As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we have elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2009. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
Future policy benefits comprised 32% of the Company’s total liabilities at December 31, 2009. 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 7% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2009. 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
Receivables are amounts due from reinsurers, insureds and agents and comprised 7% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2009. Insured and agent balances are evaluated periodically for collectibility. Annually, the Company performs an analysis of the credit worthiness 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 December 31, 2009. 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 have an estimated fair value as determined by management of $1.8 million at December 31, 2009. 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 other than a temporary impairment. The evaluation for other than temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. The risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, the intent and ability to hold these securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the prospects for the issuer and its industry, the issuer’s continued satisfaction of the investment obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation that they will continue to do so, as well as rating actions that affect the issuer’s credit status. If other than a temporary impairment is deemed to exist, then the Company will write down the amortized cost basis of the investment to its estimated fair value. While such write down does not impact the reported value of the investment in the Company’s balance sheet, it is reflected as a realized investment loss in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s zero cost interest rate collar described below, which was valued using Level 3 criteria, was a liability of $1.5 million. The use of different criteria of assumptions of data may have yielded different valuations.
As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s zero cost interest rate collar valued using Level 3 criteria was a liability of $2.1 million. The use of different criteria of assumptions of data may have yielded different valuations.
significantly influence the reported income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. The magnitude of realized investment gains and losses in any year are a function of the timing of trades of investments relative to the markets themselves as well as the recognition of any impairments on investments.
Excluding realized investment gains and losses, income from continuing operations before taxes was $1.1 million in 2009, compared to $3.0 million in 2008. The decrease in income from continuing operations before taxes and realized gains and losses was primarily due to several large automobile claims incurred in the Company’s property and casualty operations as well as higher overall loss ratios in the Company’s life and health operations. The property and casualty losses were partially offset by a reduction in the accrual for profit sharing commissions due to agents. Also contributing to the decrease was a non-recurring charge of $0.4 million, which resulted from the termination and settlement of the Company’s supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”). Partially offsetting the 2009 decrease in income from continuing operations before taxes and realized gains and losses were the following non-recurring charges recorded in 2008: $0.7 million in discretionary bonus payments to certain officers of the Company in connection with the sale of the regional property and casualty companies and a $0.3 million goodwill impairment charge.
Total revenue was $102.7 million in 2009 as compared to $99.7 million in 2008. Premium revenue increased slightly to $91.5 million in 2009 from $91.4 million in 2008. The increase in premiums was attributable to new business generated by the Company’s life and health operations as a result of increased marketing initiatives. Offsetting the increase in life and health premiums in 2009 was a continued decline in property and casualty premiums.
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios:
Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $2.0 million, or 3.7%, during 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to successful marketing initiatives, recruiting of new agents, and effective utilization of the company’s proprietary lead program. Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $1.3 million, or 3.1%, in 2009 as compared to 2008 and accounted for 75% of total 2009 earned premiums. Partially offsetting this increase in Medicare supplement business was the non-renewal of certain policies that resulted from continued pricing and product competition. Premiums from the life insurance line of business increased $0.3 million, or 2.5%, during 2009 over 2008 premiums due to an increase in sales related initiatives. The other health products premiums increased to $3.9 million in 2009 from $3.4 million in 2008, or 15.0%, primarily as a result of an increase in sales of short-term care products and increased business
Benefits and losses increased $1.9 million, or 4.7%, during 2009 as compared to 2008. As a percentage of premiums, benefits and losses were 73.4% in 2009 compared to 72.7% in 2008. The increase in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to increased medical costs within the health business. The company continues to implement rate increases on its Medicare supplement line of business to help to mitigate the impact of higher medical costs.
The indicated underwriting loss of $2.9 million in 2009 and $2.3 million in 2008 does not take into account investment income, which is a significant component in evaluating profitability; particularly in the life insurance business. Increased marketing efforts have resulted in underwriting expenses increasing at a slightly faster rate than the related premiums, thus increasing the indicated underwriting loss.
The Company had net realized investment gains of $0.3 million in 2009 and net realized investment losses of $4.0 million in 2008. The net realized gains in 2009 were primarily due to the sale of the Company’s investments in the fixed maturity securities of General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and General Motors Acceptance Corporation (“GMAC”). On November 4, 2009, the Company sold all of its GM and GMAC holdings resulting in realized gains of approximately $0.3 million. During 2009, the Company also recorded a realized loss of $0.1 million due to other than temporary impairments in its investments in the fixed maturity securities of CIT Group and GM, as well as certain other invested assets. The net realized investment losses in 2008 were due to impairment charges related to the write-down in the value of certain bonds, preferred and common stocks. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded investment impairments due to other than temporary declines in values, which reduced reported realized investment gains, related to the following investments:
While the impairments did not impact the carrying value of the investments, they resulted in realized losses of $0.1 million in 2009 and $4.0 million in 2008. Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and, as needed, makes adjustments for impairments and/or divests investments. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate result from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”) and the change in asset valuation allowance. The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from 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 due to the reassessment of the realization of tax assets related to certain capital losses on investments as well as other capital loss carryforward benefits. During 2009, the Company increased its existing valuation allowance by $2.0 million as it does not currently anticipate having sufficient future capital gains to offset these capital losses during the applicable carryforward period. The Company continues to periodically assess the potential realization of this and all other deferred tax benefits.
The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels, and meeting debt service requirements. Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but generally are expected to continue within historical ranges. The Company’s primary sources of cash are written premiums, investment income and the sale and maturity of its invested assets. The Company believes that, within each
operating company, total invested assets will be sufficient to satisfy all policy liabilities and that cash inflows from investment earnings, future premium receipts and reinsurance collections will be adequate to fund the payment of claims and expenses as needed.
Cash flows at the Parent are derived from dividends, management fees, and tax sharing payments 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 December 31, 2009, the Parent had approximately $15.9 million of cash and short-term investments. The Company believes that traditional funding sources of the Parent, combined with current cash and short-term investments, should provide sufficient liquidity for the Company and/or the Parent for the foreseeable future.
During 2006, the Company entered into a zero cost rate collar with Wachovia 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 Wachovia under the zero cost rate collar on June 4, 2008. As a result of interest rates remaining below the LIBOR floor rate of 4.77%, these payments to Wachovia under the zero cost rate collar continued throughout 2009. While the Company is exposed to counterparty risk should Wachovia fail to perform, based on the current level of interest rates, and coupled with the current macroeconomic outlook, the Company believes that its current exposure to nonperformance risks is minimal.
The Company believes that the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it receives from its subsidiaries 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.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2009
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic American Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited schedules II, III, IV and VI. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period. Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period, plus options and share awards outstanding using the treasury stock method and the assumed conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock, if dilutive. Unless otherwise indicated, earnings per common share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification 105-10-05, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification” or “ASC”) as the single source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. GAAP is not intended to be changed as a result of the Codification, but the ASC does change the way the guidance is organized and presented. As a result, these changes have an impact on how companies reference GAAP in their financial statements and in their accounting policies for financial statements issued for the interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company has included the references to the Codification, as appropriate, in these consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2009-5, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value (“ASU 2009-5”), to provide additional guidance on the fair value measurement of liabilities within the scope of Topic 820. In all instances, the reporting entity must maximize the use of the relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASU 2009-5 is effective for the first interim reporting period beginning after August 28, 2009. Adoption of this codification did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued amendments to ASC 810-10 (“ASC 810-10”), which amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIEs”). An entity would consolidate a VIE, as the primary beneficiary, when the entity has both of the following: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is required. ASC 810-10 eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE. ASC 810-10 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company will adopt the amendments to ASC 810-10 on January 1, 2010 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events (“ASC 855-10”). ASC 855-10 establishes principles and disclosure requirements for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial
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 December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Bonds having an amortized cost of $9,542 and $9,052 were on deposit with insurance regulatory authorities at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, in accordance with statutory requirements.
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 December 31, 2009 and 2008.
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
The evaluation for other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. The risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, the intent and ability to hold these securities, the nature of the investment and the prospects for the issuer and its industry, the issuer’s continued satisfaction of the investment obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation that they will continue to do so, as well as rating actions that affect the issuer’s credit status.
The following and Note 15 describe the fair value hierarchy and disclosure requirements for the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company’s Level 1 instruments consist of short-term investments.
Annualized premiums for accident and health insurance policies were $49,864 and $46,077 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Loss and claim reserves represent estimates of projected ultimate losses and are based upon: (a) management’s estimate of ultimate liability and claims adjusters’ evaluations for unpaid claims reported prior to the close of the accounting period, (b) estimates of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims based on past experience, and (c) estimates of loss adjustment expenses. The estimated liability is periodically reviewed by management and updated with changes to the estimated liability recorded in the statement of operations in the year in which such changes are known.
In accordance with general practice in the insurance industry, portions of the life, property and casualty insurance written by the Company are reinsured; however, the Company remains liable with respect to reinsurance ceded should any reinsurer be unable or unwilling to meet its obligations. Approximately 88% of the Company’s reinsurance receivables were due from one reinsurer as of December 31, 2009. Reinsurance receivables of $10,157 were due from Swiss Reinsurance Corporation, rated “A+” (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s and “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Allowances for uncollectible amounts are established against reinsurance receivables, if appropriate.
A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and the income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations was as follows:
The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate result from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”) and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from 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 due to the reassessment of the realization of tax assets related to certain capital losses on investments as well as other capital loss carryforward benefits.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were comprised of the following:
As of December 2009 and 2008, a valuation allowance of $7,171 and $5,155, respectively, was established against deferred income tax benefits relating primarily to capital loss carryforwards that may not be realized. During 2009, the Company increased its existing valuation allowance by $2,016 as it does not currently anticipate having sufficient future capital gains to offset certain of these capital losses during the applicable carryforward period. Further, on March 31, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its regional property and casualty operations to Columbia, which resulted in an estimated loss carryforward benefit of approximately $5,155. Since the Company’s ability to generate taxable income and utilize available tax planning strategies in the near term is dependent upon various factors, many of which are beyond management’s control, management believes that this loss carryforward may not be realized. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2008, a valuation allowance of $5,155 was established to reduce this deferred tax benefit to zero. The Company continues to periodically assess the potential realization of this and all other deferred tax benefits.
Stock”) for $13,400, and to allow the Company to pay a dividend to the holders thereof and in connection therewith of $1,675. This redemption, and the related dividend payment, was completed on October 28, 2008. See Note 10.
A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options at December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
Data on options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009 is as follows:
The fair value of options granted is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the stock price. No options were granted in 2009 or 2008.
The Company initiated an employees’ savings plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in May 1995. The plan covers substantially all of the Company’s employees. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company modified its employees’ savings plan (the “Plan”) such that the Plan would operate on a safe harbor basis. Under the Plan, employees may defer up to 50% of their compensation, not to exceed the annual deferral limit. The Company’s total matching contribution for 2009 of $294 consisted of a contribution equal to 100% of up to the first 4% of each participant’s contributions, and was made in cash. The Company’s 2008 matching contribution was in Company common stock and was equal to 50% of up to the first 6% of each participant’s contribution, with a total value of approximately $147.
Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 included the following components:
The net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2009 was determined based on the estimated ultimate obligation at the termination of the qualified pension plan.
The Company expects to pay the $2,343 accumulated benefit obligation in connection with the termination of the qualified defined benefit plan in 2010.
The assumed conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock and all outstanding stock options were excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for 2009 and 2008 since their impact was antidilutive.
Under the insurance code of the state of jurisdiction in which each insurance subsidiary is domiciled, dividend payments to the Parent by its insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain limitations without the prior approval of the applicable state’s Insurance Commissioner. The Parent received dividends of $6,472 and $5,496 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, from its subsidiaries. In 2010, dividend payments by insurance subsidiaries in excess of $8,142 would require prior approval.
The Parent’s primary insurance subsidiaries operate with relative autonomy and each company is evaluated based on its individual performance. American Southern operates in the Property and Casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the Life and Health insurance market. All segments derive revenue from the collection of premiums, as well as from investment income. Substantially all revenue other than that in the corporate and other segment is from external sources.
The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information from various market sources and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
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 periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
The Company’s fixed maturity securities valued using Level 3 inputs are comprised 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 offering is also considered, as applicable. As the derivative is an interest rate collar, changes in valuation are more closely correlated with changes in interest rates and accordingly values are estimated using projected cash flows at current interest rates discounted at a reasonably estimated rate of interest. Fair value quotations are also obtained from the single counterparty to the transaction.
Fixed Maturity Securities, Common and Non-Redeemable Preferred Stocks and Publicly Traded Other Invested Assets
On December 26, 2007, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement providing for the sale of all the outstanding shares of stock of Association Casualty and Georgia Casualty to Columbia. On March 31, 2008, the Company completed the sale of shares to Columbia in exchange for approximately $43,000 in cash. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, and operating results of Georgia Casualty and Association Casualty as discontinued operations. In connection with the closing, the Company and Columbia had agreed to thereafter finalize a valuation matter with respect to certain loss reserves related to the discontinued operations. Effective March 17, 2009, the Company and Columbia entered into a final agreement with respect to all valuation matters, and the Company agreed to make a payment to Columbia of $1,750; $500 of such liability had been recorded as of the closing and the additional $1,250 was recorded as additional loss from discontinued operations in the year ended December 31, 2008.
The following table provides operating results from the discontinued operations of Georgia Casualty and Association Casualty for the year ended December 31, 2008.