ATLANTA, March 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlantic American Corporation (Nasdaq:AAME) today reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported net income of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share up from $0.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2012. Significantly all of the increase was attributable to realized investment gains. Premiums for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 18.0% to $37.9 million compared to $32.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, as premiums in the property and casualty operations increased by $3.8 million, or 44.1%.
Atlantic American reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $11.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Total premiums during 2013 increased 14.9% to $145.6 million from 2012 premiums of $126.7 million, as premiums in the life and health and property and casualty operations increased 11.8% and 22.4%, respectively, in 2013 as compared to 2012.
Commenting on the results, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, stated, "We have completed another successful year for our Company with net income of $11.0 million. We experienced significant premium growth during 2013 in both our life and health operations as well as our property and casualty operations which permitted us to continue making investments in not only our worksite product line and our internet and social media initiatives, but also complete an acquisition which should expedite our ability to introduce new products. In addition, a significant portion of our net income was from realized investment gains, as we have been successful in repositioning our investment portfolio to significantly shorten the average maturity. While such action immediately impacts our investment income returns, it better postures us for that future time when interest rates do begin to rise. We continue to be optimistic for the future and again this February, our Board of Directors approved our 3rd annual dividend of $0.02 per share to shareholders of record on March 27, 2014."
Atlantic American is an insurance holding company involved through its subsidiary companies in specialty markets of the life, health, and property and casualty insurance industries. Its principal insurance subsidiaries are American Southern Insurance Company, American Safety Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company.
Note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, our future strategies, operating or financial performance. Forward looking statements are based on management's assumptions regarding, among other things, general economic and industry-specific business conditions, as well as the execution of our business strategy. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors and risks, including those detailed from time to time in statements and reports that Atlantic American Corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Atlantic American Corporation | ||||
Selected Financial Data | ||||
Three months ended | Year ended | |||
December 31, | December 31, | |||
(Unaudited; In thousands, except per share data) | 2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 |
Insurance premiums | ||||
Life and health | $25,420 | $23,458 | $99,779 | $89,272 |
Property and casualty | 12,433 | 8,631 | 45,851 | 37,471 |
Investment income | 2,596 | 2,886 | 10,809 | 11,504 |
Realized investment gains, net | 326 | 6 | 8,741 | 1,434 |
Other income | 49 | 41 | 189 | 147 |
Total revenue | 40,824 | 35,022 | 165,369 | 139,828 |
Insurance benefits and losses incurred | ||||
Life and health | 16,561 | 15,652 | 70,175 | 62,480 |
Property and casualty | 8,664 | 6,109 | 30,197 | 27,337 |
Commissions and underwriting expenses | 10,475 | 8,512 | 40,556 | 32,477 |
Interest expense | 441 | 655 | 1,898 | 2,632 |
Other | 3,240 | 2,542 | 11,337 | 9,820 |
Total benefits and expenses | 39,381 | 33,470 | 154,163 | 134,746 |
Income before income taxes | 1,443 | 1,552 | 11,206 | 5,082 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | (17) | 638 | 184 | 646 |
Net income | $1,460 | $914 | $11,022 | $4,436 |
Basic earnings per common share | $0.06 | $0.04 | $0.50 | $0.19 |
Diluted earnings per common share | $0.06 | $0.04 | $0.48 | $0.18 |
Reconciliation of Net Income to non-GAAP Measurement | ||||
Net income | $1,460 | $914 | $11,022 | $4,436 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | (17) | 638 | 184 | 646 |
Realized investment gains, net | (326) | (6) | (8,741) | (1,434) |
Operating income | $1,117 | $1,546 | $2,465 | $3,648 |
December 31, | December 31, | |||
Selected Balance Sheet Data | 2013 | 2012 | ||
Total cash and investments | $262,063 | $265,843 | ||
Insurance subsidiaries | 228,605 | 236,934 | ||
Parent and other | 33,458 | 28,909 | ||
Total assets | 319,381 | 320,177 | ||
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds | 162,373 | 154,558 | ||
Debt | 41,238 | 41,238 | ||
Total shareholders' equity | 100,927 | 105,736 | ||
Book value per common share | 4.47 | 4.65 | ||
Statutory capital and surplus | ||||
Life and health | 34,530 | 33,059 | ||
Property and casualty | 39,092 | 36,947 |