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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                     .

000-50641
(Commission File Number)


PROCENTURY CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Ohio    
(State or other jurisdiction of   31-1718622
incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
465 Cleveland Avenue    
Westerville, Ohio   43082
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(614) 895-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


     Indicate by check mark whether 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 report(s)), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES þ     NO o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES o     NO þ

     As of May 13, 2005, the registrant had 13,211,019 outstanding Common Shares, without par value.

 
 

 


Table of Contents

PROCENTURY CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2005

INDEX

         
    Page  
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
    3  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    6  
    7  
    18  
    29  
    30  
 
       
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
    30  
    30  
    30  
    30  
    30  
    31  
    32  
 Exhibit 10.2
 Exhibit 10.3
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PROCENTURY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                 
    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Premiums earned
  $ 41,520       32,059  
Net investment income
    3,159       1,965  
Net realized investment (losses) gains
    (59 )     123  
 
           
Total revenues
    44,620       34,147  
 
               
Losses and loss expenses
    25,727       18,902  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,220       6,850  
Other operating expenses
    3,065       3,580  
Severance expense
    793       250  
Interest expense
    417       415  
 
           
Total expenses
    40,222       29,997  
 
               
Income before income tax
    4,398       4,150  
Income tax expense
    1,319       1,262  
 
           
Net income
  $ 3,079       2,888  
 
           
 
               
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.24       0.58  
 
           
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.23       0.58  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average of shares outstanding – basic
    13,046,339       5,000,532  
 
           
Weighted average of shares outstanding – diluted
    13,129,546       5,000,532  
 
           

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

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PROCENTURY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                 
            December 31,  
    March 31, 2005     2004  
Assets
               
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities:
               
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost 2005, $265,282; 2004, $262,470)
  $ 262,469       263,401  
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value 2005, $1,132; 2004, $1,156)
    1,138       1,142  
Equities (available-for-sale):
               
Equity securities, at fair value (cost 2005, $21,233; 2004, $17,944)
    20,847       18,228  
Bond mutual funds, at fair value (cost 2005, $27,845; 2004, $18,943)
    27,414       18,921  
Short-term investments, at amortized cost
    3,000       4,026  
 
           
Total investments
    314,868       305,718  
Cash
    3,568       6,681  
Premiums in course of collection, net
    14,823       11,747  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    17,506       17,411  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    9,070       9,382  
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses, net
    4,220       3,897  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, net
    31,555       29,485  
Deferred federal income tax asset
    7,701       5,442  
Other assets
    6,106       5,164  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 409,417       394,927  
 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Loss and loss expense reserves
    165,736       153,236  
Unearned premiums
    82,589       82,135  
Long term debt
    25,000       25,000  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    9,123       9,051  
Collateral held
    9,825       7,008  
Federal income taxes payable
    1,870       3,260  
 
           
Total liabilities
    294,143       279,690  
 
           
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Capital stock, without par value
           
Additional paid-in capital
    100,139       100,103  
Retained earnings
    18,541       15,727  
Unearned share compensation
    (1,091 )     (1,413 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes
    (2,315 )     820  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    115,274       115,237  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 409,417       394,927  
 
           

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

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PROCENTURY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly ProFinance Holdings Corporation)

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

                 
    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Capital stock:
               
Beginning of period
  $        
Stock issued
           
 
           
End of period
           
 
           
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Beginning of period
    100,103       26,867  
Shares issued under share compensation plans
    36        
 
           
End of period
    100,139       26,867  
 
           
Retained earnings:
               
Beginning of period
    15,727       8,297  
Net income
    3,079       2,888  
Dividends
    (265 )      
 
           
End of period
    18,541       11,185  
 
           
Unearned share compensation:
               
Beginning of period
    (1,413 )      
Vesting of restricted shares
    322        
 
           
End of period
    (1,091 )      
 
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
               
Beginning of period
    820       1,234  
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment
    (3,135 )     1,264  
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, discontinued operations
          (1 )
 
           
End of period
    (2,315 )     2,497  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 115,274       40,549  
 
           
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
               
Net income
  $ 3,079       2,888  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
               
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
               
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period:
               
Gross
    (4,881 )     2,074  
Related federal income tax benefit (expense)
    1,708       (730 )
 
           
Net unrealized (losses) gains
    (3,173 )     1,344  
 
           
Reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income
               
Gross
    (59 )     123  
Related federal income tax benefit (expense)
    21       (43 )
 
           
Net reclassification adjustment
    (38 )     80  
 
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (3,135 )     1,264  
 
           
Other comprehensive loss, discontinued operations
          (1 )
 
           
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    (3,135 )     1,263  
 
           
Total comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (56 )     4,151  
 
           

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

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PROCENTURY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

                 
    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 3,079       2,888  
Adjustments:
               
Net realized investment losses (gains)
    59       (123 )
Deferred federal income tax benefit
    (572 )     97  
Restricted share compensation
    358        
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Premiums in course of collection, net
    (3,076 )     (853 )
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (95 )     (2,603 )
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    312       (9,592 )
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, net
    (2,393 )     (3,843 )
Federal income taxes payable
    (1,390 )     2,837  
Losses and loss expense reserves
    12,500       13,405  
Unearned premiums
    454       14,062  
Receivable from subsidiary available for sale
          2,706  
Discontinued operations
          (5,612 )
Other, net
    2,475       (2,059 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    11,711       11,310
 
           
Cash flows used in investing activities:
               
Purchases of equity securities
    (31,159 )     (19,365 )
Purchase of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
    (35,034 )     (44,411 )
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
    18,935       18,874  
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities available-for-sale
    31,673       13,991  
Net proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    1,026       16,292  
Discontinued operations
          3,899  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (14,559 )     (10,720 )
 
           
Cash flows used in financing activities:
               
Principal payment on long term debt
          (234 )
Dividend paid to shareholders
    (265 )      
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (265 )     (234 )
 
           
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,113 )     356  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
    6,681       5,814  
 
           
Cash and equivalents at end of year
  $ 3,568       6,170  
 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 417       435  
 
           
Federal income taxes paid
  $ 3,281        
 
           

     See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

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PROCENTURY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

March 31, 2005

(Unaudited)

(1)   Basis of Presentation
 
    The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements and notes include the accounts of ProCentury Corporation , (the “Company” or “ProCentury”) and its wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Century Surety Company (“Century”). The interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods have been included. These interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K Filing at December 31, 2004. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
 
    On April 20, 2004, the common shares of Evergreen National Indemnity Company (“Evergreen”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Continental Heritage Insurance Company (“Continental”) (formerly controlled subsidiaries of Century) were distributed as dividends from Century to ProCentury and then by ProCentury to ProCentury’s existing Class A shareholders. Prior to the dividends, Evergreen was a controlled subsidiary of Century. The operations of Evergreen and Continental consisted of ProCentury’s historical surety and assumed workers’ compensation lines of insurance, which were re-classified (net of minority interest and income taxes) as discontinued operations in the accompanying interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and notes for 2004.
 
    In preparing the interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements, management was required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
 
    Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of loss and loss expense reserves, the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs, the determination of federal income taxes, the net realizable value of reinsurance recoverables and the determination of other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the amounts provided are adequate. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are generally reflected in current operations.
 
    All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
    Share Option Accounting
 
    The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation (an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25), and other related accounting interpretations for the Company’s share option and restricted common share

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    plans utilizing the “intrinsic value method.” The Company also follows the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for the Company’s share option grants, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure; an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. This disclosure requires pro forma net income and earnings per share information, which is calculated assuming the Company has accounted for its stock option plans under the “fair value method” described in SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148.
 
    If the Company recorded compensation expense for its share option grants based on the “fair value method,” the Company’s net income and income per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts as indicated in the following table:

                                 
    For the Three Months Ended    
    March 31,    
    2005     2004    
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
Net income:
               
As reported
  $ 3,079       2,888  
Add: Share-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    232        
Less: Additional share-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (592 )      
 
           
Pro Forma
  $ 2,719       2,888  
 
           
Basic income per common share:
               
As reported
  $ 0.24       0.58  
 
           
Pro Forma
  $ 0.21       0.58  
 
           
Diluted income per common share:
               
As reported
  $ 0.23       0.58  
 
           
Pro Forma
  $ 0.21       0.58  
 
           

    No share option or restricted common share-based compensation expense is included in reported net income for 2004, as the Company had no common share equivalents granted during the first quarter of 2004.
 
    The fair values of the share options and restricted common shares are estimated on the dates of grant using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

         
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31, 2005  
     
Risk free interest rate
    3.69 %
Dividend yield
    0.76 %
Volatility factor
    .231  
Weighted average expected option life
  6.1 Years

    In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement No. 123 (SFAS 123R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of employee stock options and similar awards, for all options vesting, granted, or modified after the effective date of this revised statement. The accounting provisions of SFAS 123R were to become effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a final rule amending Rule 4-01(a) of Regulation S-X regarding the compliance date for SFAS 123R. This ruling delays the effective date of SFAS 123R to the first interim or annual reporting period of the registrant’s first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005. As a result, the accounting provisions of SFAS 123R will become effective beginning in 2006 for the Company’s financial statements.

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(2)   Income per Common Share
 
    Basic income per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares (common share equivalents) were exercised. When inclusion of common share equivalents increases the EPS or reduces the loss per share, the effect on earnings is antidilutive. Under these circumstances, diluted net income or net loss per share is computed excluding the common share equivalents.
 
    On April 21, 2004, the Company’s Class A common shares split on a 500 to 1 basis. Prior periods’ share and per share data has been adjusted to reflect this split. On April 26, 2004, the Company issued 8,000,000 common shares, which are reflected in the Company’s basic share and per share data for all periods after April 26, 2004.
 
    On April 26, 2004 and August 5, 2004, the Company issued 101,200 and 54,800 non-performance based restricted common shares, respectively. These shares are included in the Company’s basic shares and per share data once vested. The non-vested shares are considered dilutive and included in the diluted share and per share data based on the treasury share method.
 
    On April 26, 2004 and March 22, 2005, the Company issued 364,000 and 6,000 qualified and non-qualified share options to employees and non-employee board members, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the share options are considered dilutive, and therefore are included in the diluted share and per share data based on the treasury share method.
 
    On March 22, 2005, the Company issued 55,024 performance based restricted shares. These shares are not include in the Company’s basic or diluted share calculation as they are contingently issuable based on the performance criteria in the share agreements.
 
    Based on the above and pursuant to disclosure requirements contained in SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, the following information represents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS computations contained in the Company’s interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

                         
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
    Income     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Basic Net Income Per Share
                       
Net income before discontinued operations
  $ 3,079       13,046,339     $ 0.24  
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                       
Restricted common shares and share options
          83,207       0.01  
 
                 
Diluted EPS
                       
Net income
  $ 3,079       13,129,546     $ 0.23  
 
                 

    Diluted EPS is the same as Basic EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2004 because the Company had no common share equivalents granted during that period.

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(3)   Investments
 
    The Company invests primarily in investment-grade fixed maturity securities. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity were as follows:

                                 
    March 31, 2005  
    (dollars in thousands)  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     fair  
    cost     gains     losses     value  
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 89       12             101  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
    1,049             (18 )     1,031  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,138       12       (18 )     1,132  
 
                       
                                 
    December 31, 2004  
    (dollars in thousands)  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     fair  
    cost     gains     losses     value  
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 89       13             102  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
    1,053       1             1,054  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,142       14             1,156  
 
                       

    The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

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    March 31, 2005  
    (dollars in thousands)  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     fair  
    cost     gains     losses     value  
Fixed maturities:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 3,067       17       (32 )     3,052  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
    14,319             (223 )     14,096  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    121,397       332       (1,330 )     120,399  
Corporate securities
    35,527       22       (664 )     34,885  
Mortgage-backed securities
    35,282       107       (443 )     34,946  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    30,108       43       (369 )     29,782  
Asset-backed securities
    25,582       65       (338 )     25,309  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities
    265,282       586       (3,399 )     262,469  
 
                       
Equities:
                               
Equity securities
    21,233       147       (533 )     20,847  
Bond mutual funds
    27,845             (431 )     27,414  
 
                       
Total equities
    49,078       147       (964 )     48,261  
 
                       
Total
  $ 314,360       733       (4,363 )     310,730  
 
                       
                                 
    December 31, 2004  
    (dollars in thousands)  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     fair  
    cost     gains     losses     value  
Fixed maturities:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 4,169       35       (32 )     4,172  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
    16,805       98       (84 )     16,819  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    119,893       1,225       (399 )     120,717  
Corporate securities
    46,249       200       (300 )     46,149  
Mortgage-backed securities
    33,148       276       (48 )     33,376  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    23,825       72       (120 )     23,777  
Asset-backed securities
    18,383       135       (127 )     18,391  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities
    262,470       2,041       (1,110 )     263,401  
 
                       
Equities:
                               
Equity securities
    17,944       458       (174 )     18,228  
Bond mutual funds
    18,943       3       (25 )     18,921  
 
                       
Total equities
    36,887       461       (199 )     37,149  
 
                       
Total
  $ 299,358       2,501       (1,309 )     300,550  
 
                       

    Under the Company’s accounting policy for equity securities and fixed-maturity securities that can be contractually prepaid or otherwise settled in a way that may limit the Company’s ability to fully recover cost, an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary unless the Company has both the ability and intent to hold the investment for a reasonable period until the security’s forecasted recovery and evidence exists indicating that recovery will occur within a reasonable period of time.

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    For other fixed-maturity and equity securities, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is taken when the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security until the forecasted recovery or if it is no longer probable that the Company will recover all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security. Many criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to, the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security; the amount and length of time a security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost; specific credit issues and financial prospects related to the issuer; the Company’s intent to hold or dispose of the security; and current economic conditions.
 
    Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment. No other-than-temporary declines were realized in the three months ended March 31, 2005 or March 31, 2004.
 
    The estimated fair value, related gross unrealized losses, and the length of time that the securities have been impaired for held-to-maturity securities that are considered temporarily impaired are as follows:

                                                 
    March 31, 2005  
    (dollars in thousands)  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Estimated     Gross     Estimated     Gross     Estimated     Gross  
    fair     unrealized     fair     unrealized     fair     unrealized  
    value     loss     value     loss     value     loss  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
  $ 1,031       (18 )                 1,031       (18 )
 
                                   
Total
  $ 1,031       (18 )                 1,031       (18 )
 
                                   

    The estimated fair value, related gross unrealized losses, and the length of time that the securities have been impaired for available-for-sale securities that are considered temporarily impaired are as follows:

                                                 
    March 31, 2005  
    (dollars in thousands)  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Estimated     Gross     Estimated     Gross     Estimated     Gross  
    fair     unrealized     fair     unrealized     fair     unrealized  
    value     loss     value     loss     value     loss  
Fixed maturities:
                                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 1,540       (32 )                 1,540       (32 )
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
    12,152       (167 )     1,944       (56 )     14,096       (223 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    73,053       (833 )     15,614       (497 )     88,667       (1,330 )
Corporate securities
    29,356       (656 )     400       (8 )     29,756       (664 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    30,538       (437 )     150       (6 )     30,688       (443 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    21,409       (310 )     2,261       (59 )     23,670       (369 )
Asset-backed securities
    13,349       (272 )     2,757       (66 )     16,106       (338 )
 
                                   
Total fixed maturities
    181,397       (2,707 )     23,126       (692 )     204,523       (3,399 )
 
                                   
Equities:
                                               
Equity securities
    12,667       (485 )     899       (48 )     13,566       (533 )
Bond mutual funds
    21,852       (431 )                 21,852       (431 )
 
                                   
Total equities
    34,519       (916 )     899       (48 )     35,418       (964 )
 
                                   
Total
  $ 215,916       (3,623 )     24,025       (740 )     239,941       (4,363 )
 
                                   

    At March 31, 2005, the Company had thirty fixed income securities and three equity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for one year or longer. Twenty-nine of the fixed income securities are investment

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    grade, of which twenty-eight securities are rated A1/A or better (including twenty-three securities which are rated AAA). The one remaining investment grade fixed income security is rated BB+ and has a fair value equal to 98.8% of its book value as of March 31, 2005. The three equity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for one year or longer relate to three issuers each of which has shown an improved financial performance during 2004. In addition, these three equity securities have an aggregate fair market value equal to 94.9% of their book value as of March 31, 2005. All thirty of the fixed income securities are current on interest and principal and the three equity securities continue to pay dividends at a level consistent with or higher than the prior year . Management believes the declines are temporary and are not indicative of other-than-temporary impairments.

(4)   Loss and Loss Expense Reserves
 
    Liability for losses and loss expenses represents the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate amounts needed to pay both reported and unreported claims. These estimates are based on quarterly internal actuarial studies and certified on an annual basis by an independent actuary. The Company continually reviews these estimates and, based on new developments and information, the Company includes adjustments of the probable ultimate liability in the operating results for the periods in which the adjustments are made.
 
    Net loss and loss expenses incurred were $25.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 compared to $18.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company recorded $23.8 million of incurred losses and loss expenses attributable to the 2005 accident year and $1.9 million attributable to events of prior years. In the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded $16.7 million of incurred losses and loss expenses attributable to the 2004 accident year and $2.2 million attributable to events of prior years.
 
    The prior year increases for the first quarter of 2005 resulted principally from construction defect claims within the other liability line of the property and casualty segment. During the first three months of 2005, the Company established reserves for two contribution action settlements that are anticipated to be paid within the year. This development was slightly offset by favorable claim count development, while claim severities continued to be within the Company’s expectation. Prior year development for construction defect claims was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
 
    At March 31, 2005, the Company had 519 open claims relating to construction defect compared to 566 open claims as of December 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2005, 175 new claims were reported and 222 existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for construction defect claims at March 31, 2005 were $19.4 million compared to $19.0 million at December 31, 2004.
 
    During the first quarter of 2004, new construction defect claim counts exceeded expectations. Based on the claim count experience that emerged, the Company’s actuaries revised the factors used in the estimation of ultimate construction defect claim counts. This re-estimation of claim count projection factors produced an increase in the estimated ultimate cost of construction defect claims. The prior year development recognized during the quarter for construction defect was substantially due to adverse claim count experience. The claim severities for the first quarter of 2004 were in line with the Company’s recent experience and expectations. Additionally, during the quarter, development on pending claims was favorable and the amount of claims closed continued to exceed the amount of new claims reported. As of March 31, 2004 the Company had 572 open claims relating to construction defect compared to 597 open claims as of December 31, 2003. During the first quarter of 2004, 262 new claims were reported and 287 existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for construction defect claims at March 31, 2004 were $17.9.
 
    During the first quarter of 2005, the Company recorded $355,000 of prior year development for property. This primarily resulted from adverse development on two December 2004 fire claims. All other lines performed as expected in the first quarter of 2005.
 
    During the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded increases in paid and incurred losses and loss expenses on seven commercial auto liability claims. The net incurred increases on these claims totaled $778,000. The increases were related to one significant, unanticipated new claim ($155,000), reserve increases related to

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    coverage disputes on three claims ($297,000), and unfavorable changes in conditions relating to three other claims ($326,000).
 
(5)   Reinsurance
 
    In the ordinary course of business, Century assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurers and reinsurers. These arrangements provide greater diversification of business and limit the maximum net loss potential on large risks. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s reinsurance program. The amounts of ceded loss and loss expense reserves and ceded unearned premiums would represent a liability of the Company in the event that its reinsurers would be unable to meet existing obligations under reinsurance agreements.
 
    The effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance on premiums written, premiums earned and loss and loss expenses incurred were as follows:

                 
    For the Three Months  
    Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Premiums written:
               
Direct
  $ 47,318       42,865  
Assumed
    314       (29 )
Ceded
    (5,346 )     (6,192 )
 
           
Net premiums written
  $ 42,286       36,644  
 
           
Premiums earned:
               
Direct
  $ 46,963       36,923  
Assumed
    215       10  
Ceded
    (5,658 )     (4,874 )
 
           
Net premiums earned
  $ 41,520       32,059  
 
           
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
               
Direct
  $ 31,894       24,705  
Assumed
    (270 )     409  
Ceded
    (5,897 )     (6,212 )
 
           
Net losses and loss expenses incurred
  $ 25,727       18,902  
 
           

(6)   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
    The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized:

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 17,411       11,714  
Policy acquisition costs deferred
    10,315       9,453  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (10,220 )     (6,850 )
 
           
Balance at end of year
  $ 17,506       14,317  
 
           

    Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2004 included a reduction of amortization expense of $2.5 million relating to the transfer of capitalized acquisition costs from Evergreen and Continental for the property and casualty segment, which was partially offset by $1.9 million of capitalized acquisition costs for the surety segment that was transferred from Century to Evergreen and Continental. These transactions occurred in conjunction with the termination of the intercompany pooling

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    agreement and the implementation of the loss portfolio agreements among Century, Evergreen and Continental, as disclosed in the December 31, 2004 Form 10-K filing.
 
(7)   Federal Income Taxes
 
    The income tax provision for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 has been computed based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate of 30.0% and 31.1%, respectively, which differ from the federal income tax rate of 35% principally because of tax-exempt investment income.
 
(8)   Commitments and Contingencies
 
    The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results from operations.
 
(9)   Segment Reporting Disclosures
 
    The Company operates in the Property and Casualty Lines (“P/C”) (including general liability, multi-peril, and commercial property) segment of the specialty insurance market.
 
    All investment activities are included in the Investing segment. Exited programs (including workers’ compensation and commercial auto) are included in Other (including Exited Lines) for purposes of segment reporting.
 
    The Company considers many factors, including economic similarity, the nature of the underwriting units’ insurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment in determining how to aggregate operating segments.
 
    Segment profit or loss for each of the Company’s segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premium net of loss and loss expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized gains or losses.
 
    The Company does not allocate assets to the P/C and Other (including exited lines) segments for management reporting purposes. The total investment portfolio and cash are allocated to the Investment operating segment.

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    The following is a summary of segment disclosures:

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Segment revenue:
               
P/ C
  $ 41,513       32,054  
Investing
    3,100       2,088  
Other (including exited lines)
    7       5  
 
           
Segment revenue
  $ 44,620       34,147  
 
           
Segment profit (loss):
               
P/ C
  $ 2,938       2,686  
Investing
    3,100       2,088  
Other (including exited lines)
    (561 )     (743 )
 
           
Segment profit
  $ 5,477       4,031  
 
           
Segment assets:
               
Investing
  $ 318,436       181,915  
Assets not allocated
    90,981       125,508  
 
           
Total consolidatd assets
  $ 409,417       307,423  
 
           

    The following summary reconciles significant segment items to the Company’s interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements:

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Income before income taxes:
               
Segment profit
  $ 5,477       4,031  
Unallocated amounts:
               
Corporate expenses
    (662 )     534  
Interest expense
    (417 )     (415 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
  $ 4,398       4,150  
 
           

    The following is a summary of segment earned premium by group of products:

                                 
    Property     Casualty     Other     Consolidated  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
                               
P/ C
  $ 14,416       27,097             41,513  
Other (including exited lines)
                7       7  
 
                       
Earned premiums
  $ 14,416       27,097       7       41,520  
 
                       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
                               
P/ C
  $ 13,255       18,799             32,054  
Other (including exited lines)
                5       5  
 
                       
Earned premiums
  $ 13,255       18,799       5       32,059  
 
                       

    The Company does not manage property and casualty products at this level of detail.

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(10)   Dividend to Common Shareholders
 
    On March 24, 2005, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.02 per common share that was paid on April 28, 2005 to shareholders of record as of April 7, 2005. The dividends were accrued in the accompanying March 31, 2005 unaudited interim balance sheet in the caption accrued expenses and other liabilities.
 
(11)   Line of Credit
 
    The Company has a $5.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of September 8, 2006 and interest only payments due quarterly based on LIBOR plus 2.5% of the outstanding balance. All of the outstanding shares of Century are pledged as collateral. There was no outstanding balance at March 31, 2005; however, in April 2005, the Company made a $2.3 million draw on the line of credit for general corporate purposes.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

     The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this Form 10-Q. Some of the statements in this report, including those set forth in the discussion and analysis below, are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are derived from information that we currently have and assumptions that we make and may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “should,” “estimates” and similar expressions. We cannot assure you that anticipated results will be achieved, since actual results may differ materially because of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties we face. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are described under the heading “Risks Related to Our Business and Industry” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and elsewhere in this report, and include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

  •   our actual incurred losses and loss expenses may be greater than our loss and loss expense reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations;
 
  •   a decline in our financial rating may result in a reduction of new or renewal business;
 
  •   we are subject to extensive regulation, which may adversely affect our ability to achieve our business objectives, and if we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be subject to penalties, including fines and suspensions, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations;
 
  •   changes in our operating environment may adversely affect our performance;
 
  •   our general agents may exceed their authority and could bind us to business outside our underwriting guidelines;
 
  •   if we lose key personnel or are unable to recruit qualified personnel, our ability to implement our business strategies could be delayed or hindered;
 
  •   our investment results and, therefore, our financial condition may be impacted by changes in the business, financial condition or operating results of the entities in which we invest, as well as changes in interest rates, government monetary policies, general economic conditions and overall market conditions;
 
  •   we distribute our products through a select group of general agents, and there can be no assurance that such relationships will continue, or if they do continue, that they will remain profitable for us;
 
  •   we rely on our information technology and telecommunication systems, and the failure of these systems could materially and adversely affect our business;
 
  •   our reinsurers may not pay claims made by us on losses in a timely fashion;
 
  •   if we are not able to renew our existing reinsurance or obtain new reinsurance, either our net exposure would increase or we would have to reduce the level of our underwriting commitment;
 
  •   our business is cyclical in nature, which may affect our financial performance;
 
  •   we compete with a large number of companies in the insurance industry for underwriting revenues;
 
  •   severe weather conditions and other catastrophes may result in an increase in the number and amount of claims filed against us; and

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  •   as a holding company, we are dependent on the results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries and the regulatory and contractual capacity of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. Some states limit the aggregate amount of dividends our subsidiaries may pay to us in any twelve-month period, thereby limiting our funds to pay expenses and dividends.

     You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates.

Overview

     ProCentury is a holding company that underwrites selected property and casualty and surety insurance through its subsidiaries collectively known as the Century Insurance Group®. As a “niche” company, we offer specialty insurance products designed to meet specific insurance needs of targeted insured groups. The excess and surplus lines market provides an alternative market for customers with hard-to-place risks and risks that insurance companies licensed by the state in which the insurance policy is sold, which are also referred to as “admitted insurers,” specifically refuse to write. When we underwrite within the excess and surplus lines market, we are selective in the lines of business and types of risks we choose to write. Typically, the development of these specialty insurance products is generated through proposals brought to us by an agent or broker seeking coverage for a specific group of clients.

     We evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. We measure our growth by examining gross written premiums. We generally measure our operating results by examining our net income, return on equity and loss, expense and combined ratios. The following provides further explanation of the key measures that we use to evaluate our results:

     Gross Written Premiums. Gross written premiums is the sum of direct written premiums and assumed written premiums. We use gross written premiums, which excludes the impact of premiums ceded to reinsurers, as a measure of the underlying growth of our insurance business from period to period.

     Net Written Premiums. Net written premiums is the sum of direct written premiums and assumed written premiums less ceded written premiums. We use net written premiums, primarily in relation to gross written premiums, to measure the amount of business retained after cessions to reinsurers.

     Loss Ratio. Loss ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of losses and loss expenses incurred to premiums earned. Loss ratio generally is measured on both a gross (direct and assumed) and net (gross less ceded) basis. We use the gross loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results, which are net of ceded reinsurance, as reflected in our consolidated financial statements

     Expense Ratio. Expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of net operating expenses to premiums earned and measures a company’s operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business. We reduce our operating expenses by ancillary income (excluding net investment income and realized gains (losses) on securities) to calculate our net operating expenses. Due to our historically high levels of reinsurance, we calculate our expense ratio on both a gross basis (before the effect of ceded reinsurance) and a net basis (after the effect of ceded reinsurance). Although the net basis is meaningful in evaluating our financial results that are net of ceded reinsurance, as reflected in our consolidated financial statements, we believe that the gross expense ratio better reflects the operational efficiency of the underlying business and is a better measure of future trends. Interest expense is not included in the calculation of the expense ratio.

     Combined Ratio. Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio and measures a company’s overall underwriting profit. If the combined ratio is at or above 100, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income (and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient). We use the combined ratio in evaluating our overall underwriting profitability and as a measure for comparing our profitability relative to the profitability of our competitors.

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Critical Accounting Policies

     It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial statements. Management considers certain of these policies to be critical to the presentation of our financial results, since they require management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the financial reporting date and throughout the period being reported upon. Certain of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex and consequently actual results may differ from these estimates, which would be reflected in future periods.

     Our most critical accounting policies involve the reporting of loss and loss expense reserves (including losses that have occurred but were not reported to us by the financial reporting date), reinsurance recoverables, the impairment of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs and federal income taxes.

     Loss and Loss Expense Reserves. Loss and loss expense reserves represent an estimate of the expected cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of losses, based on facts and circumstances then known. We use actuarial methodologies to assist us in establishing these estimates, including judgments relative to estimates of future claims severity and frequency, length of time to develop to ultimate resolution, judicial theories of liability and other third-party factors that are often beyond our control. Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with the cost of unsettled and unreported claims, the ultimate liability may be different from the original estimate. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current period’s results. See Note 4 to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

     Reinsurance Recoverables. Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses, net, are established for the portion of our loss and loss expense reserves that are ceded to reinsurers. Reinsurance recoverables are determined based in part on the terms and conditions of reinsurance contracts which could be subject to interpretations that differ from our own based on judicial theories of liability. In addition, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers which can be significant considering that certain of the reserves remain outstanding for an extended period of time. We are required to pay losses even if a reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the applicable reinsurance agreement. See Note 5 to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

     Impairment of Investments. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Under the Company’s accounting policy for equity securities and fixed-maturity securities that can be contractually prepaid or otherwise settled in a way that may limit the Company’s ability to fully recover cost, an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary unless the Company has both the ability and intent to hold the investment for a reasonable period until the security’s forecasted recovery and evidence exists indicating that recovery will occur in a reasonable period of time.

     For other fixed-maturity and equity securities, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is taken when the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security until the forecasted recovery or if it is no longer probable that the Company will recover all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security. Many criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to, the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security; the amount and length of time a security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost; specific credit issues and financial prospects related to the issuer; the Company’s intent to hold or dispose of the security; and current economic conditions. Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment. For additional detail regarding our investment portfolio at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, including disclosures regarding other-than-temporary declines in investment value, see Note 3 to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

     Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. We defer commissions, premium taxes and certain other costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of insurance contracts. These costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premium revenue recognized. The method followed in computing deferred policy

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acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Judgments as to ultimate recoverability of such deferred costs are highly dependent upon estimated future loss costs associated with the written premiums. See Note 6 to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

     Federal Income Taxes The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts the Company believes it ultimately will owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the deductibility of certain items and the realization of certain tax credits. In the event the ultimate deductibility of certain items or the realization of certain tax credits differs from estimates, the Company may be required to significantly change the provision for federal income taxes recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Any such change could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.

     We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. See Note 7 to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

Results of Operations

     The table below summarizes certain operating results and key measures used in monitoring and evaluating operations. The information is intended to summarize and supplement information contained in interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and to assist the reader in gaining a better understanding of results of operations.

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Selected Financial Data:
               
Gross written premiums
  $ 47,632       42,836  
Premiums earned
    41,520       32,059  
Net investment income
    3,159       1,965  
Net realized investment (losses) gains
    (59 )     123  
Total revenues
    44,620       34,147  
Total expenses
    40,222       29,997  
Net income
    3,079       2,887  
Key Financial Ratios:
               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    62.0 %     59.0 %
Expense ratio
    33.9 %     33.3 %
 
           
Combined ratio
    95.9 %     92.3 %
 
           

Overview of Operating Results

     Net income increased from $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

     The increase in net income was primarily attributable to an increase in total revenue, which was directly related to an increase in net earned premium and net investment income. The increase in net earned premium resulted

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principally from an increase in the volume of business which was offset by slight rate declines in both the property and casualty lines of business. Net investment income increased in the first quarter of 2005 due to higher invested assets as a result of the proceeds from the Company’s initial public offering that occurred in April of 2004 and the operational cash flows that occurred throughout 2004 and into the first quarter of 2005.

     This increase in total revenue was offset by an increase in total expenses that resulted from an increase in net loss and loss expenses and the $793,000 severance expense with our former Chief Operating Officer. The loss and loss expense ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were 62.0% and 59.0%, respectively, which reflects higher current accident year ultimate loss and loss expense ratios driven by the decreasing rate environment throughout 2004 and into 2005. The expense ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were 33.9% and 33.3%, respectively. The increase in the expense ratio is directly attributable to the severance expense recorded in the first quarter of 2005 as mentioned above.

Revenues

     Premiums

     Premiums include insurance premiums underwritten by Century (which are referred to as direct premiums) and insurance premiums assumed from other insurers generally in states where Century is not licensed (which are referred to as assumed premiums). We refer to direct and assumed premiums together as gross premiums.

     Written premiums are the total amount of premiums billed to the policyholder less the amount of premiums returned, generally as a result of cancellations, during a given period. Written premiums become premiums earned as the policy ages. Barring premium changes, if an insurance company writes the same mix of business each year, written premiums and premiums earned will be equal, and the unearned premium reserve will remain constant. During periods of growth, the unearned premium reserve will increase, causing premiums earned to be less than written premiums. Conversely, during periods of decline, the unearned premium reserve will decrease, causing premiums earned to be greater than written premiums.

     We have historically relied on quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe reinsurance primarily to manage our regulatory capital requirements and also to limit our exposure to loss. Generally, we have ceded a significant portion of our premiums to unaffiliated reinsurers in order to maintain a net written premiums to statutory surplus ratio of less than 2-to-1.

     Our underwriting business is currently divided into two primary segments:

  •   property/casualty; and
 
  •   other (including exited lines).

     Our property/casualty segment primarily includes general liability, commercial property and multi-peril insurance for small and mid-sized businesses. The other (including exited lines) segment primarily includes our surety business, including landfill and specialty surety that is written in order to maintain Century’s U.S. Treasury listing, workers’ compensation, which was exited in January 2002, and commercial auto, which was exited in May 2000.

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     The following table presents our gross written premiums in our primary segments and provides a summary of gross, ceded and net written premiums and net premiums earned for the periods indicated.

                 
    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Gross written premiums:
               
Property/casualty
  $ 47,575       42,865  
Other (including exited lines)
    57       (29 )
 
           
Total gross written premiums
    47,632       42,836  
Ceded written premiums
    5,346       6,192  
 
           
Net written premiums
  $ 42,286       36,644  
 
           
Premiums earned
  $ 41,520       32,059  
 
           
Net written premiums to gross written premiums
    88.8 %     85.5 %
Premiums earned to net written premiums
    98.2 %     87.5 %
Net writings ratio (1)
    1.4       1.9  


(1)   The ratio of net written premiums to our insurance subsidiaries’ combined statutory surplus. This ratio is not restated to exclude discontinued operations as the insurance subsidiaries’ combined statutory surplus is not allocated by line of business. Therefore, in computing the ratio of net written premiums to our insurance subsidiaries’ combined statutory surplus we do not restate the net written premium for discontinued operations to be consistent with that of the subsidiaries’ combined statutory surplus. Management believes this measure is useful in gauging our exposure to pricing errors in the current book of business. It may not be comparable to the definition of net writings ratio used by other companies.

     Gross Written Premiums

     Gross written premiums increased to $47.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, an increase of 11.2% from $42.8 million for the same period in 2004. This increase was primarily due to an increase in volume of our property/casualty segment which was slightly offset by overall rate declines across our book of business. While our casualty line of business continued to grow with an increase of $5.4 million of gross written premiums, we experienced a decline in our overall casualty growth rate due to rate softening and increased market competition. Although, we expect this rate softening and increased market competition to continue throughout 2005, we believe that there are still opportunities for profitable growth in our casualty lines. Our property lines decreased in the first quarter of 2005 by $737,000. This decrease is a result of softened rates across our property book of business, causing the loss of some of our individually significant property accounts.

     Net Written Premiums and Premiums Earned

     Net written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $42.3 million, representing an increase of 15.4% compared to the same period in 2004. Net written premiums represented 88.8% of gross written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This is higher than the relationship of net written premiums to gross written premiums during the same period in 2004, reflecting an increase in retention for the current year resulting from the decreased use of facultative reinsurance from a lower number of property accounts that have been historically ceded under the facultative treaty.

     Premiums earned, a function of net written premiums, were $41.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, or 98.2% of net written premiums. This is higher than the relationship of premiums earned to net written premiums during the same period in 2004, reflecting the slower growth rate at the end of 2004 and into the first quarter of 2005.

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     Net Investment Income

     Our investment portfolio generally consists of liquid, readily marketable and investment-grade fixed-maturity and equity securities. Net investment income is comprised of interest and dividends earned on these securities, net of related investment expenses.

     Net investment income increased to $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2004. The increase was primarily due to an increase in invested assets, including cash as a result of the proceeds from the IPO and an increase in operation cash flows throughout 2004 and into 2005. Invested assets, including cash, increased by $130.3 million to $318.4 million as of March 31, 2005 from $188.1 million as of March 31, 2004. Pre-tax investment yield for the first three months ended March 31, 2005 was 4.5%, compared to 4.3% for the same period in 2004. In addition, in an effort to increase our tax equivalent yield we increased our allocation to tax-exempt municipals throughout 2004 and into 2005. Based on the increase in our allocation, we increased our tax equivalent yield to 5.1% as of March 31, 2005 from 4.6% as of March 31, 2004.

     Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities

     Realized gains and losses on securities are principally affected by changes in interest rates, the timing of sales of investments and changes in credit quality of the securities held as investments.

     We realized net investment losses of $59,000 and net investment gains of $123,000 on the sale of securities for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. No other-than-temporary declines were realized in the first quarter of 2005 or 2004.

Expenses

     Losses and Loss Expenses

     Losses and loss expenses represent our largest expense item and include (1) payments made to settle claims, (2) estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for current and prior periods, and (3) costs associated with settling claims. The items that influence the incurred losses and loss expenses for a given period include, but are not limited to, the following:

  •   the number of exposures covered in the current year;
 
  •   trends in claim frequency and claim severity;
 
  •   changes in the cost of adjusting claims;
 
  •   changes in the legal environment relating to coverage interpretation, theories of liability and jury determinations; and
 
  •   the re-estimation of prior years’ reserves in the current year.

     We continue to perform an internal quarterly actuarial analysis and establish or adjust (for prior accident quarters) our best estimate of the ultimate incurred losses and loss expenses to reflect loss development information and trends that have been updated for the most recent quarter’s activity. As of December 31 of each year, we have an independent actuarial analysis performed of the adequacy of our reserves. Our estimate of ultimate loss and loss expenses is evaluated and re-evaluated by accident year and by major coverage grouping. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period the additional information becomes known.

     Our reinsurance program significantly influences our net retained losses. In exchange for premiums ceded to reinsurers under quota share and excess of loss reinsurance agreements, our reinsurers assume a portion of the losses and loss expenses incurred. We remain obligated for amounts ceded in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the agreements (due to, for example, disputes with the reinsurer or the reinsurer’s insolvency).

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     Net losses and loss expenses increased to $25.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 from $18.9 million for the same period in 2004. Net losses and loss expense ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were 62.0% and 59.0%, respectively.

     Our reserve for losses and loss expenses at March 31, 2005 was $165.7 million (before the effects of reinsurance) and $134.2 million (after the effects of reinsurance), as estimated through our internal actuarial analysis. During the first quarter of 2005, we concluded through our actuarial analysis that the December 31, 2004 reserve for losses and loss expenses of $123.8 million (after the effects of reinsurance) was deficient by $1.9 million primarily on our construction defect and property reserves.

     Our reserve for losses and loss expenses (net of the effects of reinsurance) at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 by line was as follows:

                 
    March 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Property/casualty:
               
Casualty
  $ 111,820       102,430  
Property
    17,521       16,115  
Other (including exited lines):
               
Commercial auto
    1,725       1,780  
Workers’ compensation
    3,115       3,426  
 
           
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses
    134,181       123,751  
 
               
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at end of period
    31,555       29,485  
 
           
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses
  $ 165,736       153,236  
 
           

     Based on the first quarter 2005 internal actuarial review, the Company recorded $23.8 million of incurred losses and loss expenses attributable to the 2005 accident year and $1.9 million attributable to events of prior years. The accident year losses and loss expense ratios for the property and casualty segment for accident years 2005, 2004 and 2003 were 57.4%, 52.8% and 45.6%, respectively. In the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded $16.7 million of incurred losses and loss expenses attributable to the 2004 accident year and $2.2 million attributable to events of prior years.

     The prior year increases for the first quarter of 2005 resulted principally from construction defect claims within the other liability line of the property and casualty segment. During the first three months of 2005, the Company established reserves for two contribution action settlements that are anticipated to be paid within the year. This development was slightly offset by favorable claim count development, while claim severities continued to be within the Company’s expectation. Prior year development for construction defect claims was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

     At March 31, 2005 the Company had 519 open claims relating to construction defect compared to 566 open claims as of December 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2005, 175 new claims were reported and 222 existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for construction defect claims at March 31, 2005 were $19.4 million compared to $19.0 million at December 31, 2004.

     During the first quarter of 2004, new construction defect claim counts exceeded expectations. Based on the claim count experience that emerged, the Company’s actuaries revised the factors used in the estimation of ultimate construction defect claim counts. This re-estimation of claim count projection factors produced an increase in the estimated ultimate cost of construction defect claims. The prior year development recognized during the quarter for construction defect was substantially due to adverse claim count experience. The claim severities for the quarter of 2004 were in line with the Company’s recent experience and expectations. Additionally, during the quarter,

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development on pending claims was favorable and the amount of claims closed continued to exceed the amount of new claims reported. As of March 31, 2004 the Company had 572 open claims relating to construction defect compared to 597 open claims as of December 31, 2003. During the first quarter of 2004, 262 new claims were reported and 287 existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for construction defect claims at March 31, 2004 were $17.9 million.

     During the first quarter of 2005, the Company recorded $355,000 of prior year development for property. This primarily resulted from adverse development on two December 2004 fire claims. All other lines performed as expected in the first quarter of 2005.

     During the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded increases in paid and incurred losses and loss expenses on seven commercial auto liability claims. The net incurred increases on these claims totaled $778,000. The increases were related to one significant, unanticipated new claim ($155,000), reserve increases related to coverage disputes on three claims ($297,000), and unfavorable changes in conditions relating to three other claims ($326,000).

     Our other (exited lines) performed as expected in the first quarter of 2005. For commercial automobile, the Company had 29 open claims at March 31, 2005 compared to 38 open claims at December 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2005, there were no new claims reported and nine existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for commercial automobile at March 31, 2005 were $1.7 million compared to $1.8 million as of December 31, 2004. In addition, for workers’ compensation, at March 31, 2005, the Company had 235 open claims at March 31, 3005 compared to 257 open claims at December 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2005, there were three new claims reported and 25 existing claims were settled or dismissed. Our net loss and loss expense reserves for workers compensation at March 31, 2005 were $3.1 million compared to $3.4 million as of December 31, 2004.

     Operating Expenses

     Operating expenses include the costs to acquire a policy (included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs), other operating expenses (including corporate expenses) and interest expense. The following table presents our amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, other operating expenses and related ratios and interest expense for the periods indicated:

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“ADAC”)
  $ 10,220       6,850  
Other operating expenses
    3,065       3,580  
 
           
ADAC and other operating expenses
    13,285       10,430  
Severance expense
    793       250  
Interest expense
    417       415  
 
           
Total operating expenses
  $ 14,495       11,095  
 
           
Expense ratio:
               
ADAC
    24.6 %     21.4 %
Other operating expenses
    7.4 %     11.2 %
Severence
    1.9 %     0.8 %
 
           
Total expense ratio (1)
    33.9 %     33.3 %
 
           


(1)   Interest expense is not included in the calculation of the expense ratio.

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     Operating expenses increased $3.4 million, or 30.6%, to $14.5 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 from $11.1 million for the same period in 2004. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in ADAC, including commission expenses. This increase resulted from an increase in the volume of insurance written. The increase in the ADAC ratio to 24.6% in 2005 from 21.4% in 2004, is directly related to the fact that the 2004 expense includes a reduction of amortization expense of $2.5 million relating to the transfer of capitalized acquisition costs from Evergreen and Continental for the property and casualty segment, which was partially offset by $1.9 million of capitalized acquisition costs for the surety segment that was transferred from Century to Evergreen and Continental. These transactions occurred in conjunction with the termination of the intercompany pooling agreement and the implementation of the loss portfolio agreements.

     Other operating expenses decreased slightly to $3.1 million for the first quarter 2005 compared to $3.6 million for the first quarter 2004. This decrease is a direct result of the Company’s focus on expense management that occurred throughout 2004 and into 2005.

     The overall expense ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was 33.9%, which is 0.6 percentage points higher than that of the same period in 2004. The increase in the expense ratio for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 is primarily due to the severance agreement with the Company’s former Chief Operating Officer recorded in 2005, the one time ADAC adjustment that lowered overall expenses in 2004, all of which were offset by an increase in operational efficiencies achieved through a focus on expense management as seen in the overall decline in the other operating expense ratio.

     Interest expense remained consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 at $417,000 and $415,000, respectively.

Income Taxes

     The 2005 income tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 has been computed based on our estimated annual effective tax rate of 30.0%, which differs from the federal income tax rate of 35% principally because of tax-exempt investment income. The effective tax rate of 30.0% in 2005 is lower than the 32.4% reported in 2004 primarily due to the increase in tax exempt municipal bonds that occurred throughout 2004 and into 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     ProCentury is a holding company, the principal asset of which is the common shares of Century. Although we have the capacity to generate cash through loans from banks and issuances of equity securities, our primary source of funds to meet our short-term liquidity needs, including the payment of dividends to our shareholders and corporate expenses, is dividends from Century. Century’s principal sources of funds are underwriting operations, investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Century’s primary use of funds is to pay claims and operating expenses, to purchase investments and to make dividend payments to us. ProCentury’s future liquidity is dependent on the ability of Century to pay dividends.

     Century is restricted by statute as to the amount of dividends it may pay without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. Century may pay dividends to ProCentury without advance regulatory approval only from unassigned surplus and only to the extent that all dividends in the current twelve months do not exceed the greater of 10% of total statutory surplus as of the end of the prior fiscal year or statutory net income for the prior year. Using these criteria, the available ordinary dividend payable by Century to ProCentury for 2005 is $13.8 million. Century did not pay ProCentury any dividends in the first quarter of 2005. Century paid ordinary dividends of $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Century’s ability to pay future dividends to ProCentury without advance regulatory approval is dependent upon maintaining a positive level of unassigned surplus, which in turn, is dependent upon Century generating net income in excess of dividends to ProCentury.

     Century is required by law to maintain a certain minimum level of surplus on a statutory basis. Surplus is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total admitted assets. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has a risk-based capital standard designed to identify property and casualty insurers that may be inadequately capitalized based on inherent risks of each insurer’s assets and liabilities and its mix of net

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written premiums. Insurers falling below a calculated threshold may be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action. At December 31, 2004, the statutory surplus of Century was in excess of the prescribed risk-based capital requirements that correspond to any level of regulatory action. Century’s statutory surplus at December 31, 2004 was $115.8 million and the regulatory action level was $29.3 million. Century’s statutory surplus at March 31, 2005 was $118.7 million.

     Consolidated net cash provided by operating activities was $11.7 million for the first quarter of 2005, compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2004. This improvement was primarily attributable to the increase in net written premiums partially offset by an increase in paid losses.

     Consolidated net cash used by investing activities was $14.6 million for the first quarter of 2005, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $10.7 million for the same period in 2004. This increase was primarily attributable to the increased level of purchases of fixed maturity securities.

     Consolidated net cash used in financing activities was $265,000 for the first quarter of 2005, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $234,000 for the same period in 2004. The $265,000 in the first quarter of 2005 related to dividends declared and accrued on March 24, 2005. The dividend was paid on April 28, 2005 to shareholders of record as of April 7, 2005. The $234,000 in the first quarter of 2004 related to principal payments on our long term bank debt that was subsequently paid off in April of 2004.

     Interest on our debt issued to a related party trust is variable and resets quarterly based on a spread over three-month London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”). As part of our asset/liability matching program, we have short-term investments, investments in bond mutual funds, as well as available cash balances from operations and investment maturities, that are available for reinvestment during periods of rising or falling interest rates.

     Line of Credit. ProCentury has a $5.0 million line of credit. Interest on the note is payable quarterly and is based on a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. The note matures on September 8, 2006. Under the terms of the line of credit, 100% of the common shares of Century are pledge as collateral. There was no outstanding balance at March 31, 2005; however, in April 2005, the Company made a $2.3 million draw on the line of credit.

     The following table summarizes information about contractual obligations and commercial commitments. The minimum payments under these agreements at March 31, 2005 were as follows:

                                                         
    Payments Due by Year  
    2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     Thereafter     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Long Term Debt:
                                                       
Debt issued to a related party trust (1)(2)
  $ 1,350       1,800       1,800       1,800       1,800       66,751       75,301  
Loss and loss expense payments, net of the effects of reinsurance (3)
    40,471       34,984       24,280       14,251       7,689       12,506       134,181  
Operating lease on facilities
    718       978       998       1,018       734       2,339       6,785  
Other operating leases
    180       212       212       152                   756  
 
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 42,719       37,974       27,290       17,221       10,223       81,596       217,023  
 
                                         


(1)   Amounts include interest payments associated with these obligations using applicable interest rates as of March 31, 2005.
 
(2)   In connection with the adoption of FIN 46R, ProCentury has deconsolidated the trusts established in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities effective December 31, 2003. As a result, ProCentury reports as a component of long term debt the junior subordinated debentures payable by ProCentury to the trusts. See Note 8(b) to our 2004 audited consolidated financial statements included in the Form 10-K.

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(3)   The timing for payment of our estimated losses, net of the effects of reinsurance is determined by periods based on our historical claims payment experience. Due to the uncertainty in estimating the timing of such payments, there is a risk that the amounts paid in any period can be significantly different than the amounts disclosed above.

     Given our historical cash flow, we believe cash flow from operating activities in 2005 will provide sufficient liquidity for our operations, as well as to satisfy debt service obligations and to pay other operating expenses. Although we anticipate that we will be able to meet our cash requirements, we can give no assurance in this regard.

Investment Portfolio

     Our investment strategy is designed to capitalize on our ability to generate positive cash flow from our underwriting activities. Preservation of capital is our first priority, with a secondary focus on maximizing appropriate risk adjusted return. We seek to maintain sufficient liquidity from operations, investing and financing activities to meet our anticipated insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs. The majority of our fixed-maturity portfolio is rated investment grade to protect investments. Our investment portfolio is managed by two outside independent investment managers that operate under investment guidelines approved by Century’s investment committee. Century’s investment committee meets at least quarterly and reports to Century’s board of directors. In addition, we employ stringent diversification rules and balance our investment credit risk and related underwriting risks to minimize total potential exposure to any one security. In limited circumstances, we will invest in non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that have an appropriate risk adjusted return, subject to satisfactory credit analysis performed by us and our investment managers.

     Our cash and investment portfolio increased to $318.4 million at March 31, 2005 from $312.4 million at December 31, 2004 and is summarized by type of investment in Note 3 to the interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements, included in this Form 10-Q filing. The Company’s taxable equivalent yield increased from 4.8% at December 31, 2004 to 5.1% at March 31, 2005. The increase in the taxable equivalent yield during the first quarter of 2005 was a result of the investment of proceeds from maturities and operating cash flows at higher interest rates, which were partially driven by the overall rise in market interest rates. Our fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2005 remained fairly consistent with the balance at December 31, 2004. Equity securities increased from $37.1 million at December 31, 2004 to $48.3 million at March 31, 2005. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the duration of the fixed income portfolio decreased slightly from 4.5 years at December 31, 2004 to 4.3 years at March 31, 2005. The overall credit quality of the portfolio remained investment grade.

Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement No. 123 (SFAS 123R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of employee stock options and similar awards, for all options vesting, granted, or modified after the effective date of this revised statement. The accounting provisions of SFAS 123R were to become effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a final rule amending Rule 4-01(a) of Regulation S-X regarding the compliance date for SFAS 123R. This ruling delays the effective date of SFAS 123R to the first interim or annual reporting period of the registrant’s first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005. As a result, the accounting provisions of SFAS 123R will become effective beginning in 2006 for our financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     The Company is exposed to market risk, which is the potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are credit risk, equity price risk and interest rate risk.

     As of March 31, 2005, there had not been a material change in any of the market risk information disclosed by the Company under Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

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Item 4. Controls And Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 (“Disclosure Controls”).

     The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all 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. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

     Based upon the Company’s controls evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s Disclosure Controls provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in its periodic reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     The Company’s subsidiaries are regularly engaged in the defense of claims arising out of the conduct of the insurance business. The Company does not believe that such litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

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

     Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

     Not applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits

     
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of ProCentury (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 4, 2004.)
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of ProCentury (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2004.)
 
   
10.1
  Separation Agreement by and between the Company and John A. Marazza, dated January 21, 2005 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 21, 2005.)
 
   
10.2
  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Performance Vesting Restricted Stock under the ProCentury Corporation 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
10.3
  Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-Qualified Stock Options Granted to Non-Employee Directors under the ProCentury Corporation 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)


(1) These certifications are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. These certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.

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SIGNATURE

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

         
  PROCENTURY CORPORATION
 
       
Date: May 13, 2005
  By:   /s/ Charles D. Hamm
       
      Charles D. Hamm
      Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of ProCentury (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 4, 2004.)
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of ProCentury (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2004.)
 
   
10.1
  Separation Agreement by and between the Company and John A. Marazza, dated January 21, 2005 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 21, 2005.)
 
   
10.2
  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Performance Vesting Restricted Stock under the ProCentury Corporation 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
10.3
  Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-Qualified Stock Options Granted to Non-Employee Directors under the ProCentury Corporation 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)


(1) These certifications are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. These certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.