UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

xþQuarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20082009

OR

 

¨Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from                    to

Assurant, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-31978 39-1126612

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 (Commission File Number) 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 41st Floor

New York, New York 10005

(212) 859-7000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

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  xþ    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    YES  ¨    NO  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company¨

Large accelerated filerþAccelerated filer    ¨
Non-accelerated filer¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company    ¨

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding at May 1, 20082009 was 118,226,814.117,753,411.

 

 

 


ASSURANT, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 20082009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item

Number

   Page
Number
     Page
Number
PART IPART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATIONFINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.

  Financial Statements of Assurant, Inc.:  
 PART I  
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) at March 31, 2009
and December 31, 2008
  2
1. Financial Statements of Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries  
  Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008  4
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) from December 31, 2008
through March 31, 2009
  5
 Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007  2
 Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007  4  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008  6
 Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) from December 31, 2007 through March 31, 2008  5
 Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007  6  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008  7
 Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)  7
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  19  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  32
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  36  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  56
4. Controls and Procedures  36  Controls and Procedures  56
 PART II  
 OTHER INFORMATION  
PART IIPART II
OTHER INFORMATIONOTHER INFORMATION
1. Legal Proceedings  37  Legal Proceedings  57
1A. Risk Factors  38  Risk Factors  58

2.

  Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  58
6. Exhibits  39  Exhibits  59
 Signatures  40  Signatures  60

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

At March 31, 20082009 and December 31, 20072008

 

 

  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  March 31, 2009  December 31, 2008
  (in thousands except per share and share amounts)  (in thousands except per share and share amounts)

Assets

        

Investments:

        

Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost - $9,687,311 in 2008 and $ 10,026,355 in 2007)

  $9,692,529  $10,126,415

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost - $784,511 in 2008 and $ 702,698 in 2007)

   728,473   636,001

Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost—$9,320,038 in 2009 and $9,204,228 in 2008)

  $8,616,598  $8,591,266

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost—$540,903 in 2009 and $577,356 in 2008)

   374,376   474,873

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate, at amortized cost

   1,470,477   1,433,626   1,495,420   1,506,694

Policy loans

   56,978   57,107   57,793   58,096

Short-term investments

   652,305   410,878   664,272   703,402

Collateral held under securities lending

   521,347   541,650   181,177   234,027

Other investments

   535,862   541,474   488,410   498,434
            

Total investments

   13,657,971   13,747,151   11,878,046   12,066,792

Cash and cash equivalents

   1,020,594   804,964   664,339   1,040,684

Premiums and accounts receivable, net

   621,150   580,379   439,534   513,181

Reinsurance recoverables

   3,895,539   3,904,348   4,076,574   4,010,170

Accrued investment income

   155,465   149,165   153,819   144,679

Tax receivable

   —     26,012   —     44,156

Deferred acquisition costs

   2,895,498   2,895,345   2,579,420   2,650,672

Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation

   272,333   275,779   277,288   278,621

Deferred income taxes, net

   530,700   449,372

Goodwill

   829,039   832,656   1,005,027   1,001,899

Value of business acquired

   120,897   125,612   104,627   108,204

Other assets

   257,632   265,617   508,908   427,347

Assets held in separate accounts

   2,720,297   3,143,288   1,602,362   1,778,809
            

Total assets

  $26,446,415  $26,750,316  $23,820,644  $24,514,586
            

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

At March 31, 20082009 and December 31, 20072008

 

 

  March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   March 31, 2009 December 31, 2008 
  (in thousands except per share and share amounts)   (in thousands except per share and share amounts) 

Liabilities

      

Future policy benefits and expenses

  $7,177,899  $7,189,496   $7,150,150  $7,095,645 

Unearned premiums

   5,412,023   5,410,709    5,227,849   5,407,859 

Claims and benefits payable

   3,297,077   3,303,084    3,278,332   3,302,731 

Commissions payable

   226,372   267,886    192,295   233,200 

Reinsurance balances payable

   85,547   104,105    67,862   88,393 

Funds held under reinsurance

   49,954   50,147    38,492   38,433 

Deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   209,393   216,772    180,558   187,360 

Obligation under securities lending

   521,347   541,650    202,616   256,506 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   1,409,357   1,332,824    1,165,168   1,433,028 

Deferred income taxes, net

   52,168   108,429 

Income taxes payable

   94,720   —   

Tax payable

   64,496   —   

Debt

   971,886   971,863    971,982   971,957 

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

   11,160   21,160    8,160   11,160 

Liabilities related to separate accounts

   2,720,297   3,143,288    1,602,362   1,778,809 
              

Total liabilities

   22,239,200   22,661,413    20,150,322   20,805,081 
              

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

   

Stockholders’ equity

      

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 144,180,406 and 144,009,979 shares issued, 117,922,870 and 117,808,007 shares outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

   1,440   1,438 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 117,533,500 and 117,368,534 shares outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

   1,445   1,443 

Additional paid-in capital

   2,912,891   2,904,970    2,936,265   2,928,160 

Retained earnings

   2,438,904   2,269,107    2,714,463   2,650,371 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

   (5,497)  53,911 

Treasury stock, at cost; 25,997,943 shares at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

   (1,140,523)  (1,140,523)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (782,328)  (670,946)

Treasury stock, at cost; 26,997,943 shares at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

   (1,199,523)  (1,199,523)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   4,207,215   4,088,903    3,670,322   3,709,505 
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $26,446,415  $26,750,316   $23,820,644  $24,514,586 
              

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

 

 

  Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2008 2007  2009 2008 
  (in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)  (in thousands except per share and share amounts) 

Revenues

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $1,941,417  $1,759,509  $1,874,579  $1,941,417 

Net investment income

   197,774   216,896   178,479   197,774 

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

   (43,143)  5,570

Net realized losses on investments

   (55,689)  (43,143)

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   7,379   8,349   6,802   7,379 

Fees and other income

   73,898   66,939   83,706   73,898 
             

Total revenues

   2,177,325   2,057,263   2,087,877   2,177,325 
             

Benefits, losses and expenses

      

Policyholder benefits

   935,083   889,522   960,342   937,459 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

   405,208   319,714   387,794   405,208 

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses

   535,818   555,212   566,685   533,442 

Interest expense

   15,288   15,297   15,189   15,288 
             

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   1,891,397   1,779,745   1,930,010   1,891,397 
             

Income before provision for income taxes

   285,928   277,518   157,867   285,928 

Provision for income taxes

   99,098   98,061   77,286   99,098 
             

Net income

  $186,830  $179,457  $80,581  $186,830 
             

Earnings Per Share

      

Basic

  $1.58  $1.47  $0.68  $1.58 

Diluted

  $1.57  $1.45

Diluted*

  $0.68  $1.56 

Dividends per share

  $0.12  $0.10  $0.14  $0.12 

Share Data:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic per share calculations

   117,883,761   122,149,873

Plus: Dilutive securities

   1,397,219   1,961,661

Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic per share calculations*

   117,891,543   118,103,519 

Plus: Dilutive securities*

   76,204   1,283,802 
             

Weighted average shares used in diluted per share calculations

   119,280,980   124,111,534

Weighted average shares used in diluted per share calculations*

   117,967,747   119,387,321 
             

*Prior period amounts have been adjusted in accordance with FSP EITF 03-6-1. See Notes 3 and 9.

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)

From December 31, 20072008 through March 31, 20082009

 

 

  Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
  Total  Shares of
Common Stock
Issued

Balance, December 31, 2007

 $1,438 $2,904,970 $2,269,107  $53,911  $(1,140,523) $4,088,903  144,009,979

Stock plan exercises

  2  2,286  —     —     —     2,288  170,427

Stock plan compensation expense

  —    5,036  —     —     —     5,036  —  

Tax benefit of exercise of stock options

  —    599  —     —     —     599  —  

Dividends

  —    —    (14,173)  —     —     (14,173) —  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles (Note 2)

  —    —    (2,860)  —     —     (2,860) —  

Comprehensive income:

       

Net income

  —    —    186,830   —     —     186,830  —  

Other comprehensive loss:

       

Net change in unrealized (losses) on securities, net of taxes

  —    —    —     (54,512)  —     (54,512) —  

Net change in foreign currency translation, net of taxes

  —    —    —     (6,609)  —     (6,609) —  

Amortization of pension and postretirement unrecognized net periodic benefit, net of taxes

  —    —    —     1,713   —     1,713  —  
          

Total other comprehensive loss

       (59,408) 
          

Total comprehensive income:

       127,422  
                        

Balance, March 31, 2008

 $1,440 $2,912,891 $2,438,904  $(5,497) $(1,140,523) $4,207,215  144,180,406
                        
   Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
  Treasury
Stock
  Total 

Balance, December 31, 2008

  $1,443  $2,928,160  $2,650,371  $(670,946) $(1,199,523) $3,709,505 

Stock plan exercises

   2   3,221   —     —     —     3,223 

Stock plan compensation expense

   —     5,539   —     —     —     5,539 

Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

   —     (655)  —     —     —     (655)

Dividends

   —     —     (16,489)  —     —     (16,489)

Comprehensive loss:

        

Net income

   —     —     80,581   —     —     80,581 

Other comprehensive loss:

        

Net change in unrealized losses on securities, net of taxes of $53,557

   —     —     —     (106,926)  —     (106,926)

Net change in foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $1,562

   —     —     —     (5,057)  —     (5,057)

Amortization of pension and postretirement unrecognized net periodic benefit, net of taxes of $(324)

     —     —     601   —     601 
           

Total other comprehensive loss

         (111,382)
           

Total comprehensive loss:

         (30,801)
                         

Balance, March 31, 2009

  $1,445  $2,936,265  $2,714,463  $(782,328) $(1,199,523) $3,670,322 
                         

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

 

 

  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2008 2007   2009 2008 
  (in thousands)   (in thousands) 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $450,192  $170,593 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $(264,569) $450,192 
              

Investing activities

      

Sales of:

      

Fixed maturity securities available for sale

   575,869   398,894    176,029   575,869 

Equity securities available for sale

   81,492   46,481    16,908   81,492 

Property and equipment and other

   1,251   1,186    137   1,251 

Maturities, prepayments, and scheduled redemption of:

      

Fixed maturity securities available for sale

   189,552   203,173    175,548   189,552 

Purchases of:

      

Fixed maturity securities available for sale

   (578,632)  (764,142)   (489,486)  (578,632)

Equity securities available for sale

   (177,592)  (55,300)   (5,677)  (177,592)

Property and equipment and other

   (15,455)  (16,151)   (13,286)  (15,455)

Change in commercial mortgage loans on real estate

   (37,875)  (20,829)   10,798   (37,875)

Change in short term investments

   (242,936)  (116,362)   37,572   (242,936)

Change in other invested assets

   (5,946)  9,755    2,145   (5,946)

Change in policy loans

   58   325    267   58 

Change in collateral held under securities lending

   20,303   (210,171)   53,890   20,303 
              

Net cash (used in) investing activities

   (189,911)  (523,141)

Net cash used in investing activities

   (35,155)  (189,911)
              

Financing activities

      

Repayment of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

   (10,000)  —      (3,000)  (10,000)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

   599   1,440 

Acquisition of treasury stock

   —     (75,002)

Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

   (655)  599 

Dividends paid

   (14,173)  (12,233)   (16,489)  (14,173)

Change in obligation under securities lending

   (20,303)  210,171    (53,890)  (20,303)

Commercial paper issued

   —     19,979 

Commercial paper repaid

   —     (20,000)
              

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (43,877)  124,355 

Net cash used in financing activities

   (74,034)  (43,877)
              

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (774)  356    (2,587)  (774)
       

Change in cash and cash equivalents

   215,630   (227,837)   (376,345)  215,630 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   804,964   987,672    1,040,684   804,964 
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $1,020,594  $759,835   $664,339  $1,020,594 
              

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

1. Nature of Operations

1.Nature of Operations

Assurant, Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected other international markets.

Assurant, Inc.The Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.

Through its operating subsidiaries, the Company provides creditor-placed homeowners insurance, manufactured housing homeowners insurance, debt protection administration, creditcredit-related insurance, warranties and extended service contracts, individual health and small employer group health insurance, group dental insurance, group disability insurance, group life insurance and pre-funded funeral insurance.

2. Basis of Presentation

2.Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

InThe interim financial data as of March 31, 2009 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 is unaudited; in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, (consistingconsisting only of a normal recurring nature) consideredadjustments, necessary forto a fair statement of the financial statements have been included.results for the interim periods. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 20082009 presentation.

The Company recorded an after-tax cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $(2,860) onEffective January 1, 2008, related to2009, new preneed life insurance policies in which death benefit increases are determined at the adoptiondiscretion of the Company are accounted for as universal life contracts under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 157,97,Fair Value MeasurementsAccounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments (“FAS 157”97”). For contracts sold prior to January 1, 2009, these types of preneed life insurance sales are accounted for and will continue to be accounted for under FAS No. 60,Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises.The amountdifference between reporting in accordance with FAS 60 and FAS 97 is reflectednot material. In addition, this change did not materially impact the Company’s results of operations, but resulted in the statementCompany recording policy fee income instead of changes in stockholders’ equity as required. See Notes 3net earned premiums and 4 for further information regarding the adoption of FAS 157.incurred losses.

As part of our ongoing monitoring process, we regularly review our investment portfolio to ensure that investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified on a timely basis and that any impairment is charged against earnings in the proper period. We have reviewed these securities and recorded $43,409 of other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2008. There were no other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.2009. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.2008.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FAS 157 which defines fair value, addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is applied prospectively for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2008 except for certain financial assets that were measured at fair value using a transaction price. For these financial instruments, which the Company has, FAS 157 requires limited retrospective adoption and thus the difference between the fair values using a transaction price and the fair values using an exit price of the relevant financial instruments will be shown as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the January 1, 2008 retained earnings balance. At adoption, the Company recognized a $4,400 decrease to other assets, and a corresponding decrease of $2,860 (after-tax) to retained earnings. See Note 4 for further information regarding the adoption of FAS 157.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

On January 1, 2008,2009, the Company adopted FAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 provides a choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on specified election dates and requires disclosures about the electionStatement of the fair value option. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The Company has chosen not to elect the fair value option for any financial or non-financial instruments as of the adoption date, thus the adoption of FAS 159 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-10,Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements(“EITF 06-10”). EITF 06-10 provides guidance regarding the employer’s recognition of the liability and the related compensation costs for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends into postretirement periods. This consensus concludes that for a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement, an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with FAS No. 106,Employers’ Accounting For Postretirement Benefits Other-Than-Pensions,(if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12,Deferred Compensation Contracts,(“APB 12”) (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract) based on the substantive agreement with the employee. The Company has been recording its liability for future benefits in accordance with APB 12, thus the adoption of EITF 06-10 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”FAS”) issued FAS No. 141R,Business Combinations(“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R replaces FASB StatementFAS No. 141,Business Combinations(“FAS 141”).FAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements of FAS 141 that the purchaseacquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations, that an acquirer be identified for each business combination and for goodwill to be recognized and measured as a residual. FAS 141R expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

or more other businesses. FAS 141R broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. FAS 141R also increases the disclosure requirements for business combinations in the consolidated financial statements. FAS 141R is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 141R on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirementsadoption of FAS 141R and the potentialdid not have an impact on the Company’s financial position andor results of operations. However, should the Company enter into any business combination in 2009 or beyond, our financial position or results of operations could incur a significantly different impact than had it recorded the acquisition under FAS 141. Earnings volatility could result, depending on the terms of the acquisition.

In December 2007,On January 1, 2009, the FASB issuedCompany adopted FAS No. 160,Non - ControllingNoncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51(“FAS 160”). FAS 160 requires that a non-controllingnoncontrolling interest in a subsidiary be separately reported within equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the non-controllingnoncontrolling interest be presented in the statement of operations. FAS 160 also calls for consistency in reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and necessitates fair value measurement of any non-controllingnoncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. The adoption of FAS 160 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2009, the Company applied FAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), for all non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2,Effective Date of FAS 157(“FSP FAS 157-2”), which postponed the effective date of FAS 157 for those assets and liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, which for the Company is January 1, 2009. The application of FSP FAS 157-2 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill and intangible assets. In a business combination, the non-financial assets and liabilities of the acquired company would be measured at fair value in accordance with FAS 157. The requirements of FAS 157 include using an exit price based on an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date assuming the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. The Company would use a market, income or cost approach valuation technique to perform the valuations. Since the Company performs its annual impairment analyses of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year and since no impairment trigger event occurred during the first quarter of 2009, the application of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, there may be an impact during 2009 on the Company’s financial position and results of operations when the Company performs an impairment analysis of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets due to the difference in fair value methodology required under FAS 157.

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 03-6-1,Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividend or dividend equivalents as participating securities. Therefore, the Company’s restricted stock and restricted stock units which have non-forfeitable rights to dividends are included in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method described in FAS No. 128,Earnings Per Share(“FAS 128”). All prior period earnings per share data presented have been adjusted retrospectively. The adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 did not have a material impact on the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. See Note 9 for further information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4,Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly(“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 supersedes FSP FAS 157-3,Determining the Fair Value of a

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active. FSP FAS 157-4 reiterates that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. FSP FAS 157-4 requires companies to evaluate certain factors to determine whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability when compared with normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities). If a company concludes there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), further analysis of the transactions or quoted prices is required and a significant adjustment to the transactions or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value in accordance with FAS 157. A company would need to determine whether or not a transaction is orderly based on the information that is available without undue cost and effort. If a transaction is not orderly, little reliance would be placed on that transaction price when estimating fair value. If a transaction is not known to be orderly, that transaction price would be considered when estimating fair value. However, less reliance would be placed on prices from transactions that are not known to be orderly as compared to transactions that are known to be orderly. FSP FAS 157-4 also requires additional disclosures in the period of adoption and in interim and annual periods. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for fiscalinterim and annual periods beginningending after DecemberJune 15, 2008. Therefore,2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company did not elect the early adoption option; therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 160 on January 1,157-4 for the period ending June 30, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FSP FAS 160157-4 and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In February 2008,April 2009, the FASB issued Financial StatementFSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2,Recognition and Presentation of Position FAS 157-2Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (“OTTI”) (“FSP FAS 157-2”115-2 and FAS 124-2”). FSP FAS 157-2 defers115-2 and FAS 124-2 changes both the trigger to record an OTTI and the impairment amount that would be recognized in the results of operations for debt securities only. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 replaces the existing requirement that the company’s management assert that it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery in order for an impairment to be considered temporary; with a requirement that management assert that (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. An OTTI would be triggered if the company does not expect to recover its amortized cost basis in the security. If selling the security is more likely than not before recovery of the amortized cost basis, the difference between the security’s fair value and its amortized cost basis would be recorded in the results of operations. If selling the security is not more likely than not before recovery of the amortized cost basis, an OTTI would not have occurred unless there were credit losses, which would need to be recognized in the results of operations. Losses, other than credit, would be recognized within other comprehensive (loss) income (“OCI”), net of applicable taxes. The total OTTI would be presented in the results of operations with an offset for the amount of the OTTI that would be recognized in OCI. Credit losses should be measured based on the difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and the present value of expected future cash flows to be collected. As of the beginning of the period of adoption, there is also a requirement for a cumulative effect adjustment to reclassify the non-credit component of a previously recognized OTTI from retained earnings to accumulated OCI if the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 require additional disclosures in the period of adoption and in both interim and annual periods for debt and equity securities that are and are not other than temporarily impaired. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 are effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assetsinterim and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis to fiscal years beginningannual periods ending after NovemberJune 15, 2008, and interim2009, with early adoption permitted for periods within those fiscal years, which forending after March 15, 2009. The Company did not elect the early adoption option; therefore, the Company is January 1,required to adopt FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 for the period ending June 30, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FSP FAS 157 for its non-financial assets115-2 and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basisFAS 124-2 and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) 28-1,Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). FSP FAS

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

4.Fair Value Measurements

107-1 and APB 28-1 will require interim disclosures of fair value measurements for all financial instruments within the scope of FAS 107. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will require disclosure of the methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company did not elect the early adoption option; therefore, the Company is required to adopt FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 for the period ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132R-1,Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Plan Benefit Assets(“FSP FAS 132R-1”). FSP FAS 132R-1 will require entities that are subject to the disclosure requirements of FAS 132R,Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, and 106, to make additional disclosures about plan assets for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The additional disclosure requirements of FSP FAS 132R-1 include how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets and the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. FSP FAS 132R-1 will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FSP FAS 132R-1 on December 31, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 132R-1 will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

4. Investments

The following tables show the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities as of the dates indicated:

   March 31, 2009
   Cost or Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Gains
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities:

       

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $120,273  $8,822  $(23) $129,072

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   871,498   28,901   (8,594)  891,805

Foreign governments

   528,041   17,412   (12,043)  533,410

Public utilities

   1,198,744   17,693   (61,112)  1,155,325

Mortgage-backed

   989,841   39,616   (45,918)  983,539

All other corporate

   5,611,641   55,731   (743,925)  4,923,447
                

Total fixed maturity securities

  $9,320,038  $168,175  $(871,615) $8,616,598
                

Equity securities:

       

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $5,384  $283  $(2,008) $3,659

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   535,519   3,244   (168,046)  370,717
                

Total equity securities

  $540,903  $3,527  $(170,054) $374,376
                

   December 31, 2008
   Cost or Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Gains
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities:

       

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $136,725  $13,784  $(22) $150,487

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   874,134   14,122   (14,676)  873,580

Foreign governments

   503,620   19,391   (9,693)  513,318

Public utilities

   1,162,447   23,868   (59,604)  1,126,711

Mortgage-backed

   981,275   29,887   (46,877)  964,285

All other corporate

   5,546,027   79,407   (662,549)  4,962,885
                

Total fixed maturity securities

  $9,204,228  $180,459  $(793,421) $8,591,266
                

Equity securities:

       

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $5,384  $283  $(1,618) $4,049

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   571,972   11,114   (112,262)  470,824
                

Total equity securities

  $577,356  $11,397  $(113,880) $474,873
                

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

Throughout 2008 and continuing into 2009, the fixed maturity and equity security markets experienced significant volatility and declines in market values. These declines were primarily due to declines in the housing market, credit availability, as well as a general economic slowdown. As a result, certain securities directly exposed to these factors have had significant market value declines.

In connection with these market declines, we recorded net realized losses, including other-than-temporary impairments, in the statement of operations as follows:

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2009  2008 

Net realized (losses) gains related to sales:

   

Fixed maturity securities

  $(8,574) $4,212 

Equity securities

   (21,639)  (3,553)

Other investments

   (37)  (393)
         

Total net realized (losses) gains related to sales

   (30,250)  266 
         

Net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:

   

Fixed maturity securities

   (23,136)  (38,565)

Equity securities

   (2,303)  (4,844)
         

Total net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

   (25,439)  (43,409)
         

Total net realized losses

  $(55,689) $(43,143)
         

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and any impairments are charged against earnings in the proper period. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in circumstances and critical assumptions such as a continued weak economy, a more pronounced economic downturn or unforeseen events which affect one or more companies, industry sectors, or countries could result in additional impairments in future periods for other-than-temporary declines in value. Any security whose price decrease is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market value with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized on the specific identification basis.

When we determine that there is an other-than-temporary impairment, we write down the value of the security to the current market value, which reduces the cost basis. In periods subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment, we generally accrete into net investment income the discount (or amortize the reduced premium) resulting from the reduction in cost basis, based upon the amount and timing of the expected future cash flows over the remaining life of the security.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

The investment category and duration of the Company’s gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and equity securities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were as follows:

   March 31, 2009 
   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
   Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $1,086  $(23) $—    $—    $1,086  $(23)

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   110,602   (4,661)  75,984   (3,933)  186,586   (8,594)

Foreign governments

   164,947   (5,902)  21,006   (6,141)  185,953   (12,043)

Public utilities

   353,368   (21,661)  297,322   (39,451)  650,690   (61,112)

Mortgage-backed

   127,923   (14,557)  126,634   (31,361)  254,557   (45,918)

All other corporate

   2,092,729   (287,963)  1,423,755   (455,962)  3,516,484   (743,925)
                         

Total fixed maturity securities

  $2,850,655  $(334,767) $1,944,701  $(536,848) $4,795,356  $(871,615)
                         

Equity securities:

          

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $2,930  $(2,008) $—    $—    $2,930  $(2,008)

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   134,514   (58,203)  209,431   (109,843)  343,945   (168,046)
                         

Total equity securities

  $137,444  $(60,211) $209,431  $(109,843) $346,875  $(170,054)
                         

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

   December 31, 2008 
   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
   Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $983  $(22) $—    $—    $983  $(22)

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   361,383   (12,397)  27,545   (2,279)  388,928   (14,676)

Foreign governments

   117,133   (5,853)  28,478   (3,840)  145,611   (9,693)

Public utilities

   474,251   (34,099)  185,491   (25,505)  659,742   (59,604)

Mortgage-backed

   155,781   (27,512)  84,046   (19,365)  239,827   (46,877)

All other corporate

   2,430,886   (346,331)  1,140,375   (316,218)  3,571,261   (662,549)
                         

Total fixed maturity securities

  $3,540,417  $(426,214) $1,465,935  $(367,207) $5,006,352  $(793,421)
                         

Equity securities:

          

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $3,366  $(1,618) $—    $—    $3,366  $(1,618)

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   171,637   (49,291)  212,669   (62,971)  384,306   (112,262)
                         

Total equity securities

  $175,003  $(50,909) $212,669  $(62,971) $387,672  $(113,880)
                         

The total gross unrealized losses represent less than 21% and 17% of the aggregate fair value of the related securities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Approximately 38% and 53% of these gross unrealized losses have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The total gross unrealized losses are comprised of 1,331 and 1,409 individual securities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At March 31, 2009, 51%, 11% and 9% of the gross unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities were concentrated in the financial, consumer cyclical and industrial industries, respectively.

For fixed maturity securities, 39.4% and 31.5% of the gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were from $444,404 and $373,385 of securities with a fair value below 70% of amortized cost, or 5.2% and 4.4% of our total fixed maturity security portfolio. The percentage of fair value to amortized cost for fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are shown in the following tables.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

   March 31, 2009 
   Par
Value
  Unrealized
(Loss) Gain
  Fair
Value
  % to Total
Fixed Maturity
Securities
 

> 80% of amortized cost

  $4,011,764  $(307,252) $3,677,051  42.7%

70% to 80% of amortized cost

   895,213   (221,109)  673,901  7.8%

<70% of amortized cost

   799,490   (343,254)  444,404  5.2%
                

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

   5,706,467   (871,615)  4,795,356  55.7%

Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities

   3,854,177   168,175   3,821,242  44.3%
                

Net unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities

  $9,560,644  $(703,440) $8,616,598  100.0%
                
   December 31, 2008 
   Par
Value
  Unrealized
(Loss) Gain
  Fair
Value
  % to Total
Fixed Maturity
Securities
 

> 80% of amortized cost

  $4,282,068  $(322,856) $3,941,539  45.9%

70% to 80% of amortized cost

   911,984   (220,308)  691,428  8.0%

<70% of amortized cost

   627,811   (250,257)  373,385  4.4%
                

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

   5,821,863   (793,421)  5,006,352  58.3%

Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities

   3,614,294   180,459   3,584,914  41.7%
                

Net unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities

  $9,436,157  $(612,962) $8,591,266  100.0%
                

Securities Lending

The Company engages in transactions in which fixed maturity securities, especially bonds issued by the United States government, government agencies and authorities, and U.S. corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. Collateral, greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities lent plus accrued interest, is received in the form of cash and cash equivalents held by a custodian bank for the benefit of the Company. The use of cash collateral received is unrestricted. The Company reinvests the cash collateral received, generally in investments of high credit quality and are designated as available-for-sale under FASB Statement No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“FAS 115”). The Company monitors the fair value of securities loaned and the collateral received, with additional collateral obtained as necessary. The Company is subject to the risk of loss to the extent there is a loss in the re-investment of cash collateral.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, our collateral held under securities lending, of which its use is unrestricted, was $181,177 and $234,027, respectively, while our liability to the borrower for collateral received was $202,616 and $256,506, respectively. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending is recorded as an unrealized loss and is included as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company has actively reduced the size of the program to mitigate counter-party exposure. The Company includes the available-for-sale investments purchased with the cash collateral in its evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments.

Cash proceeds that the Company receives as collateral for the securities it lends and subsequent repayment of the cash are regarded by the Company as cash flows from financing activities, since the cash received is considered a borrowing.

Since the Company reinvests the cash collateral generally in investments which are designated as available-for-sale under FAS 115, the reinvestment is presented as cash flows from investing activities.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

5. Fair Value Disclosures

FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, creates a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. FAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paypaid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In accordance with FAS 157, the Company has categorized its recurring basis financial assets and liabilities based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The FASB has deferred the effective date of FAS 157 until January 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis in accordance with FSP FAS 157-2.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The levels of the fair value hierarchy and its application to the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are described below:

 

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain U.S. mutual funds, money market funds, common stock and certain foreign securities.

 

Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable in the marketplace for the asset. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value for the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include corporate, municipal, foreign government and public utilities bonds, private placement bonds, certain U.S. Government and agency securities, mortgage and asset backed securities, preferred stocks and certain U.S. and foreign mutual funds.

 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable but are significant to the fair value measurement for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs include certain preferred stocks, corporate bonds and mortgage backedmortgage-backed securities that were quoted by brokers and could not be corroborated by Level 2 inputs and derivatives.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

The following table presentstables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those recurring basis assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2008.

Assurant, Inc.2009 and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Three Months Ended MarchDecember 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)2008.

 

   March 31, 2008   March 31, 2009

Financial Assets

  Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3   Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Fixed maturity securities

  $9,692,529  $5,139  $9,496,110  $191,280   $8,616,598  $2,378   $8,454,432   $159,788 

Equity securities

   728,473   4,793a  712,054   11,626    374,376   2,774 a   355,437    16,165 

Short-term investments

   652,305   567,378   84,927   —      664,272   533,998    130,274    —   

Collateral held under securities lending

   481,347   58,278   423,069   —      142,177   47,257    94,920    —   

Other investments

   301,471   97,794b  194,064c  9,613c   230,178   56,883 b   167,249 c   6,046 c

Cash equivalents

   717,681   717,681   —     —      446,983   446,983    —      —   

Other assets

   3,688   —     —     3,688    8,934   —      —      8,934 

Assets held in separate accounts

   2,720,297   2,450,408a  269,889   —      1,526,146   1,362,206 a   163,940    —   
                            

Total financial assets

  $15,297,791  $3,901,471  $11,180,113  $216,207   $12,009,664  $2,452,479   $9,366,252   $190,933 
                            

Financial Liabilities

                          

Other liabilities

  $97,794  $97,794b $—    $—     $56,883  $56,883 b  $—     $—   
                            
  December 31, 2008

Financial Assets

  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Fixed maturity securities

  $8,591,266  $2,398   $8,427,643   $161,225 

Equity securities

   474,873   3,165 a   455,352    16,356 

Short-term investments

   703,402   611,460    91,942    —   

Collateral held under securities lending

   159,028   54,192    104,836    —   

Other investments

   239,605   56,296 b   176,285 c   7,024 c

Cash equivalents

   674,390   674,390    —      —   

Other assets

   7,080   —      —      7,080 

Assets held in separate accounts

   1,701,996   1,523,024 a   178,972    —   
               

Total financial assets

  $12,551,640  $2,924,925   $9,435,030   $191,685 
               

Financial Liabilities

               

Other liabilities

  $56,296  $56,296 b  $—     $—   
               

 

a

Mainly includes exchange-traded mutual fund investments

b

Comprised of Assurant IncentiveInvestment Plan, American Security Insurance Company Investment Plan and Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan investments and related liability which are invested in exchange-traded mutual funds

c

Consists of invested assets associated with a modified coinsurance arrangement

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

The following table summarizestables summarize the change in balance sheet carrying value associated with Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008:

 

   Total
Level 3
Assets
  Fixed
Maturity
Securities
  Equity
Securities
  Other
Investments
  Other
Assets
 

Balance, beginning of period

  $282,581  $256,937  $12,116  $10,368  $3,160 

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) included in earnings

   (1,643)  (950)  —     3   (696)

Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

   (6,017)  (4,959)  (646)  (412)  —   

Purchases, issuances, (sales) and (settlements)

   3,731   2,853   —     (346)  1,224 

Transfers in and/or (out of) Level 3

   (62,445)  (62,601)  156   —     —   
                     

Balance, end of period

  $216,207  $191,280  $11,626  $9,613  $3,688 
                     
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 
   Total
Level 3
Assets
  Fixed
Maturity
Securities
  Equity
Securities
  Other
Investments
  Other
Assets
 

Balance, beginning of year

  $191,685  $161,225  $16,356  $7,024  $7,080 

Total net gains (losses) (realized/unrealized) included in earnings

   929   (704)  —     1   1,632 

Net unrealized gains (losses) included in stockholder’s equity

   2,023   2,671   (365)  (283)  —   

Purchases, issuances, (sales) and (settlements)

   8,206   8,680   —     (696)  222 

Net transfers (out of) in

   (11,910)  (12,084)  174   —     —   
                     

Balance, end of period

  $190,933  $159,788  $16,165  $6,046  $8,934 
                     
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 
   Total
Level 3
Assets
  Fixed
Maturity
Securities
  Equity
Securities
  Other
Investments
  Other
Assets
 

Balance, beginning of year

  $282,581  $256,937  $12,116  $10,368  $3,160 

Total (losses) gains (realized/unrealized) included in earnings

   (1,643)  (950)  —     3   (696)

Net unrealized losses included in stockholder’s equity

   (6,017)  (4,959)  (646)  (412)  —   

Purchases, issuances, (sales) and (settlements)

   3,731   2,853   —     (346)  1,224 

Net transfers (out of) in

   (62,445)  (62,601)  156   —     —   
                     

Balance, end of period

  $216,207  $191,280  $11,626  $9,613  $3,688 
                     

FAS 157 describes three different valuation techniques to be used in determining fair value for financial assets and liabilities: the market, income or cost approaches. The three valuation techniques described withinin FAS 157 are consistent with generally accepted valuation methodologies. The market approach valuation techniquetechniques use prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. When possible, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets are used as of the period-end date. Otherwise, valuation techniques consistent with the market approach including matrix pricing and comparables are used. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique employed to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for those securities but comparing those securities to benchmark or comparable securities. Comparables use market multiples, which might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable.

Income approach valuation techniques convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. These techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts as of the period-end date. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models, binomial or lattice models that incorporate present value techniques, and the multi-period excess earnings method.

Cost approach valuation techniques are based upon the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset at the period-end date, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

While not all three approaches are not applicable to all financial assets or liabilities, where appropriate, one or more valuation techniquetechniques may be used. For all the financial assets and liabilities included in the above hierarchy, excluding derivatives and private placement bonds, the market valuation technique is generally used. For private placement bonds and derivatives, the income valuation technique is generally used. For the period ended March 31, 2008,2009, the application of the valuation techniquestechnique applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.

Level 1 and Level 2 valuationssecurities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. FAS 157 defines observable market inputs as the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. The extent of the use of each observable market input for a security depends on the type of security and the market conditions at the balance sheet date. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary. The following observable market inputs, listed in the approximate order of priority, are utilized in the pricing evaluation of Level 2 securities: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. EachThe pricing service also evaluates each security is evaluated based on relevant market information including: relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Valuation models can change period to period, depending on the appropriate observable inputs that are available at the balance sheet date to price a security. When market observable inputs are unavailable, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources and are categorized as Level 3 securities.

Management uses the following criteria in order to determine whether the market for a financial asset is inactive:

The volume and level of trading activity in the asset have declined significantly from historical levels,

The available prices vary significantly over time or among market participants,

The prices are stale (i.e., not current), and

The magnitude of bid-ask spread.

Illiquidity did not have a material impact in the fair value determination of the Company’s financial assets.

The Company generally obtains one price for each financial asset. The Company performs a monthly analysis to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of the evaluated prices received from the pricing service, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon available market data, which happens infrequently, the price of a security is adjusted accordingly. The pricing service provides

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

5.Debt

information to indicate which securities were priced using market observable inputs so that the Company can properly categorize our financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

6. Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had a cumulative valuation allowance against deferred tax assets of $98,793. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized income tax expense of $19,069 and other comprehensive loss of $7,000 to increase the valuation allowance. The increase in the valuation allowance was primarily related to an increase in deferred tax assets from additional realized capital losses and other-than-temporary impairments in our investment portfolio. It is management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that $124,862 of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on its ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the same character within the carryback or carryforward periods. In assessing future GAAP taxable income, the Company has considered all sources of taxable income available to realize its deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies. If changes occur in the assumptions underlying the Company’s tax planning strategies or in the scheduling of the reversal of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted in the future.

7. Debt

In February 2004, the Company issued two series of senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $975,000.$975,000 (the “Senior Notes”). The Company received net proceeds of $971,537 from this transaction, which represents the principal amount less the discount. The discount of $3,463 is being amortized over the life of the notesSenior Notes and is included as part of interest expense inon the statement of operations.

The interest expense incurred related to the senior notesSenior Notes was $15,047, including $7,523 of accrued interest, for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively. The Company made an interest payment of $30,094 on February 15, 2008.2009.

In March 2004, the Company established a $500,000 commercial paper program, which is available for working capital and other general corporate purposes. This program is backed up by a $500,000 senior revolving credit facility. The Company did not useThere were no amounts relating to the commercial paper program during the three months endedoutstanding at March 31, 2008. During 2007, the Company used proceeds from the commercial paper program for general corporate purposes, all of which were repaid during 2007.2009. The Company did not use the revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 20082009 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2007.2008 and no amounts are currently outstanding. The $500,000 senior revolving credit facility contains a $30,000 commitment from Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (“Lehman”). Based on the financial condition of Lehman, the Company is not relying on Lehman’s commitment.

The revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants and requirescovenants. The terms of the revolving credit facility also require that the Company maintain certain specified minimum ratios and thresholds. TheAmong others, these covenants include maintaining a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum consolidated adjusted net worth. At March 31, 2009 the Company iswas in compliance with all covenants, minimum ratios and thresholds.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

6.Stock Based Compensation

Director’s8. Stock Based Compensation

Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

The Company’s Director’s CompensationIn May 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved the Assurant, Inc. Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan permits(“ALTEIP”), which authorizes the issuancegranting of up to 500,0003,400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to employees, officers and non-employee Directors. Theredirectors. Under the ALTEIP, the Company may grant awards based on shares of our Common Stock, including stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock (including performance shares), unrestricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”) and dividend equivalents. All future share-based grants will be issued under the ALTEIP.

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) has decided to award PSUs and RSUs in 2009. RSUs and PSUs are promises to provide actual stock at the end of a vesting period or performance period. The RSUs granted under the ALTEIP were no commonbased on salary grade and performance and will vest one-third each year over a three-year period. RSUs receive dividend equivalents in cash during the restricted period and they will not have voting rights during the restricted period. PSUs will accrue dividend equivalents during the performance period, which will be paid in cash at the end of the performance period.

For the PSU portion of an award, the number of shares issued or expense recorded relateda participant will receive upon vesting is contingent upon the Company meeting certain pre-established performance goals, identified below, at the end of a three-year performance period. At the end of the three-year performance period, these performance goals will be measured to determine the number of shares a participant will receive. The payout levels can vary between 0% and 150% (maximum) of the target (100%) ALTEIP award amount based on the Company’s level of performance against the pre-established performance goals.

PSU Performance Goals.For 2009, the Compensation Committee has established earnings per share growth, revenue growth and total stockholder return as the three performance measures for PSU awards. Earnings per share growth is defined as the year-over-year change in GAAP net income divided by average diluted shares outstanding. Revenue growth is defined as year-over-year change in GAAP total revenues as disclosed in the Company’s annual statement of operations. Total stockholder’s return is defined as appreciation in Company stock plus dividend yield to stockholders. The particular performance goals were set based on the performance of each measure relative to the Director’s Plan forA.M. Best U.S. Insurance Index.

Under the three months ended March 31, 2008ALTEIP, the Company’s CEO is authorized by the Board of Directors to grant common stock, restricted stock and 2007, respectively.RSUs to employees other than the executive officers of the Company (as defined in Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Restricted stock and RSUs granted under this program may have different vesting periods.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

ThePrior to the approval of the ALTEIP, share based awards were granted under the 2004 Assurant Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes(“ALTIP”), which authorized the granting of up to 10,000,000 new shares of the Company’s common stock to employees and officers under the Assurant Long Term Incentive Plan (“ALTIP”),ALTIP, Business Value Rights Program (“BVR”) and CEO Equity Grants Program. Under the ALTIP, the Company iswas authorized to grant restricted stock and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”). Unearned compensation, representing the market value of the shares at the date of issuance, is charged to earnings over the vesting period.SARs. Since May 2008, no new grants have been made under this plan.

Restricted stock grantsgranted under the ALTIP vestvests pro ratably over a three year period. SARs granted prior to 2007 under the ALTIP cliff vest as of December 31 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the right was granted, and have a five year contractual life. SARs granted in 2007 and in future years,through May 2008 cliff vest on the third anniversary from the date the award was granted, and have a five year contractual life. SARs

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

granted under the BVR Program have a three year cliff vesting period. Restricted stock granted under the CEO Equity Grants Program have variable vesting schedules.

Restricted Stock Units

DuringRSUs granted to employees and to non-employee directors were 671,118 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, there were 84,785 and 77,009 restricted shares granted2009. The compensation expense recorded related to RSUs was $393 with athe related total income tax benefit of $138 for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $20.26.

As of $61.11March 31, 2009, there was $11,919 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.01 years.

Performance Share Units

PSUs granted to employees and $53.87,to non-employee directors were 631,118 for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The compensation expense recorded related to PSUs was $402 with the related total income tax benefit of $141 for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The weighted average grant date fair value for PSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $20.39.

As of March 31, 2009, there was approximately $12,498 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding PSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.29 years.

The fair value of each PSU was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which utilizes multiple variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award. Expected volatilities for awards issued during the three months ended March 31, 2009 were based on the historical stock price of the Company’s stock and peer insurance group. The expected term for grants issued during the three months ended March 31, 2009 was assumed to equal the average of the vesting period of the PSUs. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock granted to employees and to non-employee directors were 10,900 and 84,785 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The compensation expense recorded related to restricted stock was $1,455$1,529 and $1,168$1,455 for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively. The related total income tax benefit recognized was $509$535 and $409$509 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2007,2008 was $29.77 and $61.11, respectively.

As of March 31, 2008,2009, there was $7,974$5,029 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.41.15 years. The total fair value of sharesrestricted stock vested during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $1,008 and 2007 was $1,738, and $177, respectively.

Stock Appreciation Rights

There were 1,495,600 and 1,531,525no SARs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.2009. There were 1,495,600 SARs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2008. The compensation expense recorded related to SARs was $3,060$2,155 and $2,165$3,060 for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively. The related total income tax benefit recognized was $1,071$754 and $758$1,071 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for SARs granted during the three months ended

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $13.76.

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $45 and 2007 was $2,518, and $13,123, respectively. As of March 31, 2008,2009, there was approximately $28,655$15,669 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91.34 years.

The fair value of each SAR outstandinggranted to employees and officers was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities for awards issued during the three months ended March 31, 2008 were based on the median historical stock price volatility of insurance guideline companies and implied volatilities from traded

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

options on the Company’s stock. The expected term for grants issued during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was assumed to equal the average of the vesting period of the SARs and the full contractual term of the SARs. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on the current expected annual dividend and share price onas of the grant date.

Directors Compensation Plan

The Company’s Amended and Restated Directors Compensation Plan, as amended, permitted the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to non-employee directors. Since May 2008, all grants issued to directors have been issued from the ALTEIP, discussed above. There were no common shares issued or expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 new shares to employees who are participants in the ESPP. Eligible employees can purchase shares at a 10% discount applied to the lower of the closing price of the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period. The compensation expense recorded related to the ESPP was $521$1,059 and $336$521 for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively.

In January 2009, the Company issued 133,994 shares to employees at a discounted price of $27.00 for the offering period of July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. In January 2008, the Company issued 70,646 shares to employees at a discounted price of $53.45 for the offering period of July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. In January 2007, the Company issued 80,282 shares to employees at a price of $43.52 for the offering period of July 1 through December 31, 2006.

The fair value of each award under the ESPP was estimated at the beginning of each offering period using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Company’s stock and the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on the current annualized dividend and share price as of the grant date.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

7.Earnings Per Common Share

9. Earnings Per Common Share

In accordance with FSP EITF 03-6-1, as described in Note 3, restricted stock and RSUs which have non-forfeitable rights to dividends are included in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. All prior period EPS data presented has been adjusted retrospectively.

The following table presents net income, the weighted average common shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and those used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for each income categoryperiod presented below.

 

  Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31, 
  2008  2007  2009 2008 

Numerator

       

Net income

  $186,830  $179,457  $80,581  $186,830 

Deduct dividends paid

   (16,489)  (14,173)
       

Undistributed earnings

  $64,092  $172,657 
       

Denominator

       

Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share calculations

   117,883,761   122,149,873   117,891,543   118,103,519 

Incremental common shares from assumed:

    

Incremental common shares from:

   

SARs

   1,283,802   1,872,842   59,801   1,283,802 

Restricted stock

   113,417   88,819

PSUs

   16,403   —   
             

Weighted average shares used in diluted earnings per share calculations

   119,280,980   124,111,534   117,967,747   119,387,321 
             

Earnings per share

    

Basic

  $1.58  $1.47

Diluted

  $1.57  $1.45

Earnings per Common Share - Basic

   

Distributed earnings

  $0.14  $0.12 

Undistributed earnings

   0.54   1.46 
       

Net income

  $0.68  $1.58 
       

Earnings per Common Share - Diluted

   

Distributed earnings

  $0.14  $0.12 

Undistributed earnings

   0.54   1.44 
       

Net income

  $0.68  $1.56 
       

Average restricted sharesSARs totaling 17,1724,874,288 and 312,477 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were outstanding but were anti-dilutive2009 and thus not included in the computation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method. There were no restricted shares outstanding but anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2008. Average SARs totaling 312,477 and 1,410,325 for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and 2007, respectively, were also outstanding but were anti-dilutive and thus not included in the computation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

8.Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

10. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s qualified pension benefits plan, nonqualified pension benefits plan and retirement health benefits plan for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008 were as follows:

 

  Qualified Pension Benefits Nonqualified Pension Benefits (1)  Retirement Health Benefits   Qualified Pension
Benefits
 Nonqualified Pension
Benefits (1)
  Retirement Health
Benefits
 
  For the three months
ended March 31,
 For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the three months
ended March 31,
   For the three
months

ended March 31,
 For the three
months

ended March 31,
  For the three
months

ended March 31,
 
  2008 2007 2008  2007  2008 2007   2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 

Service cost

  $5,300  $5,050  $475  $500  $775  $750   $5,450  $5,300  $550  $475  $675  $775 

Interest cost

   6,575   6,050   1,475   1,375   950   900    7,350   6,575   1,600   1,475   1,050   950 

Expected return on plan assets

   (9,275)  (7,800)  —     —     (300)  (300)   (8,800)  (9,275)  —     —     (475)  (300)

Amortization of prior service cost

   725   775   200   325   325   325    100   725   150   200   325   325 

Amortization of net loss

   1,050   1,600   350   625   —     —   

Amortization of net loss (gain)

   125   1,050   275   350   (50)  —   

Curtailment credit/special termination benefits

   —     —     (549)  —     —     —   
                                      

Net periodic benefit cost

  $4,375  $5,675  $2,500  $2,825  $1,750  $1,675   $4,225  $4,375  $2,026  $2,500  $1,525  $1,750 
                                      

 

(1)The Company'sCompany’s nonqualified plans are unfunded.

During the first three months of 2008, we2009, $10,000 was contributed $5,000 to the qualified pension benefits plan. We expect to contribute an additional $15,000 to the qualified pension benefits plan (“Plan”). An additional $30,000 is expected to be contributed to the Plan over the remaining courseremainder of 2008.2009.

The Benefit Plans Investment Committee of the Company (“Investment Committee”) oversees the investment of the Plan assets and periodically conducts a review of the investment strategies and policies of the Plan. This includes a review of the strategic asset allocation, including the relationship of the Plan liabilities and portfolio structure. The current target asset allocation and their respective ranges are:

   Low  Target  High 

Debt securities

  45% 50% 55%

Equity securities *

  45% 50% 55%

 

9.*Segment InformationTarget asset allocations for equity securities include allocations for alternative investments. The Company expects to invest certain plan assets in alternative investments, examples of which include funds of hedge funds, private real estate and private equity, during 2009.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company decided to modify its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption from 8.25% to 7.50%. The Company believes that this revised assumption better reflects the projected return on the invested assets, given the current market conditions and the modified portfolio structure.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

11. Segment Information

The Company has five reportable segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered: Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, Assurant Employee Benefits, and Corporate & Other. Assurant Solutions provides creditcredit-related insurance, including life, disability and unemployment, debt protection administration services, warranties and extended service contracts, life insurance policies and annuity products that provide benefits to fund pre-arranged funerals. Assurant Specialty Property provides creditor-placed homeowners insurance and manufactured housing homeowners insurance. Assurant Health provides individual, short-term and small group health insurance. Assurant Employee Benefits provides employee and employer paid dental, disability, and life insurance products and related services. Corporate & Other includes activities of the holding company, financing and interest expenses, net realized gains (losses) on investments, interest income earned from short-term investments held and additional costs associated with excess of loss reinsurance programs reinsured and ceded to certain subsidiaries in the London market between 1995 and 1997. Corporate & Other also includes the amortization of deferred gains associated with the sales of Fortis Financial Group and Long-Term Care through reinsurance agreements.

The Company evaluates performance of the operating business segments based on after-tax segment income (loss) excluding realized gains (losses) on investments. The Company determines reportable segments in a manner consistent with the way the Company organizes for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

The following tables summarize selected financial information by segment:

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2008   Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 
  Solutions  Specialty
Property
  Health  Employee
Benefits
  Corporate &
Other
 Consolidated   Solutions  Specialty Property  Health  Employee
Benefits
  Corporate & Other Consolidated 

Revenues

                      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $683,493  $481,427  $496,060  $280,437  $—    $1,941,417   $644,612  $493,790  $472,346  $263,831  $—    $1,874,579 

Net investment income

   106,730   29,375   15,648   38,369   7,652   197,774    97,995   29,436   12,477   34,157   4,414   178,479 

Net realized losses on investments

   —     —     —     —     (43,143)  (43,143)   —     —     —     —     (55,689)  (55,689)

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   —     —     —     —     7,379   7,379    —     —     —     —     6,802   6,802 

Fees and other income

   44,281   13,593   9,406   6,555   63   73,898    52,031   13,324   9,914   6,758   1,679   83,706 
                                      

Total revenues

   834,504   524,395   521,114   325,361   (28,049)  2,177,325    794,638   536,550   494,737   304,746   (42,794)  2,087,877 
                                      

Benefits, losses and expenses

                      

Policyholder benefits

   286,680   144,813   306,565   197,025   —     935,083    272,022   167,800   321,960   198,728   (168)  960,342 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

   307,993   83,341   4,873   9,002   —     405,208    280,536   94,133   3,475   9,650   —     387,794 

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses

   167,540   105,501   152,308   94,275   16,193   535,818    195,068   115,784   146,765   85,637   23,431   566,685 

Interest expense

   —     —     —     —     15,288   15,288    —     —     —     —     15,189   15,189 
                                      

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   762,213   333,655   463,746   300,302   31,481   1,891,397    747,626   377,717   472,200   294,015   38,452   1,930,010 
                                      

Segment income (loss) before provision benefit for income taxes

   72,291   190,740   57,368   25,059   (59,530)  285,928 

Segment income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income tax

   47,012   158,833   22,537   10,731   (81,246)  157,867 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   24,734   65,996   20,105   8,727   (20,464)  99,098    16,701   54,165   7,865   3,709   (5,154)  77,286 
                                      

Segment income (loss) after tax

  $47,557  $124,744  $37,263  $16,332  $(39,066)   $30,311  $104,668  $14,672  $7,022  $(76,092) 
                                  

Net income

           $186,830            $80,581 
                          
  As of March 31, 2008   As of March 31, 2009 

Segment assets:

           

Segments assets, excluding goodwill

  $11,947,911  $3,296,071  $1,218,037  $2,776,678  $6,378,679  $25,617,376 

Segment Assets:

           

Segment assets, excluding goodwill

  $10,867,501  $3,266,046  $1,015,213  $2,510,592  $5,156,265  $22,815,617 
                                  

Goodwill

            829,039             1,005,027 
                          

Total assets

           $26,446,415            $23,820,644 
                          

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2007  Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 
  Solutions  Specialty
Property
  Health  Employee
Benefits
  Corporate &
Other
 Consolidated  Solutions  Specialty Property  Health  Employee
Benefits
  Corporate & Other Consolidated 

Revenues

                      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $583,011  $367,041  $512,784  $296,673  $—    $1,759,509  $683,493  $481,427  $496,060  $280,437  $—    $1,941,417 

Net investment income

   112,017   21,869   19,270   51,887   11,853   216,896   106,730   29,375   15,648   38,369   7,652   197,774 

Net realized gains on investments

   —     —     —     —     5,570   5,570

Net realized losses on investments

   —     —     —     —     (43,143)  (43,143)

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   —     —     —     —     8,349   8,349   —     —     —     —     7,379   7,379 

Fees and other income

   38,051   12,596   9,688   6,277   327   66,939   44,281   13,593   9,406   6,555   63   73,898 
                                     

Total revenues

   733,079   401,506   541,742   354,837   26,099   2,057,263   834,504   524,395   521,114   325,361   (28,049)  2,177,325 
                                     

Benefits, losses and expenses

                      

Policyholder benefits

   243,344   116,787   317,784   211,607   —     889,522   286,680   144,813   306,565   199,401   —     937,459 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

   241,878   65,125   6,109   6,602   —     319,714   307,993   83,340   4,873   9,002   —     405,208 

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses

   185,767   105,674   155,301   92,351   16,119   555,212   167,540   105,502   152,308   91,899   16,193   533,442 

Interest expense

   —     —     —     —     15,297   15,297   —     —     —     —     15,288   15,288 
                                     

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   670,989   287,586   479,194   310,560   31,416   1,779,745   762,213   333,655   463,746   300,302   31,481   1,891,397 
                                     

Segment income (loss) before provision benefit for income taxes

   62,090   113,920   62,548   44,277   (5,317)  277,518

Provision for income taxes

   18,021   39,486   22,024   15,320   3,210   98,061

Segment income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income tax

   72,291   190,740   57,368   25,059   (59,530)  285,928 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   24,734   65,996   20,105   8,727   (20,464)  99,098 
                                     

Segment income (loss) after tax

  $44,069  $74,434  $40,524  $28,957  $(8,527)   $47,557  $124,744  $37,263  $16,332  $(39,066) 
                                  

Net income

           $179,457           $186,830 
                         
  As of December 31, 2007  As of December 31, 2008 

Segment assets:

           

Segments assets, excluding goodwill

  $11,936,776  $2,956,414  $1,236,591  $2,807,698  $6,980,181  $25,917,660

Segment Assets:

           

Segment assets, excluding goodwill

  $11,151,178  $3,335,130  $1,040,761  $2,559,065  $5,426,553  $23,512,687 
                                  

Goodwill

            832,656            1,001,899 
                         

Total assets

           $26,750,316           $24,514,586 
                         

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

10.Commitments and Contingencies

12. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company issues letters of credit are issued primarily to support reinsurance arrangements. These letters of credit are supported by commitments with financial institutions. The Company had $54,128$28,927 and $31,813$29,617 of letters of credit outstanding as of March 31, 20082009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.

The Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The Company may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to the Company’s current and past business operations. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future litigation, examination or investigation, and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not believe that any pending matter will have a material adverse effect individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

One of the Company’s subsidiaries, American Reliable Insurance Company (“ARIC”), participated in certain excess of loss reinsurance programs in the London market and, as a result, reinsured certain personal accident, ransom and kidnap insurance risks from 1995 to 1997. ARIC and a foreign affiliate ceded a portion of these risks to retrocessionaires. ARIC ceased reinsuring such business in 1997. However, certain risks continued beyond 1997 due to the nature of the reinsurance contracts written. ARIC and some of the other reinsurers involved in the programs are seeking to avoid certain treaties on various grounds, including material misrepresentation and non-disclosure by the ceding companies and intermediaries involved in the programs. Similarly, some of the retrocessionaires are seeking avoidance of certain treaties with ARIC and the other reinsurers and some reinsureds are seeking collection of disputed balances under some of the treaties. The disputes generally involve multiple layers of reinsurance, and allegations that the reinsurance programs involved interrelated claims “spirals” devised to disproportionately pass claimclaims losses to higher-level reinsurance layers.

Many of the companies involved in these programs, including ARIC, are currently involved in negotiations, arbitrations and/or litigation between multiple layers of retrocessionaires, reinsurers, ceding companies and intermediaries, including brokers, in an effort to resolve these disputes. Many of the disputes involving ARIC and an affiliate, Bankers Insurance Company Limited (“BICL”), relating to the 1995 and 1997 program years, were resolved by settlement or arbitration in 2005. As a result of the settlements and an arbitration (in which ARIC did not prevail) additional information became available in 2005, and based on management’s best estimate, the Company increased its reserves and recorded a total pre-tax charge of $61,943 for the year ended December 31, 2005.arbitration. Negotiations, arbitrations and litigation are still ongoing or will be scheduled for the remaining disputes. On February 28, 2006, there was a settlement relating to the 1996 program.

In 2007, there were two settlements relating to parts of the 1997 program. During 2008, there was a $35,000 settlement relating to the 1997 program. Loss accruals previously established relating to the 1996 programand 1997 programs were adequate. The Company believes, based on information currently available, that the amounts accrued for currently outstanding disputes are adequate. However, the inherent uncertainty of arbitrations and lawsuits, including the uncertainty of estimating whether any settlements the Company may enter into in the future would be on favorable terms, makes it difficult to predict the outcomes with certainty.

As previously disclosed, the Company and certain of its officers and former employees have received subpoenas and requests from the SEC in connection with anits investigation by the SEC staffStaff into certain finite reinsurance contracts entered into by the Company. The Company is cooperating fully and is complying with the requests.

The Company has conducted an evaluation of the transactions that could potentially fall within the scope of the subpoenas, as defined by the authorities, and the Company has provided information as requested. On the basis of our investigation, the Company has concluded that there was a verbal side agreement with respect to one of our reinsurers under our catastrophiccatastrophe reinsurance program. The contract to which this verbal side agreement applied was accounted for using reinsurance accounting as opposed to deposit accounting. While management believes that the difference resulting from the appropriate alternative accounting treatment would be immaterial to our financial position or results of operations, regulators may reach a different conclusion. In 2004 and 2003, premiums ceded to this reinsurer were $2,600 and $1,500, respectively, and losses ceded were $10,000 and zero, respectively. This contract expired in December 2004 and was not renewed.

Assurant, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 and 20072008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

 

In July 2007, the Company learned that each of the following five individuals, Robert B. Pollock, President and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Bruce Camacho, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Adam Lamnin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property, Michael Steinman, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property and Dan Folse, Vice President-Risk Management of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property, received Wells notices from the SEC in connection with its ongoing investigation. A Wells notice is an indication that the staff of the SEC is considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil enforcement action against the recipient for violating provisions of the federal securities laws. Under SEC procedures, the recipients have the opportunity to respond to the SEC staffStaff before a formal recommendation is finalized and before the Commissioners themselves consider any recommendations.

On July 17, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) had placed all five employees on administrative leave, pending further review of this matter. The Board’s actions were based on the recommendations of its Special Committee of non-management directors which thereafter undertook a thorough investigation of the events that had resulted in the receipt of the Wells notices. The Special Committee has reviewed relevant documents, conducted interviews and worked with outside counsel to investigate these matters and to recommend appropriate actions to the Board with respect to the SEC investigation. On August 9, 2007, Messrs. SteinmanSteinman’s and Folse’s employment with the Company was terminated.

On the basis of an extensive review of evidence concerning this matter and the work of the Special Committee, the Board unanimously voted to reinstate Mr. Pollock as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 28, 2008. Effective March 15, 2009, Mr. Camacho resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Starting March 16, 2009, Mr. Camacho began assisting the Company as a consultant for a 12-month transition period. The Board also reinstated Mr. Lamnin, who returned to the Company reporting to Mr. Pollock, and initially, assisting with a variety of strategic projects. The Board’s decisions to reinstate Messrs. Pollock and Lamnin and Mr. Camacho’s decision to reinstate Mr. Pollock impliesresign imply no conclusion concerning the outcome of the SEC staff’sStaff’s ongoing investigation, and the SEC staff’sStaff’s Wells noticenotices to him remainsthem remain in effect. The SEC staff’sStaff’s inquiry continues and the Company is cooperating fully. The Company cannot predict the duration or outcome of the investigation.

In the course of its response to SEC staffStaff inquiries, the Company identified certain problems related to ourits document production process. These production issues have delayed resolution of this matter. The Company believes that it has now completed its response to the SEC staff’sStaff’s document request. Messrs. Camacho and Lamnin remain on administrative leave.

In relation to the SEC investigation discussed above, the SEC may charge the Company and/or the individuals with violations of the federal securities laws, including alleging violations of Sections 10(b), 13(a), and/or 13(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and/or Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, and may seek civil monetary penalties, injunctive relief and other remedies against the Company and individuals, including potentially seeking a bar preventing one or more of the individuals from serving as an officer or director of a public company. The SEC may also take the position that the Company should restate its consolidated financial statements to address the accounting treatment referred to above. No settlement of any kind can be reached without approval by the SEC and the Company has not accrued for any civil monetary penalties because the Company cannot reasonably estimate the probability or amount of such penalties at this time.

Assurant, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—(Continued)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

11.Subsequent Events

13. Subsequent Events

On May 1,5, 2009, the Company soldentered into reinsurance agreements providing for $150,000 in multi-year, fully collateralized reinsurance from Ibis Re Ltd. (“Ibis Re”), a subsidiary, United Family Life Insurance Company (“UFLIC”), to a third party for proceeds of $32,923. The Company estimates it will recognize a gainnon-consolidated special purpose reinsurance company domiciled in the range of $4,000Cayman Islands. Ibis Re financed the property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing $150,000 in catastrophe bonds to $7,000 fromqualified institutional buyers in a private placement.

The new reinsurance coverage is designed to complement the sale in the second quarter. In connection with the sale of UFLIC, the Company currently expectsCompany’s existing property catastrophe reinsurance and state-specific reinsurance programs and to recognize a net tax benefit in the range of $14,000enhance its ability to $22,000 in the second quarter. This amount could materially vary depending upon the impact of market conditions on any potential valuation allowancemanage risk related to capital loss carryforwardscatastrophe losses. The reinsurance consists of two separate layers of coverage providing for an aggregate of $150,000 of reinsurance coverage against losses from individual hurricane events in Hawaii and various other considerations.along the Gulf and Eastern Coasts of the United States until April 2012.

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) addresses the financial condition of Assurant, Inc. and its subsidiaries (which we refer to collectively as Assurant)“Assurant”) as of March 31, 2008,2009, compared with December 31, 2007,2008, and our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our MD&A and annual audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20072008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20072008 filed with the U.SU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”(the “SEC”) and the March 31, 20082009 unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

Some of the statements included in this MD&A and elsewhere in this report, may containparticularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters, are forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance.within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they may use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,“will,“believes,“may,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “potential,“estimates,“continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,“projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,“believes,“anticipates”“targets,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “approximately,” or the negative version of those words orand other comparable words.words and terms with a similar meaning. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. SuchOur actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are subjectstatements. The Company undertakes no obligation to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there areupdate or will be importantreview any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments.

In addition to the factors thatdescribed in the section below entitled “Critical Factors Affecting Results,” the following risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in this report. We believe that these factors include but are not limitedcurrently estimated by management: (i) failure to those described under the subsection below entitled Critical Factors Affecting Resultsmaintain significant client relationships, distribution sources and contractual arrangements; (ii) failure to attract and retain sales representatives; (iii) deterioration in the subsection entitled “Risk Factors”Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value that could impair the Company’s goodwill; (iv) general global economic, financial market and political conditions (including difficult conditions in financial, capital and credit markets, the global economic slowdown, fluctuations in interest rates, mortgage rates, monetary policies and inflationary pressure); (v) diminished value of invested assets in our 2007 Annual Reportinvestment portfolio (due to, among other things, the recent volatility in financial markets, the global economic slowdown, credit and liquidity risk, other than temporary impairments, environmental liability exposure and inability to target an appropriate overall risk level); (vi) inadequacy of reserves established for future claims losses; (vii) failure to predict or manage benefits, claims and other costs; (viii) losses due to natural and man-made catastrophes; (ix) increases or decreases in tax valuation allowances; (x) fluctuations in exchange rates and other risks related to our international operations; (xi) unavailability, inadequacy and unaffordable pricing of reinsurance coverage; (xii) current or new laws and regulations that could increase our costs or limit our growth; (xiii) inability of reinsurers to meet their obligations; (xiv) insolvency of third parties to whom we have sold or may sell businesses through reinsurance or modified co-insurance; (xv) credit risk of some of our agents in Assurant Specialty Property and Assurant Solutions; (xvi) a further decline in the manufactured housing industry; (xvii) a decline in our credit or financial strength ratings (including the currently heightened risk of ratings downgrades in the insurance industry); (xviii) failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems; (xix) failure to protect client information and privacy; (xx) failure to find and integrate suitable acquisitions and new insurance ventures; (xxi) inability of our subsidiaries to pay sufficient dividends; (xxii) failure to provide for succession of senior management and key executives; (xxiii) negative impact on Form 10-K.our business and negative publicity due to unfavorable outcomes in litigation and regulatory investigations (including the potential impact on our reputation and business of a negative outcome in the ongoing SEC investigation); and (xxiv) significant competitive pressures in our businesses and cyclicality of the insurance industry. These risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether asFor a resultmore detailed discussion of new information, future developments or otherwise. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or ifthe risk factors that could affect our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results, may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements you readplease refer to the “Risk Factors” in this report reflectItem 1A in our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, financial condition, growth strategy and liquidity.2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Company Overview

Assurant is a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. We have five reportable segments, four of which are operating segments, Assurant Solutions;Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property;Property, Assurant Health;Health, and Assurant Employee Benefits. These operating segments have partnered with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and selected international markets. The Assurant business segments provide creditor-placed homeowners insurance; manufactured housing homeowners insurance; debt protection administration services; creditcredit-related insurance including life, disability and unemployment; warranties and extended servicesservice contracts; individual, short-term and small employer group health insurance; group dental insurance; group disability insurance; group life insurance; and pre-funded funeral insurance. Our remaining segment is Corporate & Other which includes activities of the holding company, financing and interest expenses, net realized gains (losses) on investments, interest income earned from short-term investments held and additional costs associated with excess of loss reinsurance programs reinsured and ceded to certain subsidiaries in the London market between 1995 and 1997. Corporate & Other also includes the amortization of deferred gains associated with the sales of Fortis Financial Group and Long-Term Care through reinsurance agreements.

Critical Factors Affecting Results and Liquidity

Our results depend on the adequacy of our product pricing, underwriting and the accuracy of our methodology for the establishment of reserves for future policyholder benefits and claims, returns on and values of invested assets and our ability to manage our expenses. Therefore, factors affecting these items, including difficult conditions in financial markets and the global economic slowdown, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

condition during 2009. For example, our first quarter 2009 results reflected increased claims activity driven in some cases by heavy utilization of medical services among consumers who feared the potential loss of insurance coverage. Similarly, the effects of proposed or recently passed government regulation on our sales and profitability is not yet known, but could negatively affect our results of operations or financial condition during 2009. For more information on these factors, see “Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Item 7—MD&A Critical Factors Affecting Results” in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, net cash used in operating activities totaled $(267,156); net cash used in investing activities totaled $(35,155) and net cash used in financing activities totaled $(74,034). We had $664,339 in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2009. Please see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” below for further details.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our 20072008 Annual Report on Form 10-K described the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to the understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The accounting policies and estimates described in the 20072008 Annual Report on Form 10-K were consistently applied to the unaudited interim consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements -Adopted

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 defines fair value, addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is applied prospectively for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2008 except for certain financial assets that were measured at fair value using a transaction price. For these financial instruments, which the Company has, FAS 157 requires limited retrospective adoption and thus the difference between the fair values using a transaction price and the fair values using an exit price of the relevant financial instruments will be shown as a cumulative-effect adjustment to January 1, 2008 retained earnings balance. At adoption, the Company recognized a $4,400 decrease to other assets, and a corresponding decrease of $2,860 (after-tax) to retained earnings. See Note 4 for further information regarding the adoption of FAS 157.

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 provides a choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on specified election dates and requires disclosures about the election of the fair value option. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The Company has chosen not to elect the fair value option for any financial or non-financial instruments as of the adoption date, thus the adoption of FAS 159 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-10,Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements(“EITF 06-10”). EITF 06-10 provides guidance regarding the employer’s recognition of the liability and the related compensation costs for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends into postretirement periods. This consensus concludes that for a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement, an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with FAS No. 106,Employers’ Accounting For Postretirement Benefits Other-Than-Pensions,(if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12,Deferred Compensation Contracts,(“APB 12”) (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract) based on the substantive agreement with the employee. All along the Company has been recording its liability for future benefits in accordance with APB 12, thus the adoption of EITF 06-10 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements –Not Yet Adopted

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS No. 141R,Business Combinations(“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R replaces FASB Statement No. 141,Business Combinations(“FAS 141”).FAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements of FAS 141 that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations, that an acquirer be identified for each business combination and for goodwill to be recognized and measured as a residual. FAS 141R expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. FAS 141R broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. FAS 141R also increases the disclosure requirements for business combinations in the financial statements. FAS 141R is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 141R on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FAS 141R and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160,Non—controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51(“FAS 160”). FAS 160 requires that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary be separately reported within equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the non-controlling interest be presented in the statement of operations. FAS 160 also calls for consistency in reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and necessitates fair value measurement of any non-controlling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 160 on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FAS 160 and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued Financial Statement of Position FAS 157-2 (“FSP FAS 157-2”). FSP FAS 157-2 defers the effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, which for the Company is January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FAS 157 for its non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Assurant Consolidated

Overview

The tablestable below presentpresents information regarding our consolidated results of operations:

 

  For the Three Months
Ended
March 31,
  2008 2007  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (in thousands)  2009 2008 

Revenues:

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $1,941,417  $1,759,509  $1,874,579  $1,941,417 

Net investment income

   197,774   216,896   178,479   197,774 

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

   (43,143)  5,570

Net realized losses on investments

   (55,689)  (43,143)

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   7,379   8,349   6,802   7,379 

Fees and other income

   73,898   66,939   83,706   73,898 
             

Total revenues

   2,177,325   2,057,263   2,087,877   2,177,325 
             

Benefits, losses and expenses:

      

Policyholder benefits

   935,083   889,522   960,342   937,459 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (1)(2)

   941,026   874,926

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (1)

   954,479   938,650 

Interest expense

   15,288   15,297   15,189   15,288 
             

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   1,891,397   1,779,745   1,930,010   1,891,397 
             

Income before provision for income taxes

   285,928   277,518   157,867   285,928 

Provision for income taxes

   99,098   98,061   77,286   99,098 
             

Net income

  $186,830  $179,457  $80,581  $186,830 
 ��           

 

(1)Includes amortization of DACdeferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and VOBA.
(2)Includes commissions, taxes, licensesvalue of business acquired (“VOBA”) and fees.underwriting, general and administrative expenses.

The following discussion provides a high level analysis of how the consolidated results were affected by our four operating segments and our Corporate and Other segment for the three months ended March 31, 20082009 (“First Quarter 2008”2009”) and the three months ended March 31, 20072008 (“First Quarter 2007”2008”). Please see the discussion that follows, for each of these segments, for a more detailed analysis of the fluctuations.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Income

NetFirst Quarter 2009 had a net income increased $7,373of $80,581, a decrease of $106,249, or 4%57%, tocompared with $186,830 in net income for First Quarter 2008 from $179,457 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The increasedecrease was primarily due to theless favorable underwriting results from our four operating segments, a decline of the Assurant Specialty Property segment, whose net income increased $50,310 to $124,744 for First Quarter 2008, compared with $74,434 for First Quarter 2007 primarily due to higher net earned premium resulting from creditor placed homeowners insurance, continued favorable combined ratios and higher$12,542, after-tax, in net investment income due to increasedlower average invested assets. Partially offsetting the strong results of the Assurant Specialty Property segment wereassets and lower investment yields and an $8,155, after-tax, increase in net realized losses on investments of $(28,043) (after-tax) in First Quarter 2008 compared with net realized gains of $3,621 (after-tax) in First Quarter 2007. The netdue primarily to realized losses on investments in First Quarter 2008 include $28,216 (after-tax)sales of realized losses from the write-down of other-than-temporary declines in our investment portfolio. In addition, net investment income declined $12,429 (after-tax) to $128,553 (after-tax) for First Quarter 2008, compared with $140,982 (after-tax) for First Quarter 2007. This decline is primarily due to $21,801 (after-tax) of real estate joint venture partnership income included in First Quarter 2007, while First Quarter 2008 had no net investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships.investments.

Assurant Solutions

Overview

The tables below present information regarding our Assurant Solutions’ segment results of operations:

 

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
  2008  2007  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (in thousands) 2009 2008 

Revenues:

       

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $683,493  $583,011  $644,612  $683,493 

Net investment income

   106,730   112,017   97,995   106,730 

Fees and other income

   44,281   38,051   52,031   44,281 
             

Total revenues

   834,504   733,079   794,638   834,504 
             

Benefits, losses and expenses:

       

Policyholder benefits

   286,680   243,344   272,022   286,680 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (4)(5)

   475,533   427,645

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   475,604   475,533 
             

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   762,213   670,989   747,626   762,213 
             

Segment income before provision for income taxes

   72,291   62,090   47,012   72,291 

Provision for income taxes

   24,734   18,021   16,701   24,734 
             

Segment net income

  $47,557  $44,069  $30,311  $47,557 
             

Net earned premiums and other considerations:

       

Domestic:

       

Credit

  $73,253  $80,921  $65,941  $73,253 

Service contracts

   319,515   261,863   346,508   319,515 

Other (1)

   15,434   16,689   14,579   15,434 
             

Total Domestic

   408,202   359,473   427,028   408,202 
             

International:

       

Credit

   98,264   96,877   74,173   98,264 

Service contracts

   77,667   42,717   87,903   77,667 

Other (1)

   9,598   8,979   3,660   9,598 
             

Total International

   185,529   148,573   165,736   185,529 
             

Preneed

   89,762   74,965   51,848   89,762 
             

Total

  $683,493  $583,011  $644,612  $683,493 
             

Fee and other income:

    

Domestic:

    

Fees and other income:

   

Domestic:

   

Debt protection

  $7,915  $8,750  $9,271  $7,915 

Service contracts

   18,370   16,877   27,709   18,370 

Other (1)

   5,735   6,493   3,947   5,735 
             

Total Domestic

   32,020   32,120   40,927   32,020 
             

International

   9,740   4,492   6,072   9,740 

Preneed

   2,521   1,439   5,032   2,521 
             

Total

  $44,281  $38,051  $52,031  $44,281 
             

Gross written premiums (2):

   

Domestic:

   

Credit

  $135,346  $152,341 

Service contracts

   246,883   393,811 

Other (1)

   15,074   16,758 
       

Total Domestic

   397,303   562,910 
       

International:

   

Credit

   171,379   219,212 

Service contracts

   107,070   101,002 

Other (1)

   5,387   11,348 
       

Total International

   283,836   331,562 
       

Total

  $681,139  $894,472 
       

Preneed (face sales)

  $103,124  $104,424 

Combined ratio (3):

   

Domestic

   98.3%  96.5%

International

   107.3%  102.3%

   For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   2008  2007 
   (in thousands) 

Gross written premiums (2):

   

Domestic:

   

Credit

  $152,341  $161,843 

Service contracts

   393,811   454,404 

Other (1)

   16,758   20,865 
         

Total Domestic

   562,910   637,112 
         

International:

   

Credit

   219,212   191,415 

Service contracts

   101,002   79,582 

Other (1)

   11,348   10,422 
         

Total International

   331,562   281,419 
         

Total

  $894,472  $918,531 
         

Preneed (face sales)

  $104,424  $86,058 

Combined ratio (3):

   

Domestic

   96.5%  100.9%

International

   102.3%  102.1%

 

(1)This includes emerging products and run-off products lines.
(2)Gross written premiums does not necessarily translate to an equal amount of subsequent net earned premiums since Assurant Solutions reinsures a portion of its premiums to insurance subsidiaries of its clients.

Solutions reinsures a portion of its premiums to insurance subsidiaries of its clients.

(3)The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income excluding the preneedPreneed business.
(4)Includes amortization of DAC and VOBA.
(5)Includes commissions, taxes, licenses and fees.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Income

Segment net income increased $3,488,decreased $17,246, or 8%36%, to $30,311 for First Quarter 2009 from $47,557 for First Quarter 2008 from $44,069 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The increase isdecrease was primarily due to $11,700 (after-tax) of income related to the accrual of contractual receivables established fromfor certain domestic service contract clients. Partially offsetting this increase was reducedcontracts and unfavorable loss experience primarily in our United Kingdom (“UK”) credit insurance business in First Quarter 2009 compared with First Quarter 2008. In addition, net investment income decreased $5,678 (after-tax) in First Quarter 20082009 compared with the same period last year as First Quarter 2007 included $9,400 (after-tax)due to lower average invested assets and lower investment yields. These decreases were partially offset by improved underwriting results from our domestic businesses including earnings from acquisitions made in our domestic service contract business in the latter part of net investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships. Absent these items, net income2008 and improved underwriting results in First Quarter 2008 decreased $1,188 compared with First Quarter 2007 primarily as a result of continued investments made to supportour international business, excluding the segments strategic international expansion.UK credit business discussed above.

Total Revenues

Total revenues increased $101,425,decreased $39,866, or 14%5%, to $794,638 for First Quarter 2009 from $834,504 for First Quarter 2008 from $733,079 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The increasedecrease is primarily attributable to an increase inreduced net earned premiums and other considerations of $100,482, due to growth in$38,881, primarily resulting from our domesticapplication of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 97,Accounting and international extended service contract business as well as growth in ourReporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments (“FAS 97”), beginning January 1, 2009 for new Preneed life insurance (“Preneed”) business. Growthpolicies in ourwhich death benefit increases are determined at the discretion of the Company. These types of policies will now be accounted for as universal life contracts. For contracts sold prior to January 1, 2009, these types of Preneed businesslife insurance sales were accounted for and will continue to be accounted for under FAS No. 60,Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises(“FAS 60”). The difference between reporting in accordance with FAS 97 compared with FAS 60 is mainly due to the acquisition of Mayflower National Life Insurance Company (“Mayflower”) in late 2007. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in feesnot material but impacted various income statement captions including net earned premiums and other income of $6,230considerations; however it had no impact on our overall net income. Absent this item, net earned premiums would have decreased by approximately $7,000, or 1%. The decrease in First Quarter 2008, or 16%, compared with First Quarter 2007, primarily from various international acquisitions made subsequentnet earned premiums was also related to First Quarter 2007 combined with the continued growth of our extended service contract business. These increases were slightly offset by the continued runoff of our domestic credit insurance business. Net investment income decreased $5,287and the Preneed independent U.S. businesses and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange. These declines were partially offset by higher revenues in First Quarter 2008, or 5%, compared with First Quarter 2007 primarily attributable to $14,448 of net investment incomeour domestic service contract business from real estate joint venture partnerships recognizedpremiums written in the prior year. Absent this investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships, Assurant Solutions’ net investment income increased $9,161, or 9%, primarily attributable to higher average invested assets fromperiods as well as growth in our international businesses, partially offset byservice contract business from both new and existing clients. Also contributing to the decrease in revenues was lower net investment income of $8,735, or 8%, due primarily to lower average portfolioinvested assets and lower investment yields. Fees and other income increased $7,750, or 18%, primarily from the continued growth of our service contract businesses mostly resulting from acquisitions made in the latter part of 2008 and the application of FAS 97 for our Preneed business.

We experienced growth in grossGross written premiumpremiums decreased $213,333, or 24%, to $681,139 for First Quarter 2009 from international and Preneed businesses and a decline in gross$894,472 for First Quarter 2008. Gross written premiumpremiums from our domestic extended service contract business decreased $146,928, primarily due to a client bankruptcy as well as lower retail and credit insurance businesses.auto sales. Gross written premiums from our international credit business increased $27,797 in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007,decreased $47,833 primarily driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates as the U.S. dollar strengthened against international currencies and the slowdown in the UK mortgage market. This was partially offset by growth in other countries from increased marketing efforts and strong client performance, which ledproduction. Gross written premiums from our domestic credit insurance business decreased $16,995, due to greater outstanding credit card balances and the favorable impactcontinued runoff of foreign currency exchange rates.this product line. Gross written premiums in our international service contract business increased $21,420, in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007, primarily$6,068 attributable to growth from both new and existing clients, which is consistent with our strategic international expansion plan. We experienced an increase in ourstrategy. This growth was partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Preneed face sales of $18,366 in First Quarter 2008, compared with First Quarter 2007, primarily due to the acquisition of Mayflower during the third quarter of 2007. Gross written premiums in our domestic service contract business decreased $60,593, in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007, primarily due to the bankruptcy of a client and the impact of lower retail sales from other clients. Gross written premiums from our domestic credit insurance business decreased $9,502 in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007, due to the continued decline of this product line.were relatively consistent, decreasing $1,300.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $91,224,decreased $14,587, or 14%2%, to $747,626 for First Quarter 2009 from $762,213 for First Quarter 2008 from $670,989 for First Quarter 2007.2008. Policyholder benefits increased $43,336,decreased $14,658, primarily drivendue to the above-mentioned application of FAS 97 in our Preneed business. This was offset by higher losses related to growth in net earned premiums from our international and domestic service contract net earned premium.business, combined with unfavorable loss experience in our UK credit business, sold through the internet resulting from higher unemployment rates. Selling, underwriting and general expenses increased $47,888 in First Quarter 2008 compared$71. General expenses increased $17,340, primarily due to higher expenses associated with First Quarter 2007.the recent domestic service contract business acquisitions. Commissions, taxes, licenses and fees, of which amortization of DAC is a component, increased $30,819,decreased $17,269, primarily due to the overall commission rate increases caused by the changedecrease in business mix. This was evidenced by higher earningsnet earned premiums in our service contractinternational business which has higherfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, and reduced commission rates compared toexpense resulting from the lower commission rates onacquisitions in the decreasing domestic credit business. Partially offsetting this increase waslatter part of 2008. These declines in First Quarter 2009 were partially offset by an $18,000 reduction in commission expense related to the accrual of contractual receivables established from certain domestic service contract clients. General expenses increased $17,069clients recorded in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007, due to additional costs associated with growth of the domestic service contract business as well as continued investment in international expansion.2008.

Assurant Specialty Property

Overview

The tables below present information regarding our Assurant Specialty Property’s segment results of operations:

 

  For the Three Months
Ended

March 31,
 
  2008 2007   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (in thousands)  2009 2008 

Revenues:

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $481,427  $367,041   $493,790  $481,427 

Net investment income

   29,375   21,869    29,436   29,375 

Fees and other income

   13,593   12,596    13,324   13,593 
              

Total revenues

   524,395   401,506    536,550   524,395 
              

Benefits, losses and expenses:

      

Policyholder benefits

   144,813   116,787    167,800   144,813 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (5)(6)

   188,842   170,799 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   209,917   188,842 
              

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   333,655   287,586    377,717   333,655 
              

Segment income before provision for income taxes

   190,740   113,920    158,833   190,740 

Provision for income taxes

   65,996   39,486    54,165   65,996 
              

Segment net income

  $124,744  $74,434   $104,668  $124,744 
              

Net earned premiums and other considerations by major product groupings:

      

Homeowners (Creditor Placed and Voluntary)

  $342,335  $250,889 

Manufactured Housing (Creditor Placed and Voluntary)

   57,061   50,670 

Homeowners (creditor placed and voluntary)

  $348,447  $342,335 

Manufactured housing (creditor placed and voluntary)

   55,876   57,061 

Other (1)

   82,031   65,482    89,467   82,031 
              

Total

  $481,427  $367,041   $493,790  $481,427 
              

Gross written premiums for selected product groupings:

   

Gross earned premiums by major product

groupings:

   

Homeowners (creditor placed and voluntary)

  $437,391  $402,062 

Manufactured housing (creditor placed and voluntary)

   77,484   80,850 

Other

   151,429   140,793 
       

Homeowners (Creditor Placed and Voluntary)

  $419,501  $319,053 

Manufactured Housing (Creditor Placed and Voluntary)

   70,131   67,785 

Other

   125,316   112,322 

Total

  $666,304  $623,705 
       

Gross written premiums by major

product groupings:

   

Homeowners (creditor placed and voluntary)

  $412,706  $419,501 

Manufactured housing (creditor placed and voluntary)

   69,852   70,131 

Other (1)

   131,701   125,316 
              

Total

  $614,948  $499,160   $614,259  $614,948 
              

Ratios:

      

Loss ratio (2)

   30.1%  31.8%   34.0%  30.1%

Expense ratio (3)

   38.1%  45.0%   41.4%  38.1%

Combined ratio (4)

   67.4%  75.8%   74.5%  67.4%

 

(1)This primarily includes flood, agricultural,miscellaneous specialty autoproperty and renters insurance products.
(2)The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.
(3)The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.
(4)The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.
(5)Includes amortization of DAC and VOBA.
(6)Includes commissions, taxes, licenses and fees.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Income

Segment net income increased $50,310,decreased $20,076, or 68%16%, to $104,668 for First Quarter 2009 from $124,744 for First Quarter 2008 from $74,434 for First Quarter 2007. This increase2008. The decrease in net income is primarily due to higher net earned premium resulting from our creditor placed homeowners insuranceincreased catastrophe reinsurance costs of $8,427, after-tax, and continued favorable combined ratios due to our ability to leverageincreased benefits, of scale. Net income also improved due to an increase in net investment income of $4,879 (after-tax) inlosses and expenses. In addition, First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007 due to higher average invested assets resultingincluded $4,618, after-tax, of income from the continued growth of the business.a client-related settlement.

Total Revenues

Total revenues increased $122,889,$12,155 or 31%2%, to $536,550 for First Quarter 2009 from $524,395 for First Quarter 2008 from $401,506 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The increase in revenues is primarily due to increased net earned premiums of $114,386, or 31% in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007.$12,363. The increase is attributable to the growth of creditor placed homeowners insurance, which was primarily driven by the risean increase in average insured value for propertyof properties and an increased percentage of policies placed per loans tracked. Also, net investment income increased $7,506 or 34%,Partially offsetting these increases is a $12,965 increase in First Quarter 2008catastrophe reinsurance costs and a 1,100 decrease in loans tracked compared with First Quarter 2007,2008, primarily in sub-prime mortgages, due to higher invested assets.market consolidation.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $46,069,$44,062 or 16%13%, to $377,717 for First Quarter 2009 from $333,655 for First Quarter 2008 from $287,586 for First Quarter 2007.2008. This increase was due to an increase in policyholder benefits of $28,026$22,987 and higher selling, underwriting, and general expenses of $18,043.$21,075. The increase in policyholder benefits is primarily attributable to increased non-catastrophe losses associated with a normal winter weather compared to the corresponding growth in creditor placed homeowners insurance.mild winter of 2008. There were no reportable catastrophe losses for First Quarter 20082009 or First Quarter 2007. The combined ratio improved to 67.4% from 75.8%, primarily due to the benefits of scale.2008. Commissions, taxes, licenses and fees increased $9,889,$6,833, primarily due to the associated increase in revenues significantly offset by thea $7,104 release of an expense reimbursement accrual in 2008 no longer required as a result of a new contract. General expenses increased $8,154 in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007,$14,242 primarily due to increasesadditional services provided to our clients, such as loss drafts, along with investment in employment related expenses resulting fromtechnology and infrastructure initiatives. First Quarter 2009 combined ratio was 74.5% compared with 67.4% for First Quarter 2008. Excluding the growth of the business.additional catastrophe reinsurance costs, First Quarter 2009 combined ratio would have been 72.6%.

Assurant Health

Overview

The tables below present information regarding Assurant Health’s segment results of operations:

 

  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007   For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  (in thousands)  2009 2008 

Revenues:

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $496,060  $512,784   $472,346  $496,060 

Net investment income

   15,648   19,270    12,477   15,648 

Fees and other income

   9,406   9,688    9,914   9,406 
              

Total revenues

   521,114   541,742    494,737   521,114 
              

Benefits, losses and expenses:

      

Policyholder benefits

   306,565   317,784    321,960   306,565 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (4)(5)

   157,181   161,410 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   150,240   157,181 
              

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   463,746   479,194    472,200   463,746 
              

Segment income before provision for income taxes

   57,368   62,548    22,537   57,368 

Provision for income taxes

   20,105   22,024    7,865   20,105 
              

Segment net income

  $37,263  $40,524   $14,672  $37,263 
              

Net earned premiums and other considerations:

      

Individual markets:

      

Individual medical

  $319,756  $314,662   $317,070  $319,756 

Short term medical

   23,539   22,561 

Short-term medical

   26,048   23,539 
              

Subtotal

   343,295   337,223    343,118   343,295 

Small employer group:

   152,765   175,561 

Small employer group

   129,228   152,765 
              

Total

  $496,060  $512,784   $472,346  $496,060 
              

Membership by product line:

      

Individual markets:

      

Individual medical

   599   641    572   599 

Short term medical

   87   85 

Short-term medical

   94   87 
              

Subtotal

   686   726    666   686 

Small employer group:

   152   191    123   152 
              

Total

   838   917    789   838 
              

Ratios:

      

Loss ratio (1)

   61.8%  62.0%   68.2%  61.8%

Expense ratio (2)

   31.1%  30.9%   31.2%  31.1%

Combined ratio (3)

   91.7%  91.7%   97.9%  91.7%

 

(1)The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(2)The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.
(3)The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.
(4)Includes amortization of DAC and VOBA.
(5)Includes commissions, taxes, licenses and fees.

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Income

Segment net income decreased $3,261,$22,591, or 8%61%, to $14,672 for First Quarter 2009 from $37,263 for First Quarter 2008 from $40,524 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The decrease is primarily attributable to unfavorable claim reserve development in both the continuedindividual medical and small employer group businesses, and the continuing decline in small employer group net earned premiums. Also,The unfavorable claim reserve development is primarily due to claims paid in First Quarter 2007 included $2,215(after-tax)2009 that related to services rendered in Fourth Quarter 2008 being higher than expected as a result of real estate joint venture partnership income, compared with none for First Quarter 2008.changing consumer and provider behavior caused by the deteriorating economic conditions.

Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $20,628,$26,377, or 4%5%, to $494,737 for First Quarter 2009 from $521,114 for First Quarter 2008 from $541,742 for First Quarter 2007.2008. Net earned premiums and other considerations from our individual medical business our targeted growth area, increased $5,094,decreased $2,686, or 2%1%, primarily due to reduced membership, partially offset by premium rate increases. However, thisThis market has become increasingly competitive as established players and new regional entrants are more aggressively targeting this growing segment of the health insurance market. Net earned premiums and other considerations from our small employer group business decreased $22,796,$23,537, or 13%15%, due to a decline in members, partially offset by premium rate increases. The decline in the small employer group members is due to increased competition and our adherence to strict underwriting guidelines. Also,In addition, net investment income decreased $3,622 primarily$3,171 due to lower investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships.average invested assets.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $15,448,increased $8,454, or 3%2%, to $472,200 for First Quarter 2009 from $463,746 for First Quarter 2008 from $479,194 for First Quarter 2007.2008. Policyholder benefits decreased $11,219,increased $15,395, or 4%5%, and the benefit loss ratio increased to 68.2% from 61.8%. As referred to above, the increase in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007. The decrease is consistent with the decrease in net earned premiums. Ourbenefit loss ratio was primarily attributable to higher claims experience on both individual medical business and small employer group business had more favorable loss experiencefor services provided in Firstthe Fourth Quarter 2008 comparedcoupled with First Quarter 2007. This was offset by less favorable loss experiencea non-proportionate decline in our individual medical business.small employer group net earned premiums. Selling, underwriting and general expenses decreased $4,229,$6,941, or 3%4%, in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007, primarily due to lower commission expenses for both individual medicaltechnology costs and small employer group business.general expenses.

Assurant Employee Benefits

Overview

The tables below present information regarding the Assurant Employee Benefits’Benefits segment results of operations:

 

  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (in thousands)      2009         2008     

Revenues:

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $280,437  $296,673   $263,831  $280,437 

Net investment income

   38,369   51,887    34,157   38,369 

Fees and other income

   6,555   6,277    6,758   6,555 
              

Total revenues

   325,361   354,837    304,746   325,361 
              

Benefits, losses and expenses:

      

Policyholder benefits

   197,025   211,607    198,728   199,401 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (4)(5)

   103,277   98,953 

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   95,287   100,901 
              

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   300,302   310,560    294,015   300,302 
              

Segment income before provision for income taxes

   25,059   44,277    10,731   25,059 

Provision for income taxes

   8,727   15,320    3,709   8,727 
              

Segment net income

  $16,332  $28,957   $7,022  $16,332 
              

Ratios:

      

Loss ratio (1)

   70.3%  71.3%   75.3%  71.1%

Expense ratio (2)

   36.0%  32.7%   35.2%  35.2%

Net earned premiums and other considerations

      

By major product grouping:

      

Group dental

  $106,073  $101,535   $105,565  $106,073 

Group disability single premiums for closed blocks (3)

   5,500   22,847    —     5,500 

All Other group disability

   116,300   118,189 

All other group disability

   109,704   116,300 

Group life

   52,564   54,102    48,562   52,564 
              

Total

  $280,437  $296,673   $263,831  $280,437 
              

 

(1)The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.
(2)The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.
(3)This represents single premium on closed blocks of group disability business.
(4)Includes amortization For closed blocks of DACbusiness we receive a single, upfront premium and VOBA.
(5)Includes commissions, taxes, licenses and fees.in turn we record a virtually equal amount of claim reserves. We then manage the claims using our claim management practices.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Income

Segment net income decreased $12,625$9,310, or 44%57%, to $7,022 for First Quarter 2009 from $16,332 for First Quarter 2008 from $28,957 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by less favorable loss experience and lower net investment income, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income of $8,787 (after-tax) and an increase in selling, underwriting and general expenses in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007. We continue to have favorable loss experience in our group disability business while our group life and group dental businesses had less favorable results in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007.expenses.

Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $29,476$20,615, or 8%6%, to 325,361$304,746 for First Quarter 20082009 from $354,837$325,361 for First Quarter 2007. The decrease in revenue is primarily driven by a decrease in2008. First Quarter 2008 net investment income and a decrease inearned premiums include $5,500 of single premiumpremiums on closed blocks of business. Net investment income decreased $13,518, primarily due to real estate joint venture partnership income of $14,164 in First Quarter 2007 which did not repeat in First Quarter 2008. Net earned premium includes single premium on closed blocks of business in the amount of $5,500 in the current year and $22,847 in the prior year. Excluding single premiumpremiums on closed blocks of business, net earned premiums increased $1,111,decreased $11,106 or 4% primarily driven by a decrease in assumed premium through our Disability RMS distribution channel as three clients made strategic decisions to discontinue their reinsurance relationship with Disability RMS during 2007 and 2008 and have been recapturing business since terminating the relationship. In addition, we have begunseen an increase in

lapses of larger employer cases and the increased unemployment environment will present a challenge to see overall growth in net earned premiums, specifically in our small case business.revenue growth. Net investment income decreased $4,212 or 11% driven by lower invested assets and lower investment yields.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $10,258$6,287 or 3%2% to $294,015 for First Quarter 2009 from $300,302 for First Quarter 2008 from $310,560 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The loss ratio decreasedincreased to 70.3%75.3% from 71.1%, primarily driven by less favorable group disability experience. Disability recovery rates, including claimants who returned to work, were unfavorable in First Quarter 20082009 compared to the prior year period mainly due to the ailing economy, which led to a reduction in the number of claimants recovering from 71.3%disabilities. In addition, we experienced an increase in high dollar disability claims in First Quarter 2007. We continue to see favorable disability experience in2009 compared with First Quarter 2008 driven by continued favorable incidence,2008. Group life and disability recovery rates, which includes claimants who return to work. Group dental experience was unfavorable compared with the First Quarter 2007. Group life experience, whilewere also less favorable when compared withto the prior year is favorable from a historical standpoint. The expense ratio increased to 36.0% in First Quarter 2008 from 32.7%, or 330 basis points, in First Quarter 2007. However, excludingperiod. Excluding the single premiumpremiums on closed blocks of business in the prior year period, the expense ratio increased 140 points,decreased to 35.2% from 35.8% driven by an increase inlower sales related expenses.costs and a continued focus on expense management.

Assurant Corporate & Other

Overview

The Corporate and& Other segment includes activities of the holding company, financing expenses, net realized (losses) gainslosses on investments, interest income earned from short-term investments held and additional costs associated with excess of loss reinsurance programs reinsured and ceded to certain subsidiaries in the London market between 1995 and 1997. The Corporate and& Other segment also includes the amortization of deferred gains associated with the sales of Fortis Financial Group (“FFG”) (a business we sold via reinsurance onin April 2, 2001) and Long Term Care (“LTC”) (a business we sold via reinsurance in March 2000).

The table below presentpresents information regarding the Corporate & Other segment’s results of operations:

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2008  2007 
   (in thousands) 

Revenues:

   

Net investment income

  $7,652  $11,853 

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

   (43,143)  5,570 

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   7,379   8,349 

Fees and other income

   63   327 
         

Total (losses) revenues

   (28,049)  26,099 
         

Benefits, losses and expenses:

   

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   16,193   16,119 

Interest expense

   15,288   15,297 
         

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   31,481   31,416 
         

Segment loss before (benefit) provision for income taxes

   (59,530)  (5,317)

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

   (20,464)  3,210 
         

Segment net loss

  $(39,066) $(8,527)
         

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
      2009          2008     

Revenues:

   

Net investment income

  $4,414  $7,652 

Net realized losses on investments

   (55,689)  (43,143)

Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses

   6,802   7,379 

Fees and other income

   1,679   63 
         

Total losses

   (42,794)  (28,049)
         

Benefits, losses and expenses:

   

Policyholder benefits

   (168)  —   

Selling, underwriting and general expenses

   23,431   16,193 

Interest expense

   15,189   15,288 
         

Total benefits, losses and expenses

   38,452   31,481 
         

Segment loss before benefit for income taxes

   (81,246)  (59,530)

Benefit for income taxes

   (5,154)  (20,464)
         

Segment net loss

  $(76,092) $(39,066)
         

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20082009 Compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2007.2008.

Net Loss

Segment net loss increased $30,539$37,026, or 95%, to $(76,092) for First Quarter 2009 compared with a net loss of $(39,066) for First Quarter 2008 from $(8,527)2008. The increased net loss was a result of an $8,155, after tax, increase in net realized losses on investments due primarily to realized losses on sales of investments, a decline in net investment income and an increase in expenses primarily due to compensation related costs. Additionally, the benefit for income taxes declined $15,310 primarily related to a $21,000 increase to the tax valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets driven by additional realized capital losses and other-than-temporary impairments during First Quarter 2009. Partially offsetting these amounts was a $1,882, after-tax, expense reduction relating to the ongoing SEC investigation regarding certain loss mitigation products due to reduced expenses and the reimbursement of certain SEC investigation related expenses through our director and officer insurance coverage.

Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $14,745, or 53%, to $(42,794) for First Quarter 2007, primarily2009 compared with $(28,049) for First Quarter 2008. The decline in revenues was mainly due to an increase in net realized losses on investments of $(28,043) (after-tax)$12,546 compared to the prior year period and a decline in net investment income of $3,238 resulting from lower short-term and overnight interest rates in First Quarter 2008 compared with net realized gains on investments of $3,621 (after-tax) in2009. First Quarter 2007. The2009 and First Quarter 2008 net realized losses on investments in First Quarter 2008 include $28,216 (after-tax) of realized losses from the write-down of other-than-temporary declines in our investment portfolio compared with none for First Quarter 2007.

Total (Losses) Revenues

The change in total revenues in First Quarter 2008 compared with First Quarter 2007 was $54,148. The change was primarily due to$25,439 and $43,409, of realized lossesrespectively, from the write-down of other-than-temporary declines in our investment portfolio.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses remained relatively consistent atincreased $6,971, or 22%, to $38,452 for First Quarter 2009 compared with $31,481 for First Quarter 2008 compared with $31,416 for First Quarter 2007.2008. The increase in expenses was primarily due to $7,000 in compensation related expense accruals.

Investments

The following table showstables show the carryingcost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of our investments by type of security as of the dates indicated:

   As of
March 31,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Fixed maturity securities

  $9,692,529  71% $10,126,415  73%

Equity securities

   728,473  5%  636,001  5%

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate

   1,470,477  11%  1,433,626  10%

Policy loans

   56,978  1%  57,107  1%

Short-term investments

   652,305  4%  410,878  3%

Collateral held under securities lending

   521,347  4%  541,650  4%

Other investments

   535,862  4%  541,474  4%
               

Total investments

  $13,657,971  100% $13,747,151  100%
               

Of our fixed maturity securities shown above, 68% and 69% (based on total fair value) were invested in securities rated “A” or better as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

The following table provides the cumulative net unrealized gains (losses), pre-tax, on fixed maturity securities and equity securities as of the dates indicated:

 

   As of
March 31,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Fixed maturity securities:

   

Amortized cost

  $9,687,311  $10,026,355 

Net unrealized gains

   5,218   100,060 
         

Fair value

  $9,692,529  $10,126,415 
         

Equity securities:

   

Cost

  $784,511  $702,698 

Net unrealized losses

   (56,038)  (66,697)
         

Fair value

  $728,473  $636,001 
         
   March 31, 2009
   Cost or Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Gains
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities:

       

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $120,273  $8,822  $(23) $129,072

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   871,498   28,901   (8,594)  891,805

Foreign governments

   528,041   17,412   (12,043)  533,410

Public utilities

   1,198,744   17,693   (61,112)  1,155,325

Mortgage-backed

   989,841   39,616   (45,918)  983,539

All other corporate

   5,611,641   55,731   (743,925)  4,923,447
                

Total fixed maturity securities

  $9,320,038  $168,175  $(871,615) $8,616,598
                

Equity securities:

       

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $5,384  $283  $(2,008) $3,659

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   535,519   3,244   (168,046)  370,717
                

Total equity securities

  $540,903  $3,527  $(170,054) $374,376
                
   

 

December 31, 2008

   Cost or Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized
Gains
  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities:

       

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $136,725  $13,784  $(22) $150,487

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   874,134   14,122   (14,676)  873,580

Foreign governments

   503,620   19,391   (9,693)  513,318

Public utilities

   1,162,447   23,868   (59,604)  1,126,711

Mortgage-backed

   981,275   29,887   (46,877)  964,285

All other corporate

   5,546,027   79,407   (662,549)  4,962,885
                

Total fixed maturity securities

  $9,204,228  $180,459  $(793,421) $8,591,266
                

Equity securities:

       

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $5,384  $283  $(1,618) $4,049

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   571,972   11,114   (112,262)  470,824
                

Total equity securities

  $577,356  $11,397  $(113,880) $474,873
                

Net unrealized gains on

The industry categories that comprise our “All other corporate” and “Public utilities” fixed maturity securities decreased $94,842 to a net unrealized gain of $5,218captions above as of March 31, 2008the dates indicated are:

   March 31, 2009  December 31, 2008 
   Fair Value  Net
Unrealized

(Loss) Gain
  Fair Value  Net
Unrealized

(Loss) Gain
 

Industry Category:

       

Consumer cyclical

  $863,019  $(107,105) $891,923  $(112,339)

Consumer non-cyclical

   300,920   (8,058)  302,847   (12,697)

Energy

   588,340   (61,717)  604,332   (65,668)

Financials

   1,591,825   (362,312)  1,671,617   (228,940)

Health care

   363,758   (20,107)  290,201   (15,594)

Industrials

   859,480   (88,748)  859,641   (100,011)

Materials

   221,392   (30,988)  220,934   (41,477)

Technology

   129,219   (9,075)  124,490   (6,579)

Telecommunications

   373,861   (14,444)  367,051   (11,610)

Utilities

   781,464   (28,974)  750,551   (23,792)

Other corporate

   371   10   374   11 

Collaterized debt obligations

   5,123   (95)  5,635   (182)
                 

Total all other corporate and public utilities

  $6,078,772  $(731,613) $6,089,596  $(618,878)
                 

The following table shows the credit quality of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of the dates indicated:

   As of 

Fixed Maturity Securities by Credit Quality (Fair Value)

  March 31, 2009  December 31, 2008 

Aaa / Aa / A

  $5,638,489  65.4% $5,706,913  66.4%

Baa

   2,384,793  27.7%  2,364,693  27.5%

Ba

   467,895  5.4%  402,942  4.7%

B and lower

   125,421  1.5%  116,718  1.4%
               

Total

  $8,616,598  100.0% $8,591,266  100.0%
               

Major categories of net investment income were as follows:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2009  2008 

Fixed maturity securities

  $138,411  $147,992 

Equity securities

   10,232   11,613 

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate

   23,683   23,763 

Policy loans

   775   872 

Short-term investments

   2,538   4,646 

Other investments

   5,787   7,038 

Cash and cash equivalents

   3,845   8,285 
         

Total investment income

   185,271   204,209 
         

Investment expenses

   (6,792)  (6,435)
         

Net investment income

  $178,479  $197,774 
         

Net investment income decreased $19,295, or 10%, to $178,479 for First Quarter 2009 from December 31, 2007.$197,774 for First Quarter 2008. The decrease was primarily due to increaseslower average invested assets and lower investment yields.

Throughout 2008 and continuing into 2009, the fixed maturity and equity security markets experienced significant volatility and declines in bond spreads across many sectors during the quarter, partially offset by a decrease in treasury yields. The ten year A-rated corporate bond spread, which started the year at 160 basis points over treasury securities, increased to 232 basis points over treasury securities in the first quarter of 2008. The yield on 10-year treasury securities decreased 61 basis points between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008. The net unrealized loss on equity securities decreased to $(56,038) at March 31, 2008 from $(66,697) at December 31, 2007. The decrease wasmarket values. These declines were primarily due to changesdeclines in the preferred stockhousing market, credit availability, as spreads decreasedwell as a general economic slowdown. As a result, certain securities directly exposed to these factors have had significant market value declines.

In connection with these market declines, we recorded net realized losses, including other-than-temporary impairments, in the first quarterstatement of 2008.operations as follows:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2009  2008 

Net realized (losses) gains related to sales:

   

Fixed maturity securities

  $(8,574) $4,212 

Equity securities

   (21,639)  (3,553)

Other investments

   (37)  (393)
         

Total net realized (losses) gains related to sales

   (30,250)  266 
         

Net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:

   

Fixed maturity securities

   (23,136)  (38,565)

Equity securities

   (2,303)  (4,844)
         

Total net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

   (25,439)  (43,409)
         

Total net realized losses

  $(55,689) $(43,143)
         

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and any impairments are charged against earnings in the proper period. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in circumstances and critical assumptions such as a continued weak economy, a more pronounced economic downturn or unforeseen events which affect one or more companies, industry sectors, or countries could result in additional impairments in future periods for other-than-temporary declines in value. Any security whose price returndecrease is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market value with the amount of Merrill Lynch Global Bond Index - Preferred Stock, Hybrid index increased 5.47% between December 31, 2007the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. Realized gains and March 31, 2008.losses on sales of investments are recognized on the specific identification basis.

NetWhen we determine that there is an other-than-temporary impairment, we write down the value of the security to the current market value, which reduces the cost basis. In periods subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment, we generally accrete into net investment income decreased $19,122, or 9%, to $197,774 for the three months ended March 31, 2008discount (or amortize the reduced premium) resulting from $216,896 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease is primarily due to lower investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships, partially offset by an increasereduction in average invested assets.cost basis, based upon the amount and timing of the expected future cash flows over the remaining life of the security.

The investment category and duration of the Company’sour gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and equity securities at March 31, 20082009 and the length of time the securities have been in an unrealized loss positionDecember 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

   Less than 12 months  12 Months or More  Total 
   Fair Value  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities

          

Bonds

  $2,983,505  $(156,221) $945,959  $(70,875) $3,929,464  $(227,096)
                         

Equity securities

          

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

   455,822   (51,032)  117,152   (11,723)  572,974   (62,755)
                         

Total

  $3,439,327  $(207,253) $1,063,111  $(82,598) $4,502,438  $(289,851)
                         
   March 31, 2009 
   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
   Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $1,086  $(23) $—    $—    $1,086  $(23)

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   110,602   (4,661)  75,984   (3,933)  186,586   (8,594)

Foreign governments

   164,947   (5,902)  21,006   (6,141)  185,953   (12,043)

Public utilities

   353,368   (21,661)  297,322   (39,451)  650,690   (61,112)

Mortgage-backed

   127,923   (14,557)  126,634   (31,361)  254,557   (45,918)

All other corporate

   2,092,729   (287,963)  1,423,755   (455,962)  3,516,484   (743,925)
                         

Total fixed maturity securities

  $2,850,655  $(334,767) $1,944,701  $(536,848) $4,795,356  $(871,615)
                         

Equity securities:

          

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $2,930  $(2,008) $—    $—    $2,930  $(2,008)

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   134,514   (58,203)  209,431   (109,843)  343,945   (168,046)
                         

Total equity securities

  $137,444  $(60,211) $209,431  $(109,843) $346,875  $(170,054)
                         
   December 31, 2008 
   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
   Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

  $983  $(22) $—    $—    $983  $(22)

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   361,383   (12,397)  27,545   (2,279)  388,928   (14,676)

Foreign governments

   117,133   (5,853)  28,478   (3,840)  145,611   (9,693)

Public utilities

   474,251   (34,099)  185,491   (25,505)  659,742   (59,604)

Mortgage-backed

   155,781   (27,512)  84,046   (19,365)  239,827   (46,877)

All other corporate

   2,430,886   (346,331)  1,140,375   (316,218)  3,571,261   (662,549)
                         

Total fixed maturity securities

  $3,540,417  $(426,214) $1,465,935  $(367,207) $5,006,352  $(793,421)
                         

Equity securities:

          

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

  $3,366  $(1,618) $—    $—    $3,366  $(1,618)

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   171,637   (49,291)  212,669   (62,971)  384,306   (112,262)
                         

Total equity securities

  $175,003  $(50,909) $212,669  $(62,971) $387,672  $(113,880)
                         

The total gross unrealized losses represent less than 7%21% and 17% of the aggregate fair value of the related securities.securities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Approximately 72%38% and 53% of these gross unrealized losses have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months.months at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The total gross total unrealized losses are comprised of 1,1371,331 and 1,409 individual securities with 68%in March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At March 31, 2009, 51%, 11% and 9% of the individual securities having an unrealized loss of less than $200. The total

gross unrealized losses onfor fixed maturity securities thatand equity securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than six months but less than 12 months were approximately $113,172.

As part of our ongoing monitoring process, we regularly review our investment portfolio to ensure that investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified on a timely basis and that any impairment is charged against earningsconcentrated in the proper period. We have reviewed thesefinancial, consumer cyclical and industrial industries, respectively.

For fixed maturity securities, 39.4% and recorded $43,40931.5% of additional other-than-temporary impairments for the three months endedgross unrealized losses at March 31, 2008. There were no other –than-temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Due to issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities’ obligations in accordance with their contractual terms2009 and their continued expectations to do so, as well as our evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition, we believe that the prices of the remaining securities in an unrealized loss position as of MarchDecember 31, 2008 were temporarily depressed primarily asfrom $444,404 and $373,385 of securities with a resultfair value below 70% of the prevailing levelamortized cost, or 5.2% and 4.4%, respectively, of interest ratesour fixed maturity security portfolio. The percentage of fair value to amortized cost for fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses at the time the securities were purchased. We have the abilityMarch 31, 2009 and intent to hold these assets until the date of recovery. Therefore, the decision to sell any security in an unrealized loss position reflects the judgment of management that the security sold is unlikely to provide, on a relative value basis, as attractive a returnDecember 31, 2008 are shown in the future as alternative securities entailing comparable risks.following tables.

   March 31, 2009 
   Par
value
  Unrealized
(loss) gain
  Fair
value
  % to total
fixed maturity
securities
 

> 80% of amortized cost

  $4,011,764  $(307,252) $3,677,051  42.7%

70% to 80% of amortized cost

   895,213   (221,109)  673,901  7.8%

<70% of amortized cost

   799,490   (343,254)  444,404  5.2%
                

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

   5,706,467   (871,615)  4,795,356  55.7%

Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities

   3,854,177   168,175   3,821,242  44.3%
                

Net unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

  $9,560,644  $(703,440) $8,616,598  100.0%
                

   December 31, 2008 
   Par
value
  Unrealized
(loss) gain
  Fair
value
  % to total
fixed maturity
securities
 

> 80% of amortized cost

  $4,282,068  $(322,856) $3,941,539  45.9%

70% to 80% of amortized cost

   911,984   (220,308)  691,428  8.0%

<70% of amortized cost

   627,811   (250,257)  373,385  4.4%
                

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

   5,821,863   (793,421)  5,006,352  58.3%

Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities

   3,614,294   180,459   3,584,914  41.7%
                

Net unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities

  $9,436,157  $(612,962) $8,591,266  100.0%
                

As of March 31, 2008,2009, the Company owns $359,936owned $269,088 of securities guaranteed by financial guarantee insurance companies. Included in this amount were $272,763$229,318 of municipal securities, whose credit rating was AAAA+ both with the guarantee, but would have had a rating of AA-withoutand without the guarantee. Due to the credit rating downgrades of the financial guarantee insurance companies in 2008, their financial guarantee is providing minimal or no value in the current market environment.

The following table represents ourCompany has exposure to sub-prime and related mortgages within our fixed maturity security portfolio as well as the current net unrealized loss position at March 31, 2008.

   Market Value  Percentage of
Portfolio
  Net Unrealized
Loss
 
   (in thousands) 

Fixed maturity portfolio:

  

Sub-prime first lien mortgages

  $48,795  0.5% $(4,732)

Second lien mortgages (including sub-prime second lien mortgages)

   20,325  0.2%  (379)
            

Total exposure to sub-prime collateral

  $69,120  0.7% $(5,111)
            

portfolio. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, approximately 7.1%1.9% and 2.3%, respectively, of the mortgage-backed securitiesholdings had exposure to the sub-prime mortgage collateral.collateral which consisted of first and second lien mortgages. This represents 0.7%represented approximately 0.2% and 0.3% of the total fixed maturity portfolio and 2.3%0.1% and 0.1% of the total unrealized loss position.position at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Of the securities with sub-prime exposure, all areapproximately 81% and 84% were rated as investment grade rated.as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. We havehad no sub-prime exposure to collateralized debt obligations.obligations as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. All mortgage-backed securities, including those with sub-prime exposure, are reviewed as part of the ongoing other-than-temporary impairment monitoring process.

As required by FAS 157, the Company has identified and disclosed its financial assets in a fair value hierarchy, which consists of the following three levels:

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain U.S. mutual funds, money market funds, common stock and certain foreign securities.

Level 2 valuationsinputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable in the marketplace for the asset. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value for the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include corporate, municipal, foreign government and public utilities bonds, private placement bonds, U.S. Government and agency securities, mortgage and asset backed securities, preferred stocks and certain U.S. and foreign mutual funds.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable but are significant to the fair value measurement for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs include certain preferred stocks, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities that were quoted by brokers and could not be corroborated by Level 2 inputs and derivatives.

A review of the fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those recurring basis assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

   March 31, 2009

Financial Assets

  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Fixed maturity securities

  $8,616,598  $2,378   $8,454,432   $159,788 

Equity securities

   374,376   2,774 a   355,437    16,165 

Short-term investments

   664,272   533,998    130,274    —   

Collateral held under securities lending

   142,177   47,257    94,920    —   

Other investments

   230,178   56,883 b   167,249 c   6,046 c

Cash equivalents

   446,983   446,983    —      —   

Other assets

   8,934   —      —      8,934 

Assets held in separate accounts

   1,526,146   1,362,206 a   163,940    —   
                   

Total financial assets

  $12,009,664  $2,452,479   $9,366,252   $190,933 
                   

Financial Liabilities

                  

Other liabilities

  $56,883  $56,883 b  $—     $—   
                   

   December 31, 2008

Financial Assets

  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Fixed maturity securities

  $8,591,266  $2,398   $8,427,643   $161,225 

Equity securities

   474,873   3,165 a   455,352    16,356 

Short-term investments

   703,402   611,460    91,942    —   

Collateral held under securities lending

   159,028   54,192    104,836    —   

Other investments

   239,605   56,296 b   176,285 c   7,024 c

Cash equivalents

   674,390   674,390    —      —   

Other assets

   7,080   —      —      7,080 

Assets held in separate accounts

   1,701,996   1,523,024 a   178,972    —   
                   

Total financial assets

  $12,551,640  $2,924,925   $9,435,030   $191,685 
                   

Financial Liabilities

                  

Other liabilities

  $56,296  $56,296 b  $—     $—   
                   

a

Mainly includes mutual fund investments

b

Comprised of Assurant Investment Plan, American Security Insurance Company Investment Plan and Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan investments and related liability which are invested in mutual funds

c

Consists of invested assets associated with a modified coinsurance arrangement

Level 1 and Level 2 securities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. FAS 157 defines observable market inputs as the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. The extent of the use of each observable market input for a security depends on the type of security and the market conditions at the balance sheet date. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary. The following observable market inputs, listed in the approximate order of priority, are utilized in the pricing evaluation of Level 2 securities: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. EachThe pricing service also evaluates each security is evaluated based on relevant market information including: relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Valuation models can change period to period, depending on the appropriate observable inputs that are available at the balance sheet date to price a security. When market observable inputs are unavailable, the remaining un-priced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources and are categorized as Level 3 securities.

Management uses the following criteria in order to determine whether the market for a financial asset is inactive:

The volume and level of trading activity in the asset have declined significantly from historical levels,

The available prices vary significantly over time or among market participants,

The prices are stale (i.e., not current), and

The magnitude of bid-ask spread.

Illiquidity did not have a material impact in the fair value determination of the Company’s financial assets.

The Company generally obtains one price for each financial asset. The Company performs a monthly analysis to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of

procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of the evaluated prices received from the pricing service, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon available market data, which happens infrequently, the price of a security is adjusted accordingly. The pricing service provides information to indicate which securities were priced using market observable inputs so that the Company can properly categorize our financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

Securities Lending

The Company engages in transactions in which fixed maturity securities, especially bonds issued by the United States government, government agencies and authorities, and U.S. corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. Collateral, greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities lent plus accrued interest, is received in the form of cash and cash equivalents held by a custodian bank for the benefit of the Company. The use of cash collateral received is unrestricted. The Company reinvests the cash collateral received, generally in investments of high credit quality and are designated as available-for-sale under FASB Statement No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities(“FAS 115”). The Company monitors the fair value of securities loaned and the collateral received, with additional collateral obtained as necessary. The Company is subject to the risk of loss to the extent there is a loss in the re-investment of cash collateral.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, our collateral held under securities lending, of which its use is unrestricted, was $181,177 and $234,027, respectively, while our liability to the borrower for collateral received was $202,616 and $256,506, respectively. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending is recorded as an unrealized loss and is included as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company has actively reduced the size of the program to mitigate counter-party exposure. The Company includes the available-for-sale investments purchased with the cash collateral in its evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments.

Cash proceeds that the Company receives as collateral for the securities it lends and subsequent repayment of the cash are regarded by the Company as cash flows from financing activities, since the cash received is considered a borrowing.

Since the Company reinvests the cash collateral generally in investments which are designated as available-for-sale under FAS 115, the reinvestment is presented as cash flows from investing activities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Regulatory Requirements

Assurant, Inc. is a holding company, and as such, has limited direct operations of its own. Our holding companycompany’s assets consist primarily of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our future cash flows depend upon the availability of dividends and other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries, such as payments under our tax allocation agreement and under management agreements with our subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends and to make such other payments will be limited by applicable laws and regulations of the states in which our subsidiaries are domiciled, which subject our subsidiaries to significant regulatory restrictions. The dividend requirements and regulations vary from state to state and by type of insurance provided by the

applicable subsidiary. These laws and regulations require, among other things, our insurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the holding company. SolvencyAlong with solvency regulations, capital requirements and rating agency requirements are some of the factors usedprimary driver in determining the amount of capital used for dividends.dividends is the level of capital needed to maintain desired financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. Given recent economic events that have affected the insurance industry, both regulators and rating agencies could become more conservative in their methodology and criteria, including increasing capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries which, in turn, could negatively affect our capital resources. For 2008,2009, the maximum amount of distributions our subsidiaries could pay, under applicable laws and regulations without prior regulatory approval, for our statutory subsidiaries, is approximately $445,154.$437,017. This amount decreased by $45,126 from what was reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K due to realized and unrealized capital losses in First Quarter 2009.

Rating organizations review the financial strength of insurers, including our insurance subsidiaries. For details on the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008, refer to “Item 1—Business—Ratings” in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity

Dividends or returns of capital paid by our subsidiaries were $10,000 and $436,900 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and$453,303 for the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively.2008. We useused these cash inflows primarily to pay expenses, to make interest payments on indebtedness, to make dividend payments to our stockholders, to make subsidiary capital contributions, to fund acquisitions and to repurchase our outstanding common stock.shares. No dividends or returns of capital were paid by our subsidiaries for First Quarter 2009.

The primary sources of funds for our subsidiaries consist of premiums and fees collected, the proceeds from the sales and maturity of investments and net investment income. Cash is primarily used to pay insurance claims, agent commissions, operating expenses and taxes. We generally invest our subsidiaries’ excess funds in order to generate investment income.

Generally, our subsidiaries’ premiums, fees and investment income, along with planned asset sales and maturities, provide sufficient cash to pay claims and expenses. However, there are instances where unexpected cash needs arise in excess of that available from usual operating sources. In such instances, we have several options to raise needed funds, including selling assets from the subsidiaries’ investment portfolios, using holding company cash (if available), issuing commercial paper, andor drawing funds from our revolving credit facility. WeIn addition, on November 6, 2008, we filed an automatically effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC. This registration statement allows us to issue equity, debt or other types of securities through one or more methods of distribution. The terms of any offering would be established at the time of the offering, subject to market conditions. If we decide to make an offering of securities, we will consider the permanencenature of the cash needrequirement as well as the cost of each source of fundscapital in determining which option to utilize.what type of securities we may offer.

We paid dividends of $0.12$0.14 per common share on March 10, 20089, 2009 to shareholdersstockholders of record as of February 25, 2008.23, 2009. Any determination to pay future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependentdepend upon: our subsidiaries’ payment of dividends and/or other statutorily permissible payments to us; our results of operations and cash flows; our financial position and capital requirements; general business conditions; any legal, tax, regulatory and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends; and any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.

Management believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months, including the ability to pay interest on our Senior Notes and dividends on our common shares.

Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

Our qualified pension benefits plan (the “Plan”) was $30,283 over-funded$200,855 under-funded at DecemberMarch 31, 2007.2009. In prior years we established a funding policy in which service cost plus 15% of qualified plan deficit will be contributed annually. During the first three months of 2008,First Quarter 2009, we contributed $5,000$10,000 to the qualified pension benefits plan.Plan. We expect to contribute an additional $15,000$30,000 to the qualified pension benefits planPlan over the remaining courseremainder of 2008.2009.

The Benefit Plans Investment Committee of the Company (“Investment Committee”) oversees the investment of the Plan assets and periodically conducts a review of the investment strategies and policies of the Plan. This includes a review of the strategic asset allocation, including the relationship of the Plan liabilities and portfolio structure. The current target asset allocation and their respective ranges are:

   Low  Target  High 

Debt securities

  45% 50% 55%

Equity securities *

  45% 50% 55%

*Target asset allocations for equity securities include allocations for alternative investments. We expect to invest certain plan assets in alternative investments, examples of which include funds of hedge funds, private real estate and private equity, during 2009.

Effective January 1, 2009, we decided to modify our expected long-term return on plan assets assumption from 8.25% to 7.50%. We believe that this revised assumption better reflects the projected return on the invested assets, given the current market conditions and the modified portfolio structure. This change in assumption will increase full year 2009 plan expenses by approximately $9,200.

Commercial Paper Program

In March 2004, we establishedWe have a $500,000 commercial paper program, which is available for working capital and other general corporate purposes. This program is backed up by a $500,000 senior revolving credit.credit facility. We did not use the commercial paper program or the revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2008.2009. The $500,000 senior revolving credit facility contains a $30,000 commitment from Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (“Lehman”). Based on the financial condition of Lehman, we are not relying on Lehman’s commitment.

The revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants and requirescovenants. The terms of the revolving credit facility also require that the Companywe maintain certain specified minimum ratios and thresholds. We areAmong others, these covenants include maintaining a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum consolidated adjusted net worth. At March 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all covenants, minimum ratios and thresholds.thresholds, and there have been no material changes to the financial ratios presented in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Senior Notes

On February 18, 2004, we issued two series of senior notes inwith an aggregate principal amount of $975,000. The first series is $500,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 5.625% per year and is payable in a single installment due February 15, 2014. The second series is $475,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 6.750%6.75% per year and is payable in a single installment due February 15, 2034. Our senior notes are2034 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were rated bbb by A.M. Best Company, Baa1 by Moody’s Investor Services and BBB+ by Standard & PoorsPoor’s Inc., as of March 31, 2009.

Interest on our senior notesthe Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The senior notesinterest expense incurred related to the Senior Notes was $15,047, including $7,523 of accrued interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company made an interest payment of $30,094 on February 15, 2009. The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness. The senior notesSenior Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity.

In management’s opinion, our subsidiaries’ cash flow from operations together with our income and realizable gains from our investment portfolio will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our needs in the ordinary course of business.

Cash Flows

We monitor cash flows at the consolidated, holding company and subsidiary levels. Cash flow forecasts at the consolidated and subsidiary levels are provided on a monthly basis, and we use trend and variance analyses to project future cash needs making adjustments to the forecasts when needed.

The table below shows our recent net cash flows:

 

  For The Three Months
Ended March 31,
   For The Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2008 2007   2009 2008 
  (in thousands) 

Net cash provided by (used in):

   

Net cash (used in) provided by:

   

Operating activities (1)

  $449,418  $170,949   $(267,156) $449,418 

Investing activities

   (189,911)  (523,141)   (35,155)  (189,911)

Financing activities

   (43,877)  124,355    (74,034)  (43,877)
              

Net change in cash

  $215,630  $(227,837)  $(376,345) $215,630 
              

 

(1)Includes effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents.

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities was $(267,156) and $449,418 for First Quarter 2009 and $170,949 for the three months ended March 31,First Quarter 2008, and 2007, respectively. The increasedecrease in netoperating activity cash provided by operating activities isflow was primarily due to the increase ina combination of reduced gross written premiums from our creditor placed homeowners business.and higher paid claims primarily the result of deteriorating economic conditions and hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which occurred in 2008.

Net cash used in investing activities was $35,155 and $189,911 for First Quarter 2009 and $523,141 for the three months ended March 31,First Quarter 2008, and 2007, respectively. The decreasechange in net cash used in investing activities is mainly due to the changedecreases in purchases of fixed maturity and equity securities, coupled with a decrease in collateral held under securities lending. Also contributing to the overall decrease in net cash used were fewer purchaseslending, short-term investments and commercial mortgage loans, partially offset by lower sales of fixed maturity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2008 over the comparable period in 2007.and equity securities.

Net cash used in financing activities was $74,034 and $43,877 for First Quarter 2009 and net cash provided by financing activities was $124,355 for the three months ended March 31,First Quarter 2008, and 2007, respectively. The change in net cash used in financing activities iswas primarily attributabledue to the changechanges in obligation under securities lending partiallyand dividends paid to shareholders, offset by purchasesa decrease in the redemption of treasury stock during 2007.our mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.

The table below shows our cash outflows for distributionsinterest and dividends for the periods indicated:

 

  For the three Months Ended
March 31,
  For the Three
Months Ended

March 31,

Security

  2008  2007  2009  2008
  (in thousands)

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock dividends and interest paid

  $30,312  $30,322

Interest paid on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and debt

  $30,212  $30,312

Common stock dividends

   14,173   12,233   16,489   14,173
            

Total

  $44,485  $42,555  $46,701  $44,485
            

Letters of Credit

In the normal course of business, we issue letters of credit are issuedprimarily to support reinsurance arrangements. These letters of credit are supported by commitments with financial institutions. We had $54,128$28,927 and $31,813$29,617 of letters of credit outstanding as of March 31, 20082009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our 20072008 Annual Report on Form 10-K described our Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. There were no material changes to the assumptions or risks during the three months ended March 31, 2008.2009.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of March 31, 2008.2009. Based on that review, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information the Company is required to disclose in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately including, without limitation, ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal ControlsControl over Financial Reporting

No material weaknesses were identified at March 31, 2008. During the quarter ending March 31, 2008,2009, we have made no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

We are regularlyThe Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. WeThe Company may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations. While wethe Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future litigation, examination or investigation and although no assurances can be given, we dothe Company does not believe that any pending matter will have a material adverse effect individually or in the aggregate, on ourthe Company’s financial position, or results of operations.operations, or cash flows.

As previously disclosed, the Company and certain of its officers and former employees have received subpoenas and requests from the SEC in connection with an investigation by the SEC staffStaff into certain finite reinsurance contracts entered into by the Company. We areThe Company is cooperating fully and areis complying with the requests.

We haveThe Company conducted an evaluation of the transactions that could potentially fall within the scope of the subpoenas, as defined by the authorities, and the Company has provided information as requested. On the basis of our investigation, we havethe Company has concluded that there was a verbal side agreement with respect to one of our reinsurers under our catastrophiccatastrophe reinsurance program. The contract to which this verbal side agreement applied was accounted for using reinsurance accounting as opposed to deposit accounting. While management believes that the difference resulting from the appropriate alternative accounting treatment would be immaterial to our financial position or results of operations, regulators may reach a different conclusion. In 2004 and 2003, premiums ceded to this reinsurer were $2,600 and $1,500, respectively, and losses ceded were $10,000 and zero, respectively. This contract expired in December 2004 and was not renewed.

In July 2007, wethe Company learned that each of the following five individuals, Robert B. Pollock, President and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Bruce Camacho, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Adam Lamnin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property, Michael Steinman, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property and Dan Folse, Vice President-Risk Management of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Specialty Property, received Wells notices from the SEC in connection with its ongoing investigation. A Wells notice is an indication that the staff of the SEC is considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil enforcement action against the recipient for violating various provisions of the federal securities laws. Under SEC procedures, the recipients have the opportunity to respond to the SEC staffStaff before a formal recommendation is finalized and before the Commissioners themselves consider any recommendations.

On July 17, 2007, wethe Company announced that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) had placed all five employees on administrative leave, pending further review of this matter. The Board’s actions were based on the recommendations of its Special Committee of non-management directors which thereafter undertook a thorough investigation of the events that had resulted in the receipt of the Wells notices. The Special Committee has reviewed relevant documents, conducted interviews and worked with outside counsel to investigate these matters and to recommend appropriate actions to the Board with respect to the SEC investigation. On August 9, 2007, Messrs. SteinmanSteinman’s and Folse’s employment with the Company was terminated.

On the basis of an extensive review of evidence concerning this matter and the work of the Special Committee, the Board unanimously voted to reinstate Mr. Pollock as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 28, 2008. Effective March 15, 2009, Mr. Camacho resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Starting March 16, 2009, Mr. Camacho began assisting the Company as a consultant for a 12-month transition period. The Board also reinstated Mr. Lamnin, who returned to the Company reporting to Mr. Pollock, and initially, assisting with a variety of strategic projects. The Board’s decisions to reinstate Messrs. Pollock and Lamnin and Mr. Camacho’s decision to reinstate Mr. Pollock impliesresign imply no conclusion concerning the outcome of the SEC staff’sStaff’s ongoing investigation, and the SEC staff’sStaff’s Wells noticenotices to him remainsthem remain in effect. The SEC staff’sStaff’s inquiry continues and we are cooperating fully. We cannot predict the duration or outcome of the investigation.

In the course of its response to SEC staffStaff inquiries, wethe Company identified certain problems related to ourits document production process. These production issues have delayed resolution of this matter. The Company believes that it has now completed its response to the SEC staff’sStaff’s document request. Messrs. Camacho and Lamnin remain on administrative leave.

In relation to the SEC investigation discussed above, the SEC may charge the Company and/or the individuals with violations of the federal securities laws, including alleging violations of Sections 10(b), 13(a), and/or 13(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and/or Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, and may seek civil monetary penalties, injunctive relief and other remedies against the Company and individuals, including potentially seeking a bar preventing one or more of the individuals from serving as an officer or director of a public company. The SEC may also take the position that the Company should restate its consolidated financial statements to address the accounting treatment referred to above. No settlement of any kind can be reached without approval by the SEC and we have not accrued for any civil monetary penalties because wethe Company cannot reasonably estimate the probability or amount of such penalties at this time.

Item 1A.Risk Factors.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our 20072008 Annual Report on Form 10-K described our Risk Factors. ThereOther than as discussed in Item 1, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors during the three months endingended March 31, 2008.2009.

Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 6.Exhibits.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company has filed or incorporated by reference certain agreements as exhibits to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in the Company’s public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the Company’s actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.

The following exhibits either (a) are filed with this report or (b) have previously been filed with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference to those prior filings. Exhibits are available upon request at the investor relations section of our website atwww.assurant.com. www.assurant.com. Our website is not a part of this report and is not incorporated by reference in this report.

 

Exhibit

Number

10.1
  

Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit Description

10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, originally filed on March 16, 2009).
10.2Separation Agreement, dated March 3, 2009, by and between Assurant, Inc. and Philip Bruce Camacho (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, originally filed on March 9, 2009).
10.3Consulting Agreement, dated March 3, 2009, by and between Assurant, Inc. and Philip Bruce Camacho (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, originally filed on March 9, 2009).
12.1Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges as of March 31, 2009.
31.1  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Assurant, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2  Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer of Assurant, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SIGNATURES

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

 

 ASSURANT, INC.
Date: May 12, 200806, 2009 By: 

/s/ Robert B. Pollock

Name:Robert B. Pollock
 Title:Name: Robert B. Pollock
 Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 12, 200806, 2009 By: 

/s/ Michael J. Peninger

Name:Michael J. Peninger
 Title:Name: Michael J. Peninger
 Title:   Executive Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

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