Atlantic American Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Results for 2014; Declares Annual Dividend
  • Operating income of $2.6 million in 2014 up from $2.5 million in 2013
  • Earned premiums up 5.4% in 2014 as compared to 2013
  • Declares annual $0.02 per share dividend payable on April 24, 2015

ATLANTA, March 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlantic American Corporation (Nasdaq:AAME) today reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Company reported net income of $1.3 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, down from $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2013. The decrease was attributable to a decline in realized investment gains of $0.2 million. Premiums for the fourth quarter of 2014 increased 1.1% to $38.3 million compared to $37.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, as premiums in the property and casualty operations increased by $1.1 million, or 8.7%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $4.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $11.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in realized investment gains of $7.2 million. Total premiums during 2014 increased 5.4% to $153.5 million from $145.6 million in 2013, as premiums in the property and casualty and life and health operations increased 14.8% and 1.1%, respectively, in 2014 as compared to 2013.

Commenting on the results, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, stated, 'We have completed another successful year while continuing to invest in various initiatives. With respect to our core life and health operations, we have integrated the acquisition which we completed last year and now have Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company's products being sold in several states. Our worksite products are now also approved in a number of states and our marketing initiatives are in full swing. And our property and casualty operation had a fine year after winning a significant state contract last year. In recognition of the continuing success, our Board of Directors recently approved our 4th annual dividend of $0.02 per share to shareholders of record on April 13, 2015 and payable on April 24, 2015.'

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) 2014 2013 2014 2013
Insurance premiums
Life and health $ 24,765 $ 25,420 $ 100,834 $ 99,779
Property and casualty 13,512 12,433 52,654 45,851
Investment income 2,492 2,596 10,367 10,809
Realized investment gains, net 130 326 1,571 8,741
Other income 20 49 895 189
Total revenue 40,919 40,824 166,321 165,369
Insurance benefits and losses incurred
Life and health 16,232 16,561 68,016 70,175
Property and casualty 8,972 8,664 38,179 30,197
Commissions and underwriting expenses 10,704 10,475 40,923 40,556
Interest expense 356 441 1,607 1,898
Other expense 3,317 3,240 12,692 11,337
Total benefits and expenses 39,581 39,381 161,417 154,163
Income before income taxes 1,338 1,443 4,904 11,206
Income tax expense (benefit) 56 (17) 474 184
Net income $ 1,282 $ 1,460 $ 4,430 $ 11,022
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.50
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.48
Reconciliation of Net Income to non-GAAP Measurement
Net income $ 1,282 $ 1,460 $ 4,430 $ 11,022
Income tax expense (benefit) 56 (17) 474 184
Realized investment and other gains, net (130) (326) (2,321) (8,741)
Operating income $ 1,208 $ 1,117 $ 2,583 $ 2,465
December 31, December 31,
Selected Balance Sheet Data 2014 2013
Total cash and investments $ 256,660 $ 262,063
Insurance subsidiaries 235,537 228,605
Parent and other 21,123 33,458
Total assets 317,008 319,381
Insurance reserves and policyholder funds 164,094 162,373
Debt 33,738 41,238
Total shareholders' equity 104,195 100,927
Book value per common share 4.79 4.47
Statutory capital and surplus
Life and health 34,004 34,530
Property and casualty 39,012 39,092 

CONTACT: John G. Sample, Jr.
         Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
         Atlantic American Corporation
         404-266-5501

         Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
         Chairman, President & CEO
         Atlantic American Corporation
         404-266-5505
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