form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
þ     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
OR

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

Commission File Number 0-3722

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Georgia
 
58-1027114
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.,
 
30319
Atlanta, Georgia
 
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
   
 
(404) 266-5500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company þ

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

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on November 7, 2011, was 22,400,694.



 
 

 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I.      Financial Information
Page No.
 
Item 1.     Financial Statements:
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
19
 
Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
27
   
Part II.     Other Information
 
 
28
   
Item 6.     Exhibits
28
 
29

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.     Financial Statements

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

ASSETS
 
   
Unaudited
       
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 22,385     $ 28,325  
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $189,959 and $171,882)
    206,688       171,648  
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $9,979 and $9,979)
    7,978       8,524  
Other invested assets (cost: $591 and $980)
    591       980  
Policy and student loans
    2,231       2,200  
Real estate
    38       38  
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       1,238  
Total investments
    218,764       184,628  
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
    15,016       14,301  
Investment sales pending settlement
    675       15,438  
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $423 and $442)
    9,487       7,051  
Deferred income taxes, net
    -       3,228  
Deferred acquisition costs
    23,396       21,239  
Other assets
    1,010       1,228  
Goodwill
    2,128       2,128  
Total assets
  $ 292,861     $ 277,566  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
             
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds:
           
Future policy benefits
  $ 62,446     $ 60,811  
Unearned premiums
    21,168       21,170  
Losses and claims
    56,030       53,961  
Other policy liabilities
    1,548       1,960  
Total policy liabilities
    141,192       137,902  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    12,385       15,733  
Deferred income taxes, net
    2,920       -  
Junior subordinated debenture obligations
    41,238       41,238  
Total liabilities
    197,735       194,873  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 70,000 shares issued and outstanding; $7,000 redemption value
    70       70  
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,373,900; shares outstanding: 22,223,394 and 22,257,035
    22,374       22,374  
Additional paid-in capital
    57,129       57,129  
Retained earnings
    6,928       5,389  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    8,858       (2,107 )
Treasury stock, at cost: 150,506 and 116,865 shares
    (233 )     (162 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    95,126       82,693  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 292,861     $ 277,566  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenue:
                       
Insurance premiums
  $ 27,211     $ 24,577     $ 78,830     $ 72,322  
Investment income
    2,652       2,302       7,912       7,435  
Realized investment gains, net
    903       211       974       224  
Other income
    34       56       212       215  
Total revenue
    30,800       27,146       87,928       80,196  
                                 
Benefits and expenses:
                               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
    19,301       16,451       54,153       49,266  
Commissions and underwriting expenses
    6,746       7,409       22,192       21,376  
Interest expense
    653       660       1,940       1,955  
Other
    2,332       2,045       6,915       6,381  
Total benefits and expenses
    29,032       26,565       85,200       78,978  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    1,768       581       2,728       1,218  
                                 
Income tax expense
    64       56       363       200  
                                 
Net income
    1,704       525       2,365       1,018  
                                 
Preferred stock dividends
    (127 )     (127 )     (381 )     (381 )
                                 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 1,577     $ 398     $ 1,984     $ 637  
                                 
Net income per common share (basic and diluted)
  $ .07     $ .02     $ .09     $ .03  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 5,389     $ (2,107 )   $ (162 )   $ 82,693  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       2,365       -       -       2,365  
Increase in unrealized investment gains
    -       -       -       -       16,416       -       16,416  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    -       -       -       -       453       -       453  
Deferred income tax attributable to other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (5,904 )     -       (5,904 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                    13,330  
Dividends declared on common stock
    -       -       -       (445 )     -       -       (445 )
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (381 )     -       -       (381 )
Purchase of shares for treasury
    -       -       -       -       -       (71 )     (71 )
Balance, September 30, 2011
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 6,928     $ 8,858     $ (233 )   $ 95,126  
                                                         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 3,404     $ (5,405 )   $ (102 )   $ 77,470  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       1,018       -       -       1,018  
Increase in unrealized investment gains
    -       -       -       -       13,879       -       13,879  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    -       -       -       -       (251 )     -       (251 )
Deferred income tax attributable to other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (4,770 )     -       (4,770 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                    9,876  
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (381 )     -       -       (381 )
Purchase of shares for treasury
    -       -       -       -       -       (26 )     (26 )
Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 70     $ 22,374     $ 57,129     $ 4,041     $ 3,453     $ (128 )   $ 86,939  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 2,365     $ 1,018  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    7,816       7,250  
Acquisition costs deferred
    (9,239 )     (8,355 )
Realized investment gains
    (974 )     (224 )
Increase in insurance reserves
    2,454       3,900  
Depreciation and amortization
    283       292  
Deferred income tax expense
    244       853  
Increase in receivables, net
    (3,149 )     (2,307 )
Decrease in other liabilities
    (124 )     (1,524 )
Other, net
    302       (580 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (22 )     323  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold, called or matured
    46,450       73,142  
Investments purchased
    (51,804 )     (28,611 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (48 )     (50 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (5,402 )     44,481  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment of dividends on common stock
    (445 )     -  
Purchase of shares for treasury
    (71 )     (26 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (516 )     (26 )
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,940 )     44,778  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    28,325       20,129  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 22,385     $ 64,907  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,945     $ 1,962  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ -     $ -  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2011
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The Company’s results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011 or for any other future period.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
Note 2.  Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). ASU 2011-08 is intended to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment.  ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). Previous guidance under Topic 350 required an entity to test goodwill for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount (step one).  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the second step of the test must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity's financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2011-08 on January 1, 2012 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”).  ASU 2011-05 requires all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  If an entity elects the single continuous statement method of presentation, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement.  In the two separate statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income and should include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income.  Regardless of whether an entity chooses to present comprehensive income in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.  ASU 2011-05 does not change: the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; the option for an entity to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects, with one amount shown for the aggregate income tax expense or benefit related to the total of other comprehensive income items.  In both cases, the tax effect for each component must be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements or presented in the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented; and how earnings per share are calculated or presented. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively.  For public entities, ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012.  As ASU 2011-05 changes only the presentation of certain financial statement information, there will be no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). This guidance results in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. While many of the amendments to GAAP are not expected to have a significant effect on practice, this guidance changes some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements.  ASU 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively.  For public entities, this guidance is effective during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption by public companies is not permitted.  The Company expects to adopt the amendments in ASU 2011-04 on January 1, 2012 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”) which specifies which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral.  In accordance with ASU 2010-26, incremental direct costs of contract acquisition should be capitalized.  Advertising costs should be included in deferred acquisition costs only if the capitalization criteria in the direct-response advertising guidance in Subtopic 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Capitalized Advertising Costs, are met.  All other acquisition related costs, including costs incurred by the insurer in soliciting potential customers, market research, training, administration, unsuccessful acquisition or renewal efforts, and product development, should be expensed as incurred.  If the initial application of ASU 2010-26 results in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not been capitalized previously, the entity may elect not to capitalize those types of costs.  ASU 2010-26 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  ASU 2010-26 should be applied prospectively upon adoption; although retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption is also permitted, but not required. Early adoption is permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period.  The Company expects to adopt ASU 2010-26 on January 1, 2012 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
Note 3.  Segment Information

The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and income (loss) before tax for each business unit for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
American Southern
  $ 10,446     $ 9,825     $ 31,928     $ 28,924  
Bankers Fidelity
    20,212       17,162       55,505       50,814  
Corporate and Other
    142       159       495       458  
                                 
Total revenue
  $ 30,800     $ 27,146     $ 87,928     $ 80,196  

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
American Southern
  $ 974     $ 1,256     $ 3,491     $ 3,128  
Bankers Fidelity
    2,391       546       3,824       1,793  
Corporate and Other
    (1,597 )     (1,221 )     (4,587 )     (3,703 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
  $ 1,768     $ 581     $ 2,728     $ 1,218  
 
Note 4. Credit Arrangements

Bank Debt

At September 30, 2011, the Company had a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor-in-interest by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), pursuant to which the Company is able to borrow or reborrow up to $5,000, subject to the terms and conditions thereof.  The interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement is, at the option of the Company, equivalent to either (a) the base rate (which equals the higher of the Prime Rate or 0.5% above the Federal Funds Rate, each as defined) or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) determined on an interest period of 1-month, 2-months, 3-months or 6-months, plus 2.00%.  Interest on amounts outstanding is payable quarterly.  The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants, including, among others, ratios that relate funded debt to both total capitalization and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as well as the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth.  The Company must also comply with limitations on capital expenditures, certain payments, additional debt obligations, equity repurchases and certain redemptions, as well as minimum risk-based capital levels.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, Wells Fargo may terminate the Credit Agreement and declare all amounts outstanding due and payable in full.  On August 31, 2011, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into the fifth amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”).  The Fifth Amendment provided for the extension of the term of the Credit Agreement to August 31, 2012.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, there was no balance outstanding under this Credit Agreement and the Company was in compliance with all terms of the Credit Agreement.
 
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures

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

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II, as of September 30, 2011 was as follows:

   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust I
   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust II
 
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
           
Principal amount owed
  $ 18,042     $ 23,196  
Balance September 30, 2011
    18,042       23,196  
Balance December 31, 2010
    18,042       23,196  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Interest payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Maturity date
 
December 4, 2032
   
May 15, 2033
 
Redeemable by issuer
 
Yes
   
Yes
 
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
               
Issuance date
 
December 4, 2002
   
May 15, 2003
 
Securities issued
    17,500       22,500  
Liquidation preference per security
  $ 1     $ 1  
Liquidation value
    17,500       22,500  
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Distribution payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Distribution guaranteed by (3)
 
Atlantic American
Corporation
   
Atlantic American
Corporation
 

 
(1)
For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
 
(2)
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
 
(3)
The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.
 
Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments

On February 21, 2006, the Company entered into a zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo to hedge future interest payments on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The notional amount of the collar was $18,042 with an effective date of March 6, 2006.  The collar has a LIBOR floor rate of 4.77% and a LIBOR cap rate of 5.85%, and adjusts quarterly on the 4th of each March, June, September and December through termination on March 4, 2013.  The Company began making payments to Wells Fargo under the zero cost interest rate collar on June 4, 2008.  As a result of interest rates remaining below the LIBOR floor rate of 4.77% through September 30, 2011, these payments to Wells Fargo have continued.  While the Company may be exposed to counterparty risk should Wells Fargo fail to perform its obligations under this agreement, based on the current level of interest rates coupled with the current macroeconomic outlook, the Company believes that its current counterparty risk exposure is minimal.

The estimated fair value and related carrying value of the Company’s interest rate collar at September 30, 2011 was a liability of approximately $1,100 with a corresponding decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity, net of deferred tax.
 

Note 6.  Reconciliation of Other Comprehensive Income

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net realized gains on investments included in net income
  $ 903     $ 211     $ 974     $ 224  
                                 
Other components of comprehensive income:
                               
Net pre-tax unrealized gains on investments arising during period
  $ 14,806     $ 4,300     $ 17,054     $ 14,103  
Reclassification adjustment
    (567 )     (211 )     (638 )     (224 )
Net pre-tax unrealized gains on investments recognized in other comprehensive income
      14,239         4,089         16,416         13,879  
Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instrument
    188       (65 )     453       (251 )
Deferred income tax attributable to other comprehensive income
    (5,049 )     (1,409 )     (5,904 )     (4,770 )
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income
    9,378       2,615       10,965       8,858  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of period
    (520 )     838       (2,107 )     (5,405 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, end of period
  $ 8,858     $ 3,453     $ 8,858     $ 3,453  
 
Note 7.  Earnings Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings per common share calculations is as follows:
 
   
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
                       
Net income
  $ 1,704       22,226        
                       
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )              
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    1,577       22,226     $ .07  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
                         
Effect of dilutive stock options
            146          
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 1,577       22,372     $ .07  

 
   
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
                   
Net income
  $ 525       22,281        
                       
Less preferred stock dividends
    (127 )              
                       
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    398       22,281     $ .02  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
                         
Effect of dilutive stock options
            31          
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 398       22,312     $ .02  
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
                       
Net income
  $ 2,365       22,239        
                       
Less preferred stock dividends
    (381 )              
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    1,984       22,239     $ .09  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
                         
Effect of dilutive stock options
            157          
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 1,984       22,396     $ .09  
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                 
                       
Net income
  $ 1,018       22,286        
                       
Less preferred stock dividends
    (381 )              
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
    637       22,286     $ .03  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
                         
Effect of dilutive stock options
            32          
                         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  $ 637       22,318     $ .03  
 
The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock was excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.
 
 
Note 8.  Income Taxes

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

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
  $ 619     $ 203     $ 955     $ 426  
Dividends-received deduction
    (60 )     (55 )     (130 )     (147 )
Small life insurance company deduction
    (187 )     -       (187 )     -  
Other permanent differences
    4       16       37       29  
Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets
    (361 )     -       (361 )     -  
Adjustment for prior years’ estimates to actual
    49       (108 )     49       (108 )
Income tax expense
  $ 64     $ 56     $ 363     $ 200  

The components of the income tax expense were:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Current - Federal
  $ 115     $ (659 )   $ 119     $ (653 )
Deferred - Federal
    310       715       605       853  
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    (361 )     -       (361 )     -  
Total
  $ 64     $ 56     $ 363     $ 200  
 
The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”), the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the provision-to-filed return adjustments. The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from the estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from these investments as well as appropriate levels of taxable income.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The amount of the SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3,000 and is ultimately phased out at $15,000.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was primarily due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $49 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 resulted from the DRD and the provision-to-filed return adjustments.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments of $108 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 were primarily due to adjustments related to the carryback and utilization of capital losses on investments in the Company’s life and health operation.
 
Note 9.  Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses.  In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Note 10.  Investments
 
The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
 
 Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
   Bonds:                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of  U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 38,031     $ 4,167     $ -     $ 33,864  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    17,109       1,829       -       15,280  
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    18,452       2,537       -       15,915  
Financial services
    31,495       734       2,322       33,083  
Media
    2,437       84       -       2,353  
Other business – diversified
    46,376       4,380       41       42,037  
Other consumer – diversified
    45,320       5,595       -       39,725  
Total corporate securities
    144,080       13,330       2,363       133,113  
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    2,694       194       -       2,500  
Financial services
    4,581       18       446       5,009  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    7,468       212       446       7,702  
Total fixed maturities
    206,688       19,538       2,809       189,959  
Equity securities:                                
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    1,104       140       -       964  
Financial services
    5,052       517       254       4,789  
Media
    643       -       2,555       3,198  
Other business – diversified
    107       60       -       47  
Other consumer – diversified
    1,072       91       -       981  
Total equity securities
    7,978       808       2,809       9,979  
Other invested assets
    591       -       -       591  
Policy and student loans
    2,231       -       -       2,231  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
                                 
Total investments
  $ 218,764     $ 20,346     $ 5,618     $ 204,036  
 
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
 
 Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
    Bonds:                                
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 46,630     $ 1,454     $ 52     $ 45,228  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    21,007       32       876       21,851  
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    23,010       1,079       355       22,286  
Financial services
    21,400       324       1,745       22,821  
Media
    2,506       153       -       2,353  
Other business – diversified
    25,919       422       529       26,026  
Other consumer – diversified
    23,532       149       232       23,615  
Total corporate securities
    96,367       2,127       2,861       97,101  
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    2,670       170       -       2,500  
Financial services
    4,781       22       250       5,009  
Other consumer – diversified
    193       -       -       193  
Total redeemable preferred stocks
    7,644       192       250       7,702  
Total fixed maturities
    171,648       3,805       4,039       171,882  
Equity securities:                                
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
    1,073       109       -       964  
Financial services
    5,461       754       82       4,789  
Media
    885       -       2,313       3,198  
Other business – diversified
    120       73       -       47  
Other consumer – diversified
    985       4       -       981  
Total equity securities
    8,524       940       2,395       9,979  
Other invested assets
    980       -       -       980  
Policy and student loans
    2,200       -       -       2,200  
Real estate
    38       -       -       38  
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
    1,238       -       -       1,238  
                                 
Total investments
  $ 184,628     $ 4,745     $ 6,434     $ 186,317  

The amortized cost and carrying value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2011 by contractual maturity were as follows. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 3,384     $ 3,350  
Due after one year through five years
    8,193       7,656  
Due after five years through ten years
    30,928       30,066  
Due after ten years
    163,035       147,893  
Varying maturities
    1,148       994  
Totals
  $ 206,688     $ 189,959  
 
 
The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains or losses of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agencies
  $ 38,031     $ 33,864     $ 4,167     $ 46,630     $ 45,228     $ 1,402  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    17,109       15,280       1,829       21,007       21,851       (844 )
Utilities and telecom
    22,250       19,379       2,871       26,753       25,750       1,003  
Financial services
    41,128       42,881       (1,753 )     31,642       32,619       (977 )
Media (1)
    3,080       5,551       (2,471 )     3,391       5,551       (2,160 )
Other business – diversified
    46,483       42,084       4,399       26,039       26,073       (34 )
Other consumer – diversified
    46,585       40,899       5,686       24,710       24,789       (79 )
Other investments
    4,098       4,098       -       4,456       4,456       -  
Investments
  $ 218,764     $ 204,036     $ 14,728     $ 184,628     $ 186,317     $ (1,689 )

 
(1)
Media includes related party investments in Gray Television, Inc. with an amortized cost basis of $3,198 and which had an aggregate carrying value of $643 and $885 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Corporate securities
  $ 18,166     $ 850     $ 3,487     $ 1,513     $ 21,653     $ 2,363  
Redeemable preferred stocks
    -       -       2,823       446       2,823       446  
Equity securities
    1,801       215       1,870       2,594       3,671       2,809  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 19,967     $ 1,065     $ 8,180     $ 4,553     $ 28,147     $ 5,618  

 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
  $ 5,490     $ 52     $ -     $ -     $ 5,490     $ 52  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    18,919       876       -       -       18,919       876  
Corporate securities
    40,426       1,263       3,402       1,598       43,828       2,861  
Redeemable preferred stocks
    2,188       53       2,072       197       4,260       250  
Equity securities
    972       28       3,114       2,367       4,086       2,395  
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 67,995     $ 2,272     $ 8,588     $ 4,162     $ 76,583     $ 6,434  
 
The evaluation for an other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates.  In evaluating a potential impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, management’s intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the expectation of prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of its obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.

As of September 30, 2011, securities in an unrealized loss position primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks within the financial services and media sectors.  Investments in the media sector include related party investments in Gray Television, Inc., which had unrealized losses of $2,555 as of September 30, 2011.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position.  Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, including those described above, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2011.

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

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

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

Level 3
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 3 criteria include certain fixed maturity securities and a zero cost interest rate collar.  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources.  As of September 30, 2011, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $1,994 and the value of the zero cost interest rate collar was a liability of $1,100 (See Note 5). The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded different valuations.

 
As of September 30, 2011, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ -     $ 204,694     $ 1,994     $ 206,688  
Equity securities
    3,078       4,900       -       7,978  
Cash equivalents
    21,586       -       -       21,586  
                                 
Total
  $ 24,664     $ 209,594     $ 1,994     $ 236,252  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,100     $ 1,100  

As of December 31, 2010, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ -     $ 169,705     $ 1,943     $ 171,648  
Equity securities
    3,273       5,251       -       8,524  
Cash equivalents
    27,630       -       -       27,630  
                                 
Total
  $ 30,903     $ 174,956     $ 1,943     $ 207,802  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,553     $ 1,553  

The following is a roll-forward of the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011.

   
Fixed
Maturities
   
Derivative
(Liability)
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 1,943     $ (1,553 )
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in total comprehensive income
    (197 )     191  
Balance, March 31, 2011
  $ 1,746     $ (1,362 )
Total unrealized gains included in total comprehensive income
    41       74  
Balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 1,787     $ (1,288 )
Total unrealized gains included in total comprehensive income
    207       188  
Balance, September 30, 2011
  $ 1,994     $ (1,100 )

 
The Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies.  They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows discounted at a reasonably estimated rate of interest.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.  As the derivative is an interest rate collar, changes in valuation are more closely correlated with changes in interest rates and, accordingly, values are estimated using projected cash flows at current interest rates discounted at a reasonably estimated rate of interest.  Fair value quotations are also obtained and considered, as applicable, from the counterparty to the transaction.
 
 
Item 2.
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, in management’s belief, conform to general practices within the insurance industry. The following is an explanation of the Company’s critical accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management, which policies and estimates do not differ materially from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  These accounting policies inherently require significant judgment and assumptions, and actual operating results could differ significantly from management’s estimates determined using these policies.  Atlantic American does not expect that changes in the estimates determined using these policies will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity, although changes could have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations.

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses comprised 28% of the Company’s total liabilities at September 30, 2011.  This liability includes estimates for: 1) unpaid losses on claims reported prior to September 30, 2011, 2) future development on those reported claims, 3) unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to September 30, 2011 but not yet reported and 4) unpaid loss adjustment expenses for reported and unreported claims incurred prior to September 30, 2011.  Quantification of loss estimates for each of these components involves a significant degree of judgment and estimates may vary, materially, from period to period.  Estimated unpaid losses on reported claims are developed based on historical experience with similar claims by the Company.  Development on reported claims, estimates of unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to September 30, 2011 but not yet reported, and estimates of unpaid loss adjustment expenses are developed based on the Company’s historical experience, using actuarial methods to assist in the analysis. The Company’s actuaries develop ranges of estimated development on reported and unreported claims as well as loss adjustment expenses using various methods, including the paid-loss development method, the reported-loss development method, the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and the reported Bornhuetter-Ferguson method.  Any single method used to estimate ultimate losses has inherent advantages and disadvantages due to the trends and changes affecting the business environment and the Company’s administrative policies. Further, a variety of external factors, such as legislative changes, medical cost inflation, and others may directly or indirectly impact the relative adequacy of liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.  The Company’s approach is to select an estimate of ultimate losses based on comparing results of a variety of reserving methods, as opposed to total reliance on any single method.  Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are reviewed periodically for significant lines of business, and when current results differ from the original assumptions used to develop such estimates, the amount of the Company’s recorded liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is adjusted.  In the event the Company’s actual reported losses in any period are materially in excess of the previously estimated amounts, such losses, to the extent reinsurance coverage does not exist, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Future policy benefits comprised 32% of the Company’s total liabilities at September 30, 2011.  These liabilities relate primarily to life insurance products and are based upon assumed future investment yields, mortality rates, and withdrawal rates after giving effect to possible risks of adverse deviation.  The assumed mortality and withdrawal rates are based upon the Company’s experience.  If actual results differ from the initial assumptions, the amount of the Company’s recorded liability could require adjustment.
 
 
Deferred acquisition costs comprised 8% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2011.  Deferred acquisition costs are commissions, premium taxes, and other costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal business and are generally deferred and amortized.  The deferred amounts are recorded as an asset on the balance sheet and amortized to expense in a systematic manner.  Traditional life insurance and long-duration health insurance deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized over the estimated premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing the related liability for policy benefit reserves.  The deferred acquisition costs for property and casualty insurance and short-duration health insurance are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies.  Deferred policy acquisition costs are expensed when such costs are deemed not to be recoverable from future premiums (for traditional life and long-duration health insurance) and from the related unearned premiums and investment income (for property and casualty and short-duration health insurance).  Assessments of recoverability for property and casualty and short-duration health insurance are extremely sensitive to the estimates of a subsequent year’s projected losses related to the unearned premiums.  Projected loss estimates for a current block of business for which unearned premiums remain to be earned may vary significantly from the indicated losses incurred in any previous calendar year.

Receivables are amounts due from reinsurers, insureds and agents, and any sales of investment securities not yet settled, and comprised 9% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2011.  Insured and agent balances are evaluated periodically for collectibility. Annually, the Company performs an analysis of the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers using various data sources.  Failure of reinsurers to meet their obligations due to insolvencies, disputes or otherwise could result in uncollectible amounts and losses to the Company.  Allowances for uncollectible amounts are established, as and when a loss has been determined probable, against the related receivable.  Losses are recognized when determined on a specific account basis and a general provision for loss is made based on the Company’s historical experience.

Cash and investments comprised 82% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2011.  Substantially all of the Company’s investments are in bonds and common and preferred stocks, the values of which are subject to significant market fluctuations.  The Company carries all investments as available for sale and, accordingly, at their estimated fair values.  The Company owns certain fixed maturity securities that do not have publicly quoted values, but had an estimated fair value as determined by management of $2.0 million at September 30, 2011.  Such values inherently involve a greater degree of judgment and uncertainty and therefore ultimately greater price volatility.  On occasion, the value of an investment may decline to a value below its amortized purchase price and remain at such value for an extended period of time.  When an investment’s indicated fair value has declined below its cost basis for a period of time, the Company evaluates such investment for an other than temporary impairment.  The evaluation for an other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating a potential impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, management’s intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the expectation of prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of its obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.  If an other than temporary impairment is deemed to exist, then the Company will write down the amortized cost basis of the investment to its estimated fair value.  While such write down will not impact the reported value of the investment in the Company’s balance sheet, it will be reflected as a realized investment loss in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

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

Deferred income taxes comprised 1% of the Company’s total liabilities at September 30, 2011.  Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for tax purposes.  These deferred income taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates. Valuation allowances are recognized to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is deemed more likely than not to be realized.  In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers estimates of future taxable income and tax planning strategies.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable, or expected to be applicable, to the Company, see Note 2 of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
OVERALL CORPORATE RESULTS

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to net income of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2010. The Company had net income of $2.4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010. The increase in net income in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to an increase in premium revenue, investment income and realized gains, while maintaining a relatively consistent level of fixed expenses.  Premium revenue for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 increased $2.6 million, or 10.7%, to $27.2 million. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, premium revenue increased $6.5 million, or 9.0%, to $78.8 million.  The increase in premium revenue in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to increases in the Medicare supplement and commercial automobile business.  Partially offsetting the increase in premiums were declines in general liability premiums.
 
A more detailed analysis of the individual operating companies and other corporate activities is provided below.
 
American Southern

The following is a summary of American Southern’s premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and the comparable periods in 2010 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Gross written premiums
  $ 11,919     $ 11,050     $ 31,736     $ 32,003  
Ceded premiums
    (1,631 )     (1,412 )     (4,605 )     (4,052 )
                                 
Net written premiums
  $ 10,288     $ 9,638     $ 27,131     $ 27,951  
                                 
Net earned premiums
  $ 9,023     $ 8,775     $ 28,187     $ 25,621  

Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $0.9 million, or 7.9%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 over the three month period ended September 30, 2010, and decreased slightly during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, from the comparable period in 2010.  The increase in gross written premiums during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to an increase in commercial automobile written premium of $0.5 million from one of the company’s existing governmental accounts due to a current period pricing adjustment.  The decrease in gross written premiums during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to the change in the policy term of one of the company’s state contracts.  The contract was originally renewed in the 2010 second quarter.  Subsequent thereto in the 2010 fourth quarter, the contract was cancelled and re-written with a new annual policy term incepting in October 2010.  Consequently, the annualized gross written premium from this contract was not included in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 but was included in the 2010 comparable period, resulting in the decrease in written premiums in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011.  The change in the policy term of this contract did not impact earned premiums.  Also contributing to the decrease in gross written premiums during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was the continued decline in the general liability line of business resulting from continued weakness in the construction industry.  Partially offsetting the decrease in gross written premiums was the increase in commercial automobile business and increased writings of performance bonds.

Ceded premiums increased $0.2 million, or 15.5%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $0.6 million, or 13.6%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable periods in 2010.  The increase in ceded premiums during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to the increase in the related earned premiums.  As American Southern’s premiums are determined and ceded as a percentage of earned premiums, an increase in ceded premiums occurs when earned premiums increase.  Also contributing to the increase in ceded premiums was an increase in commercial automobile earned premiums which have higher contractual cession rates than other lines of business.
 

The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and the comparable periods in 2010 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Commercial automobile
  $ 5,798     $ 5,401     $ 18,367     $ 15,421  
General liability
    958       1,254       3,158       3,847  
Property
    547       632       1,550       1,847  
Surety
    1,720       1,488       5,112       4,506  
                                 
Total
  $ 9,023     $ 8,775     $ 28,187     $ 25,621  

Net earned premiums increased $0.2 million, or 2.8%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $2.6 million, or 10.0%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable periods in 2010.  The increase in net earned premiums during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to the increase in commercial automobile and surety business generated in the current year and the increased volume of commercial automobile premiums written in the second half of 2010 from a new agent.  Premiums are earned ratably over their respective policy terms, and therefore premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediate prior year.

The following sets forth American Southern’s loss and expense ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and for the comparable periods in 2010:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Loss ratio
    72.8 %     56.6 %     62.7 %     58.7 %
Expense ratio
    32.2 %     41.0 %     38.2 %     42.0 %
                                 
Combined ratio
    105.0 %     97.6 %     100.9 %     100.7 %

The loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 increased to 72.8% from 56.6% in the three month period ended September 30, 2010 and to 62.7% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 from 58.7% in the comparable period of 2010. The increase in the loss ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to several large losses in the commercial automobile line of business and increased losses in the surety line of business, specifically related to contract bonds.

The expense ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 decreased to 32.2% from 41.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2010 and to 38.2% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 from 42.0% in the comparable period of 2010.  The decrease in the expense ratio in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to American Southern’s variable commission structure, which compensates the company’s agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write.  In periods where the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will decrease and conversely in periods where the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will increase.  Also contributing to the decrease in the expense ratio in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was a non-recurring charge of $0.3 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 that resulted from the termination and final settlement of the company’s qualified defined benefit plan.  No similar charge was recorded in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and the comparable periods in 2010 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Medicare supplement
  $ 14,196     $ 11,834     $ 38,960     $ 34,632  
Other health
    1,103       1,185       3,209       3,488  
Life
    2,889       2,783       8,474       8,581  
                                 
Total
  $ 18,188     $ 15,802     $ 50,643     $ 46,701  

Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $2.4 million, or 15.1%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $3.9 million, or 8.4%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable periods in 2010.  Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $2.4 million, or 20.0%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $4.3 million, or 12.5%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to new business issued and overall rate increases on renewal business.  Other health product premiums decreased $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, during the same comparable periods, primarily as a result of decreased business activities with group associations.  Premiums from the life insurance line of business increased $0.1 million, or 3.8%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, life insurance premiums decreased slightly from the comparable period in 2010 due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s operating expenses for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and the comparable periods in 2010 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Benefits and losses
  $ 12,736     $ 11,483     $ 36,490     $ 34,231  
Commissions and other expenses
    5,085       5,134       15,191       14,790  
                                 
Total expenses
  $ 17,821     $ 16,617     $ 51,681     $ 49,021  

Benefits and losses increased $1.3 million, or 10.9%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $2.3 million, or 6.6%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable periods in 2010.  As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses decreased to 70.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from 72.7% in the three month period ended September 30, 2010.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, this ratio decreased to 72.1% from 73.3% in the comparable period in 2010.  The decrease in the loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to more favorable loss experience in the Medicare supplement line of business as compared to the same period in 2010.  The decrease in the loss ratio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to the increase in recent years’ new life business, which mitigated higher claims associated with the continued aging of the existing life business.

Commissions and other expenses decreased slightly during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from the three month period ended September 30, 2010, and increased $0.4 million, or 2.7%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable period in 2010.  As a percentage of premiums, these expenses decreased to 28.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from 32.5% in the three month period ended September 30, 2010.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, this ratio decreased slightly to 30.0% from 31.7% in the comparable period in 2010.  The decrease in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to the increase in earned premiums coupled with a relatively consistent level of fixed general and administrative expenses.
 
 
INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS

Investment income increased $0.4 million, or 15.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, and $0.5 million, or 6.4%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable periods in 2010.  The increase in investment income was primarily attributable to a higher average balance of fixed maturities held by the Company in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods of 2010.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, a large number of fixed maturities held by the Company were redeemed by the issuers in accordance with the contractual terms thereof, the proceeds from which were generally reinvested in lower yielding cash equivalents until higher yielding quality replacement investments could be made.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $1.0 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to net realized investment gains of $0.2 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.   The significant net realized investment gains in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 were primarily due to the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in bond securities as well as a $0.3 million gain from the sale of an outparcel of land held within one of the Company’s real estate partnership interests.  Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and, as may be determined to be appropriate, makes adjustments for impairments and/or will divest investments.
 
INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense remained relatively unchanged during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 from the comparable periods in 2010. Interest expense on the Company’s bank debt and outstanding trust preferred obligations is directly related to the average London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which likewise has remained relatively unchanged over the past two years.
 
OTHER EXPENSES

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) decreased $0.4 million, or 4.0%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from the three month period ended September 30, 2010, and increased $1.4 million, or 4.9%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, over the comparable period in 2010.  The decrease in other expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to decreased commission accruals at American Southern due to recent loss experience.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, commissions at American Southern decreased $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2010.  The majority of American Southern’s business is structured in a way that agents are compensated based upon the loss ratios of the business they submit to the company.  During periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will decrease, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will increase.  The increase in other expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to increased commission and underwriting costs associated with increased premiums.  Further, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, there were increased compensation accruals of $0.8 million related to the Company’s improved operating performance as compared with the same periods in 2010.  Partially offsetting the increase in other expenses in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was the decrease in commission accruals at American Southern described above and the non-recurring charge of $0.3 million that resulted from the termination and final settlement of the Company’s qualified defined benefit plan in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses decreased to 33.4% in the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from 38.5% in the three month period ended September 30, 2010.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, this ratio decreased to 36.9% from 38.4% in the comparable period in 2010. The decrease in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to the increase in earned premiums coupled with a relatively consistent level of fixed general and administrative expenses and a reduction in commission accruals discussed previously.
 

INCOME TAXES

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”), the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance and the provision-to-filed return adjustments. The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from the estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from these investments as well as appropriate levels of taxable income.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The amount of the SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3.0 million and is ultimately phased out at $15.0 million.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was primarily due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $49,000 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 resulted from the DRD and the provision-to-filed return adjustments.  The provision-to-filed return adjustments of $0.1 million for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 were primarily due to adjustments related to the carryback and utilization of capital losses on investments in the Company’s life and health operation.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels, and meeting debt service requirements.  Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but generally are expected to continue within historical ranges.  The Company’s primary sources of cash are written premiums, investment income, proceeds from the sale and maturity of its invested assets and, if necessary, available borrowings under the Credit Agreement (defined below).  The Company believes that, within each operating company, total invested assets will be sufficient to satisfy all policy liabilities and that cash inflows from investment earnings, future premium receipts and reinsurance collections will be adequate to fund the payment of claims and expenses as needed.

Cash flows at the Parent are derived from dividends, management fees, and tax-sharing payments, as described below, from the subsidiaries.  The cash needs of the Parent are for the payment of operating expenses, the acquisition of capital assets and debt service requirements. At September 30, 2011, the Parent had approximately $27.1 million of unrestricted cash and investments.  The Company believes that traditional funding sources for the Parent, combined with current cash and investments, should provide sufficient liquidity for the Company for the foreseeable future.

The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $4.9 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to statutory net income of $4.5 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business.  In a scenario in which the Company is growing, statutory results are generally lower than results determined under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Statutory results for the Company’s property and casualty operations may differ from the Company’s results of operations under GAAP due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s life and health operations’ statutory results may differ from GAAP results primarily due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes, as well as the use of different reserving methods.

Over 90% of the invested assets of the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries are invested in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, the use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations. Dividend payments to a parent corporation by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries. At September 30, 2011, American Southern had $38.2 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $32.2 million of statutory surplus. In 2011, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $6.8 million would require prior approval.

The Parent provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries. The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries include reimbursements for various shared services and other expenses incurred directly on behalf of the subsidiaries by the Parent.  In addition, there is in place a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Parent and its insurance subsidiaries. It is anticipated that this agreement will provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries due to the subsidiaries' use of the Parent’s tax loss carryforwards, which totaled approximately $4.9 million at September 30, 2011.
 
 
In addition to these internal funding sources, the Company maintains its revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), pursuant to which the Company is able to, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, borrow or reborrow up to $5.0 million.  The interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement is, at the option of the Company, equivalent to either (a) the base rate (which equals the higher of the Prime Rate or 0.5% above the Federal Funds Rate, each as defined) or (b) the LIBOR determined on an interest period of 1-month, 2-months, 3-months or 6-months, plus 2.00%.  Interest on amounts outstanding is payable quarterly.  The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants, including, among others, ratios that relate funded debt to both total capitalization and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as well as the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth.  The Company must also comply with limitations on capital expenditures, certain payments, additional debt obligations, equity repurchases and certain redemptions, as well as minimum risk-based capital levels.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, Wells Fargo may terminate the Credit Agreement and declare all amounts outstanding due and payable in full.  On August 31, 2011, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into the fifth amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”).  The Fifth Amendment provided for the extension of the term of the Credit Agreement to August 31, 2012.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, there was no balance outstanding under this Credit Agreement and the Company was in compliance with all terms of the Credit Agreement.

The Company has two statutory trusts which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts and investing the gross proceeds of the trust preferred securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”).  The outstanding $18.0 million and $23.2 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 4, 2032 and May 15, 2033, respectively, are callable quarterly, in whole or in part, only at the option of the Company, and have an interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The margin ranges from 4.00% to 4.10%.  At September 30, 2011, the effective interest rate was 4.36%.  The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuances of the trust preferred securities represent a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent of each trust’s obligations with respect to the trust preferred securities.  Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer Junior Subordinated Debenture interest payments, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related trust preferred securities.  The Company has not made such an election.

During 2006, the Company entered into a zero cost interest rate collar with Wells Fargo to hedge future interest payments on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The notional amount of the collar was $18.0 million with an effective date of March 6, 2006.  The collar has a LIBOR floor rate of 4.77% and a LIBOR cap rate of 5.85% and adjusts quarterly on the 4th of each March, June, September and December through termination on March 4, 2013.  The Company began making payments to Wells Fargo under the zero cost interest rate collar on June 4, 2008.  As a result of interest rates remaining below the LIBOR floor rate of 4.77% through September 30, 2011, these payments to Wells Fargo have continued.  While the Company may be exposed to counterparty risk should Wells Fargo fail to perform its obligations under this agreement, based on the current level of interest rates coupled with the current macroeconomic outlook, the Company believes that its current exposure to nonperformance risks is minimal.

The Company intends to pay its obligations under the Credit Agreement, if any, and the Junior Subordinated Debentures using existing cash balances, dividend and tax-sharing payments from the operating subsidiaries, or from potential future financing arrangements.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had 70,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) outstanding.  All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock are held by an affiliate of the Company’s Chairman Emeritus. The outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative.  In certain circumstances, the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,754,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval; and are redeemable solely at the Company’s option.  The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently convertible.  At September 30, 2011, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.4 million.

Net cash used in operating activities was $22,000 in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $0.3 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $28.3 million at December 31, 2010 to $22.4 million at September 30, 2011.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to an increased level of investing exceeding normal sales and maturities.  Also contributing to the decrease was the payment of $0.4 million in dividends on the Company’s common stock in the second quarter of 2011.
 
 
The Company believes that the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it receives from its subsidiaries and, if needed, additional borrowings from financial institutions, will enable the Company to meet its liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. Management is not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

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

This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  Those statements, to the extent they are not historical facts, should be considered forward-looking statements, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws.  The Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts, or otherwise.
 
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item  2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On May 2, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan that allowed for the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock (the "Repurchase Plan").  As amended since its original adoption, the Repurchase Plan allows for repurchases of up to an aggregate of 2.0 million shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company.  Such purchases can be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements.

Other than pursuant to the Repurchase Plan, no purchases of common stock of the Company were made by or on behalf of the Company during the periods described below.

The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of shares of its common stock on a monthly basis during the three month period ended September 30, 2011.
 
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid per
Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 
July 1 – July 31, 2011
    4,576     $ 2.08       4,576       407,258  
August 1 – August 31, 2011
    3,570       1.88       3,570       403,688  
September 1 – September 30, 2011
    -       -       -       403,688  
                                 
Total
    8,146     $ 2.00       8,146          
 
Item 6.  Exhibits

10.1 
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2011, by and between Atlantic American Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS 
XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101.CAL 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

101.PRE 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
     
     
Date: November 14, 2011
By:
 /s/ John G. Sample, Jr.
    John G. Sample, Jr.
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number               Title

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2011, by and between Atlantic American Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS 
XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101.CAL 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
101.PRE 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
 
-30-

ex10_1.htm

EXHIBIT 10.1
 
FIFTH AMENDMENT TO
CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made as of the 31st day of August, 2011, between ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION, a Georgia corporation (the “Borrower”) and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, successor-in-interest by merger to Wachovia Bank National Association (the “Bank”).
 
Recitals:
 
The Borrower and the Bank have entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2006, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Pledge Agreement dated March 28, 2008, as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2008, as further amended by that certain Third Amendment to Credit Amendment dated June 30, 2010, as extended on the records of the Bank and as further amended by that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated July 1, 2011 (as so amended and extended the “Credit Agreement”).  The Borrower and the Bank desire to amend the Credit Agreement to extend the termination date, as hereinafter provided.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Recitals and the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Borrower and the Bank, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
 
SECTION 1. Recitals.  The Recitals are incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed to be a part of this Amendment.
 
SECTION 2. Definitions.  Capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.
 
SECTION 3. Amendment to Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement is amended as set forth in this Section 3.  The following definition set forth in Article I of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
 
 “Termination Date” means the earlier to occur of (i) August 31, 2012, (ii) the date the Commitment is terminated pursuant to Section 6.01 following the occurrence of an Event of Default, or (iii) the date the Borrower terminates the Commitment entirely pursuant to Section 2.06.
 
SECTION 4. No Other Amendment.  Except for the amendment set forth above, the text of the Credit Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.  This Amendment is not intended to effect, nor shall it be construed as, a novation.  The Credit Agreement and this Amendment shall be construed together as a single instrument and any reference to the “Agreement” or any other defined term for the Credit Agreement in the Credit Agreement, the Loan Documents or any certificate, instrument or other document delivered pursuant thereto shall mean the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified hereafter.  Nothing herein contained shall waive, annul, vary or affect any provision, condition, covenant or agreement contained in the Credit Agreement, except as herein amended, or any of the other Loan Documents nor affect nor impair any rights, powers or remedies under the Credit Agreement, as hereby amended or any of the other Loan Documents.  The Bank does hereby reserve all of its rights and remedies against all parties who may be or may hereafter become secondarily liable for the repayment of the Obligations.  The Borrower promises and agrees to perform all of the requirements, conditions, agreements and obligations under the terms of the Credit Agreement, as hereby amended, and the other Loan Documents.  The Credit Agreement, as amended, and the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified and affirmed.  The Borrower hereby expressly agrees that the Credit Agreement, as amended, and the other Loan Documents are in full force and effect.
 
SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties.  The Borrower hereby represents and warrants in favor of the Bank as follows:
 
(a)      The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Article IV of the Credit Agreement are true in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent they are made specifically with reference to some other date, in which case they are true and correct as of such other date);
 
(b)      After giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement, the Pledge Agreement or any other Loan Document has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof;
 
 
 

 
 
(c)      The Borrower has the corporate power and authority to enter into this Amendment and to do all acts and things as are required or contemplated hereunder to be done, observed and performed by it;
 
(d)      The Borrower has delivered all shares of stock or other equity interests in the Pledged Subsidiaries and the Insurance Subsidiaries, as required by the terms of the Pledge Agreement;
 
(e)      The Borrower has formed or acquired no Subsidiaries other than the Pledged Subsidiaries and Insurance Subsidiaries set forth in the Pledge Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Pledge Agreement dated March 28, 2008);
 
(f)      This Amendment has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by one or more authorized officers of the Borrower, and this Amendment, the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, and Pledge Agreement constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against it in accordance with their terms; and
 
(g)      Neither the execution and delivery of this Amendment, the Borrower’s performance hereunder and under the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, require the consent or approval of any regulatory authority or governmental authority or agency having jurisdiction over the Borrower other than those which have already been obtained or given, nor will the aforesaid actions be in contravention of or in conflict with the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Borrower, or the provision of any statute, or any judgment, order or indenture, instrument, agreement or undertaking, to which the Borrower is a party or by which its assets or properties are or may become bound.
 
SECTION 6. Conditions to Effectiveness.  The effectiveness of this Amendment and the obligations of the Bank hereunder are subject to the following conditions, unless the Bank waives such conditions:
 
(a)      receipt by the Bank from the Borrower of a duly executed counterpart of this Amendment;
 
(b)      a certified copy of the resolution of the Borrower’s Board of Directors authorizing the extension of the Credit Agreement as set forth herein;
 
(c)      the fact that the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in  Section 5 of this Amendment shall be true on and as of the date hereof.
 
SECTION 7. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
SECTION 8. Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.
 
SECTION 9. Attorney’s Fees and Expenses.  The Borrower hereby agrees that all attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by the Bank in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment shall be payable by the Borrower.
 
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed under seal by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
 
Attest:
   
     
/s/ Barbara B. Snyder
     
Its:  Vice President
By:
 /s/ John G. Sample, Jr.  
    Name:  John G. Sample, Jr.  
[CORPORATE SEAL]
  Title: Senior Vice President, CFO, and Secretary  
 
 
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, successor-in-interest by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association
   
       
 
By:
 /s/ Brian L. Martin  
    Name:  Brian L. Martin  
    Title:  Senior Vice President  
 
 
Signature Page to
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

ex31_1.htm

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., certify that:

 
1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Atlantic American Corporation;

 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date:  November 14, 2011
  /s/ Hilton H. Howell, Jr.  
    Hilton H. Howell, Jr.  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
 

ex31_2.htm

EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John G. Sample, Jr., certify that:

 
1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Atlantic American Corporation;

 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date:  November 14, 2011
  /s/ John G. Sample, Jr.  
    John G. Sample, Jr.  
    Senior Vice President and  
    Chief Financial Officer  
 
 


ex32_1.htm

EXHIBIT 32.1
 
Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

    Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.
 
 
Date: November 14, 2011  
  /s/ Hilton H. Howell, Jr.   
   
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
 
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       

Date: November 14, 2011  
 
/s/ John G. Sample, Jr.  
   
John G. Sample, Jr.
 
   
Senior Vice President and
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.