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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INCex31_2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INCex32_1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INCex31_1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INCex32_2.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C.  20549


 
FORM 10-Q

x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
or
o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from        to

Commission File Number 1-14094

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Michigan
38-2626206
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

26255 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan  48034
(Address, zip code of principal executive offices)

(248) 358-1100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yeso No x

The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding on August 1, 2014, was 50,091,690.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
2-3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8-30
 
 
 
ITEM 2 –
31-48
 
 
 
ITEM 3 –
49-51
 
 
 
ITEM 4 –
51
 
 
 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1 –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 1A –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 2 –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 3 –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 4 –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 5 –
52
 
 
 
ITEM 6 –
53
 
 
 
 
54

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
 
   
 
Premiums earned
 
   
 
Gross
 
$
212,660
   
$
264,853
 
Ceded
   
(48,536
)
   
(89,072
)
Net earned premiums
   
164,124
     
175,781
 
Net commissions and fees
   
9,342
     
8,539
 
Net investment income
   
11,209
     
11,768
 
Realized gains:
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
 
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
   
-
     
-
 
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
3,253
     
2,869
 
Net realized gains
   
3,253
     
2,869
 
Total revenues
   
187,928
     
198,957
 
 
               
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
142,266
     
200,807
 
Reinsurance recoveries
   
(32,606
)
   
(55,436
)
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
109,660
     
145,371
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
59,358
     
58,450
 
General, selling and administrative expenses
   
6,752
     
5,901
 
General corporate expenses
   
1,415
     
760
 
Amortization expense
   
961
     
1,038
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
-
     
115,397
 
Interest expense
   
3,472
     
3,653
 
Total expenses
   
181,618
     
330,570
 
Income (loss) before taxes and equity earnings
   
6,310
     
(131,613
)
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)
   
1,183
     
(17,604
)
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
   
623
     
945
 
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
14
     
6
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,764
   
$
(113,058
)
 
               
Earnings (Losses) Per Share
               
Basic
 
$
0.12
   
$
(2.27
)
Diluted
 
$
0.12
   
$
(2.27
)
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
 
Diluted
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
 
 
               
Dividends paid per common share
 
$
0.02
   
$
0.02
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
 
   
 
Premiums earned
 
   
 
Gross
 
$
429,453
   
$
529,195
 
Ceded
   
(102,791
)
   
(182,826
)
Net earned premiums
   
326,662
     
346,369
 
Net commissions and fees
   
21,389
     
18,173
 
Net investment income
   
22,470
     
22,908
 
Realized gains:
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
 
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
   
-
     
-
 
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
6,279
     
3,185
 
Net realized gains
   
6,279
     
3,185
 
Total revenues
   
376,800
     
390,635
 
 
               
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
282,238
     
392,781
 
Reinsurance recoveries
   
(69,388
)
   
(125,594
)
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
212,850
     
267,187
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
118,557
     
109,055
 
General, selling and administrative expenses
   
15,247
     
11,924
 
General corporate expenses
   
3,048
     
2,276
 
Amortization expense
   
1,948
     
2,109
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
-
     
115,397
 
Interest expense
   
6,934
     
5,850
 
Total expenses
   
358,584
     
513,798
 
Income (loss) before taxes and equity earnings
   
18,216
     
(123,163
)
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)
   
4,029
     
(15,768
)
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
   
1,917
     
1,383
 
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
16
     
36
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
16,120
   
$
(105,976
)
 
               
Earnings (Losses) Per Share
               
Basic
 
$
0.32
   
$
(2.13
)
Diluted
 
$
0.32
   
$
(2.13
)
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
   
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
Diluted
   
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
 
               
Dividends paid per common share
 
$
0.04
   
$
0.04
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,764
   
$
(113,058
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
   
12,483
     
(32,487
)
Unrealized gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
4
     
50
 
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Net deferred derivative (losses) gains - hedging activity
   
(601
)
   
2,233
 
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
   
(2,115
)
   
(1,890
)
Other comprehensive  gains (losses), net of tax
   
9,771
     
(32,094
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
15,535
   
$
(145,152
)

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
16,120
   
$
(105,976
)
Other comprehensive income  (loss), net of tax:
               
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
   
23,751
     
(35,269
)
Unrealized gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
118
     
62
 
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Net deferred derivative (losses) gains - hedging activity
   
(1,205
)
   
3,038
 
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
   
(4,081
)
   
(2,077
)
Other comprehensive  gains (losses), net of tax
   
18,583
     
(34,246
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
34,703
   
$
(140,222
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
   
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
ASSETS
 
   
 
Investments
 
   
 
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,450,040 and $1,455,754 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
 
$
1,488,467
   
$
1,463,046
 
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $91,801 and $95,346 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
   
105,258
     
109,982
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
92,287
     
94,776
 
Accrued investment income
   
14,046
     
14,266
 
Premiums and agent balances receivable (net allowance of $5,152 and $5,094 in 2014 and 2013 respectively)
   
194,494
     
214,144
 
Reinsurance recoverable on:
               
Paid losses
   
15,737
     
14,453
 
Unpaid losses
   
525,149
     
505,431
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
32,963
     
63,908
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
64,629
     
62,773
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
28,716
     
41,435
 
Goodwill
   
5,644
     
5,644
 
Other intangible assets
   
22,509
     
24,509
 
Other assets
   
145,007
     
147,475
 
Total assets
 
$
2,734,906
   
$
2,761,842
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
1,615,135
   
$
1,616,521
 
Unearned premiums
   
305,353
     
354,367
 
Debt
   
158,481
     
160,723
 
Debentures
   
80,930
     
80,930
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
29,721
     
29,712
 
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
   
24,531
     
29,320
 
Payable to insurance companies
   
43,307
     
45,625
 
Other liabilities
   
30,921
     
31,231
 
Total liabilities
   
2,288,379
     
2,348,429
 
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 50,091,690 and 49,887,200 shares issued and outstanding
   
501
     
499
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
276,809
     
276,410
 
Retained earnings
   
135,011
     
120,894
 
Note receivable from officer
   
(696
)
   
(709
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
34,902
     
16,319
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
446,527
     
413,413
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,734,906
   
$
2,761,842
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
 
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Note Receivable from Officer
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
(Unaudited, In thousands)
 
Balances December 31, 2013
 
$
499
   
$
276,410
   
$
120,894
   
$
(709
)
 
$
16,319
   
$
413,413
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
16,120
     
-
     
-
     
16,120
 
Dividends declared
   
-
     
-
     
(2,003
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,003
)
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale
  securities, net of tax
   
-
     
-
             
-
     
19,471
     
19,471
 
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
   
-
     
-
             
-
     
199
     
199
 
Net deferred derivative loss - hedging activity
   
-
     
-
             
-
     
(1,205
)
   
(1,205
)
Stock award, net of tax
   
2
     
67
             
-
     
-
     
69
 
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2013 and 2014 plan years
   
-
     
332
             
-
     
-
     
332
 
Change in investment of affiliates, net of tax
   
-
     
-
             
-
     
133
     
133
 
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
-
     
-
             
-
     
(15
)
   
(15
)
Note receivable from officer
   
-
     
-
             
13
     
-
     
13
 
Balances June 30, 2014
 
$
501
   
$
276,809
   
$
135,011
   
$
(696
)
 
$
34,902
   
$
446,527
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
16,120
   
$
(105,976
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Amortization of other intangible assets
   
1,948
     
2,109
 
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs
   
-
     
63
 
Impairment of goodwill
   
-
     
115,397
 
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building
   
2,248
     
2,384
 
Net amortization of discount and premiums on bonds
   
6,456
     
5,270
 
Accretion of issued debt/original issue discount
   
758
     
417
 
Amortization of capitalized convertible note fees
   
215
     
118
 
Gain on sale of investments
   
(6,362
)
   
(3,195
)
Gain on sale of fixed assets
   
(44
)
   
(44
)
Long-term incentive plan expense
   
365
     
212
 
Stock award
   
96
     
191
 
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of taxes
   
(1,917
)
   
(1,383
)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
(16
)
   
(36
)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
3,010
     
(13,053
)
Write-off of book of business
   
52
     
-
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in:
               
Premiums and agent balances receivable
   
19,650
     
(9,448
)
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
   
(21,002
)
   
(72,015
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
30,945
     
42,445
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
(1,856
)
   
(9,487
)
Other assets
   
2,612
     
(20,530
)
Increase (decrease) in:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
(1,386
)
   
75,869
 
Unearned premiums
   
(49,014
)
   
(27,444
)
Payable to insurance companies
   
(2,318
)
   
(1,715
)
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
   
(4,789
)
   
4,668
 
Other liabilities
   
(2,329
)
   
13,684
 
Total adjustments
   
(22,678
)
   
104,477
 
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(6,558
)
   
(1,499
)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Purchase of debt securities available for sale
   
(36,703
)
   
(334,138
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available for sale
   
38,355
     
109,397
 
Purchase of equity securities available for sale
   
(19,080
)
   
(93,641
)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale
   
28,651
     
14,240
 
Capital expenditures
   
(982
)
   
(764
)
Other investing activities
   
642
     
228
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
10,883
     
(304,678
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Payments on term loan
   
(3,000
)
   
(3,000
)
Proceeds from convertible senior notes
   
-
     
96,324
 
Payments for convertible senior notes hedge
   
-
     
(12,942
)
Proceeds from issuance of warrants
   
-
     
3,023
 
Book overdrafts
   
(1,824
)
   
676
 
Dividends paid on common stock
   
(2,003
)
   
(1,995
)
Other financing activities
   
13
     
15
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(6,814
)
   
82,101
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,489
)
   
(224,076
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
94,776
     
342,124
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
92,287
   
$
118,048
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
3,392
   
$
3,590
 
Net income taxes (rececived) paid (1)
 
$
(4,822
)
 
$
1,165
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Stock-based employee compensation
 
$
96
   
$
191
 

(1) Tax return refunds were received in first quarter of 2014 and 2013 for $8,886 and $3,067, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Management Representation

The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Meadowbrook”), its wholly owned subsidiary Star Insurance Company (“Star”), and Star’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Savers”), Williamsburg National Insurance Company (“Williamsburg”), and Ameritrust Insurance Corporation (“Ameritrust”).   The consolidated financial statements also include Meadowbrook, Inc., Crest Financial Corporation, and their respective subsidiaries.  In addition, the consolidated financial statements also include ProCentury Corporation (“ProCentury”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  ProCentury’s wholly owned subsidiaries consist of Century Surety Company (“Century”) and its wholly owned subsidiary ProCentury Insurance Company (“PIC”).  In addition, ProCentury Risk Partners Insurance Company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCentury (Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust, Century, and PIC are collectively referred to as “Insurance Company Subsidiaries”).

In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim period.  Preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Revenue Recognition

Premiums written, which include direct, assumed and ceded amounts are recognized as earned on a pro rata basis over the life of the policy term. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Provisions for unearned premiums on reinsurance assumed from others are made on the basis of ceding reports when received and actuarial estimates.

Assumed premium estimates include business where the company accepts a portion of the risk from a ceding carrier as well as the mandatory assumed pool business from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), or residual market business.
Effective July 1, 2013, the Insurance Company Subsidiaries entered into an agreement with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), whereby certain business from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries is written directly with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  Our Insurance Company Subsidiaries pay SNIC a 5.5% policy issuance fee, which is reflected as assumed commission expense on the applicable Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ financial statements. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, our Insurance Company Subsidiaries collectively assumed $59.2 million and $135.1 million, respectively, in gross written premium from SNIC.  The impact of the SNIC policy issuance fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 2.1% and 2.0% for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss control, and claims services, is recognized during the period that the services are provided.  Depending on the terms of the contract, claims processing fees are recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the claims, or the estimated life of the contract.  For those contracts that provide services beyond the expiration or termination of the contract, fees are deferred in an amount equal to management’s estimate of the Company’s obligation to continue to provide services in the future.

Commission income, which includes reinsurance placement, is recorded on the later of the effective date or the billing date of the policies on which they were earned.  Commission income is reported net of any sub-producer commission expense.   Commission adjustments that occur subsequent to the issuance of the policy because of cancellation typically are recognized when the policy is effectively cancelled. Profit sharing commissions from unaffiliated insurance carriers are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received.

Income Taxes

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is to be applied prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 10 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
NOTE 2 – Investments

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, non-credit other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) and estimated fair value of investments in securities classified as available for sale at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
    
Gross Unrealized
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
Gains
   
Losses
   
Non-Credit OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
 
$
24,606
   
$
562
   
$
(110
)
 
$
-
   
$
25,058
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
712,608
     
27,463
     
(6,473
)
   
-
     
733,598
 
Corporate securities
   
557,854
     
18,748
     
(3,143
)
   
-
     
573,459
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
110,374
     
2,348
     
(2,119
)
   
-
     
110,603
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
24,819
     
551
     
(385
)
   
-
     
24,985
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
19,779
     
991
     
(6
)
   
-
     
20,764
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,450,040
     
50,663
     
(12,236
)
   
-
     
1,488,467
 
Equity Securities:
                                       
Common stock
   
91,801
     
14,168
     
(711
)
   
-
     
105,258
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
91,801
     
14,168
     
(711
)
   
-
     
105,258
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,541,841
   
$
64,831
   
$
(12,947
)
 
$
-
   
$
1,593,725
 

 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
Gains
   
Losses
   
Non-Credit OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
 
$
24,985
   
$
572
   
$
(188
)
 
$
-
   
$
25,369
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
730,004
     
25,509
     
(20,121
)
   
-
     
735,392
 
Corporate securities
   
534,913
     
15,529
     
(11,935
)
   
-
     
538,507
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
118,930
     
2,191
     
(4,737
)
   
-
     
116,384
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
26,719
     
617
     
(868
)
   
-
     
26,468
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
20,203
     
763
     
(40
)
   
-
     
20,926
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,455,754
     
45,181
     
(37,889
)
   
-
     
1,463,046
 
Equity Securities:
                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
71
     
147
     
-
     
-
     
218
 
Common stock
   
95,275
     
14,933
     
(444
)
   
-
     
109,764
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
95,346
     
15,080
     
(444
)
   
-
     
109,982
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,551,100
   
$
60,261
   
$
(38,333
)
 
$
-
   
$
1,573,028
 
   Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
June 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Unrealized gains
 
$
64,831
   
$
60,261
 
Unrealized losses
   
(12,947
)
   
(38,333
)
Non-credit OTTI
   
-
     
-
 
Net unrealized gains
   
51,884
     
21,928
 
Deferred federal income tax expense
   
(18,160
)
   
(7,675
)
Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes
 
$
33,724
   
$
14,253
 
 
Net realized gains (losses including OTTI) on securities, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Realized gains (losses):
 
   
   
   
 
Debt securities:
 
   
   
   
 
Gross realized gains
 
$
20
   
$
1,500
   
$
337
   
$
1,530
 
Gross realized losses
   
-
     
(162
)
   
-
     
(170
)
Total debt securities
   
20
     
1,338
     
337
     
1,360
 
Equity securities:
                               
Gross realized gains
   
3,271
     
1,570
     
6,029
     
1,845
 
Gross realized losses
   
(3
)
   
(1
)
   
(4
)
   
(10
)
Total equity securities
   
3,268
     
1,569
     
6,025
     
1,835
 
Net realized gains
 
$
3,288
   
$
2,907
   
$
6,362
   
$
3,195
 
 
                               
OTTI included in realized losses on securities above
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $17.9 million and $69.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $31.1million and $76.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At June 30, 2014, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale debt securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):
 
 
Available for Sale
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
31,444
   
$
31,794
 
Due after one year through five years
   
531,469
     
557,057
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
598,509
     
610,326
 
Due after ten years
   
133,646
     
132,938
 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities
   
154,972
     
156,352
 
 
 
$
1,450,040
   
$
1,488,467
 

Net investment income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net Investment Income Earned From:
 
   
   
   
 
Debt securities
 
$
10,572
   
$
11,016
   
$
21,232
   
$
21,704
 
Equity securities
   
981
     
930
     
1,847
     
1,550
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
74
     
199
     
229
     
393
 
Total gross investment income
   
11,627
     
12,145
     
23,308
     
23,647
 
Less investment expenses
   
418
     
377
     
838
     
739
 
Net investment income
 
$
11,209
   
$
11,768
   
$
22,470
   
$
22,908
 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments of Securities and Unrealized Losses on Investments

Available for sale securities are reviewed for declines in fair value, excluding other-than-temporary declines.  For a debt security, if the Company intends to sell a security and it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security is below amortized cost, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  If the Company does not intend to sell a debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred.  In this instance, accounting guidance requires the bifurcation of the total OTTI into the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the non-credit OTTI, which is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income as an unrealized non-credit OTTI in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
When assessing the Company’s intent to sell a debt security, if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the security portfolio, sales of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing, are evaluated.  In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows expected to be recovered.  The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security upon issuance.  The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the debt security was previously impaired.  If an OTTI exists and there is not sufficient cash flows or other information to determine a recovery value of the security, the Company concludes the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

To determine the recovery period of a debt security, the Company considers the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

· Historical and implied volatility of the security;
· Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
· Conditions specifically related to the security such as default rates, loss severities, loan to value ratios, current levels of subordination, third party guarantees, and vintage;
· Specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;
· Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency;
· Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and
· Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI, the security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI.  Therefore, for a fixed maturity security, the discount or reduced premium is reflected in net investment income over the contractual term of the investment in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.

For an equity security, if the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery of the cost of the security in value, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred, and the cost of the equity security is written down to the current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss within the Consolidated Statements of Income. When assessing the Company’s ability and intent to hold the equity security to recovery of the cost of the security, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security, as well as the cause of decline, a fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer.

The Company reviewed its investment portfolio in relation to its OTTI policy and determined the Company did not need to record a credit related OTTI loss, nor recognize a non-credit related OTTI loss in other comprehensive income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013.

The fair value and amount of unrealized losses segregated by the time period the investment has been in an unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
 
 
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
   
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
   
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
 Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
3
   
$
3,407
   
$
(110
)
   
3
   
$
3,407
   
$
(110
)
Obligations of states and political subs
   
33
     
105,800
     
(2,173
)
   
55
     
174,076
     
(4,300
)
   
88
     
279,876
     
(6,473
)
Corporate securities
   
53
     
90,112
     
(1,539
)
   
26
     
76,375
     
(1,604
)
   
79
     
166,487
     
(3,143
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
4
     
29,864
     
(685
)
   
9
     
47,676
     
(1,434
)
   
13
     
77,540
     
(2,119
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
3
     
5,087
     
(141
)
   
2
     
7,826
     
(244
)
   
5
     
12,913
     
(385
)
Other asset-backed securities
   
2
     
4,071
     
(6
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2
     
4,071
     
(6
)
Total debt securities
   
95
     
234,934
     
(4,544
)
   
95
     
309,360
     
(7,692
)
   
190
     
544,294
     
(12,236
)
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Common stock
   
21
     
16,159
     
(620
)
   
3
     
1,578
     
(91
)
   
24
     
17,737
     
(711
)
Total equity securities
   
21
     
16,159
     
(620
)
   
3
     
1,578
     
(91
)
   
24
     
17,737
     
(711
)
Total securities
   
116
   
$
251,093
   
$
(5,164
)
   
98
   
$
310,938
   
$
(7,783
)
   
214
   
$
562,031
   
$
(12,947
)

 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
 
 
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
 with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
   
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
   
Number of Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
   
5
   
$
6,181
   
$
(91
)
   
1
   
$
903
   
$
(97
)
   
6
   
$
7,084
   
$
(188
)
Obligations of states and political subs
   
103
     
285,264
     
(16,218
)
   
16
     
43,811
     
(3,903
)
   
119
     
329,075
     
(20,121
)
Corporate securities
   
121
     
259,581
     
(10,663
)
   
8
     
16,734
     
(1,272
)
   
129
     
276,315
     
(11,935
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
13
     
72,458
     
(3,879
)
   
1
     
8,095
     
(858
)
   
14
     
80,553
     
(4,737
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
5
     
12,451
     
(868
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
5
     
12,451
     
(868
)
Other asset-backed securities
   
4
     
8,522
     
(40
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4
     
8,522
     
(40
)
Total debt securities
   
251
     
644,457
     
(31,759
)
   
26
     
69,543
     
(6,130
)
   
277
     
714,000
     
(37,889
)
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Common stock
   
15
     
12,112
     
(444
)
   
-
                     
15
     
12,112
     
(444
)
Total equity securities
   
15
     
12,112
     
(444
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
15
     
12,112
     
(444
)
Total securities
   
266
   
$
656,569
   
$
(32,203
)
   
26
   
$
69,543
   
$
(6,130
)
   
292
   
$
726,112
   
$
(38,333
)

NOTE 3 – Fair Value Measurements

According to accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or would be paid in the transfer of a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (“observable inputs”) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (“unobservable inputs”).

The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed investment portfolio are based on prices provided by a third party pricing service and a third party investment manager.  The prices provided by these services are based on quoted market prices, when available, non-binding broker quotes, or matrix pricing.  The third party pricing service and the third party investment manager provide a single price or quote per security and the Company has not historically adjusted security prices.  The Company obtains an understanding of the methods, models and inputs used by the third party pricing service and the third party investment manager, and has controls in place to validate that amounts provided represent fair values.  The Company’s control process includes, but is not limited to, an initial and ongoing evaluation of the methodologies used, a review of specific securities and an assessment for proper classification within the fair value hierarchy.  The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available for sale portfolio is based upon its assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation as of the measurement date. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Valuations that are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. The fair value of exchange-traded preferred and common equities, and mutual funds included in the Level 1 category were based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market. The fair value measurements that were based on Level 1 inputs comprise 6.6% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

Level 2 – Valuations that are based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices) such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.  The fair value of securities included in the Level 2 category were based on the market values obtained from a third party pricing service that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other observable market information.  The third party pricing service monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events.  The Level 2 category includes corporate bonds, government and agency bonds, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 2 inputs comprise 93.2% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

Level 3 – Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable and/or involve management judgment and/or are based on non-binding broker quotes.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 3 inputs comprise 0.2% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

For corporate, government and municipal bonds, the third party pricing service utilizes a pricing model with standard inputs that include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data observable in the marketplace.  The model uses the option adjusted spread methodology and is a multi-dimensional relational model.  All bonds valued under these techniques are classified as Level 2.

For asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities, the third party pricing service valuation methodology includes consideration of interest rate movements, new issue data, monthly remittance reports and other pertinent data that is observable in the marketplace.  This information is used to determine the cash flows for each tranche and identifies the inputs to be used such as benchmark yields, prepayment assumptions and collateral performance.  All asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities valued under these methods are classified as Level 2.
Also included in Level 2 valuation are interest rate swap agreements the Company utilizes to hedge the floating interest rate on its debt, thereby changing the variable rate exposure to a fixed rate exposure for interest on these obligations.  The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps is obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties and measured using discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates significant observable inputs, including the LIBOR forward curve, derivative counterparty spreads, and measurements of volatility.

The Level 3 securities consist of 17 securities totaling $3.7 million or 0.2% of the total investment portfolio.  These primarily represent asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities that have a principal protection feature supported by a U.S. Treasury strip.  To fair value all 17 of these securities, the third party investment manager used benchmarking techniques based upon industry sector, rating and other factors.

Also included in Level 3 valuation are the conversion feature within the Notes (as defined in Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments) and the convertible senior notes hedge.  The estimated fair values of both the conversion feature and the convertible senior notes hedge are obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties valued using non-binding broker quotations and significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of June 30, 2014 (in thousands):

 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
 
$
25,058
   
$
-
   
$
25,058
   
$
-
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
733,598
     
-
     
733,598
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
573,459
     
-
     
572,418
     
1,041
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
110,603
     
-
     
110,603
     
-
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
24,985
     
-
     
24,859
     
126
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
20,764
     
-
     
18,273
     
2,491
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,488,467
     
-
     
1,484,809
     
3,658
 
Equity Securities:
                               
Common stock
   
105,258
     
105,258
     
-
     
-
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
105,258
     
105,258
     
-
     
-
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,593,725
   
$
105,258
   
$
1,484,809
   
$
3,658
 
Derivatives:
                               
Derivatives - interest rate swaps
 
$
(301
)
 
$
-
   
$
(301
)
 
$
-
 
Cash conversion feature of cash  convertible notes
   
(17,985
)
   
-
     
-
     
(17,985
)
Purchased cash convertible note hedge
   
17,985
     
-
     
-
     
17,985
 
Total derivatives
 
$
(301
)
 
$
-
   
$
(301
)
 
$
-
 
Total securities available for sale and derivatives
 
$
1,593,424
   
$
105,258
   
$
1,484,508
   
$
3,658
 

The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments and derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fair Value
Measurement
Using Significant
Unobservable
Inputs - Level 3
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
3,497
 
 
       
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
   
46
 
Included in other comprehensive income
   
260
 
 
       
Purchases
   
-
 
Issuances
   
-
 
Settlements
   
(145
)
 
       
Transfers in and out of Level 3
   
-
 
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
$
3,658
 
 
There were no credit losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date.

The Company’s policy on recognizing transfers between hierarchy levels is applied at the end of each reporting period.  There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

NOTE  4 – Debt

Credit Facilities

On August 29, 2012, the Company executed $130.0 million in senior credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities included a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.
 
On September 19, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Facilities pursuant to a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”).  Under the Amendment, the term loan facility continues to have a four year term and the same amortization period. As of June 30, 2014, the outstanding balance on the Company’s term loan facility was $19.5 million. The Amendment reduced available borrowing under the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $30.0 million with further periodic reductions to $21.0 million as of March 31, 2016. The Amendment also established an amortization schedule for the revolving credit facility beginning on September 30, 2014. The Company has $20.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility and $0.1 million in letters of credit as of June 30, 2014. The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $9.9 million as of June 30, 2014, is available to finance working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to its Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.
The principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facilities provides for interest at either the Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) or the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”). ABR borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facilities provide for an unused facility fee ranging between twenty-five basis points and thirty-seven and a half basis points, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined by the Credit Facilities. At June 30, 2014, the interest rate on the Company’s term loan was 2.75%, which consisted of a weighted fixed rate of 0.25%, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%, as described in Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments. At June 30, 2014, the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility was 0.25%, plus a 2.50% margin.

Additionally, under the Amendment, the financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities consist of: (1) minimum consolidated net worth of $365,697,000 as of the effective date of the Amendment, with quarterly increases thereafter of the sum of (a) seventy-five percent of positive net income and (b) seventy-five percent of increases in shareholders’ equity by reason of the issuance and sale of equity interests, if any, (2) minimum Risk Based Capital Ratio for all material Insurance Company Subsidiaries of 1.75 times Company Action Level, (3) maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio of (i) 0.375 to 1.00 at any time prior to September 30, 2014, or (ii) 0.35 to 1.00 at any time on or after September 30, 2014, (4) minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, and (5) minimum A.M. Best rating of “B++” for all Insurance Company Subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.

FHLBI

During 2011, certain of the Insurance Company Subsidiaries (Star, Williamsburg and Ameritrust) became members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). As a member of the FHLBI, these subsidiaries have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates providing a source of liquidity. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI after pledging as collateral residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) having a carrying value of $37.9 million, and making a FHLBI common stock investment of approximately $1.6 million. The Company has the ability to increase its borrowing capacity through purchasing additional investments in FHLBI and pledging additional securities. The Company retains all the rights regarding the collateralized RMBS.

Debentures

The following table summarizes the principal amounts and variables associated with the Company’s debentures (in thousands):
 
Year of Issuance
Description
Year Callable
Year Due
Interest Rate Terms
 
Interest Rate at June 30, 2014 (1)
   
Principal Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
2003
Junior subordinated debentures
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
   
4.28
%
 
$
10,310
 
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
4.22
%
   
13,000
 
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
   
4.43
%
   
12,000
 
2005
Junior subordinated debentures
2010
2035
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
   
3.81
%
   
20,620
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2007
2032
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
4.23
%
   
15,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%
   
4.32
%
   
10,000
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
Total
   
$
80,930
 
 
(1) The underlying three-month LIBOR rate varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR rate, which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.

(2) Represents the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with our merger with ProCentury (the “ProCentury Merger”) on July 31, 2008.

Excluding the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger, the Company received a total of $53.3 million in net proceeds from the issuances of the above long-term debt, of which $26.2 million was contributed to the surplus of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries and the remaining balance was used for general corporate purposes.

The junior subordinated debentures issued in 2003 and 2005 were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $10.0 million and $20.0 million in mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities to a trust formed by an institutional investor from the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiary trusts, Meadowbrook Capital Trust I and Meadowbrook Capital Trust II, respectively.

The junior subordinated debentures acquired in the ProCentury Merger were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $15.0 million and $10.0 million in floating rate trust preferred securities to a trust formed from the Company’s unconsolidated trust, ProFinance Statutory Trust I and ProFinance Statutory Trust II.

The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are junior to the right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company.  The Company has guaranteed that the payments made to the four trusts mentioned above will be distributed to the holders of the respective trust preferred securities.

The Company estimates that the fair value of the above mentioned junior subordinated debentures and senior debentures issued approximate the gross proceeds of cash received at the time of issuance.
Cash Convertible Senior Notes

On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.0% cash convertible senior notes (the “Notes”), which mature on March 15, 2020.  Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2013.  Until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes solely into cash at any time on or after September 15, 2019 or earlier under certain circumstances determined by: (i) the market price of the Company’s stock, (ii) the trading price of the Notes, or (iii) the occurrence of specified corporate transactions.  The notes are not convertible into Meadowbrook common stock or any other securities under any circumstances.  The initial conversion rate is 108.8732 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.18 per share), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.  Additionally, in the event of a fundamental change, the holders may require the Company to repurchase the Notes for a cash price equal to 100% of the principal, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.  The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were bifurcated into a debt component and an embedded conversion option component.

Due to the bifurcation, the debt component reflects an original issue discount (“OID”) of $12.9 million which will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes.  After considering the contractual interest payments and amortization of the OID, the Notes’ effective interest rate is 7.4%.

The following table shows the amounts recorded for the debt component of the Notes as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
June 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Outstanding principal
 
$
100,000
   
$
100,000
 
Unamortized OID
   
(11,019
)
   
(11,777
)
Total debt component
 
$
88,981
   
$
88,223
 
 
Deferred issuance costs of $3.7 million will also be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes.  Interest expense on the Notes, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, was $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  Interest expense on the Notes, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, was $3.5 million and $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As the conversion feature is structured under the cash settlement method, the embedded conversion option is reported as a derivative liability.

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company also entered into cash convertible senior notes hedge transactions (the “Note Hedges”) and warrant transactions (the “Warrants”) with respect to its common stock with certain counter-parties.  Upon conversion, the Note Hedges are intended to offset potential cash payments in excess of the principal of the Notes.  The Note Hedges and Warrants are separate transactions, entered into by the Company with certain counter-parties and are not part of the terms of the Notes.
The Company paid $12.9 million for the Note Hedges, which are exercisable upon conversion of the Notes.  The Note Hedges are structured under the cash settlement method and are accounted for as a derivative asset.

The Company received $3.0 million for the warrants sold to certain counter-parties.  The warrants have a strike price of $11.69 and will be net share settled, meaning the Company will issue a number of shares per warrant corresponding to the difference between its share price on each warrant exercise date and the exercise price.  The warrants meet the definition of derivatives under the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815; however, because these instruments have been determined to be indexed to the Company’s own stock and meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 815-40, the warrants have been accounted for as an adjustment to the Company’s paid-in-capital.

If the market value per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the strike price of the warrants, the warrants will have a dilutive effect on the Company’s net income per share and the Company will use the “treasury stock” method in calculating the dilutive effect on earnings per share.

NOTE 5 – Derivative Instruments

The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate its interest rate risk on its existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, with gross unrealized gains reported as other assets and gross unrealized losses reported as other liabilities.  The effective portion of the changes in fair value is accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.

The following table summarizes the rates and amounts associated with the Company’s interest rate swaps (in thousands):
 
Effective Date
Expiration Date
Debt Instrument
Counterparty Interest Rate Terms
 
Fixed Rate
   
Fixed Amount at June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
9/8/2010
5/24/2016
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
   
6.248
%
   
5,000
 
9/16/2010
9/15/2015
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
   
6.160
%
   
10,000
 
9/16/2010
9/15/2015
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
   
6.190
%
   
10,000
 
5/24/2011
5/24/2016
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
   
6.472
%
   
7,000
 
9/28/2012
8/30/2016
Term loan (1)
Three-month LIBOR
   
0.714
%
   
19,500
 
4/29/2013
4/29/2023
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
6.250
%
   
13,000
 
6/30/2013
6/30/2023
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
   
6.340
%
 
$
10,000
 
8/15/2013
8/15/2023
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
Three-month LIBOR
   
2.180
%
   
10,000
 
9/4/2013
9/4/2023
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
Three-month LIBOR
   
2.270
%
   
15,000
 
 
 
 
    
 
Total
   
$
99,500
 
 
(1) The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule.  The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan.  The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 2.50% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.
 
(2) The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt.  The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.
In relation to the above interest rate swaps, the net interest expense incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The net interest expense incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2014, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was ($0.3 million), which reflects a gross unrealized gain position of $0.7 million and a gross unrealized loss position of ($1.0 million). As of December 31, 2013, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was $1.6 million, which reflects a gross unrealized gain position of $2.9 million and a gross unrealized loss position of ($1.3 million). At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated loss on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately ($0.2 million) and accumulated gain on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately $1.0 million, respectively. The Company does not net the unrealized gains and losses in the financial statements.

Cash Convertible Senior Notes and Note Hedges

In order to offset the risk associated with the cash conversion feature of the Notes, the Company entered into the Note Hedges.  Both the cash conversion feature and the Note Hedges are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

At June 30, 2014, the cash conversion feature of the Notes had a fair market value of ($18.0 million) and the Note Hedges had a fair market value of $18.0 million.  At December 31, 2013, cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes had a fair market value of ($16.8 million) and the Note Hedges had a fair market value of $16.8 million.

NOTE  6 – Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards

On February 23, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 28,500 and 202,500 restricted stock awards, respectively, to named executive officers and other members of management of the Company, out of its 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). No restricted stock awards were issued in 2012, 2013 or 2014. The restricted stock awards vest over a four year period, with the first twenty percent vesting immediately on the date issued (i.e., February 23) and the remaining eighty percent vesting annually on a straight line basis over the requisite four year service period. The unvested restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture in the event the employee is terminated for “Good Cause” or voluntarily resigns their employment without “Good Reason” as provided for in the employee’s respective employment agreements. The Company recorded approximately $14,000 and $82,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   The Company recorded approximately $68,000 and $164,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The total compensation cost related to the unvested portion of the awards that have not been recognized as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $35,000 and $270,000, respectively.  The Plan expired in 2012 so any future award will be issued out of the Company’s 2009 Equity Compensation Plan, which was previously approved by shareholders.
On February 13, 2014, and February 13, 2013, the Company issued 2,400 non-restricted stock awards to each outside member of the Board of Directors, which vested immediately. On May 16, 2014, the Company issued a 2,400 non-restricted stock award to a newly elected member of the Board of Directors, which vested immediately.  The Company recorded approximately $16,000 and $0 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company recorded approximately $136,000 and $137,000 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

NOTE 7 – Shareholders’ Equity

At June 30, 2014, shareholders’ equity was $446.5 million, or a book value of $8.91 per common share, compared to $413.4 million, or a book value of $8.29 per common share, at December 31, 2013.

The Company’s Share Repurchase Plan expired on October 28, 2013.  For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013, there were no share repurchases.

When evaluating the declaration of a dividend, the Company’s Board of Directors considers a variety of factors including, but not limited to, cash flow, liquidity needs, results of operations, industry conditions, and our overall financial condition.  As a holding company, the ability to pay cash dividends is partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from its Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  Additionally, pursuant to the Amendment (Note 4 ~ Debt) the Company cannot pay quarterly dividends in excess of the lesser of $0.02 per share or $1.25 million in the aggregate without the bank’s prior approval.

The Company paid dividends to its common shareholders of $2.0 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

On August 1, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per common share.  The dividend is payable on August 29, 2014, to shareholders of record as of August 18, 2014.
NOTE 8 – Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares and potential dilution from shares issuable pursuant to stock awards using the treasury stock method.

The following table is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months and six months ended June 30 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,764
   
$
(113,058
)
 
$
16,120
   
$
(105,976
)
 
                               
Common shares:
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
     
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
 
                               
Diluted
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
     
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
Dilutive effect of:
                               
Share awards under long term incentive plan
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
     
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
 
                               
Net income (loss) per common share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.12
   
$
(2.27
)
 
$
0.32
   
$
(2.13
)
Diluted
 
$
0.12
   
$
(2.27
)
 
$
0.32
   
$
(2.13
)
 
NOTE 9 – Goodwill

The Company evaluates existing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  Goodwill impairment is performed at the reporting unit level.

In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company concluded its reporting units to be specialty insurance operations and agency operations. The nature of the business and economic characteristics of all agency operations and all specialty insurance operations are similar based upon, but not limited to, the following; (1) management alignment within each reporting unit, (2) the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries operating under a reinsurance pooling arrangement, and (3) the ability of the Company to leverage its expertise and fixed costs within each reporting unit.
Pursuant to ASC 350 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for impairment at least once a year or more frequently if management believes indicators of impairment exist. Carrying values are compared with fair values, and when the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the carrying value of the impaired asset is reduced to its fair value. The performance of the test involves a two-step process.  Step One of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, the Company performs Step Two to determine the amount of impairment loss. Step Two analysis involves determining the potential impairment of goodwill as the difference between the carried goodwill and the hypothetical fair value of enterprise less the fair value of the tangible net assets and less the estimation of identifiable intangible assets, such as agent relationships, licenses, trademarks and other intangibles that are not carried on the books at fair value.
 
Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process involving the use of estimates and judgments, particularly related to future cash flows, discount rates (including market risk premiums) and market multiples. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a blend of two commonly used valuation techniques, the market approach and the income approach. The Company gives consideration to two valuation techniques, as either technique can be an indicator of value. For the market approach, valuations of reporting units were based on an analysis of price multiples of net income, net book value and net tangible book value.  The peer group price multiples used in the analysis were selected based on management’s judgment.  For the income approach, the Company estimated future cash flows using a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”). A DCF model was selected to be comparable to what would be used by market participants to estimate fair value. The DCF model incorporated expected future growth rates, terminal value amounts, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital to discount estimated cash flows.  The projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with the Company’s forecast and long-range plans.
 
On August 2, 2013, A.M. Best (insurance industry rating agency) downgraded Meadowbrook's issuer credit rating, as well its financial strength ratings and the issuer credit ratings of its subsidiaries after the Company reported weaker-than-anticipated second-quarter results.  Subsequent to the announcement, the Company’s stock price decreased by 10%.  These events represented a triggering event for potential goodwill impairment.  The Company completed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation as of June 30, 2013, as required under ASC 350, and determined that a goodwill impairment existed in the Specialty Insurance Operations (SIO) reporting unit, as the carrying value of the unit exceeded its fair value.  After further analysis, the Company recorded a provisional impairment adjustment of $115.4 million at June 30, 2013.  This provisional adjustment represented a full impairment of SIO’s reporting unit’s goodwill.
 
The carrying amount of the goodwill was $5.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and represented goodwill attributable to the Company’s Agency Operations reporting unit.  There were no triggering events in 2014 related to such goodwill.

The following summarizes the goodwill activity and beginning and ending balances for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
Agency Operations
   
Specialty Insurance Operations
   
Total
 
 
 
   
   
 
Balance as of January 1, 2013
   
5,644
     
115,397
     
121,041
 
Goodwill Impairment
   
-
     
(115,397
)
   
(115,397
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
   
5,644
     
-
     
5,644
 
Goodwill Impairment
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance at June 30, 2014
   
5,644
     
-
     
5,644
 
 
 
NOTE 10 – Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject at times to various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance, claims administration, consulting services and other business transactions arising in the ordinary course of business. Where appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims, lawsuits and proceedings. Some of these claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant. Most of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by the policy of insurance at issue. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves. We also maintain errors and omissions insurance and extra-contractual coverage under reinsurance treaties related to the policy of insurance at issue or other appropriate insurance. In terms of any retentions or deductibles associated with such insurance, the Company has established accruals for such retentions or deductibles, when necessary, based upon current available information. In accordance with accounting guidance, if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable; then an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Period expenses related to the defense of such claims are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Management, with the assistance of outside counsel, adjusts such provisions according to new developments or changes in the strategy in dealing with such matters. On the basis of current information, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that, other than with regard to the arbitration described below, any material loss exceeding amounts already accrued, if any, will result from any of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject to, either individually, or in the aggregate.
Arbitration
 
The Company purchased a three year underlying per occurrence excess of loss reinsurance agreement (the “Retention Buy Down Treaty”) from a reinsurer (the “Reinsurer”), which reinsured the Company’s statutory workers’ compensation business for the period of January 1, 1999 through January 1, 2002. Under the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company ceded losses to the Reinsurer of approximately $42.6 million. The Company was also a party to an unrelated excess of loss treaty with another reinsurer for its workers’ compensation business covering the same periods (the “Excess of Loss Treaty”). Under the Excess of Loss Treaty, the Company’s retention was $250,000 per occurrence. The Company purchased the Retention Buy Down Treaty to reduce its $250,000 existing per occurrence retention to $100,000. In approximately 2008, a dispute arose between the Company and the Reinsurer as to how the Retention Buy Down Treaty applied to certain losses. When the Company and the Reinsurer could not come to a mutual understanding, the Company initiated arbitration proceedings requesting payment of its outstanding balance. On July 23, 2013, the arbitration panel issued an interim final award finding the Retention Buy Down Treaty did not include certain losses that the Company believed were subject to the Retention Buy Down Treaty.

During the arbitration, the Reinsurer sought from the Company an award of $1.6 million. This amount reflected the difference between what the Company claimed was due from the Reinsurer ($2.9 million) and what the Reinsurer claimed it was due back from the Company ($4.5 million). The panel awarded the Reinsurer $1.6 million, and $2.0 million in interest, plus attorney’s fees. Based upon the panel’s interpretation of the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company was required to reverse certain of its ceded incurred losses due from the Reinsurer. The Company recorded this change in ceded incurred losses during the second quarter of 2013. Notwithstanding the panel’s netting of the outstanding balances, the panel requested the Company submit additional documentation listing all programs covered by the Retention Buy Down Treaty and the Company's retained limit for each program. The Reinsurer was allowed to respond and submit its bill for attorney’s fees. The Company paid the $1.6 million and $2.0 million in interest, as required by the interim final award. On August 6, 2013, the Company submitted the above-mentioned additional documentation.

On August 9, 2013 the Reinsurer argued the Company’s submission was non-compliant. On August 12, 2013 and August 13, 2013, the panel (by majority) issued two orders: (1) the first order determined the Company’s submission of August 6, 2013 was non-compliant; and (2) the second order modified the terms of the interim final award and limited the submissions to documents previously produced in the arbitration.

The Company filed a complaint in state court to vacate and/or modify the interim final award.

On August 21, 2013, the Company brought a Motion to Stay Proceedings before the panel, because it had discovered evidence of what it believed were improper ex parte contacts between the Reinsurer’s lawyer and the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer. On August 29, 2013, the panel (by majority) denied the Company’s Motion to Stay Proceedings.

Subsequently, the Company filed a Motion to Stay the Arbitration in the state court requesting discovery to investigate what the Company believed was a “tainted” arbitration panel. The Reinsurer removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

On September 4, 2013, the Reinsurer filed a response to the Company’s submission before the panel seeking an additional $25 million in damages from the Company. On September 10, 2013, the Company filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction from the federal court requesting the court enjoin the panel from issuing any further decisions.
On September 12, 2013, the federal court granted the Company’s preliminary injunction enjoining the panel from issuing any further decisions, finding the Company would likely succeed on its underlying complaint seeking to vacate the interim final award due to the strong evidence of: (1) improper ex parte communications between the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer and its lawyer; (2) a breach of the arbitration provision within the Retention Buy Down Treaty, because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator and the neutral arbitrator issued two substantive orders without the knowledge or input from the Company’s arbitrator; and (3) failing to disclose to the Company certain relationships between the Reinsurer and its arbitrator.

The Reinsurer appealed the preliminary injunction. On April 9, 2014, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion and order finding the trial court did not have jurisdiction to issue its preliminary injunction enjoining the panel.  The appellate court found that the Company could challenge the fairness of the proceedings and partiality of the arbitrators after a final award was issued.

On July 25, 2014, the panel issued its final award.  The panel (by majority) awarded the reinsurer approximately $10.9 million, plus interest. The Company immediately filed a complaint in federal district court to vacate and/or modify the arbitration award(s) for the same reasons the court previously granted the Company’s request for a preliminary injunction : (1) improper ex parte communications  between the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer and its lawyer; (2) breach of the Retention Buy Down Treaty’s arbitration provision because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator and the neutral arbitrator issued two substantive orders without input from the Company’s arbitrator; and (3) failure to disclose to the Company certain relationships between the Reinsurer and its arbitrator.   In addition, the following additional grounds were included in the complaint: (1) financial conflict of interest on the part of the Reinsurer’s arbitrator; (2) breach of the Retention Buy Down Treaty’s arbitration provision because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator was not a “disinterested” arbitrator and was “under the control of” the Reinsurer; (3) evident partiality of the neutral arbitrator; (4) failure to consider material evidence, in accordance with Michigan law; (5) improper interpretation and re-writing of the treaty; and (6) improper award of interest and attorney fees contrary to Michigan law.  The Reinsurer may dispute the amount of the final award in the federal court action.

The Company intends to vigorously pursue its complaint to vacate the arbitration award(s).  While the Company believes it will succeed upon the merits, given the inherent uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of this proceeding, an adverse outcome in this matter could have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows on a particular quarter or annual period. If this matter is resolved against the Company, we currently estimate the Company would suffer a loss of approximately $10.9 million, plus interest.
Securities Class Actions

In August and October 2013, two putative class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, Robert Cubbin and Karen Spaun.  The cases were subsequently consolidated and on April 25, 2014, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint naming the same defendants, on behalf of a putative class consisting of all persons who purchased the Company’s stock between February 17, 2009 and February 21, 2014 (the “Class Period”).  The Consolidated Amended Complaint alleges that during the purported Class Period, the defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s reserves and reported goodwill.  On July 7, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint.  The Court has not yet ruled on the motion.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against these claims. The Company has not accrued any amounts for the securities class actions as the Company does not believe, based upon current information, that a loss relating to these matters is probable, and an estimate of a range of potential loss relating to these matters, cannot reasonably be made.
 
NOTE 11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The Company’s comprehensive income includes net earnings plus unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the income statement, we used a 35 percent tax rate. The following table illustrates the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands)

Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income
  
Affected line item in the statement
where net income is presented
 
 
 
   
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
 
 
  
 
 
$
3,253
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(1,139
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
2,114
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands)

Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income
  
Affected line item in the statement
where net income is presented
 
 
 
   
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
 
 
  
 
 
$
2,907
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(1,017
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
1,890
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands)

Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income
  
Affected line item in the statement
where net income is presented
 
 
 
   
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
 
 
  
 
 
$
6,279
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(2,198
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
4,081
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands)

Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
  
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income
  
Affected line item in the statement
where net income is presented
 
 
 
   
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
 
 
  
 
 
$
3,195
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(1,118
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
2,077
 
Net of tax

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

For the Periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report may provide information including certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of management, including, but not limited to, those statements that use the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or similar expressions. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: actual loss and loss adjustment expenses exceeding our reserve estimates; competitive pressures in our business; the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ; a failure of additional capital to be available or only available on unfavorable terms; our geographic concentration and the business and economic conditions, natural perils, man made perils, and regulatory conditions within our most concentrated region; our ability to appropriately price the risks we underwrite; goodwill impairment risk employed as part of our growth strategy; efforts with regard to the review of strategic alternatives; actions taken by regulators, rating agencies or lenders, including the impact of the downgrade by A.M. Best of the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ financial strength rating, the lowering of the outlook of this ratings from “stable” to “negative”, A.M. Best’s downgrade of our issuer credit rating and any other future action by A.M. Best with respect to such ratings; increased risks or reduction in the level of our underwriting commitments due to market conditions; a failure of our reinsurers to pay losses in a timely fashion, or at all; interest rate changes; continued difficult conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally; market and credit risks affecting our investment portfolio; liquidity requirements forcing us to sell our investments; a failure to introduce new products or services to keep pace with advances in technology; the new federal financial regulatory reform; our holding company structure and regulatory constraints restricting dividends or other distributions by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries; minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed on our Insurance Company Subsidiaries; acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses resulting in operating difficulties, which may prevent us from achieving the expected benefits; our reliance upon producers, which subjects us to their credit risk; loss of one of our core selected producers; our dependence on the continued services and performance of our senior management and other key personnel; our reliance on our information technology and telecommunications systems; managing technology initiatives and obtaining the efficiencies anticipated with technology implementation; a failure in our internal controls; the cyclical nature of the property and casualty insurance industry; severe weather conditions and other catastrophes; the effects of litigation, including the previously disclosed arbitration and class action litigation or any similar litigation which may be filed in the future; state regulation; and assessments imposed upon our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to provide funds for failing insurance companies.
For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, refer to the Item 1A of Part I to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and subsequent filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaim any obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Business Overview

We are a specialty niche focused commercial insurance underwriter, which also owns and operates insurance agencies and an insurance administration services company.  We recognize revenue related to the services and coverages within the following categories: net earned premiums, management administrative fees, claims fees, commission revenue, net investment income, and net realized gains (losses).

We market and underwrite specialty property and casualty insurance programs and products on both an admitted and non-admitted basis through a broad and diverse network of independent retail agents, wholesalers, program administrators and general agents, who value service, specialized knowledge, and focused expertise.  Program business refers to an aggregation of individually underwritten homogeneous risks that have similar characteristics and are distributed through a select group of agents.  We seek to combine profitable underwriting, income from our net commissions and fees, investment returns and efficient capital management to deliver consistent long-term growth in shareholder value.

Through our agency operations, we also generate commission revenue, which represents 2.6% of our total consolidated revenues. Our agencies are located in Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and Florida and produce commercial, personal lines, life and accident and health insurance which are placed primarily with unaffiliated insurance carriers. Although our agencies are a minimal source of business for our Insurance Company Subsidiaries, the agency operations remain a core strategy enabling us to balance our sources of revenue and better understand the needs of independent agents within our own insurance carrier operations.

We compete in the specialty insurance market. Our wide range of specialty niche insurance expertise allows us to accommodate a diverse distribution network ranging from specialized program agents to insurance brokers. In the specialty market, competition tends to place considerable focus on availability, service and other tailored coverages in addition to price. Moreover, our broad geographical footprint enables us to function with a local presence on both a regional and national basis. We also have the capacity to write specialty insurance in both the admitted and non-admitted markets. These unique aspects of our business model enable us to compete on factors other than price.
Critical Accounting Policies
 
In certain circumstances, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions periodically on an on-going basis based on a variety of factors.  There can be no assurance, however, that actual results will not be materially different than our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operation will not be affected by accounting adjustments needed to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions.  The accounting estimates and related risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2014, are those that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, there have been no material changes in regard to any of our critical accounting estimates.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Statutory Surplus

Statutory surplus is a non-GAAP measure with the most directly comparable financial GAAP measure being shareholders’ equity. The following is a reconciliation of statutory surplus to shareholders’ equity:

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statutory Surplus to GAAP Shareholders' Equity
For Period Ending: June 30, 2014
(in thousands)

Statutory Consolidated Surplus
 
   
$
507,700
 
 
 
         
Statutory to GAAP differences:
 
         
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
64,629
         
Other
   
8,145
         
 
               
Total Statutory to GAAP differences
           
72,774
 
 
               
Total Non-Regulated Entities (1)
           
(133,947
)
 
               
GAAP Consolidated Shareholders' Equity
         
$
446,527
 

(1) Total includes $80,930 of debentures and $158,481 of debt

Net Operating Income and Net Operating Income Per Share

Net operating income and net operating income per share are non-GAAP measures that represent net income excluding net realized gains or loss, net of tax. The most directly comparable financial GAAP measures to net operating income and net operating income per share are net income and net income per share, respectively.  Net operating income and net operating income per share are intended as supplemental information and are not meant to replace net income or net income per share. Net operating income and net operating income per share should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results.  The following is a reconciliation of net operating income (loss) to net income (loss), as well as net operating income (loss) per share to net income (loss) per share:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
   
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
3,649
   
$
(115,090
)
 
$
12,039
   
$
(108,213
)
Net realized gains, net of tax
   
2,115
     
2,032
     
4,081
     
2,237
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,764
   
$
(113,058
)
 
$
16,120
   
$
(105,976
)
 
                               
Diluted earnings (losses) per common share:
                         
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
0.07
   
$
(2.31
)
 
$
0.24
   
$
(2.17
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
0.12
   
$
(2.27
)
 
$
0.32
   
$
(2.13
)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
50,091,984
     
49,887,200
     
50,034,349
     
49,855,716
 
 
We use net operating income and net operating income per share as components to assess our performance and as measures to evaluate the results of our business. We believe these measures provide investors with valuable information relating to our ongoing performance that may be obscured by the net effect of realized gains and losses as a result of our market risk sensitive instruments, which primarily relate to fixed income securities that are available for sale and not held for trading purposes. Realized gains and losses may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by external economic developments, such as capital market conditions. Accordingly, net operating income excludes the effect of items that tend to be highly variable from period to period and highlights the results from our ongoing business operations and the underlying loss or profitability of our business. We believe that it is useful for investors to evaluate net operating income and net operating income per share, along with net income and net income per share, when reviewing and evaluating our performance.

Combined Ratio

The combined loss and expense ratio (or combined ratio), expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance business. The combined ratio is a statutory (non-GAAP) accounting measurement, which represents the sum of (i) the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio), plus (ii) the ratio of underwriting expenses to premiums written (expense ratio). The combined ratios above have been modified to reflect GAAP accounting, as we evaluate the performance of our underwriting operations using the GAAP combined ratio. Specifically, the GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio, plus the ratio of GAAP underwriting expenses (which include the change in deferred policy acquisition costs) to premiums earned (expense ratio). When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
The accident year combined ratio is a non-GAAP measure that excludes changes in net ultimate loss estimates from prior accident year loss reserves. The accident year combined ratio provides us with an assessment of the specific policy year’s profitability (which matches policy pricing with related losses) and assists us in our evaluation of product pricing levels and quality of business written.  We use accident year combined ratio as one component to assess the Company's current year performance and as a measure to evaluate, and if necessary, adjust current year pricing and underwriting.  The following is a reconciliation of the accident year combined ratio to the GAAP combined ratio:

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Accident year combined ratio
   
103.0
%
   
100.9
%
   
101.7
%
   
99.9
%
Increase (decrease) in net ultimate loss estimates on prior year loss reserves
   
0.0
%
   
15.1
%
   
(0.2
%)
   
8.7
%
GAAP combined ratio
   
103.0
%
   
116.0
%
   
101.5
%
   
108.6
%

We believe the accident year combined ratio provides investors with valuable information for comparison to historical trends and current industry estimates. We also believe that it is useful for investors to evaluate the accident year combined ratio and GAAP combined ratio separately when reviewing and evaluating our performance.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE, 2014 AND 2013

Executive Overview

Our GAAP combined ratio improved by 13.0 percentage points to 103.0% in the second quarter 2014 from 116.0% for the comparable quarter in 2013. This improvement reflects the continued stabilization of reserves, improved current accident year loss experience and earned rate increases in excess of loss ratio trends.  These improvements were partially offset by the costs of using an unaffiliated “A” rated insurance company for policy issuance and the deleveraging impact of  the anticipated reduction in earned premium associated with the Company’s efforts to terminate unprofitable business.

Net operating income, a non-GAAP measure the Company defines as net income excluding after-tax realized gains and losses, was $3.6 million or $0.07 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2014 compared to net operating loss of $115.1 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2013.

The second quarter 2014 results include pre-tax favorable prior year loss reserve development of $0.1 million, or less than 0.1 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio. The second quarter 2013 results included pre-tax unfavorable prior year loss reserve development of $26.5 million, or 15.1 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio.  Our accident year loss and LAE ratio, a non-GAAP measure that excludes changes in net ultimate loss estimates from prior year loss reserves, was 66.8% for the second quarter of 2014 compared to  67.6% for the comparable quarter in 2013, an improvement of 0.8 percentage points.
Excluding the impact of the previously terminated multi-line quota share reinsurance treaty with Swiss Re America Corporation (“Swiss Re Treaty”), the accident year loss and LAE ratio was 66.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Second quarter 2014 results benefited from lower earned premium on terminated business (i.e., in run-off) in conjunction with the 2012 capital enhancement initiatives, which added 2.2 points to the 2013 accident year loss and LAE ratio and had only a 0.4 percentage point impact on 2014. Rate increases earned in excess of loss ratio trends during the second quarter 2014 also improved the accident year loss and LAE ratio by 4.5 points. These improvements to 2014 accident year results were offset by a slightly higher level of short tail lines claim activity in the second quarter 2014 and a higher and more conservative loss and LAE ratio selection for the 2014 accident year. This selection reflects a more conservative expected loss ratio within the standard actuarial methods and consideration of the inherent risks associated with a less mature accident year.

Gross written premium decreased $55.4 million, or 23.7%, to $178.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $234.1 million in the same period in 2013.  The decline in premium, as expected, is attributable to the termination of, or the reduction of premium in certain programs for which pricing and/or underwriting risk did not meet the Company’s targets.  This decline was offset by an overall 6.2% written rate increase.

Results of Operations

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2014, was $5.8 million, or $0.12 per dilutive share, compared to a net loss of $113.1 million, or $2.27 per dilutive share, for the comparable period of 2013.  Net operating income, a non-GAAP measure, was $3.6 million or $0.07 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2014 compared to net operating loss of $115.1 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2013.  Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was 50,091,984 compared to 49,887,200 for the comparable period in 2013.  This increase reflects the impact of shares issued under our Long Term Incentive Plan.  Refer to Note 8 ~ Earnings Per Share of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information specific to the impact of our Long Term Incentive Plan.

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $11.1 million, or 5.6%, to $187.9 million, from $199.0 million for the comparable period in 2013.  This decrease primarily reflects the planned reduction within our net earned premiums, partially offset by an increase in net commissions and fees and net realized gains.
The following table sets forth the components of revenues (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Revenue:
Net earned premiums
 
$
164,124
   
$
175,781
 
Management administrative fees
   
3,301
     
2,791
 
Claims fees
   
1,631
     
1,674
 
Commission revenue
   
4,410
     
4,074
 
Net investment income
   
11,209
     
11,768
 
Net realized gains
   
3,253
     
2,869
 
Total revenue
 
$
187,928
   
$
198,957
 

Net earned premiums decreased $11.7 million, or 6.7%, to $164.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, from $175.8 million in the comparable period in 2013. This expected decrease was primarily the result of the termination of, or reduction in certain programs in which pricing and underwriting did not meet our underwriting standards and was offset by an overall 10.3% earned rate increase, which exceeded our estimated loss trend of 1.8%.

Net commission and fee revenue increased $0.8 million, or 9.4%, to $9.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, from $8.5 million for the comparable period in 2013.  This increase was driven primarily by commission revenue generated from our subsidiary US Specialty Underwriters (“USSU”) that is no longer considered intercompany revenue as the applicable polices are now written by SNIC and reinsured by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries; and therefore, the related commission revenue is no longer eliminated in consolidation.  This increase did not impact our consolidated financial results as there is a corresponding increase in the expenses from net commission and fee operations.

Net realized gains increased $0.4 million, or 13.8%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, from $2.9 million for the comparable period in 2013.

Expenses

Expenses decreased $149.0 million from $330.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $181.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014.  The decrease primarily is attributed to the $115.4 million goodwill impairment and $26.5 million unfavorable development on prior years which was recorded during the second quarter of 2013.

The following table sets forth the components of expenses (in thousands):
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Expense:
       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
109,660
   
$
145,371
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
59,358
     
58,450
 
General selling & administrative expenses
   
6,752
     
5,901
 
General corporate expenses
   
1,415
     
760
 
Amortization expense
   
961
     
1,038
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
-
     
115,397
 
Interest expense
   
3,472
     
3,653
 
Total expenses
 
$
181,618
   
$
330,570
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) decreased $35.7 million, to $109.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, from $145.4 million for the same period in 2013.  Our loss and LAE ratio was 66.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 82.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2013; an improvement of 15.9 percentage points.  The loss and LAE ratio for the second quarter of 2014 includes pre-tax favorable prior year loss reserve development of $0.1 million, or less than 0.1 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio. The second quarter 2013 results included pre-tax unfavorable prior year loss reserve development of $26.5 million, or 15.1 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio.  The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 66.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 down from 67.6% in the comparable period in 2013; an improvement of 0.8 percentage points. Additional discussion of our quarterly reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses increased $0.9 million, to $59.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $58.5 million for the same period in 2013. Our expense ratio increased 2.9% to 36.2% for the second quarter 2014 from 33.3% for the second quarter 2013.  This increase primarily reflects the cost associated with the use of an unaffiliated “A” rated insurance company for policy issuance and the deleveraging fixed costs in relation to the decrease in earned premium noted above. The increase also reflects a shift in the mix of business in 2014.
 
The federal effective rate on operating income was 1.4% for the second quarter of 2014 compared to 16.4% in 2013.  These rates include adjustments to an annual operating effective tax rate.  The expected annual operating tax rate primarily excludes discrete charges related to the arbitration allowance and the goodwill impairment charge taken during the second quarter of 2013.  The second quarter 2014 results included pre-tax net operating income of $3.1 million compared to a pre-tax net operating loss of $134.5 million for the second quarter 2013.  The lower tax rate in 2014 reflects net investment income pre-tax profit (which is taxed at a lower rate due to tax exempt municipal bonds income) being partially offset by a pre-tax loss from corporate expenses and underwriting results.  The 2013 rate primarily reflects a tax benefit due to the pre-tax net operating loss.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE, 2014 AND 2013

Executive Overview

Our GAAP combined ratio improved by 7.1 percentage points to 101.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 108.6% for the comparable period in 2013. This improvement reflects the continued stabilization of reserves, improved current accident year loss experience and earned rate increases in excess of loss ratio trends.  These improvements were partially offset by the costs of using an unaffiliated “A” rated insurance company for policy issuance, the deleveraging impact of  the anticipated reduction in earned premium associated with the Company’s efforts to terminate unprofitable business and the one-time expenses associated with the first quarter 2014 restructuring.

Net operating income, a non-GAAP measure the Company defines as net income excluding after-tax realized gains and losses, was $12.0 million or $0.24 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to net operating loss of $108.2 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, for six months ended June 30, 2013.

The results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 include favorable prior year loss reserve development of $0.8 million, or less than 0.2 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio. The results for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included pre-tax unfavorable prior year loss reserve development of $30.1 million, or 8.7 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio.  Our accident year loss and LAE ratio, a non-GAAP measure that excludes changes in net ultimate loss estimates from prior year loss reserves, was 65.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to  68.4% for the comparable period in 2013, an improvement of 3.0 percentage points.
 
Excluding the impact of the previously terminated multi-line quota share reinsurance treaty with Swiss Re America Corporation (“Swiss Re Treaty”), the accident year loss and LAE ratio was 64.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 66.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The 2014 results benefited from the decrease in premium from business terminated in conjunction with the 2012 capital enhancement initiatives, which added 2.5 points to the 2013 accident year loss and LAE ratio and had only a 0.3 percentage point impact on 2014. Rate increases earned in excess of loss ratio trends during 2014 also benefited the current accident year loss and LAE ratio by 4.5 points. These improvements to the 2014 accident year loss ratio were offset by a higher level of short tail lines claim activity in the second quarter 2014 and a higher and more conservative accident loss and LAE ratio selection for the 2014 accident year. This selection reflects a more conservative expected loss ratio within the standard actuarial methods and consideration of the inherent risks associated with a less mature accident year.

Gross written premium decreased $121.4 million, or 24.2%, to $380.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $501.8 million in the same period in 2013.  This decrease is attributable to the termination of, or the reduction of premium in certain programs for which pricing and/or underwriting risk did not meet the Company’s targets and was offset by an overall year to date 6.2% written rate increase.
Results of Operations

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2014, was $16.1 million, or $0.32 per dilutive share, compared to a net loss of $106.0 million, or $2.13 per dilutive share, for the comparable period of 2013.  Net operating income, a non-GAAP measure, was $12.0 million or $0.24 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to net operating loss of $108.2 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2013.  Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 50,034,349 compared to 49,855,716 for the comparable period in 2013.  This increase reflects the impact of shares issued under our Long Term Incentive Plan.  Refer to Note 8 ~ Earnings Per Share of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information specific to the impact of our Long Term Incentive Plan.

Revenues

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $13.8 million, or 3.5%, to $376.8 million, from $390.6 million for the comparable period in 2013.  This decrease primarily reflects the expected reduction within our net earned premiums, partially offset by an increase in net commissions and fees and net realized gains.

The following table sets forth the components of revenues (in thousands):

 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Revenue:
       
Net earned premiums
 
$
326,662
   
$
346,369
 
Management administrative fees
   
8,439
     
6,158
 
Claims fees
   
3,298
     
3,416
 
Commission revenue
   
9,652
     
8,599
 
Net investment income
   
22,470
     
22,908
 
Net realized gains
   
6,279
     
3,185
 
Total revenue
 
$
376,800
   
$
390,635
 

Net earned premiums decreased $19.7 million, or 5.7%, to $326.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, from $346.4 million in the comparable period in 2013. This expected decrease was primarily the result of the termination of, or reduction in, certain programs in which pricing and underwriting did not meet our underwriting standards and was offset by an overall 10.3% earned rate increase, which exceeded our estimated loss trend of 1.8%.

Net commission and fee revenue increased $3.2 million, or 17.6%, to $21.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, from $18.2 million for the comparable period in 2013.  This increase was driven primarily by commission revenue generated from our subsidiary US Specialty Underwriters (“USSU”) that is no longer considered intercompany revenue as the applicable polices are now written by SNIC and reinsured by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries; and therefore, the related commission revenue is no longer eliminated in consolidation.  This increase did not impact our consolidated financial results as there is a corresponding increase in the expenses from net commission and fee operations.
Net realized gains increased $3.1 million to $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, from $3.2 million for the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to the rebalancing of the equity portfolio in accordance with the Company’s investment policy.

Expenses

Expenses decreased $155.2 million from $513.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $358.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  The decrease primarily is attributed to the $115.4 million goodwill impairment and $30.1 million of unfavorable development on prior years that was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

The following table sets forth the components of expenses (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Expense:
       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
212,850
   
$
267,187
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
118,557
     
109,055
 
General selling & administrative expenses
   
15,247
     
11,924
 
General corporate expenses
   
3,048
     
2,276
 
Amortization expense
   
1,948
     
2,109
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
-
     
115,397
 
Interest expense
   
6,934
     
5,850
 
Total expenses
 
$
358,584
   
$
513,798
 

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) decreased $54.2 million, to $212.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, from $267.1 million for the same period in 2013.  Our loss and LAE ratio was 65.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 77.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2013; an improvement of 11.9 percentage points.  The loss and LAE ratio for the six months ended 2014 includes pre-tax favorable prior year loss reserve development of $0.8 million, or 0.2 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio. The results for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included pre-tax unfavorable prior year loss reserve development of $30.1 million, or 8.7 percentage points of the loss and LAE ratio.  The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 65.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 down from 68.4% in the comparable period in 2013; an improvement of 3.0 percentage points. Additional discussion of our quarterly reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses increased $9.5 million, to $118.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $109.1 million for the same period in 2013. Our expense ratio increased 4.8% to 36.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 31.5% for the comparable period in 2013.  This increase primarily reflects the cost associated with the use of an unaffiliated “A” rated insurance company for policy issuance and deleveraging fixed costs in relation to the decrease in earned premium noted above. In addition, one-time restructuring charges added 0.5 percentage points, with the remainder of the difference relating to a shift in the mix of business in 2014 as compared to prior year and the impact of the elimination of the Swiss Re quota share agreement.
The federal effective rate on operating income was 14.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to 4.8% for the comparable period in 2013.  These rates include adjustments to an annual operating effective tax rate.  The expected annual operating tax rate primarily excludes discrete charges related to the arbitration allowance and the goodwill impairment charge taken during the second quarter of 2013.  The results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included pre-tax net operating income of $11.9 million compared to a pre-tax net operating loss of $126.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  The higher tax rate in 2014 reflects net investment income pre-tax profit (which is taxed at a lower rate due to tax exempt municipal bonds income) being partially offset by a pre-tax loss from corporate expenses and underwriting results.  The 2013 rate primarily reflects a tax benefit due to the pre-tax operating loss.
 
Other Items

Equity earnings of affiliated, net of tax

In July 2009, our subsidiary, Star, purchased a 28.5% ownership interest in an affiliate, Midwest Financial Holdings, LLC (“MFH”), for $14.8 million in cash.  We are not required to consolidate this investment because we are not the primary beneficiary of the business, nor do we control the entity’s operations.  Our ownership interest is significant, but is less than a majority ownership and, therefore, we are accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  Star recognizes 28.5% of the profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership.  We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH of $1.1 million, or $0.02 per dilutive share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $1.0 million, or $0.02 per dilutive share, for the comparable period of 2013. We received dividends from MFH for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, of $2.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

In November 2012, our subsidiary, Century Surety Company, committed to a $10.0 million strategic equity investment in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. As of June 30, 2014, approximately $6.6 million of the commitment had been satisfied with $3.4 million of unfunded commitment remaining. Our ownership interest is approximately 1.3% of the fund, which we are accounting for under the equity method of accounting. Century Surety Company will recognize 1.3% of the Fund’s profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership. We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per dilutive share and $0.6 million, or $0.01 per dilutive share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Reserves

The reserve stability for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was the result of underwriting and pricing improvements that we have implemented to date, as well as our prior efforts to stabilize key segments of the Company’s loss reserves. Workers’ compensation reserves developed favorably in the quarter, led by the California-dominated business segments for which substantial rate and underwriting improvements have been enacted over the last few years.  The 2013 accident year reserves showed favorable signs as the accident year continues to mature reflecting the effectiveness of rate changes, underwriting improvements and termination of underperforming blocks of business since 2012.  The 2014 accident year reserve indications show additional improvement beyond the 2013 accident year.  Reserves on terminated business remained stable in the quarter. 

At June 30, 2014, our best estimate for the ultimate liability for loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, was $1.1 billion. We established a reasonable range of reserves of approximately $969.7 million to $1.2 billion. This range was established primarily by considering the various indications derived from standard actuarial techniques and other appropriate reserve considerations. The following table sets forth this range by line of business (in thousands):
 
Line of Business
 
Minimum
Reserve
Range
   
Maximum
Reserve
Range
   
Selected
Reserves
 
 
 
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
435,753
   
$
507,042
   
$
471,365
 
Residual Markets
   
23,376
     
25,890
     
25,136
 
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
381,910
     
526,826
     
454,284
 
Commercial Automobile
   
98,969
     
116,181
     
107,608
 
Other
   
29,718
     
33,568
     
31,593
 
Total Net Reserves
 
$
969,726
   
$
1,209,507
   
$
1,089,986
 
 
Reserves are reviewed and established by our internal actuaries for adequacy and peer reviewed annually by our third-party actuaries. When reviewing reserves, we analyze historical data and estimate the impact of numerous factors such as (1) per claim information; (2) industry and our historical loss experience; (3) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the imposition of damages, and changes in political attitudes; and (4) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events.  There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves, because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by multiple factors.

The key assumptions used in our selection of ultimate reserves included the underlying actuarial methodologies, a review of current pricing and underwriting initiatives, an evaluation of reinsurance costs and retention levels, and a detailed claims analysis with an emphasis on how aggressive claims handling may be impacting the paid and incurred loss data trends embedded in the traditional actuarial methods. With respect to the ultimate estimates for losses and LAE, the key methods remained consistent for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and the year ended December 31, 2013. We reviewed the key assumptions that underlie the actuarial standard methods and made the appropriate adjustments to reflect the emergence of claim activity.
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, we reported a decrease in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2013 and prior of $0.8 million, or 0.1% of $1.1 billion of beginning net loss and LAE reserves at January 1, 2014. The change in net ultimate loss estimates reflected revisions in the estimated reserves as a result of actual claims activity in calendar year 2014 that differed from the projected activity. The major components of this change in ultimates are as follows (in thousands):

 
 
   
Incurred Losses
   
Paid Losses
   
 
Line of Business
 
Reserves at December 31, 2013
   
Current Year
   
Prior Years
   
Total Incurred
   
Current Year
   
Prior Years
   
Total Paid
   
Reserves
at June 30, 2014
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
477,413
   
$
95,650
   
$
(8,283
)
 
$
87,367
   
$
8,931
   
$
84,484
   
$
93,415
   
$
471,365
 
Residual Markets
   
22,577
     
7,442
     
(1,005
)
   
6,437
     
959
     
2,919
     
3,878
     
25,136
 
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
459,950
     
56,838
     
7,065
     
63,903
     
2,243
     
67,326
     
69,569
     
454,284
 
Commercial Automobile
   
118,375
     
26,730
     
885
     
27,615
     
6,603
     
31,779
     
38,382
     
107,608
 
Other
   
32,775
     
26,953
     
575
     
27,528
     
11,842
     
16,868
     
28,710
     
31,593
 
Net Reserves
   
1,111,090
   
$
213,613
   
$
(763
)
 
$
212,850
   
$
30,578
   
$
203,376
   
$
233,954
     
1,089,986
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
   
505,431
                                                     
525,149
 
Consolidated
 
$
1,616,521
                                                   
$
1,615,135
 
 
The following table shows the re-estimated December 31, 2013 held reserves by line as of June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Line of Business
 
Reserves at
December
31, 2013
   
Re-estimated Reserves for December 31, 2013 at June 30, 2014
   
Development as a percentage of
prior year
reserves
 
 
 
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
477,413
   
$
469,130
     
-1.7%
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
459,950
     
467,015
     
1.5%
 
Commercial Automobile
   
118,375
     
119,260
     
0.7%
 
Other
   
32,775
     
33,350
     
1.8%
 
Sub-total
   
1,088,513
     
1,088,755
     
0.0%
 
Residual Markets
   
22,577
     
21,572
     
-4.5%
 
Total Net Reserves
 
$
1,111,090
   
$
1,110,327
     
-0.1%
 

Workers’ Compensation Excluding Residual Markets

The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2013 and prior in the workers' compensation line of business decreased $8.3 million, or 1.7%. This decrease was led by the California-dominated business segments for which, as noted earlier, substantial rate and underwriting improvements have been enacted over the last few years.
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability

The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2013 and prior in the commercial multi-peril/general liability line of business increased $7.1 million, or 1.5%. The increase was driven by the 2009-2012 accident years.  Accident year 2011 has the highest loss & ALAE ratio of that group peaking at 65%.  Accident year 2013, is below a 58% loss & ALAE ratio and accident year 2014 is even lower.  The improvement in the recent accident year loss ratios reflects the rate increase, underwriting actions, and termination of unprofitable business undertaken since 2012.

Commercial Automobile

The $0.9 million increase, or 0.7%, in net ultimate loss estimates for the commercial automobile line of business was primarily driven by the 2009-2012 accident years mostly on business in a terminated transportation program.  This was partially offset by modest improvement in the 2013 accident year.

Other

The $0.6 million increase, or 1.6%, in net ultimate loss estimates in other lines of business is primarily from an increase in accident year 2012 related to a surety program.

Residual Markets

The workers’ compensation residual market line of business had a decrease in net ultimate loss estimate of $1.0 million, or 4.5% of net reserves. This decrease reflects a reduction in the net ultimate loss estimates for various accident years.  We record loss reserves as reported by the NCCI, plus a provision for the reserves incurred but not yet analyzed and reported to us due to a two quarter lag in reporting. These changes reflect a difference between our estimate of the lag incurred but not reported and the amounts reported by the NCCI in the year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal sources of funds are insurance premiums, investment income, proceeds from the maturity and sale of invested assets from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries, and risk management fees and agency commissions from our non-regulated subsidiaries. Funds are primarily used for the payment of claims, commissions, salaries and employee benefits, other operating expenses, shareholder dividends, share repurchases, capital expenditures, and debt service.

A significant portion of our consolidated assets represents assets of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries that may not be transferable to the holding company in the form of dividends, loans or advances in accordance with state insurance laws. These laws generally specify that dividends can be paid only from unassigned surplus and only to the extent that all dividends in the current twelve months do not exceed the greater of 10% of total statutory surplus as of the end of the prior fiscal year or 100% of the statutory net income for the prior year, less any dividends paid in the prior twelve months. Using these criteria, the ordinary dividend available that can be paid from the Insurance Company Subsidiaries during 2014 is $48.8 million without prior regulatory approval. Of this $48.8 million, no ordinary dividends have been declared and paid as of June 30, 2014. In addition to ordinary dividends, the Insurance Company Subsidiaries have the capacity to pay $140.6 million of extraordinary dividends in 2014, subject to prior regulatory approval. The ability to pay ordinary and extraordinary dividends must be reviewed in relation to the impact on key financial measurement ratios, including Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratios and A.M. Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. The Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ ability to pay future dividends without advance regulatory approval is dependent upon maintaining a positive level of unassigned surplus, which in turn, is dependent upon the Insurance Company Subsidiaries generating net income. There were no ordinary dividends paid from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to our holding company for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, on a trailing twelve month statutory consolidated basis, the gross and net premium leverage ratios were 1.6 to 1.0 and 1.2 to 1.0, respectively.

Additionally, pursuant to the Amendment (Note 4 ~ Debt) the Company cannot pay quarterly dividends to shareholders in excess of the lesser of $0.02 per share or $1.25 million in the aggregate without the bank’s prior approval.

We also generate operating cash flow from non-regulated subsidiaries in the form of commission revenue, outside management fees, and intercompany management fees.  These sources of income are used to meet debt service, shareholders’ dividends, and other operating expenses of the holding company and non-regulated subsidiaries. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization from non-regulated subsidiaries were approximately $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

We have a revolving credit facility of $30.0 million. As of June 30, 2014, we had an outstanding balance of $20.0 million under our revolving credit facility and $0.1 million in letters of credit issued.  The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $9.9 million as of June 30, 2014, is available to finance working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.

Because of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ membership in the FHLBI, we have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates, providing a source of liquidity.  As of June 30, 2014, we had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI. The proceeds were used to fund purchases of high quality bonds with maturities that match the maturity of the FHLBI credit facility. Due to the low cost of the FHLBI funding, we expect to generate returns in excess of its cost of borrowing under this strategy. We have the ability to increase our borrowing capacity through additional investments in FHLBI and pledging additional securities. As of December 31, 2013, we had $30.0 million of borrowings outstanding from the FHLBI.
Cash used in operations was $6.6 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other Items – Liquidity and Capital Resources

Interest Rate Swaps

We have entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate our interest rate risk on our existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and the effective portion of the changes in fair value are accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.

Refer to Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information specific to our interest rate swaps.

Credit Facilities, Debentures, and Cash Convertible Senior Notes

Refer to Note 4 ~ Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information specific to our credit facilities, debentures, and the Notes.

Investment Portfolio

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the recorded value of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was $1.7 billion and the Company has the ability and intent to hold underwater debt securities to maturity and underwater equity securities for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery of the cost of the security in value.

In general, we believe our overall investment portfolio is conservatively invested.  The effective duration of the investment portfolio at June 30, 2014, is 4.7 years, compared to 5.2 years at June 30, 2013.  Our pre-tax book yield, excluding cash and cash equivalents, was 2.9%, compared to 3.3% in 2013.  The tax equivalent yield, excluding cash and cash equivalents was 3.6%, compared to 3.8% in 2013.  Approximately 99.8% of our fixed income investment portfolio is investment grade.

Refer to Note 2 ~ Investments of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information specific to our investment portfolio.

Shareholders’ Equity

Refer to Note 7 ~ Shareholders’ Equity of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments

On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.0% cash convertible senior notes, which mature on March 15, 2020.  As a result of the issuance of the cash convertible notes, as of June 30, 2014, the total debt (including debentures) of the Company and its non-regulated subsidiaries was $209.4 million, and the payments due in more than five years increased to $180.9 million.  For additional information regarding the cash convertible notes, refer to Note 4 ~ Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For the three months ended June 30, 2014, there were no other material changes in relation to our contractual obligations and commitments, outside of the ordinary course of our business.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 ~ Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates as well as other relevant market rate or price changes. The volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the underlying assets are traded directly influence market risk. The following is a discussion of our primary risk exposures and how those exposures are currently managed as of June 30, 2014.  Our market risk sensitive instruments are primarily related to fixed income securities, which are available for sale and not held for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is managed within the context of an asset and liability management strategy for which the target duration for the fixed income portfolio is based on the estimate of the liability duration and takes into consideration our surplus.  The investment policy guidelines provide for a fixed income portfolio duration of between three and a half and five and a half years.  At June 30, 2014, our fixed income portfolio had an effective duration of 4.7 years, compared to 5.0 years at December 31, 2013.

At June 30, 2014, the fair value of our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, was $1.6 billion.  Our market risk to the investment portfolio is primarily interest rate risk associated with debt securities. Our exposure to equity price risk is related to our investments in high dividend equities, these investments comprise 7.0% of our investment portfolio.

Our investment philosophy is one of maximizing after-tax earnings and has historically included significant investments in tax-exempt bonds.  For our investment portfolio, there were no significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. We do not anticipate significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known or expected to be in effect.

A sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected period. In our sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonable possible near-term changes in those rates. “Near term” means a period of up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements. In our sensitivity model, we use a hypothetical change to measure our potential loss in fair value of debt securities assuming an upward and downward parallel shift in interest rates.  The table below presents our model’s estimate of changes in fair values given a change in interest rates.  Dollar values are in thousands.
 
 
Rates Down 100bps
   
Rates Unchanged
   
Rates Up 100bps
 
Fair Value
 
$
1,553,574
   
$
1,488,466
   
$
1,419,806
 
Yield to Maturity or Call
   
1.3
%
   
2.1
%
   
3.1
%
Effective Duration
   
4.6
     
4.7
     
4.7
 

 The other financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, equity securities, premium receivables, reinsurance recoverables, line of credit and other assets and liabilities, when included in the sensitivity model, do not produce a material change in fair values.

Our debentures are subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on these debentures is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had outstanding debentures of $80.9 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $809,000.

Our term loan is subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on our term loan is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At June 30, 2014, we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $19.5 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $195,000.  At December 31, 2013 we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $22.5 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $225,000.

We have entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate our interest rate risk on our existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and the effective portion of the changes in fair value are accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.  Refer to Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments for further detail relating to our interest rate swap transactions.

In addition, our revolving line of credit under which we can borrow up to $30.0 million is subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on the revolving line of credit is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had a $20.0 million outstanding balance on our line of credit. At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $200,000.  In addition, at June 30, 2014 the letter of credit was $145,000.

Equity Risk

Equity risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices.  Our equity securities are classified as available for sale in accordance with GAAP and carried on the balance sheet at fair value.  Our outside investment managers are constantly reviewing the financial health of these issuers.  In addition, we perform periodic reviews of these issuers.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the “Exchange Act”), which we refer to as disclosure controls, are controls and procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
 
As of June 30, 2014, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls were effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, material information required to be disclosed in the reports we file under the Exchange Act and is accumulated and communicated, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three month period ended June 30, 2014, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is included under Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Not Applicable

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

Exhibit
 
No.
Description
 
 
Certification of Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
 
 
Certification of Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
 
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
 
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.
 
 
101
Interactive Data File

SIGNATURES

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

 
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/       Karen M. Spaun
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Dated: August 8, 2014
 
 
 
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