UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
Form 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,September 30, 2019

OR

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

For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number: 0-5534


PROTECTIVE INSURANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
 
35-0160330
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
111 Congressional Boulevard, Carmel, Indiana
 
46032
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (317) 636-9800

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, No Par ValuePTVCAThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Class B Common Stock, No Par ValuePTVCBThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes       No ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ____   Accelerated filer        Non-accelerated filer ____  Smaller reporting company ____                 Emerging growth company ____

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ____

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, No Par ValuePTVCAThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Class B Common Stock, No Par ValuePTVCBThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of May 1,November 5, 2019:

Common Stock, No Par Value:
Class A (voting)
 2,615,216
2,608,294
 
 
Class B (non-voting)
 12,076,998
11,722,917
 
   14,692,214
14,331,211
 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)

 
March 31
2019
  
December 31
2018
  
September 30
2019
  
December 31
2018
 
Assets            
Investments:            
Fixed income securities $671,973  $592,645  $757,841  $592,645 
Equity securities  68,956   66,422   72,837  66,422 
Limited partnerships  38,239   55,044   22,645  55,044 
Commercial mortgage loans  7,844   6,672   9,418  6,672 
Short-term and other  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
  788,012   721,783   863,741  721,783 
               
Cash and cash equivalents  117,418   163,996   85,777  163,996 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents  15,888   6,815   22,410  6,815 
Accounts receivable  108,974   102,972   105,801  102,972 
Reinsurance recoverable  404,424   392,436   418,031  392,436 
Other assets  95,572   88,426   93,756  88,426 
Current federal income taxes recoverable  6,025   7,441   4,267  7,441 
Deferred federal income taxes  3,478   6,262   2,984   6,262 
 $1,539,791  $1,490,131 
Total Assets
 $1,596,767  $1,490,131 
               
Liabilities and shareholders' equity               
Reserves for losses and loss expenses $894,221  $865,339  $960,695  $865,339 
Reserves for unearned premiums  80,332   71,625   76,329  71,625 
Reinsurance payable  62,802   66,632   55,225  66,632 
Short-term borrowings  20,000   20,000   20,000  20,000 
Accounts payable and other liabilities  116,366   110,453   121,088   110,453 
Total Liabilities
  1,233,337  1,134,049 
  1,173,721   1,134,049        
Shareholders' equity:               
Common stock-no par value:               
Class A voting -- authorized 3,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 2019 - 2,615,239; 2018 - 2,615,339  112   112 
Class B non-voting -- authorized 20,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 2019 - 12,249,414; 2018 - 12,253,922  522   522 
Class A voting -- authorized 3,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 2019 - 2,608,819; 2018 - 2,615,339  112  112 
Class B non-voting -- authorized 20,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 2019 - 11,738,578; 2018 - 12,253,922  501  522 
Additional paid-in capital  55,049   54,720   53,670  54,720 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  1,416   (7,347)  9,594  (7,347
)
Retained earnings  308,971   308,075   299,553   308,075 
  366,070   356,082 
 $1,539,791  $1,490,131 
Total Shareholders' Equity
  363,430   356,082 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 $1,596,767  $1,490,131 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 2 -


Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31
  
Three Months Ended
September 30
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
 2019  2018  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Revenues                  
Net premiums earned $110,013  $105,462  $110,288  $96,807  $335,931  $314,209 
Net investment income  6,232   4,636   6,703  5,578  19,434  16,010 
Commissions and other income  2,064   1,814   2,716  3,413  6,761  7,488 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding impairment losses  (39)  376 
Net realized gains on investments, excluding impairment losses  1,199  449  1,872  1,740 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments  (260)     (58)   (404)  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and limited partnership investments  6,327   (4,909)  (1,016)  1,924   7,573   (7,335
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  6,028   (4,533)  125   2,373   9,041   (5,595
)
  124,337   107,379   119,832  108,171  371,167  332,112 
                     
Expenses                     
Losses and loss expenses incurred  87,122   72,298   84,781  94,540  262,336  244,327 
Other operating expenses  33,701   34,767   36,070   29,200   104,386   99,984 
  120,823   107,065   120,851   123,740   366,722   344,311 
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit)  3,514   314 
Income (loss) before federal income tax expense (benefit)  (1,019) (15,569) 4,445  (12,199
)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  766   (16)  (312)  (3,244)  869   (2,691
)
Net income $2,748  $330 
Net income (loss) $(707) $(12,325) $3,576  $(9,508
)
                     
Per share data:                     
Basic and diluted earnings $.18  $.02 
        
Dividends paid to shareholders $.10  $.28 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) $(.05) $(.82) $.24  $(.63
)
                     
Reconciliation of shares outstanding:                     
Average shares outstanding - basic  14,848   15,010   14,361  14,969  14,607  14,998 
Dilutive effect of share equivalents  30   24   -   -   77   - 
Average shares outstanding - diluted  14,878   15,034   14,361   14,969   14,684   14,998 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 3 -


Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31
  
Three Months Ended
September 30
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
 2019  2018  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Net income $2,748  $330 
Net income (loss) $(707) $(12,325) $3,576  $(9,508
)
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                     
Unrealized net gains (losses) on fixed income securities  8,456   (3,121)  1,566  (1,151) 16,539  (6,298
)
                     
Foreign currency translation adjustments  307   (223)  (189) 202  402  (209
)
                        
Other comprehensive income (loss)  8,763   (3,344)  1,377  (949) 16,941  (6,507
)
                        
Comprehensive income (loss) $11,511  $(3,014) $670  $(13,274) $20,517  $(16,015
)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 4 -


Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands)

 

Common Stock
  

Additional
  Accumulated Other        Common Stock  Additional  Accumulated Other       
 Class A  Class B
  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained     Class A  Class B  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained  Total 
Description Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income  Earnings  Total Equity  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Earnings  Equity 
Balance at December 31, 2018  2,615  $112   12,254  $522  $54,720  $(7,347) $308,075  $356,082   2,615  $112  12,254  $522  $54,720  $(7,347) $308,075  $356,082 
Net income                    2,748   2,748               3,576  3,576 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax                 307      307             402    402 
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax                 8,456      8,456             16,539    16,539 
Common stock dividends                    (1,493)  (1,493)              (4,429) (4,429)
Repurchase of common stock        (25)  (1)  (108)     (359)  (468)  (6)   (595) (24) (2,590)   (7,669) (10,283)
Restricted stock grants        20   1   437         438         80   3   1,540   ––      1,543 
Balance at March 31, 2019  2,615   $112   12,249   $522   55,049   $1,416   $308,971  $
366,070 
Balance at September 30, 2019
  2,609  $112   11,739  $501  $53,670  $9,594  $299,553  $363,430 


 

Common Stock
  

Additional
  Accumulated Other        Common Stock  Additional  Accumulated Other       
 Class A  Class B
  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained     Class A  Class B  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained  Total 
Description Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Loss  Earnings  Total Equity  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Earnings  Equity 
Balance at December 31, 2017  2,623  $112   12,424  $530  $55,078  $46,391  $316,700  $418,811 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax                 (46,157)  46,157    
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02                 117   (117)   
Net income                    330   330 
Balance at June 30, 2019
  2,612  $112  11,932  $509  $54,065  $8,217  $304,513  $367,416 
Net loss
              (707) (707)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax                 (223)     (223)            (189)   (189)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax                 (3,121)     (3,121)            1,566    1,566 
Common stock dividends                    (4,229)  (4,229)              (1,442) (1,442)
Repurchase of common stock        (11)     (45)     (190)  (235)  (3)   (224) (9) (976)   (2,811) (3,796)
Restricted stock grants        5      478         478         31   1   581         582 
Balance at March 31, 2018  2,623   $112   12,418   $530   $55,511   $(2,993)  $358,651   $411,811 
Balance at September 30, 2019
  2,609  $112   11,739  $501  $53,670  $9,594  $299,553  $363,430 


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 5 -


Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands)

 
 Common Stock  Additional  Accumulated Other       
 
 Class A  Class B  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained  Total 
Description
 Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Earnings  Equity 
Balance at December 31, 2017
  2,623  $112   12,424  $530  $55,078  $46,391  $316,700  $418,811 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax (Note 1)
                 (46,157)  46,157    
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (Note 1)
                 117   (117)   
Net loss
                    (9,508)  (9,508
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                 (209)     (209
)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax
                 (6,298)     (6,298
)
Common stock dividends
                    (12,652)  (12,652
)
Repurchase of common stock
        (112)  (5)  (484)     (2,131)  (2,620
)
Restricted stock grants
        13      521         521 
Balance at September 30, 2018
  2,623  $112   12,325  $525  $55,115  $(6,156) $338,449  $388,045 


 
 Common Stock  Additional  Accumulated Other       
 
 Class A  Class B  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained  Total 
Description
 Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Earnings  Equity 
Balance at June 30, 2018
  2,623  $112   12,380  $528  $55,745  $(5,207) $356,057  $407,235 
Net loss
                    (12,325)  (12,325
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                 202      202 
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax
                 (1,151)     (1,151
)
Common stock dividends
                    (4,196)  (4,196
)
Repurchase of common stock
        (58)  (3)  (250)     (1,087)  (1,340
)
Restricted stock grants
        3      (380)        (380
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
  2,623  $112   12,325  $525  $55,115  $(6,156) $338,449  $388,045 


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 6 -


Protective Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Operating activities            
Net income $2,748  $330 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities  8,657   7,697 
Net income (loss) $3,576  $(9,508
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities  58,746   69,878 
Net cash provided by operating activities  11,405   8,027   62,322   60,370 
              
Investing activities              
Purchases of fixed income and equity securities  (140,645)  (140,820) (342,299) (330,217
)
Purchases of limited partnership interests     (200)   (450
)
Distributions from limited partnerships  17,214     33,395  369 
Proceeds from maturities  16,776   14,021  64,536  46,620 
Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities  52,199   89,636  118,725  181,867 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities  9,169   59,757  19,408  117,692 
Purchase of insurance company-owned life insurance     (10,000)   (10,000
)
Purchase of commercial mortgage loans  (1,172)    (2,746)  
Purchases of property and equipment  (797)  (1,218) (1,659) (4,360
)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment     4   4   8 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (47,256)  11,180   (110,636)  1,529 
              
Financing activities              
Dividends paid to shareholders  (1,493)  (4,229) (4,429) (12,652
)
Repurchase of common shares  (468)  (235)  (10,283)  (2,620
)
Net cash used in financing activities  (1,961)  (4,464)  (14,712)  (15,272
)
              
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  307   (223) 402  (209
)
              
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents  (37,505)  14,520  (62,624) 46,418 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  170,811   68,713   170,811   68,713 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period $133,306  $83,233  $108,187  $115,131 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 67 -


Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(All dollar amounts presented in these notes are in thousands, except share and per share data)

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Description of Business:  Protective Insurance Corporation (the "Company"), based in Carmel, Indiana, is a property-casualty insurer specializing in marketing and underwriting property, liability and workers' compensation coverage for trucking and public transportation fleets, as well as coverage for trucking industry independent contractors.  In addition, the Company offers workers' compensation coverage for a variety of operations outside the transportation industry.  The Company operates as one reportable property and casualty insurance segment, offering a range of products and services, the most significant being commercial automobile and workers' compensation insurance products.

The term “Insurance Subsidiaries,” as used throughout this document, refers to Protective Insurance Company, Protective Specialty Insurance Company, Sagamore Insurance Company and B&L Insurance, Ltd.

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included.  Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual audited financial statements and other disclosures included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 or any other future period.

Investments: Carrying amounts for fixed income securities represent fair value and are based on quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where quoted market prices are not available.  Equity securities are carried at quoted market prices (fair value).  Commercial mortgage loans are carried primarily at amortized cost along with a valuation allowance for losses when necessary. These investments represent interests in commercial mortgage loans originated and serviced by a third party of which the Company shares, on a pro-rata basis, in all related cash flows of the underlying mortgage loans. There was no valuation allowance on the Company's commercial mortgage loans as of March 31,September 30, 2019.

The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to record its proportionate share of the limited partnership's net income.  To the extent the limited partnerships include both realized and unrealized investment gains or losses in the determination of net income or loss, then the Company would also recognize, through its condensed consolidated statements of operations, its proportionate share of the investee's unrealized, as well as realized, investment gains or losses within net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and limited partnership investments.

Short-term and other investments are carried at cost, which approximates their fair values.

Fixed income securities are considered to be available-for-sale. The related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effects) on fixed income securities are reflected directly in shareholders' equity. Included within available-for-sale fixed income securities are convertible debt securities.  A portion of the changes in the fair values of convertible debt securities is reflected as a component of net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding impairment losses within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  Realized gains and losses on disposals of fixed income securities are recorded on the trade date.  Realized gains and losses on fixed income securities are determined by the specific identification of the cost of investments sold and are included in net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding impairment losses.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires equity securities areto be recorded at fair value, with unrealized net gains or losses reflected as a component of net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and limited partnership investments within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  Realized gains and losses on disposals of equity securities are recorded on the trade date and included in net realized gains (losses) on investments, excluding impairment losses.  Prior to adoption of the new accounting guidance, unrealized gains and losses related to equity securities were reflected directly in shareholders’ equity unless a decline in value was determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss was charged to income.

In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") other-than-temporary impairment guidance, if a fixed income security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed income security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed income security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.   For impaired fixed income securities that the Company does not intend to sell or in cases where it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholders' equity.

- 78 -

The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed income security.  The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the appropriate effective interest rate.

Recognition of Revenue and Costs:  Premiums are earned over the period for which insurance protection is provided.  A reserve for unearned premiums, computed by the daily pro-rata method, is established to reflect amounts applicable to subsequent accounting periods.  Commissions to unaffiliated companies and premium taxes applicable to unearned premiums are deferred and expensed as the related premiums are earned.  The Company does not defer acquisition costs that are not directly variable with the production of premium.premiums.  If it is determined that expected losses and deferred expenses will likely exceed the related unearned premiums, the asset representing deferred policy acquisition costs is reduced and an expense is charged against current operations to reflect any such premium deficiency.  In the event that the expected premium deficiency exceeds deferred policy acquisition costs, an additional liability would be recorded with a corresponding expense to current operations for the amount of the excess premium deficiency.  Anticipated investment income is considered in determining recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.  The Company had no material contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31,September 30, 2019.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:  In FebruaryJanuary 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or ASU 2016-01. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 changed the accounting for non-consolidated equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting by requiring changes in fair value to be recognized in income.  Previously, the Company's equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and changes in fair value were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders' equity.  The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify unrealized gains on equity securities of $71,012 ($46,157, net of tax) from other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.  Unrealized gains or losses on equity securities are now recognized in the consolidated statements of operations within net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and limited partnership investments.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or ASU 2016-02. ASU 2016-02 superseded the currentprior lease guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 840, Leases.  Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis.  Concurrently, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.  The guidance provides for a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative periods presented in the financial statements.  In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, or ASU 2018-11, which provided adopters an additional transition method by allowing entities to initially apply ASU 2016-02, and subsequent related standards, at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.   The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019 utilizing the transition method allowed per ASU 2018-11, and accordingly, comparative period financial information was not adjusted for the effects of the new guidance. No cumulative-effect adjustment was required to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date. The Company's adoption of the new standard did not have any impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations or cash flows; however, the impact of adopting the new guidance resulted in a right-of-use asset and a lease liability being recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31,September 30, 2019, each of approximately $400,$210, which isare included within other assets and accounts payable and other liabilities. 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This ASU allows for the option to reclassify, from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings, stranded tax effects resulting from the reduced federal corporate income tax rate in the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was enacted on December 22, 2017. The legislation included a reduction to the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. The amount of the reclassification was the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the new 21 percent corporate income tax rate. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the tax effects on fixed income investments of $117 from other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements. This update provides clarification, corrects errors in and makes minor improvements to various ASC topics. Many of the amendments in this update have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and some amendments in this update do not require transition guidance and were effective upon issuance of this update. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 9 -

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:  In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13. This update introduces a current expected credit loss model for measuring expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses, requires expected losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities, and provides for additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, or ASU 2018-13. This update removes the disclosure requirements for the amounts of and the reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and disclosure of the policy for timing of transfers between levels. This update also removes disclosure requirements for the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, this update adds disclosure requirements for the changes in unrealized gains and losses for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and quantitative information for certain unobservable inputs in Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect ASU 2018-13 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.  In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses.  These updates provide an option to irrevocably elect to measure certain individual financial assets at fair value instead of amortized cost and provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on certain aspects of the previously issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13, and have the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU 2016-13.  ASU 2016-13 introduces a current expected credit loss (CECL) model for measuring expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments held at the reporting date requiring significant judgment in application based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts, but is not prescriptive about certain aspects of estimating expected losses.  This update will have an impact on our available-for-sale fixed income portfolio, recoverable reinsurance balances, commercial mortgage loans and accounts receivable balances.  ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses, requires expected losses on available-for-sale fixed income securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through an irreversible write-down of the cost, and provides for additional disclosure requirements.  ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The guidance will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of adoption and a prospective transition approach for fixed income securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized before the adoption date. The effect of a prospective transition approach is to maintain the same amortized cost basis before and after the date of adoption. The Company is currently gathering data and evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2018-132016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

- 810 -

(2)  Investments:

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 
Fair
Value
  
Cost or
Amortized Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized Losses
  
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
  
Fair
Value
  
Cost or
Amortized Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized Losses
  
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
March 31, 2019               
September 30, 2019               
Fixed income securities                              
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $15,773  $15,567  $265  $(59) $206  $14,426  $13,911  $518  $(3) $515 
Agency mortgage-backed securities  41,283   40,486   849   (52)  797   51,246  49,567  1,691  (12) 1,679 
Asset-backed securities  77,307   77,890   180   (763)  (583)  99,295  99,834  580  (1,119) (539)
Bank loans  11,284   11,372   38   (126)  (88)  14,625  14,871  54  (300) (246)
Certificates of deposit  2,835   2,835            2,835  2,835       
Collateralized mortgage obligations  5,433   5,072   433   (72)  361   5,718  5,234  571  (87) 484 
Corporate securities  227,529   227,017   2,110   (1,598)  512   267,223  261,191  6,858  (826) 6,032 
Mortgage-backed securities  37,984   37,699   588   (303)  285   47,381  46,235  1,290  (144) 1,146 
Municipal obligations  30,357   30,056   383   (82)  301   32,986  32,280  755  (49) 706 
Non-U.S. government obligations  30,879   30,810   162   (93)  69   24,068  23,705  364  (1) 363 
U.S. government obligations  191,309   190,324   1,469   (484)  985   198,038   195,099   3,326   (387)  2,939 
Total fixed income securities $671,973  $669,128  $6,477  $(3,632) $2,845  $757,841  $744,762  $16,007  $(2,928) $13,079 

  
Fair
Value
  
Cost or
Amortized Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized Losses
  
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
December 31, 2018               
Fixed income securities
               
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $10,687  $10,636  $145  $(94) $51 
Agency mortgage-backed securities  37,385   37,168   371   (154)  217 
Asset-backed securities  64,422   66,241   14   (1,833)  (1,819
)
Bank loans  9,750   10,208   27   (485)  (458
)
Certificates of deposit  2,835   2,835          
Collateralized mortgage obligations  5,423   5,095   376   (48)  328 
Corporate securities  190,450   196,925   127   (6,602)  (6,475
)
Mortgage-backed securities  38,540   38,586   377   (423)  (46
)
Municipal obligations  29,155   29,102   239   (186)  53 
Non-U.S. government obligations  25,180   25,339   6   (165)  (159
)
U.S. government obligations  178,818   178,369   1,252   (803)  449 
Total fixed income securities $592,645  $600,504  $2,934  $(10,793) $(7,859
)

The following table summarizes, for available-for-sale fixed income securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31,September 30, 2019 and  December 31, 2018, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration individual securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.

 March 31, 2019  December 31, 2018  September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
 
Number of
Securities
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized Loss
  
Number of
Securities
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized Loss
  
Number of
Securities
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized Loss
  
Number of
Securities
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized Loss
 
Fixed income securities:                                    
12 months or less  85  $96,462  $(1,570)  275  $282,646  $(7,296)  97  $106,943  $(2,097) 275  $282,646  $(7,296
)
Greater than 12 months  253   208,253   (2,062)  217   131,001   (3,497)  86   58,053   (831)  217   131,001   (3,497
)
Total fixed income securities  338  $304,715  $(3,632)  492  $413,647  $(10,793)  183  $164,996  $(2,928)  492  $413,647  $(10,793
)
                                          


- 911 -


The fair value and the cost or amortized costs of fixed income investments at March 31,September 30, 2019, organized by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Actual maturities may ultimately differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Pre-refunded municipal bonds are classified based on their pre-refunded call dates.

  
Fair
Value
  
Cost or
Amortized Cost
 
One year or less $95,201  $95,347 
Excess of one year to five years  315,983   314,909 
Excess of five years to ten years  81,812   80,997 
Excess of ten years  6,630   6,233 
Contractual maturities  499,626   497,486 
Asset-backed securities  172,347   171,642 
Total $671,973  $669,128 

  
Fair
Value
  
Cost or
Amortized Cost
 
One year or less $67,076  $67,008 
Excess of one year to five years  336,640   330,035 
Excess of five years to ten years  129,362   126,528 
Excess of ten years  12,416   11,645 
Contractual maturities  545,494   535,216 
Asset-backed securities  212,347   209,546 
Total $757,841  $744,762 

Following is a summary of the components of net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments for the periods presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 
Three Months Ended
March 31
 
 2019  2018  
Three Months Ended
September 30
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
       2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross gains on available-for-sale fixed income securities sold during the period $3,171  $2,443  $2,407  $2,690  $9,710  $8,824 
Gross losses on available-for-sale fixed income securities sold during the period  (3,527)  (2,708)  (2,728) (2,743) (9,409) (8,539
)
                     
Other-than-temporary impairments  (260)     (58)   (404)  
                     
Change in value of limited partnership investments  408   (2,603)  278  (1,073) 1,000  (6,518
)
                     
Gains (losses) on equity securities:        
Gains on equity securities:             
Realized gains on equity securities sold during the period  317   641   1,520  502  1,571  1,455 
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities held at the end of the period  5,919   (2,306)  (1,294)  2,997   6,573   (817
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities during the period  6,236   (1,665)
Realized and unrealized gains on equity securities during the period  226  3,499  8,144  638 
                        
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments $6,028  $(4,533) $125  $2,373  $9,041  $(5,595
)

Shareholders' equity at March 31,September 30, 2019 included approximately $27,203,$16,035, net of federal income tax expense, of reported earnings that remain undistributed by limited partnerships.


(3)  Reinsurance:

The following table summarizes the Company's transactions with reinsurers for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.2018 comparative periods.

 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Three months ended March 31:      
Three months ended September 30:      
Premiums ceded to reinsurers $30,173  $32,442  $29,957  $39,318 
Losses and loss expenses ceded to reinsurers  30,789   26,661   27,228  44,015 
Commissions from reinsurers  7,233   7,880   7,820  5,986 
               
Nine months ended September 30:       
Premiums ceded to reinsurers $92,556  $100,560 
Losses and loss expenses ceded to reinsurers  86,876  92,651 
Commissions from reinsurers  23,229  20,309 
      

- 1012 -

(4)  Loss and Loss Expense Reserves:

Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 is summarized as follows.  All amounts are shown net of reinsurance, unless otherwise indicated.

 Nine Months Ended 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31
  September 30 
 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the beginning of the year $865,339  $680,274  $865,339  $680,274 
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the beginning of the year  375,935   308,143   375,935   308,143 
Reserves at the beginning of the year  489,404   372,131  489,404  372,131 
              
Provision for losses and loss expenses:              
Claims occurring during the current period  88,180   73,899  263,925  229,644 
Claims occurring during prior periods  (1,058)  (1,601)  (1,589)  14,683 
Total incurred  87,122   72,298  262,336  244,327 
              
Loss and loss expense payments:              
Claims occurring during the current period  8,708   10,683  53,836  49,510 
Claims occurring during prior periods  56,747   48,655   133,196   123,167 
Total paid  65,455   59,338   187,032   172,677 
Reserves at the end of the period  511,071   385,091  564,708  443,781 
              
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the period  383,150   309,359   395,987   334,056 
Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the end of the period $894,221  $694,450  $960,695  $777,837 

The table above shows a reserve savings of $1,058 that developed$1,589 prior accident year favorable development during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was primarily due to favorable loss development in workers' compensation and independent contractor coverages.  This savings compares to a prior accident year deficiency of $14,683 for the settlement of claims occurring on or before December 31, 2018.nine months ended September 30, 2018, which related to unfavorable loss development  in commercial automobile coverages.  Losses incurred from claims occurring during prior years reflect the development from prior accident years, composed of individual claim savings and deficiencies which, in the aggregate, have resulted from the settlement of claims at amounts higher or lower than previously reserved and from changes in estimates of losses incurred but not reported.

The $1,058 prior accident year savings that developed during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily due to favorable loss development in workers' compensation and independent contractor coverages.  This 2019 savings compares to a savings of $1,601 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which was also related to favorable loss development from workers' compensation and independent contractor coverages.


(5)  Segment Information:

The Company has one reportable business segment in its operations: Property and Casualty Insurance.  The property and casualty insurance segment provides multiple lines of insurance coverage primarily to commercial automobile companies, as well as to independent contractors who contract with commercial automobile companies.  In addition, the Company provides workers' compensation coverage for a variety of operations outside the transportation industry.

The following table summarizes segment revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31
  
Three Months Ended
September 30
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
 2019  2018  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Revenues:                  
Net premiums earned $110,013  $105,462  $110,288  $96,807  $335,931  $314,209 
Net investment income  6,232   4,636  6,703  5,578  19,434  16,010 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  6,028   (4,533) 125  2,373  9,041  (5,595
)
Commissions and other income  2,064   1,814   2,716
   3,413   6,761
   7,488 
Total revenues $124,337  $107,379  $119,832
  $108,171  $371,167
  $332,112 

- 1113 -

(6)  Debt:

On August 9, 2018, the Company entered into a credit agreement providing a revolving credit facility with a $40,000 limit, with the option for up to an additional $35,000 in incremental loans at the discretion of the lenders.  This credit agreement has an expiration date of August 9, 2022.  Interest on this revolving credit facility is referenced to the London Interbank Offered Rate and can be fixed for periods of up to one year at the Company's option.  Outstanding drawings on this revolving credit facility were $20,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2019.  At March 31,September 30, 2019, the effective interest rate was 3.59%3.14%, and the Company had $20,000 remaining under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2019.facility.  The current outstanding borrowings were used to repay the Company's previous line of credit.  The Company's revolving credit facility has two financial covenants, each of which were met as of March 31, 2019, requiringSeptember 30, 2019.  These covenants require the Company to have a minimum U.S. generally accepted accounting principles net worth and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 0.35 to 1.00.


(7)  Taxes:

The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method for calculating its tax provision in interim periods, which represents the Company’s best estimate of the effective tax rate expected for the full year based on projected annual taxable income (loss).  The effective tax rate can fluctuate throughout the year because estimates used in the quarterly tax provision are updated as more information becomes available throughout the year.

The effective federal tax rate on consolidated loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was 30.6% compared to 20.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018.  The effective federal tax rate on consolidated income for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was 21.8%19.6% compared to (5.1%)22.1% on consolidated loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  The lower pre-tax loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018.September 30, 2019 as well as the relatively low amount of pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 make these interim period effective tax rates less comparable year over year.  The difference in the effective federal income tax rate differs from the normal statutory rate in part as a resultwas primarily related to the effects of tax-exempt investment income.  The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was also impacted by the change in accounting for unrealized gains and losses on equity securities related to the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, where changes in unrealized gains and losses,income and the corresponding tax effects, are now recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  The Company recorded an unrealized loss, and corresponding tax benefit, related to equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019.dividends received deduction. 

As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company's calendar years 2017 2016 and 20152016 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

- 1214 -

(8)  Fair Value:

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The following tables summarize fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

As of March 31,September 30, 2019:

Description Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Fixed income securities:                        
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $15,773  $  $15,773  $  $14,426  $  $14,426  $ 
Agency mortgage-backed securities  41,283      41,283      51,246    51,246   
Asset-backed securities  77,307      77,307      99,295    99,295   
Bank loans  11,284      11,284      14,625    14,625   
Certificates of deposit  2,835   2,835         2,835  2,835     
Collateralized mortgage obligations  5,433      5,433      5,718    5,718   
Corporate securities  222,853      222,853      262,656    262,656   
Options embedded in convertible securities  4,676      4,676      4,567    4,567   
Mortgage-backed securities  37,984      37,984      47,381    47,381   
Municipal obligations  30,357      30,357      32,986    32,986   
Non-U.S. government obligations  30,879      30,879      24,068    24,068   
U.S. government obligations  191,309      191,309      198,038      198,038    
Total fixed income securities  671,973   2,835   669,138      757,841  2,835  755,006   
Equity securities:                             
Consumer  15,862   15,862         15,387  15,387     
Energy  3,534   3,534         3,010  3,010     
Financial  24,814   24,814         29,829  29,829     
Industrial  7,412   7,412         4,488  4,488     
Technology  2,631   2,631         2,609  2,609     
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)  6,324   6,324         9,438  9,438     
Other  8,379   8,379         8,076   8,076       
Total equity securities  68,956   68,956         72,837  72,837     
Short-term  1,000   1,000       
Short-term investments  1,000  1,000     
Cash equivalents  113,377   504   112,873      78,072      78,072    
Total $855,306  $73,295  $782,011  $  $909,750  $76,672  $833,078  $ 

- 1315 -

As of December 31, 2018:

Description Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Fixed income securities:                        
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $10,687  $  $10,687  $  
$
10,687
  
$
  
$
10,687
  
$
 
Agency mortgage-backed securities  37,385      37,385      
37,385
   
   
37,385
   
 
Asset-backed securities  64,422      64,422      
64,422
   
   
64,422
   
 
Bank loans  9,750      9,750      
9,750
   
   
9,750
   
 
Certificates of deposit  2,835   2,835         
2,835
   
2,835
   
   
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  5,423      5,423      
5,423
   
   
5,423
   
 
Corporate securities  186,651      186,651      
186,651
   
   
186,651
   
 
Options embedded in convertible securities  3,799      3,799      
3,799
   
   
3,799
   
 
Mortgage-backed securities  38,540      38,540      
38,540
   
   
38,540
   
 
Municipal obligations  29,155      29,155      
29,155
   
   
29,155
   
 
Non-U.S. government obligations  25,180      25,180      
25,180
   
   
25,180
   
 
U.S. government obligations  178,818      178,818      
178,818
   
   
178,818
   
 
Total fixed income securities  592,645   2,835   589,810      
592,645
   
2,835
   
589,810
   
 
Equity securities:                                
Consumer  17,945   17,945         
17,945
   
17,945
   
   
 
Energy  3,179   3,179         
3,179
   
3,179
   
   
 
Financial  25,253   25,253         
25,253
   
25,253
   
   
 
Industrial  6,920   6,920         
6,920
   
6,920
   
   
 
Technology  2,303   2,303         
2,303
   
2,303
   
   
 
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)  5,489   5,489         
5,489
   
5,489
   
   
 
Other  5,333   5,333         
5,333
   
5,333
   
   
 
Total equity securities  66,422   66,422         
66,422
   
66,422
   
   
 
Short-term  1,000   1,000       
Short-term investments  
1,000
   
1,000
   
   
 
Cash equivalents  156,855      156,855      
156,855
   
   
156,855
   
 
Total $816,922  $70,257  $746,665  $  
$
816,922
  
$
70,257
  
$
746,665
  
$
 

Level inputs, as defined by the FASB guidance, are as follows:

Level Input: Input Definition:
   
Level 1 
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
   
Level 2 
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
   
Level 3 
Unobservable inputs that reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The Company did not have any Level 3 assets at March 31,September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.  Level 3 assets, when present, are valued using various unobservable inputs, including extrapolated data, proprietary models and indicative quotes. 

Quoted market prices are obtained whenever possible.  Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using broker/dealer quotes for specific securities.  These techniques are significantly affected by the Company's assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows.  Potential taxes and other transaction costs have not been considered in estimating fair values.

Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.  There were no significant transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.

In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, FASB guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as policy reserve liabilities are excluded from the fair value disclosures.  Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine the underlying economic value of the Company.  The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

- 1416 -

Limited partnerships: The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to carry the investment at its proportionate share of the limited partnership's equity.   The underlying assets of the Company's investments in limited partnerships are carried primarily at fair value, and,value; therefore, the Company's carrying value of limited partnerships approximates fair value.  As these investments are not actively traded and the corresponding inputs are based on data provided by the investees, they are classified as Level 3.

Commercial mortgage loans:  Commercial mortgage loans are carried primarily at amortized cost along with a valuation allowance for losses when necessary. These investments represent interests in commercial mortgage loans originated and serviced by a third party of which the Company shares, on a pro-rata basis, in all related cash flows of the underlying mortgage loans.  The fair value of the Company’s investment in these commercial mortgage loans is based on expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for origination of similar quality loans, adjusted for specific loan risk.  These investments are classified as Level 3.

Short-term borrowings: The fair value of the Company's short-term borrowings is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices are available, on the current market interest rates available to the Company for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.

A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 Carrying  Fair Value  Carrying  Fair Value 
 Value  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Value  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
March 31, 2019               
September 30, 2019               
Assets:                               
Limited partnerships $38,239  $  $  $38,239  $38,239  
$
22,645
  
$
  
$
  
$
22,645
  
$
22,645
 
Commercial mortgage loans  7,844         7,844   7,844   
9,418
   
   
   
9,418
   
9,418
 
Liabilities:                                         
Short-term borrowings  20,000      20,000      20,000   
20,000
   
   
20,000
   
   
20,000
 
                                        
December 31, 2018                                        
Assets:                                         
Limited partnerships $55,044  $  $  $55,044  $55,044  
$
55,044
  
$
  
$
  
$
55,044
  
$
55,044
 
Commercial mortgage loans  6,672         6,672   6,672   
6,672
   
   
   
6,672
   
6,672
 
Liabilities:                                         
Short-term borrowings  20,000      20,000      20,000   
20,000
   
   
20,000
   
   
20,000
 


(9)  Stock BasedStock-Based Compensation:

The Company issues shares of restricted Class B Common Stock to the Company's outside directors which serve as thepart of their annual retainer compensation for the outside directors.compensation.  The shares are distributed to the outside directors on the vesting date, which, with the exception of pro-rated annual retainers granted to outside directors, is one year following the date of grant.  On May 17, 2019, the Company granted shares of restricted Class B Common Stock in connection with the election of a new outside director, reflecting such director’s pro-rated annual retainer compensation, which shares will vest and be distributed on May 7, 2020.  Additionally, effective May 22, 2019, John D. Nichols, Jr. ceased serving as the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer and principal executive officer, but continued to serve as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.  On May 22, 2019, the Company granted shares of restricted Class B Common Stock to Mr. Nichols in connection with this transition, reflecting his pro-rated annual retainer compensation, which shares will also vest and be distributed on May 7, 2020.  The table below provides detail of the restricted stock issuances to directors for 2018 and 2019:

Grant Date 
Number of
Shares Issued
 Vesting DateService Period 
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
  
Number of
Shares Issued
 Vesting DateService Period 
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
 
5/9/2017  18,183 5/9/20187/1/2017 - 6/30/2018 $24.20  18,183 5/9/20187/1/2017 - 6/30/2018 $24.20 
                
8/31/2017  1,257 5/9/20188/31/2017 - 6/30/2018 $21.90  1,257 5/9/20188/31/2017 - 6/30/2018 $21.90 
                
2/9/2018  408 5/9/20182/9/2018 - 6/30/2018 $24.20  408 5/9/20182/9/2018 - 6/30/2018 $24.20 
                
5/8/2018  19,085 5/8/20197/1/2018 - 6/30/2019 $23.05  19,085 5/8/20197/1/2018 - 6/30/2019 $23.05 
                
5/7/2019  29,536
  5/7/20207/1/2019 - 6/30/2020
 $
16.25
  29,536 5/7/20207/1/2019 - 6/30/2020 $16.25 
       
5/17/2019 3,591 5/7/20207/1/2019 - 6/30/2020 $16.25 
       
5/22/2019 3,541 5/7/20207/1/2019 - 6/30/2020 $16.25 

- 17 -

Compensation expense related to the above stock grants is recognized over the period in which the directors render services.

- 15 -

In May 2017, the Company's Compensation Committee granted equity-based awards pursuant to the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Long-Term Incentive Plan"), which was approved by the Company's shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  Certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan were granted Value Creation Incentive Plan awards (the "2017 VCIP Awards").  The 2017 VCIP Awards are performance-based equity awards that will be earned based on the Company's cumulative operating income over a three-year performance period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 relative to a cumulative operating income goal for the period set by the Compensation Committee in March 2017.  For the purpose of the 2017 VCIP Awards, cumulative operating income is equal to income before taxes excluding net realized gains (losses) on investments.  Any 2017 VCIP Awards that are earned will be paid in unrestricted shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock at the end of the three-year performance period, but no later than March 15, 2020.  No shares are eligible to be issued under the 2017 VCIP Awards as of March 31,September 30, 2019.

In March 2018, the Company's Compensation Committee granted equity-based awards pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan.  Certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan were granted equity awards (the "2018 LTIP Awards"), with the number of shares of Class B Common Stock earned pursuant to such awardawards determined by applying a performance matrix consisting of a measurement of the combined results of the Company's 2018 growth in gross premiums earned and the Company's 2018 combined ratio.  The combined ratio is calculated as a ratio of (A) losses and loss expenses incurred, plus other operating expenses, less commission and other income to (B) net premiums earned.  No 2018 LTIP Awards were earned based on the Company's performance in 2018, and therefore no shares were issued pursuant to the 2018 LTIP Awards.  In addition to the 2018 LTIP Awards, in March 2018 the Company's Compensation Committee also granted Value Creation Incentive Plan awards (the "2018 VCIP Awards") to certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.  The 2018 VCIP Awards are performance-based equity awards that will be earned based on the Company's cumulative operating income, as defined above, over a three-year performance period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 relative to a cumulative operating income goal for the period set by the Compensation Committee in March 2018.  Any 2018 VCIP Awards that are earned will be paid in unrestricted shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock at the end of the three-year performance period, but no later than March 15, 2021.  No shares are eligible to be issued under the 2018 VCIP Awards as of March 31,September 30, 2019.

On November 13, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the "Agreement") with its Interim Chief Executive Officer, John D. Nichols, Jr.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement,this employment agreement, on November 13, 2018, Mr. Nichols was granted 85,000 restricted shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock (the "Stock"Nichols Stock Grant"), of which 42,500 shares will vestvested as of October 17, 2019; 21,250 shares will vest as of October 17, 2020, and 21,250 shares will vest as of October 17, 2021.  The Company recorded $309$844 of expense during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 related to the Nichols Stock Grant.

In March 2019, the Company's Compensation Committee granted equity-based awards pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan.  Certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan were granted equity awards (the "2019 LTIP Awards"), with the number of shares of Class B Common Stock earned pursuant to such awardawards determined by applying a performance matrix consisting of a corporate performance component as well as a personal performance component.  The corporate performance component of the 2019 LTIP Awards will be determined based on the Company's achievement of 2019 underwriting income compared to the plan target.  The Company's underwriting income will be calculated as income (loss) before federal income tax expense (benefit), less net realized gains (losses) on investments, less net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and limited partnerships, less net investment income.  The personal performance component of the 2019 LTIP Awards will be determined based on the achievement of personal goals that align with departmental and corporate objectives for 2019.  Any 2019 LTIP Awards earned will be paid in shares of restricted Class B Common Stock in early 2020.  One-third of such shares will vest annually over the three-year period beginning one year from the date of issue.  The Company recorded $24$107 of expense during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 related to the 2019 LTIP Awards.

On May 22, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its new Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy D. Edgecliffe-Johnson.  Pursuant to the terms of this employment agreement, on May 22, 2019, Mr. Edgecliffe-Johnson was granted 70,000 restricted shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock (the "Edgecliffe-Johnson Stock Grant"), of which 35,000 shares will vest as of June 1, 2022, 21,000 shares will vest as of June 1, 2023, and 14,000 shares will vest as of June 1, 2024.  The Company recorded $122 of expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to the Edgecliffe-Johnson Stock Grant.


(10)  Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies:

In the ordinary, regular and routine course of their business, the Company and its insurance subsidiariesInsurance Subsidiaries are frequently involved in various matters of litigation relating principally to claims for insurance coverage provided.  No currently pending matter is deemed by management to be material to the Company.Company, other than as noted below.

- 1618 -

Personnel Staffing Group Litigation

In July 2019, Protective Insurance Company (“Protective”) was named as a defendant in an action brought by a former insured, Personnel Staffing Group d/b/a MVP Staffing (“PSG”), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging that Protective had breached its workers’ compensation insurance policy and had breached the duties of good faith and fair dealing. Protective provided workers’ compensation insurance to PSG from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, which was subject to a $500 per claim deductible to be paid by PSG.  No specific damages were included in the complaint.  In August 2019, Protective filed a motion to dismiss or stay the action, which is pending.  The Company intends to vigorously defend these claims; however, the ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.

In August 2019, Protective filed a lawsuit against PSG in Marion County Superior Court, in Indianapolis, Indiana alleging breach of contract, breach of the parties' collateral agreement, breach of the parties' indemnity agreement, and seeking a declaratory judgment regarding PSG’s ongoing obligation to fund its ongoing claim deductible obligations and adequately collateralize Protective’s current and ongoing claims exposure pursuant to terms of the parties' agreements.  In October 2019, Protective amended the complaint to include allegations of misrepresentation as to source of coverage, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and racketeering and seeking injunctive relief.  Pursuant to the terms of the workers’ compensation policies, Protective has a duty to adjust and pay claims arising under the policies regardless of whether PSG makes payments to Protective for deductible obligations under the policies.  Under its contractual obligations to Protective, PSG is required to maintain a “loss fund” for the payment of claims, the balance of which is to remain at or above $4,000; in addition, PSG is required to provide collateral in an amount equal to 110% of Protective’s current open case reserves on workers’ compensation claims arising under the policies.

As of September 30, 2019, Protective had approximately $6,800 in deductible receivables on claims arising under PSG’s workers’ compensation policies and had exhausted all collateral provided by PSG.  Protective continues to pay claims settlements under the policies without reimbursement from PSG.  For the past six months, the average monthly deductible invoices have been $1,600.  PSG’s estimated ultimate obligation under the agreements is approximately $43,000 as of September 30, 2019 (inclusive of the $6,800 in deductible receivables noted above).  At September 30, 2019, based on the Company's assessment that PSG will continue to operate as a business and that the terms of the agreement with PSG will be legally enforceable, the Company believes that it will fully collect all current and future amounts due from PSG relating to this matter and, therefore, has not recorded a provision for any potential loss.  In the event that PSG files bankruptcy or that the agreements are found to be unenforceable, Protective will likely incur a charge up to the then-estimated amount of PSG’s ultimate obligation.

The Company will also include this matter when assessing the impact of adopting the accounting guidance under the new credit losses standard discussed in Note 1.


(11)  Shareholders' Equity:

On August 31, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the reinstatement of its share repurchase program for up to 2,464,209 shares of the Company's Class A or Class B Common Stock.  On August 7, 2018,6, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors reaffirmed its share repurchase program, but also provided that the aggregate dollar amount of shares of the Company's Common Stockcommon stock that may be repurchased under the share repurchase program throughbetween August 8,6, 2019 and August 6, 2020 may not exceed $25,000.$25,000, including a limit of up to $6,250 per quarter.  Pursuant to this share repurchase program, the Company entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan on March 22,September 23, 2019 (the "Rule 10b5-1 Plan"), which authorized the repurchase of up to $3,500$625 of the Company's outstanding common sharesstock at various pricing thresholds, in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Rule 10b5-1 planPlan expires on May 9,November 7, 2019.  No duration has been placed on the Company's share repurchase program, and the Company reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue it at any time.  The share repurchase program does not commit the Company to repurchase any shares of its Common Stock.common stock.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company paid $468$10,283 to repurchase 1006,520 shares of Class A and 24,858595,326 shares of Class B Common Stock under the share repurchase program.

- 19 -

The following table illustrates changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019:

 
Foreign
Currency
  
Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on
Available-for-sale Securities
  Total  
Foreign
Currency
  
Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on
Available-for-sale Securities
  Total 
Beginning balance at December 31, 2018 $(1,139) $(6,208) $(7,347) 
$
(1,139
)
 
$
(6,208
)
 
$
(7,347
)
                        
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications  307   7,671   7,978   
402
   
16,588
   
16,990
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     785   785   
   
(49
)
  
(49
)
                        
Net current-period other comprehensive income  307   8,456   8,763   
402
   
16,539
   
16,941
 
                        
Ending balance at March 31, 2019 $(832) $2,248  $1,416 
Ending balance at September 30, 2019 
$
(737
)
 
$
10,331
  
$
9,594
 

The following table illustrates changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018:

 
Foreign
Currency
  
Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on
Available-for-sale Securities
  Total  
Foreign
Currency
  
Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on
Available-for-sale Securities
  Total 
Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 $(309) $46,700  $46,391  
$
(309
)
 
$
46,700
  
$
46,391
 
                        
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax     (46,157)  (46,157)  
   
(46,157
)
  
(46,157
)
                        
Balance at January 1, 2018  (309)  543   234   
(309
)
  
543
   
234
 
                        
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02     117   117   
   
117
   
117
 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications  (223)  (2,998)  (3,221)  
(209
)
  
(4,815
)
  
(5,024
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (123)  (123)  
   
(1,483
)
  
(1,483
)
                        
Net current-period other comprehensive loss  (223)  (3,121)  (3,344)  
(209
)
  
(6,298
)
  
(6,507
)
                        
Ending balance at March 31, 2018 $(532) $(2,461) $(2,993)
Ending balance at September 30, 2018 
$
(518
)
 
$
(5,638
)
 
$
(6,156
)


- 17 -

(12)  Related Parties:

At March 31, 2019, the Company was invested in one limited partnership, the New Vernon India Fund, with an aggregate estimated value of $17,313, that is managed by an organization in which one director of the Company is an executive officer and owner.  The Company's ownership interest in this limited partnership at March 31, 2019 was 4%.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $48 and $142 of fees related to the management of this limited partnership investment.

In January 2019, the Company withdrew $5,684 from the New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund, which liquidated its investment in this limited partnership.

The Company utilizes the services of an investment firm of which one director of the Company is a partial owner.  TheseThis investment firms managefirm manages equity securities and fixed income portfolios held by the Company with an aggregate market value of approximately $7,899$8,885 at March 31,September 30, 2019.  Total commissions and net fees earned by thethis investment firmsfirm and its affiliates on these portfolios were $5$12 and $27$81 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.


(13)  Subsequent Events:

In April 2019, the Company withdrew $3,000 from the Arbiter Partners limited partnership, which reduced the Company's investment in this limited partnership.

On May 7,November 5, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock.  The dividend per share will be payable June 4,December 3, 2019 to shareholders of record on May 21,November 19, 2019.

Pursuant to the Rule 10b5-1 plan entered into on March 22, 2019, the Company paid $3,031 to repurchase 23 shares of Class A and 172,416 shares of Class B Common Stock between April 1, 2019 and the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



- 1820 -

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Protective Insurance Corporation is a property-casualty insurer specializing in marketing and underwriting property, liability and workers' compensation coverage for trucking and public transportation fleets, as well as coverage for trucking industry independent contractors.  Additionally, we offer workers' compensation coverage for a variety of operations outside the transportation industry.  We operate as one reportable property and casualty insurance segment, offering a range of products and services, the most significant being commercial automobile and workers' compensation insurance products.

The term “Protective,” as used throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), refers to Protective Insurance Corporation, the parent company.  The terms the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our,” as used throughout this MD&A, refer to Protective and all of its subsidiaries, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.  The term “Insurance Subsidiaries,” as used throughout this MD&A, refers to Protective Insurance Company, Protective Specialty Insurance Company, Sagamore Insurance Company and B&L Insurance, Ltd.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The primary sources of our liquidity are (1) funds generated from insurance operations, including net investment income, (2) proceeds from the sale of investments, and (3) proceeds from maturing investments.

We generally experience positive cash flow from operations.  Premiums are collected on insurance policies in advance of the disbursement of funds for payment of claims.  Operating costs of our property/casualty Insurance Subsidiaries, other than loss and loss expense payments and commissions paid to related agency companies, average less than one-third of net premiums earned on a consolidated basis, and the remaining amount is available for investment for varying periods of time depending on the type of insurance coverage provided and the timing of the claim payments. Because losses are often settled in periods subsequent to when they are incurred, operating cash flows may, at times, become negative as loss settlements on claim reserves established in prior years exceed current revenues.  Our cash flow relating to premiums is significantly affected by reinsurance programs in effect, whereby we cede both premium and risk to other insurance and reinsurance companies.  These programs vary significantly among products, and certain contracts call for reinsurance payment patterns, which do not coincide with the collection of premiums by us from our insureds.

On August 31, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the reinstatement of our share repurchase program for up to 2,464,209 shares of our Class A or Class B Common Stock.  On August 7, 2018,6, 2019, our Board of Directors reaffirmed our share repurchase program, but also provided that the aggregate dollar amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the share repurchase program throughbetween August 8,6, 2019 and August 6, 2020 may not exceed $25.0 million.million, including a limit of up to $6.25 million per quarter.  The repurchases may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, from time-to-time, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. On March 22,September 23, 2019, we entered into a stock repurchase plan for the purpose of repurchasing up to $3.5$0.6 million of shares of our common stock, at various pricing thresholds, in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Rule 10b5-1 Plan"). The Rule 10b5-1 Plan was established pursuant to, and as part of, our share repurchase program and permits shares to be repurchased in accordance with pre-determined criteria when repurchases would otherwise be prohibited, such as during self-imposed blackout periods, or under insider trading laws. The Rule 10b5-1 planPlan expires on May 9,November 7, 2019.  The share repurchase program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not commit us to repurchase any shares of our common stock. We have funded, and intend to continue to fund, the share repurchase program from cash on hand. The actual number and value of the shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of our stock price, market volume and other market conditions.  During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, we paid $0.5$10.3 million to repurchase 1006,520 shares of Class A and 24,858595,326 shares of Class B Common Stock under the share repurchase program.

For several years, our investment philosophy has emphasized the purchase of short-term bonds with high quality and liquidity.  Our fixed income investment portfolio continues to emphasize shorter-duration instruments.  If there was a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 100 basis points, the price of our bondsfixed income portfolio, including cash, at March 31,September 30, 2019 would be expected to falldecrease by approximately 2.7%2.6%.  The credit quality of our fixed income securities remains high with a weighted average rating of AA-, including cash.  The average contractual life of our fixed income and short-term investment portfolio was 6.7 years at September 30, 2019 and 5.5 years at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.  The average duration of our fixed income portfolio remains shorter than the average duration of our liabilities.  We also remain an active participant in the equity securities market, using capital in excess of amounts considered necessary to fund our current operations.  The long-term horizon for our equity investments allows us to invest in positions wherethat primarily focus on ultimate value, and not short-term market fluctuation, is the primary focus.fluctuation.  Investments made by our domestic property/casualty Insurance Subsidiaries are regulated by guidelines promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC"), which are designed to provide protection for both policyholders and shareholders.

- 21 -


Net cash flows from operations increased $3.4$1.9 million to $11.4$62.3 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to $8.0$60.4 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018.  The increase in operating cash flows was primarily related to higher premium volume andas well as higher investment income during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.

- 19 -

Net cash used in investing activities was $47.3$110.6 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $11.2$1.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018.  The $58.5$112.1 million change was primarily relateddue to lower proceedsthe increased investment of cash and cash equivalent investments into fixed income securities during the 2019 period. We also received an additional $33.0 million from saleslimited partnership investments, which were reinvested into fixed income securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we reallocated a large portion of our equity andportfolio to fixed income security investments and our purchases of $1.2 million of commercial mortgage loans insecurities, however the first quarter of 2019, partially offset by $17.2 million in distributions received from limited partnershipstotal amount invested was relatively stable.  Additionally, during the first quarter of 2019 and a $0.4 million reduction in purchases of property and equipment. Additionally, the first quarter of 2018, included the purchase ofwe purchased $10.0 million of company-owned life insurance, which did not recur in the first quarter of 2019.

Net cash used in financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 consisted of regular cash dividend payments to shareholders of $1.5$4.4 million ($0.100.30 per share) and $0.5$10.3 million to repurchase shares of our Class A and B Common Stock.  Financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 consisted of regular cash dividend payments to shareholders of $4.2$12.7 million ($0.280.84 per share) and $0.2$2.6 million to repurchase shares of our Class A and B Common Stock.

Our assets at March 31,September 30, 2019 included $113.4$78.1 million of investments included within cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheet that are readily convertible to cash without market penalty and an additional $95.0$67.1 million of fixed income investments maturing in less than one year.  We believe these liquid investments, plus the expected cash flow from premium collections, are sufficient to provide for projected claim payments and operating cost demands.  In the event competitive conditions produce inadequate premium rates and we choose to further restrict volume, the liquidity of our investment portfolio would permit us to continue to pay claims as settlements are reached without requiring the disposal of investments at a loss, regardless of interest rates in effect at the time.  In addition, our reinsurance program is structured to avoid significant cash outlays that accompany large losses.

We maintain a revolving credit facility with a $40.0 million limit, with the option for up to an additional $35.0 million in incremental loans at the discretion of the lenders, which has an expiration date of August 9, 2022.  Interest on this revolving credit facility is referenced to the London Interbank Offered Rate and can be fixed for periods of up to one year at our option.  Outstanding drawings on this revolving credit facility were $20.0 million as of March 31,September 30, 2019.  At March 31,September 30, 2019, the effective interest rate was 3.59%,3.14% and we had $20.0 million remaining under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2019.facility.  The current outstanding borrowings were used to repay theour previous line of credit.  Our revolving credit facility has two financial covenants, each of which were met as of March 31, 2019, requiringSeptember 30, 2019.  These covenants require us to have a minimum U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principlesgenerally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") net worth and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 0.35 to 1.00.

Annualized net premiums written by our Insurance Subsidiaries for the firstthird quarter of 2019 equaled approximately 120%122% of the combined statutory surplus of these subsidiaries, a level consistent with highersubsidiaries. According to the NAIC, acceptable ranges for the ratio of net premiums written.  Premium writingswritten to statutory surplus include results of up to 100%300%.  This ratio is designed to measure our ability to absorb above-average losses and in some cases up to 200% of surplus are generally considered acceptable by regulatory authorities.  Further, theour financial strength. Additionally, the statutory capital of each of our Insurance Subsidiaries substantially exceeded minimum risk-based capital requirements set by the NAIC as of March 31,September 30, 2019.  Accordingly,As a result, we have the ability to significantly increase our business without seeking additional capital to meet regulatory guidelines.

Consolidated shareholders' equity is composed largely of GAAP shareholders' equity of our Insurance Subsidiaries.  As such, there are statutory restrictions on the transfer of substantial portions of this equity to Protective.  At March 31,September 30, 2019, $54.1$37.1 million may be transferred by dividend or loan to Protective during the remainder of 2019 without approval by, or prior notification to, regulatory authorities.  An additional $212.5$215.3 million of shareholders' equity of our Insurance Subsidiaries could be advanced or loaned to Protective with prior notification to, and approval from, regulatory authorities, although transfers of this size would not be practical.  We believe these restrictions pose no material liquidity concerns for us.  We also believe the financial strength and stability of our Insurance Subsidiaries would permit access by Protective to short-term and long-term sources of credit when needed.  Protective had cash and marketable securities valued at $10.1$6.4 million at March 31,September 30, 2019.



- 2022 -

Non-GAAP Measures

We believe investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by our disclosure of underwriting income (loss), which is a measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. Underwriting income (loss) represents the pre-tax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and net investment income from income before federal income tax expense (benefit). We use underwriting income (loss) as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives us and users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations, our underlying business performance and our ongoing operating trends. Underwriting income (loss) should not be viewed as a substitute for income before federal income tax expense (benefit) calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income (loss) differently.

The ratio of consolidated other operating expenses, less commissions and other income, to net premiums earned, or our expense ratio, and the ratio of losses and loss expenses incurred, plus other operating expenses, less commissioncommissions and other income, to net premiums earned, or our combined ratio, are measures of our profitability that we believe increase the period-to-period comparability of our operational results.  Our management uses these ratios to evaluate performance, allocate resources and forecast future operating periods.  While expense ratios and combined ratios are widely used within our industry, our use of such ratios may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 2019  2018  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit) $3,514  $314 
 September 30  September 30 
(dollars in thousands)
 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Income (loss) before federal income tax expense (benefit)
 $(1,019) 
$
(15,569
)
 $4,445  
$
(12,199
)
Less: Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  6,028   (4,533)  125   
2,373
   9,041   
(5,595
)
Less: Net investment income  6,232   4,636   6,703   
5,578
   19,434   
16,010
 
Underwriting income (loss) $(8,746) $211 
Underwriting loss $(7,847) 
$
(23,520
)
 $(24,030) 
$
(22,614
)
                        
                        
Ratios                        
Losses and loss expenses incurred $87,122  $72,298  $84,781  
$
94,540
  $262,336  
$
244,327
 
Net premiums earned  110,013   105,462   110,288   
96,807
   335,931   
314,209
 
Loss ratio  79.2%  68.6%  76.9%  
97.7
%
  78.1%  
77.8
%
                        
Other operating expenses $33,701  $34,767  $36,070  
$
29,200
  $104,386  
$
99,984
 
Less: Commissions and other income  2,064   1,814   2,716   
3,413
   6,761   
7,488
 
Other operating expenses, less commissions and other income  31,637   32,953   33,354   
25,787
   97,625   
92,496
 
Net premiums earned  110,013   105,462   110,288   
96,807
   335,931   
314,209
 
Expense ratio  28.8%  31.2%  30.2%  
26.6
%
  29.1%  
29.4
%
                        
Combined ratio  108.0%  99.8%  107.1%  
124.3
%
  107.2%  
107.2
%


- 2123 -

Results of Operations

Comparison of FirstThird Quarter 2019 to FirstThird Quarter 2018(in thousands)

 2019  2018  Change  % Change  2019  2018  Change  % Change 
Gross premiums written $148,893  $148,823  $70     $137,145  
$
138,699
  
$
(1,554
)
  
(1.1
)%
Ceded premiums written  (33,571)  (35,389)  1,818   5.1%  (27,853)  
(41,685
)
  
13,832
   
(33.2
)%
Net premiums written $115,322  $113,434  $1,888   1.7% $109,292  
$
97,014
  
$
12,278
   
12.7
%
                                
Net premiums earned $110,013  $105,462  $4,551   4.3% $110,288  
$
96,807
  
$
13,481
   
13.9
%
Net investment income  6,232   4,636   1,596   34.4%  6,703   
5,578
   
1,125
   
20.2
%
Commissions and other income  2,064   1,814   250   13.8%  2,716   
3,413
   
(697
)
  
(20.4
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  6,028   (4,533)  10,561   233.0%
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments  125   
2,373
   
(2,248
)
  
94.7
%
Total revenue  124,337   107,379           119,832   
108,171
         
Losses and loss expenses incurred  87,122   72,298   14,824   20.5%  84,781   
94,540
   
(9,759
)
  
(10.3
)%
Other operating expenses  33,701   34,767   (1,066)  (3.1)%  36,070   
29,200
   
6,870
   
23.5
%
Total expenses  120,823   107,065           120,851   
123,740
         
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit)  3,514   314   3,200     
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  766   (16)  782     
Net income $2,748  $330  $2,418     
Loss before federal income tax benefit  (1,019)  
(15,569
)
  
14,550
     
Federal income tax benefit  (312)  
(3,244
)
  
2,932
     
Net loss $(707) 
$
(12,325
)
 
$
11,618
     
                                

Gross premiums written during the firstthird quarter of 2019 were approximately flat,decreased $1.6 million (1.1%), while net premiums earned increased $4.6$13.5 million (4.3%(13.9%), as compared to the firstthird quarter of 2018.  The higher net premiums earned in the third quarter of 2019 were primarily the result of lower premiums ceded in the changescurrent quarter when compared to the same period in our reinsurance structure2018, as discussed below. The difference in the percentage change for premiums written compared to earned was reflective of the normal differences in the financial statement recognition of earned premiums compared to written, as well as differences in reinsurance ceding rates on the mix of business in-force.

Premiums ceded to reinsurers on our insurance business averaged 22.5%20.3% of gross premiums written for the firstthird quarter of 2019 compared to 23.8%30.1% in the first quarter of 2018.  In the third quarter of 2017, we lowered2018.  The decrease in premiums ceded was primarily due to our reserve strengthening during the quota sharethird quarter of 2018 that resulted in ceding an additional $13.8 million in premium from prior treaty years related to the variable premium adjustment provisions in our historical reinsurance treaties, which did not recur in 2019.  This was partially offset by higher gross premiums written in our workers' compensation coverages, which carry a higher reinsurance ceding rate, in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2019 decreased $9.8 million (10.3%) compared to the third quarter of 2018, resulting in a loss ratio of 76.9% during the third quarter of 2019 compared to a loss ratio of 97.7% during the third quarter of 2018.  The loss ratio is calculated as the percentage of losses and loss expenses incurred to net premiums earned.  The higher losses and loss expenses and higher loss ratio in the third quarter of 2018 reflected reserve strengthening of $16.4 million related to unfavorable prior accident year loss development in commercial automobile coverages as a result of increased claim severity due to a more challenging litigation environment and an increase in the time to settle claims. The third quarter of 2019 loss ratio reflected an increase in losses driven by severe commercial automobile claims, including continued emergence of severity as well as $0.1 million of adverse prior accident year development.

Net investment income for the third quarter of 2019 increased 20.2% to $6.7 million compared to $5.6 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase reflected an increase in average funds invested resulting from positive cash flow, as well as the continued reallocation from equity investments in limited partnerships and cash and cash equivalent investments into short-duration, high-quality bonds.  

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $0.1 million during the third quarter of 2019 were primarily driven by net realized gains on sales of securities, excluding impairment losses, of $1.2 million and a $0.3 million increase in the value of our limited partnership investments, partially offset by $1.3 million in unrealized losses on equity securities during the period and other-than-temporary impairments on our workers compensationfixed income securities of $0.1 million recognized during the period.  Comparative third quarter 2018 net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $2.4 million were primarily driven by $3.0 million in unrealized gains on equity securities and net realized gains on sales of fixed income and equity securities, excluding impairment losses, of $0.5 million during the period, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in the value of our limited partnership investments.  Realized investment gains and losses result from decisions regarding overall portfolio realignment as well as the sale of individual securities, including the change in the aggregate value of limited partnerships and, as such, should not be expected to be consistent from period to period.

Other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2019 increased $6.9 million, or 23.5%, to $36.1 million compared to the third quarter of 2018.  The increase was driven primarily by higher salary and benefit expenses and higher commission expenses as a result of the mix of premium written during the third quarter of 2019.  Additionally, other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2019 included charges of $1.6 million related to severance and new hire costs as well as bad debt expense, which we do not expect to recur.  The expense ratio was 30.2% during the third quarter of 2019 compared to 26.6% for the third quarter of 2018.  The increase in the expense ratio was primarily related to the higher salary and benefit expenses and higher commission expenses noted above.

- 24 -

Federal income tax benefit was $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2018.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2019 was a 30.6% tax benefit compared to a 20.8% tax benefit in the third quarter of 2018.  The lower pre-tax loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 made these interim period effective tax rates less comparable.  The effective federal income tax rate in the current year differed from the normal statutory rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income and the dividends received deduction.  The effective tax rate can fluctuate throughout the year because estimates used in the quarterly tax provision are updated as more information becomes available throughout the year.

As a result of the factors mentioned above, net loss improved $11.6 million to a loss of $0.7 million during the third quarter of 2019 compared to a net loss of $12.3 million during the third quarter of 2018.


Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands)

  2019  2018  Change  % Change 
Gross premiums written $433,191  
$
429,792
  
$
3,399
   
0.8
%
Ceded premiums written  (92,882)  
(105,090
)
  
12,208
   
(11.6
)%
Net premiums written $340,309  
$
324,702
  
$
15,607
   
4.8
%
                 
Net premiums earned $335,931  
$
314,209
  
$
21,722
   
6.9
%
Net investment income  19,434   
16,010
   
3,424
   
21.4
%
Commissions and other income  6,761   
7,488
   
(727
)
  
(9.7
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  9,041   
(5,595
)
  
14,636
   
261.6
%
Total revenue  371,167   
332,112
         
Losses and loss expenses incurred  262,336   
244,327
   
18,009
   
7.4
%
Other operating expenses  104,386   
99,984
   
4,402
   
4.4
%
Total expenses  366,722   
344,311
         
Income (loss) before federal income tax expense (benefit)  4,445   
(12,199
)
  
16,644
     
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  869   
(2,691
)
  
3,560
     
Net income (loss) $3,576  
$
(9,508
)
 
$
13,084
     
                 

Gross premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $3.4 million (0.8%), while net premiums earned increased $21.7 million (6.9%), as compared to reflect growing profitability and confidencethe same period in this book2018.  The higher net premiums earned in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily the result of business. We also restructuredlower premiums ceded in the current period when compared to the same period in 2018, as discussed below.  The difference in the percentage change for premiums written compared to earned was reflective of the normal differences in the financial statement recognition of earned premiums compared to written, as well as differences in reinsurance ceding rates on the mix of business in-force.

Premiums ceded to reinsurers on our commercial automobile reinsuranceinsurance business averaged 21.4% of gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 24.5% for the same period of 2018.  The decrease in premiums ceded was primarily due to our reserve strengthening during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 that resulted in ceding an additional $16.4 million in premium from prior treaty moving away fromyears related to the variable premium ceded rates (based on loss performance),adjustment provisions in our historical reinsurance treaties, compared to a flat ceding arrangement with no material changes to the economic risks taken for these products (i.e. ceded losses will decrease by a similar amount as ceded premiums).   The impacts of these changes to our reinsurance structure were partially offset by the ceding of an additional $1.6 million in commercial automobile premium from prior treaty years related to variable premiumthe same adjustment provisions during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we had higher gross premiums written in our historicalworkers' compensation coverages, which carry a higher reinsurance treaties.ceding rate. 

Losses and loss expenses incurred during the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $14.8$18.0 million (20.5%(7.4%) compared to the first quartersame period of 2018, resulting in a loss ratio of 79.2% during78.1% for the first quarter of 2019 comparedperiod.   This compares to a loss ratio of 68.6%77.8% during the first quartersame period of 2018.  The loss ratio is calculated as the percentage of losses and loss expenses incurred to net premiums earned.  The increased losses and loss expenses and the higher loss ratio in the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 reflected an increase in current accident year losses driven by severe commercial automobile losses,claims, including continued emergence of severity.  This current accident yearloss development was partially offset by prior accident year net savings of $1.1$1.6 million that developed during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, primarily due to favorable loss development in workers' compensation and independent contractor coverages.  Including the impact of the additional $1.6 million ceded premium discussed above, the total prior accident year impacts were unfavorable by $0.5 millionoffset each other for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. Losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflected reserve strengthening of $14.7 million related to unfavorable prior accident year loss development in commercial automobile coverages.

Net investment income for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 increased 34.4%21.4% to $6.2$19.4 million compared to $4.6$16.0 million forin the first quartersame period of 2018.  The increase reflected an increase in average funds invested resulting from positive cash flow, as well as a reallocation from equity investments held in limited partnerships and cash and cash equivalent investments into short-duration, high qualityhigh-quality bonds.  After-tax investment income increased by 31.6% to $5.0 million during the first quarter of 2019, compared to $3.8 million during the first quarter of 2018, reflecting the aforementioned increase in average funds invested and reallocation from limited partnerships to short-duration, high quality bonds.

- 25 -

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $6.0$9.0 million during the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily driven by $6.0$6.6 million in unrealized gains on equity securities during the period, net realized gains on sales of securities, excluding impairment losses, of $1.9 million and a $0.4$1.0 million increase in the value of our limited partnership investments, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments on our fixed income securities of $0.3$0.4 million recognized during the period.  Comparative first quarterIn the comparative nine month period ended September 30, 2018, net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $4.5$5.6 million were driven by a $2.6$6.5 million decrease in the value of our limited partnership investments and $2.3$0.8 million in unrealized losses on equity securities, excluding impairment losses, during the period, partially offset by net realized gains on sales of fixed income and equity securities of $0.4$1.7 million.  Realized investment gains and losses result from decisions regarding overall portfolio realignment as well as the sale of individual securities, including the change in the aggregate value of limited partnerships and, as such, should not be expected to be consistent from period to period.

Other operating expenses for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased $1.1increased $4.4 million, or 3.1%4.4%, to $33.7$104.4 million compared to $100.0 million for the first quartersame period of 2018.  The decreaseincrease was driven primarily by lower salary and benefit expense in addition to lower other operating expenses, partially offset by higher commission expenses as a result of the mix of premium written inand higher salary and benefit expenses during the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019.  The expense ratio of consolidated other operating expenses less commissions and other income to net premiums earned (the “expense ratio”) was 28.8%29.1% during the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 31.2%29.4% for the first quartersame period of 2018.  The decrease in the expense ratio was primarily related to the leveraging effect of higher net premiums earned in the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the first quartersame period of 2018.

- 22 -

Federal income tax expense was $0.8$0.9 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to a federal income tax benefit of less than $0.1$2.7 million for the first quartersame period of 2018.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 was 21.8%a 19.6% expense compared to (5.1%)a 22.1% benefit in the first quartersame period of 2018.  The relatively low amount of pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 made these interim period effective tax rates less comparable.  The effective federal income tax rate in the current year differed from the normal statutory rate in partprimarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.income and the dividends received deduction.  The effective tax rate forcan fluctuate throughout the three months ended March 31, 2018 was also impacted by the change in accounting for unrealized gains and losses on equity securities related to our adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, where changes in unrealized gains and losses, and the corresponding tax effects, are now recordedyear because estimates used in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.quarterly tax provision are updated as more information becomes available throughout the year.

As a result of the factors mentioned above, net income increased $2.4$13.1 million to $2.7$3.6 million during the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to net incomeloss of $0.3$9.5 million during the first quartersame period of 2018.


Sensitivity Analysis

Management is aware of the potential for variation from the reserves established at any particular point in time. Savings or deficiencies could develop in future valuations of the currently established loss and loss expense reserve estimates under a variety of reasonably possible scenarios. The majority of our reserves for losses and loss expenses, on a net of reinsurance basis, relate to our commercial automobile products. Perhaps the most significant example of sensitivity to variation in the key assumptions is the loss ratio selection for our commercial automobile products for policies subject to certain major reinsurance treaties.

Commercial automobile products covered by our reinsurance treaties from July 2013 through June 2019 are subject to an aggregate stop-loss provision.  Once this aggregate stop-loss level is reached, for every $100 of additional loss, we are only responsible only for our $25 retention.  The following table illustrates the benefit of these reinsurance treaties, as the net financial impactloss to us of a further 5% or 10% increase in ultimate losses for each of the fivesix most recent reinsurance treaty years (2014-2018)(2013-2018) covering these commercial automobile products:products is only about 25% of the gross loss:

 
5% Increase in
Ultimate Loss Ratio
  
10% Increase in
Ultimate Loss Ratio
  
5% Increase in
Ultimate Loss Ratio
  
10% Increase in
Ultimate Loss Ratio
 
Gross loss expense from further strengthening current reserve position $35.3  $70.7  
$
45.5
  
$
90.9
 
Net financial loss  9.2   18.1   
11.8
   
23.1
 
                
$/share (after tax) $0.49  $0.96  
$
0.64
  
$
1.25
 

Commercial automobile products covered by our reinsurance treaty from July 2019 through June 2020 are also subject to an aggregate stop-loss provision.  Once the aggregate stop-loss level is reached, for every $100 of additional loss, we are responsible for our $65 retention.  This increase in our retention compared to recent years reflects both: (1) our decision to buy less reinsurance due to a higher cost of reinsurance for the 2019 treaty year, and (2) our confidence in profitability improvements given rate increases we are receiving on our commercial automobile products.

- 26 -

Forward-Looking Information

The disclosures in this Form 10-Q contain "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this Form 10-Q relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as "may," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "project," and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control.  Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.  Investors are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us, which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors that affect our business, including "Risk Factors" set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.  Except to the extent otherwise required by federal securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.


- 23 -


Factors that could contribute to these differences include, among other things:

general economic conditions, including weakness of the financial markets, prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance, which may affect or continue to affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products and to collect amounts due to us, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated with such access to capital and the market value of our investments;

our ability to obtain adequate premium rates and manage our operating strategies;

increasing competition in the sale of our insurance products and services resulting from the entrance of new competitors into, or the expansion of the operations of existing competitors in, our markets and our ability to retain existing customers;

other changes in the markets for our insurance products;

the impact of technological advances, including those specific to the transportation industry;

changes in the legal or regulatory environment, which may affect the manner in which claims are adjusted or litigated, including loss and loss adjustment expense;

legal or regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to the regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of insurance products and services and capital requirements;

the impact of a downgrade in our financial strength rating;

technology or network security disruptions or breaches;

adequacy of insurance reserves;

availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations;

our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and to successfully complete our Chief Executive Officer transition;employees;

tax law and accounting changes; and

legal actions brought against us.

Some of the significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections are described more fully in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.  You should read that information in conjunction with this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

- 27 -

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2018.


Concentrations of Credit Risk

Our Insurance Subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums to numerous reinsurers under quota share and excess of loss treaties, as well as facultative placements.  These reinsurers assume commensurate portions of the risk of loss covered by the contracts.  As losses are reported and reserved, portions of the gross losses attributable to reinsurers are established as receivable assets and losses incurred are reduced.  At March 31,September 30, 2019, amounts due from reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses were estimated to total approximately $383$396 million.  Because of the large policy limits reinsured by us, the ultimate amount of incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to reinsurers could vary significantly from thethis estimate; provided, however, absent the inability to collect from reinsurers, such variance would not result in changes in net claim losses incurred by us.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes in the Company's exposure to market risk since the disclosure in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our fixed income investments. Given the anticipated duration of our liabilities (principally insurance loss and loss expense reserves) relative to investment maturities, a 100 to 200 basis point increase in interest rates would not have a material impact on our ability to conduct daily operations or to meet our obligations and could result in significantly higher investment income in a relatively short period of time, as short-term investments and maturing bonds could be reinvested in higher yielding securities.

The table below summarizes our interest rate risk by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value of our fixed income investments as of March 31,September 30, 2019 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates (dollars in thousands).

 Fair Value  
Estimated Change
in Fair Value
  Fair Value  
Estimated Change
in Fair Value
 
200 basis point increase $634,881  $(37,092) 
$
714,048
  
$
(43,793
)
100 basis point increase  653,427   (18,546)  
735,945
   
(21,896
)
Current fair value  671,973      
757,841
   
 
100 basis point decrease  690,517   18,544   
779,737
   
21,896
 
200 basis point decrease  709,058   37,085   
801,634
   
43,793
 

Our selection of the range of values chosen to represent changes in interest rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but rather as an illustration of the impact of such events should they occur.  Several other factors, including but not limited to the financial strength of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments, liquidity of the investment, currency fluctuations for non-U.S. debt holdings and other general market conditions, can impact the fair values of fixed income investments and, therefore, significant variations in market interest rates could produce quite different results from the hypothetical estimates presented above.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company carried out an evaluation as of March 31,September 30, 2019 under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the "Exchange Act". Based upon that evaluation, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is: (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms; and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Company noted no change in its internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required with respect to this item can be found in Note 10 - Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and before deciding to invest in, or retain, shares of the Company's common stock, you should carefully review and consider the information contained in the Company's other reports and periodic filings that it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the information contained under the caption Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Those risk factors could materially affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  
Average Price
Paid per Share
  
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Under the Program (1)
  
Remaining Shares
Available to be Purchased
Under the Program (1)
 
January 1 – January 31    $-      2,179,581 
February 1 – February 28     -      2,179,581 
March 1 – March 31  24,958   18.72   24,958   2,154,623 
Total  24,958       24,958     
  
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  
Average Price
Paid per Share
  
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Under the Program (1)
  
Remaining Shares
Available to be Purchased
Under the Program (1)
 
July 1 – July 31
  
124,151
  
$
16.90
   
124,151
   
1,681,349
 
August 1 – August 31
  
60,585
   
16.31
   
60,585
   
1,620,764
 
September 1 – September 30
  
43,029
   
16.49
   
43,029
   
1,577,735
 
Total  
227,765
       
227,765
     

(1)
On August 31, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the reinstatement of our share repurchase program for up to 2,464,209 shares of our Class A or Class B Common Stock.  On August 7, 2018,6, 2019, our Board of Directors reaffirmed our share repurchase program, but also provided that the aggregate dollar amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the share repurchase program throughbetween August 8,6, 2019 and August 6, 2020 may not exceed $25.0 million.million, including a limit of up to $6.25 million per quarter.  Pursuant to this share repurchase program, we entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan on March 22,September 23, 2019, which authorizes the repurchase of up to $3.5$0.6 million of our outstanding common stock, at various pricing thresholds, in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.  The Rule 10b5-1 plan expires on May 9,November 7, 2019.  No duration has been placed on our share repurchase program, and we reserve the right to amend, suspend or discontinue it at any time.   The share repurchase program does not commit us to repurchase any shares of our Common Stock.common stock.  We have funded, and intend to continue to fund, the share repurchase program from cash on hand.


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No. Description

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
101
 
The following materials from Protective Insurance Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (1) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (2) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (3) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (4) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (5) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (5)(6) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




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SIGNATURES

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

PROTECTIVE INSURANCE CORPORATION

Date May 8,November 6, 2019

By:/s/ Jeremy D. Edgecliffe-Johnson
Jeremy D. Edgecliffe-Johnson
Chief Executive Officer



Date November 6, 2019

By:/s/ John D. Nichols, Jr.R. Barnett 
 John D. Nichols, Jr.
Interim Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board of Directors


Date May 8, 2019

By:/s/ William C. Vens
William C. VensR. Barnett 
 Chief Financial Officer 



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