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

FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
OR

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

Commission File Number 0-3722

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
58-1027114
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia
 
30319
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

(404) 266-5500
(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  ☑   No ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ☐   No ☑

The total number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding on November 4, 2016 was 20,415,228.
 

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.      Financial Information
Page No.
   
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
   
 
2
   
 
3
   
 
4
   
 
5
   
 
6
   
 
7
   
Item 2.
20
   
Item 4.
28
     
Part II.     Other Information
 
   
Item 2.
29
     
Item 6.
29
   
 
30
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.     Financial Statements

ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
ASSETS
   
Unaudited
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
11,864
   
$
15,622
 
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities (cost: $207,055 and $210,450)
   
214,749
     
205,324
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $11,453 and $10,953)
   
19,954
     
23,131
 
Other invested assets (cost: $10,763 and $6,454)
   
10,763
     
6,454
 
Policy loans
   
2,209
     
2,200
 
Real estate
   
38
     
38
 
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
1,238
 
Total investments
   
248,951
     
238,385
 
Receivables:
               
Reinsurance
   
9,337
     
11,759
 
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $545 and $528)
   
14,475
     
11,988
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
-
     
829
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
28,791
     
27,866
 
Other assets
   
5,541
     
5,610
 
Intangibles
   
2,544
     
2,544
 
Total assets
 
$
321,503
   
$
314,603
 
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds:
           
Future policy benefits
 
$
73,980
   
$
72,136
 
Unearned premiums
   
25,616
     
25,348
 
Losses and claims
   
60,603
     
63,870
 
Other policy liabilities
   
1,401
     
1,991
 
Total insurance reserves and policyholder funds
   
161,600
     
163,345
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
14,683
     
15,028
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
2,531
     
-
 
Junior subordinated debenture obligations, net
   
33,738
     
33,738
 
Total liabilities
   
212,552
     
212,111
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 55,000 shares issued and outstanding; $5,500 redemption value
   
55
     
55
 
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,400,894; shares outstanding: 20,433,678 and 20,426,536
   
22,401
     
22,401
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
56,995
     
56,623
 
Retained earnings
   
26,024
     
25,443
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
10,527
     
4,584
 
Unearned stock grant compensation
   
(372
)
   
(273
)
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,967,216 and 1,974,358 shares
   
(6,679
)
   
(6,341
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
108,951
     
102,492
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
321,503
   
$
314,603
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Revenue:
                       
Insurance premiums
 
$
39,432
   
$
37,859
   
$
117,012
   
$
113,349
 
Investment income
   
2,453
     
2,456
     
7,523
     
7,547
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
527
     
7
     
1,411
     
5,106
 
Other income
   
35
     
37
     
102
     
78
 
Total revenue
   
42,447
     
40,359
     
126,048
     
126,080
 
                                 
Benefits and expenses:
                               
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
26,955
     
24,637
     
78,702
     
76,261
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
11,558
     
11,816
     
34,339
     
33,024
 
Interest expense
   
396
     
361
     
1,154
     
1,064
 
Other expense
   
3,221
     
3,180
     
9,803
     
10,167
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
42,130
     
39,994
     
123,998
     
120,516
 
Income before income taxes
   
317
     
365
     
2,050
     
5,564
 
Income tax expense
   
168
     
127
     
762
     
1,290
 
Net income
   
149
     
238
     
1,288
     
4,274
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
(100
)
   
(100
)
   
(299
)
   
(299
)
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
49
   
$
138
   
$
989
   
$
3,975
 
                                 
Earnings per common share (basic and diluted)
 
$
-
   
$
.01
   
$
.05
   
$
.19
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net income
 
$
149
   
$
238
   
$
1,288
   
$
4,274
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) arising in the period
   
1,842
     
(3,729
)
   
10,554
     
(1,774
)
Related income tax effect
   
(645
)
   
1,306
     
(3,694
)
   
621
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income (1)
   
(527
)
   
(7
)
   
(1,411
)
   
(5,106
)
Related income tax effect (2)
   
185
     
2
     
494
     
1,787
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
855
     
(2,428
)
   
5,943
     
(4,472
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
1,004
   
$
(2,190
)
 
$
7,231
   
$
(198
)

 
(1)
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities recognized in realized investment gains, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(2)
Income tax effect on reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in income tax expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Unearned
Stock Grant
Compensation
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,623
   
$
25,443
   
$
4,584
   
$
(273
)
 
$
(6,341
)
 
$
102,492
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,288
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,288
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
5,943
     
-
     
-
     
5,943
 
Dividends on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(408
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
Restricted stock grants
   
-
     
-
     
346
     
-
     
-
     
(556
)
   
210
     
-
 
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
457
     
-
     
457
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(565
)
   
(565
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
26
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
17
     
43
 
Balance, September 30, 2016
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,995
   
$
26,024
   
$
10,527
   
$
(372
)
 
$
(6,679
)
 
$
108,951
 
                                                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
                                                               
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,491
   
$
21,866
   
$
9,279
   
$
(460
)
 
$
(5,437
)
 
$
104,195
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,274
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,274
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(4,472
)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,472
)
Dividends on common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(412
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(412
)
Dividends accrued on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(299
)
Restricted stock grants
   
-
     
-
     
106
     
-
     
-
     
(184
)
   
78
     
-
 
Amortization of unearned compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
249
     
-
     
249
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(360
)
   
(360
)
Issuance of shares under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
15
     
37
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
55
   
$
22,401
   
$
56,619
   
$
25,429
   
$
4,807
   
$
(395
)
 
$
(5,704
)
 
$
103,212
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; Dollars in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
 
$
1,288
   
$
4,274
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
   
6,764
     
7,857
 
Acquisition costs deferred
   
(7,689
)
   
(8,551
)
Realized investment gains, net
   
(1,411
)
   
(5,106
)
(Decrease) increase in insurance reserves
   
(1,745
)
   
1,268
 
Compensation expense related to share awards
   
457
     
249
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
860
     
834
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
161
     
703
 
Increase in receivables, net
   
(65
)
   
(3,571
)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
   
(644
)
   
1,006
 
Other, net
   
(252
)
   
(330
)
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(2,276
)
   
(1,367
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from investments sold
   
48,729
     
76,569
 
Proceeds from investments matured, called or redeemed
   
9,247
     
3,924
 
Investments purchased
   
(58,193
)
   
(79,932
)
Additions to property and equipment
   
(335
)
   
(197
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
   
(552
)
   
364
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment of dividends on common stock
   
(408
)
   
(412
)
Proceeds from shares issued under stock plans
   
43
     
37
 
Purchase of shares for treasury
   
(565
)
   
(360
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(930
)
   
(735
)
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(3,758
)
   
(1,738
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
15,622
     
16,375
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
11,864
   
$
14,637
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
1,142
   
$
1,063
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
675
   
$
1,165
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited; Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Note 1.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “2015 Annual Report”).  The Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 or for any other future period.

The Company’s significant accounting policies have not changed materially from those set out in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Note 2.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”).  ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows.  The issues addressed in ASU 2016-15 are:  1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination,  4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, 6) distributions received from equity method investees, 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle.  The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”).  ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.  Under current GAAP, entities generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred.  The revised guidance will remove all recognition thresholds and will require entities to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the entity expects to collect over the instrument’s contractual life.  ASU 2016-13 also amends the credit loss measurement guidance for available-for-sale debt securities and beneficial interests in securitized financial assets.  For the Company, the amendments in ASU 2016-13 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact on its consolidated financial statements of the adoption of this ASU.
 
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). This guidance applies to all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees and is designed to simplify several areas of the accounting for share-based payment transactions.  The areas for simplification include income tax consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and related classification on the statement of cash flows.  In addition, ASU 2016-09 eliminates the guidance in Topic 718 that was indefinitely deferred after the issuance of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment.  ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (“ASU 2016-07”). This guidance eliminates the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting when an investment qualifies for the use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence.  In contrast, the equity method entity or investor is required to add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting.   ASU 2016-07 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). Under this guidance, an entity is required to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective adoption, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact on its consolidated financial statements of the adoption of this ASU.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) (“ASU 2016-01”).  ASU 2016-01 provides updated guidance for the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance requires investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net income except for those equity securities that result in consolidation or are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  Under existing guidance, the Company measures investments in equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value with changes in fair value reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The Company is required to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2018 through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. Early adoption is not allowed.  The impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend on the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio on the date of adoption.  As of September 30, 2016, equity securities, available-for-sale, totaled $19,954, with unrealized gains, net of tax, of $5,526 in accumulated other comprehensive income that would have been classified in retained earnings.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This amendment defers the effective date of the previously issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), until the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2014-09 provides updated guidance for recognizing revenue. The guidance excludes insurance contracts and financial instruments. Revenue is to be recognized when, or as, goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that an entity is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact on its consolidated financial statements of the adoption of this ASU.

       In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (“ASU 2015-09”). The main objective of ASU 2015-09 is to enhance disclosures about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, specifically the development of claims, the frequency and severity of claims, and expanded disclosures about reserves that are discounted.  ASU 2015-09 will also require insurance entities, such as the Company, to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and effects on the financial statements.  The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Since ASU 2015-09 is a disclosure only update, the Company does not expect the adoption to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 3.
Segment Information

The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Revenue
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
American Southern
 
$
14,112
   
$
14,899
   
$
43,743
   
$
45,335
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
28,225
     
25,370
     
81,947
     
80,260
 
Corporate and Other
   
110
     
90
     
358
     
485
 
Total revenue
 
$
42,447
   
$
40,359
   
$
126,048
   
$
126,080
 

Income Before Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
American Southern
 
$
1,855
   
$
1,572
   
$
5,971
   
$
5,245
 
Bankers Fidelity
   
164
     
290
     
1,111
     
5,380
 
Corporate and Other
   
(1,702
)
   
(1,497
)
   
(5,032
)
   
(5,061
)
Income before income taxes
 
$
317
   
$
365
   
$
2,050
   
$
5,564
 
 
Note 4.
Junior Subordinated Debentures

The Company has two unconsolidated Connecticut statutory business trusts, which exist for the exclusive purposes of: (i) issuing trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”) representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts; (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Preferred Securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) of Atlantic American; and (iii) engaging in those activities necessary or incidental thereto.

The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of September 30, 2016 was as follows:

   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust I
   
Atlantic American
Statutory Trust II
 
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
           
Principal amount owed
 
$
18,042
   
$
23,196
 
Balance September 30, 2016
 
$
18,042
   
$
23,196
 
Less: Treasury debt (3)
   
-
     
(7,500
)
Net balance September 30, 2016
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
Net balance December 31, 2015
 
$
18,042
   
$
15,696
 
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Interest payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Maturity date
 
December 4, 2032
   
May 15, 2033
 
Redeemable by issuer
 
Yes
   
Yes
 
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
               
Issuance date
 
December 4, 2002
   
May 15, 2003
 
Securities issued
   
17,500
     
22,500
 
Liquidation preference per security
 
$
1
   
$
1
 
Liquidation value
 
$
17,500
   
$
22,500
 
Coupon rate
 
LIBOR + 4.00%
   
LIBOR + 4.10%
 
Distribution payable
 
Quarterly
   
Quarterly
 
Distribution guaranteed by (4)
 
Atlantic American Corporation
   
Atlantic American Corporation
 

(1)
For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

(2)
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.

(3)
On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.

(4)
The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.
 
Note 5.
Earnings Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings per common share calculations is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
    Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                     
Net income
 
$
149
     
20,451
         
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(100
)
   
-
         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
49
     
20,451
   
             -
 

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
    Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                     
Net income
 
$
238
     
20,589
         
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(100
)
   
-
         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
138
     
20,589
    $
            .01
 

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
   
Income
   
Shares
(In thousands)
    Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                     
Net income
 
$
1,288
     
20,433
         
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(299
)
   
-
         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
989
     
20,433
   
           .05
 

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   
Income
 
Shares
(In thousands)
    Per Share
Amount
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                     
Net income
 
$
4,274
     
20,584
         
Less preferred stock dividends
   
(299
)
   
-
         
Net income applicable to common shareholders
 
$
3,975
     
20,584
   
           .19
 

The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D preferred stock was excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.
 
Note 6.
Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and income tax expense is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%
 
$
110
   
$
127
   
$
717
   
$
1,947
 
Dividends-received deduction
   
(25
)
   
(21
)
   
(71
)
   
(75
)
Small life insurance company deduction
   
-
     
51
     
-
     
(572
)
Other permanent differences
   
12
     
9
     
45
     
29
 
Adjustment for prior years’ estimates to actual
   
71
     
(39
)
   
71
     
(39
)
Income tax expense
 
$
168
   
$
127
   
$
762
   
$
1,290
 

The components of income tax expense were:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Current - Federal
 
$
11
   
$
(532
)
 
$
601
   
$
587
 
Deferred - Federal
   
157
     
659
     
161
     
703
 
Total
 
$
168
   
$
127
   
$
762
   
$
1,290
 

The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 resulted from the provision-to-filed return adjustments, as described below and the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 resulted from the DRD and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3,000 and is ultimately phased out at $15,000.

The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year and were $71 and $39 in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 7.
Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is, and expects to continue to be, involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses.  In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
Note 8.
Investments

The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
Investments were comprised of the following:
 
   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
26,823
   
$
458
   
$
80
   
$
26,445
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
18,491
     
1,232
     
-
     
17,259
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
17,969
     
2,305
     
-
     
15,664
 
Financial services
   
59,795
     
3,276
     
826
     
57,345
 
Other business – diversified
   
63,298
     
2,626
     
2,029
     
62,701
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
28,180
     
1,267
     
535
     
27,448
 
Total corporate securities
   
169,242
     
9,474
     
3,390
     
163,158
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Other consumer – diversified
   
193
     
-
     
-
     
193
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
193
     
-
     
-
     
193
 
Total fixed maturities
   
214,749
     
11,164
     
3,470
     
207,055
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,559
     
595
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
5,634
     
806
     
-
     
4,828
 
Other business – diversified
   
216
     
169
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
12,545
     
6,931
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
19,954
     
8,501
     
-
     
11,453
 
Other invested assets
   
10,763
     
-
     
-
     
10,763
 
Policy loans
   
2,209
     
-
     
-
     
2,209
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
248,951
   
$
19,665
   
$
3,470
   
$
232,756
 
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
Bonds:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
22,234
   
$
290
   
$
175
   
$
22,119
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
25,479
     
621
     
552
     
25,410
 
Corporate securities:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
17,589
     
1,357
     
692
     
16,924
 
Financial services
   
54,035
     
1,797
     
1,351
     
53,589
 
Other business – diversified
   
60,960
     
729
     
5,898
     
66,129
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
24,581
     
136
     
1,391
     
25,836
 
Total corporate securities
   
157,165
     
4,019
     
9,332
     
162,478
 
Redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Financial services
   
253
     
3
     
-
     
250
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
193
     
-
     
-
     
193
 
Total redeemable preferred stocks
   
446
     
3
     
-
     
443
 
Total fixed maturities
   
205,324
     
4,933
     
10,059
     
210,450
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
                               
Utilities and telecom
   
1,386
     
422
     
-
     
964
 
Financial services
   
5,175
     
847
     
-
     
4,328
 
Other business – diversified
   
198
     
151
     
-
     
47
 
Other consumer – diversified
   
16,372
     
10,758
     
-
     
5,614
 
Total equity securities
   
23,131
     
12,178
     
-
     
10,953
 
Other invested assets
   
6,454
     
-
     
-
     
6,454
 
Policy loans
   
2,200
     
-
     
-
     
2,200
 
Real estate
   
38
     
-
     
-
     
38
 
Investments in unconsolidated trusts
   
1,238
     
-
     
-
     
1,238
 
Total investments
 
$
238,385
   
$
17,111
   
$
10,059
   
$
231,333
 

Bonds having an amortized cost of $11,143 and $11,259 and included in the tables above were on deposit with insurance regulatory authorities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, in accordance with statutory requirements.

The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
September 30, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
1,648
   
$
1,643
   
$
4,143
   
$
4,113
 
Due after one year through five years
   
24,219
     
24,024
     
20,557
     
20,591
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
95,711
     
92,293
     
99,614
     
103,066
 
Due after ten years
   
80,800
     
76,849
     
79,882
     
81,684
 
Varying maturities
   
12,371
     
12,246
     
1,128
     
996
 
Totals
 
$
214,749
   
$
207,055
   
$
205,324
   
$
210,450
 
 
The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains (losses) of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

   
September 30, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Carrying
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
26,823
   
$
26,445
   
$
378
   
$
22,234
   
$
22,119
   
$
115
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
18,491
     
17,259
     
1,232
     
25,479
     
25,410
     
69
 
Utilities and telecom
   
19,528
     
16,628
     
2,900
     
18,975
     
17,888
     
1,087
 
Financial services
   
65,429
     
62,173
     
3,256
     
59,463
     
58,167
     
1,296
 
Other business – diversified
   
63,514
     
62,748
     
766
     
61,158
     
66,176
     
(5,018
)
Other consumer – diversified
   
40,918
     
33,255
     
7,663
     
41,146
     
31,643
     
9,503
 
Other investments
   
14,248
     
14,248
     
-
     
9,930
     
9,930
     
-
 
Investments
 
$
248,951
   
$
232,756
   
$
16,195
   
$
238,385
   
$
231,333
   
$
7,052
 

The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
11,987
   
$
80
   
$
501
   
$
-
   
$
12,488
   
$
80
 
Corporate securities
   
19,031
     
392
     
22,224
     
2,998
     
41,255
     
3,390
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
31,018
   
$
472
   
$
22,725
   
$
2,998
   
$
53,743
   
$
3,470
 

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities
 
$
9,209
   
$
120
   
$
2,243
   
$
55
   
$
11,452
   
$
175
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
16,079
     
552
     
-
     
-
     
16,079
     
552
 
Corporate securities
   
79,482
     
4,284
     
16,131
     
5,048
     
95,613
     
9,332
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
104,770
   
$
4,956
   
$
18,374
   
$
5,103
   
$
123,144
   
$
10,059
 
 
The evaluation for an other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating a potential impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, management’s intent and ability to hold the securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the expectation of prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of its obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.

As of September 30, 2016, there were thirty-five securities in an unrealized loss position, which primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities within the other diversified business, other diversified consumer and financial services sectors. Securities in an unrealized loss position reported in the other diversified business sector included gross unrealized losses of $1,665 related to investments in fixed maturities of eight different issuers, all related to the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas investee companies represent a diversified group of businesses which include, among others, refiners, pipeline owners and operators, deep water offshore rig owners and operators, all of which we believe are in continuing stages of rationalizing their current operations, investments, future capital expenditures and carefully managing their capital and liquidity positions.  To our knowledge, the companies are continuing to assess and revise short-term, intermediate and long-term business plans in response to the current trends in oil and gas markets.  While these companies have generally experienced credit downgrades or may be currently under credit rating review, the Company believes that many of the downgrades are in response to external market forces and not necessarily specific credit events of any obligor which would currently indicate that an other than temporary impairment need be recorded.  All of the investees have continued to make regular interest payments on their debt when and as due and the Company continues to perform in-depth analysis of the financial disclosures of each of the investees on a regular basis.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, including those described above, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2016.

The following describes the fair value hierarchy and provides information as to the extent to which the Company uses fair value to measure the value of its financial instruments and information about the inputs used to value those financial instruments. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

Level 1
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 1 criteria include cash equivalents and exchange traded common stocks.

Level 2
Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for an asset or liability or prices for similar assets or liabilities. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 2 criteria include significantly all of its fixed maturities, which consist of U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate fixed maturities, as well as its non-redeemable preferred stocks. In determining fair value measurements of its fixed maturities and non-redeemable preferred stocks using Level 2 criteria, the Company utilizes data from outside sources, including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers.  Prices for the majority of the Company’s Level 2 fixed maturities and non-redeemable preferred stocks were determined using unadjusted prices received from pricing services that utilize a matrix pricing concept, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities based on various relationships to other benchmark quoted prices.

Level 3
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 3 criteria consist of a limited number of fixed maturities. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $1,364 and $2,237, respectively. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.
 
As of September 30, 2016, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

     
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
Total
  
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
213,385
   
$
1,364
(1)
 
$
214,749
 
Equity securities
   
14,563
     
5,391
(1)
   
-
     
19,954
 
Cash equivalents
   
9,312
     
-
     
-
     
9,312
 
Total
 
$
23,875
   
$
218,776
   
$
1,364
   
$
244,015
 

(1)
All underlying securities are financial service industry related.

As of December 31, 2015, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:

     
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant
 Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
Total
  
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities
 
$
-
   
$
203,087
   
$
2,237
(1)
 
$
205,324
 
Equity securities
   
18,245
     
4,886
(1)
   
-
     
23,131
 
Cash equivalents
   
13,772
     
-
     
-
     
13,772
 
Total
 
$
32,017
   
$
207,973
   
$
2,237
   
$
242,227
 

(1)
All underlying securities are financial service industry related.

The following tables provide a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

   
Fixed
Maturities
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
2,237
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
63
 
Balance, March 31, 2016
   
2,300
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
68
 
Balance, June 30, 2016
   
2,368
 
Total realized gains included in earnings
   
57
 
Total unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income
   
(61
)
Settlements
   
(1,000
)
Balance, September 30, 2016
 
$
1,364
 

   
Fixed
Maturities
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
2,214
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
   
50
 
Balance, March 31, 2015
   
2,264
 
Total unrealized losses included in other comprehensive loss
   
(57
)
Balance, June 30, 2015
   
2,207
 
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive loss
   
34
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
2,241
 
 
The Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies. They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows (based on current cash flows) discounted at reasonable estimated rates of interest.  There are no assumed prepayments and/or default probability assumptions as a majority of these instruments contain certain U.S. government agency strips to support repayment of the principal.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.

The following table is a summary of realized investment gains (losses) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Gross gains
 
$
543
   
$
35
   
$
1,497
   
$
5,493
 
Gross losses
   
(16
)
   
(28
)
   
(86
)
   
(387
)
Realized investment gains, net
 
$
527
   
$
7
   
$
1,411
   
$
5,106
 

Note 9.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using available market information from various market sources and appropriate valuation methodologies as of the respective dates.  However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The following table sets forth the carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

         
September 30, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Level in Fair
Value
Hierarchy (1)
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
   
$
11,864
   
$
11,864
   
$
15,622
   
$
15,622
 
Fixed maturities
    (1)
 
   
214,749
     
214,749
     
205,324
     
205,324
 
Equity securities
    (1)
 
   
19,954
     
19,954
     
23,131
     
23,131
 
Other invested assets
 
Level 3
     
10,763
     
10,763
     
6,454
     
7,070
 
Policy loans
 
Level 2
     
2,209
     
2,209
     
2,200
     
2,200
 
Real estate
 
Level 2
     
38
     
38
     
38
     
38
 
Investment in unconsolidated trusts
 
Level 2
     
1,238
     
1,238
     
1,238
     
1,238
 
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Junior Subordinated Debentures, net
 
Level 2
     
33,738
     
33,738
     
33,738
     
33,738
 

(1)
See Note 8 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

There have not been any transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 10.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the balance of the only component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the changes in the balance of that component during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, net of taxes.

   
Unrealized Gains
on Available-for-
Sale Securities
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
4,584
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
6,860
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(917
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
   
5,943
 
Balance, September 30, 2016
 
$
10,527
 

Note 11.
Related Party Transactions

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company has paid approximately $215 to a digital marketing services organization, which is a branch of Gray Television, Inc., a related party.  Services purchased primarily include assistance with numerous website marketing initiatives on behalf of the Company’s life and health operations.
 
Item 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Atlantic American Corporation (“Atlantic American” or the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) as of and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Atlantic American is an insurance holding company whose operations are conducted primarily through its insurance subsidiaries: American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”).  Each operating company is managed separately, offers different products and is evaluated on its individual performance.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures.   Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability. The Company’s critical accounting policies and the resultant estimates considered most significant by management are disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, there were no changes to the critical accounting policies or related estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Overall Corporate Results

The following presents the Company’s revenue, benefits and expenses and net income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the comparable periods in 2015:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Insurance premiums
 
$
39,432
   
$
37,859
   
$
117,012
   
$
113,349
 
Investment income
   
2,453
     
2,456
     
7,523
     
7,547
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
527
     
7
     
1,411
     
5,106
 
Other income
   
35
     
37
     
102
     
78
 
Total revenue
   
42,447
     
40,359
     
126,048
     
126,080
 
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
   
26,955
     
24,637
     
78,702
     
76,261
 
Commissions and underwriting expenses
   
11,558
     
11,816
     
34,339
     
33,024
 
Other expense
   
3,221
     
3,180
     
9,803
     
10,167
 
Interest expense
   
396
     
361
     
1,154
     
1,064
 
Total benefits and expenses
   
42,130
     
39,994
     
123,998
     
120,516
 
Income before income taxes
 
$
317
   
$
365
   
$
2,050
   
$
5,564
 
Net income
 
$
149
   
$
238
   
$
1,288
   
$
4,274
 
 
Management also considers and evaluates performance by analyzing the non-GAAP measure operating income, and believes it is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” operating results of the Company before considering certain items that are either beyond the control of management (such as taxes, which are subject to timing, regulatory and rate changes depending on the timing of the associated revenues and expenses) or are not expected to regularly impact the Company’s operational results (such as any realized investment gains, which are not a part of the Company’s primary operations and are, to a limited extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization).

A reconciliation of net income to operating income (loss) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the comparable periods in 2015 is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income
 
$
149
   
$
238
   
$
1,288
   
$
4,274
 
Income tax expense
   
168
     
127
     
762
     
1,290
 
Realized investment gains, net
   
(527
)
   
(7
)
   
(1,411
)
   
(5,106
)
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(210
)
 
$
358
   
$
639
   
$
458
 

On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income of $0.1 million, or nil per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to net income of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  The Company had net income of $1.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to net income of $4.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  Premium revenue for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 increased $1.6 million, or 4.2%, to $39.4 million from $37.9 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, premium revenue increased $3.7 million, or 3.2%, to $117.0 million from $113.3 million in the comparable 2015 period.  The increase in premium revenue for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in Medicare supplement business in the life and health operations.  The decrease in net income for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to less favorable loss experience in both the property and casualty and life and health operations, partially offset by an increase in realized investment gains.  The decrease in net income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was due primarily to a decrease in realized investment gains.  Operating income decreased $0.6 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2016 from the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and increased $0.2 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 over the comparable period in 2015.  The decrease in operating income for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to the less favorable loss experience discussed previously.  The increase in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to increased profitability in the property and casualty operations.  Also contributing to the increase in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was a decrease in other expense of $0.8 million due to decreased legal and consulting fees.  Partially offsetting the increase in operating income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was an increase in compensation expense from stock awards, an increase in interest expense on the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) as well as increased commission and underwriting costs in the life and health operations associated with the increased level of new business.
          
A more detailed analysis of the individual operating companies and other corporate activities follows.
 
American Southern

The following summarizes American Southern’s premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the comparable periods in 2015:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
8,704
   
$
10,379
   
$
43,766
   
$
47,639
 
Ceded premiums
   
(1,184
)
   
(1,143
)
   
(3,519
)
   
(3,745
)
Net written premiums
 
$
7,520
   
$
9,236
   
$
40,247
   
$
43,894
 
Net earned premiums
 
$
12,884
   
$
13,888
   
$
40,376
   
$
41,249
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
8,507
     
8,326
     
25,238
     
26,206
 
Underwriting expenses
   
3,751
     
5,000
     
12,535
     
13,884
 
Underwriting income
 
$
626
   
$
562
   
$
2,603
   
$
1,159
 
Loss ratio
   
66.0
%
   
60.0
%
   
62.5
%
   
63.5
%
Expense ratio
   
29.1
     
36.0
     
31.1
     
33.7
 
Combined ratio
   
95.1
%
   
96.0
%
   
93.6
%
   
97.2
%

Gross written premiums at American Southern decreased $1.7 million, or 16.1%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $3.9 million, or 8.1%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, from the comparable periods in 2015.  The decrease in gross written premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to the cancellation of an agency in the fourth quarter of 2015, a decrease in business from another agency which has expanded into locations where the company does not write business and a loss of business due to the inability to obtain adequate pricing relative to the risks.  The largest decrease in gross written premiums was in the automobile physical damage line of business.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, automobile physical damage written premiums decreased $1.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2015 and property and surety written premiums declined $0.8 million in the three month period ended September 30, 2016 and $2.2 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2016.  Partially offsetting the decreases in gross written premiums was an increase in written premiums in the automobile liability line of business.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, automobile liability written premiums increased $0.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2015, due primarily to premium rate increases on renewal business and a new automobile program.

Ceded premiums increased slightly during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 over the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and decreased $0.2 million, or 6.0%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015.  The increase in ceded premiums for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to reinsurance rate increases in the fourth quarter of 2015 on various lines of business.  The decrease in ceded premiums for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the cancellation of a separate reinsurance agreement to specifically reinsure the automobile liability business in one of the company’s state insurance contracts partially offset by the reinsurance rate increases.
 
The following presents American Southern’s net earned premiums by line of business for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the comparable periods in 2015 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Automobile liability
 
$
6,646
   
$
6,160
   
$
20,804
   
$
18,735
 
Automobile physical damage
   
2,511
     
3,417
     
7,675
     
10,306
 
General liability
   
747
     
807
     
2,274
     
2,364
 
Surety
   
2,212
     
2,464
     
7,002
     
6,776
 
Other lines
   
768
     
1,040
     
2,621
     
3,068
 
Total
 
$
12,884
   
$
13,888
   
$
40,376
   
$
41,249
 

Net earned premiums decreased $1.0 million, or 7.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $0.9 million, or 2.1%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, from the comparable periods in 2015.  The decrease in net earned premiums for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to the decrease in automobile physical damage earned premiums due to an agency cancellation and decreased business writings from existing agencies discussed previously.  Premiums are earned ratably over their respective policy terms, and therefore premiums earned in the current year are related to policies written during both the current year and immediately preceding year.

The performance of an insurance company is often measured by its combined ratio.  The combined ratio represents the percentage of losses, loss adjustment expenses and other expenses that are incurred for each dollar of premium earned by the company.  A combined ratio of under 100% represents an underwriting profit while a combined ratio of over 100% indicates an underwriting loss. The combined ratio is divided into two components, the loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned) and the expense ratio (the ratio of expenses incurred to premiums earned).

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses at American Southern increased $0.2 million, or 2.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 over the three month period September 30, 2015, and decreased $1.0 million, or 3.7%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015.  As a percentage of earned premiums, net loss and loss adjustment expenses were 66.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to 60.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, this ratio decreased to 62.5% from 63.5% in the comparable period of 2015.  The increase in the loss ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in automobile liability claims from two of the company’s governmental programs.  The slight decrease in the loss ratio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to more favorable loss experience in the general liability line of business and a $0.5 million loss recovery in the surety line of business.

Underwriting expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 25.0%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $1.3 million, or 9.7%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, from the comparable periods in 2015.  As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 29.1% in the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to 36.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, this ratio decreased to 31.1% from 33.7% in the comparable period of 2015.  The decrease in the expense ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to American Southern’s variable commission program, which compensates the agents that participate in the program in relation to the loss ratios of the business they write.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, variable commissions at American Southern decreased $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2015 due to both decreased premiums and unfavorable loss experience.
 
Bankers Fidelity

The following summarizes Bankers Fidelity’s earned premiums, losses, expenses and underwriting ratios for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the comparable periods in 2015:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Medicare supplement
 
$
22,571
   
$
20,077
   
$
64,801
   
$
60,479
 
Other health products
   
1,405
     
1,237
     
4,189
     
3,609
 
Life insurance
   
2,572
     
2,657
     
7,646
     
8,012
 
Total earned premiums
   
26,548
     
23,971
     
76,636
     
72,100
 
Insurance benefits and losses
   
18,448
     
16,311
     
53,464
     
50,055
 
Underwriting expenses
   
9,612
     
8,769
     
27,371
     
24,825
 
Total expenses
   
28,060
     
25,080
     
80,835
     
74,880
 
Underwriting loss
 
$
(1,512
)
 
$
(1,109
)
 
$
(4,199
)
 
$
(2,780
)
Loss ratio
   
69.5
%
   
68.0
%
   
69.8
%
   
69.4
%
Expense ratio
   
36.2
     
36.6
     
35.7
     
34.5
 
Combined ratio
   
105.7
%
   
104.6
%
   
105.5
%
   
103.9
%

Premium revenue at Bankers Fidelity increased $2.6 million, or 10.8%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $4.5 million, or 6.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, over the comparable periods in 2015.  Premiums from the Medicare supplement line of business increased $2.5 million, or 12.4%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $4.3 million, or 7.1%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to new business generated from both new and existing producers. Other health product premiums increased $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, during the same comparable periods, primarily as a result of new sales of the company’s group health products.  Premiums from the life insurance line of business decreased $0.1 million, or 3.2%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $0.4 million, or 4.6%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable 2015 periods due to the redemption and settlement of existing policy obligations exceeding the level of new sales activity.

Benefits and losses increased $2.1 million, or 13.1%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $3.4 million, or 6.8%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, over the comparable periods in 2015.  As a percentage of earned premiums, benefits and losses were 69.5% in the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to 68.0% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, this ratio increased to 69.8% from 69.4% in the comparable period of 2015.  The increase in the loss ratio for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to less favorable loss experience in the Medicare supplement line of business.

Underwriting expenses increased $0.8 million, or 9.6%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $2.5 million, or 10.3%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, over the comparable periods in 2015.  As a percentage of earned premiums, underwriting expenses were 36.2% in the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to 36.6% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, this ratio increased to 35.7% from 34.5% in the comparable period of 2015.  The slight decrease in the expense ratio for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in agent lead expenses resulting from the replacement of a then-existing lead program with new incentive programs.  The increase in the expense ratio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to increases in compensation expenses including higher utilization of temporary staffing, increased printing costs associated with the new business activity as well as an increase in agency related expenses.
 
INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED GAINS

Investment income decreased slightly during both the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 from the comparable periods in 2015.  The decrease in investment income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the average yield on the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.

The Company had net realized investment gains of $0.5 million during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to net realized investment gains of $7,000 in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  The Company had net realized investment gains of $1.4 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to net realized investment gains of $5.1 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2015. The net realized investment gains in the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 resulted primarily from the disposition of several of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.   Net realized investment gains in the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 also included a $0.6 million gain from the sale of property held within one of the Company’s real estate partnership investments.  The net realized investment gains in the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 were primarily attributable to a $3.2 million gain from the sale of property held within two of the Company’s real estate partnership investments as well as gains from the sale of a number of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities.  Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment portfolio and, as may be determined to be appropriate, makes adjustments for impairments and/or will divest investments.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense increased slightly during the three month period ended September 30, 2016, and $0.1 million, or 8.5%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, over the comparable periods in 2015.  The increase in interest expense for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was due to an increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as the interest rates on the Company’s outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures are directly related to LIBOR.

OTHER EXPENSES

Other expenses (commissions, underwriting expenses, and other expenses) decreased $0.2 million, or 1.4%, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 from the three month period ended September 30, 2015, and increased $1.0 million, or 2.2%, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, over the comparable period in 2015.  The decrease in other expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in commission accruals at American Southern due to both decreased premiums and unfavorable loss experience.  During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, commission accruals at American Southern decreased $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2015.  The majority of American Southern’s business is structured in a way that agents are compensated based upon the loss ratios of the business they place with the company.  During periods in which the loss ratio increases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally decrease, and conversely, during periods in which the loss ratio decreases, commissions and underwriting expenses will generally increase.  Partially offsetting the decrease in other expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was an increase in commission and underwriting costs in the life and health operations associated with the increased level of new business. The increase in other expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to increased commission and underwriting costs and agency related expenses in the life and health operations as well as an increase in compensation expense from stock awards.  Additionally, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, legal and consulting fees decreased $0.8 million from the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  On a consolidated basis, as a percentage of earned premiums, other expenses decreased to 37.5% in the three month period ended September 30, 2016 from 39.6% in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, this ratio decreased to 37.7% from 38.1% in the comparable period of 2015.
 
INCOME TAXES

The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 resulted from the provision-to-filed return adjustments, described below and the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.

The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 resulted from the DRD and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3.0 million and is ultimately phased out at $15.0 million.

The provision-to-filed return adjustments are generally updated at the completion of the third quarter of each fiscal year, after the Company’s tax return for the previous year is filed with the IRS.  See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels, and meeting debt service requirements.  Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but generally are expected to continue within historical ranges.  The Company’s primary sources of cash are written premiums, investment income and proceeds from the sale and maturity of its invested assets.  The Company believes that, within each operating company, total invested assets will be sufficient to satisfy all policy liabilities and that cash inflows from investment earnings, future premium receipts and reinsurance collections will be adequate to fund the payment of claims and expenses as needed.

Cash flows at the Parent are derived from dividends, management fees, and tax-sharing payments, as described below, from the subsidiaries.  The principal cash needs of the Parent are for the payment of operating expenses, the acquisition of capital assets and debt service requirements, as well as the repurchase of shares and payments of any dividends as may be authorized and approved by the Company’s board of directors from time to time.  At September 30, 2016, the Parent had approximately $20.9 million of unrestricted cash and investments.

The Parent’s insurance subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $4.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 compared to statutory net income of $7.2 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  Statutory results are impacted by the recognition of all costs of acquiring business.  In periods in which the Company’s first year premiums increase, statutory results are generally lower than results determined under GAAP.  Statutory results for the Company’s property and casualty operations may differ from the Company’s results of operations under GAAP due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes.  The Company’s life and health operations’ statutory results may differ from GAAP results primarily due to the deferral of acquisition costs for financial reporting purposes, as well as the use of different reserving methods.

Over 90% of the invested assets of the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries are invested in marketable securities that can be converted into cash, if required; however, the use of such assets by the Company is limited by state insurance regulations.  Dividend payments to a parent corporation by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries.  At September 30, 2016, American Southern had $40.9 million of statutory surplus and Bankers Fidelity had $33.0 million of statutory surplus. In 2016, dividend payments by the Parent’s insurance subsidiaries in excess of $6.1 million would require prior approval.  Through September 30, 2016, the Parent received dividends of $4.1 million from its subsidiaries.

The Parent provides certain administrative and other services to each of its insurance subsidiaries.  The amounts charged to and paid by the subsidiaries include reimbursements for various shared services and other expenses incurred directly on behalf of the subsidiaries by the Parent.  In addition, there is in place a formal tax-sharing agreement between the Parent and its insurance subsidiaries.  As a result of the Parent’s tax loss, it is anticipated that the tax-sharing agreement will continue to provide the Parent with additional funds from profitable subsidiaries to assist in meeting its cash flow obligations.
 
The Company has two statutory trusts which exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts and investing the gross proceeds of the trust preferred securities in Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The outstanding $18.0 million and $15.7 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 4, 2032 and May 15, 2033, respectively, are callable quarterly, in whole or in part, only at the option of the Company, and have an interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The margin ranges from 4.00% to 4.10%.  At September 30, 2016, the effective interest rate was 4.88%.  The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuances of the trust preferred securities represent a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent of each trust’s obligations with respect to the trust preferred securities.  Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer Junior Subordinated Debenture interest payments, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related trust preferred securities.  The Company has not made such an election.
 
The Company intends to pay its obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures using existing cash balances, dividend and tax-sharing payments from the operating subsidiaries, or from potential future financing arrangements.

At September 30, 2016, the Company had 55,000 shares of Series D preferred stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) outstanding.  All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock are held by an affiliate of the Company’s controlling shareholder. The outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative.  In certain circumstances, the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,378,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval; and are redeemable solely at the Company’s option.  The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently convertible.  At September 30, 2016, the Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock totaling $0.3 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $15.6 million at December 31, 2015 to $11.9 million at September 30, 2016. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to net cash used in operating activities of $2.3 million, additions to property and equipment of $0.3 million, dividends paid on the Company’s common stock of $0.4 million and the purchase of shares for treasury for $0.6 million.  Also contributing to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents was a $0.2 million decrease resulting from investment purchases exceeding the sale and maturity of securities.
 
The Company believes that existing cash balances as well as the dividends, fees, and tax-sharing payments it expects to receive from its subsidiaries and, if needed, additional borrowings from financial institutions, will enable the Company to meet its liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. Management is not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or operations.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives.  The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of one or more persons.  The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and, while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and may not be detected.  An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains and references certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  Those statements, to the extent they are not historical facts, should be considered forward-looking statements, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current assessments of various risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions made in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws.  The Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  In addition, other risks and uncertainties not known by us, or that we currently determine to not be material, may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts, or otherwise.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

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

On May 6, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan that allows for the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Repurchase Plan") on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company.  Any such repurchases can be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements.
 
Other than pursuant to the Repurchase Plan, no purchases of common stock of the Company were made by or on behalf of the Company during the periods described below.
 
The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of shares of its common stock on a monthly basis during the three month period ended September 30, 2016.

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 
July 1 – July 31, 2016
   
2,983
   
$
4.12
     
2,983
     
137,793
 
August 1 – August 31, 2016
   
5,596
     
3.79
     
5,596
     
132,197
 
September 1 – September 30, 2016
   
21,000
     
3.50
     
21,000
     
111,197
 
Total
   
29,579
   
$
3.62
     
29,579
         

On October 31, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated the Repurchase Plan and approved a new plan that allows for the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, as determined by an authorized officer of the Company.  Any such repurchases can be made from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws and other requirements.

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
SIGNATURES

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

 
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
     
Date:  November 14, 2016
By:
/s/ John G. Sample, Jr.
   
John G. Sample, Jr.
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
Title
   
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.