UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form 10-K

 

Commission file number 0-3722

 

 

 

 

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(404) 266-5500

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

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

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  o      No  þ

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  o      No  þ

 

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

 

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

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

 

 

 

 

The aggregate market value of voting and nonvoting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $7,615,880. On March 16, 2009 there were 22,323,595 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

1. Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year end, have been incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of American Southern’s net earned premiums from each of its principal product lines:

 

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Bankers Fidelity comprises the life and health operations of the Company and offers a variety of life and supplemental health products with a focus on the senior markets. Products offered by Bankers Fidelity include ordinary and term life insurance, Medicare supplement and other accident and health insurance products. Health business, primarily Medicare supplement insurance, accounted for 81.2% of Bankers Fidelity’s net earned premiums in 2008 while life insurance, including both whole and term life insurance policies, accounted for the balance. In terms of the number of policies written in 2008, 59.3% were health insurance policies and 40.7% were life insurance policies.

 

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the allocation of Bankers Fidelity’s net earned premiums from each of its principal product lines followed by a brief description of the principal products:

 

 

Life Insurance products include non-participating individual term and whole life insurance policies with a variety of riders and options. Policy premiums are dependent upon a number of factors, including selected riders or options.

 

Medicare Supplement Insurance includes 8 of the 12 standardized Medicare supplement policies created under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (“OBRA 1990”), which are designed to provide insurance coverage for certain expenses not covered by the Medicare program, including copayments and deductibles.

 

Other Accident and Health Insurance coverages include several policies providing for the payment of benefits in connection with the treatment of diagnosed cancer, as well as a number of other policies providing nursing facility care, accident expense, hospital/surgical and disability coverages.

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

A portion of American Southern’s business is marketed through a small number of specialized, experienced independent agents. American Southern’s agent selection process is actively managed by internal marketing personnel with active oversight from management. Senior management carefully reviews all new

programs prior to implementation. Most of American Southern’s agents are paid an up-front commission with the potential for additional commissions by participating in a profit sharing arrangement that is directly linked to the profitability of the business generated. American Southern also solicits business from governmental entities. As an experienced writer for certain governmental programs, the company actively pursues this market on a direct basis. Much of this business is priced by means of competitive bid situations and there can be no assurance that the company can obtain or retain such business at the time of a specific contract renewal.

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Bankers Fidelity markets its policies through commissioned, independent agents. In general, Bankers Fidelity enters contractual arrangements with various general agents responsible for marketing and other activities, who also, in turn, appoint independent agents. The standard agreements set forth the commission arrangements and are terminable by either party upon notice. General agents receive an override commission on sales made by agents appointed by them. Management believes utilizing experienced agents, as well as independent general agents who recruit and train their own agents, is cost effective. All independent agents are compensated solely on a commission basis. Using independent agents also enables Bankers Fidelity to expand or contract its sales force without incurring significant additional expense.

 

Bankers Fidelity has implemented a selective agent qualification process and had 1,704 licensed agents as of December 31, 2008. The agents concentrate their sales activities in either the accident and health or life insurance product lines. During 2008, approximately 501 agents wrote policies on behalf of Bankers Fidelity.

 

Bankers Fidelity utilizes multiple distribution sales channels including agency business, which is centered around a lead generation plan that rewards qualified agents with leads in accordance with monthly production goals. In addition, a protected territory is established for each qualified agent, which entitles them to all leads produced within that territory. The territories are zip code or county based and encompass sufficient geographic territory designed to produce a minimum senior population of 25,000. Bankers Fidelity also recruits at a general agent level as well as at a managing general agent level in an effort to use more than one distribution channel to lower expenses.

 

The Company believes these lead generation systems solve an agent’s most important dilemma — prospecting — and allows Bankers Fidelity to build long-term relationships with agents who can view Bankers Fidelity as their primary company. In addition, management believes that Bankers Fidelity’s product line is less sensitive to competitor pricing and commissions because of the perceived value of the protected territory and the lead generation plan. In protected geographical areas, production per agent compares favorably to unprotected areas served by the general brokerage division.

 

Products of Bankers Fidelity compete directly with products offered by other insurance companies, and agents may represent several insurance companies. Bankers Fidelity, in an effort to further motivate agents to market its products, offers the following agency services: a unique lead system, competitive products and commission structures, efficient claims service, prompt payment of commissions that immediately vest, simplified policy issue procedures, periodic sales incentive programs and, as described above, protected sales territories determined based on specific counties and/or zip codes.

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

American Southern specializes in underwriting various risks that are sufficiently large enough to establish separate class experience, relying upon the underwriting expertise of its agents.

 

During the course of the policy life, extensive use is made of risk management representatives to assist commercial underwriters in identifying and correcting potential loss exposures and to pre-inspect a majority of the new underwritten accounts. The results of each insured are reviewed on a stand-alone basis periodically. When the results are below expectations, management takes appropriate corrective action which may include

adjusting rates, reviewing underwriting standards, adjusting commissions paid to agents, and/or altering or declining to renew accounts at expiration.

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Bankers Fidelity issues a variety of products for both life and health insurance markets, with a focus on senior life products typically with small face amounts of between $3,000 and $30,000, and Medicare supplement insurance. The majority of its products are “Yes” or “No” applications that are underwritten on a non-medical basis. Bankers Fidelity offers products to all age groups; however, its primary focus is the senior market. For life products other than the senior market, Bankers Fidelity may require medical information such as medical examinations subject to age and face amount based on published guidelines. Approximately 95% of the net premiums earned for both life and health insurance sold during 2008 were derived from insurance written below Bankers Fidelity’s medical limits. For the senior market, Bankers Fidelity issues products primarily on an accept-or-reject basis with face amounts up to $30,000 for preferred rates, up to $25,000 for standard rates and up to $20,000 for modified graded rates. Bankers Fidelity retains a maximum amount of $50,000 with respect to any individual life policy (see “Reinsurance”).

 

Applications for insurance are reviewed to determine the face amount, age, and medical history. Depending upon information obtained from the insured, the Medical Information Bureau (“M.I.B.”) report, paramedical testing, and/or medical records, additional testing may be ordered. If deemed necessary, Bankers Fidelity may use investigative services to supplement and substantiate information. For certain limited coverages, Bankers Fidelity has adopted simplified policy issue procedures by which an application containing a variety of Yes/No health related questions is submitted. For these plans, a M.I.B. report is ordered, however, paramedical testing and medical records are not ordered in most cases. All applications by individuals age 60 and older are also verified by telephone interview.

 

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

 

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

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

American Southern controls its claims costs by utilizing an in-house staff of claims supervisors to investigate, verify, negotiate and settle claims. Upon notification of an occurrence purportedly giving rise to a claim, a claim file is established. The claims department then conducts a preliminary investigation, determines whether an insurable event has occurred and, if so, updates the file for the findings and any required reserve adjustments. Frequently, independent adjusters and appraisers are utilized to service claims which require on-site inspections.

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Insureds may obtain claim forms by calling the claims department customer service group or through Bankers Fidelity’s website. To shorten claim processing time, a letter detailing all supporting documents that are required to complete a claim for a particular policy is sent to the customer along with the correct claim

form. With respect to life policies, the claim is entered into Bankers Fidelity’s claims system when the proper documentation is received. Properly documented claims are generally paid within three to nine business days of receipt. With regard to Medicare supplement policies, the claim is either directly billed to Bankers Fidelity by the provider or sent electronically through a Medicare clearing house.

Reserves

 

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

 

 

 

Reserves are set by line of business within each of the subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008, approximately 86% of the reserves related to property and casualty losses and approximately 14% related to life and health losses. The Company’s property and casualty operations incur losses which may take extended periods of time to evaluate and settle. Issues with respect to legal liability, actual loss quantification, legal discovery and ultimate subrogation, among other factors, may influence the initial and subsequent estimates of loss. In the property and casualty operations, the Company’s general practice is to reserve at the upper end of the determined reasonable range of loss if no other value within the range is determined to be more probable. The Company’s life and health subsidiary generally incurs losses which are more readily quantified. Medical claims received are recorded in case reserves based on contractual terms using the submitted billing as a basis for determination. Life claims are recorded based on contract value at the time of notification to the Company; although policy reserves related to such contracts have been previously established. Individual case reserves are established by a claims processor on each individual claim and are periodically reviewed and adjusted as new information becomes known during the course of handling a claim. Regular internal periodic reviews are also performed by management to ensure that loss reserves are established and revised timely relative to the receipt of new or additional information. Lines of business for which loss data (e.g. paid losses and case reserves) emerge over a long period of time are referred to as long-tail lines of business. Lines of business for which loss data emerge more quickly are referred to as short-tail lines of business. The Company’s long-tail line of business generally includes general liability while the short-tail lines of business generally include property and automobile coverages.

The Company’s actuaries regularly review reserves for both current and prior accident years using the most current claims data. These regular reviews incorporate a variety of actuarial methods (discussed below in Critical Accounting Policies) and judgments and involve a disciplined analysis. For most lines of business, certain actuarial methods and specific assumptions are deemed more appropriate based on the current circumstances affecting that line of business. These selections incorporate input from claims personnel and operating management on reported loss cost trends and other factors that could affect the reserve estimates.

 

For long-tail lines of business, the emergence of paid losses and case reserves is less credible in the early periods, and accordingly may not be indicative of ultimate losses. For these lines, methods which incorporate a development pattern assumption are given less weight in calculating incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for the early periods of loss emergence because such a low percentage of ultimate losses are reported in that time frame. Accordingly, for any given accident year, the rate at which losses on long-tail lines of business emerge in the early periods is generally not as reliable an indication of the ultimate losses as it would be for shorter-tail lines of business. The estimation of reserves for these lines of business in the early periods of loss emergence is therefore largely influenced by statistical analyses and application of prior accident years’ loss ratios after considering changes to earned pricing, loss costs, mix of business, ceded reinsurance and other factors that are expected to affect the estimated ultimate losses. For later periods of loss emergence, methods which incorporate a development pattern assumption are given more weight in estimating ultimate losses.

 

For short-tail lines of business, the emergence of paid loss and case reserves is more credible in the early periods and likely indicative of ultimate losses. The method used to set reserves for these lines is based upon utilization of a historical development pattern for reported losses. IBNR reserves for the current year are set as the difference between the estimated fully developed ultimate losses for each year, less the established, related case reserves and cumulative related payments. IBNR reserves for prior accident years are similarly determined, again relying on an indicated, historical development pattern for reported losses.

 

Based on the results of regular reserve estimate reviews, the Company determines the appropriate reserve adjustment, if any, to record. If necessary, recorded reserve estimates are changed after consideration of numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the magnitude of the difference between the actuarial indication and the recorded reserves, improvement or deterioration of actuarial indication in the period, the maturity of the accident year, trends observed over the recent past and the level of volatility within a particular line of business. In general, changes are made more quickly to recognize changes in estimates to ultimate losses in mature accident years and less volatile lines of business.

 

Estimating case reserves and ultimate losses involves various considerations which differ according to the line of business. In addition, changes in state legislative and regulatory environments may impact loss estimates. General liability claims may have a long pattern of loss emergence. Given the broad nature of potential general liability coverages, investigative time periods may be extended and coverage questions may exist. Such uncertainties create greater imprecision in estimating required levels of loss reserves. The property and automobile lines of business generally have less variable reserve estimates than other lines. This is largely due to the coverages having relatively shorter periods of loss emergence. Estimates, however, can still vary due to a number of factors, including interpretations of frequency and severity trends. Severity trends can be impacted by changes in internal claim handling and reserving practices in addition to changes in the external environment. These changes in claim practices increase the uncertainty in the interpretation of case reserve data, which increases the uncertainty in recorded reserve levels.

Components of the Company’s reserves for losses and claims by product line at December 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

 

The Company’s policy is to record reserves for losses and claims in amounts which approximate actuarial best estimates of ultimate values. Actuarial best estimates do not necessarily represent the midpoint value determined using the various actuarial methods; however, such estimates will fall between the estimated low and high end reserve values. The range of estimates developed in connection with the December 31, 2008 review indicated that reserves could be as much as 19.6% lower or as much as 5.3% higher. In the opinion of management, recorded reserves represent the best estimate of outstanding losses, although significant judgments are made in the derivation of reserve estimates and revisions to such estimates will be made in future periods. Any such revisions could be material, and may materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

American Southern maintains loss reserves representing estimates of amounts necessary for payment of losses and LAE and are not discounted. IBNR reserves are also maintained for future development. These loss reserves are estimates, based on known facts and circumstances at a given point in time, of amounts the insurer expects to pay on incurred claims. All balances are reviewed periodically by the Company’s actuary. Reserves for LAE are intended to cover the ultimate costs of settling claims, including investigation and defense of lawsuits resulting from such claims. Loss reserves for reported claims are based on a case-by-case evaluation of the type of claim involved, the circumstances surrounding the claim, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss along with anticipated future development. The LAE for claims reported and claims not reported is based on historical statistical data and anticipated future development. Inflation and other factors which may affect claim payments are implicitly reflected in the reserving process through analysis and consideration of cost trends and reviews of historical reserve results.

 

American Southern establishes reserves for claims 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 IBNR claims based on past experience, and (c) estimates of LAE. If no value is determined to be more probable in estimating a loss after considering all factors, the Company’s general practice is to reserve at the upper end of the determined reasonable range of loss. The estimated liability is periodically reviewed and updated, and changes to the estimated liability are recorded in the statement of operations in the year in which such changes become known.

 

The following table sets forth the development of reserves for unpaid losses and claims determined using generally accepted accounting principles of American Southern’s insurance lines from 1998 through 2008. Specifically excluded from the table are the life and health division’s claims reserves, which are included in the consolidated loss and claims reserves. The top line of the table represents the estimated cumulative amount of losses and LAE for claims arising in all prior years that were unpaid at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated periods, including an estimate of IBNR losses at the applicable date. The amounts represent initial reserve estimates at the respective balance sheet dates for the current and all prior years. The next portion of the table shows the cumulative amounts paid with respect to claims in each succeeding year. The

lower portion of the table shows the re-estimated amounts of previously recorded reserves based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year.

 

The reserve estimates are modified as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. The “cumulative redundancy or deficiency” for each year represents the aggregate change in such year’s estimates through the end of 2008. Futhermore, the amount of the redundancy or deficiency for any year represents the cumulative amount of the changes from initial reserve estimates for such year. Operations for any year may be affected, favorably or unfavorably, by the amount of the change in the estimate for such years; however, because such analysis is based on the reserves for unpaid losses and claims, before consideration of reinsurance, the total indicated redundancies and/or deficiencies may not ultimately be reflected in the Company’s net income. Further, conditions and trends that have affected development of the reserves in the past may not necessarily occur in the future and there could be future events or actions that would impact future development which have not existed in the past. Accordingly, it is impossible to accurately predict future redundancies or deficiencies based on the data in the following table.

 

Note: Because this analysis is based on reserves for unpaid losses and claims, before consideration of reinsurance, the total indicated redundancies and/or deficiencies may not ultimately be reflected in the Company’s net income.

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Bankers Fidelity establishes liabilities for future policy benefits to meet projected future obligations under outstanding policies. These reserves are calculated to satisfy policy and contract obligations as they mature. The amount of reserves for insurance policies is calculated using assumptions for interest rates, mortality and morbidity rates, expenses, and withdrawals. Reserves are adjusted periodically based on published actuarial tables with modification to reflect actual experience. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries may purchase reinsurance from unaffiliated insurers and reinsurers to reduce their potential liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. In a reinsurance transaction, an insurance company transfers, or “cedes,” a portion or all of its exposure on insurance policies to a reinsurer. The reinsurer assumes the exposure in return for a portion of the premiums. The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge the insurer from primary liability for the full amount of policies written by it, and the ceding company will incur a loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement.

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

American Southern’s basic reinsurance treaties generally cover all claims in excess of $150,000 per occurrence. Limits per occurrence within the reinsurance treaties are as follows: Fire, inland marine, commercial automobile physical damage — $125,000 excess of $50,000 retention; and automobile liability and general liability — excess coverage of $2.0 million less retentions that may vary from $100,000 to $150,000 depending on the account. American Southern maintains a property catastrophe treaty with a $6.6 million limit excess of $400,000 retention. American Southern also issues individual surety bonds with face amounts generally up to $1.5 million, and limited to $5.0 million per account, that are not reinsured.

 

Life and Health Operations

 

Bankers Fidelity has entered into reinsurance contracts ceding the excess of its retention to several primary reinsurers. Maximum retention by Bankers Fidelity on any one individual in the case of life insurance policies is $50,000. At December 31, 2008, $32.3 million of the $280.9 million of life insurance in force at Bankers Fidelity was reinsured, generally under yearly renewable term agreements. Certain prior year reinsurance agreements remain in force although they no longer provide reinsurance for new business.

 

Competition is based on many factors including premiums charged, terms and conditions of coverage, service provided, financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, claims services, reputation, perceived financial strength and the experience of the organization in the line of business being written.

 

Property and Casualty Operations

 

The businesses in which American Southern engages are highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing and service. Many competing property and casualty companies, which have been in business longer than American Southern, offer more diversified lines of insurance and have substantially greater financial resources. Management believes, however, that the policies it sells are competitive with those providing similar benefits offered by other insurers doing business in the states in which American Southern operates. American Southern attempts to develop strong relationships with its existing agents and, consequently, is generally privy to new programs with existing agents.

Life and Health Operations

 

The life and health insurance business also remains highly competitive and includes a large number of insurance companies, many of which have substantially greater financial resources than Bankers Fidelity or the Company. Bankers Fidelity focuses on four core products in the senior market: Medicare supplement, hospital indemnity, small face amount life insurance and short-term nursing home coverage. Bankers Fidelity believes that its primary competitors in this market are Mutual of Omaha, United World, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, United Commercial Travelers and Woodman of the World. Bankers Fidelity competes with these as well as other insurers on the basis of premium rates, policy benefits and service to policyholders. Bankers Fidelity also competes with other insurers to attract and retain the allegiance of its independent agents through commission arrangements, accessibility and marketing assistance, lead programs, reputation, and market expertise. In order to better compete, Bankers Fidelity utilizes a proprietary lead generation program to attract and retain independent agents. Bankers Fidelity actively seeks niche markets through long-term relationships with a select number of independent marketing organizations including worksite marketing, credit union business and association endorsements. Bankers Fidelity has a track record of successfully competing in its chosen markets by establishing relationships with independent agents and providing proprietary marketing initiatives as well as providing outstanding service to policyholders. Bankers Fidelity believes that it competes effectively on the bases of policy benefits, services and market expertise.

 

Ratings of insurance companies are not designed for investors and do not constitute recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings are important measures within the insurance industry, and improved ratings should have a favorable impact on the ability of a company to compete in the marketplace.

 

Each year A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) publishes Best’s Insurance Reports, which includes assessments and ratings of all insurance companies. A.M. Best’s ratings, which may be revised quarterly, fall into fifteen categories ranging from A++ (Superior) to F (in liquidation). A.M. Best’s ratings are based on a detailed analysis of the statutory financial condition and operations of an insurance company compared to the industry in general.

 

American Southern.   American Southern and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Safety Insurance Company, are each, as of the date of this report, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

 

Bankers Fidelity.   Bankers Fidelity is, as of the date of this report, rated “B++” (Very Good) by A.M. Best.

 

In common with all domestic insurance companies, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. Statutes typically delegate regulatory, supervisory, and administrative powers to state insurance commissioners. The method of such regulation varies, but regulation relates generally to the licensing of insurers and their agents, the nature of and limitations on investments, approval of policy forms, reserve requirements, the standards of solvency to be met and maintained, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, and periodic examinations of insurers and trade practices, among other things. The Company’s products generally are subject to rate regulation by state insurance commissions, which require that certain minimum loss ratios be maintained. Certain states also have insurance holding company laws which require registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies controlled by other corporations licensed to transact business within their respective jurisdictions. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to such legislation and are registered as controlled insurers in those jurisdictions in which such registration is required. Such laws vary from state to state, but typically require periodic disclosure concerning the corporation which controls the registered insurers and all subsidiaries of such corporations, as well as prior notice to, or approval by, the state insurance commissioners of intercorporate transfers of assets (including payments of dividends by the insurance subsidiaries in excess of specified amounts) within the holding company system.

Most states require that rate schedules and other information be filed with the state’s insurance regulatory authority, either directly or through a rating organization with which the insurer is affiliated. The regulatory authority may disapprove a rate filing if it determines that the rates are inadequate, excessive, or discriminatory. The Company has historically experienced no significant regulatory resistance to its applications for rate adjustments; however, the Company cannot provide any assurance that it will not receive any objections to its applications in the future.

 

A state may require that acceptable securities be deposited for the protection either of policyholders located in those states or of all policyholders. As of December 31, 2008, securities with an amortized cost of $9.1 million were on deposit either directly with various state authorities or with third parties pursuant to various custodial agreements on behalf of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.

 

Virtually all of the states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require participation in their respective guaranty funds designed to cover claims against insolvent insurers. Insurers authorized to transact business in these jurisdictions are generally subject to assessments of up to 4% of annual direct premiums written in that jurisdiction to pay such claims, if any. The likelihood and amount of any future assessments cannot be estimated until an insolvency has occurred.

 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) was established to, among other things, provide guidelines to assess the financial strength of insurance companies for state regulatory purposes. The NAIC conducts annual reviews of the financial data of insurance companies primarily through the application of 13 financial ratios prepared on a statutory basis. The annual statements are submitted to state insurance departments to assist them in monitoring insurance companies in their state and to set forth a desirable range in which companies should fall in each such ratio.

 

The NAIC suggests that insurance companies which fall outside of the “usual” range in four or more financial ratios are those most likely to require analysis by state regulators. However, according to the NAIC, it may not be unusual for a financially sound company to have several ratios outside the “usual” range, and in normal years the NAIC expects 15% of the companies it tests to be outside the “usual” range in four or more categories.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, American Southern was within the NAIC “usual” range for all 13 financial ratios. Bankers Fidelity was outside the “usual” range on two ratios: the net change in capital and surplus and the gross change in capital and surplus. The change in capital and surplus variance, on both a gross and net basis, was primarily due to realized investment losses of approximately $2.3 million on certain bonds, preferred and common stocks which decreased the company’s surplus during 2008.

 

Risk-based capital (“RBC”) is used by rating agencies and regulators as an early warning tool to identify weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating further regulatory action. The RBC calculation determines the amount of adjusted capital needed by a company to avoid regulatory action. “Authorized Control Level Risk-Based Capital” (“ACL”) is calculated, and if a company’s adjusted capital is 200% or lower than ACL, it is subject to regulatory action. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries exceeded the RBC regulatory levels.

Investments

 

Investment income represents a significant portion of the Company’s total income. Insurance company investments are subject to state insurance laws and regulations which limit the concentration and types of investments. The following table provides information on the Company’s investments as of the dates indicated.

 

 

 

Estimated fair values are determined as discussed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of the Company’s investment portfolio for periods shown were as follows:

 

 

 

Management’s investment strategy is an increased investment in short and medium maturity bonds and to a lesser extent in common and preferred stocks.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries employed 125 people at December 31, 2008. Of the 125 people employed at December 31, 2008, 123 were full-time.

 

Each of American Southern and Bankers Fidelity operate with relative autonomy and each company is evaluated 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. Each segment derives 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. See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Company files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The public can read and obtain copies of those materials by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers like Atlantic American that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s web site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company, the Company makes copies available to the public, free of charge, on or through its web site at http://www.atlam.com. Neither the Company’s website, nor the information appearing on the website, is included, incorporated into, or a part of, this report.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The table below and the information following the table set forth, for each executive officer of the Company as of March 1, 2009, his name, age, positions with the Company and business experience for the past five years, as well as any prior service with the Company (based upon information supplied by each of them).

 

 

Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

Mr. Robinson has served as a Director since 1974, served as Chairman of the Board from 1974 until February 24, 2009 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from September 1988 to May 1995. Effective February 24, 2009, Mr. Robinson resigned his position as Chairman of the Board and assumed the role of Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Robinson is also a director of Gray Television, Inc.

 

Mr. Howell has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 1995, and prior thereto served as Executive Vice President of the Company from October 1992 to May 1995. He has been a Director of the Company since October 1992 and effective February 24, 2009, assumed the title of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Howell is the son-in-law of Mr. Robinson. He is also a director of Triple Crown Media, Inc. and Gray Television, Inc.

 

Mr. Sample has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 2002. He also serves as a Director of Bankers Fidelity. Prior to joining the Company in July 2002, he had been a partner of Arthur Andersen LLP since 1990. Mr. Sample is also a director of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation.

 

Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to, among other things, economic, competitive and legislative developments. The forward-looking statements are subject to changes and uncertainties which are, in many instances, beyond the Company’s control and have been made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Actual results could differ materially from those expected by the Company, depending on the outcome of various factors. These factors include, among others, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section which follows and: further deterioration in general economic conditions; continued disruption to the financial markets; unanticipated increases in the rate, number and amounts of claims outstanding; the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks; the level of performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect the Company against losses; changes in the stock markets, interest rates or other financial markets, including the potential effect on the Company’s statutory capital levels; the uncertain effect on the Company of regulatory and market-driven changes in practices relating to the payment of incentive compensation to brokers, agents and other producers; the incidence and severity of catastrophes, both natural and man-made; stronger than anticipated competitive activity; unfavorable judicial or legislative developments; the potential effect of regulatory developments, including those which could increase the Company’s business costs and required capital levels; the Company’s ability to distribute its products through distribution channels, both current and future; the uncertain effect of emerging claim and coverage issues; and the effect of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements.

Many of such factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. As a result, the Company’s actual financial condition, results of operations and stock price could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. Undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

 

Our revenues may fluctuate with insurance market conditions for similar products.

 

We derive a significant portion of our insurance premium revenue from Medicare supplement and relatively large commercial property and casualty insurance policies. While we have in the recent past been partially successful in implementing premium increases which typically help improve our operating results, we believe that competition from alternative government sponsored products and pricing decisions from larger insurers will, at least in the short term, result in more moderate pricing increases, if not decreases in certain situations. Should our competitors become less disciplined in their pricing, or more permissive in their terms, we may lose customers who base their purchasing decisions primarily on price, due to the fact that our policy is to price coverage commensurate with the underlying risk. We cannot predict whether, when or how market conditions will change, or the manner in which, or the extent to which any such changes may adversely impact the results of our operations.

 

The insurance industry is highly cyclical.

 

The results of companies in the insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations due to competition, economic conditions, interest rates and other factors. In particular, companies in the property and casualty insurance segment of the industry historically have experienced pricing and profitability cycles. With respect to these cycles, the factors having the greatest impact include intense price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards, aggressive marketing and increased advertising, which have resulted in higher industry-wide combined loss and expense ratios. As a result of our participation in the property and casualty business, our financial condition and results of operations are subject to this cyclicality.

 

Our revenues and profitability may fluctuate with interest rates and investment results.

 

We generally rely on the positive performance of our investment portfolio to offset insurance losses and to contribute to our profitability. As our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of interest-earning assets, prevailing economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, may significantly affect our operating results. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of our interest-earning assets, which are principally comprised of fixed rate investment securities. Generally, the values of fixed-rate investment securities fluctuate inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate fluctuations could adversely affect our shareholders’ equity, income and/or cash flows. Further, to the extent fixed rate investment securities consist of investments in other than government or government agency securities, changing credit risk profiles may significantly affect our operating results. The Company generally carries investment securities at fair value for purposes of financial statement reporting; however, if the value of an investment security declines below its cost or amortized cost, and the decline is considered to be other than temporary, a realized loss is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the investment to its estimated fair value. Realized losses are reflected as a reduction in investment results and revenues and could adversely impact our results of operations.

 

Changes in the value of our investment portfolio may have a material impact on our operating results.

 

We derive a significant portion of our net earnings from our invested assets. As a result, our operating results depend in part on the performance of our investment portfolio. As of the year ended December 31, 2008, the fair value of our investment portfolio was $173.1 million and net investment income derived from these assets was $11.7 million. We also incurred net realized losses of $4.0 million in 2008. Our investment portfolio is subject to various risks, including:

 

 

 

If the Company’s investment portfolio is not appropriately matched with the respective insurance liabilites, we may be forced to liquidate investments prior to their maturity at a significant loss in order to cover these liabilities. This might occur, for instance, in the event of a large or unexpected claim or series of claims. Large investment losses could significantly decrease our asset base, thereby affecting our ability to underwrite new business.

 

Our operating results may be affected if incurred losses differ from our loss reserve estimates.

 

Varying periods of time often elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss by the insured and the ultimate settlement of that loss. The financial statement recognition of unpaid incurred losses is made through a provision for incurred losses with corresponding loss reserves established. The loss reserves represent the estimate of amounts needed to pay incurred losses and related loss adjustment expense as of the balance sheet date. The process of estimating loss reserves is a complex undertaking and involves significant variables and judgments. Consideration is given to numerous factors including, but not limited to: historical data; trends in claim frequency and severity; changes in operations; emerging economic, social, regulatory and legal trends and inflation. Further, estimating loss reserves assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effect of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate, but not always necessarily accurate, basis for predicting future settlements. There is no precise method for evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of loss reserves, and ultimate settlements will differ from initial and regularly updated estimates. To the extent loss reserves prove to be inadequate in the future, increases in loss reserves would be necessitated with a corresponding charge to earnings in the period the reserves are increased, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Rapidly changing benefit costs could have a material impact on our operations.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s insurance policies provide coverage for some portion of medical benefits and/or repair/replacement of damaged property such as buildings and automobiles. Historical inflationary increases in those costs are considered when developing premium rates; however, on occasion, future cost increases exceed those initially estimated. In the medical field, scientific breakthroughs and/or new technology can result in unanticipated increasing medical costs. In property repair/replacement, a significant geographically concentrated demand for labor and supplies, particularly as a result of catastrophic disasters, may result in significantly increased costs. Rapidly changing costs of settling claims in excess of those originally anticipated, due to scientific breakthrough, new technology and/or catastrophic events could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to assume increased risk or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.

 

As part of our enterprise risk management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for significant amounts of risk underwritten by our insurance company subsidiaries. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance, which may affect the level of our business and profitability. We may be unable to maintain current reinsurance coverage or to obtain other reinsurance coverage in adequate amounts and at comparable rates in the future. If we are unable to renew our expiring coverage or to obtain new reinsurance coverage, either our net exposure to risk would increase, or if we were unwilling to assume additional risk, we would have to reduce the amount of our underwritten risk.

We cannot guarantee that our reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and, as a result, we could experience losses.

 

We transfer some of our risks to reinsurance companies in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred, it does not relieve us of our liability to our policyholders. If reinsurers fail to pay us or fail to pay on a timely basis, our financial results would be adversely affected.

 

The guaranty fund assessments that we are required to pay to state guaranty associations may increase and our results of operations and financial condition could suffer as a result.

 

A majority of the states in which we operate have separate insurance guaranty fund laws which require certain admitted insurance companies doing business within their respective jurisdictions to be a member of their guaranty associations. These associations are organized to pay covered claims, as defined, under insurance policies issued by insolvent insurance companies. Most guaranty association laws enable the associations to make assessments against member insurers to obtain funds to pay covered claims after a member insurer becomes insolvent. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the covered lines of business in that state. Maximum assessments permitted by law in any one year are generally subject to 4% of annual premiums written by a member in that state. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through surcharges on policyholders or through full or partial premium tax offsets, while other states permit recovery of assessments through the rate filing process. Our policy is to accrue an estimated annual assessment based on the most recent prior year’s experience. There is a significant degree of uncertainty in estimating the liabilities relating to an insolvent insurer due to inadequate financial data with respect to the estate of the insolvent company as supplied by the guaranty funds.

 

The unpredictability of court decisions could have a material impact on our operations.

 

From time to time we are party to legal proceedings that may arise from disputes over our insurance coverage. The financial position of our insurance subsidiaries may be affected by court decisions that expand insurance coverage beyond the intention of the insurer at the time it originally issued an insurance policy. In addition, a significant jury award, or series of awards, against one or more of our insureds could require us to pay large sums of money in excess of our reserve amounts.

 

The passage of tort reform or other legislation, and the subsequent review of such laws by the courts, could have a material impact on our operations.

 

Tort reforms generally restrict the ability of a plaintiff to recover damages by, among other limitations, eliminating certain claims that may be heard in a court, limiting the amount or types of damages, changing statutes of limitations or the period of time to make a claim, and limited venue or court selection. A number of states in which we do business have enacted, or are considering, tort reform legislation. Proposed federal tort reform legislation has failed to win Congressional approval to date. While the effects of tort reform would appear to be beneficial to our business generally, there can be no assurance that such reforms will be effective or ultimately upheld by the courts in the various states. Further, if tort reforms are effective, it could effectively increase the level of competition for us in the markets in which we compete. In addition, there can be no assurance that the benefits of tort reform will not be accompanied by legislation or regulatory actions that may be detrimental to our business. Furthermore, insurance regulators might require premium rate limitations and expanded coverage requirements as well as other requirements in anticipation of the expected benefits of tort reform which may or may not be actually realized.

Catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated operating results, financial condition and/or liquidity.

 

The Company’s primary objective in managing risk is to obtain diversification in the types and locations of business written. In the property and casualty operations, evaluations are made with respect to the “probable maximum loss” that may result from natural catastrophic events. There are however, catastrophic events which may occur, the effects of which cannot be reasonably estimated. In various Asian and European countries there have been confirmed cases of Avian Influenza. Individuals, primarily in Asia, have contracted the Avian Influenza and although there are no cases which have been reported in the United States, should such influenza or similar influenzas reach the United States and begin spreading via human transmission, the impact on our life and health subsidiary is undeterminable. The Company does not insure “high-profile” individuals and/or locations and believes the risk of loss from future catastrophic terrorist activities is remote. Each of these or other catastrophic events, individually and/or collectively could ultimately however have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated operating results, financial condition and/or liquidity.

 

If we are unable to maintain favorable financial strength ratings, it may be more difficult for us to write new business or renew our existing business.

 

Our principal operating subsidiaries hold favorable financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, an independent insurance rating agency. Financial strength ratings are used by our agents and customers as an important means of assessing the financial strength and quality of various insurers. If our financial position, or that of any of our individual subsidiaries, were to deteriorate, we may not maintain our existing financial strength ratings from the rating agency. A downgrade or withdrawal of any such rating could limit or prevent us from writing and/or renewing desirable business which would materially adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business could be adversely affected by the loss of independent agents.

 

We depend in part on the services of independent agents and brokers in the marketing of our insurance products. We face competition from other insurance companies for the services and allegiance of independent agents and brokers. These agents and brokers may choose to direct business to competing insurance companies or may direct less desirable risks to us.

 

Our business could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more key employees.

 

We are heavily dependent upon our senior management and the loss of services of any of our senior executives could adversely affect our business. Our success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on our ability to retain the services of existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of key employees or senior management, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect the quality and profitability of our business operations.

 

We are a holding company and are dependent on dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries, which are subject to dividend restrictions.

 

We are a holding company whose principal source of funds is cash dividends and other permitted payments from operating subsidiaries. If our subsidiaries are unable to make payments to us, or are able to pay only limited amounts, we may be unable to make payments on our indebtedness. The payment of dividends by these operating subsidiaries is subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of their respective states of domicile.

 

A majority of our common stock is held directly and indirectly by one family.

 

The Chairman Emeritus of our Company and his family, directly and indirectly, own slightly less than 2/3 of the outstanding common stock of the Company. Accordingly, on significantly all matters requiring a majority or greater shareholder vote, our Chairman Emeritus and his family effectively control the vote. Such ownership

effectively precludes any other shareholder from acquiring any number of shares in an attempt to exercise any degree of control over the Company. Further, as a result of the significant ownership, the level of float of the Company’s stock on the NASDAQ market is minimal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On May 2, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an initial 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 currently 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 December 31, 2008.

 

Stock Performance Graph

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total return to shareholders on the Company’s common stock for the period from December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2008, with (i) the Russell 2000 Index and (ii) the SNL Insurance Index. In future years, the Company is replacing the Nasdaq Insurance Index and the previously selected peer group of insurance companies (the “Insurance Peer Group”) with the SNL Insurance Index primarily as a result of the sale of its regional property and casualty operations in March 2008 which decreased the size of the Company. The Company believes that a comparison to the SNL Insurance Index is more meaningful to investors. For comparative purposes, the total return to shareholders for the period from December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2008 for both the Nasdaq Insurance Index and the Insurance Peer Group have been included in the accompanying performance graph.

 

 

 

The foregoing graph is not, and shall not be deemed to be, filed as part of the Company’s annual report on form 10-K. Such graph does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent specifically incorporated therein by the Company.

 

 

 

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 three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

 

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.

 

In December 2007, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of its regional property and casualty operations, Association Casualty Insurance Company and Association Risk Management General Agency, Inc. (together known as “Association Casualty”) and Georgia Casualty & Surety Company (“Georgia Casualty”) to Columbia Mutual Insurance Company. The Company completed this sale on March 31, 2008. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities and operating results of the regional property and casualty operations as discontinued operations. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, amounts and analyses contained herein reflect the continuing operations of the Company and exclude the regional property and casualty operations. References to income and loss from operations are identified as continuing operations or discontinued operations, while references to net income or net loss reflect the consolidated net results of both continuing and discontinued operations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

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

 

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses comprised 27% of the Company’s total liabilities at December 31, 2008. This obligation includes estimates for: 1) unpaid losses on claims reported prior to December 31, 2008, 2) development on those reported claims, 3) unpaid ultimate losses on claims incurred prior to December 31, 2008 but not yet reported and 4) unpaid loss adjustment expenses for reported and unreported claims incurred prior to December 31, 2008. 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 December 31, 2008 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 actuary develops ranges of estimated development on reported and unreported claims as well as loss adjustment expenses using various methods including the paid-loss development method, the reported-loss development method, the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and the reported Bornhuetter-Ferguson method. Any single method used to estimate ultimate losses has inherent advantages and disadvantages due to the trends and changes affecting the business environment and the Company’s administrative policies. Further, a variety of external factors, such as legislative changes, medical cost inflation, and others may directly or indirectly impact the relative adequacy of liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. The Company’s approach is to select an estimate of ultimate losses based on comparing results of a variety of reserving methods, as opposed to total reliance on any single method. Unpaid loss and loss adjustment

expenses are reviewed periodically for significant lines of business, and when current results differ from the original assumptions used to develop such estimates, the amount of the Company’s recorded liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is adjusted. In the event the Company’s actual reported losses in any period are materially in excess of the previous estimated amounts, such losses, to the extent reinsurance coverage does not exist, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

Future policy benefits comprised 30% of the Company’s total liabilities at December 31, 2008. 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, 2008. 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 given previous calendar year.

 

Receivables are amounts due from reinsurers, insureds and agents and comprised 8% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2008. 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 or disputes 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 79% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2008. Substantially all 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 has certain fixed maturity securities that do not have publicly quoted values with an estimated fair value as determined by management of $1.9 million at December 31, 2008. 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 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 issuers’ 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 a result of the Company’s review of its investment portfolio, impairment charges of $4.0 million related to the write-down in the value of certain bonds, preferred and common stocks were recorded during 2008. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, on a prospective basis, the Company determined the fair values of certain financial instruments based on the fair market hierarchy established in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price at which an asset could be sold or a liability settled in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS 157 provides guidance on measuring fair value when required under existing accounting standards and establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. The first level of such hierarchy determines fair value at the quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The second level determines fair value using valuation methodology including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly for substantially similar terms (Level 2). The third level for determining fair value utilizes inputs to valuation methodology which are unobservable for the asset or liability (Level 3). Such values inherently involve a greater degree of judgment and uncertainty and therefore ultimately greater price volatility. A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair values for fixed maturity and equity securities are largely determined by either independent methods prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), which do not differ materially from nationally quoted market prices, when available, or independent broker quotations.

 

The Company’s Level 1 instruments consist of short-term investments.

 

The Company’s Level 2 instruments include most of its fixed maturity securities, which consist of U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. government securities, municipal bonds, and certain corporate fixed maturity securities as well as its common and non-redeemable preferred stocks.

 

The Company’s Level 3 instruments include certain fixed maturity securities and a zero cost rate collar. Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s fixed maturity securities valued using Level 3 criteria totaled $1.9 million and the zero cost rate collar was a liability of $2.1 million. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Deferred income taxes comprised approximately 4% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2008. Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between assets and liabilities that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for tax purposes. These deferred income taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates. Valuation allowances are recognized to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is deemed more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers estimates of future taxable income and tax planning strategies.

 

Refer to Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for details regarding the Company’s significant accounting policies.

 

On a consolidated basis, the Company had a net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in 2008, compared to net income of $7.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in 2007 and $8.9 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in 2006. Loss from continuing operations was $0.5 million in 2008, compared with income from continuing operations of $11.6 million in 2007 and $7.2 million in 2006; while the loss from discontinued operations was $3.4 million in 2008, compared to loss from discontinued operations of $4.3 million in 2007 and income from discontinued operations of $1.8 million in 2006. The loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $1.0 million in 2008, compared to income from continuing operations before income taxes of $19.1 million in 2007 and $9.6 million in 2006. The loss from continuing operations in 2008 was primarily due to a $4.0 million realized loss related to the write-down in the value of certain bonds, preferred and common stocks due to an other than temporary impairment. The Company had net realized investment losses of $4.0 million in 2008, compared to net realized investment gains of $12.6 million in 2007 and $3.1 million in 2006. In 2007, the Company disposed of a significant holding in Wachovia Corporation which resulted in realized investment gains totaling $12.9 million. Such variations between years in realized investment gains and losses significantly influence the reported income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. Income from continuing operations before income taxes and realized investment gains and losses was $3.0 million in 2008 and was $6.5 million in both 2007 and 2006. 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.

 

Total revenue was $99.7 million in 2008 as compared to $123.0 million in 2007 and $125.4 million in 2006. Insurance premiums decreased to $91.4 million in 2008 from $97.8 million in 2007 and $109.6 million in 2006. The continued softening in the property and casualty markets combined with the significant market competition in the Medicare supplement and Medicare advantage markets have resulted in declining premiums in both of the Company’s business segments between years; although premium levels at the end of 2008 appeared to be stabilizing. Premium declines were not as evident in the change in total revenue during 2007 due to the magnitude of the change in realized investment gains in 2007.

Total expenses have decreased consistent with the related premium decreases; although not directly proportionate. Insurance benefits and losses and commissions and underwriting expenses as a percentage of premiums were 95.9%, 93.4% and 93.0% in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

The Company’s property and casualty operations are comprised of American Southern and the Company’s life and health operations consist of Bankers Fidelity.

 

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

 

 

Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $0.8 million, or 1.8%, during 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to a significant increase in commercial automobile business generated by a newly appointed agency. Partially offsetting this increase in gross written premiums were decreases in both the general liability and property lines of business due to the weak construction industry, particularly in the state of Florida.

 

Ceded premiums decreased $0.1 million, or 2.0%, during 2008 as compared to 2007. The decrease in ceded premiums was primarily due to the decline in the related earned premiums. As American Southern’s premiums are determined and ceded as a percentage of earned premiums, a decrease in ceded premiums occurs when earned premiums decrease.

 

Gross written premiums at American Southern decreased $13.2 million, or 23.7%, during 2007 as compared to 2006. The decrease in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to the loss of one program marketed through a general agent which prior to 2007 had annualized gross written premiums exceeding $10.0 million per annum. Loss of the program resulted from a larger competitor offering a broader coverage on a national basis to the insured.

 

Ceded premiums decreased $2.9 million, or 31.1%, during 2007 as compared to 2006. The decrease in ceded premiums was primarily due to the decline in the related earned premiums.

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, American Southern’s earned premiums by line of business: