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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 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, 2012

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission File Number: 0-06334

 

 

AssuranceAmerica Corporation

(Exact name of smaller reporting company as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   87-0281240
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer ID Number)
5500 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 600   30328
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

(770) 952-0200

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  þ    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

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

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

There were 66,110,531 shares of the Registrant’s $.01 par value Common Stock outstanding as of May 11, 2012.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION

Index to Form 10-Q

 

         Page  
  PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1

  Financial Statements   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011      3   
  Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011      4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Months Ended March  31, 2012 and March 31, 2011

     5   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011      6   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements      7   

Item 2

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      22   

Item 3

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      28   

Item 4

  Controls and Procedures      28   

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1A

  Risk Factors      28   

Item 2

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      28   

Item 3

  Defaults Upon Senior Securities      29   

Item 4

  Removed and Reserved      29   

Item 5

  Other Information      29   

Item 6

  Exhibits      29   

Signatures

     30   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     (Unaudited)
March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,915,754      $ 7,733,287   

Cash restricted

     254,260        254,222   

Short-term investments

     125,185        125,008   

Long-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $7,307,258 and $7,831,560)

     7,430,888        7,886,617   

Other long-term investments

     577,522        600,435   

Investment income due and accrued

     140,167        63,533   

Real estate mortgage loans due from a related party

     4,000,000        4,000,000   

Receivable from insureds

     24,819,854        25,132,462   

Reinsurance recoverable (including $8,751,368 and $9,114,187 on paid losses)

     34,179,425        36,664,396   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     18,443,692        19,466,923   

Deferred acquisition costs

     1,975,128        1,928,401   

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $3,981,018 and $3,847,396)

     1,801,035        1,904,368   

Other receivables

     1,305,471        1,594,212   

Prepaid expenses

     482,421        450,080   

Security deposits

     33,833        33,833   

Assets of discontinued operations

     90,082        204,059   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 103,574,717      $ 108,041,836   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 7,564,747      $ 7,289,171   

Unearned premium

     28,449,897        28,101,244   

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     39,455,071        42,098,263   

Reinsurance payable

     19,940,086        20,538,203   

Provisional commission reserve

     1,786,273        2,453,125   

Funds withheld from reinsurers

     325,000        325,000   

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     211,902        595,014   

Notes payable due to a related party

     1,646,516        1,557,911   

Other notes and interest payable

     73,517        116,956   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     99,453,009        103,074,887   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

    

Common stock, $.01 par value (authorized 120,000,000 and outstanding 66,110,531 and 65,810,531)

     661,105        658,105   

Paid in capital

     20,753,212        20,618,146   

Accumulated deficit

     (17,369,877     (16,343,713

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

    

Net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of taxes

     77,268        34,411   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,121,708        4,966,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 103,574,717      $ 108,041,836   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION

(UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  

Revenue:

    

Gross premiums written

   $ 20,080,102      $ 30,233,932   

Gross premiums ceded

     (11,783,110     (17,066,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

     8,296,992        13,167,539   

Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (1,371,884     (4,139,159
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     6,925,108        9,028,380   

Commission income

     2,032,383        3,155,633   

Managing general agent fees

     2,071,489        2,956,230   

Net investment income

     119,204        69,545   

Net investment gains on securities

     (1,938     30,210   

Other income

     5,671        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     11,151,917        15,239,998   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     5,158,390        6,954,792   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     6,557,869        7,753,541   

Stock option expense

     48,066        90,708   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     195,362        153,841   

Interest expense

     218,394        2,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     12,178,081        14,955,739   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (1,026,164     284,259   

Income tax benefit (expense) on continuing operations

     0        (129,880
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (1,026,164     154,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

     0        (366,666

Income tax benefit on discontinued operations

     0        137,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     0        (229,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (1,026,164   $ (74,787
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per Common Share

    

Basic-Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.016   $ 0.002   

Diluted-Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.016   $ 0.002   

Basic-Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (0.000   $ (0.003

Diluted-Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (0.000   $ (0.003

Basic-Loss

   $ (0.016   $ (0.001

Diluted-Loss

   $ (0.016   $ (0.001

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

     65,869,672        65,556,121   

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

     65,869,672        65,556,121   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Net loss

   $ (1,026,164   $ (74,787
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

    

Change in unrealized gains on investments:

    

Unrealized gains arising during the period

     66,633        155,011   

Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses recognized during the period

     1,938        (30,210
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains

     68,571        124,801   

Deferred income taxes on above changes

     (25,714     (46,800
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     42,857        78,001   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (983,307   $ 3,214   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

5


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (1,026,164     154,379   

Loss from discontinued operations

     0        (229,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (1,026,164     (74,787

Adjustments to net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    

Net investment (gains) losses on securities

     1,938        (30,210

Depreciation and amortization

     240,637        209,261   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     0        3,084   

Stock option expense

     48,066        90,708   

Deferred tax benefit

     (25,714     (31,916

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Investment income due and accrued

     (76,633     58,757   

Receivables

     601,349        (3,684,107

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (32,341     135,342   

Unearned premiums

     348,654        4,558,920   

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

     (2,643,192     1,362,984   

Ceded reinsurance payable

     (598,117     7,075,582   

Reinsurance recoverable

     2,484,970        (7,713,823

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     1,023,232        (419,761

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     275,576        775,989   

Prepaid income taxes/federal income taxes payable

     0        576   

Other operating activities

     (269,135     (28,164

Deferred acquisition costs

     (46,727     (942,976

Provisional commission reserve

     (666,852     545,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities – continuing operations

     (360,453     1,890,482   

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities – discontinued operations

     (30,283     163,121   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     (390,736     2,053,603   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (92,029     (241,545

Change in short term investments

     (178     0   

Proceeds from sales, call and maturities of investments

     500,000        699,694   

Purchases of investments

     0        (185,547

Transfer of cash to restricted cash

     (38     (632
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     407,755        271,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayment of notes payable

     (43,439     (14,059

Amortization of discount on warrants issued to related party

     88,605        0   

Net change in revolving line of credit

     0        0   

Stock issued, net of expenses

     90,000        79,411   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     135,166        65,352   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     152,185        2,390,925   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period – continuing operations

     7,733,287        7,958,473   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period – discontinued operations

     95,563        420,541   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     7,981,035        10,769,939   

Less cash and cash equivalents, end of period - discontinued operations

     65,281        583,662   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period - continuing operations

   $ 7,915,754      $ 10,186,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2012 and 2011

(1) Description of Business

AssuranceAmerica Corporation (“AAC”), a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), is an insurance holding company whose business is comprised of AssuranceAmerica Insurance Company (“AAIC”), AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLC (“MGA”) and TrustWay Insurance Agencies, LLC (“TrustWay”), each wholly owned. The sale of TrustWay was completed in the third quarter of 2011. The Company solicits and underwrites nonstandard personal passenger automobile insurance. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In our opinion, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period. For further information, please refer to our audited consolidated financial statements appearing in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

On March 22, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with an investment banker to assist in indentifying strategic alternatives for the Company, including the potential sale of its wholly owned subsidiaries AAIC and MGA. The assets have been evaluated for impairment and none has been recorded as of March 31, 2012. AAIC and MGA represent substantially all of the operating assets of the Company and as such, are currently reflected as continuing operations in the consolidated financial statements ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. TrustWay was sold in 2011 and is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for those same periods.

Basis of Investments and Presentation

Valuation of available-for-sale investments. Our available-for-sale investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, which is typically based on publicly-available quoted prices. From time to time, the carrying value of our investments may be temporarily impaired because of the inherent volatility of publicly-traded investments.

We conduct regular reviews to assess whether our investments are impaired and if any impairment is other than temporary. Factors considered by us in assessing whether an impairment is other than temporary include the credit quality of the investment, the duration of the impairment, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery or maturity and overall economic conditions. If we determine that the value of any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, we record a charge against earnings in the amount of the impairment. The credit loss component of an impairment charge is recognized in net earnings while the non-credit component is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of available-for-sale investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premiums and discounts on available for sale investment securities are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income.

Other long-term investments. Our other long-term investments consists of low income federal housing tax credits, which are being amortized over the life of the credits using the amortized cost method. The credits will be utilized over 10 years as required by the federal government and will be offset against the Company’s federal income tax expenses.

Estimates

A discussion of our significant accounting policies and the use of estimates is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 2011 Form 10-K.

 

7


Table of Contents

New Accounting Standards Adopted

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-26, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”) which specifies which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. In accordance with ASU 2010-26, incremental direct costs of contract acquisition should be capitalized. Advertising costs should be included in deferred acquisition costs only if the capitalization criteria in the direct-response advertising guidance in Subtopic 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Capitalized Advertising Costs, are met. All other acquisition related costs, including costs incurred by the insurer in soliciting potential customers, market research, training, administration, unsuccessful acquisition or renewal efforts, and product development, should be expensed as incurred. If the initial application of ASU 2010-26 results in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not been capitalized previously, the entity may elect not to capitalize those types of costs. ASU 2010-26 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2010-26 should be applied prospectively upon adoption; although retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption is also permitted, but not required. Early adoption is permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2010-26 on January 1, 2012. If the new method had been in place at December 31, 2011, the impact to the Company’s financial statements would have been a reduction in net income of $261 thousand. Adoption of the new method as of January 1, 2012 reduced the Company’s net income in the three months ending March 31, 2012 by $262 thousand, when compared to the old method.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). This guidance results in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. While many of the amendments to GAAP are not expected to have a significant effect on practice, this guidance changes some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. ASU 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively. For public entities, this guidance is effective during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption by public entities is not permitted. The Company adopted the amendments in ASU 2011-04 on January 1, 2012 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. If an entity elects the single continuous statement method of presentation, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement. In the two separate statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income would then immediately follow the statement of net income and would include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. Regardless of the presentation an entity chooses, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. ASU 2011-05 is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-12”). The amendments in ASU 2011-12 are being made to allow the FASB time to evaluate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. The Company adopted all the requirements in ASU 2011-05 not affected by ASU 2011-12 on January 1, 2012. As ASU 2011-05 changes only the presentation of certain financial statement information, there will be no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

(3) Investments

All of the Company’s marketable long-term investment securities have been classified as available-for-sale. The Company’s long-term securities are available to be sold in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, asset-liability management strategies, and other economic factors. Investments available-for-sale are stated at fair value on the balance sheet. The other long-term investments consist of low income federal housing tax credits, which are being amortized over the life of the credits using the amortized cost method. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity net of related deferred income taxes.

A decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary and related to credit results in a charge to income. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For a decline in value deemed to be credit related, a new cost basis for the security is established. Gross unrealized gains, net of unrealized losses and deferred income taxes as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $77,268 and $34,411 respectively.

 

8


Table of Contents

Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, over the life of the related fixed maturity security as an adjustment to yield using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Dividends and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific-identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term investments carried at market value of $4,557,357 and $4,346,810, respectively, and cash and short-term investments of approximately $25,185 and $125,008, respectively, were pledged by one of the Company’s subsidiaries under requirements of regulatory authorities.

A summary of investments follows as of:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Short-term investments and bank certificates of deposit

   $ 125,185       $ 125,008   

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

     4,693,013         5,201,132   

Corporate debt securities

     2,737,875         2,685,485   

Other long-term investments

     577,522         600,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,133,595       $ 8,612,060   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains or losses of U.S. sponsored enterprises and corporate debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, by contractual maturity, is shown below:

 

Years to Maturity — March 31, 2012

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

Within one year

   $ 574,614       $ 4,928       $ 0       $ 579,542   

One to five years

     2,853,004         166,049         0         3,019,053   

Five to ten years

     2,687,850         18,475         48,973         2,657,352   

Over ten years

     1,191,790         13,287         30,136         1,174,941   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,307,258       $ 202,739       $ 79,109       $ 7,430,888   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Years to Maturity — December 31, 2011

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

Within one year

   $ 580,257       $ 0       $ 4,050       $ 576,207   

One to five years

     3,362,908         171,362         3,745         3,530,525   

Five to ten years

     2,695,544         0         96,543         2,599,001   

Over ten years

     1,192,851         11,814         23,781         1,180,884   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,831,560       $ 183,176       $ 128,119       $ 7,886,617   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains or losses of securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, by security type, is shown below:

 

Security Type — March 31, 2012

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 4,538,607       $ 186,131       $ 31,725       $ 4,693,013   

Corporate debt securities

     2,768,651         16,608         47,384         2,737,875   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,307,258       $ 202,739       $ 79,109       $ 7,430,888   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

9


Table of Contents

Security Type — December 31, 2011

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 5,047,921       $ 183,176       $ 29,965       $ 5,201,132   

Corporate debt securities

     2,783,639         0         98,154         2,685,485   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,831,560       $ 183,176       $ 128,119       $ 7,886,617   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company has determined that all of the unrealized losses in available-for-sale securities were temporary.

There were no fundamental issues with any of these securities and the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until there is a recovery in fair value. The carrying amounts of individual assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to assess whether the fair values have declined below the carrying amounts. The Company considers internal and external information, such as credit ratings, in concluding that the impairments are not other than temporary. The decline in value of investments (bonds) is principally driven by interest rate.

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities, aggregated by category and length of time that securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

     Less Than Twelve Months      Over Twelve Months  
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Market
Fair Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Market
Fair Value
 

March 31, 2012:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 1,589       $ 250,825       $ 30,136       $ 630,750   

Corporate debt securities

     4,042         248,228         43,342         504,625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,631       $ 499,053       $ 73,478       $ 1,135,375   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 7,075       $ 1,223,100       $ 22,890       $ 637,875   

Corporate debt securities

     10,983         1,644,527         87,171         1,040,958   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 18,058       $ 2,867,627       $ 110,061       $ 1,678,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company did not sell any investments during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Total proceeds received on sales of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2011 amounted to $199,696. The Company realized losses of $1,938 on a called bond for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and realized gains and losses from the sale of securities of $39,569 and $9,359, respectively for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

(4) Fair Value Disclosures

The fair value of our investments in fixed income securities is based on observable market quotations, other market observable data, or is derived from such quotations and market observable data. The Company utilizes third party pricing servicers, brokers and internal valuation models to determine fair value. Management gains assurance of the overall reasonableness and consistent application of the assumptions and methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through our ongoing monitoring of the fair values received or derived internally.

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments at the measurement date (e.g., U.S. Treasury securities and active exchange-traded equity securities). Level 2 securities are comprised of securities whose fair value was determined by a nationally recognized pricing service using observable market inputs. Level 3 securities are comprised of (i) securities for which the pricing service is unable to provide a fair value, (ii) securities whose fair value is determined by the pricing service based on unobservable inputs and (iii) securities, other than securities backed by the U.S. Government, that are not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

 

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Table of Contents

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments are as follows:

Cash, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments primarily consists of money market funds and are considered highly liquid.

Fixed Maturities

The company utilizes a third party pricing service for the valuation of its fixed maturity securities. Fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, therefore the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value for those securities using pricing applications based on a market approach. Inputs into fair value pricing common to all asset classes include: benchmark U.S. Treasury security yield curves; reported trades of identical or similar fixed maturity securities; broker/dealer quotes of identical or similar fixed maturity securities and structural characteristics such as maturity date, coupon, mandatory principal payments dates, frequency of interest and principal payments, and optional redemption features. Inputs that are unique by asset class include but are not limited to:

U.S. government agencies – determination of direct versus indirect government support and whether any contingencies exist with respect to timely payment of principal and interest.

Corporate debt securities – overall credit quality, including assessments of the level and variability of: industry economic sensitivity; company financial policies; quality of management; regulatory environment; competitive position; restrictive covenant; and security or collateral.

Other Financial Instruments

Low income federal housing credits – present value of credits received; IRS tax credit rate

Real estate mortgage loans – overall credit quality including assessments underlying collateral; underlying collateral interest rate forecast; borrower credit quality characteristics

Notes payable – current interest rates and yield curves; credit risks consistent with debt being valued.

The following table illustrates the recurring fair value measurements as of March 31, 2012:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 4,693,013       $ 4,693,013       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     2,737,875         0         2,737,875         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,430,888       $ 4,693,013       $ 2,737,875       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The following table illustrates the recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2011:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 5,201,132       $ 5,201,132       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     2,685,485         0         2,685,485         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,886,617       $ 5,201,132       $ 2,685,485       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following presents the estimated fair values of financial instruments and their hierarchy levels as of March 31, 2012. The carrying value is the same as fair value.

 

     Level 1     

Level 2
     Level 3     
Total
Fair Value
 

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,915,754       $ 0       $ 0       $ 7,915,754   

Restricted cash

     254,260         0         0         254,260   

Short-term investments

     125,185         0         0         125,185   

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

     4,693,013         0         0         4,693,013   

Corporate debt securities

     0         2,737,875         0         2,737,875   

Low income federal housing credits

     0         577,522         0         577,522   

Real estate mortgage loans due from a related party

     0         4,000,000         0         4,000,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and investments

   $ 12,988,212       $ 7,315,397       $ 0       $ 20,303,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Notes payable due to a related party

   $ 0       $ 4,000,000       $ 0       $ 4,000,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following presents the estimated fair values of financial instruments and their hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2011. The carrying value is the same as fair value.

 

     Level 1     

Level 2
     Level 3     
Total
Fair Value
 

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,733,287       $ 0       $ 0       $ 7,733,287   

Restricted cash

     254,222         0         0         254,222   

Short-term investments

     125,008         0         0         125,008   

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

     5,201,132         0         0         5,201,132   

Corporate debt securities

     0         2,685,485         0         2,685,485   

Low income federal housing credits

     0         600,435         0         600,435   

Real estate mortgage loans due from a related party

     0         4,000,000         0         4,000,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and investments

   $ 13,313,649       $ 7,285,920       $ 0       $ 20,599,569   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Notes payable due to a related party

   $ 0       $ 4,000,000       $ 0       $ 4,000,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

(5) Real estate mortgage loans due from related party

On December 30, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with its subsidiary AAIC. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company assigned two promissory notes (one for $2,500,000 and one for $1,500,000) to AAIC as a capital contribution to AAIC. The assigned promissory notes are secured by mortgages and real estate deeds owned by the Chairman of the Company. The notes carry an interest rate of 5%, due and payable quarterly in arrears, with the first payment due March 31, 2012 and each quarter, thereafter. The principal balance is due and payable on the earlier to occur of: (i) the sale of the real estate securing the note, (ii) the payment of the notes payable described in Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, or (iii) December 28, 2018.

(6) Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The estimated liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses include the accumulation of estimates for losses for claims reported prior to the balance sheet dates (“case reserves”), estimates (based upon actuarial analysis of historical data) of losses for claims incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) and for the development of case reserves to ultimate values, and estimates of expenses for investigating, adjusting and settling all incurred claims. Amounts reported are estimates of the ultimate costs of settlement, net of estimated salvage and subrogation. These estimated liabilities are subject to the outcome of future events, such as changes in medical and repair costs as well as economic and social conditions that impact the settlement of claims. Management believes that, given the inherent variability in any such estimates, the aggregate reserves are reasonably adequate. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting reserves are reviewed and updated quarterly and any resulting adjustments are reflected in current operations.

A summary of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance ceded, is as follows:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Case basis

   $ 4,518,970       $ 5,110,499   

IBNR

     9,508,044         9,437,555   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,027,014       $ 14,548,054   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(7) Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce its overall risk levels by obtaining reinsurance from other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance premiums and reserves on reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.

Effective April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a twelve month quota share agreement with Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. for business written in Florida. The Company ceded 50% of premium and losses for bodily injury liability, physical damage and other automobile liability coverages. The Company will receive a 19% ceding commission on ceded premiums earned if the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio as a percentage of earned premium is 75.5% or greater. If the loss ratio is less than 75.5%, but not less than 71.5% then the ceding commission shall be 19.0%, plus one half of the difference in percentage points between 75.5% and the actual loss ratio. If the loss ratio is 71.5% or less, then the ceding commission rate will be 21.0%. The Company receives a provisional commission rate of 20% in advance, which is subject to adjustment once the final loss ratio is known.

Effective May 15, 2011, the Company entered into a new catastrophe agreement with Shelter Mutual Insurance Company (“SMIC”). SMIC shall be liable for private passenger automobile physical damage coverage with respect to each loss occurrence, for the ultimate net loss over and above an initial ultimate net loss of $400,000 each event, such as a storm or flood, subject to a limit of liability to SMIC of $1,600,000 each event, and further subject to a limit of liability to SMIC of $3,200,000 with respects all events commencing during the term of this contract.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. (“Greenlight”) for premium written for the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 in all states excluding Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Premium written in the state of Florida will be covered by the agreement for the period of April 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The Company will cede 50% of premiums and losses for bodily injury liability and 85% of premiums and losses for coverages other than bodily injury liability. The Company will receive a ceding commission on ceded premiums collected calculated on a sliding scale. If the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio as a percentage of earned premium is 79.5% or greater the

 

13


Table of Contents

commission rate will be 14%. If the loss ratio is less than 79.5%, but not less than 69.5%, then the ceding commission shall be 14.0%, plus the difference in percentage points between 79.5% and the actual loss ratio. If the loss ratio is 69.5% or less, then the ceding commission rate will be 24.0%. The Company will receive a provisional commission rate of 20% in advance, which is subject to adjustment once the final loss ratio is known. The terms of the agreement include a loss ratio cap with respect to the bodily injury liability coverage of 77.5% for the individual states of Georgia and Florida and collectively for all other states combined. The reinsurer’s liability for loss and loss adjustment expense plus ceding commission shall not exceed 140% of ceded written premium during the term of this contract.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

Reinsurance assets include balances due from other insurance companies under the terms of reinsurance agreements. Amounts applicable to ceded unearned premiums, ceded loss payments and ceded claims liabilities are reported as assets in the accompanying balance sheets. Under the reinsurance agreements the Company has four reinsurers that are required to collateralize the reinsurance recoverable. As of March 31, 2012 all four reinsurers have provided a letter of credit or secured trust accounts to provide security sufficient to satisfy AAIC’s obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The Company believes the fair value of its reinsurance recoverable approximates its carrying amount.

The impact of reinsurance on the statements of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31 is as follows:

 

     2012     2011  

Premiums written:

    

Direct

   $ 20,079,722      $ 30,233,932   

Assumed

     380        0   

Ceded

     (11,783,110     (17,066,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ 8,296,992      $ 13,167,539   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums earned:

    

Direct

   $ 19,731,070      $ 25,675,540   

Assumed

     380        (529

Ceded

     (12,806,342     (16,646,631
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ 6,925,108      $ 9,028,380   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred:

    

Direct

   $ 15,890,995      $ 21,968,469   

Assumed

     (4,643     (3,156

Ceded

     (10,727,962     (15,010,521
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ 5,158,390      $ 6,954,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The impact of reinsurance on the balance sheets as of the date indicated is as follows:

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense:

    

Direct

   $ 39,363,434      $ 42,001,981   

Assumed

     91,637        96,282   

Ceded

     (25,428,057     (27,550,209
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ 14,027,014      $ 14,548,054   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unearned premiums:

    

Direct

   $ 28,449,368      $ 28,100,715   

Assumed

     529        529   

Ceded

     (18,432,025     (19,455,257
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

   $ 10,017,872      $ 8,645,987   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company receives commissions on its reinsurance agreements and pays the reinsurers premium on the basis of ceded collected premium.

 

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Table of Contents

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company received $2,823,592 in commissions on ceded collected premiums. Had all of the Company’s reinsurance agreements been commuted at March 31, 2012, the Company would have returned $560,424 in reinsurance commissions to its reinsurers and its reinsurers would have returned $2,702,584 in collected premiums to the Company.

Contingent Reinsurance Commission and Provisional Commission Reserve

The Company’s primary reinsurance contract provides ceding commissions for premiums written which are subject to adjustment. The amount of ceding commissions, net of adjustments, is determined by the loss experience for the reinsurance agreement term. The reinsurers provide commissions on a sliding scale with maximum and minimum achievable levels. The reinsurers pay the Company the stated provisional commissions before adjustment. The Company adjusts the commissions based on the current loss experience for the policy year premiums. This results in establishing a liability for the excess of provisional commissions retained compared to amounts recognized, which is subject to variation until the ultimate loss experience is determinable.

The total liability for excess provisional commissions received as of March 31, 2012 by policy year is:

 

Policy Year

   Amount  

2010

   $ 237,570   

2011

     1,165,546   

2012

     383,157   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,786,273   
  

 

 

 

(8) Discontinued Operations

On June 30, 2011, the Company sold its Georgia insurance agencies. The Company received $750,000 in cash and a promissory note receivable in the amount of $500,000 related to the sale. The note was fully paid in November 2011 at an interest rate of 8% per annum. The fair value of these assets was $1,693,255 and the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $443,255. The pre-tax income on the discontinued operations for the Georgia agencies amounted to $98,599 as of December 31, 2011.

Effective July 2, 2011, the Company sold the stock of TrustWay T.E.A.M, Inc. and TrustWay T.E.A.M. Services, LLC. The Company received $280,000 in cash related to the sale. The fair value of these assets amounted to $461,252, resulting in a pre-tax loss on disposal of $181,452. The pre-tax income on the discontinued operations amounted to $122,942 for TrustWay T.E.A.M. as of December 31, 2011.

Effective July 31, 2011, the Company sold its Alabama insurance agencies. The Company received $75,000 in cash and a promissory note receivable in the amount of $225,000 related to the sale. The fair value of these assets was $560,485 and the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $260,485. The pre-tax loss on the discontinued operations for the Alabama agencies amounted to $175,606 as of December 31, 2011. The principal amount payable is due in four consecutive installments of $45,000 on August 1, 2012 and 2013, with the remaining installments of $67,500 due on August 1, 2014 and 2015. The interest rate is 10% per annum and is payable on the unpaid balance on the last day of each quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, commencing with the first date of the note until the maturity date.

On September 30, 2011, the Company sold its Florida insurance agencies and received a total of $2,850,000 in cash and a $250,000 receivable related to a purchase price adjustment for certain expense savings. The fair value of these assets was $3,489,717 and the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal in the amount of $389,717. The pre-tax loss on discontinued operations for the Florida agencies amounted to $1,438,153 as of December 31, 2011.

 

15


Table of Contents

The assets and liabilities of the aforementioned TrustWay businesses are classified as discontinued operations as summarized below.

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,281       $ 95,563   

Other

     24,801         108,496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations

   $ 90,082       $ 204,059   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 211,902       $ 595,014   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

   $ 211,902       $ 595,014   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     March 31,
2012
     March 31,
2011
 

Revenues

   $ 0       $ 2,008,654   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operations

     

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

   $ 0       $ (366,666

Income tax benefit

     0         137,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

   $ 0       $ (229,166
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On March 22, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with an investment banker to assist in indentifying strategic alternatives for the Company, including the potential sale of its wholly owned subsidiaries AAIC and MGA. The assets have been evaluated for impairment and none has been recorded as of March 31, 2012. AAIC and MGA represent substantially all of the operating assets of the Company and as such, are currently reflected as continuing operations in the consolidated financial statements ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. The total assets and liabilities of AAIC and MGA, eliminating inter-company balances, are $103.2 million and $97.4 million, respectively.

(9) Income Taxes

The provision for federal and state income taxes for the three-month periods ended March 31, are as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Current taxes

   $ 0       $ 24,295   

Deferred

     0         (31,915
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax benefit

   $ 0       $ (7,620
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company determined that a valuation allowance was required for the deferred income tax assets of $5,228,717 and $4,851,743, respectively. This determination was based on the “more likely than not” threshold. The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period provided for in the tax law. The Company considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the possible realization of deferred tax assets: future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; taxable income in prior carryback years; and tax planning strategies.

 

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Table of Contents

(10) Borrowings

Notes Payable

On December 30, 2011, the Company issued two promissory notes totaling $4,000,000 payable to the Company’s Chairman (one for $2,500,000 and one for $1,500,000) in exchange for two mortgage notes receivable (“Secured Notes”) of equal value secured by real estate mortgages. The secured notes and mortgages were contributed by the Company to its subsidiary AAIC as a capital contribution. The Company’s notes were secured in part with the stock of AAIC and the interest of AAC in MGA. AAC also issued a Warrant Agreement as part of the consideration giving the Chairman the right to purchase 11,629,000 shares of the common stock of AAC for $0.01 per share. At March 31, 2012, the recorded balance of the notes is $1,646,516, net of $2,353,484 discount related to the issuance of the warrant. The discount will be amortized over the life of the notes as a cost adjustment.

The notes payable carry an interest rate of 12.5% per annum, due and payable quarterly in arrears, with the first payment due March 31, 2012 and each quarter thereafter. The principal balance on the note is due and payable on the earlier to occur of: (i) December 28, 2018, (ii) the sale and closing of the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, or (iii) payment of the mortgage notes receivable discussed in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company had two other notes payable outstanding as of March 31, 2012. First, on January 14, 2008 the Company issued a note payable in the amount of $276,250 to Information Distribution & Marketing, Inc. for the purchase of a software package that grants the Company a perpetual license to the source code and the ability to develop derivatives. The note requires monthly principal and interest payments beginning in January 2008 and maturing in November 2012 with an interest rate of 2.8871% per annum. The outstanding principal balance on the note at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $44,133 and $58,619, respectively.

Second, as a result of the acquisition of First Choice Insurance Agency effective February 26, 2009, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note payable to the former owner in the amount of $115,200 which carries an interest rate of 5%, with four equal yearly installments of principal and interest payments beginning February 26, 2010. The outstanding balance on the note including interest payable at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $29,384 and $58,337, respectively.

The aggregate annual maturities of payments due on notes payable outstanding as of March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

     Amount  

2012

   $ 44,717   

2013

     28,800   

2014

     0   

2015

     0   

2016

     0   

Thereafter

     4,000,000   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,073,517   
  

 

 

 

 

17


Table of Contents

(11) Common Stock

During the first three months of 2012 and 2011, the Company issued 300,000 and 264,703 shares of common stock, $.01 par value to its board of directors, respectively.

(12) Warrants for Common Stock

On December 30, 2011, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 11,629,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share as additional consideration for promissory notes issued by AAC to the Company’s Chairman. The warrant is exercisable immediately and expires on December 30, 2015. The warrant shall not be exercisable and shall be of no further effect if AAC sells all or substantially all of its assets in a transaction closed on or before June 30, 2012. The initial fair value of the warrant was calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following assumptions: 4 year contractual term; annual risk-free interest rate of 2.69%; 162% volatility; and 0% dividend rate. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $2,442,089 and was recorded as equity in additional paid-in capital and a discount to the carrying value of the loan. The discount will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the seven year term of the loan. The unamortized discount at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $2,353,484 and $2,442,089, respectively.

 

(13) Stock-Based Compensation

In April 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved a new Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The Company’s 2010 Plan provides for the granting of stock options to officers, key employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors and other agents at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company believes that such awards better align the interests of its associates with those of its shareholders. Options become exercisable at various dates, generally vesting over a five-year continuous period of service and have similar contractual terms. Certain employment agreements may provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Plan). Generally, options are issued with exercise prices no less than the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant (or in the case of a ten-percent-or-greater stockholder, 110 percent of fair market value). The aggregate number of common shares authorized under the 2010 Plan is currently 2,000,000. The common stock is reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted to participants under 2010 Plan. As of March 31, 2012, there were 1,282,000 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2010 Plan.

The Company’s Prior 2000 Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) has an aggregate total of 8,500,000 authorized common shares, but no additional awards will be granted under this Plan, as it expired in June 2010. As of March 31, 2012, there were 3,624,375 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected term and option forfeitures within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The Company does not provide for any expected dividends or discount for post-vesting restrictions in the model.

The Company did not award any options during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The fair value of each option awarded during the three-months ended March 31, 2011 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table.

 

     2011

Weighted average grant date fair value

   $0.1950

Expected volatility

   160% - 163%

Weighted average volatility

   162%

Risk-free interest rate

   2.53 -2.92%

Expected term (in years)

   6.51

Expected forfeitures

   7.1%

 

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A summary of all stock option activity during the three-months ending March 31, 2012 and 2011 follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Options Outstanding

   Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Beginning of period

     5,116,375      $ 0.41         7,598,555      $ 0.49   

Add (deduct):

         

Granted

     0      $ 0.00         870,000      $ 0.20   

Forfeited

     (126,000   $ 0.19         (637,240   $ 0.23   

Expired

     (84,000   $ 0.19         (236,460   $ 0.47   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

End of period

     4,906,375      $ 0.42         7,594,855      $ 0.50   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

Exercisable, end of period

     2,946,275      $ 0.50         3,562,501      $ 0.66   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the three-months ended March 31, 2011 was $0.20. The Company did not award any options during the three months ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, there was $354,647 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options and this cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

Total compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements recognized for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, was $48,066 and $90,708, respectively.

The following stock options were outstanding or exercisable as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Options
Outstanding
     Options
Exercisable
     Options
Outstanding
     Options
Exercisable
 

Number of shares

     4,906,375         2,946,275         5,116,375         2,926,275   

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 0.42       $ 0.50       $ 0.41       $ 0.51   

Aggregate intrinsic value

   $ 2,000       $ 1,200       $ 27,600       $ 7,640   

Weighted average remaining contractual term

     5.62 years         4.41 years         5.82 years         4.51 years   

At March 31, 2012 the 2,926,275 options exercisable have an exercise price ranging from $0.11 to $0.98 per share.

(14) Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in lawsuits related to claims and other insurance policy issues. Some of the actions seek extra-contractual and/or punitive damages. These actions are vigorously defended unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of known litigation is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Contractual Commitments

The Company leases office space for its corporate headquarters located at RiverEdge One, 5500 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia 30328. Effective October 1, 2009, the Company signed an amendment to extend its lease until 2019 under more favorable lease terms. MGA leases a claims office in the state of Florida. During 2011, the Company sold its TrustWay retail operations and the leases associated with the sale are no longer commitments for the Company. However, the Company is still obligated for the lease commitment for two discontinued retail offices in Alabama under short term commercial leases. The above mentioned companies lease office equipment for use in their various locations. The Company believes that its existing facilities in the various states are adequate for the Company’s current requirements and operations. Rent expense for long-term leases with predetermined minimum rental escalations is recognized on a straight-line basis, and the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the leases, or deferred rent, is included in accrued expenses.

 

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The Company has entered into leases primarily for office space and certain equipment, classified as operating leases. The future minimum rental payments required under long-term non-cancelable leases are summarized as follows:

 

Period ending December 31,

   Amount  

2012

   $ 667,935   

2013

     554,721   

2014

     571,293   

2015

     588,489   

2016

     606,130   

Thereafter

     1,760,655   
  

 

 

 
   $ 4,749,223   
  

 

 

 

Defined Contribution Plan

Effective January 1, 2011, associates are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan at 3% of their salary. Associates have the option to opt-out of the plan. The Company contributed $38,040 and $40,256 to this plan during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The plan currently matches 33.3% on the first 6% of employee earnings and the Company can elect to make discretionary contributions. The eligibility requirements are 21 years of age, 6 months of service and full time employment.

(15) Net Loss per Share

Basic and diluted loss per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares not included in the calculations of net loss per share for the three-months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, are as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Stock options

     4,906,375         7,594,855   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock Warrants

     11,629,000         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(16) Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

     2012      2011  

Cash paid during the year:

     

Interest

   $ 129,942       $ 3,572   

Income taxes paid

   $ 0       $ 801   
     2012      2011  

Non-cash investing activities:

     

Change in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, net of tax

   $ 42,857       $ 78,001   

(17) Segment Reporting

The Company’s subsidiaries are each unique operating entities performing a separate business function. AAIC, a property and casualty insurance company, focuses on writing nonstandard automobile business in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. MGA markets AAIC’s policies through more than 2,700 independent agencies in these states. MGA provides all of the underwriting, accounting, product management, legal, policyholder administration and claims functions for AAIC and two unaffiliated carriers related to the non-standard automobile insurance policies produced in Florida and Texas. The Company also provides claims services for one unaffiliated MGA in Florida. MGA receives various fees related to insurance transactions that vary according to state insurance laws and regulations. The TrustWay agencies, comprised of 37 retail insurance agencies that focused on selling nonstandard automobile policies and related coverages in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, were sold during 2011.

 

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The Company evaluates profitability based on pretax income (loss). Pretax income (loss) for each segment is defined as the revenues less the segment’s operating expenses including depreciation, amortization, and interest. Following are the operating results for the Company’s various segments and an overview of segment assets:

 

($ in thousands)

   MGA      TrustWay     AAIC     Company     Eliminations     Consolidated  

FIRST QUARTER 2012

             

Revenues

             

External customer

   $ 4,485       $ 0      $ 6,661      $ 6      $ 0      $ 11,152   

Intersegment

     1,450         0        685        270        (2,405     0   

Pretax Income (Loss)

             

Continuing operations

            (681     0        (681

Discontinued operations

     156         0        (504     0        0        (348
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pretax income (loss)

     156         0        (504     (681     0        (1,029

Assets

             

Segment assets

     5,939         86        103,370        9,030        (14,850     103,575   

($ in thousands)

   MGA      TrustWay     AAIC     Company     Eliminations     Consolidated  

FIRST QUARTER 2011

             

Revenues

             

External customer

   $ 6,497       $ 0      $ 9,141      $        $ 0      $ 15,638   

Intersegment

     2,522         0        1,015        724        (4,261     0   

Pretax Income (Loss)

             

Continuing operations

            (697     0        (697

Discontinued operations

     971         (367     11        0        0        615   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pretax income (loss)

     971         (367     11        (697     0        (82

Assets

             

Segment assets

     8,749         7,480        131,409        21,959        (27,699     141,898   

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

On March 22, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with an investment banker to assist in indentifying strategic alternatives for the Company, including the potential sale of its wholly owned subsidiaries AAIC and MGA. The assets have been evaluated for impairment and none has been recorded as of March 31, 2012. AAIC and MGA represent substantially all of the operating assets of the Company and as such, are currently reflected as continuing operations in the consolidated financial statements ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. TrustWay was sold in 2011 and is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for those same periods.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company reported a net loss of $1.0 million compared to a net loss of $75 thousand for the same period in 2011. The Company reported basic and fully diluted losses per common share of $0.016 and $0.001, respectively, for the same periods.

The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012 resulted primarily from a decline in revenue of $4.1 million. This reduction reflects actions taken by the Company to improve underwriting results and the impact of the challenging economic environment on the non-standard segment. Total expenses declined by $2.8 million year-over-year with a reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense of $1.8 million and a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.0 million. The $75 thousand loss in 2011 includes a net loss of $229 thousand on the discontinued operations of TrustWay.

Revenues

Premiums

Gross premiums written (“GPW”) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $20.1 million, a decline of 3% compared to the same period in 2011. The decline in premium was driven by a reduction in new business policies as well as a product mix shift from 12 month policies to 6 month policies. The reduction in new business is primarily due to actions taken by the Company to improve profitability in underperforming market segments. These actions included rate increases, implementation of tighter underwriting guidelines and restrictions on new business in high fraud areas in the state of Florida. Additionally, the Company stopped writing new business in the states of Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana in November, 2011.

Policies in-force of 63,598 as of March 31, 2012 decreased 7.4% from policies in-force at December 31, 2011.

The Company ceded approximately 59% or $11.8 million of its direct premiums written to its reinsurers during the first quarter of 2012 compared to 56% or $17.1 million in 2011. The decrease in dollars is the result of lower direct premium volume produced.

Premiums written refers to 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. Premiums written become premiums earned as the policy ages. Barring premium rate changes, if an insurance company writes the same gross premiums written (“GPW”) each year, premiums written and premiums earned will be equal and the unearned premium reserve will remain constant. During periods of growth in GPW, the unearned premium reserve will increase, causing premiums earned to be less than premiums written. Conversely, during periods of decline in GPW, the unearned premium reserve will decrease, causing premiums earned to be greater than premiums written. The Company’s net premiums earned, after deducting reinsurance, was $6.9 million for the first three months of 2012 compared to $9.0 million for the same period in 2011.

Commission and Fee Income

Our MGA operations receive managing general agent commissions for agency, underwriting, policy administration, and claims adjusting services performed on behalf of insurers. Commission income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $2.0 million compared to $3.2 million in 2011. The decrease in commission income is due to the reduction in premium volume and a lower ceding commission rate. AAIC pays the MGA commission on premium, which AAIC retains and this amount is subsequently eliminated upon consolidation.

The MGA operations also receive finance and other fees associated with premium installment plans. Managing general agent fees of $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $0.9 million lower than the prior year, resulting from the reduction of in-force policies.

 

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Table of Contents

Net Investment Income and Investment Gains

Our investment portfolio is highly liquid and consists substantially of readily marketable, investment-grade debt securities. Net investment income is primarily comprised of interest and dividends earned on these securities and related investment expenses. Net investment income including gains (losses) on securities was $117 thousand for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012.

Expenses

Insurance Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses include payments made to settle claims, estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for current and prior periods, as well as loss adjustment expenses incurred in connection with settling claims. Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses are influenced by many factors, such as claims frequency and severity trends, the impact of changes in estimates for prior accident years, and increases in the cost of medical treatment and automobile repairs. The anticipated impact of inflation is considered when we establish our premium rates and set loss reserves. Our outside actuarial firm performs quarterly analyses of accident year results to update reserve requirements. The estimate of ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses is evaluated by accident quarter and by major coverage group (e.g., bodily injury, physical damage). The quarterly analyses are gross of reinsurance and then reinsurance terms are applied to calculate indicated net reserves.

We have historically used reinsurance to manage our exposure to losses and loss adjustment expenses by ceding a portion of our gross losses and loss adjustment expenses to reinsurers. We remain obligated for amounts covered by reinsurance in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements due to, for example, disputes with the reinsurer or the reinsurer’s insolvency.

Effective April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. (“Greenlight”) for premium written in the state of Florida for the period of April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. The Company cedes 50% of premiums and losses for bodily injury liability, physical damage and other automobile liability coverages to Greenlight.

Effective May 15, 2011, the Company entered into a twelve month catastrophe agreement with Shelter Mutual Insurance Company (“SMIC”). SMIC shall be liable for private passenger automobile physical damage coverage with respect to each loss occurrence, for the ultimate net loss over and above an initial ultimate net loss of $400,000 each event such as a storm or flood, subject to a limit of liability to the reinsurer of $1,600,000 each event, and further subject to a limit of liability to SMIC of $3,200,000 with respects to all events commencing during the term of this contract.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. (“Greenlight”) for premium written for the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 in all states excluding Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Premium written in the state of Florida will be covered by the agreement for the period of April 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The Company cedes 50% of premiums and losses for bodily injury liability and 85% of premiums and losses for coverages other than bodily injury liability. The terms of the agreement include a loss ratio cap with respect to the bodily injury liability coverage of 77.5% for the individual states of Georgia and Florida and collectively for all other states combined. The reinsurer’s liability for loss and loss adjustment expense plus ceding commission shall not exceed 140% of written premium during the term of this contract.

As a result of the reinsurance agreements, the Company ceded to its reinsurers approximately 68% of its direct loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred during the first three months of 2012 and 2011.

After making deductions for the effect of reinsurance, losses and loss adjustment expenses were $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $7.0 million for the same period in 2011. The amount represents actual payments made and changes in estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of AAIC’s policyholders, including the expenses associated with settling claims. As a percentage of earned premiums, the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 74.5% and 77.0% for the same period in 2011. The 2011 loss ratio results included $1.0 million of reserve strengthening for liability coverages. The Company also implemented rate and underwriting actions during 2011 to improve loss results.

 

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Table of Contents

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $7.7 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease of $1.1 million relates to a $0.7 million decrease in selling expenses due to lower premium volume, and a reduction of $0.4 million in general and administrative expense. The Company incurred interest expense of $218 thousand for the three month period in 2012, directly related to the promissory notes and warrants issued in December 2011.

Income Tax Expense

A valuation allowance of $4,851,743 was established based on the “more likely than not” threshold for the Company’s net deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2011. The valuation allowance was increased to $5,228,717 as of March 31, 2012. The company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period provided for in the tax law. The Company considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the possible realization of deferred tax assets: future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; taxable income in prior carryback years; and tax planning strategies.

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had investments and cash of $16.3 million, compared to $16.6 million at December 31, 2011. The Company’s investment strategy is to invest in bonds with short durations in order to meet its insurance obligations. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $8.3 million in cash and short-term investments, which included $0.3 million of cash restricted to provide security for certain reinsurance reserve obligations. The Company’s long term investments of $7.4 million are spread among direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury as well as those securities unconditionally guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the United States government or any agency thereof and in corporate bonds. The other long term investments of $0.6 million represent low income housing tax credits, which will be used to offset the Company’s future tax liabilities.

The Company’s investment activities are made in accordance with the Company’s investment policy. The objectives of the investment policy are to obtain favorable after-tax returns on investments through a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities. The Company’s investment criteria and practices reflect the short-term duration of its contractual obligations with policyholders. Tax considerations include federal and state income tax as well as premium tax abatement and credit opportunities offered to insurance companies in the states where AAIC writes policies.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company’s assets included two promissory notes secured by real estate mortgages, in the amount of $2.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The two notes were subsequently assigned by the Company as a capital contribution to its subsidiary AAIC. The assigned promissory notes are secured by mortgages and real estate deeds owned by the Chairman of the Company. See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding the notes.

Receivable from insureds as of March 31, 2012, decreased $300 thousand to $24.8 million. The Company’s policy is to write off uncollected receivable balances within 60 days of cancellation or expiration, and the Company does not consider an allowance for doubtful accounts to be necessary.

Reinsurance recoverable as of March 31, 2012, decreased $2.5 million to $34.2 million compared to $36.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The decrease is directly related to a reduction in ceded loss reserves. AAIC maintains quota-share reinsurance treaties whereby it cedes approximately 68% of losses. The $34.2 million represents the reinsurers’ portion of losses and loss adjustment expenses, both paid and unpaid.

Prepaid reinsurance premiums as of March 31, 2012, decreased $1.0 million to $18.4 million compared to $19.4 million as of December 31, 2011. The decrease results from AAIC’s decline in premium volume. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent premiums ceded to its reinsurers which have not been fully earned.

Other receivables as of March 31, 2012 decreased $0.3 million to $1.3 million. The balance primarily relates to amounts due on managing general agency agreements and a $0.2 million note receivable due from the purchaser of the TrustWay Alabama agencies.

The Company has a full valuation allowance on its deferred income tax asset. The valuation allowance was $5,228,717 as of March 31, 2012, an increase of $377 thousand from December 31, 2011. See Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2012, increased $0.3 million to $7.6 million. The increase is due to a $0.5 million increase in premium tax accruals and an increase of $0.3 million in amounts due to agents, partially offset by a reduction of $0.2 million in unclaimed property, a reduction in salary accruals of $0.2 million and $0.1 million reduction in general expense accruals.

 

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Table of Contents

Unearned premium increased $0.3 million to $28.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and represents premiums written but not earned. This increase is directly attributable to the increase in AAIC’s premium writings in the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased $2.6 million to $39.5 million as of March 31, 2012. This amount represents actuarial estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses. The decrease is primarily related to a reduction in claims inventory.

Reinsurance payable as of March 31, 2012 decreased $1.3 million to $19.9 million. The amount represents premiums owed to the Company’s reinsurers. AAIC maintains nine reinsurance treaties with its reinsurers and is currently ceding approximately 59% of premiums written. The decrease in reinsurance payable is mainly due to the decrease in premiums volume.

Provisional commission reserve represents the difference between the minimum ceding commission and the provisional amount paid by the reinsurers. This balance as of March 31, 2012 decreased $0.7 million to $1.8 million, compared to the balance at December 31, 2011 of $2.5 million. The decrease is related to the partial repayment of provisional commissions received for the 2010 treaty year.

Notes payable due to a related party increased by $89 thousand. The increase represents the amortization of the discount on warrants issued. In December 2011, two notes payable were issued in the amount of $2.5 million and $1.5 million to the Chairman of the Company, in consideration of providing the secured notes to AAC, (for assignment by the Company as a capital contribution to its subsidiary AAIC). As additional consideration, the Company also issued a Warrant Agreement giving the Chairman the right to purchase 11,629,000 shares of the common stock of the Company for $0.01 per share. At March 31, 2012, the recorded balance of the notes was $1,646,516, net of $2,353,484 discount related to the issuance of the warrants. The discount will be amortized over the life of the notes as a cost adjustment. See Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012, was $390 thousand compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.1 million for the same period of 2011. The decrease is driven primarily by the reduction in net earnings, lower premium volume and the partial repayment of treaty year 2010 provisional commissions.

Investing activities provided cash for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $408 thousand as compared to $272 thousand for the same period of 2011. The increase in the amount provided was attributable to a reduction in spending for capital assets.

Financing activities for the three-months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, provided cash of $135 thousand and $65 thousand, respectively.

To support Company growth, the Company maintains a highly liquid investment portfolio and closely manages capital requirements. AAIC is required by the state of South Carolina to maintain minimum Statutory Capital and Surplus of $3.0 million. As of March 31, 2012, AAIC’s statutory Capital and Surplus was $10.9 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does have off balance sheet leasing arrangements. For further information, please refer to Note 14 in the financial statements.

Loss and LAE Reserves

The Company is required to make certain estimates and assumptions when preparing its financial statements and accompanying notes in accordance with GAAP. One area which requires estimations and assumptions is the establishment of loss and LAE reserves. Loss and LAE reserves are established to reflect the estimated costs of paying claims and claims expenses under insurance policies we have issued. These reserves are an approximation of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including claims of which we are aware and claims that have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) as of the financial statement date.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $14.0 million and $14.5 million of net loss and LAE reserves, respectively, which included $4.5 million and $5.1 million of case reserves and $9.5 million and $9.4 million of IBNR reserves. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company’s case reserves decreased $0.6 million and IBNR reserves increased $100 thousand. This decrease in reserves is related to a reduction in claims inventory.

 

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GROSS RESERVES BY LINE OF BUSINESS

The following table presents the gross reserves by line of business as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     2012      2011  

Personal Auto Liability

   $ 38,433,638       $ 39,969,262   

Personal Auto Physical Damage

     1,021,433         2,129,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Gross Reserves-Unpaid Losses and LAE

   $ 39,455,071       $ 42,098,263   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The decrease in gross reserves of $2.6 million was represented by a decrease in the auto physical damage coverage of $1.1 million and $1.5 million in bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages.

Variability of Reserves for Loss and LAE

Management believes that there are no reasonably likely changes in the key factors and assumptions that materially affect the Company’s estimate of the reserve for loss and LAE that would materially impact the Company’s financial position, liquidity and results of operations. The Company’s low average policy limit and concentration on the nonstandard auto driver classification help stabilize fluctuations in frequency and severity, thereby limiting the potential variability the reserve level may have on reported results. For example, approximately 96% of policies included within the nonstandard book of business include only the state-mandated minimum policy limits for bodily injury and property damage, which mitigates the complexity of estimating average severity. These low limits tend to reduce the exposure of the loss reserves on this coverage to medical cost inflation on severe injuries since the minimum policy limits will limit the total payout.

The following table provides the estimated changes in the liability and related payments made for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  

Change in net loss and LAE reserves

   $ (521,040   $ 700,515   

Paid losses and LAE

     5,679,430        6,254,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred losses and LAE

   $ 5,158,390      $ 6,954,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio(1)

     74.5     77.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The ratio was calculated by taking losses and LAE divided by the Net Premiums Earned.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE)

The Company’s claims costs represent payments made and estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of our policyholders, including expenses needed to adjust or settle claims. These costs relate to current costs under our non-standard state-mandated automobile insurance programs. Claims costs are impacted by loss severity and frequency and are influenced by inflation and driving patterns, among other factors. Accordingly, anticipated changes in these factors are taken into account when we establish premium rates and loss reserves.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, our loss and LAE ratio decreased 2.6 %, as compared to an increase of 6.3% in the same period a year ago. The year-over-year change reflects reserve strengthening in 2011 for prior year loss development. We continuously monitor internal and industry-wide severity trends and adjust rates as appropriate to compensate for the higher loss costs.

The table below presents the development experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  

Prior year incurred losses

   $ (530,748   $ 1,217,001   

Current year incurred losses and LAE

     5,689,138        5,737,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred losses and LAE

   $ 5,158,390      $ 6,954,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase to the calendar year loss and LAE ratio

     (2.6 %)      6.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ceded Reinsurance

The Company cedes a significant portion of its personal automobile premium to other reinsurers. The Company’s reinsurance strategy is to use quota share reinsurance to mitigate the financial impact of losses on its operations, while enabling premium growth within its capital base. Historically, the Company’s reinsurance contracts have been one or two years in duration, subject to renewal.

 

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Effective January 1, 2012, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. (“Greenlight”) for premium written for the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 in all states excluding Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Premium written in the state of Florida will be covered by the agreement for the period of April 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The Company cedes 50% of premiums and losses for bodily injury liability and 85% of premiums and losses for coverages other than bodily injury liability. The terms of the agreement include a loss ratio cap with respect to the bodily injury liability coverage of 77.5% for the individual states of Georgia and Florida and collectively for all other states combined. The reinsurer’s liability for loss and loss adjustment expense plus ceding commission shall not exceed 140% of ceded written premium during the term of this contract.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company has eight reinsurers, of which seven are A- rated or better based on the most recent A.M. Best ratings available. While the eighth reinsurer does not have a rating and the contract is in run-off. Further, the reinsurers cover up to $2,000,000 in aggregate claims for extra contractual obligations each policy year.

The impact of reinsurance on the Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Ceded premiums written

   $ 11,783,110       $ 17,066,393   

Ceded commissions incurred

   $ 1,912,461       $ 3,528,655   

Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

   $ 10,727,962       $ 15,010,521   

The impact of reinsurance on the balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Reinsurance recoverable

   $ 34,179,425       $ 36,664,396   

Ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense

   $ 25,428,057       $ 27,550,209   

Ceded unearned premiums

   $ 18,432,025       $ 19,455,257   

Reinsurance payable

   $ 19,940,086       $ 20,538,203   

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. The Company reports as assets (a) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid to reinsurers applicable to the policies-in-force.

The Company ceded approximately 59% of its premium and 68% of losses during the first quarter of March 31, 2012 as compared to approximately 56% of its premium and 68% of losses ceded to reinsurers for the prior year. The ceded premium and losses reflect the new contract terms entered into during 2011 and 2012 as previously mentioned. The ceded premium under these reinsurance agreements for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $11.8 million and $17.1 million, respectively. The related ceding commission was approximately $1.9 million and $3.5 million for the same periods, respectively. The lower ceded premium and commission were mainly due to the reduction in the Company’s premium volume.

Ceded reinsurance for all programs reduced the Company’s incurred losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 by $10.7 million and $15.0 million, respectively.

Reinsurance assets include balances due from other contracted reinsurers under the terms of reinsurance agreements. Amounts applicable to ceded unearned premiums, ceded loss payments, and ceded claims liabilities are reported as assets in the accompanying balance sheets. Under the reinsurance agreements, the Company has four reinsurers that are required to collateralize their reinsurance recoverables. As of March 31, 2012, all reinsurers have provided a letter of credit or a secured trust account to provide security sufficient to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The Company believes the fair value of its reinsurance recoverables approximates their carrying amounts.

The Company’s reinsurance recoverable balances amounted to $34.2 million and $36.7 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The recoverable includes ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $25.4 million and $27.6 million of the same periods, respectively. The ceded reserves from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies ceded. Reinsurance recoverable assets include paid loss balances due from other reinsurers under the terms of reinsurance agreements in the amount of $8.8 million and $9.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The paid loss recoverables are in good standing as of March 31, 2012.

 

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The Company’s ceded unearned premium relates to policies in force which is recognized ratably over the policy period. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the ceded unearned premiums amounted to $18.4 million and $19.5 million, respectively. Reinsurance payable of $19.9 million and $20.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, represents the amounts due to reinsurers for ceded premiums net of commissions. The Company pays its reinsurers on a collected premium basis. The Company does not have any balances that are in dispute as of March 31, 2012.

The Company’s quota share reinsurance facility has a significant impact on its cash flows. Since the Company cedes a significant amount of its premium and losses, the Company relies heavily on its reinsurers to settle outstanding reinsurance balances due for loss payments net of premiums collected. The Company paid ceded premiums net of commissions of $10.1 million and $6.5 million and received reinsurance recoverables on paid loss and loss adjustment expenses of $13.2 million and $7.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company’s reinsurance strategies have not changed from previous years and the Company’s limited loss exposure is based on the existing quota share agreement. While the Company monitors conditions within the reinsurance market, adverse conditions could have an impact on the Company’s ability to secure reinsurance capacity, thereby limiting its ability to cede future losses.

ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to ensure that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Management’s Annual Report on Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012. In making this assessment, management used the criteria described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate. Based on this evaluation, management determined that, as of March 31, 2012, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting, and there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting made during our most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not Applicable

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

For 2012, each non-officer director may choose between (i) an amount in cash equal to $15,000 plus the number of shares equal to $15,000 divided by the share price on December 31, of the prior year or (ii) the number of shares equal to $30,000 divided by the share price on December 31, of the prior year. During the first three-months of 2012, the Company issued 300,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, to members of its board of directors pursuant to this director compensation program. The shares were issued on March, 13, 2012 to directors, each an accredited investor, as a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Regulation D. The Company received no consideration for the common stock issued.

 

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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a)    Exhibits.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION

By:

  /s/    GUY W. MILLNER        
  Guy Millner
  Chairman and CEO

Date: May 15, 2012

 

By:

  /s/    SHEREE S. WILLIAMS        
  Sheree S. Williams
  Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 15, 2012

 

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