form10q.htm


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

 
FORM 10-Q

x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
or
o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from        to

Commission File Number 1-14094

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Michigan    38-2626206
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
26255 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan  48034
(Address, zip code of principal executive offices)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding on  November 1, 2012, was 49,776,011.
 


 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
 
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
ITEM 1 –
 
 
2 - 3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8 - 27
     
ITEM 2 –
28 - 45
     
ITEM 3 –
46 - 47
     
ITEM 4 –
48
     
 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
ITEM 1 –
49
     
ITEM 1A –
49
     
ITEM 2 –
49
     
ITEM 3 –
49
     
ITEM 4 –
49
     
ITEM 5 –
49
     
ITEM 6 –
50
     
51


PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
           
Premiums earned
           
Gross
  $ 265,619     $ 225,219  
Ceded
    (42,212 )     (31,632 )
Net earned premiums
    223,407       193,587  
Net commissions and fees
    7,410       7,293  
Net investment income
    13,815       13,502  
Realized gains (losses):
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    -       -  
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
    -       -  
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
    -       -  
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    902       363  
Net realized gains
    902       363  
Total revenues
    245,534       214,745  
                 
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    242,847       153,809  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (30,149 )     (24,853 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    212,698       128,956  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    71,373       64,833  
General, selling and administrative expenses
    5,745       5,876  
General corporate expenses
    717       273  
Amortization expense
    1,372       1,208  
Interest expense
    2,372       2,066  
Total expenses
    294,277       203,212  
(Loss) income before taxes and equity earnings
    (48,743 )     11,533  
Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense
    (21,357 )     2,531  
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
    791       649  
Equity (losses) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
    (15 )     (8 )
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,610 )   $ 9,643  
                 
(Losses) Earnings Per Share
               
Basic
  $ (0.53 )   $ 0.18  
Diluted
  $ (0.53 )   $ 0.18  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
    49,776,011       52,240,813  
Diluted
    49,776,011       52,355,581  
                 
Dividends paid per common share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.04  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
2

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
           
Premiums earned
           
Gross
  $ 741,646     $ 635,581  
Ceded
    (114,121 )     (89,866 )
Net earned premiums
    627,525       545,715  
Net commissions and fees
    24,927       23,628  
Net investment income
    41,230       40,839  
Realized gains (losses):
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    -       (84 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
    -       -  
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
    -       (84 )
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    3,201       2,353  
Net realized gains
    3,201       2,269  
Total revenues
    696,883       612,451  
                 
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    601,342       423,889  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (90,139 )     (68,268 )
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    511,203       355,621  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    203,479       185,684  
General, selling and administrative expenses
    18,411       17,751  
General corporate expenses
    2,848       909  
Amortization expense
    4,095       3,646  
Interest expense
    6,382       6,320  
Total expenses
    746,418       569,931  
(Loss) income before taxes and equity earnings
    (49,535 )     42,520  
Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense
    (21,284 )     10,313  
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
    2,041       1,895  
Equity losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
    (28 )     (30 )
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,238 )   $ 34,072  
                 
(Losses) Earnings Per Share
               
Basic
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.64  
Diluted
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.64  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
    50,312,285       52,860,729  
Diluted
    50,312,285       52,974,390  
                 
Dividends paid per common share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.12  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
3


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,610 )   $ 9,643  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized gain on securities
    11,921       16,788  
Unrealized gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
    57       23  
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    271       74  
Net deferred derivative losses - hedging activity
    (72 )     (275 )
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
    (880 )     (342 )
Other comprehensive gains
    11,297       16,268  
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (15,313 )   $ 25,911  
 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,238 )   $ 34,072  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized gains on securities
    19,653       27,936  
Unrealized gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
    222       22  
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
    563       159  
Net deferred derivative (losses) gains - hedging activity
    (185 )     10  
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
    (3,236 )     (2,222 )
Other comprehensive gains
    17,017       25,905  
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (9,221 )   $ 59,977  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
4


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
         
As Adjusted
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
   
(In thousands, except share data)
 
ASSETS
           
Investments
           
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,397,121 and $1,252,775)
  $ 1,527,482     $ 1,358,749  
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $22,559 and $25,176)
    25,615       27,174  
Cash and cash equivalents
    111,144       101,757  
Accrued investment income
    15,216       13,757  
Premiums and agent balances receivable, net
    225,943       183,160  
Reinsurance recoverable on:
               
Paid losses
    14,251       9,870  
Unpaid losses
    366,998       315,884  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    52,756       33,754  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    84,372       74,467  
Goodwill
    121,041       120,792  
Other intangible assets
    31,465       34,483  
Other assets
    121,097       96,251  
Total assets
  $ 2,697,380     $ 2,370,098  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 1,409,422     $ 1,194,977  
Unearned premiums
    465,076       386,750  
Debt
    70,000       28,375  
Debentures
    80,930       80,930  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    35,923       38,716  
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
    43,016       25,903  
Payable to insurance companies
    3,855       4,321  
Deferred income taxes, net
    13,489       8,453  
Other liabilities
    18,342       16,522  
Total liabilities
    2,140,053       1,784,947  
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 49,776,011 and
               
51,050,204 shares issued and outstanding
    505       520  
Additional paid-in capital
    272,336       279,005  
Retained earnings
    200,360       238,539  
Note receivable from officer
    (745 )     (767 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    84,871       67,854  
Total shareholders' equity
    557,327       585,151  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 2,697,380     $ 2,370,098  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
5


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   
Common
Stock
   
Additional Paid-
In Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Note
Receivable
from Officer
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
   
(Unaudited, In thousands)
 
Balances December 31, 2011 (As previously reported)
  $ 520     $ 279,005     $ 245,816     $ (767 )   $ 67,854     $ 592,428  
Cumulative effect of adjustment resulting from adoption of new  accounting guidance
    -       -       (7,277 )     -       -       (7,277 )
As Adjusted Balances December 31, 2011
    520       279,005       238,539       (767 )     67,854       585,151  
Net loss
    -       -       (26,238 )     -       -       (26,238 )
Dividends declared
    -       -       (7,546 )     -       -       (7,546 )
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       16,539       16,539  
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    -       -       -       -       441       441  
Net deferred derivative loss - hedging activity
    -       -       -       -       (185 )     (185 )
Stock award
    -       279       -       -       -       279  
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2012 plan years
    -       159       -       -       -       159  
Change in investment of affiliates, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       197       197  
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    -       -       -       -       25       25  
Repurchase of 1,267,300 shares of common stock
    (15 )     (7,107 )     (4,395 )     -       -       (11,517 )
Note receivable from officer
    -       -       -       22       -       22  
Balances September 30, 2012
  $ 505     $ 272,336     $ 200,360     $ (745 )   $ 84,871     $ 557,327  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
6


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,238 )   $ 34,072  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization of other intangible assets
    4,095       3,646  
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs
    94       94  
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building
    3,916       3,916  
Net amortization of discount and premiums on bonds
    4,680       3,092  
Gain on sale of investments, net
    (3,236 )     (2,222 )
Gain on sale of fixed assets
    (66 )     (47 )
Long-term incentive plan expense (benefit)
    159       (1,195 )
Stock award
    279       454  
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of taxes
    (2,041 )     (1,895 )
Equity losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
    28       30  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (3,437 )     (9,304 )
Goodwill adjustment
    (249 )     -  
Write-off of book of business
    123       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) in:
               
Premiums and agent balances receivable
    (42,783 )     (23,829 )
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
    (55,495 )     (23,655 )
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    (19,002 )     (6,502 )
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (9,905 )     (8,335 )
Other assets
    (3,773 )     (3,409 )
Increase (decrease) in:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    214,445       92,397  
Unearned premiums
    78,326       45,328  
Payable to insurance companies
    (466 )     55  
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
    17,113       5,409  
Other liabilities
    (28,676 )     (13,225 )
Total adjustments
    154,129       60,803  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    127,891       94,875  
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Purchase of debt securities available for sale
    (242,172 )     (170,746 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available for sale
    103,529       104,272  
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale
    3,090       700  
Capital expenditures
    (2,183 )     (5,606 )
Acquisition of rights renewals
    -       (164 )
Other investing activities
    (4,008 )     132  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (141,744 )     (71,412 )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from term loan
    30,000       -  
Proceeds from line of credit
    20,000       -  
Proceeds from FHLB advance
    30,000       -  
Payments on term loan
    (23,875 )     (10,188 )
Payments on line of credit
    (14,500 )     -  
Book overdrafts
    656       (593 )
Dividends paid on common stock
    (7,546 )     (6,336 )
Share repurchases
    (11,517 )     (20,441 )
Other financing activities
    22       29  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    23,240       (37,529 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    9,387       (14,066 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    101,757       90,414  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 111,144     $ 76,348  
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 5,951     $ 6,074  
Net income taxes paid
  $ 3,510     $ 18,279  
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Stock-based employee compensation
  $ 279     $ 454  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
7

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Management Representation

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

In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim period.  Preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Revenue Recognition

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

Assumed premium estimates include business where the Company accepts a portion of the risk from a ceding carrier as well as the mandatory assumed pool business from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), or residual market business. The majority of the assumed premium is from an established book of workers’ compensation business produced by a ceding company in which the Company has an equity stake.
 
 
8

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

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

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

Income Taxes

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits and had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to assist in a consistent application of accounting for costs related to acquiring or renewing insurance contracts among industry practice. The new guidance restricts the capitalization of a contract’s acquisition costs to those that are directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewing insurance contract. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively on January 1, 2012 and has adjusted its previously issued financial information.
 
 
9


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the consolidated balance sheet and shareholders’ equity statements as of December 31, 2011 was as follows:

   
December 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustment
   
As Adjusted
Reported
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
  $ 85,663     $ (11,196 )   $ 74,467  
Total assets
    2,381,294       (11,196 )     2,370,098  
Deferred income tax, net
    12,372       (3,919 )     8,453  
Total liabilities
    1,788,866       (3,919 )     1,784,947  
Retained earnings
    245,816       (7,277 )     238,539  
Total shareholders' equity
    592,428       (7,277 )     585,151  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
    2,381,294       (11,196 )     2,370,098  

The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the consolidated income and comprehensive income statements for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adj.
   
As Adjusted
Reported
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
  $ 64,665     $ 168     $ 64,833  
Total expenses
    203,044       168       203,212  
Income before taxes and equity earnings
    11,701       (168 )     11,533  
Federal and state income tax expense
    2,590       (59 )     2,531  
Net income
    9,752       (109 )     9,643  
Comprehensive income
    26,020       (109 )     25,911  
                         
Earnings per share
                       
Basic
  $ 0.19     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.18  
Diluted
  $ 0.19     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.18  

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adj.
   
As Adjusted
Reported
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
  $ 184,553     $ 1,131     $ 185,684  
Total expenses
    568,800       1,131       569,931  
Income before taxes and equity earnings
    43,651       (1,131 )     42,520  
Federal and state income tax expense
    10,709       (396 )     10,313  
Net income
    34,807       (735 )     34,072  
Comprehensive income
    60,712       (735 )     59,977  
                         
Earnings per share
                       
Basic
  $ 0.66     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.64  
Diluted
  $ 0.66     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.64  

 
10

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the consolidated cash flows statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows:

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustment
   
As Adjusted
Reported
 
Net income
  $ 34,807     $ (735 )   $ 34,072  
Deferred income tax expense
    (8,908 )     (396 )     (9,304 )
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (9,466 )     1,131       (8,335 )

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance to achieve common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).  The guidance explains how to measure fair value and does not require additional fair value measurements, nor is it intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting.  The guidance is to be applied prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2012. The adoption did not have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The guidance requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment

In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance on how to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment through use of a qualitative approach. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial condition and results of operations, but currently does not anticipate it having a material impact.
 
 
11

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


NOTE 2 – Investments

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, non-credit other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) and estimated fair value of investments in securities classified as available for sale at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
                             
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 19,298     $ 1,745     $ -     $ -     $ 21,043  
Obligations of states and political subs
    638,724       55,903       -       -       694,627  
Corporate securities
    566,869       57,765       (63 )     -       624,571  
Redeemable preferred stock
    1,743       441       -       -       2,184  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    124,525       10,222       (1 )     -       134,746  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    35,556       2,877       -       -       38,433  
Other asset-backed securities
    10,406       1,714       (242 )     -       11,878  
Total debt securities available for sale
    1,397,121       130,667       (306 )     -       1,527,482  
Equity Securities:
                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
    7,796       1,940       -       -       9,736  
Common stock
    14,763       1,281       (165 )     -       15,879  
Total equity securities available for sale
    22,559       3,221       (165 )     -       25,615  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,419,680     $ 133,888     $ (471 )   $ -     $ 1,553,097  

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Non-Credit
OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
                             
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 20,510     $ 1,856     $ -     $ -     $ 22,366  
Obligations of states and political subs
    556,265       49,742       (5 )     -       606,002  
Corporate securities
    469,770       40,591       (1,292 )     -       509,069  
Redeemable preferred stock
    1,924       330       -       -       2,254  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    152,719       11,534       (40 )     (228 )     163,985  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    37,191       2,337       -       -       39,528  
Other asset-backed securities
    14,396       1,695       (33 )     (513 )     15,545  
Total debt securities available for sale
    1,252,775       108,085       (1,370 )     (741 )     1,358,749  
Equity Securities:
                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
    10,413       1,792       (58 )     -       12,147  
Common stock
    14,763       597       (333 )     -       15,027  
Total equity securities available for sale
    25,176       2,389       (391 )     -       27,174  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,277,951     $ 110,474     $ (1,761 )   $ (741 )   $ 1,385,923  
 
 
12

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Unrealized gains
  $ 133,888     $ 110,474  
Unrealized losses
    (471 )     (1,761 )
Non-credit OTTI
    -       (741 )
Net unrealized gains
    133,417       107,972  
Deferred federal income tax expense
    (46,696 )     (37,790 )
Net unrealized gains on investments, net  of deferred federal income taxes
  $ 86,721     $ 70,182  
 
Net realized gains (losses including OTTI) on securities, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Realized gains (losses):
                       
Debt securities:
                       
Gross realized gains
  $ 818     $ 274     $ 2,812     $ 2,141  
Gross realized losses
    (16 )     (22 )     (49 )     (163 )
Total debt securities
    802       252       2,763       1,978  
Equity securities:
                               
Gross realized gains
    78       90       473       244  
Gross realized losses
    -       -       -       -  
Total equity securities
    78       90       473       244  
Net realized gains
  $ 880     $ 342     $ 3,236     $ 2,222  
                                 
OTTI included in realized losses  on securities above
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (84 )
 
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities available for sale were $6.6 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities available for sale were $27.0 million and $28.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
13

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
At September 30, 2012, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale debt securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):

   
Available for Sale
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 45,884     $ 46,446  
Due after one year through five years
    353,917       377,406  
Due after five years through ten years
    634,545       713,525  
Due after ten years
    192,288       205,048  
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities
    170,487       185,057  
    $ 1,397,121     $ 1,527,482  
 
Net investment income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net Investment Income Earned From:
                       
Debt securities
  $ 13,544     $ 13,207     $ 40,348     $ 39,834  
Equity Securities
    421       452       1,297       1,431  
Cash and cash equivalents
    197       176       610       567  
Total gross investment income
    14,162       13,835       42,255       41,832  
Less investment expenses
    347       333       1,025       993  
Net investment income
  $ 13,815     $ 13,502     $ 41,230     $ 40,839  

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

Available for sale securities are reviewed for declines in fair value that are determined to be other-than-temporary.  For a debt security, if the Company intends to sell a security and it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and that the fair value of the debt security is below amortized cost, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  If the Company does not intend to sell a debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred.  In this instance, accounting guidance requires the bifurcation of the total OTTI into the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the non-credit OTTI, which is recorded in Other comprehensive income as an unrealized non-credit OTTI in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 
 
14

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
When assessing the Company’s intent to sell a debt security, if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the security portfolio, sales of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing, are evaluated.  In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows expected to be recovered.  The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security upon issuance.  The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the debt security was previously impaired.  If an OTTI exists and there is not sufficient cash flows or other information to determine a recovery value of the security, the Company concludes that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

To determine the recovery period of a debt security, the Company considers the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to the following:
 
 
·
Historical and implied volatility of the security;
 
·
Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
 
·
Conditions specifically related to the security such as default rates, loss severities, loan to value ratios, current levels of subordination, third party guarantees, and vintage;
 
·
Specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;
 
·
Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency;
 
·
Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and
 
·
Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

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

For an equity security, if the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery in value, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred, and the cost of the equity security is written down to the current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss within the Consolidated Statements of Income. When assessing the Company’s ability and intent to hold the equity security to recovery, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security, the cause of the decline and a fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer.
 
 
15

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
After the Company’s review of its investment portfolio in relation to this policy, the Company did not record a credit or a non-credit related OTTI loss for the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2012. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded no credit OTTI loss and a credit OTTI loss of $84,000, respectively. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, no non-credit related OTTI losses were recognized by the Company in Other comprehensive income.

The fair value and amount of unrealized losses segregated by the time period the investment has been in an unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
   
Number of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
                                                     
U.S. Government and agencies
    -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
Obligations of states and political subs
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Corporate securities
    3       5,305       (29 )     1       3,071       (34 )     4       8,376       (63 )
Redeemable preferred stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    1       1       -       1       24       (1 )     2       25       (1 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other asset-backed securities
    3       2,001       (26 )     5       1,348       (216 )     8       3,349       (242 )
Total debt securities
    7       7,307       (55 )     7       4,443       (251 )     14       11,750       (306 )
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Common stock
    -       -       -       2       4,606       (165 )     2       4,606       (165 )
Total equity securities
    -       -       -       2       4,606       (165 )     2       4,606       (165 )
Total securities
    7     $ 7,307     $ (55 )     9     $ 9,049     $ (416 )     16     $ 16,356     $ (471 )
       
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
   
Number of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
 with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of
Issues
   
Fair Value of
Investments
with Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
                                                     
U.S. Government and agencies
    -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
Obligations of states and political subs
    1       202       (2 )     2       923       (3 )     3       1,125       (5 )
Corporate securities
    15       27,154       (1,292 )     -       -       -       15       27,154       (1,292 )
Redeemable preferred stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    4       183       (38 )     2       3,561       (230 )     6       3,744       (268 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    1       683       -       -       -       -       1       683       -  
Other asset-backed securities
    3       1,163       (27 )     8       1,831       (519 )     11       2,994       (546 )
Total debt securities
    24       29,385       (1,359 )     12       6,315       (752 )     36       35,700       (2,111 )
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
    3       1,079       (58 )     -       -       -       3       1,079       (58 )
Common stock
    1       279       (12 )     3       4,851       (321 )     4       5,130       (333 )
Total equity securities
    4       1,358       (70 )     3       4,851       (321 )     7       6,209       (391 )
Total securities
    28     $ 30,743     $ (1,429 )     15     $ 11,166     $ (1,073 )     43     $ 41,909     $ (2,502 )
 
 
16

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Changes in the amount of credit loss on fixed maturities for which a portion of an OTTI related to other factors was recognized in Other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ (789 )
Additional credit impairments on:
       
Previously impaired securities
    -  
Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized
    -  
Reductions
    -  
Balance as of September 30, 2012
  $ (789 )

NOTE 3 – Fair Value Measurements
 
According to accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or would be paid in the transfer of a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (“observable inputs”) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (“unobservable inputs”).

The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed investment portfolio are based on prices provided by a third party pricing service and a third party investment manager.  The prices provided by these services are based on quoted market prices, when available, non-binding broker quotes, or matrix pricing.  The third party pricing service and the third party investment manager provide a single price or quote per security and the Company has not historically adjusted security prices.  The Company obtains an understanding of the methods, models and inputs used by the third party pricing service and the third party investment manager, and has controls in place to validate that amounts provided represent fair values.  The Company’s control process includes, but is not limited to, initial and ongoing evaluation of the methodologies used, a review of specific securities and an assessment for proper classification within the fair value hierarchy.  The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available for sale portfolio is based upon its assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation as of the measurement date. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
 
 
17

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Level 1 – Valuations that are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. The fair value of exchange-traded preferred and common equities, and mutual funds included in the Level 1 category were based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market. The fair value measurements that were based on Level 1 inputs comprise 1.7% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

Level 2 – Valuations that are based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices) such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.  The fair value of securities included in the Level 2 category were based on the market values obtained from a third party pricing service that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other observable market information.  The third party pricing service monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events.  The Level 2 category includes corporate bonds, government and agency bonds, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 2 inputs comprise 97.9% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

Level 3 – Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable and/or involve management judgment and/or are based on non-binding broker quotes.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 3 inputs comprise 0.4% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

For corporate, government and municipal bonds, the third party pricing service utilizes a pricing model with standard inputs that include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data observable in the marketplace.  The model uses the option adjusted spread methodology and is a multi-dimensional relational model.  All bonds valued under these techniques are classified as Level 2.
 
 
18

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

For asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities, the third party pricing service valuation methodology includes consideration of interest rate movements, new issue data, monthly remittance reports and other pertinent data that is observable in the marketplace.  This information is used to determine the cash flows for each tranche and identifies the inputs to be used, such as benchmark yields, prepayment assumptions and collateral performance.  All asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities valued under these methods are classified as Level 2.

Also included in Level 2 valuation are interest rate swap agreements the Company utilizes to hedge the floating interest rate on its debt, thereby changing the variable rate exposure to a fixed rate exposure for interest on these obligations.  The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps is obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties and measured using discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates significant observable inputs, including the LIBOR forward curve, derivative counterparty spreads, and measurements of volatility.

The Level 3 securities consist of 38 securities totaling $6.3 million or 0.4% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.  These primarily represent asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities that have a principal protection feature supported by a U.S. Treasury strip.  To fair value these securities, the third party investment manager uses a combination of methods.  Non-binding broker/dealer quotes are used on 3 holdings.  Benchmarking techniques based upon industry sector, rating and other factors are used on the other 35 holdings.
 
 
19


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Debt Securities:
                       
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 21,043     $ -     $ 21,043     $ -  
Obligations of states and political subs
    694,627       -       694,627       -  
Corporate securities
    624,571       -       623,449       1,122  
Redeemable preferred stock
    2,184       2,184       -       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    134,746       -       134,717       29  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    38,433       -       37,705       728  
Other asset-backed securities
    11,878       -       7,442       4,436  
Total debt securities available for sale
    1,527,482       2,184       1,518,983       6,315  
Equity Securities:
                               
Perpetual preferred stock
    9,736       8,976       760       -  
Common stock
    15,879       15,879       -       -  
Total equity securities available for sale
    25,615       24,855       760       -  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 1,553,097     $ 27,039     $ 1,519,743     $ 6,315  
                                 
Derivatives - interest rate swaps
  $ (5,328 )   $ -     $ (5,328 )   $ -  

The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

   
Fair Value
Measurement
Using Significant
Unobservable
Inputs - Level 3
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 4,659  
         
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
    48  
Included in other comprehensive income
    52  
         
Purchases
    -  
Issuances
    -  
Settlements
    (4 )
         
Transfers in and out of Level 3
    1,560  
Balance as of September 30, 2012
  $ 6,315  

There were no credit losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date.
 
 
20

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The Company’s policy on recognizing transfers between hierarchy levels is applied at the end of a reporting period.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, there were 25 structured securities transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were 26 structured securities transferred into Level 3 from Level 2, as fair value was no longer determined using market inputs that could be directly or indirectly observable.

NOTE 4 – Debt

Credit Facilities

On August 29, 2012, the Company executed $130.0 million in senior credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”).  The Credit Facilities include a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.

The Term Loan Facility has a four year term with a $30.0 million borrowing limit, which, subject to certain exceptions, can be increased up to an additional $25.0 million.  As of September 30, 2012, the outstanding balance on its term loan facility was $30.0 million.  The Company had a $10.0 million outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2012, and $0.5 million in letters of credit had been issued as of September 30, 2012.  The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $89.5 million as of September 30, 2012, is available to finance working capital and for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to its Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.  These Credit Facilities replaced the Company’s former term loan and revolving credit agreement, which were terminated upon the execution of the Credit Facilities. At the time of the creation of the Credit Facilities, there was a $16.5 million outstanding balance on the former term loan and a $14.5 million balance on the former revolving credit facility, both of which were paid in full in connection with the creation of the new Credit Facilities.  At December 31, 2011, the Company had an outstanding balance of $23.9 million on its former term loan and a $4.5 million outstanding balance on its former revolving credit facility. There was $0.5 million in letters of credit that had been issued and were outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

The principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facilities provides for interest at either the Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) or the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”).  ABR borrowings under the Agreement will bear interest at the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.  In addition, the Credit Facilities provide for an unused facility fee ranging between twenty basis points and thirty basis points, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined by the Credit Facilities.  At September 30, 2012, the interest rate on the Company’s term loan was 2.46%, which consisted of a weighted fixed rate of 0.71%, plus an applicable margin of 1.75%, as described in Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments. At September 30, 2012, the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility was 0.25%, plus a 1.75% margin.
 
 
21

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities consist of: (1) minimum consolidated net worth starting at $473.9 million, (2) minimum Risk Based Capital Ratio for Star of 1.50 to 1.00 and Century of 1.75 to 1.00, (3) maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio of 0.35 to 1.00, (4) minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, and (5) minimum A.M. Best rating of “B++.”  As of September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.

During 2011, several of the Company's insurance subsidiaries (Star, Williamsburg, and Ameritrust) became members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). As a member of the FHLBI, these subsidiaries have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates, providing a source of liquidity. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI after pledging as collateral residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) having a carrying value of $32.4 million, and making a FHLBI common stock investment of approximately $1.6 million. The Company has the ability to increase its borrowing capacity through purchasing additional investments and pledging additional securities. The Company retains all the rights regarding the collateralized RMBS.

Debentures

The following table summarizes the principal amounts and certain other information associated with the Company’s debentures (in thousands):
 
 
Year of
Issuance
Description
Year
Callable
Year Due
Interest Rate Terms
 
Interest Rate at
September 30,
2012 (1)
   
Principal
Amount
 
                     
2003
Junior subordinated debentures
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
    4.41 %   $ 10,310  
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
    4.43 %     13,000  
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
    4.63 %     12,000  
2005
Junior subordinated debentures
2010
2035
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
    3.97 %     20,620  
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2007
2032
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
    4.42 %     15,000  
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%
    4.53 %     10,000  
           
Total
    $ 80,930  
 
(1) The underlying three-month LIBOR varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR  which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.
 
 
22

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

Excluding the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the Merger, the Company received a total of $53.3 million in net proceeds from the issuances of the above long-term debt, of which $26.2 million was contributed to the surplus of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries and the remaining balance was used for general corporate purposes.  Associated with the issuance of the above long-term debt, the Company incurred approximately $1.7 million in issuance costs for commissions paid to the placement agents in the transactions.

The issuance costs associated with these debentures have been capitalized and are included in other assets on the balance sheet.  As of June 30, 2007, these issuance costs were being amortized over a seven year period as a component of interest expense.  The seven year amortization period represented management’s best estimate of the estimated useful life of the bonds related to both the senior debentures and junior subordinated debentures.  Beginning July 1, 2007, the Company reevaluated its best estimate and determined a five year amortization period to be a more accurate representation of the estimated useful life.  Therefore, this change in amortization period from seven years to five years has been applied prospectively beginning July 1, 2007.

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

The junior subordinated debentures acquired in the Merger were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $15.0 million and $10.0 million in floating rate trust preferred securities to a trust formed from the Company’s unconsolidated trust, ProFinance Statutory Trust I and ProFinance Statutory Trust II.  The Company also acquired the remaining unamortized portion of the capitalized issuance costs associated with these debentures.  The remaining unamortized portion of the issuance costs acquired was $625,000.  These issuance costs are included in other assets on the balance sheet.  The remaining balance is being amortized over a five year period beginning August 1, 2008, as a component of interest expense.

The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are junior in the right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company.  The Company has guaranteed that the payments made to the four trusts mentioned above will be distributed to the holders of the respective trust preferred securities.
 
 
23

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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

NOTE 5 – Derivative Instruments

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

The following table summarizes the rates and amounts associated with the Company’s interest rate swaps (in thousands):

Effective Date
Expiration
Date
Debt Instrument
Counterparty Interest Rate Terms
 
Fixed Rate
   
Fixed Amount at
September 30, 2012
 
                   
4/23/2008
6/30/2013
Junior subordinated debentures (1)
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
    8.020 %   $ 10,000  
4/29/2008
4/29/2013
Senior debentures (1)
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
    7.940 %     13,000  
9/28/2012
8/30/2016
Term loan (2)
Three-month LIBOR
    0.714 %     30,000  
8/15/2008
8/15/2013
Junior subordinated debentures (1)(3)
Three-month LIBOR
    3.780 %     10,000  
9/4/2008
9/4/2013
Junior subordinated debentures (1)(3)
Three-month LIBOR
    3.790 %     15,000  
9/8/2010
5/24/2016
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
    6.248 %     5,000  
9/16/2010
9/15/2015
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
    6.160 %     10,000  
9/16/2010
9/15/2015
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
    6.190 %     10,000  
5/24/2011
5/24/2016
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
    6.472 %     7,000  
         
Total
    $ 110,000  

(1)  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company entered into four forward starting interest rate swaps. The swaps will replace the identified interest rate swap, upon their expiration in 2013.  The fixed rates on the forward starting interest rate swaps are approximately 150 basis points less than the fixed rates on the current swaps in place. Additionally, the forward starting interest rate swaps will expire ten years from the effective date.

(2) As a result of the new Credit Facilities, as described in Note 4 ~ Debt, the Company terminated and replaced its swaps on the former term loan, which were set to expire on July 31, 2013. The early termination resulted in approximately $391,000 of breakage fees that were expensed in the third quarter of 2012. The fixed rate on the replacement swaps entered into on the new term loan amount represents the weighted fixed rate. The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule.  The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan.  The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 1.75% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.
 
 
24

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
(3) The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt.  The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.

In relation to the above interest rate swaps, the net interest expense incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  The net interest expense incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $2.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was an unrealized loss of $5.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated loss on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately $3.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

In March 2012, the Company replaced its existing $5.6 million convertible note and $664,000 demand note receivables with an unaffiliated insurance agency into new debt instruments with a related limited liability company.  The new instruments were effective January 1, 2012 and consist of a $2 million convertible note and a $4.2 million term loan.  The interest rate on the convertible note is 3% and is due on January 1, 2022. This note is convertible at the option of the Company based upon a pre-determined formula.  The interest rate on the term loan is 5.5% and is due on April 30, 2016.  As security for the note and term loan, the borrower granted the Company a first lien on all of its accounts receivable, cash, general intangibles, and other assets.  As additional collateral for the note and term loan, the Company obtained guaranties of payment and performance from certain affiliated companies of the borrower, as well as related individuals, which guaranties are secured by additional collateral.

NOTE 6 – Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards

On February 23, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 28,500 and 202,500 restricted stock awards, respectively, to executives of the Company, out of its 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). The restricted stock awards vest over a four year period, with the first twenty percent vesting immediately on the date issued (i.e., February 23) and the remaining eighty percent vesting annually on a straight line basis over the requisite four year service period. The unvested restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture in the event the employee is terminated for “Good Cause” or voluntarily resigns their employment without “Good Reason” as provided for in the employees’ respective employment agreements.   The Company recorded approximately $83,000 and $87,000 of compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The Company recorded approximately $211,000 and $305,000 of compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
25

 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
A portion of our Board of Directors’ compensation is in the form of non-restricted stock awards. On February 23, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued 1,500 non-restricted stock awards to each member of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Plan, which vested immediately. The Company recorded zero non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The Company recorded approximately $149,000 and $150,000 of compensation expense related to the non-restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

NOTE 7 – Shareholders’ Equity

At September 30, 2012, shareholders’ equity was $557.3 million, or a book value of $11.20 per common share, compared to $585.2 million, or a book value of $11.46 per common share, at December 31, 2011.

On October 28, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a Share Repurchase Plan authorizing management to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock in market transactions for a period not to exceed twenty-four months. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, there were no share repurchases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and retired approximately 1.3 million shares of common stock for a total cost of approximately $11.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company purchased and retired approximately 2.2 million shares of common stock for a total cost of approximately $20.4 million.

For the period ended September 30, 2012, the Company paid dividends to its common shareholders of $7.5 million.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid dividends to its common shareholders of $8.9 million. On October 26, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per common share.  The dividend is payable on November 27, 2012, to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2012.

When evaluating the declaration of a dividend, the Company’s Board of Directors considers a variety of factors, including but not limited to, cash flow, liquidity needs, results of operations, industry conditions, and our overall financial condition.  As a holding company, the ability to pay cash dividends is partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from its Insurance Company Subsidiaries.
 
 
26


MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

NOTE 8 – Earnings Per Share

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

The following table is a reconciliation of the (loss) income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
         
As Adjusted
         
As Adjusted
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,610 )   $ 9,643     $ (26,238 )   $ 34,072  
                                 
Common shares:
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
    49,776,011       52,240,813       50,312,285       52,860,729  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
    49,776,011       52,240,813       50,312,285       52,860,729  
Dilutive effect of:
                               
Share awards under long term incentive plan
    -       114,768       -       113,661  
Total
    49,776,011       52,355,581       50,312,285       52,974,390  
                                 
Net (loss) income per common share
                               
Basic
  $ (0.53 )   $ 0.18     $ (0.52 )   $ 0.64  
Diluted
  $ (0.53 )   $ 0.18     $ (0.52 )   $ 0.64  

NOTE 9 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company, and its subsidiaries, are subject at times to various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance, claims administration, consulting services and other business transactions arising in the ordinary course of business.  Where appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims, lawsuits and proceedings.  Some of these claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant.  Most of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by the policy at issue, errors and omissions insurance or other appropriate insurance.  In terms of deductibles associated with such insurance, the Company has established provisions against these items, which are believed to be adequate in light of current information and legal advice.  In accordance with accounting guidance, if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss is estimable, then an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Period expenses related to the defense of such claims are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  Management, with the assistance of outside counsel, adjusts such provisions according to new developments or changes in the strategy in dealing with such matters.  On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect the outcome of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject to, either individually, or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.  However, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarter or annual period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of any such matters.
 
 
27

 
ITEM 2.

For the Periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report may provide information including certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of management, including, but not limited to, those statements that use the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or similar expressions.  You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.  Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: the frequency and severity of claims; uncertainties inherent in reserve estimates; catastrophic events; a change in the demand for, pricing of, availability or collectability of reinsurance; increased rate pressure on premiums and on underwriting criteria; ability to obtain rate increases in current market conditions; investment rate of return and losses (whether realized or unrealized) in our investment portfolio; changes in and adherence to insurance or other regulation; actions taken by regulators, rating agencies or lenders, including possible downgrade of our current A- financial strength rating; attainment of certain processing efficiencies; changing rates of inflation; impairment of intangibles; general economic conditions; our possible ability to implement our capital raising and capital preservation strategies in a timely manner,  and other risks identified in our reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any of which may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, refer to the “Risk Factors” section contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and subsequent filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaim any obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Business Overview

We are a publicly traded specialty niche, focused commercial insurance underwriter and insurance administration services company.  We market and underwrite specialty property and casualty insurance programs and products on both an admitted and non-admitted basis through a broad and diverse network of independent retail agents, wholesalers, program administrators and general agents, who value service, specialized knowledge, and focused expertise.  Program business refers to an aggregation of individually underwritten risks that have some unique characteristic and are distributed through a select group of agents. We seek to combine profitable underwriting, income from our net commissions and fees, investment returns and efficient capital management to deliver consistent long-term growth in shareholder value.
 
 
28

 
Through our retail property and casualty agencies, we also generate commission revenue, which represents 1.7% of our total consolidated revenues. Our agencies are located in Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and Florida and produce commercial, personal lines, life and accident and health insurance that is primarily with unaffiliated insurance carriers. These agencies produce a minimal amount of business for our affiliated Insurance Company Subsidiaries.

We recognize revenue related to the services and coverages we provide within the following categories: net earned premiums, management administrative fees, claims fees, commission revenue, net investment income, and net realized gains (losses).

We compete in the specialty insurance market. Our wide range of specialty niche insurance expertise allows us to accommodate a diverse distribution network ranging from specialized program agents to retail agents. In the specialty market, competition tends to place considerable focus on availability, service and other tailored coverages in addition to price. Moreover, our broad geographical footprint enables us to function with a local presence on both a regional and national basis. We also have the capacity to write specialty insurance in both the admitted and non-admitted markets. These unique aspects of our business model enable us to compete on factors other than price.

Recent Developments

Following the announcement by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) that it has put the financial strength rating of our insurance subsidiaries under review with negative implications, the Company commenced a detailed review of potential capital enhancement strategies that may be taken to improve our capital position and maintain the current A.M. Best rating.  Steps taken thus far include:

 
·
undertaking a sale of a portion of our bond portfolio in order to realize gains initially targeted at $50 million, which is expected to add about $36 million to $37 million to our statutory surplus on an after-tax basis, leaving approximately $80 million in additional pre-tax unrealized gains remaining in our $1.5 billion portfolio;
 
·
reducing our quarterly dividend from $0.05 per share to $0.02 per share;
 
·
reducing our premium volume in certain unprofitable lines of business or terminating the programs entirely, as described in more detail below; and
 
·
retaining Willis Capital Markets & Advisory to review various strategies with respect to our current capital position.

 
29

 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
In certain circumstances, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions periodically on an on-going basis based on a variety of factors.  There can be no assurance, however, that actual results will not be materially different than our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operation will not be affected by accounting adjustments needed to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions.  The accounting estimates and related risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2012, are those that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates.  For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there have been no material changes in regard to any of our critical accounting estimates.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Net Operating (Loss) Income and Net Operating (Loss) Income Per Share

Net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share are non-GAAP measures that represent net (loss) income excluding net realized gains or loss, net of tax. The most directly comparable financial GAAP measures to net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share are net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share, respectively.  Net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share are intended as supplemental information and are not meant to replace net (loss) income nor net (loss) income per share. Net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results.  The following is a reconciliation of net operating (loss) income to net (loss) income, as well as net operating (loss) income per share to net (loss) income per share:

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except share
and per share data)
   
(In thousands, except share
and per share data)
 
Net operating (loss) income
  $ (27,223 )   $ 9,406     $ (28,448 )   $ 31,804  
Net realized gains, net of tax
    613       237       2,210       2,268  
Net (loss) income
  $ (26,610 )   $ 9,643     $ (26,238 )   $ 34,072  
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share:
                               
Net operating (loss) income
  $ (0.55 )   $ 0.18     $ (0.57 )   $ 0.60  
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.53 )   $ 0.18     $ (0.52 )   $ 0.64  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    49,776,011       52,355,581       50,312,285       52,974,390  
 
We use net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share as components to assess our performance and as measures to evaluate the results of our business. We believe these measures provide investors with valuable information relating to our ongoing performance that may be obscured by the net effect of realized gains and losses as a result of our market risk sensitive instruments, which primarily relate to fixed income securities that are available for sale and not held for trading purposes. Realized gains and losses may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by external economic developments, such as capital market conditions. Accordingly, net operating (loss) income excludes the effect of items that tend to be highly variable from period to period and highlights the results from our ongoing business operations and the underlying loss or profitability of our business. We believe that it is useful for investors to evaluate net operating (loss) income and net operating (loss) income per share, along with net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share, when reviewing and evaluating our performance.
 
 
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Accident Year Loss and LAE Ratio

The accident year loss and LAE ratio is a non-GAAP measure and represents our net loss and LAE ratio excluding the impact of any changes in net ultimate loss estimates on prior year loss and LAE reserves. The most directly comparable financial GAAP measure to the accident year loss and LAE ratio is the net loss and LAE ratio.  The accident year loss and LAE ratio is intended as supplemental information and is not meant to replace the net loss and LAE ratio. The accident year loss and LAE ratio should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results.  The following is a reconciliation of the accident year loss and LAE ratio to the net loss and LAE ratio:

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Accident year loss and LAE ratio
    76.0 %     65.6 %     68.5 %     65.2 %
Increase in net ultimate loss estimates on prior year loss reserves
    19.2 %     1.0 %     13.0 %     0.0 %
Net loss & LAE ratio
    95.2 %     66.6 %     81.5 %     65.2 %

We use the accident year loss and LAE ratio as one component to assess our current year performance and as a measure to evaluate, and if necessary, adjust our pricing and underwriting. Our net loss and LAE ratio is based on calendar year information. Adjusting this ratio to an accident year loss and LAE ratio allows us to evaluate information based on the current year activity. We believe this measure provides investors with valuable information for comparison to historical trends and current industry estimates. We also believe that it is useful for investors to evaluate the accident year loss ratio and LAE and net loss and LAE ratio separately when reviewing and evaluating our performance.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011

Executive Overview

Our results for the third quarter of 2012 were impacted by the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years, which added 19.2 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio. The third quarter 2012 results also reflect higher than expected storm losses, which added 3.5 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio. The third quarter 2012 increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior primarily reflects continued higher than expected incurred loss activity in accident years 2009, 2010, and 2011.  Our GAAP combined ratio was 127.1% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 100.1% for the comparable quarter in 2011.  Our accident year combined ratio was 107.9% for the third quarter of 2012, compared to 99.1% in 2011.
 
 
31

 
Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 was ($27.2 million), or ($0.55) per diluted share, compared to net operating income of $9.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The third quarter 2012 results include the pre-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years of $42.9 million. By contrast, the third quarter 2011 results include the pre-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2010 and prior accident years of $2.0 million.

Gross written premium increased $62.6 million, or 25.8%, to $305.9 million, compared to $243.3 million in 2011.  The growth primarily reflects the accelerating pace of rate increases that have been achieved in combination with the maturation of existing programs. This growth was partially offset by reductions in certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Results of Operations

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012, was ($26.6 million), or ($0.53) per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2011.  Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 was ($27.2 million), or ($0.55) per diluted share, compared to net operating income of $9.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were 49,776,011 compared to 52,355,581 for the comparable period in 2011.  This decrease reflects the impact of our Share Repurchase Plan.

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012, increased $30.8 million, or 14.3%, to $245.5 million, from $214.7 million for the comparable period in 2011.  This increase primarily reflects overall growth within our net earned premiums.
 
 
32



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

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
               
Net earned premiums
  $ 223,407     $ 193,587  
Management administrative fees
    2,705       3,052  
Claims fees
    1,596       1,544  
Commission revenue
    3,109       2,697  
Net investment income
    13,815       13,502  
Net realized gains
    902       363  
Total revenue
  $ 245,534     $ 214,745  

Net earned premiums increased $29.8 million, or 15.4%, to $223.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $193.6 million in the comparable period in 2011. This growth primarily reflects rate increase in combination with the maturation of existing programs.  This growth was partially offset by reductions in certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Commission revenue increased $0.4 million, or 15.3%, to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $2.7 million for the comparable period in 2011. This increase was driven primarily by commission revenues generated from assets of a Michigan agency that was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Expenses

Expenses increased $91.1 million from $203.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $294.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

The following table sets forth the components of expenses (in thousands):
 
   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Expense:
           
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 212,698     $ 128,956  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    71,373       64,833  
General selling & administrative expenses
    5,745       5,876  
General corporate expenses
    717       273  
Amortization expense
    1,372       1,208  
Interest expense
    2,372       2,066  
Total expenses
  $ 294,277     $ 203,212  

 
33

 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) increased $83.7 million, to $212.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $129.0 million for the same period in 2011.  Our loss and LAE ratio was 95.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 66.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The loss and LAE ratio for the third quarter of 2012 includes a 19.2 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior, whereas the 2011 results include a 1.0 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2010 and prior. The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 76.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 up from 65.6% in the comparable period in 2011. The increase was partially driven by higher than expected storm losses in 2012 as compared to 2011. In addition, the 2012 accident year loss ratio reflects the cumulative effect of an increase in our accident year forecasted 2012 loss ratio based upon the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 accident years. These increases were partially offset by the impact of cumulative rate increases achieved and other underwriting actions taken in multiple lines of business. Additional discussion of our reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses increased $6.6 million, to $71.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $64.8 million for the same period in 2011. Our expense ratio decreased 1.6 percentage points to 31.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from 33.5% for the same period in 2011. The 2012 expense ratio improvement reflects a reduction in profit sharing commissions and leveraging of fixed costs over a larger premium base.

The GAAP effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 44%, compared to 21% for the same period in 2011.  The higher rate is primarily due to the current quarter loss development and storm losses generating an underwriting loss and tax benefit.  The Company is required to record income tax expense/benefit for the first nine months of the year based on the estimated total federal effective tax rate for the year.  As the Company has experienced a net operating loss year to date that exceeds its expected annual loss, the tax benefit recognized at September 30, 2012 is limited to the benefit that would be recognized if the year to date loss were the estimated annual loss.  This limitation decreased the tax benefit recognized during the quarter.  The annual effective tax rate for 2012 is expected to be approximately 50%.  Income tax expense on capital gains and the change in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $289,000 and $123,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other Items

Equity earnings of affiliated, net of tax

In July 2009, our subsidiary, Star, purchased a 28.5% ownership interest in an affiliate, Midwest Financial Holdings, LLC (“MFH”), for $14.8 million in cash.  We are not required to consolidate this investment as we are not the primary beneficiary of the business nor do we control the entity’s operations.  Our ownership interest is significant, but is less than a majority ownership and, therefore, we are accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  Star recognizes 28.5% of the profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership. We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $0.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share impact, for the comparable period of 2011. We received dividends from MFH in the three months ended September 30, 2012  and 2011 of $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
 
 
34


Reserves

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we reported an increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior of $42.9 million, or 4.9% of $879.1 million of net loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2011.  There were no significant changes in the key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of our reserves during 2011 and 2012.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011

Executive Overview

Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, were impacted by the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years, which added 13.0 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio. The year-to-date 2012 increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior primarily reflects continued higher than expected incurred loss activity in accident years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Our GAAP combined ratio was 113.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 99.2% for the comparable period in 2011.  Our accident year combined ratio was 100.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 99.2% in 2011.

Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was ($28.4 million), or ($0.57) per diluted share, compared to net operating income of $31.8 million, or $0.60 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 include the pre-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years of $81.3 million. By contrast, the nine months ended 2011 results include an after-tax decrease in net ultimate loss estimates for 2010 and prior accident years of $0.4 million.

Gross written premium increased $139.1 million, or 20.4%, to $820.0 million, compared to $680.9 million in 2011. The growth primarily reflects the accelerating pace of rate increases that have been achieved in combination with the maturation of existing programs. This growth was partially offset by reductions in certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Results of Operations

Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, was ($26.2 million), or ($0.52) per diluted share, compared to net income of $34.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2011.  Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was ($28.4 million), or ($0.57) per diluted share, compared to net operating income of $31.8 million, or $0.60 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were 50,312,285 compared to 52,974,390 for the comparable period in 2011.  This decrease reflects the impact of our Share Repurchase Plan.
 
 
35

 
Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased $84.4 million, or 13.8%, to $696.9 million, from $612.5 million for the comparable period in 2011.  This increase primarily reflects overall growth within our net earned premiums.

The following table sets forth the components of revenues (in thousands):
 
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
           
Net earned premiums
  $ 627,525     $ 545,715  
Management administrative fees
    8,457       9,452  
Claims fees
    4,856       4,756  
Commission revenue
    11,614       9,420  
Net investment income
    41,230       40,839  
Net realized gains
    3,201       2,269  
Total revenue
  $ 696,883     $ 612,451  
 
Net earned premiums increased $81.8 million, or 15.0%, to $627.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $545.7 million in the comparable period in 2011. This growth primarily reflects rate increases in combination with the maturation of existing programs.  This growth was partially offset by reductions in certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Commission revenue increased $2.2 million, or 23.3%, to $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $9.4 million for the comparable period in 2011. This increase was driven primarily by commission revenues generated from assets of a Michigan agency that was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Expenses

Expenses increased $176.5 million from $569.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $746.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
36


The following table sets forth the components of expenses (in thousands):
 
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Expense:
           
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 511,203     $ 355,621  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    203,479       185,684  
General selling & administrative expenses
    18,411       17,751  
General corporate expenses
    2,848       909  
Amortization expense
    4,095       3,646  
Interest expense
    6,382       6,320  
Total expenses
  $ 746,418     $ 569,931  
 
Net loss and LAE increased $155.6 million, to $511.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $355.6 million for the same period in 2011.  Our loss and LAE ratio was 81.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 65.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 include a 13.0 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior, whereas the 2011 results include less than a 0.1 percentage point change from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2010 and prior. The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 68.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 up from 65.2% in the comparable period in 2011. In addition, the 2012 accident year loss ratio reflects an increase in our 2012 forecasted loss ratio based upon the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 accident years. These increases were partially offset by the impact of cumulative rate increases achieved and other underwriting actions taken in multiple lines of business. Additional discussion of our reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses increased $17.8 million, to $203.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $185.7 million for the same period in 2011. Our expense ratio decreased 1.6 percentage points to 32.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from 34.0% for the same period in 2011. The 2012 expense ratio improvement reflects a reduction in profit sharing commissions and leveraging of fixed costs over a larger premium base.

General corporate expenses increased $1.9 million, to $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $0.9 million for the same period in 2011.  The prior year amount reflects a reduction in the accrual for variable compensation; excluding this item, 2012 general corporate expenses were consistent with 2011.

The GAAP effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 43%, compared to 23% for the same period in 2011.  The higher rate is primarily due to the current quarter loss development and storm losses generating an underwriting loss and tax benefit.  The Company is required to record income tax expense/benefit for the first nine months of the year based on the estimated total federal effective tax rate for the year.  As the Company has experienced a net operating loss year to date that exceeds its expected annual loss, the tax benefit recognized at September 30, 2012 is limited to the benefit that would be recognized if the year to date loss were the estimated annual loss.  The annual effective tax rate for 2012 is expected to be approximately 50%.  Income tax expense on capital gains and the change in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $992,000 and $1,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
37


Other Items

Equity earnings of affiliated, net of tax

In July 2009, our subsidiary, Star, purchased a 28.5% ownership interest in an affiliate, MFH, for $14.8 million in cash.  We are not required to consolidate this investment as we are not the primary beneficiary of the business nor do we control the entity’s operations.  Our ownership interest is significant, but is less than a majority ownership and, therefore, we are accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  Star recognizes 28.5% of the profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership.  We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH of $2.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $1.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2011. We received dividends from MFH in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, for $3.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Reserves

At September 30, 2012, our best estimate for the ultimate liability for loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, was $1.0 billion. We established a reasonable range of reserves of approximately $0.9 billion to $1.1 billion. This range was established primarily by considering the various indications derived from standard actuarial techniques and other appropriate reserve considerations. The following table sets forth this range by line of business (in thousands):

Line of Business
 
Minimum
Reserve
Range
   
Maximum
Reserve
Range
   
Selected
Reserves
 
                   
Workers' Compensation
  $ 383,650     $ 445,118     $ 431,624  
Residual Markets
    16,191       17,932       17,412  
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
    362,801       456,203       410,841  
Commercial Automobile
    129,215       146,732       138,701  
Other
    41,183       46,201       43,846  
Total Net Reserves
  $ 933,040     $ 1,112,186     $ 1,042,424  

 
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Reserves are reviewed and established by our internal actuaries for adequacy and peer reviewed by our third-party actuaries. When reviewing reserves, we analyze historical data and estimate the impact of numerous factors such as (1) per claim information; (2) industry and our historical loss experience; (3) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the imposition of damages, and changes in political attitudes; and (4) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events.  There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves, because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by multiple factors.
 
The key assumptions used in our selection of ultimate reserves included the underlying actuarial methodologies, a review of current pricing and underwriting initiatives, an evaluation of reinsurance costs and retention levels, and a detailed claims analysis with an emphasis on how aggressive claims handling may be impacting the paid and incurred loss data trends embedded in the traditional actuarial methods. With respect to the ultimate estimates for losses and LAE, the key assumptions remained consistent for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and the year ended December 31, 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we reported an increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior of $81.3 million, or 9.3% of $879.1 million of beginning net loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2011. The change in net ultimate loss estimates reflected revisions in the estimated reserves as a result of actual claims activity in calendar year 2012 that differed from the projected activity. The major components of this change in ultimates are as follows (in thousands):

         
Incurred Losses
   
Paid Losses
       
Line of Business
 
Reserves at
December 31,
2011
   
Current
Year
   
Prior
 Years
   
Total
Incurred
   
Current
Year
   
Prior
Years
   
Total
Paid
   
Reserves at
September 30,
2012
 
                                                 
Workers' Compensation
  $ 358,131     $ 179,802     $ 28,396     $ 208,198     $ 26,190     $ 108,515     $ 134,705     $ 431,624  
Residual Markets
    17,682       3,443       (958 )     2,485       1,034       1,721       2,755       17,412  
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
    353,311       112,966       30,933       143,899       6,509       79,860       86,369       410,841  
Commercial Automobile
    117,594       71,575       20,059       91,634       21,192       49,335       70,527       138,701  
Other
    32,375       62,082       2,905       64,987       32,429       21,087       53,516       43,846  
Net Reserves
    879,093     $ 429,868     $ 81,335     $ 511,203     $ 87,354     $ 260,518     $ 347,872       1,042,424  
Reinsurance Recoverable
    315,884                                                       366,998  
Consolidated
  $ 1,194,977                                                     $ 1,409,422  

 
39

 
The following table shows the re-estimated December 31, 2011 held reserves by line as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Line of Business
 
Reserves at
December 31, 2011
   
Re-estimated Reserves
for December 31, 2011
at September 30, 2012
   
Development as a
Percentage of
Prior Year
Reserves
 
                   
Workers' Compensation
  $ 358,131     $ 386,527       7.9%  
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
    353,311       384,244       8.8%  
Commercial Automobile
    117,594       137,653       17.1%  
Other
    32,375       35,280       9.0%  
Sub-total
    861,411       943,704       9.6%  
Residual Markets
    17,682       16,724       -5.4%  
Total Net Reserves
  $ 879,093     $ 960,428       9.3%  
 
Workers’ Compensation Excluding Residual Markets
 
The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior in the workers' compensation line of business increased $28.4 million, or 7.9%. This was driven primarily by accident years 2009, 2010, and 2011. The increase in net ultimate loss estimates is $8.7 million in 2009, $12.9 million in 2010, and $7.2 million in 2011. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2008 and prior.
 
In this line of business we continue to see favorable overall underwriting trends. The average accident year combined ratio since 2010 was 103.2%. In California workers’ compensation, which represents approximately 57% of our year-to-date 2012 workers’ compensation net written premium, the average accident year combined ratio since 2010 is 101.6%.  Our overall current accident year combined ratio for workers’ compensation is 100.8%.  This improvement reflects the impact of cumulative rate increases of 17.2% since 2009, with an additional 14.4% filed and approved rate increase, which will be effective November 15, 2012.  While we continue to experience acceleration in the case reserving process, the amount of acceleration identified is less in this quarter than our previous estimates contemplated.  Accordingly, we have increased our estimates for prior year losses as we have placed less weight on the case reserving acceleration assumption. Furthermore, although the acceleration represents a deviation from standard loss development patterns, it also accelerated the recognition of some claim liabilities that were more than contemplated in our previous estimates.  This, in turn, also led to an increase in the net ultimate loss estimates on prior accident years. Paid loss severities remain more stable and claim frequencies have decreased due to earned rate increases. We view the paid loss severity and frequency trends, along with the rate increases that we have achieved as positive indicators for this business. In most states', underwriting actions and rate increases have been effective and ultimate loss estimates on prior accident years have been stable.
 
 
40


Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
 
The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior in the commercial multi-peril/general liability line of business increased $30.9 million, or 8.8%. This was driven primarily by accident years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The increase in net ultimate loss estimates is $4.3 million for 2007, $2.0 million for 2008, $7.3 million for 2009, $2.7 million for 2010, and $10.9 million for the 2011 accident year. This re-estimation reflects an increase in the frequency of larger claims and strengthening of case reserves relating to prior years that occurred in calendar year 2012.
 
Of the $30.9 million increase in prior accident year net ultimate loss estimates, $12.6 million was related to the excess liability program.  This program has been cancelled as of October 2012.
 
Although our ultimate loss estimates for prior years increased in 2012, we continue to see favorable overall underwriting trends in this line of business. The average accident year combined ratio since 2009 was 95.2%. Our current accident year combined ratio is 94.0%. During the year, our claim managers continued to perform an exposure analysis on our larger exposure claims. This recent initiative was designed to identify higher exposure claims earlier and focus our investigation and defense strategy on claims with higher exposures. This may have led to a higher level of incurred losses than indicated by our historical development patterns. While this acceleration represents a deviation from standard loss development patterns, it also accelerated the recognition of some claim liabilities that were not contemplated in our previous estimates.

Commercial Automobile
 
The $20.1 million increase, or 17.1%, in net ultimate loss estimates for the commercial automobile line of business is primarily in the 2010 and 2011 accident years and also reflects the emergence of higher than expected large loss activity.  The increase in net ultimate loss estimates is $7.4 million for 2010 and $9.8 million for 2011.
 
The average accident year combined ratio since 2009 was 109.1%. Our current accident year combined ratio is 109.6%.
 
These unfavorable results primarily reflect the impact of the transportation program and a smaller segment of another program.  The Company aggressively achieved rate increases and reduced exposure on the transportation program. Despite these cumulative rate increases, which exceeded 46% since 2010, this program has been terminated on a go forward basis along with the smaller program mentioned above. As these rate increases taken continue to earn in 2012, and as this business runs off, we expect improved current accident year results for this business.
 
Other
 
The $2.9 million increase, or 9.0%, in net ultimate loss estimates in the other lines of business is primarily from 2011 accident year property exposures where we had a handful of larger claims that occurred in late 2011, but were not reported until the first quarter of 2012. The increase in net ultimate loss estimates is $2.3 million for 2011.  These occurrences were partially offset by better than expected frequency in our medical malpractice line of business.  Cumulative rate increases in other lines since 2009 have been approximately 4.5%.
 
 
Residual Markets

The workers’ compensation residual market line of business had a decrease in net ultimate loss estimate of $1.0 million, or 5.4% of net reserves. This decrease reflects reductions in the net ultimate loss estimates for various accident years.  We record loss reserves as reported by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), plus a provision for the reserves incurred but not yet analyzed and reported to us due to a two quarter lag in reporting. These changes reflect a difference between our estimate of the lag incurred but not reported and the amounts reported by the NCCI in the year.

Over the years we have demonstrated an ability to remediate programs that are not meeting our targets through a combination of underwriting and pricing actions. Although we have experienced increases in net ultimate loss estimates noted above, we have made significant headway in remediating where necessary. We will continue to earn premium in 2012 that reflects the cumulative rate increases and underwriting actions, which we expect to result in an improved combined ratio. Despite the prolonged soft market and lackluster economic growth, we have had an average combined ratio of 99.9% over the last six accident years and 2012 is at 100.9%. As we emerge from an underpriced environment to more adequate pricing levels, we should see ongoing, incremental improvement in our overall underwriting results.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

A significant portion of our consolidated assets represents assets of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries that may not be transferable to the holding company in the form of dividends, loans or advances in accordance with state insurance laws. These laws generally specify that dividends can be paid only from unassigned surplus and only to the extent that all dividends in the current twelve months do not exceed the greater of 10% of total statutory surplus as of the end of the prior fiscal year or 100% of the statutory net income for the prior year, less any dividends paid in the prior twelve months. Using these criteria, the ordinary dividend available that can be paid from the Insurance Company Subsidiaries during 2012 is $41.2 million without prior regulatory approval. Of this $41.2 million, ordinary dividends of $12.5 million have been declared and paid as of September 30, 2012. In addition to ordinary dividends, the Insurance Company Subsidiaries have the capacity to pay $66.4 million of extraordinary dividends in 2012, subject to prior regulatory approval. The ability to pay ordinary and extraordinary dividends must be reviewed in relation to the impact on key financial measurement ratios, including Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratios and A.M. Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).  The Company heavily considers these ratios when evaluating liquidity and capital strategies.  The Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ ability to pay future dividends without advance regulatory approval is dependent upon maintaining a positive level of unassigned surplus, which in turn, is dependent upon the Insurance Company Subsidiaries generating net income.  Total ordinary dividends paid from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to our holding company were $12.5 million and $22.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, on a trailing twelve month statutory consolidated basis, the gross and net premium leverage ratios were 3.0 to 1.0 and 2.5 to 1.0, respectively.
 
 
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We have undertaken the sale of a portion of our bond portfolio in order to realize gains initially targeted at $50 million, which is expected to add about $36 million to $37 million to our statutory surplus on an after-tax basis; we will still have approximately $80 million in additional pre-tax unrealized gains remaining in our $1.5 billion portfolio.

We also generate operating cash flow from non-regulated subsidiaries in the form of commission revenue, outside management fees, and intercompany management fees.  These sources of income are available for debt service, shareholders’ dividends, and other operating expenses of the holding company and non-regulated subsidiaries.  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization from non-regulated subsidiaries were approximately $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

We have a total revolving credit facility of $100.0 million. As of September 30, 2012, we had a $10.0 million outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and $0.5 million in letters of credit. The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $89.5 million as of September 30, 2012, is available to finance working capital and for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.

Based on our subsidiaries’ membership in the FHLBI, we have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates, providing a source of liquidity.  As of September 30, 2012, we had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI. The proceeds were used to fund purchases of high quality bonds with maturities that match the maturity of the FHLBI credit facility. Due to the low cost of the FHLBI funding, the Company expects to generate returns in excess of its cost of borrowing under this strategy. We have the ability to increase our borrowing capacity through additional investments and pledging additional securities.
 
 
43



Cash flow provided by operations was $127.9 million and $94.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows is driven primarily by a decrease in estimated federal income tax payments in the current year. The increase was also driven by increased premium revenue and was partially offset by policy acquisition costs and paid losses and LAE. We maintain a strong balance sheet with diversified geographic risks, high quality reinsurance and a high quality investment portfolio.

Other Items – Liquidity and Capital Resources

Interest Rate Swaps

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

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

On August 29, 2012, we executed a credit agreement, which provides the Company with access to $130.0 million in Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities included a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.  These new Credit Facilities replaced the Company’s former $100.0 million credit facilities, which included a $65.0 million term loan facility and a $35.0 million revolving credit facility. The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility is available to finance working capital and for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.

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

Investment Portfolio

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the recorded values of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, were $1.7 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

In general, we believe our overall investment portfolio is conservatively invested.  The effective duration of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2012, is 4.8 years, compared to 4.9 years at September 30, 2011.  Our pre-tax book yield as of September 30, 2012 is 3.9%, compared to 4.1% in 2011.  The current after-tax yield is 3.0% as of September 30, 2012, compared to 3.1% in 2011.  Approximately 99.1% of our fixed income investment portfolio is investment grade.
 
 
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Shareholders’ Equity
 
Refer to Note 7 ~ Shareholders’ Equity of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no material changes in relation to our contractual obligations and commitments, outside of the ordinary course of our business.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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

Goodwill

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $121.0 million of goodwill recorded.  In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company concluded its reporting units to be agency operations and specialty insurance operations (SIO).  As a result of operating results to date, the updated forecast of the fair value of the SIO reporting unit has decreased.  As such, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2012, updating its cash flow projections and related assumptions from the analysis performed as of October 1, 2011.  As a result of completing this analysis, the SIO's fair value exceeded its carrying value.  Subsequent to September 30, 2012, we have identified certain additional indicators of potential goodwill impairment in the SIO reporting unit.  These indicators include a notable decrease in the stock price of the Company as well as the A.M. Best review with negative implications.  In connection with our annual impairment test of goodwill as of October 1, 2012, we will consider these indicators in connection with the SIO's fair value.

Terminated Programs

We have commenced terminating certain programs in our businesses that have been adversely impacting our results. As a result, we have notified the affected production sources that, due to the capital situation we are addressing, certain areas of our business that have been adversely impacting our results need to be terminated.  Those programs are expected to generate approximately $75.9 million of gross written premium in 2012. We will continue to earn some premium on these terminated programs as they run off in 2013.

Furthermore, one of the programs terminated is the public-entity excess workers’ compensation program (“PEEP”), which was terminated on October 15, 2012.  We insured this program since 2003, and in 2007 we acquired the customer list from the producer that controlled the program.  The acquisition resulted in the establishment of $7.5 million of intangible assets with definite lives.  This asset is being amortized over a period of 10 years, with approximately $2.0 million remaining as of September 30, 2012. As a result of terminating PEEP in the fourth quarter, we expect to recognize the remaining amortization expense of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.
 
 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates as well as other relevant market rate or price changes. The volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the underlying assets are traded directly influence market risk. The following is a discussion of our primary risk exposures and how those exposures are currently managed as of September 30, 2012.  Our market risk sensitive instruments are primarily related to fixed income securities, which are available for sale and not held for trading purposes.

Interest rate risk is managed within the context of an asset and liability management strategy where the target duration for the fixed income portfolio is based on the estimate of the liability duration and takes into consideration our surplus.  The investment policy guidelines provide for a fixed income portfolio duration of between three and a half and five and a half years.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our fixed income portfolio had an effective duration of 4.8 years and 4.9 years, respectively.

At September 30, 2012, the fair value of our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, was $1.6 billion.  Our market risk relating to the investment portfolio is primarily interest rate risk associated with debt securities. Our exposure to equity price risk is related to our investments in relatively small positions of preferred stocks and mutual funds with an emphasis on dividend income.  These investments comprised 1.6% of our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2012.

Our investment philosophy is one of maximizing after-tax earnings and has historically included significant investments in tax-exempt bonds.  We continue to increase our holdings of tax-exempt securities based on our desire to maximize after-tax investment income.  For our investment portfolio, there were no significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. We do not anticipate significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known or expected to be in effect.

A sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected period. In our sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonable possible near-term changes in those rates. “Near-term” means a period of up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements. In our sensitivity model, we use a hypothetical change to measure our potential loss in fair value of debt securities assuming an upward and downward parallel shift in interest rates.   The table below presents our model’s estimate of changes in fair values given a change in interest rates.  Dollar values are in thousands.
 
 
46

 
   
Rates Down 100bps
   
Rates Unchanged
   
Rates Up 100bps
 
Fair Value
    $1,589,091       $1,527,482       $1,454,643  
Yield to Maturity or Call
    1.3%       2.0%       2.9%  
Effective Duration
    4.8       4.8       4.9  

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

Our debentures are subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on these debentures is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had outstanding debentures of $80.9 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $809,000.

Our term loan is subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on our term loan is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At September 30, 2012, we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $30.0 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $300,000.  At December 31, 2011, we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $23.9 million.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $239,000.

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

In addition, our revolving line of credit under which we can borrow up to $100.0 million is subject to variable interest rates.  Thus, our interest expense on the revolving line of credit is directly correlated to market interest rates.  At September 30, 2012, we had a $10 million outstanding balance on our line of credit. At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $100,000.  At December 31, 2011, we had $4.5 million outstanding on this revolving line of credit.  At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would have changed annual interest expense by $45,000.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $0.5 million in letters of credit had been issued.
 
 
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ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the “Exchange Act”), which we refer to as disclosure controls, are controls and procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
 
As of September 30, 2012, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls were effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, material information required to be disclosed in the reports we file under the Exchange Act and is accumulated and communicated, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three month period ended September 30, 2012, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is included under Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Except as set forth below, have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
A decrease in our A.M. Best rating could negatively affect our business.
 
Insurance companies are subject to financial strength ratings produced by external rating agencies. Higher ratings generally indicate greater financial stability and a stronger ability to pay claims. Ratings are assigned by rating agencies to insurers based upon factors they believe are important to policyholders. Ratings evaluations are not directed to potential purchasers of our common stock and are not recommendations to buy, hold, or sell our securities.
 
Our ability to write business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best. A.M. Best ratings are designed to assess an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet continuing obligations to policyholders. Currently, our financial strength rating from A.M. Best is “A−” (Excellent) for our Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  On October 19, 2012, following our preliminary announcement of our third quarter 2012 results, A.M. Best Co. placed under review with negative implications the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a-” of the subsidiaries of the Company, which operate under an intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement. A.M. Best also has placed under review with negative implications the issuer credit rating of “bbb-” of the Company.  The negative implications reflect the possibility that the ratings may be downgraded.
 
A rating downgrade from A.M. Best could materially adversely affect the business we write and our results of operations.  Our failure to maintain our ratings, or any other adverse development with respect to our ratings, could cause our current and future independent agents and insureds to choose to transact their business with more highly rated competitors. If A.M. Best downgrades our ratings, it is likely that we would not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and our ability to sell insurance policies could decline. Should this occur, our sales and earnings would likely decrease.
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In October 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized management to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in market transactions for a period not to exceed twenty-four months.

The following table represents information with respect to repurchases of the Company’s common stock for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012:

Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Repurchased
   
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that may
still be
Repurchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
July 1 - July 31, 2012
    -     $ -       -       3,732,700  
August 1 - August 31, 2012
    -       -       -       3,732,700  
September 1 - September 30, 2012
    -       -       -       3,732,700  
Total
    -     $ -       -          

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable
 
 
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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

Exhibit
No.
Description
   
10.1
2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012).*
   
31.1
Certification of Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
   
31.2
Certification of Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
   
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
   
32.2
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.
   
101
Interactive Data File

* Compensatory plan required to be as an exhibit pursuant to Item 6 of this report.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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

  Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.  
         
         
 
By:
/s/ 
Karen M. Spaun
 
     
Senior Vice President and
 
     
Chief Financial Officer
 
         
Dated:   November 9, 2012
       

 
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EXHIBITS INDEX

Exhibit
No.
Description
   
10.1
2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012). *
   
Certification of Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
   
Certification of Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
   
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Robert S. Cubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
   
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Karen M. Spaun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.
   
101
Interactive Data File

* Compensatory plan required to be as an exhibit pursuant to Item 6 of this report.