Note 7. | Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share |
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the loss per common share calculations is as follows:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | |
| | Loss | | | Weighted Average Shares (In thousands) | | Per Share Amount | |
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share: | | | | | | |
| |
Net loss | | $ | (4,426 | ) | | | 20,146 | | | | |
Less preferred stock dividends | | | (100 | ) | | | — | | | | |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders | | $ | (4,526 | ) | | | 20,146 |
| $ | (.22 | ) |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 | |
| | Income | | | Weighted Average Shares (In thousands) | | | Per Share Amount | |
Basic Earnings Per Common Share: | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 3,185 | | | | 20,286 | |
|
| |
Less preferred stock dividends | | | (100 | ) | | | | | |
| |
Net income applicable to common shareholders | | | 3,085 | | | | 20,286 | | | $ | .15 | |
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Series D preferred stock | | | 100 | | | | 1,378 | | | | | |
Net income applicable to common shareholders | | $ | 3,185 | | | | 21,664 | | | $ | .15 | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | |
| | Loss | | | Weighted Average Shares (In thousands) | | Per Share Amount | |
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share: | | | | | | |
| |
Net loss | | $ | (264 | ) | | | 20,152 | | |
| |
Less preferred stock dividends | | | (199 | ) | | | — | | |
| |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders | | $ | (463 | ) | | | 20,152 |
| $ | (.02 | ) |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 | |
| | Loss | | | Weighted Average Shares (In thousands) | | Per Share Amount | |
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share: | | | | | | |
| |
Net loss | | $ | (1,839 | ) | | | 20,352 | | | | |
Less preferred stock dividends | | | (199 | ) | | | — | | | | |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders | | $ | (2,038 | ) | | | 20,352 |
| $ | (.10
| ) |
The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D preferred stock was excluded from the earnings (loss) per common share calculation for all periods presented, except for the three month period ended June 30, 2018, since its impact would have been antidilutive.
A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and income tax benefit is as follows:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 21% | | $ | (1,174 | ) | | $ | 847 | | | $ | (64 | ) | | $ | (487 | ) |
Dividends-received deduction | | | (5 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (20 | ) |
Other permanent differences | | | 16 | | | | 11 | | | | 38 | | | | 28 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | $ | (1,163 | ) | | $ | 848 | | | $ | (40 | ) | | $ | (479 | ) |
The components of income tax benefit were:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Current - Federal | | $ | 572 | | | $ | 703 | | | $ | 572 | | | $ | 739 | |
Deferred - Federal | | | (1,735 | ) | | | 145 | | | | (612 | ) | | | (1,218 | ) |
Total | | $ | (1,163 | ) | | $ | 848 | | | $ | (40 | ) | | $ | (479 | ) |
The Company has identified two operating lease agreements, each for the use of office space in the ordinary course of business.
The first lease renews annually on an automatic basis and based on original assumptions, management is reasonably certain to exercise the renewal option for an additional eight years from the January 1, 2019 effective date of the new lease guidance. The original term of the second lease was ten years and amended in January 2017 to provide for an additional seven years, with a termination date on September 30, 2026. The rate used in determining the present value of lease payments is based upon an estimate of the Company’s incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the underlying lease.
These leases are accounted for as operating leases, whereby lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease expense reported for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $507. See the “Adoption of New Accounting Standards – Leases” section of Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the accounting for leases.
Additional information regarding the Company’s real estate operating leases is as follows:
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | |
Other information on operating leases: | | | |
Cash payments included in the measurement of lease liabilities reported in operating cash flows | | $ | 450 | |
Right-of-use assets included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet | | | 5,785 | |
Weighted average discount rate | | | 6.8 | % |
Weighted average remaining lease term in years | | 7.4 years | |
The following table presents maturities and present value of the Company’s lease liabilities:
| | Lease Liability | |
Remainder of 2019 | | $ | 365 | |
2020 | | | 978 | |
2021 | | | 1,015 | |
2022 | | | 1,031 | |
2023 | | | 1,048 | |
Thereafter | | | 3,091 | |
Total undiscounted lease payments | | | 7,528 | |
Less: present value adjustment | | | 1,685 | |
Operating lease liability included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet | | $ | 5,843 | |
As of June 30, 2019, the Company has no operating leases that have not yet commenced.
Note 10. | Commitments and Contingencies |
From time to time, the Company is, and expects to continue to be, involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses. In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Note 11. | Segment Information |
The Parent’s primary insurance subsidiaries, American Southern and Bankers Fidelity, operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products. American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market. Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance. The following sets forth the assets, revenue and income (loss) before income taxes for each business unit as of and for the periods ended 2019 and 2018.
Assets | | June 30, 2019 | | | December 31, 2018 | |
American Southern | | $ | 142,059 | | | $ | 122,724 | |
Bankers Fidelity | | | 206,513 | | | | 195,663 | |
Corporate and Other | | | 148,424 | | | | 134,643 | |
Adjustments & Eliminations | | | (125,266 | ) | | | (108,756 | ) |
Total assets | | $ | 371,730 | | | $ | 344,274 | |
Revenues | | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
American Southern | | $ | 15,740 | | | $ | 14,643 | | | $ | 30,975 | | | $ | 28,176 | |
Bankers Fidelity | | | 31,244 | | | | 31,641 | | | | 65,620 | | | | 61,754 | |
Corporate and Other | | | (1,261 | ) | | | 5,939 | | | | 6,617 | | | | 5,419 | |
Adjustments & Eliminations | | | (2,596 | ) | | | (2,780 | ) | | | (5,067 | ) | | | (5,366 | ) |
Total revenue | | $ | 43,127 | | | $ | 49,443 | | | $ | 98,145 | | | $ | 89,983 | |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
American Southern | | $ | 1,396 | | | $ | 1,929 | | | $ | 3,378 | | | $ | 2,897 | |
Bankers Fidelity | | | (1,998 | ) | | | 261 | | | | (2,494 | ) | | | (2,274 | ) |
Corporate and Other | | | (4,987 | ) | | | 1,843 | | | | (1,188 | ) | | | (2,941 | ) |
Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (5,589 | ) | | $ | 4,033 | | | $ | (304 | ) | | $ | (2,318 | ) |
Note 12. | Related Party Transactions |
During the three month period ended June 30, 2019, the Company transferred its remaining fractional interest in an aircraft arrangement to Gray Television, Inc., a related party, for $151.
Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) as of and for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”).
Atlantic American is an insurance holding company whose operations are conducted primarily through its insurance subsidiaries: American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”). Each operating company is managed separately, offers different products and is evaluated on its individual performance.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability. The Company’s critical accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management are disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report. Except as disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company’s critical accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report.
Overall Corporate Results
The following presents the Company’s revenue, expenses and net income (loss) for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and the comparable period in 2018:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Insurance premiums, net | | $ | 45,469 | | | $ | 42,845 | | | $ | 90,251 | | | $ | 85,047 | |
Net investment income | | | 2,313 | | | | 2,537 | | | | 4,647 | | | | 4,896 | |
Realized investment gains (losses), net | | | 610 | | | | (57 | ) | | | 1,995 | | | | 313 | |
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net | | | (5,337 | ) | | | 4,089 | | | | 1,152 | | | | (330 | ) |
Other income | | | 72 | | | | 29 | | | | 100 | | | | 57 | |
Total revenue | | | 43,127 | | | | 49,443 | | | | 98,145 | | | | 89,983 | |
Insurance benefits and losses incurred | | | 34,151 | | | | 32,219 | | | | 69,458 | | | | 65,391 | |
Commissions and underwriting expenses | | | 11,509 | | | | 9,715 | | | | 22,524 | | | | 19,734 | |
Interest expense | | | 545 | | | | 506 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 968 | |
Other expense | | | 2,511 | | | | 2,970 | | | | 5,376 | | | | 6,208 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | | 48,716 | | | | 45,410 | | | | 98,449 | | | | 92,301 | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (5,589 | ) | | $ | 4,033 | | | $ | (304 | ) | | $ | (2,318 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (4,426 | ) | | $ | 3,185 | | | $ | (264 | ) | | $ | (1,839 | ) |
Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income (loss), and believes it is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” operating results of the Company before considering certain items that are either beyond the control of management (such as taxes, which are subject to timing, regulatory and rate changes depending on the timing of the associated revenues and expenses) or are not expected to regularly impact the Company’s operational results (such as any realized and unrealized investment gains, which are not a part of the Company’s primary operations and are, to a limited extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization).
A reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating loss for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and the comparable period in 2018 is as follows:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (4,426 | ) | | $ | 3,185 | | | $ | (264 | ) | | $ | (1,839 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (1,163 | ) | | | 848 | | | | (40 | ) | | | (479 | ) |
Realized investment (gains) losses, net | | | (610 | ) | | | 57 | | | | (1,995 | ) | | | (313 | ) |
Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net | | | 5,337 | | | | (4,089 | ) | | | (1,152 | ) | | | 330 | |
Non-GAAP operating income (loss) | | $ | (862 | ) | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (3,451 | ) | | $ | (2,301 | ) |
On a consolidated basis, the Company had net loss of $4.4 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to net income of $3.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the three month period ended June 30, 2018. The Company had net loss of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the six month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the six month period ended June 30, 2018. Premium revenue for the three month period ended June 30, 2019 increased $2.6 million, or 6.1%, to $45.5 million from $42.8 million in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, premium revenue increased $5.2 million, or 6.1%, to $90.3 million from $85.0 million in the comparable period in 2018. The increase in premium revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in Medicare supplement business in the life and health operations, coupled with an increase in the automobile physical damage line of business in the property and casualty operations. Operating loss increased $0.9 million in the three month period ended June 30, 2019 from the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, the operating loss increased $1.2 million over the comparable period in 2018. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to unfavorable loss experience in the life and health operations.
A more detailed analysis of the individual operating segments and other corporate activities follows.
American Southern
The following summarizes American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and the comparable periods in 2018:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 32,581 | | | $ | 28,501 | | | $ | 40,275 | | | $ | 35,342 | |
Ceded premiums | | | (1,313 | ) | | | (1,228 | ) | | | (2,688 | ) | | | (2,431 | ) |
Net written premiums | | $ | 31,268 | | | $ | 27,273 | | | $ | 37,587 | | | $ | 32,911 | |
Net earned premiums | | $ | 14,754 | | | $ | 13,542 | | | $ | 28,560 | | | $ | 26,249 | |
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | | | 9,863 | | | | 8,695 | | | | 18,906 | | | | 17,872 | |
Underwriting expenses | | | 4,480 | | | | 4,019 | | | | 8,690 | | | | 7,406 | |
Underwriting income | | $ | 411 | | | $ | 828 | | | $ | 964 | | | $ | 971 | |
Loss ratio | | | 66.8 | % | | | 64.2 | % | | | 66.2 | % | | | 68.1 | % |
Expense ratio | | | 30.4 | | | | 29.7 | | | | 30.4 | | | | 28.2 | |
Combined ratio | | | 97.2 | % | | | 93.9 | % | | | 96.6 | % | | | 96.3 | % |
Gross written premiums at American Southern increased $4.1 million, or 14.3%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 and $4.9 million, or 14.0%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, from the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in gross written premiums was primarily attributable to an increase in premiums written in the automobile physical damage line of business due to increased writings from certain agencies and a new agency that started in the second half of 2018. Partially offsetting the increase in gross written premiums was a decline in premiums written in the surety line of business as a result of increased competition.
Ceded premiums increased $0.1 million, or 6.9%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 and $0.3 million, or 10.6%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, from the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in ceded premiums in 2019 was due primarily to an increase in earned premiums in certain accounts within the automobile physical damage and general liability lines of business, which are subject to reinsurance.
The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and the comparable periods in 2018:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Automobile liability | | $ | 7,813 | | | $ | 7,380 | | | $ | 14,837 | | | $ | 14,245 | |
Automobile physical damage | | | 3,799 | | | | 2,897 | | | | 7,401 | | | | 5,352 | |
General liability | | | 819 | | | | 715 | | | | 1,603 | | | | 1,453 | |
Surety | | | 1,608 | | | | 1,778 | | | | 3,295 | | | | 3,712 | |
Other lines | | | 715 | | | | 772 | | | | 1,424 | | | | 1,487 | |
Total | | $ | 14,754 | | | $ | 13,542 | | | $ | 28,560 | | | $ | 26,249 | |
Net earned premiums increased $1.2 million, or 8.9%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and increased $2.3 million, or 8.8%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in net earned premiums was primarily attributable to an increase in automobile physical damage coverage resulting from additional writings from a new agency as previously mentioned. Premiums are earned ratably over their respective policy terms, and therefore premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediately preceding year.
The performance of an insurance company is often measured by its combined ratio. The combined ratio represents the percentage of losses, loss adjustment expenses and other expenses that are incurred for each dollar of premium earned by the Company. A combined ratio of under 100% represents an underwriting profit while a combined ratio of over 100% indicates an underwriting loss. The combined ratio is divided into two components, the loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned) and the expense ratio (the ratio of expenses incurred to premiums earned).
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern increased $1.2 million, or 13.4%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $1.0 million, or 5.8%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. As a percentage of earned premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 66.8% in the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to 64.2% in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, this ratio decreased to 66.2% from 68.1% in the comparable period in 2018. The increase in the loss ratio during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to less favorable loss experience in the auto liability, auto physical damage and general liability lines of business. The decrease in the loss ratio during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the severity of losses in the surety line of business.
Underwriting expenses increased $0.5 million, or 11.5%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $1.3 million, or 17.3%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 30.4% in the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to 29.7% in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, this ratio increased to 30.4% from 28.2% in the comparable period in 2018. The increase in the expense ratio during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to American Southern’s use of a variable commission structure with certain agents, which compensates the participating agents in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write. During periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease. During the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019, variable commissions at American Southern increased $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2018 due to more favorable loss experience in the surety line of business.
Bankers Fidelity
The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and the comparable periods in 2018:
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | |
Medicare supplement | | $ | 44,541 | | | $ | 40,264 | | | $ | 88,870 | | | $ | 79,427 | |
Other health products | | | 1,896 | | | | 1,745 | | | | 3,886 | | | | 3,590 | |
Life insurance | | | 2,154 | | | | 2,271 | | | | 4,296 | | | | 4,573 | |
Gross earned premiums | | | 48,591 | | | | 44,280 | | | | 97,052 | | | | 87,590 | |
Ceded premiums | | | (17,876 | ) | | | (14,977 | ) | | | (35,361 | ) | | | (28,792 | ) |
Net earned premiums | | | 30,715 | | | | 29,303 | | | | 61,691 | | | | 58,798 | |
Insurance benefits and losses | | | 24,288 | | | | 23,524 | | | | 50,552 | | | | 47,519 | |
Underwriting expenses | | | 8,954 | | | | 7,857 | | | | 17,562 | | | | 16,509 | |
Total expenses | | | 33,242 | | | | 31,381 | | | | 68,114 | | | | 64,028 | |
Underwriting loss | | $ | (2,527 | ) | | $ | (2,078 | ) | | $ | (6,423 | ) | | $ | (5,230 | ) |
Loss ratio | | | 79.1 | % | | | 80.3 | % | | | 81.9 | % | | | 80.8 | % |
Expense ratio | | | 29.2 | | | | 26.8 | | | | 28.5 | | | | 28.1 | |
Combined ratio | | | 108.3 | % | | | 107.1 | % | | | 110.4 | % | | | 108.9 | % |
Net earned premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $1.4 million, or 4.8%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $2.9 million, or 4.9%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. Gross earned premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $4.3 million, or 10.6%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $9.4 million, or 11.9%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, due primarily to successful execution of new business generating strategies with both new and existing agents. Other health product premiums increased $0.2 million, or 8.7%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $0.3 million, or 8.2%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, from the comparable periods in 2018, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s hospital indemnity and group health products. Gross earned premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 5.2%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $0.3 million, or 6.1%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 from the comparable periods in 2018 due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity. Premiums ceded increased $2.9 million, or 19.4%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 and $6.6 million, or 22.8%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in ceded premiums for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 was due to a significant increase in Medicare supplement premiums subject to reinsurance.
Benefits and losses increased $0.8 million, or 3.2%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $3.0 million, or 6.4%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. As a percentage of earned premiums, benefits and losses were 79.1% in the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to 80.3% in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, this ratio increased to 81.9% from 80.8% in the comparable period in 2018. The decrease in the loss ratio for the three month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to more favorable loss experience in the life insurance and certain products in the other health lines of business. The increase in the loss ratio for the six month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to unfavorable loss experience in the Medicare supplement line of business. Throughout 2018 and continuing into the six month period ended June 30, 2019, Bankers Fidelity experienced a higher than expected level of claims in the Medicare supplement line of business which had an unfavorable effect on the Company’s loss patterns and increased the resultant loss ratio.
Underwriting expenses increased $1.1 million, or 14.0%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $1.1 million, or 6.4%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 29.2% in the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to 26.8% in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, this ratio increased to 28.5% from 28.1% in the comparable period in 2018. The increase in the expense ratio for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in expenses related to servicing the Medicare supplement line of business.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)
Investment income decreased $0.2 million, or 8.8%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $0.2 million, or 5.1%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. The decrease in investment income was primarily attributable to a decrease in the equity in earnings from investments in real estate partnerships during the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2018.
The Company had net realized investment gains of $0.6 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to net realized investment losses of $0.1 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2018. The Company had net realized investment gains of $2.0 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to net realized investment gains of $0.3 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2018. The net realized investment gains during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 resulted from the disposition of certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities. The net realized investment gains during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 resulted from the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities and equity securities. Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and makes adjustments for impairments and/or divests investments as may be determined to be appropriate.
UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON EQUITY SECURITIES
On January 1, 2018 the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, which requires, among other things, investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period, with any changes in fair value reported in net income. As a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, the Company recognized net unrealized losses on equity securities still held of $5.3 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2019 and unrealized gains on equity securities still held of $4.1 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2018. The Company recognized net unrealized gains on equity securities still held of $1.2 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 and unrealized losses on equity securities still held of $0.3 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2018. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities for the applicable periods are primarily the result of fluctuations in the market values of the Company’s equity investments.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense remained relatively consistent during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and increased $0.1 million, or 12.7%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, over the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as the interest rates on the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) are directly related to LIBOR.
OTHER EXPENSES
Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) increased $1.3 million, or 10.5%, during the three month period ended June 30, 2019, and $2.0 million, or 7.5%, during the six month period ended June 30, 2019, from the comparable periods in 2018. The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to increased costs associated with the growth of the Medicare supplement line of business. Also contributing to the increase in other expenses was a $0.1 million and $0.6 million increase in the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019, respectively, in the variable commission accrual in the property and casualty operations. On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses increased to 30.8% in the three month period ended June 30, 2019 from 29.6% in the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, this ratio increased to 30.9% from 30.5% in the comparable period in 2018. The increase in the expense ratio during the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to the increase costs associated with the growth in Medicare supplement line of business and variable commissions, as discussed previously.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels, and meeting debt service requirements. Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but generally are expected to continue within historical ranges. The Company’s primary sources of cash are written premiums, investment income and proceeds from the sale and maturity of its invested assets. The Company believes that, within each operating company, total invested assets will be sufficient to satisfy all policy liabilities and that cash inflows from investment earnings, future premium receipts and reinsurance collections will be adequate to fund the payment of claims and operating expenses as needed.
Cash flows at the Parent are derived from dividends, management fees, and tax-sharing payments, as described below, from the subsidiaries. The principal cash needs of the Parent are for the payment of operating expenses, the acquisition of capital assets and debt service requirements, as well as the repurchase of shares and payments of any dividends as may be authorized and approved by the Company’s board of directors from time to time. At June 30, 2019, the Parent had approximately $15.0 million of unrestricted cash and investments.
The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported a statutory net loss of $1.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to statutory net loss of $1.0 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2018. Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business. In periods in which the Company’s first year premiums increase, statutory results are generally lower than results determined under GAAP. Statutory results for the Company’s property and casualty operations may differ from the Company’s results of operations under GAAP due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s life and health operations’ statutory results may differ from GAAP results primarily due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes, as well as the use of different reserving methods.
Over 90% of the invested assets of the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries are invested in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, the use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations. Dividend payments to a parent corporation by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries. At June 30, 2019, American Southern had $42.0 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $28.0 million of statutory surplus. In 2019, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $4.3 million would require prior approval. Through June 30, 2019, the Parent received dividends of $2.4 million from its subsidiaries.
The Parent provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries. The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries include reimbursements for various shared services and other expenses incurred directly on behalf of the subsidiaries by the Parent. In addition, there is in place a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Parent and its insurance subsidiaries. As a result of the Parent’s tax loss, it is anticipated that the tax-sharing agreement will continue to provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries to assist in meeting its cash flow obligations.
The Company has two statutory trusts which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts and investing the gross proceeds of the trust preferred securities in Junior Subordinated Debentures. The outstanding $18.0 million and $15.7 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 4, 2032 and May 15, 2033, respectively, are callable quarterly, in whole or in part, only at the option of the Company, and have an interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The margin ranges from 4.00% to 4.10%. At June 30, 2019, the effective interest rate was 6.57%. The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuances of the trust preferred securities represent a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent of each trust’s obligations with respect to the trust preferred securities. Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer Junior Subordinated Debenture interest payments, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related trust preferred securities. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has not made such an election.
The Company intends to pay its obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures using existing cash balances, dividend and tax-sharing payments from the operating subsidiaries, or from potential future financing arrangements.
At June 30, 2019, the Company had 55,000 shares of Series D preferred stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) outstanding. All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock are held by an affiliate of the Company’s controlling shareholder. The outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative. In certain circumstances, the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,378,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval; and are redeemable solely at the Company’s option. The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently convertible. At June 30, 2019, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.2 million.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $12.6 million at December 31, 2018 to $11.5 million at June 30, 2019. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to net cash used in operating activities of $7.2 million, partially offset by a $6.6 million increase resulting from investment sales and maturity of securities exceeding purchases of securities.
The Company believes that existing cash balances as well as the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it expects to receive from its subsidiaries and, if needed, additional borrowings from financial institutions, will enable the Company to meet its liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. Management is not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, capital resources or operations.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company disclosed its off-balance sheet arrangements in the 2018 Annual Report. As of June 30, 2019, there have been no material changes to these off-balance sheet arrangements outside the ordinary course of business.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As a smaller reporting company, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore is not providing the table of contractual obligations required by Item 303 of Regulation S-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and, while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and may not be detected. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws. Statements, to the extent they are not statements of historical facts, should be considered forward-looking statements, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties, including those identified in filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not known by us, or that we currently determine to not be material, may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts, or otherwise.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On October 31, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan that allows for the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Repurchase Plan”) on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company. Any such repurchases could be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements. The Company suspended the Repurchase Plan in May 2019 in connection with ending the relationship with the registered broker under the Repurchase Plan. The Company expects to evaluate implementation of a replacement plan in the future.
Other than pursuant to the Repurchase Plan, no purchases of common stock of the Company were made by or on behalf of the Company during the periods described below.
The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of shares of its common stock on a monthly basis during the three month period ended June 30, 2019.
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | | Average Price Paid per Share | | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |
April 1 – April 30, 2019 | | | 6,400 | | | $ | 2.56 | | | | 6,400 | | | | 327,074 | |
May 1 – May 31, 2019 | | | 1,945 | | | | 2.55 | | | | 1,945 | | | | 325,129 | |
June 1 – June 30, 2019 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 325,129 | |
Total | | | 8,345 | | | $ | 2.56 | | | | 8,345 | | | | | |
| Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. |
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101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. |
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101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. |
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101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. |
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101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. |
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101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION |
| (Registrant) |
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Date: August 13, 2019 | By: | /s/ J. Ross Franklin |
| | J. Ross Franklin |
| | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |