services.

    The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of
the Life and Health  Division's  net premiums  earned for each of its  principal
product lines followed by a brief description of the principal products.


                                         Year Ended December 31,
                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                              (in thousands)
                           1997       1996        1995        1994        1993
                         -------------------------------------------------------
Ordinary Life            $ 9,437    $ 8,937     $ 7,037     $ 6,716     $ 5,130
Mass Market Life           1,016      1,303       1,260       1,395       1,541
                         -------------------------------------------------------
  Total Life              10,453     10,240       8,297       8,111       6,671
                         -------------------------------------------------------

Medicare Supplement       12,534     11,560      11,882      13,347      15,052
Convalescent Care/
  Short-Term Care          1,141        955       1,191       1,385       1,628
Medical/Surgical             122        160         211         289         389
Cancer                     1,803      1,982       2,221       2,457       2,726
Hospital Indemnity           241        282         337         414         508
Accident Expense             523        677         790         892         992
Disability                   150        122         142         155         154
                         -------------------------------------------------------
  Total Accident and 
    Health                16,514     15,738      16,774      18,939      21,449
                         -------------------------------------------------------

    Total Life and 
    Accident and
    Health               $26,967    $25,978     $25,071     $27,050     $28,120
                         =======================================================

    Medicare Supplement. The Life and Health Division currently markets 7 of the
    -------------------
10 standardized  Medicare  supplement  policies created under the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA 1990") which are designed to provide insurance
coverage for certain  expenses not covered by the  Medicare  program,  including
copayments and deductibles.

     Cancer.  The Life and Health Division offers several policies providing for
     ------
payment of benefits in connection with the treatment of diagnosed cancer.

    Other Accident & Health Coverages.  The Life and Health Division also offers
    ---------------------------------
a number  of other  policies  including  convalescent  care,  accident  expense,
hospital/surgical and disability.

     Life  Products.  The  Life and  Health  Division  offers  non-participating
     --------------
individual  life  insurance  policies  with a number  of  available  riders  and
options.

Marketing

    Casualty Division

    American Southern.  American Southern's business is marketed through a small
number  of  specialized,   experienced   independent  agent.  Most  of  American
Southern's agents are paid a moderate up-front commission with the potential for
additional  commission by participating in a profit sharing  arrangement that is
directly linked to the profitability of the business. In addition, a significant
portion  (approximately  54% of total  written  premium) of American  Southern's
premiums are assumed from third parties.  In arrangements  similar to those with
its agents,  the premium  assumed from these parties is adjusted  based upon the
profitability of the assumed business.

                                       5

    Georgia  Casualty.  Georgia  Casualty  is  represented  by  a field force of
approximately  100  independent  agents  in the  sale  and  distribution  of its
insurance  products.  Each agency is a party to a standard  agency contract that
sets forth the  commission  structure  and other terms and can be  terminated by
either party upon thirty days written  notice.  Georgia  Casualty  also offers a
contingent profit-sharing  arrangement that allows the most profitable agents to
earn  additional  commissions  when specific loss  experience and premium growth
goals  are  achieved.  Marketing  efforts,  directed  by  experienced  marketing
professionals in each state, are complemented by the underwriting, loss control,
and audit staffs of Georgia Casualty,  who are available to assist agents in the
presentation of all insurance products and services to their insureds.

    Life and Health Division

    The Life and Health  Division  markets its  policies  through  commissioned,
independent agents. In general,  the Life and Health Division enters contractual
arrangements with general agents who, in turn, contract with independent agents.
The standard agreements set forth the commission arrangements and are terminable
by either  party upon thirty days  written  notice.  General  agents  receive an
override commission on sales made by agents contracted by them.

    Management  believes utilizing direct writing experienced agents, as well as
independent  general  agents who recruit  and train  their own  agents,  is cost
effective.  All independent  agents are compensated on a pure commission  basis.
Using independent  agents also enables the Life and Health Division to expand or
contract their sales forces at any time without incurring significant additional
expense.

    The   Life  and  Health   Division  has   implemented   a  selective   agent
qualification  process,  and had  3,500  licensed  agents  in 1997.  The  agents
concentrate  their sales  activities  in either the  accident and health or life
insurance product lines.  During 1997, a total of 1,170 agents wrote policies on
behalf of the Life and Health Division,  and  approximately  20% of those agents
accounted for 80% of the Life and Health Division's annualized premium.

    Products of the Life and Health  Division  compete  directly  with  products
offered by other insurance companies,  as agents may represent several insurance
companies.  The Life and Health  Division,  in an effort to  motivate  agents to
market their  products,  offers the  following  agency  services:  a unique lead
system,  competitive  products  and  commission  structures,   efficient  claims
service,  prompt payment of  commissions,  simplified  policy issue  procedures,
periodic  sales  incentive   programs  and,  in  some  cases,   protected  sales
territories consisting of counties and/or zip codes. Additionally,  the Life and
Health  Division  has a staff  of 19  employees  whose  primary  function  is to
facilitate  the  activities  of the agents and to act as  liaisons  between  the
agents and the Life and Health Division.

    The company utilizes a distribution  sales system which is centered around a
lead generation plan that rewards qualified agents with leads in accordance with
monthly production goals. In addition,  a protected territory is established for
each qualified  agent,  which  entitles them to all leads  produced  within that
territory.  The  territories  are zip-code or county based and encompass  enough
physical  territory to produce a minimum senior  population of 12,000.  To allow
for the expense of lead  generation,  commissions  were  lowered on the Life and
Health  Division's  senior citizen life plans. In addition,  the Life and Health
Division  recruits at a general  agent level  rather than at a managing  general
agent level in an effort to reduce commission expenses further.

    The  Company  believes  this  distribution  system  solves an  agent's  most
important  dilemma -- prospecting -- and allows the Life and Health  Division to
build long-term  relationships  with individual  producers who view the Life and
Health Division as their primary company. In addition,  management believes that
the Life and Health  Division's  product line is less  sensitive  to  competitor
pricing  and  commissions  because  of the  perceived  value  of  the  protected
territory  and the lead  generation  plan.  Through this  distribution  channel,
production per agent  contracted  increased  substantially  when compared to the
Life and Health Division's general brokerage division.

Underwriting

    Casualty Division

    American  Southern  specializes  in the handling of block  accounts  such as
states and  municipalities  that are generally  sufficiently  large to establish
separate  class  experience,  relying  upon the  underwriting  expertise  of its
agents.  In contrast,  Georgia  underwrites all of its accounts in-house and has
developed a team approach to underwriting with respect to renewal policies.  The
renewal  review  team  includes  members  of the staff from  management  and the
underwriting,  loss control, claims and finance departments. By receiving active
input from each of these departments,  the company has improved its underwriting
of the risks it continues to insure. All individuals with first-hand information
regarding an account are invited to share their information with the team.


                                       6

    During the course of  the policy year, extensive use is made of loss control
representatives to assist  underwriters in identifying and correcting  potential
loss  exposures.  The results of each product line are reviewed on a stand-alone
basis.  When the results are below  expectations,  management takes  appropriate
corrective  action  which may  include  raising  rates,  reviewing  underwriting
standards,  altering  or  declining  to renew  accounts  at  expiration,  and/or
terminating agencies with an unprofitable book of business.
                           
    American  Southern also acts as a reinsurer with respect to all of the risks
associated  with  certain  automobile  policies  issued by state  administrative
agencies,  naming the state and various local governmental entities as insureds.
Premiums written from such policies constituted 54% of American Southern's gross
premiums  written in 1997.  Premiums  assumed of $23.7 million  include a single
state contract of $15.9 million.  Management believes that its relationship with
all of its agencies is good;  however,  the loss of any one agency as a customer
could  potentially  have a material  adverse effect on the business or financial
condition of the company.

    Since September 1991,  Georgia Casualty has been a direct assignment carrier
in Georgia and is assigned  direct  workers'  compensation  policies rather than
participating in the National Workers'  Compensation  Reinsurance Pool.  Georgia
Casualty had 171 direct assignment  workers'  compensation  policies in force at
December 31, 1997 with a total net earned  premium of $0.8 million in 1997.  The
total net earned premium  Georgia  Casualty has been assigned has decreased from
$4.0 in 1995, to $2.5 in 1996, and to $0.8 in 1997.

    Georgia  Casualty  continually  evaluates the  industries in which it writes
workers'  compensation and today has a significant book of business in lines and
industries  where the cause of loss is more readily  identifiable and corrective
actions  can  be  implemented  through  loss  control  programs,  safety  plans,
drug-free  workplaces,   re-employment  drug  testing  and  various  other  risk
reduction programs.

    Life and Health Division

    The Life and Health Division  issues single premium life insurance  policies
with face amounts of not less than $1,000. All life insurance policies are fully
underwritten,  but the  majority are issued with  limited  medical  examinations
subject to maximum  policy limits ranging from $100,000 for persons under age 31
to $25,000  for  persons  under age 51.  Medical  examinations  are  required in
connection  with the  issuance  of life  insurance  policies  in excess of these
limits  and  for any  amount  on  policies  issued  to  customers  over  age 50.
Paramedical  examinations  are  ordered at age 41 for all life  applications  of
$50,000  and  above.  Approximately  95% of the net  premiums  earned  for  life
insurance  sold during 1997 were derived from life  insurance  written below the
Life and Health Division's  medical limits.  For the senior market, the Life and
Health Division issue special life products on an accept-or-reject  basis with a
face  amount  from  $15,000 at age 45 to a face  amount of $2,000 at age 85. The
Life and Health  Division only retains a maximum  amount of $50,000 with respect
to any individual life (see "Reinsurance").

    Applications  for  insurance  are  reviewed  as to the  applicant's  age and
medical history and depending upon this information,  additional information may
be  requested  including  the  "Medical  Information  Bureau  Report",   medical
examinations,  statements from doctors,  and, where  indicated,  special medical
tests.  If deemed  necessary,  the Life and Health  Division uses  investigative
services  to  supplement  and  substantiate  information.  For  certain  limited
coverages,  the Life and Health  Division  has adopted  simplified  policy issue
procedures  by which the  applicant  submits a short  application  for coverage,
typically  containing only a few health related  questions instead of presenting
the applicant's  complete medical history. At present,  approximately 20% to 30%
of the senior citizen life applications,  through age 79 on the standard product
and up to age 75 on the  preferred,  are verified by telephone.  For ages 80 and
above, 100% of the standard applicants are verified. All telephone verifications
are  made  by  the  underwriting   department.   Applications  not  meeting  the
underwriting criteria are declined or additional information is requested.

                                       7

Operating Results

    The following  table sets forth, on a statutory  basis,  the incurred losses
and loss ratios for the Company's  Casualty and Life and Health Divisions during
the past five years.

                                       Year Ended December 31
                               -------------------------------------------------

                                1997     1996      1995         1994      1993
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                          (dollars in thousands)
Casualty (1)
  WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
    Incurred losses          $ 6,740   $ 6,645   $ 9,733(2)   $ 7,243   $ 5,405
    Loss ratio                 52.5%     48.1%      65.1%       61.9%     54.7%
  BUSINESS AUTOMOBILE:       
    Incurred losses          $27,237   $23,977   $  1,227     $    602  $   183
    Loss ratio                 69.0%     62.6%      85.5%        57.1%    19.2% 
  GENERAL LIABILITY:
    Incurred losses          $ 1,428   $ 1,242   $(1,238)(2)  $  1,080  $   766
    Loss ratio                 31.3%     38.9%         -        101.3%    64.9% 
  PROPERTY:
    Incurred losses          $ 1,840   $ 1,700   $    416     $    244  $   223
    Loss ratio                 37.9%     36.0%      47.0%        42.6%    27.9% 
  TOTAL CASUALTY:
    Incurred losses          $37,245   $33,546   $ 10,138     $  9,169  $ 6,577
    Loss ratio                 60.3%     55.9%      55.4%        63.7%    51.3% 
    Loss adjustment            13.9%     12.4%      15.2%        20.1%    19.2%
      expense ratio
    Expense ratio              25.3%     27.8%      31.4%        27.8%    43.7%
    Combined ratio             99.5%     96.1%     102.0%       111.6%   114.2% 

Life and Health 
  MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT:
    Incurred losses         $ 7,820    $ 7,136   $  6,688     $  7,582  $ 8,284
    Loss ratio                63.0%      61.7%      57.6%        57.8%    56.5%
  CONVALESCENT CARE:
    Incurred losses         $   867    $   710   $  1,393     $  1,486  $ 1,861
    Loss ratio                74.2%      74.3%     121.0%       110.3%   121.3% 
  MEDICAL SURGICAL:
    Incurred losses         $   103    $   187   $    148     $    170  $   279
    Loss ratio                84.4%     116.6%      78.8%        61.4%    84.2%
  CANCER:
    Incurred losses         $   568    $   599   $    714     $    885  $ 1,035
    Loss ratio                31.5%      30.2%      32.9%        37.0%    39.1%
  HOSPITAL INDEMNITY:
    Incurred losses         $    72    $    54   $    171     $    206  $   215
    Loss ratio                30.3%      41.5%      52.9%        51.4%    65.8%
  ACCIDENT EXPENSE:
    Incurred losses         $    47    $   165   $    173     $    526  $   622 
    Loss ratio                 9.0%      24.4%      21.9%        58.9%    62.7% 
  DISABILITY INCOME:
    Incurred losses         $    90    $    37   $     72     $     84  $    90 
    Loss ratio                60.0%      30.2%      50.7%        53.2%    58.5% 
  TOTAL LIFE AND HEALTH:
    Incurred losses         $ 9,567    $ 8,888   $  9,359     $ 10,939  $12,386
    Loss ratio                58.3%      57.2%      57.2%        58.9%    59.6%

        
- -----------------------

(1)  Includes American Southern for 1997 and 1996 only. 
(2)  Includes adjustment to reallocate reserves to workers' compensation.

See "Reserves" for analysis of loss development and reserves.


                                       8

Policyholder and Claims Services

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

    The  Company  supports  a  Customer  Awareness  Program as the basis for its
customer  service  philosophy.  All  personnel  are required to attend  customer
service  classes.  Hours  have  been  expanded  in all  service  areas  to serve
customers and agents in all time zones.

    Casualty Division

    American Southern.  American Southern controls its claims costs by utilizing
its in-house staff of claim  supervisors to investigate,  verify,  negotiate and
settle claims.  Upon notification of an occurrence  purportedly giving rise to a
claim, the claims department  conducts a preliminary  investigation,  determines
whether an insurable event has occurred and, if so, records the claim.  American
Southern  frequently  utilizes  independent  adjusters and appraisers to service
claims which require on-site inspections.

    Georgia Casualty. Georgia Casualty controls its claims costs by utilizing an
in-house staff of adjusters to investigate, verify, negotiate and settle claims.
Upon  notification  of an  occurrence  purportedly  giving rise to a claim,  the
claims department  conducts a preliminary  investigation to determine whether an
insurable event has occurred and, if so, records the claim. This process usually
occurs  within 7 days of  notification  of the  claim.  Where  appropriate,  the
company  utilizes  independent  adjusters and appraisers to service claims which
require on-site inspections.

    Life and Health Division

    Insureds  obtain  claim  forms by  calling  the claims  department  customer
service  group.  To  shorten  claim  processing  time,  a letter  detailing  all
supporting  documents  that are  required to  complete a claim for a  particular
policy is sent to the customer  along with the correct claim form.  With respect
to life  policies,  the claim is  entered  into the Life and  Health  Division's
claims system when the proper  documentation  is received.  Properly  documented
claims are generally paid within three to nine business days of receipt.  During
1997, the Life and Health Division paid approximately 118,000 claims aggregating
$14.5 million,  of which  approximately  113,000 claims aggregating $7.8 million
were for Medicare supplement insurance.


                                       9

Reserves


    The following table sets forth  information  concerning the Company's losses
and  claims  and loss  adjustment  expenses  ("LAE")  reserves  for the  periods
indicated:

                                                           1997          1996
                                                       -------------------------
           Balance at January 1                          $ 84,074     $ 79,514
           Less: Reinsurance recoverables                 (26,854)     (22,467)
                                                       -------------------------
               Net balance at January 1                    57,220       57,047
                                                       -------------------------

           Incurred related to:
               Current year                                59,655       57,481
               Prior years                                     21       (4,802)
                                                       -------------------------
                   Total incurred                          59,676       52,679
                                                       -------------------------

           Paid related to:
               Current year                                33,857       28,279
               Prior years                                 22,246       24,227
                                                       -------------------------
                   Total paid                              56,103       52,506
           Reserves acquired due to acquisition, net          764           -
                                                       -------------------------
           Net balance at December 31                      61,557       57,220
           Plus:   Reinsurance recoverables                25,164       26,854
                                                       -------------------------
           Balance at December 31                        $ 86,721     $ 84,074
                                                       =========================

    Casualty Division

    The Casualty  Division  maintains  loss reserves  representing  estimates of
amounts  necessary  for payment of losses and LAE.  The Casualty  Division  also
maintains  incurred  but not  reported  reserves  and bulk  reserves  for future
development.  These  loss  reserves  are  estimates,  based on known  facts  and
circumstances at a given point in time, of amounts the insurer expects to pay on
incurred  claims.  All balances are reviewed  annually by qualified  independent
actuaries. Reserves for LAE are intended to cover the ultimate costs of settling
claims,  including  investigation  and defense of lawsuits  resulting  from such
claims. Loss reserves for reported claims are based on a case-by-case evaluation
of the type of claim involved, the circumstances  surrounding the claim, and the
policy provisions  relating to the type of loss. The LAE for claims reported and
claims not  reported is based on  historical  statistical  data and  anticipated
future development.  Inflation and other factors which may affect claim payments
are  implicitly  reflected in the  reserving  process  through  analysis of cost
trends and reviews of historical  reserve results;  however,  it is difficult to
measure the effect of any one of these considerations on reserve estimates.

    The  Casualty  Division  establishes  reserves  for claims  based upon:  (a)
management's estimate of ultimate liability and claim adjusters' evaluations for
unpaid  claims  reported  prior  to the  close  of the  accounting  period,  (b)
estimates of incurred but not reported claims based on past experience,  and (c)
estimates of LAE. The estimated  liability is continually  reviewed and updated,
and  changes  to the  estimated  liability  are  recorded  in the  statement  of
operations in the year in which such changes become known.

    The table on the following page sets forth the  development of balance sheet
reserves for unpaid losses and LAE for the Casualty  Division's  insurance lines
for 1987 through 1997,  including  periods  prior to the Company's  ownership of
American Southern.  The top line of the table represents the estimated amount of
losses and LAE for claims  arising  in all prior  years that were  unpaid at the
balance sheet date for each of the indicated  periods,  including an estimate of
losses that have been  incurred  but not yet  reported.  The  amounts  represent
initial reserve estimates at the respective  balance sheet dates for the current
and all prior years. The next portion of the table shows the cumulative  amounts
paid with respect to claims in each  succeeding  year.  The lower portion of the
table shows the  reestimated  amounts of previously  recorded  reserves based on
experience as of the end of each succeeding year.

    The reserve  estimates are modified as more information  becomes known about
the  frequency  and severity of claims for  individual  years.  The  "cumulative
redundancy or deficiency" for each year represents the aggregate  change in such
year's  estimates  through the end of 1997. In evaluating this  information,  it
should be noted that the amount of the  redundancy  or  deficiency  for any year
represents the cumulative  amount of the changes from initial reserve  estimates
for such  year.  Operations  for any one year are only  affected,  favorably  or
unfavorably,  by the  amount  of the  change  in the  estimate  for  such  year.
Conditions and trends that have affected development of the reserves in the past
may not necessarily  occur in the future.  Accordingly,  it is  inappropriate to
predict future redundancies or deficiencies based on the data in this table.

                                       10



                                                                Year ended December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (in thousands)
                                   1997     1996     1995     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990     1989       1988    1987
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
Statutory reserve for losses 
  and LAE                        $56,712  $53,496  $53,320  $50,154  $48,031  $48,485  $50,808  $52,668 $ 47,819(1)$39,036  $35,770
                                                                                               
Cumulative paid as of:
One year later                             18,899   17,865   16,548   18,106   18,827   22,060   22,837   21,321    21,592   20,812
Two years later                                     25,821   25,280   25,914   27,731   32,560   35,278   33,507    32,352   32,975
Three years later                                            29,273   31,021   36,786   38,046   40,768   40,891    39,832   39,168
Four years later                                                      33,674   40,295   41,872   44,267   43,745    43,713   43,249
Five years later                                                               42,498   44,530   47,204   46,183    45,767   46,004
Six years later                                                                         46,523   49,000   48,056    47,880   47,727
Seven years later                                                                                50,658   49,835    49,704   49,671
Eight years later                                                                                         51,100    51,288   51,617
Nine years later                                                                                                    52,424   52,363
Ten years later                                                                                                               53,293

Ultimate losses and LAE 
  reestimated as of:

             End of Year          56,712   53,496   53,320   50,154   48,031   48,485   50,808   52,668   47,819(1) 39,036   35,770
          One year later                   51,103   49,799   46,249   47,021   46,756   53,700   53,676   53,212    47,314   40,990
         Two years later                            46,952   44,850   44,043   45,999   52,670   55,919   54,438    53,998   49,569
       Three years later                                     44,138   45,568   48,446   53,040   55,865   56,064    55,313   55,752
        Four years later                                              46,638   53,064   52,326   56,514   55,707    56,255   55,511
        Five years later                                                       54,173   56,771   56,648   56,579    56,403   56,408
         Six years later                                                                57,898   60,515   56,984    57,446   56,868
       Seven years later                                                                         61,069   60,641    58,142   57,901
       Eight years later                                                                                  61,327    60,791   58,626
        Nine years later                                                                                            61,362   61,391
         Ten years later                                                                                                     61,759

Cumulative redundancy       
  (deficiency)                            $ 2,393  $ 6,368  $ 6,016  $ 1,393  $(5,688) $(7,090) $(8,401)$(13,508) $(22,326)$(25,989)

- -------------------------

(1)  Restated due to adjustment of $4.7 million for elimination of structured annuities changed to reinsurance in 1990.


11 Life and Health Division The Life and Health Division establishes future policy benefits reserves to meet future obligations under outstanding policies. These reserves are calculated to satisfy policy and contract obligations as they mature. The amount of reserves for insurance policies is calculated using assumptions for interest rates, mortality and morbidity rates, expenses, and withdrawals. Reserves are adjusted periodically based on published actuarial tables with some modification to reflect actual experience (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1997). Reinsurance The insurance subsidiaries purchase reinsurance from unaffiliated insurers and reinsurers to reduce their liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. In a reinsurance transaction, an insurance company transfers, or "cedes," a portion or all of its exposure on insurance policies to a reinsurer. The reinsurer assumes the exposure in return for a portion of the premiums. The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge the insurer from primary liability for the full amount of policies written by it, and the ceding company incurs a loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement. Casualty Division American Southern. The limits of risks retained by American Southern vary by type of policy and insured, and amounts in excess of such limits are reinsured. The largest net amount insured in any one risk is $100,000. Reinsurance is generally maintained as follows: for fire, inland marine, and commercial automobile physical damage, recovery of losses over $40,000 up to $130,000. Net retentions for third party losses are generally over $35,000 up to $100,000. Catastrophe coverage for all lines except third party liability is for 95% of $6.6 million over $400,000. Georgia Casualty. Georgia Casualty's basic treaties cover all claims in excess of $200,000 per person, per occurrence on casualty losses, and per risk on property losses, up to $10.0 million per casualty claim and $3.0 million per property claim. An excess catastrophe treaty provides coverage up to statutory limits for any one occurrence on workers' compenThe property lines of coverage are protected with an excess of loss treaty which affords recovery for property losses in excess of $250,000 up to a maximum of $3.0 million. Facultative arrangements are in place for property accounts with limits in excess of $3.0 million per risk. Life and Health Division The Life and Health Division entered into reinsurance contracts ceding the excess of their retention to several primary reinsurers. Maximum retention by the Life and Health Division on any one individual in the case of life insurance policies is $50,000. At December 31, 1997, the Life and Health Division' reinsured annualized premiums totaled $11.8 million of the $318.6 million of life insurance then in force, generally under yearly renewable term agreements. Two companies accounted for the $11.8 million of reinsurance: Munich American Reassurance Company ($9.6 million) and Optimum Reinsurance ($2.2 million). Certain reinsurance agreements no longer active for new business remain in-force to cover any claims on a run-off basis. Competition Casualty Division American Southern. All of the businesses in which American Southern engages are highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing and service. Many competing property and casualty companies which have been in business longer than American Southern have available more diversified lines of insurance and have substantially greater financial resources. Management believes, however, that the policies it sells are competitive with those providing similar benefits offered by other insurers doing business in the states where American Southern operates. Georgia Casualty. All of Georgia Casualty's insurance business is highly competitive. The competition can be placed in four categories: (1) companies with higher A.M. Best ratings, (2) alternative workers' compensation markets, (3) self-insured funds, and (4) insurance companies that actively solicit monoline workers' compensation accounts. Georgia Casualty's efforts are directed in the following three general categories where the company has the best 12 opportunity to control exposures and claims: (1) manufacturing, (2) artisan contractors, and (3) service industries. Management believes that Georgia Casualty's keys to being competitive in these areas are maintaining strong underwriting standards, loss control programs, writing workers' compensation coverages as part of the total insurance package, maintaining and expanding its loyal network of agents and development of new agents in key territories. In addition, Georgia Casualty offers quality customer service to its agents and insureds, and provides rehabilitation, medical management, and claims management services to its insureds. Georgia Casualty believes that it will continue to be competitive in the marketplace based on its current strategies and services. Life and Health Division The life and health insurance business is highly competitive and includes a large number of insurance companies, many of which have substantially greater financial resources. The Life and Health Division believes that the primary competitors are the Blue Cross/Blue Shield companies, AARP, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pioneer Life Insurance Company of Illinois, AFLAC, American Travellers, Kanawha Life, American Heritage, Bankers Life and Casualty Company, United American Insurance Corporation, and Standard Life of Oklahoma. The Life and Health Division competes with other insurers on the basis of premium rates, policy benefits, and service to policyholders. The Life and Health Division also competes with other insurers to attract and retain the allegiance of its independent agents through commission arrangements, accessibility and marketing assistance, lead programs, and market expertise. The Life and Health Division believes that it competes effectively on the basis of policy benefits, services, and market expertise. Rating Each year A.M. Best Company, Inc. publishes Best's Insurance Reports ("Best's") which include assessments and ratings of all insurance companies. Best's ratings, which may be revised quarterly, fall into fifteen categories ranging from A++ (Superior) to F (in liquidation). Best's ratings are based on an analysis of the financial condition and operations of an insurance company compared to the industry in general. These ratings are not designed for investors and do not constitute recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings are important in the insurance industry, and improved ratings should have a favorable impact on the ability of the companies to compete in the marketplace. Casualty Division American Southern. American Southern and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Safety Insurance Company, are each currently rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Georgia Casualty. In early 1997, Georgia Casualty received a Best's rating of B+ (Very Good). Life and Health Division Bankers Fidelity. Bankers Fidelity maintains a Best's rating of B+ (Very Good). American Independent. American Independent is currently rated C by A.M. Best, however, the rating was placed under review with "positive implications" following its acquisition by Atlantic American and as of the date hereof a new rating had not been assigned. Regulation In common with all domestic insurance companies, the Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. Statutes typically delegate regulatory, supervisory, and administrative powers to state insurance commissions. The method of such regulation varies, but regulation relates generally to the licensing of insurers and their agents, the nature of and limitations on investments, approval of policy forms, reserve requirements, the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, and periodic examinations of insurers and trade practices, among other things. The Company's products generally are subject to rate regulation by state insurance commissions, which require that certain minimum loss ratios be maintained. Certain states also have insurance holding company laws which require registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies controlled by other corporations licensed to transact business within their respective jurisdictions. The Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to such legislation and are registered as controlled insurers in those jurisdictions in which such registration is required. Such laws vary from state to state but typically require periodic disclosure concerning the corporation which controls the registered insurers and all subsidiaries of such corporations, as well as prior notice to, or approval by, the state insurance commission of intercorporate transfers of assets (including payments of dividends in excess of specified amounts by the insurance subsidiaries) within the holding company system. 13 Most states require that rate schedules and other information be filed with the state's insurance regulatory authority, either directly or through a rating organization with which the insurer is affiliated. The regulatory authority may disapprove a rate filing if it determines that the rates are inadequate, excessive, or discriminatory. The Company has historically experienced no significant regulatory resistance to its applications for rate increases. A state may require that acceptable securities be deposited for the protection either of policyholders located in those states or of all policyholders. As of December 31, 1997, $15.7 million of securities were on deposit either directly with various state authorities or with third parties pursuant to various custodial agreements on behalf of the Life and Health and the Casualty Divisions. Virtually all of the states in which the Company's insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require participation in their respective guaranty funds designed to cover claims against insolvent insurers. Insurers authorized to transact business in these jurisdictions are generally subject to assessments of up to 4% of annual direct premiums written in that jurisdiction to pay such claims, if any. The occurrence and amount of such assessments has increased in recent years. The likelihood and amount of any future assessments cannot be estimated until an insolvency has occurred. For the last five years, the amount incurred by the Company was not material. NAIC Ratios The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC") was established to provide guidelines to assess the financial strength of insurance companies for state regulatory purposes. The NAIC conducts annual reviews of the financial data of insurance companies primarily through the application of 13 financial ratios prepared on a statutory basis. The annual statements are submitted to state insurance departments to assist them in monitoring insurance companies in their states and to set forth a desirable range in which companies should fall in each such ratio. The NAIC suggests that insurance companies which fall outside of the "usual" range in four or more financial ratios are those most likely to require analysis by state regulators. However, according to the NAIC, it may not be unusual for a financially sound company to have several ratios outside the "usual" range, and in normal years the NAIC expects 15% of the companies it tests to be outside the "usual" range in four or more categories. For the year ended December 31, 1997, American Southern, Georgia Casualty and Bankers Fidelity were all within the NAIC "usual" range for all 13 financial ratios. American Independent was outside the "usual" range on three ratios; net change in capital and surplus, net income to total income and surplus relief. These variances are a result of activity that took place prior to Atlantic American's acquisition of American Independent. Risk-Based Capital RBC is used by rating agencies and regulators as an early warning tool to identify weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating further regulatory action. The RBC calculation determines the amount of Adjusted Capital needed by a company to avoid regulatory action. "Authorized Control Level Risk-Based Capital" ("ACL") is calculated; if a company's adjusted capital is 200% or lower than ACL, it is subject to regulatory action. At December 31, 1997, all of the Company's insurance subsidiaries substantially exceeded the RBC regulatory levels. 14 Investments Investment income represents a significant portion of the Company's total income. Insurance company investments are subject to state insurance laws and regulations which limit the concentration and types of investments. The following table provides information on the Company's investments as of the dates indicated. December 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent -------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Bonds: U.S. Government, agencies and authorities $ 76,701 38.4% $ 73,097 39.7% $ 71,549 39.6% States, municipalities and political subdivisions 2,738 1.4 3,496 1.9 21,947 12.2 Public utilities 1,893 1.0 1,505 .8 4,110 2.3 Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached - NIL 1,275 .7 1,188 .7 All other corp. bonds 10,457 5.5 11,562 6.3 12,829 7.1 Certificates of deposit 395 0.2 375 .2 1,690 .9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total fixed maturities(1) 92,184 46.5 91,310 49.6 113,313 62.8 Common and preferred stocks (2) 46,876 23.6 37,762 20.5 42,116 23.3 Mortgage, policy and student loans (3) 9,536 2.1 13,367 7.3 12,642 7.0 Investments in limited partnerships (4) 3,941 2.7 - - - - Real estate 46 NIL 46 NIL 46 NIL Short-term investments (5) 46,167 23.1 41,614 22.6 12,498 6.9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investments $198,750 100.0% $184,099 100.0% $180,615 100.0% ==================================================================== (1) Fixed maturities are carried on the balance sheet at market value. Total cost of fixed maturities was $91.1 millio as of December 31, 1997, $91.6 million as of December 31, 1996, and $112.9 million at December 31, 1995. (2) Equity securities are valued at market. Total cost of equity ecurities was $18.4 million as of December 31, 1997, $19.7 million as of December 31, 1996, and $26.9 million at December 31, 1995. (3) Mortgage loans and policy and student loans are valued at historical cost. (4) Investments in traded limited partnerships are valued at estimated market value; all other partnership interests are carried at historical cost. Total cost of investments in limited partnerships was $4.0 million as of December 31, 1997. (5) Short-term investments are valued at cost, which approximates market value.
15 Results of the investment portfolio for periods shown were as follows: Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) Average investments(1) $187,408 $180,816 $106,645 Net investment income 11,117 11,005 6,142 Average yield on investments 5.9% 6.1% 5.7% Realized investment gains, net $ 1,076 $ 1,589 $ 1,731 (1) Calculated as the average of the balances at the beginning of the year and at the end of each of the four segment quarters. The calculation for 1995 does not include American Southern's investment portfolio. Management's investment strategy is an increased investment in short and medium maturity bonds and common and convertible preferred stocks. Employees The Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 employed 176 people. Financial Information By Industry Segment Financial information concerning the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries by industry segment for the three years ended December 31, 1997, is set forth on page 21 of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders, and such information by industry segment is incorporated herein by reference. Executive Officers of the Registrant The table below and the information following the table set forth for each executive officer of the Company as of December 31, 1997, (based upon information supplied by each of them) his name, age, positions with the Company, principal occupation, and business experience for the past five years and prior service with the Company. Director or Name Age Position with the Company Officer Since - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J. Mack Robinson 74 Chairman of the Board 1974 Hilton H. Howell, Jr. 36 Director, President & CEO 1992 John W. Hancock 60 Senior Vice President and Treasurer 1989 Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Mr. Robinson has served as Director and Chairman of the Board since 1974 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from September 1988 to May 1995. In addition, Mr. Robinson is also a Director of Bull Run Corporation and Gray Communications Systems, Inc. Mr. Howell has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 1995, and prior thereto served as Executive Vice President of the Company from October 1192 to May 1995. He has been a Director of the Company since October 1992. Mr. Howell is the son-in-law of Mr. Robinson. He is also a Director of Bull Run Corporation and Gray Communications Systems, Inc. Mr. Hancock has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Company since November 1993 and Senior Vice President of the Life Companies since August 1997, prior thereto served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Life Companies since November 1993, prior thereto served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Company and each of the Life Companies since April 1989, and prior thereto served as Controller of the Life Companies since March 1988. He is also a Director of American Independent, Bankers Fidelity Life and Georgia Casualty. Prior to joining the Company in 1988, he was Vice President of Finance with National Consultants, Inc. 16 Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements and subject matters contained herein that are not based upon historical or current facts deal with or may be impacted by potential future circumstances and developments, and should be considered forward-looking and subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's belief, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available, to management pursuant to "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, and the discussion of such subject areas, involve, and therefore are qualified by, the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, and may materially differ from the Company's actual future experience involving any one or more of such subject areas. The Company has attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that it currently believes may cause actual future experience and results to differ from current expectations. The Company's operations and results also may be subject to the effect of other risks and uncertainties in addition to the relevant qualifying factors identified elsewhere herein, including, but not limited to, locality and seasonality in the industries to which the Company offers its products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, unanticipated increases in the rate and number of claims outstanding, volatility in the capital markets that may have an impact on the Company's investment portfolio, the uncertainty of general economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties identified from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of such factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. As a result, the Company's actual financial condition, results of operations and stock price could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. Undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Owned Properties. The Company owns two parcels of unimproved property consisting of approximately seven acres located in Fulton and Washington Counties, Georgia. At December 31, 1997, the aggregate book value of such properties was approximately $46,000. Leased Properties. The Company (with the exception of American Southern) leases space for its principal offices in an office building located in Atlanta, Georgia, from Delta Life Insurance Company, under leases which expire at various times from May 31, 2002 to July 31, 2005. Under the current terms of the leases, the Company occupies approximately 54,000 square feet of office space. Delta Life Insurance Company, the owner of the building, is controlled by J. Mack Robinson, Chairman of the Board of Directors and largest shareholder of the Company. The terms of the leases are believed by Company management to be comparable to terms which could be obtained by the Company from unrelated parties for comparable rental property. American Southern leases space for its offices in a building located in Atlanta, Georgia. The lease term expires January 31, 2000. Under the terms of the lease, American Southern occupies approximately 13,700 square feet. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Litigation The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of their businesses. In the opinion of management, such claims will not have a material effect on the business or financial condition of the Company. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders during the quarter ended December 31, 1997. 17 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the Nasdaq National Market (Symbol: AAME). As of March 8, 1998, there were 6,586 shareholders of record. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale prices of the Company's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. Year Ending December 31, High Low - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1st quarter $ 3 3/4 $3 1/16 2nd quarter 3 1/4 2 1/2 3rd quarter 4 1/8 2 1/2 4th quarter 5 1/2 4 1996 1st quarter $ 3 1/4 $2 1/8 2nd quarter 4 2 3/4 3rd quarter 3 5/8 3 4th quarter 3 5/8 3 The Company has not paid dividends to its common shareholders since the fourth quarter of 1988. Payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon the financial condition, capital requirements, and earnings of the Company as well as other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. The Company's primary sources of cash for the payment of dividends are dividends from its subsidiaries. Under the Insurance Code of the State of Georgia, cumulative dividend payments to the Parent Company by its insurance subsidiaries are limited to the accumulated statutory earnings of the insurance subsidiaries without the prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner. The Company's principal insurance subsidiaries had the following accumulated statutory earnings and/or (deficits) as of December 31, 1997: Georgia Casualty - $13.0 million, American Southern - $19.6 million, Bankers Fidelity Life - $18.0 million. The Company has elected to retain its earnings to grow its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. A total of 278,561 shares of common stock were issued in exchange for 100% of the outstanding stock of SIA, Inc., which shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended. 18 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Selected financial data of Atlantic American Corporation and subsidiaries for the five year period December 31, 1997 is set forth on page 1 of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation and subsidiaries are set forth on pages 23 to 27 of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes are set forth on pages 8 to 22 of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. 19 PART III With the exception of information relating to the Executive Officers of the Company, which is provided in Part I hereof, all information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, and 13) is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Election of Directors", "Security Ownership of Management", "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance", "Executive Compensation", "Employment Agreements With Management", and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" contained in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be delivered in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 1998. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) List of documents filed as part of this report: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page Reference --------- Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 8* Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years ended December 31, 1997 9* Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'Equity for the Three Years ended December 31, 1997 10* Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years ended December 31, 1997 11* Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 12-22* Report of Independent Public Accountants 28* * The page references so designated refer to page numbers in the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated within this Form 10-K, the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation is not deemed to be filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 20 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Report of Independent Public Accountants II - Condensed financial information of registrant for the three years ended December 31, 1997 III - Supplementary Insurance Information for the three years ended December 31, 1997 IV - Reinsurance for the three years ended December 31, 1997 VI - Supplemental Information concerning property-casualty insurance operations for the three years ended December 31, 1997 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted as they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. Columns omitted from schedules filed have been omitted because the information is not applicable. EXHIBITS 3.1 - Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation of the registrant [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996]. 3.2 - Bylaws of the registrant [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993]. 4.1 - Indenture between registrant and Wachovia Bank and Trust Company, N.A., Trustee, dated as of April 1, 1987 relating to the registrant's 8% Convertible Subordinated Notes due May 15, 1997 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987]. 10.01 - Lease Contract between registrant and Delta Life Insurance Company dated June 1, 1992 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.02 - First Amendment to Lease Contract between registrant and Delta Life Insurance Company dated June 1, 1993 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11.1 to the registrant's Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993]. 10.03 - Second Amendment to Lease Contract between registrant and Delta Life Insurance Company dated August 1, 1994 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11.2 to the registrant's Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994]. 10.04 - Lease Agreement between Georgia Casualty & Surety Company and Delta Life Insurance Company dated September 1, 1991 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.05 - First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Georgia Casualty & Surety Company and Delta Life Insurance Company dated June 1, 1992 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12.1 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.06 - Management Agreement between registrant and Georgia Casualty & Surety Company dated April 1, 1983 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986]. 10.07* - Minutes of Meeting of Board of Directors of registrant held February 25, 1992 adopting registrant's 1992 Incentive Plan together with a copy of that plan, as adopted [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991]. 10.08* - Employment Agreement, dated September 8, 1988, between the registrant and John W. Hancock [incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.30 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.09 - Employment Agreement dated September 2, 1988, between the registrant and Eugene Choate [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.10 - Loan and Security Agreement dated August 26, 1991, between registrant's three insurance subsidiaries and Leath Furniture, Inc. [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.11 - First amendment to the amended and reissued mortgage note dated January 1, 1992, [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38.1 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 21 10.12 - Intercreditor Agreement dated August 26, 1991, between Leath Furniture, Inc., the registrant and the registrant's three insurance subsidiaries [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992]. 10.13 - Management Agreement between Registrant and Atlantic American Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company dated July 1, 1993 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993]. 10.14 - Tax allocation agreement dated January 28, 1994, between registrant and registrant's subsidiaries [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993]. 10.15 - Stock Purchase Agreements by and between registrant and Fuqua Enterprises, Inc. dated as of October 16, 1995 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K, filed January 12, 1996]. 10.16 - Credit Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1995, between registrant and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K, filed January 12, 1996]. 13.1 - Those portions of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for year ended December 31, 1997, that are specifically incorporated by reference herein. 21.1 - Subsidiaries of the registrant. 23.1 - Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP Independent Public Accountants. 28.1 - Form of General Agent's Contract of Atlantic American Life Insurance Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990]. 28.2 - Form of Agent's Contract of Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990]. 28.3 - Form of Agency Contract of Georgia Casualty & Surety Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to the registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990]. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. None. *Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to, Part IV, Item 14(C) of Form 10-K and Item 601 of Regulation S-K. 22 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION By: /s/ John W. Hancock Senior Vice President and Treasurer Date: March 27, 1998 By: /s/ Edward L. Rand, Jr. Vice President and Controller Date: March 27, 1998 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ J. MACK ROBINSON Chairman of the Board March 27, 1998 /s/ HILTON H. HOWELL, JR. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) March 27, 1998 /s/ JOHN W. HANCOCK Senior Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) March 27, 1998 /s/ EDWARD L. RAND, JR. Vice President and Controller March 27, 1998 /s/ SAMUEL E. HUDGINS Director March 27, 1998 /s/ D. RAYMOND RIDDLE Director March 27, 1998 /s/ HARRIETT J. ROBINSON Director March 27, 1998 /s/ SCOTT G. THOMPSON Director March 27, 1998 /s/ MARK C. WEST Director March 27, 1998 /s/ WILLIAM H. WHALEY, M.D. Director March 27, 1998 /s/ DOM H. WYANT Director March 27, 1998 23 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation: We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated financial statements of Atlantic American Corporation, incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated March 20, 1998. Our audits of the financial statements were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The financial statement schedules listed in Item 14 (a) are the responsibility of the Company's management, are presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules, and are not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 20, 1998 24 Schedule II Page 1 of 3 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION (Parent Company Only) BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) ASSETS December 31, -------------------- 1997 1996 --------- --------- Current assets: Cash and short-term investments $ 223 $ 382 --------- --------- Investment in insurance subsidiaries 107,124 94,797 --------- --------- Income taxes receivable from subsidiaries 137 55 Other assets 2,424 2,278 --------- --------- $109,908 $ 97,512 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Notes payable to affiliates $ - $ 1,058 Current portion of long-term debt 1,000 8,559 Interest payable - 56 Other payables 3,125 2,076 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 4,125 11,749 --------- --------- Income taxes payable to subsidiaries - 633 Long-term debt 27,600 25,994 Shareholders' equity 78,183 59,136 --------- --------- $109,908 $ 97,512 ========= ========= The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed statements. II-1 Schedule II Page 2 of 3 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION (Parent Company Only) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- --------- REVENUE Fees, rentals and interest income from subsidiaries $ 3,841 $ 5,662 $ 5,968 Distributed earnings from subsidiaries 11,209 6,850 2,864 Other 20 94 12 ---------- ---------- --------- Total revenue 15,070 12,606 8,844 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 5,305 6,073 5,555 INTEREST EXPENSE 2,902 3,292 2,458 ---------- ---------- --------- 6,863 3,241 831 INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) (1) (1,862) (2,054) (274) ---------- ---------- --------- 8,725 5,295 1,105 EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES, NET (692) 2,316 2,013 ---------- ---------- --------- Income from continuing operations 8,033 7,611 3,118 (Loss) from discontinued operations, net - (4,447) (10,094) ---------- ---------- --------- Net income (loss) $ 8,033 $ 3,164 $(6,976) ========== ========== ========= (1) Under the terms of its tax-sharing agreement with its subsidiaries, income tax provisions for the individual companies are computed on a separate company basis. Accordingly, the Company's income tax benefit results from the utilization of the parent company separate return loss to reduce the consolidated taxable income of the Company and its subsidiaries. The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed statements. II-2 Schedule II Page 3 of 3 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION (Parent Company Only) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 8,033 $ 3,164 $(6,976) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 591 452 379 Equity in undistributed earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 692 (2,316) (2,013) Loss from discontinued operations - 4,447 10,094 Change in intercompany taxes (715) (245) - Decrease in other liabilities (157) (262) (746) Minority interest - - (554) Other, net (245) 2,528 1,550 ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 8,199 7,768 1,734 ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Investment in subsidiaries, net - - (38) Proceeds from sale of Leath Furniture, net - 3,645 - Acquisition of American Southern Insurance Company - - (22,770) Additions to property and equipment (536) (1,177) (1,058) ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (536) 2,468 (23,866) ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of bank financing 5,617 11,352 22,642 Preferred stock dividends to affiliated (315) (315) (315) shareholders Purchase of treasury shares (558) (338) (174) Retirements and payments of long-term debt and notes payable to affiliates (12,628) (20,662) (675) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 62 85 600 ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (7,822) (9,878) 220,078 ---------- ---------- --------- Net increase (decrease) in cash (159) 358 (54) Cash at beginning of year 382 24 78 ---------- ---------- --------- Cash at end of year $ 223 $ 382 $ 24 ========== ========== ========= Supplemental disclosure: Cash paid for interest $ 2,958 $ 3,763 $ 2,894 ========== ========== ========= Cash paid for income taxes $ 85 $ 116 $ 128 ========== ========== ========= Long-term debt, payable to affiliates, converted to preferred stock - - $13,400 ========== ========== ========= Debt to seller for purchase of American Southern Insurance Company - - $11,352 ========== ========== ========= Issuance of stock to acquire SIA, Inc. $ 1,212 - - ========== ========== ========= The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed statements. II-3 Schedule III Page 1 of 2 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (in thousands) Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Other Policy Deferred Claims and Loss Unearned Claims and Segment Acquisition Costs Reserves Premiums Benefits Payable - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 31, 1997: A & H..... $ 1,517 $ 6,890 $ 2,631 $ - Life...... 11,895 37,180 - 2,001 Casualty.. 3,071 81,839 21,781 1,996 ----------------------------------------------------------------- $16,483 $125,909(1) $24,412 $ 3,997 ================================================================= December 31, 1996: A & H..... $ 2,561 $ 6,924 $ 2,135 $ - Life...... 9,676 33,686 - 1,912 Casualty.. 2,942 79,849 22,965 1,727 ----------------------------------------------------------------- $15,179 $120,459(2) $25,100 $ 3,639 ================================================================= December 31, 1995: A & H..... $ 3,831 $ 8,907 $ 2,222 $ - Life...... 8,411 32,219 - 1,905 Casualty.. 2,657 74,693 21,918 1,983 ----------------------------------------------------------------- $14,899 $115,819(3) $24,140 $ 3,888 ================================================================= _________________________ (1)Includes future policy benefits of $39,188 and losses and claims of $86,721. (2)Includes future policy benefits of $36,385 and losses and claims of $84,074. (3)Includes future policy benefits of $36,305 and losses and claims of $79,514.
Schedule III Page 2 of 2 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION(1) (in thousands) Benefits, Amortization Investment Claims, Losses of Deferred Other Casualty Premium Income and Settlement Acquisition Operating Premiums Segment Revenue (Losses)*(2) Expenses Costs Expenses(2) Written ------- ------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------- --------- December 31, 1997: Life...... $10,453 $ 4,018 $ 7,022 $ 540 $ 3,480 $ - Casualty.. 61,715 7,363 45,442 7,760 7,986 60,562 A & H..... 16,514 1,157 8,554 1,404 6,564 - Other..... - (5) - - 4,292 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $88,682 $12,533 $61,018 $9,704 $22,322 $60,562 ================================================================================= December 31, 1996: Life...... $10,240 $ 4,210 $ 6,446 $1,449 $ 4,543 $ - Casualty.......... 60,047 7,377 40,245 5,349 13,039 61,068 A & H..... 15,738 1,234 7,590 1,386 7,565 - Other..... - 225 - - 3,644 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $86,025 $13,046 $54,281 $8,184 $28,791 $61,068 ================================================================================= December 31, 1995: Life...... $ 8,297 $ 3,941 $ 4,861 $1,799 $ 3,546 $ - Casualty.. 18,302 2,989 12,356 - 6,582 19,074 A & H..... 16,774 1,442 7,472 1,922 7,796 - Other..... - (75) - - 2,252 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $43,373 $ 8,297 $24,689 $3,721 $20,176 $19,074 ================================================================================= * Includes realized investment gains (losses). (1) Supplementary insurance information contained above includes amounts related to American Southern for 1996 and 1997 only. (2) Investment incom is allocated based on the pro rata percentages of insurance reserves and policyholders' funds attributable to each segment whereas other operating expenses are allocated based on premiums collected.
Schedule IV ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES REINSURANCE (in thousands) Ceded To Assumed Gross Other From Other Net Amount Companies Companies Amount - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended December 31, 1997: Life insurance in force........... $318,594 $11,767 $ - $306,827 ======================================================= Premiums -- Life insurance.................... $ 10,540 $ 91 $ - $ 10,449 Accident and health insurance..... 16,518 - - 16,518 Property and casualty insurance(1) 43,721 8,978 26,972 61,715 ------------------------------------------------------- Total premiums................. $ 70,779 $ 9,069 $26,972 $ 88,682 ======================================================= Year ended December 31, 1996: Life insurance in force........... $277,891 $10,072 $ - $267,819 ======================================================= Premiums -- Life insurance.................... $ 10,305 $ 65 $ - $ 10,240 Accident and health insurance..... 15,738 - - 15,738 Property and casualty insurance(1) 43,317 9,009 25,739 60,047 ------------------------------------------------------- Total premiums................. $ 69,360 $ 9,074 $25,739 $ 86,025 ======================================================= Year ended December 31, 1995: Life insurance in force........... $254,349 $10,003 $ - $244,346 ======================================================= Premiums -- Life insurance.................... $ 8,378 $ 81 $ - $ 8,297 Accident and health insurance..... 16,774 - - 16,774 Property and casualty insurance(1) 21,258 2,956 - 18,302 -------------------------------------------------------- Total premiums................. $ 46,410 $ 3,037 $ - $ 43,373 ======================================================== (1) Information contained above includes amounts related to American Southern for 1996 and 1997 only.
Schedule VI ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (in thousands) Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to ------------------- Amortization Paid Claims Deferred Net of Deferred and Claim Policy Unearned Earned Investment Current Prior Acquisition Adjustment Premiums Yead Ended Acquisition Reserves Premium Premium Income Year Years Costs Expenses Written ---------- ----------- -------- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------- ------- ---------- -------- December 31, 1997(1) $ 3,071 $81,839 $21,781 $61,715 $7,363 $48,562 $(3,003) $ 7,760 $41,883 $60,562 ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= ======== ======= ======= December 31, 1996(1) $ 2,942 $79,849 $22,965 $60,047 $7,205 $44,468 $(3,403) $ 5,349 $41,017 $61,068 ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= ======== ======= ======= ======= December 31, 1995 $2,657(1) $74,693(1) $21,918(1)$18,302(2)$2,989(2)$7,002(2) $ 5,985(2) $ - $12,923(2) $19,074(2) ======== ========= ======= ======= ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= ======= (1) Includes Georgia Casualty & Surety and American Southern. (2) Includes Georgia Casualty only.
                                                                    EXHIBIT 13.1

Corporate Profile

Atlantic  American  Corporation is an insurance holding company involved through
its subsidiary companies in well-defined  specialty markets of the life, health,
property and casualty insurance industries.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                                          Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997      1996      1995      1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance premiums              $88,682  $ 86,025  $ 43,373  $ 41,701  $ 40,944
Investment income                11,457    11,457     6,566     6,628     6,048
Realized investment gains, net    1,076     1,589     1,731       870       744
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total revenue                 101,215    99,071    51,670    49,199    47,736
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insurance benefits and
  losses incurred                61,018    54,281    24,689    21,955    25,364
Other expenses                   32,026    36,975    23,897    20,727    21,905
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total benefits and expenses    93,044    91,256    48,586    42,682    47,269
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  8,171     7,815     3,084     6,517       467
Income tax provision (benefit)      138       204       (34)   (1,632)     (989)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income from continuing
    operations                    8,033     7,611     3,118     8,149     1,456
  (Loss) income from discontinued
    operations, net                  -     (4,447)  (10,094)    1,121     1,543
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before extra-
    ordinary gain and cumulative
    effect of change in
    accounting principle for
    income taxes                  8,033     3,164    (6,976)    9,270     2,999
Extraordinary gain                   -         -         -        100       897
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before cumulative
    effect of change in accounting
    principle, for income taxes   8,033     3,164    (6,976)    9,370     3,896
Cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle,
  for income taxes                   -         -         -         -       (519)
    Net income (loss)          $  8,033  $  3,164  $ (6,976) $  9,370  $  3,377
================================================================================
Diluted net income (loss) per common share data:
    Continuing operations      $    .35  $    .32  $    .15  $    .43  $    .06
    Discontinued operations          -       (.23)     (.54)      .06       .09
    Extraordinary gain               -         -         -         -        .05
    Cumulative effect of change
      in accounting principle        -         -         -         -       (.03)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net income (loss)        $    .35  $    .09  $   (.39) $    .49  $    .17
================================================================================
Diluted weighted average common
  shares outstanding             18,842    18,882    18,671    18,511    18,476
Book value per share           $   3.27  $   2.29  $   1.61  $   1.47  $   1.24
Common shares outstanding        18,907    18,684    18,679    18,414    18,399
Total assets                   $271,860  $252,994  $245,494  $148,740  $154,822
Total long-term debt           $ 27,600  $ 25,994   $31,569  $ 24,327  $ 21,827
Total shareholders' equity     $ 78,183  $ 59,136  $ 46,478  $ 30,022  $ 25,806


                                       1

President's Message

To Our Shareholders:

     The past year was a successful and important one for our Company.  Atlantic
American completed two small but significant acquisitions,  American Independent
Life  Insurance  Company and SIA,  Inc.  These  acquisitions,  coupled  with the
continued solid performance of our existing insurance companies, produced a very
exciting and rewarding 1997.

     The financial  performance of the company was strong.  Net income  reported
was $8.0 million,  or $.35 per share,  compared with net income from  continuing
operations of $7.6 million, or $.32 per share, in 1996 - representing a 5.5% and
9.4%  increase,  respectively.  The  Company's  book  value per share grew by an
impressive 42.8% from $2.29 per share to $3.27 per share and total  shareholders
equity  increased by 32.3% to $78.2 million from $59.1 million.  Since 1991, the
book value of Atlantic American has appreciated  eight-fold.  Equally important,
during  1997 our total  debt,  which  was  primarily  incurred  to  finance  our
acquisition  of the American  Southern  Insurance  Companies  at year-end  1995,
decreased from $35.6 million to $28.6 million,  which represents a total debt to
equity ratio of 36.6% at year-end 1997.

     Atlantic  American's  property and  casualty  operations,  which  represent
approximately 70% of both our total revenue and net income,  once again produced
excellent  results.  The  American  Southern  Companies  renewed  all  of  their
important  accounts  during  the year and were able to report a very  successful
year with  continued  healthy  underwriting  profits.  The  hallmark of American
Southern's  success continues to be the strength of its  relationships  with its
producers and the unquestioned integrity of its senior management. The continued
outstanding   financial   performance  of  American  Southern  proves  that  the
old-fashioned  values of hard work, shooting straight,  and standing behind your
word are still key to long-term  success in our  fast-paced  modern  world.  Roy
Thompson elected to become Chairman  Emeritus of American Southern at the end of
1997.  Fortunately,  Roy will  remain an active  part of the Company and we will
still be able to draw upon his talents despite the change in title.  Calvin Wall
assumed the title of Chairman and CEO, a promotion he richly deserves.

     Georgia  Casualty,  which  celebrates its 50th  anniversary  in 1998,  also
produced a very good  year.  Despite  keen  pricing  competition  in most of its
markets  and  lines  of  business,   our  sound   underwriting   discipline  and
professional  claims  handling  produced  profitable  results  in all  lines  of
business,   other  than  our   discontinued   short-haul   trucking  program  in
Mississippi. In the fourth quarter, Georgia Casualty expanded into the states of
Florida,  Tennessee,  Louisiana,  North Carolina and South Carolina. In 1998, we
expect to see much growth  from these new  markets as we feel these  neighboring
states offer attractive markets for growth with little new overhead required. As
Georgia  Casualty embarks on its next 50 years, we will strive to continue to be
a strong regional  company which focuses on the people,  products and industries
it knows so well.

     SIA, Inc., which was acquired for shares of Atlantic  American common stock
in  October,  specializes  in  handling  the  workers'  compensation  claims  of
self-insured  companies and public sector  entities.  The addition of SIA, Inc.,
which continues to be ably run by its founder, Andy Thompson,  provides Atlantic
American with an entry into alternative  services in the insurance  marketplace.
It also complements the primary focus of Georgia Casualty,  allowing it to enter
a new line of business by providing  stop-loss  insurance to some of SIA, Inc.'s
clients.

     Our life and health  operations,  augmented  by the recent  acquisition  of
American  Independent,  a Pennsylvania  domiciled life insurance  company,  also
produced  an  admirable  year.  The  assimilation  of the  American  Independent
business into the Bankers Fidelity operation went very smoothly. We were able to
integrate close to $6 million in annualized premium and over 9,000 policyholders
into  our  operations  without  adding  any new  staff.  In  doing  so,  we have
eliminated virtually all of American Independent's operating expenses and spread
our own over a larger revenue base.  Going forward,  we expect this  acquisition
will add  significantly  to our  earnings  and will serve as a model for similar
acquisitions by Atlantic American.

     In terms of our marketing success, our life insurance sales continued their
climb as several new and refined life  products were  introduced.  For the first
time in  many  years,  our  supplemental  health  insurance  premiums  increased
significantly as our new products won consumer acceptance.  Since 1991, our life
insurance  premiums have increased more than 85% and our total life insurance in
force has increased over 60% during a time of relatively stagnant life insurance
sales for the industry as a whole.  We have also initiated a marketing  alliance
between the Bankers Fidelity payroll deduction  division and select property and
casualty  agents whereby they can introduce our payroll  products to their small
business  accounts.  Our first products from this distribution  method were sold
during the fourth quarter of 1997.

                                       2

     We are also  extremely  pleased that Mark C. West,  Chairman and CEO of the
Genoa Companies, joined our Board of Directors in June, replacing his father who
served so ably on our board for 17 years.  Atlantic American is truly privileged
to have such  longstanding  support and guidance from such a fine family. We are
delighted to welcome Mark to the Board of Directors.

     The steps we have taken and the fine results  achieved  this past year have
strengthened  our balance  sheet and helped to ensure that we have the financial
flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.  Many
people share the credit for our excellent  year in 1997.  The  leadership of our
Board of Directors,  the hard work of our management team, the dedication of our
employees and the  enthusiasm  of our agents were  critical to producing  such a
successful  year.  As we look to 1998,  we are highly  confident  that  Atlantic
American is positioned to compete and win. We are enthusiastic  about our future
prospects and greatly  appreciate  your  continued  confidence in and support of
Atlantic American.






J. Mack Robinson                          Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
Chairman                                  President and Chief Executive Officer




                                       3

OPERATIONS

Atlantic  American  Corporation  operates in both the  property and casualty and
life and  health  segments  of the  insurance  industry.  Each of our  insurance
subsidiaries  has a  distinct  niche and  strong  identity  in their  respective
markets.

The American Southern Insurance Companies

The American Southern Insurance  Companies provide tailored fleet automobile and
long haul physical damage insurance coverage, on a multi-year contract basis, to
state governments,  local  municipalities and other large motor pools and fleets
that can be specifically rated and underwritten.  While the majority of American
Southern's  premiums come from  Florida,  Georgia and South  Carolina,  American
Southern  produces  business  in 18 of the 24  states  in which it is  licensed.
Acquired  by  Atlantic  American  Corporation  at the  close of  1995,  American
Southern  continues  to  be a  solid  and  consistent  contributor  to  Atlantic
American's overall financial results.  American Southern generated approximately
47 percent of  Atlantic  American's  1997  premium  revenue  and both  insurance
companies of the American Southern group rated "A-", or Excellent, by A.M. Best.

A typical  American  Southern  account  ranges  from two to five years and has a
sizable  premium.  Consequently,  in  comparison  to Atlantic  American's  other
subsidiaries,  the growth in  premiums  written  by  American  Southern  is less
predictable;  however,  the underwriting  results and  profitability of American
Southern have  historically  been quite  consistent and new contracts tend to be
large, the addition of which can be significant.

Despite intensifying competition,  American Southern has been very successful in
its ability to maintain  and renew  virtually  all of its  long-term  contracts.
Throughout  its  60  years,  American  Southern's  executives  and  agents  have
instilled   confidence  in  their   customers   through  the  quality  of  their
relationships,  developed by  providing  outstanding  service and highly  unique
insurance programs.  To achieve higher growth rates while maintaining its target
profitability,  American  Southern  has  established  programs  to  enhance  its
business through  alternative,  customized  coverages and by obtaining licensing
approval in several additional states.

Another  objective  to  grow  American  Southern  is to seek  out  complementary
acquisitions that can be accretive and add depth to its business.  Moreover,  by
incrementally  expanding its business,  American  Southern strives to reduce the
risk of exposure that could result from the loss of any single large contract.

Georgia Casualty & Surety Company and SIA, Inc.

Georgia  Casualty  is  celebrating  its 50th  anniversary  in 1998.  Focusing on
underwriting  workers'  compensation and commercial  coverages in the Southeast,
Georgia  Casualty  increased  earned  premiums  by 6  percent  in 1997.  Georgia
Casualty  represented  approximately 22 percent of Atlantic  American's  overall
insurance  business and received a rating  increase to "B+", or Very Good,  from
A.M.  Best in  early  1997.  Another  significant  achievement  in 1997  was the
acquisition of Self-Insurance Administrators,  Inc. ("SIA, Inc."), a third party
administrator  of workers'  compensation  plans for  self-insured  companies and
organizations.  The addition of SIA,  Inc.  has  expanded  the services  Georgia
Casualty  offers  beyond  traditional   guaranteed-cost   workers'  compensation
insurance  and  various  deductible  programs  to  include  the  alternative  of
establishing self-insured workers' compensation programs.

An integral  component  of the growth of Georgia  Casualty has been its personal
approach to business  and loss control  programs  that enable it to identify and
correct potential loss exposures. This process allows Georgia Casualty to adjust
coverages or limits and, in some cases, decline to renew accounts at expiration.
By  adhering  to its  stringent  guidelines,  Georgia  Casualty  has  maintained
exceptional claim results and higher profitability levels.

Intense  competitive pricing throughout the workers'  compensation  industry has
been an  issue  impacting  margins  for all  insurers  who  write  this  line of
business.  Confident  in the  quality  of its  services  and  products,  Georgia
Casualty's  philosophy is to decline  business rather than reduce its pricing to
levels that could ultimately prove  unprofitable.  By adhering to this strategy,
Georgia Casualty has been able to maintain stable  profitability in the workers'
compensation  line. 

                                       4
 
Georgia Casualty is constantly  seeking ways in whichit can enhance its services
and ultimately  shareholder value. One of several objectives includes increasing
Georgia  Casualty's  geographic  presence  by  obtaining  licensing  and product
approval in new states.  In the fourth quarter,  Georgia  Casualty  expanded its
operations  into the  states  of  Louisiana,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,
Tennessee and Florida.

Bankers Fidelity and American Independent Life Insurance Companies

Bankers  Fidelity Life Insurance  Company,  and the recently  acquired  American
Independent Life Insurance  Company,  specialize in the sale of traditional life
and  supplemental  health and accident  insurance  coverages with a focus on the
senior and  middle-income  markets.  Over the years,  this  business  has been a
substantial   contributor   to  Atlantic   American  and  in  1997   contributed
approximately 30 percent of Atlantic  American's  total premium revenue.  At the
close of the year, Bankers Fidelity was rated "B+" by A.M. Best and was licensed
in 33 states, up from 28 in 1996.

In order to expand our existing businesses,  this past year we acquired American
Independent.  This acquisition  expanded our geographic presence by five states,
adding Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho and Pennsylvania;  and it complemented
our  product  offerings  by  adding  depth  in the  areas of  traditional  life,
supplemental  health and long-term care insurance.  The assimilation of American
Independent  into the  operations  of  Bankers  Fidelity  was  effective  almost
immediately  upon the  completion  of the  transaction,  allowing for  increased
operating efficiencies in addition to the new business acquired.

Bankers  Fidelity,  offering a series of value-added  products such as Standard,
Preferred and Modified Whole Life and Medicare supplement insurance,  focuses on
a  well-defined  customer  base - the senior and middle income  markets.  Recent
value-added  enhancements  have been to  package  and offer our  preferred  life
products,  with no additional application  requirements,  following the previous
approval of Medicare supplement  insurance  coverage.  Bankers Fidelity has also
introduced several new whole life products and a ten-year level term product, as
well as  refinements to our family life series of Cancer  Protection,  Accident,
Disability Income and Afford-A-Care products.

We have  continued to grow our business in the middle  income market by offering
payroll  deduction  programs  to  manufacturers  having 100 or fewer  employees.
Products in this series such as supplemental Cancer Care, Accident and Term-Life
have  been  particularly  well  received  in this  market.  The Life and  Health
Division has also fostered niche opportunities exemplified by its whole life and
annuity products to assist families with college funding.

A significant component to the strength of Bankers Fidelity has been its ability
to  offer  its  products  and  services   through  a  dedicated  agent  base  of
approximately 3,000 agents coupled with a strong internal support operation.

Bankers  Fidelity  has built its  business  based on the  confidence,  trust and
professionalism of its agents, and by offering a broad scope of quality products
and personal  services to its  customers.  We intend to maintain  this  culture,
pursue new business in niche markets and seek to maximize our potential  through
internal growth and by taking advantage of consolidation  opportunities  through
carefully selected acquisitions.

                                       5

                                    DIRECTORS

                                J. MACK ROBINSON
                                    Chairman
                          Atlantic American Corporation

                              HILTON H. HOWELL, JR.
                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                          Atlantic American Corporation

                                SAMUEL E. HUDGINS
                                   Consultant

                                D. RAYMOND RIDDLE
                  Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                        National Service Industries, Inc.

                              HARRIETT J. ROBINSON
                     Director, Delta Life Insurance Company

                                SCOTT G. THOMPSON
                      President and Chief Financial Officer
                       American Southern Insurance Company

                                  MARK C. WEST
                      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                 Genoa Companies

                             WILLIAM H. WHALEY, M.D.
                     William H. Whaley, M.D., P.C., F.A.C.P.

                                  DOM H. WYANT
                   Retired Partner, Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue


                                    OFFICERS

                                J. MACK ROBINSON
                                    Chairman

                              HILTON H. HOWELL, JR.
                      President and Chief Executive Officer

                                 JOHN W. HANCOCK
                       Senior Vice President and Treasurer

                               EDWARD L. RAND, JR.
                          Vice President and Controller

                                CLARK W. BERRYMAN
                      Vice President, Information Services

                               MICHAEL J. BRASSER
                         Vice President, Internal Audit

                                  JANIE L. RYAN
                               Corporate Secretary

                                BARBARA B. SNYDER
             Assistant Vice President and Director, Human Resources


                                       6

                 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


 (Dollars In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

                                  December 31,

                                     ASSETS                             
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1997          1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, including short-term investments of
  $46,167 and $41,614                                   $ 51,044      $ 45,499

Investments                                              152,583       142,485

Receivables:
   Reinsurance                                            25,164        26,854

   Other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts:
     $916 and $1,151)                                     17,470        16,301

Deferred acquisition costs                                16,483        15,179

Other assets                                               4,510         4,576

Goodwill                                                   4,606         2,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total assets                                        $271,860      $252,994
================================================================================

                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


Insurance reserves and policy funds                     $154,318      $149,198

Accounts payable and accrued expenses                     10,759         9,049

Debt payable                                              28,600        35,611
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total liabilities                                    193,677       193,858
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized:

    Series A preferred, 30,000 shares
      issued and outstanding, $3,000 redemption value         30            30

    Series B preferred, 134,000 shares
      issued and outstanding, $13,400 redemption value       134           134

  Common stock, $1 par,  30,000,000 shares authorized; 
    18,920,728 shares issued in 1997 and 18,712,167  
    shares issued in 1996 and 18,907,267 shares
    outstanding in 1997 and 18,684,217 shares
    outstanding in 1996                                   18,921        18,712

  Additional paid-in capital                              53,316        54,062

  Accumulated deficit                                    (23,653)      (31,426)

  Net unrealized investment gains                         29,498        17,713

  Treasury stock, at cost, 13,461 shares in 1997
    and 27,950 shares in 1996                                (63)          (89)

    Total shareholders' equity                            78,183        59,136
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity          $271,860      $252,994
================================================================================

The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.
                                       7

                 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

                                                   Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue:                                          1997       1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Insurance premiums                           $ 88,682   $ 86,025   $ 43,373
  Investment income                              11,457     11,457      6,566
  Realized investment gains, net                  1,076      1,589      1,731
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total revenue                               101,215     99,071     51,670
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefits and expenses:
  Insurance benefits and losses incurred         61,018     54,281     24,689
  Commissions and underwriting expenses          23,012     26,959     15,249
  Interest expense                                2,902      3,292      2,458
  Other                                           6,112      6,724      6,190
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total benefits and expenses                  93,044     91,256     48,586
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income before income tax provision
      (benefit) and discontinued operations       8,171      7,815      3,084

Income tax provision (benefit)                      138        204        (34)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income from continuing operations, net            8,033      7,611      3,118

Loss from discontinued operations, net               -      (4,447)   (10,094)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Net income (loss) before preferred stock
      dividends                                   8,033      3,164     (6,976)

Preferred stock dividends                        (1,521)    (1,521)      (315)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Net income (loss) applicable to common
     stock                                     $  6,512   $  1,643   $ (7,291)
================================================================================

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
  Continuing operations                        $    .35   $    .32   $    .15
  Discontinued operations                            -        (.23)      (.54)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net income (loss)                          $    .35   $    .09   $   (.39)
================================================================================

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
  Continuing operations                        $    .35   $    .33   $    .15
  Discontinued operations                            -        (.24)      (.54)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net income (loss)                          $    .35   $    .09   $   (.39)
================================================================================


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

                                       8

                 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

                                                                                                    Net
                                                                     Additional                  Unrealized
                                                Preferred    Common    Paid-In    Accumulated    Investment    Treasury
                                                 Stock(1)     Stock    Capital      Deficit        Gains         Stock      Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    
Balance, December 31, 1994                        $  30      $18,414   $33,289     $(27,452)      $ 5,741         $  -      $30,022
  Net loss                                           -            -         -        (6,976)           -             -       (6,976)
  Cash dividends paid on preferred stock             -            -       (315)          -             -             -         (315)
  Purchase of 78,148 shares for treasury             -            -         -            -             -           (174)       (174)
  Issuance of 343,606 shares for employee
    benefit plans and stock options                  -           298       291          (18)           -            102         673
  Conversion of debt payable to preferred
     stock                                          134           -     13,266           -             -             -       13,400
  Increase in unrealized investment gains            -            -         -            -          9,848            -        9,848
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995                          164       18,712    46,531      (34,446)       15,589           (72)     46,478
  Net income                                         -            -        -          3,164            -             -        3,164
  Cash dividends paid on preferred stock             -            -       (315)          -             -             -         (315)
  Dividends accrued on preferred stock               -            -     (1,206)          -             -             -       (1,206)
  Purchase of 104,635 shares for treasury            -            -         -            -             -           (338)       (338)
  Issuance of 109,452 shares for employee
    benefit plans and stock options                  -            -          6         (144)           -            321         183
  Gain on sale of subsidiary                         -            -      9,046           -             -             -        9,046
  Increase in unrealized investment gains            -            -         -            -          2,124            -        2,124
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996                          164       18,712    54,062      (31,426)       17,713           (89)     59,136
  Net income                                         -            -         -         8,033            -             -        8,033
  Cash dividends paid on preferred stock             -            -       (315)          -             -             -         (315)
  Dividends accrued on preferred stock               -            -     (1,206)          -             -             -       (1,206)
  Purchase of 213,089 shares for treasury            -            -         -            -             -           (735)       (735)
  Issuance of 157,578 shares for employee
    benefit plans and stock options                  -            -         3          (260)           -            530         273
  Issuance of 278,561 shares for acquisition
    of Self-Insurance Administrators, Inc.           -           209       772           -             -            231       1,212
  Increase in unrealized investment gains            -            -         -            -         11,785            -       11,785
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997                        $ 164      $18,921   $53,316     $(23,653)      $29,498         $ (63)    $78,183
====================================================================================================================================



(1)  Includes Series A and B preferred stock

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 9 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars In Thousands) 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 8,033 $ 3,164 $(6,976) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 9,704 8,184 3,721 Acquisition costs deferred (11,008) (8,464) (2,985) Realized investment gains (1,076) (1,589) (1,731) Increase (decrease) in reserves 618 5,352 (1,203) Loss from discontinued operations, net - 4,447 10,094 Depreciation and amortization 1,121 1,102 547 Minority interest - - 285 Decrease (increase) in receivables, net 1,114 (3,870) 997 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 13 (694) 177 Other, net 98 811 319 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by continuing operations 8,617 8,443 3,245 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by discontinued operations - (5,902) (9,177) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 8,617 2,541 (5,932) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from investments sold 7,748 44,445 21,027 Proceeds from investments matured, called or redeemed 52,074 40,868 17,004 Investments purchased (53,544) (54,632) (32,909) Acquisition of minority interest (101) (846) (1,012) Additions to property and equipment (733) (1,616) (1,107) Sale of Leath Furniture, Inc., net - 3,646 - Acquisition of American Independent, net of $1,946 acquired (719) - - Acquisition of SIA, Inc. 25 - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by continuing operations 4,750 31,865 (14,270) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by discontinued operations - (440) (2,551) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 4,750 31,425 (16,821) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of bank financing 5,617 11,352 22,642 Preferred stock dividends (315) (315) (315) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 62 85 600 Purchase of treasury shares (558) (338) (174) Repayments of debt (12,628) (20,662) (675) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash (used) provided by continuing operations (7,822) (9,878) 22,078 Net cash provided by discontinued operations - 6,342 9,345 Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (7,822) (3,536) 31,423 Net increase in cash and short-term investments 5,545 30,430 8,670 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year: Continuing operations 45,499 15,069 4,016 Discontinued operations - - 2,383 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 45,499 15,069 6,399 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year - continuing operations 51,044 45,499 15,069 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $51,044 $45,499 $15,069 ================================================================================ Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 2,958 $ 3,763 $ 3,096 ================================================================================ Cash paid for income taxes $ 85 $ 116 $ 128 ================================================================================ Debt to seller for purchase of American Southern Insurance Company $ - $ - $11,352 ================================================================================ Debt payable converted to preferred stock $ - $ - $13,400 ================================================================================ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 10 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data) NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Leath Furniture, LLC (f/k/a Leath Furniture, Inc.), previously a majority owned subsidiary, has been reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements (see Note 8) through the date of its divestiture on April 8, 1996 (see Note 14). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. At December 31, 1997, the Company had five insurance subsidiaries, which included Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, American Independent Life Insurance Company ("American Independent"), collectively termed as the "Life and Health Division", American Southern Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, American Safety Insurance Company (together known as "American Southern"), Georgia Casualty & Surety Company, and one non-insurance subsidiary, Self-Insurance Administrators, Inc. ("SIA, Inc."), collectively termed the "Casualty Division". American Southern was acquired on December 31, 1995, American Independent Life Insurance Company was acquired on October 1, 1997, and SIA, Inc. was acquired on October 28, 1997 (see Note 7). The results of operations of American Independent and SIA, Inc. are included from the date of acquisition and are not material to the overall operations of the Company. Assets and liabilities are not classified, in accordance with insurance industry practice, and certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation. Premium Revenue and Cost Recognition Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues when due, whereas accident and health premiums are recognized over the premium paying period. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the lives of the contracts in proportion to premiums earned. This association is accomplished by the provision of a future policy benefits reserve and the deferral and subsequent amortization of the costs of acquiring business (principally commissions, advertising and certain issue expenses). 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 policy benefit reserves. The deferred policy acquisition costs for property and casualty 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 the related unearned premiums and investment income. Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract period. The Company provides for insurance benefits and losses on accident, health, and casualty claims based upon estimates of projected ultimate losses. Goodwill Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of American Independent, American Southern, and SIA, Inc. is amortized over a 15 year period using the straight-line method. The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of goodwill may warrant revision. Should factors indicate that goodwill be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company will compare the recoverability of goodwill to a projection of the acquired companies' undiscounted income over the estimated remaining life of the goodwill in assessing whether the goodwill is recoverable. 11 NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) Investments All of the Company's debt and equity securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at market value. Mortgage loans, policy and student loans, and real estate are carried at historical cost. Traded limited partnership interests are carried at estimated market value; all other partnership interests are carried at historical cost. If a decline in the value of a common stock, preferred stock, limited partnership interest, or publicly traded bond below its cost or amortized cost is considered to be other than temporary, a realized loss is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the investment to its estimated net realizable value, which becomes the new cost basis. The cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. Unrealized gains (losses) in the value of bonds and common and preferred stocks, are accounted for as a direct increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity and, accordingly, have no effect on net income. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. They arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax laws and tax rates as those changes are enacted. The provision for income taxes represents the total amount of income taxes paid or payable for the current year, plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, plus common shares calculated for stock options outstanding using the treasury stock method. Unless otherwise indicated, earnings per share are presented on a restated diluted basis. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments in short-term, highly liquid securities which have original maturities of three months or less from date of purchase. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Boards has issued Statements 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income ("SFAS 130") and 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 130 establishes new rules for the reporting and displaying of comprehensive income. SFAS 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 1998. SFAS 131 requires companies to report segment information based upon a companies operating segments. Operating segments are revenue components of a company for which separate financial information is produced and are subject to evaluation by senior management. SFAS 131 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1997 and need not be applied to interim financial statements in the initial year. SFAS 131 will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 1998. The Company does not believe the effect of adoption of either statement will be material to its financial position or results of operations. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, although, in the opinion of management, such differences would not be significant. 12 NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS Investments are comprised of the following: 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Gross Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Amortized Value Gains Losses Cost - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonds: U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies $ 75,724 $ 670 $ 136 $75,190 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 2,738 30 - 2,708 Corporate securities 12,745 464 14 12,295 Mortgage-backed securities (government guaranteed) 977 30 3 950 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 92,184 $ 1,194 $ 153 $91,143 Common and preferred stocks 46,876 $29,561 $1,044 $18,359 Investment in limited partnerships 3,941 - 60 4,001 Mortgage loans (estimated fair value of $4,406) 4,243 Policy and student loans 5,293 Real estate 46 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments 152,583 Short-term investments 46,167 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investments $198,750
1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Gross Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Amortized Value Gains Losses Cost - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonds: U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies $ 67,370 $ 275 $ 443 $67,538 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 3,496 86 168 3,578 Corporate securities 14,717 272 272 14,717 Mortgage-backed securities (government guaranteed) 5,727 - 51 5,778 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91,310 $ 633 $ 934 $91,611 Common and preferred stocks 37,762 $19,348 $1,334 $19,748 Mortgage loans (estimated fair value of $7,732) 6,812 Policy and student loans 6,555 Real estate 46 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments 142,485 Short-term investments 41,614 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investments $184,099 ==========================================================================================================
Bonds having an amortized cost of $15,684 and $13,578 were on deposit with insurance regulatory authorities at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, in accordance with statutory requirements. 13 NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) The amortized cost and carrying value of bonds and short-term investments at December 31, 1997 by contractual maturity are as follows. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Carrying Amortized Value Cost - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Due in one year or less $ 59,651 $ 59,711 Due after one year through five years 19,873 19,449 Due after five years through ten years 47,358 46,861 Due after ten years 10,492 10,339 Varying maturities 977 950 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals $138,351 $137,310 ================================================================================ Investment income was earned from the following sources: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonds $6,906 $6,728 $3,549 Common and preferred stocks 1,373 1,622 1,205 Mortgage loans 554 863 791 CDs and commercial paper 2,130 1,443 548 Other 494 801 473 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investment income 11,457 11,457 6,566 Less investment expenses (340) (452) (424) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment income $11,117 $11,005 $6,142 ================================================================================ A summary of realized investment gains (losses) follows: 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limited Stocks Bonds Partnership Total - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gains $1,597 $ 16 $ 2 $1,615 Losses (104) (435) - (539) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total realized investment gains (losses), net $1,493 $(419) $ 2 $1,076 ================================================================================ 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limited Stocks Bonds Partnership Total - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gains $1,910 $ 73 $ 17 $2,000 Losses (411) - - (411) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total realized investment gains (losses), net $1,499 $ 73 $ 17 $1,589 ================================================================================ 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limited Stocks Bonds Partnership Total - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gains $1,743 $ 35 $363 $2,141 Losses (73) (9) - (82) Write-downs (162) (166) - (328) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total realized investment gains (losses), net $1,508 $(140) $363 $1,731 ================================================================================ Proceeds from the sale of common and preferred stocks, bonds and other investments are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common and preferred stocks $6,393 $9,734 $10,199 Bonds - 25,335 1,730 Student loans 1,262 6,053 7,278 Other investments 93 3,323 1,820 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total proceeds $7,748 $44,445 $21,027 ================================================================================ The single investment which exceeds 10% of shareholders' equity at December 31, 1997 was a common stock investment in Wachovia Corporation with a carrying value of $26,215 and a cost basis of $3,388. The Company's bond portfolio included 99% of investment grade securities at December 31, 1997 as defined by the NAIC. 14 NOTE 3. INSURANCE RESERVES AND POLICY FUNDS The following table presents the Company's reserves for life, accident, health and casualty losses as well as loss adjustment expenses. Amount of Insurance in Force ------------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Future policy benefits Life insurance policies: Ordinary $ 26,403 $ 22,451 $301,341 $256,482 Mass market 8,916 9,364 17,253 21,409 Individual annuities 808 856 - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36,127 32,671 $318,594 $277,891 =================== Accident and health insurance policies 3,061 3,714 - ------------------------------------------------------------ 39,188 36,385 Unearned premiums 24,412 25,100 Losses and claims 86,721 84,074 Other policy liabilities 3,997 3,639 - ------------------------------------------------------------ Total policy liabilities $154,318 $149,198 ============================================================ Annualized premiums for accident and health insurance policies were $21,434 and $15,884 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Future Policy Benefits - Liabilities for life insurance future policy benefits 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. The interest rates assumed for life, accident and health are generally: (i) 2.5% to 5.5% for issues prior to 1977, (ii) 7% graded to 5.5% for 1977 through 1979 issues, (iii) 9% for 1980 through 1987 issues, and (iv) 7% for 1988 and later issues. Loss and Claim Reserves - Loss and claim reserves represent estimates of projected ultimate losses and are based upon: (a) management's estimate of ultimate liability and claim adjusters' evaluations for unpaid claims reported prior to the close of the accounting period, (b) estimates of incurred but not reported claims based on past experience, and (c) estimates of loss adjustment expenses. The estimated liability is continually reviewed by management and independent consulting actuaries and updated with changes to the estimated liability recorded in the statement of operations in the year in which such changes are known. 15 NOTE 3. INSURANCE RESERVES AND POLICY FUNDS (CONTINUED) Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is summarized as follows: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at January 1 $84,074 $79,514 Less: Reinsurance recoverables (26,854) (22,467) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net balance at January 1 57,220 57,047 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incurred related to: Current year 59,655 57,481 Prior years 21 (4,802) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total incurred 59,676 52,679 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid related to: Current year 33,857 28,279 Prior years 22,246 24,227 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total paid 56,103 52,506 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reserves acquired due to acquisition 764 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net balance at December 31 61,557 57,220 Plus: Reinsurance recoverables 25,164 26,854 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 31 $86,721 $84,074 ================================================================================ Following is a reconciliation of total incurred claims to total insurance benefits and losses incurred: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total incurred claims $59,676 $52,679 Cash surrender value and matured endowments 1,263 1,522 Death benefits 79 80 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total insurance benefits and losses incurred $61,018 $54,281 ================================================================================ 16 NOTE 4. REINSURANCE In accordance with general practice in the insurance industry, portions of the life, property and casualty insurance written by the Company are reinsured; however, the Company remains contingently liable with respect to reinsurance ceded should any reinsurer be unable to meet its obligations. Approximately 74% of the reinsurance receivables are due from three reinsurers as of December 31, 1997. Reinsurance receivables of $14,300 are with National Reinsurance Corporation, "A++" (Superior), $2,100 are with First Colony Life Insurance Company, "A++" (Superior), and $2,300 are with Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association Insurance Company, "A+" (Superior). In the opinion of management, the Company's reinsurers are financially stable and allowances for uncollectible amounts are established against reinsurance receivables, if appropriate. Premiums assumed of $23,738 and $25,739 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, include a contract with premiums of $15,900 and $15,400, both 17.9% of net premiums earned for the years 1997 and 1996, respectively. The following table reconciles premiums written to premiums earned and summarizes the components of insurance benefits and losses incurred. 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Premiums written $73,006 $70,295 $46,773 Plus - premiums assumed 23,738 25,739 - Less - premiums ceded (9,345) (9,074) (3,037) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net premiums written 87,399 86,960 43,736 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in unearned premiums 1,314 (960) (230) Change in unearned premiums ceded (31) 25 (133) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net change in unearned premiums 1,283 (935) (363) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net premiums earned $88,682 $86,025 $43,373 ================================================================================ Provision for benefits and losses incurred $68,043 $58,801 $25,999 Reinsurance loss recoveries (7,025) (4,520) (1,310) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insurance benefits and losses incurred $61,018 $54,281 $24,689 ================================================================================ 17 NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes on income before discontinued operations computed at the federal statutory income tax rate is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35% $ 2,860 $ 2,735 $ 1,079 Tax exempt interest and dividends received deductions (267) (413) (391) Change in asset valuation allowance - Utilization of net operating loss (2,585) (2,260) (731) Alternative minimum tax 130 142 9 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 138 $ 204 $ (34) ================================================================================ Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are comprised of the following: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs $(3,875) $(3,585) Net unrealized investment gains (10,325) (6,199) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax liabilities (14,200) (9,784) ================================================================================ Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards 15,101 17,856 Insurance reserves 8,600 7,702 Bad debts 321 404 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax assets 24,022 25,962 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asset valuation allowance (9,822) (16,178) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax assets $ - $ - ================================================================================ 18 NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) The components of the provision (benefit) are: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current - Federal $138 $204 $(34) Deferred - Federal - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $138 $204 $(34) ================================================================================ At December 31, 1997, the Company has regular tax loss carryforwards of approximately $43,147 expiring generally between 2000 and 2009. The Company has determined, based on its earnings history, that an asset valuation allowance of $9,822 should be established against its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 1997. The Company's asset valuation allowance decreased by $6,356 during 1997, due primarily to the utilization of net loss carryforwards in the current year from profitable operations and the increase in unrealized gains on the investment portfolio. Due to the uncertain nature of their ultimate realization based upon past performance and expiration dates, the Company has established a full valuation allowance against these carryforward benefits and recognizes the benefits only as reassessment demonstrates they are realizable. The Company's ability to generate taxable income from operations is dependent upon various factors, many of which are beyond management's control. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will generate future taxable income based on historical performance. Therefore, the realization of the deferred tax assets will be assessed periodically based on the Company's current and anticipated results of operations. The Company has a formal tax-sharing agreement with each of its subsidiaries. With the exception of American Independent, which files a separate federal income tax return, the Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. 19 NOTE 6. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS Debt payable is as follows: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8% Convertible Subordinated Notes paid May 15, 1997 ($1,058 held by affiliates at December 31, 1996) $ - $ 5,617 Note payable to bank due December 31, 2000 Balance at prime rate of interest (1997 8.50%; 1996 8.25%) 28,600 18,642 Balance at prime plus1/2% (1997 9.00%; 1996 8.75%) - 11,352 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total arrangements $28,600 $35,611 ================================================================================ Total arrangements - ------------------ Due within one year $ 1,000 $ 9,617 ================================================================================ Long-term debt $27,600 $25,994 ================================================================================ The note payable to bank due December 31, 2000, is payable in quarterly payments of $1,000 beginning in the fourth quarter of 1998 through 2000 with the balance due at maturity. Interest is paid quarterly in arrears. The interest rate on the note payable to bank changes based upon the Company meeting certain financial criteria. On January 1, 1998, the interest rate on the note payable was decreased to 8.0% (50 basis points below prime) as a result of the Company meeting certain financial criteria. The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants including, among others, ratios that relate funded debt to consolidated total capitalization, cash flow to debt service, and must comply with limitations on capital expenditures and debt obligations. The Company was in compliance with all of the convenants associated with the debt payable to bank at December 31, 1997. Maturities The Company's principal payments on credit arrangements outstanding at December 31, 1997 are as follows: Year Amount - --------------------------------- 1998 $ 1,000 1999 4,000 2000 23,600 --------- $28,600 ========= 20 NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS On October 1, 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of American Independent for approximately $2,700 in cash. The assets and liabilities of American Independent are included in the 1997 balance sheet and the results of operations are included from the date of acquisition. On October 28, 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of SIA, Inc. for approximately $1,200 in common stock of the Company. The assets and liabilities of SIA, Inc. are included in the 1997 balance sheet and the results of operations are included since the date of acquisition. The acquisitions of American Independent and SIA, Inc. were both accounted for as purchases and were not material to the financial position or results of operations of the Company in 1997. Had both companies been included in the consolidated financial statements for the earliest year presented, their impact on the consolidated results of operations would not have been material. On December 31, 1995, the Company acquired a 100% ownership interest in American Southern for $34,000 ($22,648 in cash and a note to seller of $11,352). Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of American Southern were included in the accompanying 1997 and 1996 balance sheets; however, the results of operations were only included beginning January 1, 1996. American Southern operates as a multi-line property and casualty insurance company primarily engaged in the sale of state and municipality automobile insurance. The acquisition of American Southern was accounted for as a purchase transaction and, accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired in the amount of $2,250 was recorded as goodwill and is amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. The following unaudited pro forma summary combines the consolidated results of operations of the Company and American Southern as if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 1995 after giving effect to certain adjustments. These adjustments include adjustments to increase interest expense on funds used by the Company to purchase American Southern, the amortization of goodwill, a reduction in American Southern's income tax expense due to the Company's intercompany tax-sharing agreement and the effect of the conversion of $13,400 in debt into 134,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (see Note 11). This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place at the beginning of the period. 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 95,855 ================================================================================ Net (loss) income: Continuing operations $ 6,865 Discontinued operations (10,094) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net (loss) income $ (3,229) ================================================================================ Diluted net (loss) income per common share data: Continuing operations $ .29 Discontinued operations (.54) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net (loss) income $ (.25) ================================================================================ 21 In connection with the acquisitions of American Independent and SIA, Inc. the following assets and liabilities were acquired: 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash, short-term investments $ 1,971 Other investments 3,585 Goodwill 2,701 Other assets 732 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets 8,989 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insurance reserves and policy funds 4,502 Other liabilities 593 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 5,095 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets $ 3,894 ================================================================================ 22 NOTE 8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Subsequent to year end 1995, the Company announced its intent to sell its approximately 88% interest in Leath Furniture, LLC (f/k/a Leath Furniture, Inc.), a retail furniture chain. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements report separately the operating results of these discontinued operations. The Company completed the sale of its interest to Gulf Capital Services, Ltd., a related party, on April 8, 1996. The gain from this transaction is reflected as a direct credit to additional paid-in capital. The following results of operations are attributable to discontinued operations: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Results of Operations: Net sales $45,502 $113,265 ================================================================================ Loss from discontinued operations $(7,885) $ (6,656) Benefit (provision) for discontinued operations 3,438 (3,438) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net loss from discontinued operations $(4,447) $(10,094) ================================================================================ Diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations $ (.23) $ (.54) ================================================================================ 23 NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation The Company and its subsidiaries are party to litigation occurring in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Operating Lease Commitments The Company's rental expense, including common area charges, for operating leases was $1,178, $1,222 and $1,013 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company's future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows: Year Ending December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 $1,053 1999 1,053 2000 800 2001 771 2002 563 Thereafter 1,242 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $5,482 ================================================================================ 24 NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Stock Options In 1992, the shareholders approved the Company's adoption of the 1992 Incentive Plan ("1992 Plan"). The 1992 Plan originally provided for a maximum of 400,000 stock options subject to issuance. The 1992 Plan was amended by the Board of Directors in 1995, and subsequently ratified at the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to provide for an additional 400,000 stock options. The Board of Directors may grant: (a) incentive stock options within the meaning of section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code; (b) non-qualified stock options; (c) performance units; (d) awards of restricted shares of the Company's common stock; or (e) all or any combination of the foregoing to officers and key employees. Options granted under these plans expire five years from the date of grant. Vesting occurs at 50% upon issuance of an option, and the remaining portion is vested at 25% in each of the following two years. In 1996, the Company adopted the 1996 Director Stock Option Plan, which provides for a maximum of 200,000 stock options with full vesting six months after the grant date. As of December 31, 1997, sixty-six employees, officers and directors were participants in the Plan. A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31, 1997 and 1996, is as follows: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted Weighted Avg. Avg. Shares Ex. Price Shares Ex. Price - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding, beginning of year 625,391 $2.14 430,141 $ 1.74 Options granted 379,500 4.08 276,000 2.47 Options exercised (129,491) 1.30 (76,750) 1.11 Options canceled or expired (5,000) 3.25 (4,000) 1.44 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding, end of year 870,400 3.11 625,391 2.14 ================================================================================ Options exercisable 624,900 2.89 441,141 1.98 The Company does not recognize compensation cost since the option price approximates fair value. If compensation cost had been recognized, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been as follows: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income: As reported $ 8,033 $ 3,164 $ (6,976) Pro forma 7,793 2,972 (6,989) Diluted earnings per share: As reported $ .35 $ .09 $ (.39) Pro forma .34 .08 (.39) The resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. Of the 870,400 options outstanding at December 31, 1997, 94,900 have exercise prices of $1.875 with a remaining contractual life of 2.0 years and all are currently exercisable. 125,000 options have an exercise price of $2.50 with a remaining contractual life of 2.8 years and all are currently exercisable. 269,000 options have exercise prices between $2.375 and $3.3125 with a weighted average exercise price of $2.46, a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.2 years and 201,750 are currently exercisable. 62,500 options have an exercise price between $3.00 and $3.25 with a weighted average exercise price of $3.1375, a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years and 43,750 are currently exercisable. The remaining 319,000 options have an exercise price of $4.25 with a remaining contractual life of 4.8 years and 159,500 are currently exercisable. 25 NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED) The weighted average fair value of options granted estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model is $1.83 and $1.11 for grants in 1997 and 1996, respectively, based on expected dividend yields of zero; expected lives of 5 years; risk free interest rates of 5.71% and 6.13%; and expected volatility of 39.97% and 39.80%, for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 401(k) Plan The Company initiated an employees' savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in May of 1995. The plan covers substantially all the Company's employees, except employees of American Southern. The Company previously had a profit sharing plan for its employees which was subsequently amended and restated to comply with the Section 401(k) provisions. Under the plan, employees generally may elect to contribute up to 16% of their compensation to the plan. The Company makes a matching contribution to each employee in an amount equal to 50% of the first 6% of such contributions. The Company's matching contribution to the plan has been funded by reissuance of the Company's treasury stock and was approximately $103, $102, and $72 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company has two defined benefit pension plans covering the employees of American Southern. The Company's general funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted for income tax purposes. Net periodic pension cost for American Southern's qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 included the following components: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service costs $102 $103 Interest costs 221 204 Actual return on plan assets (205) (97) Net amortization and deferral 28 (74) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $146 $136 ================================================================================ The following assumptions were used to measure the projected benefit obligation for the benefit plans at December 31, 1997 and 1996: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount rate to determine the projected benefit obligation 7.25% 7.75% Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to determine net periodic pension cost 8.00% 8.00% Projected annual salary increases 6.00% 6.00% The following table sets forth the benefit plans' funded status at December 31, 1997 and 1996: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actuarial present value of benefit obligation: Vested benefit obligation $2,219 $1,862 Non-vested benefit obligation 12 7 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated benefit obligation 2,231 1,869 Effect of projected future compensation levels 1,050 901 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projected benefit obligation 3,281 2,770 Plan assets at fair value 2,508 2,371 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 773 399 Unrecognized net loss (503) (272) Unrecognized net transition obligation and prior service costs (7) (9) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued pension cost $ 263 $ 118 ================================================================================ 26 NOTE 11. PREFERRED STOCK Annual dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") are $10.50 per share and are cumulative. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 752,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $3.99 per share and is redeemable at the Company's option at $100 per share, plus unpaid dividends. As part of the American Southern acquisition and effective December 31, 1995, the Company issued 134,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred Stock") having a stated value of $100 per share. Annual dividends to be paid are $9.00 per share and are cumulative. The Series B Preferred Stock is not currently convertible, but may become convertible into shares of the Company's common stock under certain circumstances. In such event, the Series B Preferred Stock would be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 3,358,000 shares of the common stock at a conversion rate of $3.99 per share. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the Company. 27 NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings per Share" ("SFAS 128") is effective for 1997 and subsequent periods. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the earnings per common share calculations are as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic Earnings Per Common Share - ------------------------------- Net income $ 8,033 18,667 Less preferred dividends (1,521) ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders $ 6,512 18,667 $ .35 ------------ Diluted Earnings Per Common Share - --------------------------------- Effect of dilutive stock options 175 ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions $ 6,512 18,842 $ .35 ============ ============ ============ For the Year Ended December 31, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic Earnings Per Common Share Net income from continuing operations $ 7,611 18,682 Less preferred dividends (1,521) ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations 6,090 18,682 $ .33 Net loss from discontinued operations (4,447) 18,682 (.24) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders 1,643 18,682 $ .09 ------------ Diluted Earnings Per Common Share - --------------------------------- Effect of dilutive stock options 200 ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations 6,090 18,882 $ .32 Net loss from discontinued operations (4,447) 18,882 (.23) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders $ 1,643 18,882 $ .09 ============ ============ ============ For the Year Ended December 31, 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic Earnings Per Common Share - ------------------------------- Net income from continuing operations $ 3,118 18,557 Less preferred dividends (315) ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations 2,803 18,557 $ .15 Net loss from discontinued operations (10,094) 18,557 (.54) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net loss available to common shareholders $(7,291) 18,557 $(.39) ------------ Diluted Earnings Per Common Share - --------------------------------- Effect of dilutive stock options 114 ------------ ------------ Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations 2,803 18,671 $ .15 Net loss from discontinued operations (10,094) 18,671 (.54) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net loss available to common shareholders $(7,291) 18,671 $(.39) ============ ============ ============ 28 NOTE 13. STATUTORY REPORTING The assets, liabilities and results of operations have been reported on the basis of GAAP, which varies from statutory accounting practices ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. The principal differences between SAP and GAAP are that under SAP: (i) certain assets that are nonadmitted assets are eliminated from the balance sheet; (ii) acquisition costs for policies are expensed as incurred, while they are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the policies under GAAP; (iii) no provision is made for deferred income taxes; (iv) the timing of establishing certain reserves is different than under GAAP; and (v) valuation allowances are established against investments. The amount of statutory net income and surplus (shareholders' equity) for the insurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life and Health, net income $ 2,523(2) $1,315 $ 3,021 Property and Casualty, net income 6,694 7,567 1,466(1) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net income $ 9,217 8,882 $ 4,487 ================================================================================ Life and Health, surplus $26,517(2) $25,792 $24,724 Property and Casualty, surplus 48,032 42,416 38,995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total surplus $74,549 68,208 $63,719 ================================================================================ (1) Excludes American Southern which was acquired effective December 31, 1995. (2) Impact of American Independent was not material. Under the Insurance Code of the State of Georgia, dividend payments to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries have certain limitations without the prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner. The Company received dividends of $11,209 and $6,850 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, from its insurance subsidiaries. Approval from the Insurance Commissioner was required and obtained for a portion of the dividends received in 1997 and 1996. In 1998, dividend payments by the insurance companies in excess of $8,900 would require prior approval. 29 NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS In the normal course of business, and in management's opinion, at terms comparable to those available from unrelated parties, the Company has engaged in transactions with its Chairman and his affiliates. These transactions include leasing of office space, investing and financing. A brief description of each of these is discussed below. The Company leases approximately 54,637 square feet of office and covered garage space from an affiliated company. In the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company paid $900, $957 and $960, respectively, under the lease. A majority of the financing of the Company has historically been through affiliates of the Company or its Chairman, in the form of debt and the Series A Preferred Stock. Effective December 31, 1995, the Company issued 134,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in exchange for cancellation of approximately $13,400 in outstanding debt to the Company's Chairman and certain of his affiliates (see Note 11). The Company has mortgage loans to finance properties owned by its discontinued furniture subsidiary. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the balance of mortgage loans owed to various of the Company's insurance subsidiaries was $3,921 and $6,391, respectively. For 1997, 1996 and 1995, interest on the mortgage loans totaled $521, $688 and $730, respectively. Certain members of management are on the Board of Directors of Bull Run Corporation and Gray Communications Systems, Inc. At both December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company owned 600,000 common shares of Bull Run Corporation and 236,040 common shares of Gray Communications Systems, Inc. On April 8, 1996, the Company completed the sale of its 88% interest in Leath Furniture, LLC (f/k/a Leath Furniture, Inc.) to Gulf Capital Services, Ltd., in exchange for $5.3 million. Gulf Capital is controlled by certain affiliates of the Company. Delta Life Insurance Company purchases credit life insurance policies with face amounts greater than $50 from Bankers Fidelity. Bankers Fidelity receives premiums for these policies from Delta Life and pays benefits directly to policyholders. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the face amount of these policies was $673 and $416, respectively, and the reserve balance was $11 and $9, respectively. 30 NOTE 15. SEGMENT INFORMATION The following summary sets forth the Company's business segments by revenue, income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit), and assets. The Company operates in three segments: Property and Casualty Insurance, Life Insurance, and Accident and Health Insurance. Property Accident Adjustments and and and Casualty Life Health Other Eliminations Consolidated - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revenue 1997 $ 69,078 $14,467 $17,675 $ 48 $ (53) $101,215 1996 67,468 14,450 16,972 144 37 99,071 1995 21,532(1) 12,435 18,508 2 (807) 51,670 Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit) 1997 7,890 3,425 1,153 (4,297) - 8,171 1996 8,834 2,012 431 (3,588) 126 7,815 1995 2,353(1) 2,033 1,025 (2,419) 92 3,084 Assets 1997 167,993 85,822 13,769 4,276 - 271,860 1996 160,502 74,798 15,884 1,810 - 252,994 1995 150,505 71,532 19,603 3,854 - 245,494 (1) Excludes American Southern which was acquired effective December 31, 1995.
31 NOTE 16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) The following table sets forth a summary of the quarterly unaudited results of operations for the two years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996: 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revenue $24,691 $24,339 $25,249 $26,936 $24,773 $24,414 $25,681 $24,203 ==================================================================================================================================== Income: Income before income tax provision, $ 1,978 $ 1,466 $ 2,418 $ 2,309 $ 1,977 $ 1,849 $ 2,169 $ 1,820 Income tax provision (40) (20) (23) (55) - (59) (101) (44) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Continuing operations 1,938 1,446 2,395 2,254 1,977 1,790 2,068 1,776 Discontinued operations - - - - - (4,447) - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net income (loss) $ 1,938 $ 1,446 $ 2,395 $ 2,254 $ 1,977 $(2,657) $ 2,068 $ 1,776 ==================================================================================================================================== Diluted per common share data: Continuing operations $ .08 $ .06 $ .11 $ .10 $ .08 $ .08 $ .09 $ .07 Discontinued operations - - - - - (.23) - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net income (loss) $ .08 $ .06 $ .11 $ .10 $ .08 $ (.15) $ .09 $ .07 ====================================================================================================================================
32 NOTE 17. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, 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. 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets: Cash and short-term investments $51,044 $51,044 $45,499 $45,499 Bonds 92,184 92,184 91,310 91,310 Common and preferred stocks 46,876 46,876 37,762 37,762 Mortgage loans 4,243 4,406 6,812 7,732 Investments in limited partnerships 3,941 3,941 - - Insurance premiums receivable 14,074 14,074 13,485 13,485 Liabilities: Debt - affiliated - - 1,058 952 - non-affiliated 28,600 28,600 34,553 34,097 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 10,759 10,759 9,049 9,049
The fair value estimates as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 are based on pertinent information available to management as of the respective dates. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from amounts that might ultimately be realized. The following describes the methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating fair values: Cash, Short-term Investments, Investments in Limited Partnerships, Insurance Premiums Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Accrued Liabilities The carrying amount approximates fair value. Bonds, Common and Preferred Stocks The carrying amount is determined in accordance with methods prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), which do not differ materially from nationally quoted market prices. The fair value of certain municipal bonds is assumed to be equal to amortized cost where market quotations exist. Mortgage Loans The fair values are estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. Debt Payable The fair value is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt having the same or similar returns and remaining maturities. 33 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and the results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 analyzes the results of operations, consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of Atlantic American Corporation (the "Company" or "Parent Company") and its consolidated subsidiaries Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and American Independent Life Insurance Company (collectively the "Life and Health Division"), American Southern Insurance Company ("American Southern") and Georgia Casualty & Surety Company ("Georgia Casualty" and collectively the "Casualty Division"). Effective January 1, 1997, Atlantic American Life Insurance Company was merged into Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company ("Bankers Fidelity"). The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. OVERVIEW Atlantic American Corporation's net income for 1997 was $8.0 million ($.35 per share), compared to a net income of $3.2 million ($.09 per share) (net income of $7.6 million or $.32 per share from continuing operations), in 1996, and a net loss of $7.0 million ($.39 per share) (net income of $3.1 million or $.15 per share from continuing operations), in 1995. The increase in earnings from continuing operations in 1997 was attributable to increased revenues from the insurance operations. The increase in earnings in 1996 was primarily due to the inclusion of American Southern's 1996 earnings ($4.3 million). As discussed below, 1997 represents the first full year not impacted by the discontinued operations of the Company's previously owned furniture operation. ACQUISITIONS On October 1, 1997, the Company acquired American Independent Life Insurance Company ("American Independent") for approximately $2.7 million in cash. American Independent specializes in traditional life insurance and supplemental health insurance, including Medicare supplement. American Independent has been consolidated in the Company's December 31, 1997 balance sheet. Results of operations and cash flows are reflected from the date of acquisition. On October 28, 1997, the Company acquired Self-Insurance Administrators, Inc. ("SIA, Inc.") for approximately $1.2 million in common stock of the Company. SIA, Inc. specializes in the administration of self-insured workers' compensation funds and was acquired to complement the Company's existing workers' compensation book of business. SIA Inc.'s balance sheet has been consolidated in the Company's December 31, 1997 balance sheet, while the results of operations and cash flows of SIA, Inc. have been included since the date of acquisition. Although the results of both American Independent and SIA, Inc. have been included since their respective acquisition dates, the net earnings impact of these acquisitions is not material to the overall financial position or results of operations of the Company and therefore, have not been individually discussed. The results of American Independent from the date of acquisition are included in discussions of the Life and Health Division. On December 31, 1995, the Company acquired American Southern for aggregate consideration of $34.0 million. American Southern, a highly rated property and casualty insurance company specializing in state and municipality automobile insurance, was acquired to complement the Company's position as a niche insurance holding company. American Southern's balance sheet has been consolidated since it was acquired on December 31, 1995, while results of operations and cash flows are not reflected until 1996 (see Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). 34 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In early 1996, the Company announced its intent to sell its furniture operations. The furniture division, which consisted of Leath Furniture, Inc. ("Leath") and its subsidiaries, Modernage Furniture, Inc. and Jefferson Home Furniture Company, Inc., suffered significant losses in an industry wide downturn. Management anticipated continued losses in the future and, therefore, decided to exit the retail furniture business and concentrate on its core insurance businesses (see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company completed the sale of its approximately 88% interest in Leath on April 8, 1996, to Gulf Capital Services, Ltd., a related party (see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Leath's operating losses for 1995 totaled $6.7 million. The Company recorded an additional charge to earnings of $3.4 million in 1995 for estimated losses to be incurred prior to disposition, bringing the total loss from discontinued operations in 1995 to $10.1 million. The losses anticipated prior to disposition were inadequate, and the Company incurred an additional loss from discontinued operations of $4.4 million in 1996. Previously separated intersegment revenues attributable to mortgage loans from the insurance companies to Leath have been included in investment income of the continuing operations of the insurance segment. 35 RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue The Company markets insurance through various distribution channels. The following table summarizes the insurance premiums during each of the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 by company and line of business. American Southern is included for 1997 and 1996. Net Earned Premium by Company by Line (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 Amount % of Total Amount % of Total Amount % of Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Life and Health Companies: Ordinary Life $ 9,437 10.64% $ 8,937 10.39% $ 7,037 16.22% Mass Market Life 1,016 1.15% 1,303 1.51% 1,260 2.91% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Life 10,453 11.79% 10,240 11.90% 8,297 19.13% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Medicare Supplement 12,534 14.13% 11,560 13.44% 11,882 27.39% Convalescent Care/Short-Term Care 1,141 1.29% 955 1.11% 1,191 2.75% Medical Surgical 122 .14% 160 .19% 211 .49% Cancer 1,803 2.03% 1,982 2.30% 2,221 5.12% Hospital Indemnity 241 .27% 282 .33% 337 .77% Accident Expense 523 .59% 677 .79% 790 1.82% Disability 150 .17% 122 .14% 142 .33% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Accident and Health 16,514 18.62% 15,738 18.30% 16,774 38.67% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Life and Health Companies 26,967 30.41% 25,978 30.20% 25,071 57.80% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Georgia Casualty: Workers' Compensation 12,841 14.48% 13,826 16.07% 14,954 34.48% Business Automobile 4,031 4.55% 2,550 2.96% 1,436 3.31% General Liability 1,387 1.56% 1,152 1.34% 1,025 2.36% Property 1,657 1.87% 1,269 1.48% 887 2.05% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Georgia Casualty 19,916 22.46% 18,797 21.85% 18,302 42.20% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ American Southern: Automobile Physical Damage 4,508 5.08% 4,865 5.66% Automobile Liability 30,909 34.85% 30,889 35.91% General Liability 3,116 3.51% 1,947 2.26% Property 3,206 3.62% 3,461 4.02% Surety 60 .07% 88 .10% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total American Southern 41,799 47.13% 41,250 47.95% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Consolidated $88,682 100.00% $86,025 100.00% $43,373 100.00% ====================================================================================================================================
36 Premium revenues increased 3% in 1997 to $88.7 million from $86.0 million in 1996 and $43.4 million in 1995. Inclusion of American Southern's premiums accounted for 95.1% of the increased premium revenue in 1996, or $41.3 million. Premiums at American Southern increased 1% in 1997 or $549,000. The general liability line increased 60% or $1.2 million which was offset by slight declines in American Southern's other lines of business. Georgia Casualty's premiums increased 6% over 1996 results to $19.9 million from $18.8 million. Georgia Casualty experienced a decline of 7% in the workers' compensation line of business as a result of increasing price competition, which has caused Georgia Casualty to choose not to underwrite some risks rather than pricing them at levels the Company believes to be unprofitable. Modest increases were experienced in Georgia Casualty's other lines of business in 1997. Georgia Casualty's premiums increased in 1996 to $18.8 million from $18.3 million in 1995. Increases occurred in all lines for Georgia Casualty in 1996 except workers' compensation, which declined to $13.8 million from $15.0 million in 1995. The decline from 1995 was due to a decrease of $1.6 million in net earned premiums from direct-assignment workers' compensation policies, over which Georgia Casualty had no control. The Life and Health Division's premiums increased by $989,000 in 1997 and $907,000 in 1996, after decreasing by $2.0 million in 1995. The main reason for the increase in 1997 was a $974,000 increase in Medicare supplement business. The increase in 1996 was attributable to a $1.9 million increase in ordinary life premiums offset by an accident and health premiums decrease of $1.0 million in 1996. The increase in Medicare supplement business in 1997 was principally the result of the acquisition of American Independent combined with the introduction of a new Preferred Medicare supplement product in 1996 that provides lower commissions and a preferred underwriting classification. In 1996, for the first time since 1986, annualized premiums for the Life and Health Division increased from the preceding year to $26.7 million for 1996, compared to $26.3 million for 1995. This trend continued in 1997 ending the year with $33.7 million in annualized premium. Investment income remained flat at $11.5 million in 1997 and 1996, although it represented an increase from $6.6 million earned in 1995. Investment income remained unchanged due in part to declines in interest rates and the flattening of the yield curve. The inclusion of American Southern for the first time in 1996 accounted for $4.3 million of the total increase in 1996. Management has continued to focus on increasing the Company's investments in short and medium maturity bonds and government backed securities. The carrying value of funds available for investment (which include cash, short-term investments, bonds, and common and preferred stocks) at December 31, 1997, increased approximately $15.6 million from 1996, primarily due to cash provided by operations of $8.6 million and an increase in unrealized investment gains of $11.8 million offset by a reduction of $7 million attributable to the payment of debt. Realized investment gains were down $513,000 in 1997 to $1.1 million compared to $1.6 million for 1996 and $1.7 million for 1995. The changes in realized investment gains for these periods were primarily the result of adjustments made in the investment portfolio to increase the yield on invested assets. In 1997, fewer opportunities presented themselves for increasing the overall yield on the investment portfolio and as a result, fewer securities were sold compared to 1996. Benefits and Expenses Total insurance benefits and losses increased to $61.0 million in 1997 from $54.3 million in 1996 and $24.7 million in 1995. Insurance benefits and losses increased $1.6 million at American Southern in 1997 while Georgia Casualty experienced a $2.8 million increase over 1996. The increase in benefits and losses at Georgia Casualty was the result of worse than anticipated claims frequency in one agent's line of business. The Company discontinued this line of business in August 1997, and has instituted additional loss control programs and tightened underwriting standards in the line in an effort to maintain its underwriting discipline. Insurance benefits and losses in the Life and Health Division increased $1.5 million which paralleled the increased level of insurance premiums. In 1996, the Casualty Division's increase is due to inclusion of American Southern's benefits and losses, accounting for $28.6 million of the increase, offset by a decrease in Georgia Casualty's benefits and losses of $698,000. The Life and Health Division's 1996 increase is mainly caused by an increase in reserves and claims resulting from increased life premiums, whereas in 1995 there was a decrease in reserves due to the elimination of a block of life insurance business sold through funeral homes. 37 As a percentage of premium revenue, insurance benefits and losses increased to 68.8% in 1997 from 63.1% in 1996 and 56.9% in 1995. The Life and Health Division's percentages increased to 57.8% in 1997 from 54.0% in 1996 and 49.1% in 1995. Georgia Casualty's percentages increased to 77.6% in 1997 from 66.4% in 1996 and 67.5% in 1995. American Southern's percentage increased to 72.2% from 69.3% in 1996, its first year of operations as a subsidiary of the Company. Commission and underwriting expenses decreased to $23.0 million in 1997 from $27.0 million in 1996 and $15.2 million in 1995. The overall decline in commissions and underwriting expenses in 1997 was spread across all segments of the Company's operations. Commissions and underwriting expenses at American Southern were down $525,000 from 1996 and the ratio of expense to insurance premiums ("expense ratio") decreased to 23.3% in 1997 from 24.9% in 1996. At Georgia Casualty commission and underwriting expenses decreased $1.1 million in 1997. This decrease was attributable to contingent ceding commissions received under Georgia Casualty's reinsurance agreements. As a result, the expense ratio at Georgia Casualty decreased to 27.6% from 35.3% in 1996. Commission and underwriting expenses in the Life and Health Division decreased $3.0 million in 1997, in part as a result of efficiencies achieved following the merger of Atlantic American Life Insurance Company with Bankers Fidelity and the acquisition and assimilation of the operations of American Independent. In addition, the Life and Health Division deferral of acquisition costs increased in 1997 as a result of its growth of business, deferring costs associated with that division's lead program and improving lapse rates. The Company had a net deferral of acquisition costs in 1997 of $1.3 million compared to a net deferral of $280,000 in 1996 and net amortization of acquisition costs in 1995 of $736,000. Aside from items previously discussed, the increase in deferred costs is attributable to an increase in business produced, particularly in the fourth quarter. The increase in commission and underwriting expenses in 1996 was attributable to the inclusion of American Southern which accounted for $10.3 million of the $11.7 million increase. Interest expense decreased to $2.9 million in 1997 from $3.3 million in 1996 and $2.5 million in 1995. The decrease in 1997 was due to the reduction of debt in 1997 and 1996. Other expense decreased by $612,000 in 1997 to $6.1 million, and increased in 1996 by $534,000 and by $786,000 in 1995. The decrease in other expenses in 1997 is the result of a decrease in legal fees and overall operating cost reductions for the Parent Company. In 1996 significant legal fees were incurred relating to the acquisition of the remaining minority interests in Bankers Fidelity and Georgia Casualty and the sale of Leath. The increase in 1995 other expense was due in part to an increase of $248,000 in the expenses related to claims of the Company's self-insured employee group medical plan. The Company's net tax provision of $138,000 and $204,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, was for alternative minimum taxes, while the tax benefit in 1995 consisted of $9,000 of alternative minimum taxes offset by a benefit of $43,000 from overpayments of alternative taxes in the prior year. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The major cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and expenses as they come due and maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus to satisfy state regulatory requirements and meeting debt service requirements of the Parent. The Company's primary sources of cash are written premiums and investment income. Cash payments consist of current claim payments to insureds and operating expenses such as salaries, employee benefits, commissions, taxes, and shareholder dividends, when earnings warrant such payment. By statute, the state regulatory authorities establish minimum liquidity standards primarily to protect policyholders. The Company's insurance subsidiaries reported a combined statutory profit of $9.2 million in 1997 compared to $8.9 million in 1996 and $4.5 million in 1995. The statutory results in 1997 were comprised of a $4.8 million profit at American Southern, a $1.9 million profit at Georgia Casualty and a $2.5 million profit in the Life and Health Division. The 1996 statutory results were due to a profit of $5.6 million from American Southern, $2.0 million from Georgia Casualty, and $1.3 million from the Life and Health Division. The 1995 statutory results were due to a profit of $1.5 million from Georgia Casualty and a profit of $3.0 million in the Life and Health Division. 38 Statutory results differfrom the results of operations under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for the Casualty Division due to the deferral of acquisition costs. The Life and Health Division's statutory results differ from GAAP primarily due to deferral of acquisition costs, as well as different reserving methods. On April 1, 1996, the Company completed a merger transaction pursuant to which the Company acquired the remaining publicly-held interest in Bankers Fidelity that the Company did not own. As a result of the merger, the Company owns 100% of the equity of Bankers Fidelity, and the public shareholders of Bankers Fidelity received $6.25 in cash per share, for an aggregate payout of approximately $1.3 million. The source of funds for the payment of the merger consideration, together with an estimated $225,000 in related expenses, was Bankers Fidelity's surplus account. On November 26, 1996, the Company acquired the remaining publicly-held interest in Georgia Casualty. The transaction was completed through the merger of a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company into Georgia Casualty, with Georgia Casualty being the surviving corporation in the merger. As a result of the transaction, the Company owns 100% of the equity of Georgia Casualty, and the remaining public shareholders of Georgia Casualty received $9.00 in cash per share, for an aggregate payout of approximately $20,000. In connection with the acquisition of American Southern on December 31, 1995, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. The Credit Agreement provides for aggregate borrowings of approximately $34.0 million, of which $22.6 million was immediately drawn on December 31, 1995, to finance the cash portion of the purchase price. The remaining amount was borrowed on October 11, 1996 to finance the $11.4 million balance of the purchase price due on that date. At December 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $28.6 million, of which approximately $1.0 million will become due and payable during 1998. The Company intends to repay its obligations under the Credit Agreement using dividend payments received from its subsidiaries and through receipts from its tax-sharing agreement with its subsidiaries. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Company converted, effective December 31, 1995, approximately $13.4 million in outstanding debt to affiliates into a new series of preferred stock, which accrues dividends at 9% per year. The Company has accrued but not paid the cumulative dividends on this preferred stock since its issuance and does not currently intend to pay such dividends in 1998. At December 31, 1997, the Company had accrued but not paid dividends on its Series B preferred stock totaling $2.4 million. On May 15, 1997, the Company borrowed an additional $5.6 million under the Credit Agreement in order to retire a like amount of 8% subordinated notes that became due on that day. The Company provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries. The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries remained constant at $5.6 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995. In addition, the Company has a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, to which American Southern was added when it was acquired in 1996. A net total of $1.2 million, $3.4 million and $1.4 million were paid to the Company under the tax-sharing agreement in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. It is anticipated that this agreement will provide the Company with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries due to the subsidiaries' use of the Company's tax loss carryforwards which totaled approximately $43 million at December 31, 1997. Approximately 94% of the invested assets of the insurance subsidiaries are in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations. Dividend payments to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries, subject to annual limitations, are restricted to the accumulated statutory earnings of the individual insurance subsidiaries. At December 31, 1997, Georgia Casualty had $13.0 million of accumulated statutory earnings, Bankers Fidelity had $18.0 million of accumulated statutory earnings, and American Southern had $19.6 million of accumulated statutory earnings for a total of $50.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $8.6 million in 1997 and $8.4 million in 1996, compared to $3.2 million in 1995. The Company incurred a total cost of $733,000 in 1997, $1.6 million in 1996, and $1.1 million in 1995 for additions to property and equipment, which mainly represent leasehold improvements and additions to new computer systems. Cash and short-term investments increased to $51.0 million in 1997. 39 The Company believes that the fees, charges and dividends it receives from its subsidiaries and, if needed, borrowings from banks and affiliates of the Company 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. YEAR 2000 Many existing computer systems currently in use were developed using two digits rather than four digits to specify the year. As a result, many systems will recognize a date code of "00" as the calendar year 1900 rather than 2000 which could cause systems to fail or cause erroneous results. The Company has undertaken projects to ensure that all of its systems will be compliant with year 2000 issues. Currently, one of the Company's three major operating systems is fully year 2000 compliant and the process of bringing the other operating systems into compliance is underway. All operating systems are expected to be fully compliant by the end of 1998. If the Company fails to bring its systems into compliance by the year 2000 the Company may, as a result, be unable to process some business which could potentially have a materially adverse effect on the financial operations of the Company; however, in the opinion of management the risk of this occurrence is remote. The cost of bringing the Company's systems into compliance is not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. DEFERRED TAXES At December 31, 1997, the Company had a net cumulative deferred tax asset of zero. The net cumulative deferred tax asset is the result of $24 million of deferred tax assets, offset by $14.2 million of deferred tax liabilities, and a $9.8 million valuation allowance. SFAS No. 109 requires that a valuation allowance be recorded against tax assets which are not likely to be realized. The Company's carryforwards expire at specific future dates and utilization of certain carryforwards is limited to specific amounts each year. However, due to the uncertain nature of their ultimate realization based upon past performance and expiration dates, the Company has established a full valuation allowance against these carryforward benefits and recognizes the benefits only as reassessment demonstrates they are realizable. The Company's ability to generate taxable income from operations is dependent upon various factors, many of which are beyond management's control. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will generate future taxable income based on historical performance. Therefore, the realization of the deferred tax assets will be assessed periodically based on the Company's current and anticipated results of operations. IMPACT OF INFLATION Insurance premiums are established before the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses, or the extent to which inflation may affect such losses and expenses, are known. Consequently, the Company attempts, in establishing its premiums, to anticipate the potential impact of inflation. If for competitive reasons premiums cannot be increased to anticipate inflation, this cost would be absorbed by the Company. Inflation also affects the rate of investment return on the Company's investment portfolio with a corresponding effect on investment income. 40 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic American Corporation (a Georgia corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements (pages 8 through 22) referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Atlantic American Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 20, 1998 41 SUBSIDIARIES Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company American Independent Life Insurance Company J. MACK ROBINSON Chairman HILTON H. HOWELL, JR. Vice Chairman EUGENE CHOATE President JOHN W. HANCOCK Senior Vice President ROBERT A. RENAUD Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer ANTHONY D. CHAPMAN Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Agency Division ROBERT E. OREAN Vice President and Actuary SHARON A. BUSCH Assistant Vice President, Marketing DEWEY A. SANDAGE, JR. Assistant Vice President, Claims JANIE L. RYAN Assistant Secretary GAIL T. ARNOLD Assistant Secretary Georgia Casualty & Surety Company J. MACK ROBINSON Chairman and President HILTON H. HOWELL, JR. Vice Chairman LINDA S. COOK Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer GEORGE G. CLEMENTS Vice President, Claims SANDRA W. DOAR Vice President, Underwriting JOE F. BERRYHILL Vice President, Marketing Mississippi/Louisiana JACK R. BAKER Assistant Vice President JANIE L. RYAN Assistant Secretary 42 American Southern Insurance Company American Safety Insurance Company ROY S. THOMPSON, JR. Chairman Emeritus CALVIN L. WALL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer SCOTT G. THOMPSON President and Chief Financial Officer THOMAS J. WHITTY Senior Vice President, Claims DAVID I. WEEKS General Vice President WANDA J. HULSEY Vice President, Underwriting BRIAN G. HAURYLAK Vice President JOHN R. HUOT Vice President GLENDA N. BATES Treasurer GAIL A. PARSONS Secretary and Vice President FRANK J. CICCONE Vice President ERNEST E. GRANT, JR. Vice President WILLIAM E. LYNCH Vice President BRIAN C. MOSS Vice President MICHAEL D. WINSTON Vice President TERESA P. GANN Assistant Secretary Self-Insurance Administrators, Inc. HILTON H. HOWELL, JR. Chairman ANDY M. THOMPSON President EDWARD L. RAND, JR. Treasurer JANIE L. RYAN Secretary 43 MARKET INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) The common stock of the Company is traded in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "AAME". As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 6,586 stockholders, including beneficial owners holding shares in nominee or "street" name. The following tables show for the periods indicated the range of the reported high and low prices of the common stock on the NASDAQ National Market and the closing price of the stock and percent of change at December 31. The Company did not declare or pay cash dividends on its common stock during the year ended December 31, 1997. Since 1988, the Company has retained its earnings to support the growth of its business. 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- High Low High Low First quarter $3 3/4 $3 1/16 $3 1/4 $2 1/8 Second quarter 3 1/4 2 1/2 4 2 3/4 Third quarter 4 1/8 2 1/2 3 5/8 3 Fourth quarter 5 1/2 4 3 5/8 3 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, stock price close per share $ 5 1/16 $3 1/16 $2 5/16 $2 1/4 $1 3/4 Stock price percentage of change from prior year +65.3% +32.4% +2.8% +28.6% +8% FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements, to the extent they are not historical facts, should be considered forward-looking and subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 ending December 31, 1997 and the other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 44 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION ANNUAL MEETING Atlantic American's annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 1998, at 9:00 a.m. in the Peachtree Insurance Center, 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia. Holders of common stock of record at the close of business on March 8, 1998, are entitled to vote at the meeting, and all parties interested in Atlantic American are invited to attend. A notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy were mailed to shareholders with this annual report. Independent Accountants Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia Legal Counsel Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue Atlanta, Georgia Stock Exchange Listing Symbol: AAME Traded over-the-counter market Quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System Transfer Agent and Registrar Atlantic American Corporation Attn: Janie L. Ryan, Corporate Secretary P. O. Box 190720 Atlanta, Georgia 31119-0720 (800) 241-1439 or (404) 266-5532 Form 10-K and Other Information For investors and others seeking additional data regarding Atlantic American Corporation or copies of the Corporation's annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Form 10-K), please contact Janie L. Ryan Corporate Secretary, (800) 241-1439 or (404) 266-5532. Please visit our web site at: www.atlam.com. 45 Atlantic American Corporation 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000 Telephone: 404-266-5500 Facsimile: 404-266-5702 Internet: www.atlam.com 46

           

                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1


                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT



          Subsidiary                                State of Incorporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Independent Insurance Company                      Pennsylvania

American Safety Insurance Company                           Georgia

American Southern Insurance Company                         Georgia

Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company                     Georgia

Georgia Casualty & Surety Company                           Georgia

Self-Insurance Administrators                               Georgia


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
reports  included  and  incorporated  by  reference  in this  Form 10-K into the
Company's previously filed registration statements (33-56866) on Form S-8.




Arthur Andersen, LLP



Atlanta, Georgia
March 20, 1998

 

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