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

FORM 10-Q

T QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
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 T 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 T 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 T 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 T

The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding on November 5, 2013, was 49,887,200.
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
 
 
 
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
ITEM 1 –
2-7
 
2-3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8-26
 
 
 
ITEM 2 –
27-41
 
 
 
ITEM 3 –
41-42
 
 
 
ITEM 4 –
43
 
 
 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
ITEM 1 –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 1A –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 2 –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 3 –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 4 –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 5 –
44
 
 
 
ITEM 6 –
45
 
 
 
46

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
 
   
 
Premiums earned
 
   
 
Gross
 
$
260,273
   
$
265,619
 
Ceded
   
(79,217
)
   
(42,212
)
Net earned premiums
   
181,056
     
223,407
 
Net commissions and fees
   
10,458
     
7,410
 
Net investment income
   
11,695
     
13,815
 
Realized gains:
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
 
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
   
-
     
-
 
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
675
     
902
 
Net realized gains
   
675
     
902
 
Total revenues
   
203,884
     
245,534
 
 
               
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
197,314
     
242,847
 
Reinsurance recoveries
   
(65,067
)
   
(30,149
)
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
132,247
     
212,698
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
54,228
     
71,373
 
General, selling and administrative expenses
   
7,026
     
5,745
 
General corporate expenses
   
1,025
     
717
 
Amortization expense
   
1,037
     
1,372
 
Interest expense
   
3,581
     
2,372
 
Total expenses
   
199,144
     
294,277
 
Income (loss) before taxes and equity earnings
   
4,740
     
(48,743
)
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)
   
356
     
(21,357
)
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
   
1,164
     
791
 
Equity losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
(32
)
   
(15
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,516
   
$
(26,610
)
 
               
Earnings (Losses) Per Share
               
Basic
 
$
0.11
   
$
(0.53
)
Diluted
 
$
0.11
   
$
(0.53
)
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
   
49,887,200
     
49,776,011
 
Diluted
   
49,933,540
     
49,776,011
 
 
               
Dividends paid per common share
 
$
0.02
   
$
0.05
 

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

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Revenues
 
   
 
Premiums earned
 
   
 
Gross
 
$
789,468
   
$
741,646
 
Ceded
   
(262,043
)
   
(114,121
)
Net earned premiums
   
527,425
     
627,525
 
Net commissions and fees
   
28,631
     
24,927
 
Net investment income
   
34,603
     
41,230
 
Realized gains:
               
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
-
 
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
 
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings
   
-
     
-
 
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
3,860
     
3,201
 
Net realized gains
   
3,860
     
3,201
 
Total revenues
   
594,519
     
696,883
 
 
               
Expenses
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
590,095
     
601,342
 
Reinsurance recoveries
   
(190,661
)
   
(90,139
)
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
399,434
     
511,203
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
163,283
     
203,479
 
General, selling and administrative expenses
   
18,950
     
18,411
 
General corporate expenses
   
3,301
     
2,848
 
Amortization expense
   
3,146
     
4,095
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
115,397
     
-
 
Interest expense
   
9,431
     
6,382
 
Total expenses
   
712,942
     
746,418
 
Loss before taxes and equity earnings
   
(118,423
)
   
(49,535
)
Federal and state income tax benefit
   
(15,412
)
   
(21,284
)
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax
   
2,547
     
2,041
 
Equity income (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
4
     
(28
)
Net loss
 
$
(100,460
)
 
$
(26,238
)
 
               
Losses Per Share
               
Basic
 
$
(2.01
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted
 
$
(2.01
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares
               
Basic
   
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 
Diluted
   
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 
 
               
Dividends paid per common share
 
$
0.06
   
$
0.15
 

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

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,516
   
$
(26,610
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
Unrealized gains on securities
   
3,243
     
11,612
 
Unrealized (losses) gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
(316
)
   
57
 
Increase in non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
271
 
Net deferred derivative gains (losses) - hedging activity
   
140
     
(72
)
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
   
(457
)
   
(571
)
Other comprehensive  gains, net of tax
   
2,610
     
11,297
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
8,126
   
$
(15,313
)

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Net loss
 
$
(100,460
)
 
$
(26,238
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities
   
(32,026
)
   
18,520
 
Unrealized (losses) gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
(254
)
   
222
 
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities
   
-
     
563
 
Net deferred derivative gains (losses) - hedging activity
   
3,178
     
(185
)
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income
   
(2,534
)
   
(2,103
)
Other comprehensive (loss) gains, net of tax
   
(31,636
)
   
17,017
 
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(132,096
)
 
$
(9,221
)

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

 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
ASSETS
 
   
 
Investments
 
   
 
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,460,190 and $1,211,794)
 
$
1,474,735
   
$
1,286,807
 
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $102,981 and $20,389)
   
112,988
     
22,661
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
103,433
     
342,124
 
Accrued investment income
   
15,118
     
11,167
 
Premiums and agent balances receivable, net
   
225,422
     
208,743
 
Reinsurance recoverable on:
               
Paid losses
   
17,047
     
13,612
 
Unpaid losses
   
486,791
     
381,905
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
92,687
     
143,180
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
60,232
     
45,417
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
35,374
     
10,929
 
Goodwill
   
5,644
     
121,041
 
Other intangible assets
   
25,118
     
28,264
 
Other assets
   
134,748
     
97,424
 
Total assets
 
$
2,789,337
   
$
2,713,274
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
1,579,391
   
$
1,455,980
 
Unearned premiums
   
408,728
     
439,418
 
Debt
   
161,842
     
78,500
 
Debentures
   
80,930
     
80,930
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
31,774
     
29,190
 
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
   
37,777
     
49,622
 
Payable to insurance companies
   
31,740
     
5,641
 
Other liabilities
   
30,357
     
15,714
 
Total liabilities
   
2,362,539
     
2,154,995
 
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 49,887,200 and 49,776,011 shares issued and outstanding
   
499
     
505
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
276,220
     
272,472
 
Retained earnings
   
133,742
     
237,351
 
Note receivable from officer
   
(715
)
   
(737
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
17,052
     
48,688
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
426,798
     
558,279
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,789,337
   
$
2,713,274
 

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

 
 
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Note
Receivable
from Officer
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
 
 
(Unaudited, In thousands)
 
Balances December 31, 2012
 
$
505
   
$
272,472
   
$
237,351
   
$
(737
)
 
$
48,688
   
$
558,279
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
(100,460
)
   
-
     
-
     
(100,460
)
Dividends declared
   
-
     
-
     
(2,993
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,993
)
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(34,369
)
   
(34,369
)
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(191
)
   
(191
)
Net deferred derivative gain - hedging activity
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,178
     
3,178
 
Stock award
   
1
     
274
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
275
 
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2012 and 2013 plan years
   
-
     
324
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
324
 
Change in investment of affiliates, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(213
)
   
(213
)
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(41
)
   
(41
)
Stock warrant issuance
   
-
     
3,023
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,023
 
Other reclass
   
(7
)
   
127
     
(156
)
   
-
     
-
     
(36
)
Note receivable from officer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
22
     
-
     
22
 
Balances September 30, 2013
 
$
499
   
$
276,220
   
$
133,742
   
$
(715
)
 
$
17,052
   
$
426,798
 

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

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
   
 
Net loss
 
$
(100,460
)
 
$
(26,238
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization of other intangible assets
   
3,146
     
4,095
 
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs
   
73
     
94
 
Impairment of goodwill
   
115,397
     
-
 
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building
   
3,479
     
3,916
 
Net amortization of discount and premiums on bonds
   
8,453
     
4,680
 
Accretion of issued debt/original issue discount
   
784
     
-
 
Amortization of capitalized convertible note fees
   
223
     
-
 
Gain on sale of investments
   
(3,898
)
   
(3,236
)
Gain on sale of fixed assets
   
(66
)
   
(66
)
Long-term incentive plan expense
   
324
     
159
 
Stock award
   
274
     
279
 
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of taxes
   
(2,547
)
   
(2,041
)
Equity (earnings) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax
   
(4
)
   
28
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
(7,870
)
   
(3,437
)
Goodwill adjustment
   
-
     
(249
)
Write-off of book of business
   
-
     
123
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in:
               
Premiums and agent balances receivable
   
(16,679
)
   
(42,783
)
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
   
(108,321
)
   
(55,495
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
50,493
     
(19,002
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
(14,815
)
   
(9,905
)
Other assets
   
(24,147
)
   
(3,773
)
Increase (decrease) in:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
123,411
     
214,445
 
Unearned premiums
   
(30,690
)
   
78,326
 
Payable to insurance companies
   
26,099
     
(466
)
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable
   
(11,845
)
   
17,113
 
Other liabilities
   
8,122
     
(28,676
)
Total adjustments
   
119,396
     
154,129
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
18,936
     
127,891
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Purchase of debt securities available for sale
   
(400,212
)
   
(242,172
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available for sale
   
145,606
     
103,529
 
Purchase of equity securities available for sale
   
(98,385
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale
   
18,285
     
3,090
 
Capital expenditures
   
(1,363
)
   
(2,183
)
Other investing activities
   
(680
)
   
(4,008
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(336,749
)
   
(141,744
)
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
   
(4,500
)
   
(23,875
)
Payments on line of credit
   
-
     
(14,500
)
Proceeds from convertible senior notes
   
96,324
     
-
 
Payments for convertible senior notes hedge
   
(12,942
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of warrants
   
3,023
     
-
 
Book overdrafts
   
188
     
656
 
Dividends paid on common stock
   
(2,993
)
   
(7,546
)
Share repurchases
   
-
     
(11,517
)
Other financing activities
   
22
     
22
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
79,122
     
23,240
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(238,691
)
   
9,387
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
342,124
     
101,757
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
103,433
   
$
111,144
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
8,092
   
$
5,951
 
Net income taxes paid (1)
 
$
1,165
   
$
3,510
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Stock-based employee compensation
 
$
274
   
$
279
 

(1)
Tax return refunds were received in first quarter of 2013 and 2012 for $3,067 and $475, respectively.

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

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

Basis of Presentation and Management Representation

The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Meadowbrook”), its wholly owned subsidiary Star Insurance Company (“Star”), and Star’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Savers”), Williamsburg National Insurance Company (“Williamsburg”), and Ameritrust Insurance Corporation (“Ameritrust”). The consolidated financial statements also include Meadowbrook, Inc., Crest Financial Corporation, and their respective subsidiaries. In addition, the consolidated financial statements 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, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. In addition, certain amounts in the 2012 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation as a result of adopting the new Accumulated Other Comprehensive guidance noted below and to reflect the reclassification adjustment net of taxes.

These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Revenue Recognition

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

Assumed premium estimates include business where the company accepts a portion of the risk from a ceding carrier as well as the mandatory assumed pool business from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), or residual market business.

Effective July 1, 2013, we entered into a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement(s) with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company  (collectively, “SNIC”), wherein certain of our business is written direct with SNIC and 100% assumed by certain of our insurance companies. The SNIC business has a 5.5% fee, which is reflected as assumed commission on the applicable Company’s insurance company’s books.  As of third quarter 2013, the insurance companies have assumed $85.1 million in gross written premium from SNIC.  The impact of the SNIC fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 0.4% and 0.2% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

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.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Income Taxes

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits and had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is to be applied prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 11 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

NOTE 2 – Investments

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, non-credit other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) and estimated fair value of investments in securities classified as available for sale at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Cost or
   
Gross Unrealized
   
 
 
 
Amortized
   
   
   
Non-Credit
   
Estimated
 
 
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
OTTI
   
Fair Value
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
 
$
25,701
   
$
651
   
$
(146
)
 
$
-
   
$
26,206
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
743,216
     
27,265
     
(18,357
)
   
-
     
752,124
 
Corporate securities
   
515,684
     
16,325
     
(11,403
)
   
-
     
520,606
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
   
854
     
354
     
-
     
-
     
1,208
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
123,730
     
2,439
     
(3,278
)
   
-
     
122,891
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
30,474
     
823
     
(818
)
   
-
     
30,479
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
20,531
     
705
     
(15
)
   
-
     
21,221
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,460,190
     
48,562
     
(34,017
)
   
-
     
1,474,735
 
Equity Securities:
                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
6,007
     
1,224
     
-
     
-
     
7,231
 
Common stock
   
96,974
     
10,120
     
(1,337
)
   
-
     
105,757
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
102,981
     
11,344
     
(1,337
)
   
-
     
112,988
 
Total securities available for sale
$
1,563,171
$
59,906
$
(35,354
)
$
-
$
1,587,723

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
Cost or
   
Gross Unrealized
   
 
 
 
Amortized
   
   
   
Non-Credit
   
Estimated
 
 
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
OTTI
   
Fair Value
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
 
$
26,788
   
$
918
   
$
(22
)
 
$
-
   
$
27,684
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
587,276
     
43,124
     
(1,427
)
   
-
     
628,973
 
Corporate securities
   
482,290
     
25,569
     
(858
)
   
-
     
507,001
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
   
1,743
     
436
     
-
     
-
     
2,179
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
73,530
     
4,393
     
(41
)
   
-
     
77,882
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
33,732
     
1,800
     
-
     
-
     
35,532
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
6,435
     
1,125
     
(4
)
   
-
     
7,556
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,211,794
     
77,365
     
(2,352
)
   
-
     
1,286,807
 
Equity Securities:
                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
6,930
     
1,578
     
-
     
-
     
8,508
 
Common stock
   
13,459
     
901
     
(207
)
   
-
     
14,153
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
20,389
     
2,479
     
(207
)
   
-
     
22,661
 
Total securities available for sale
$
1,232,183
$
79,844
$
(2,559
)
$
-
$
1,309,468

Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
Unrealized gains
 
$
59,906
   
$
79,844
 
Unrealized losses
   
(35,354
)
   
(2,559
)
Non-credit OTTI
   
-
     
-
 
Net unrealized gains
   
24,552
     
77,285
 
Deferred federal income tax expense
   
(8,593
)
   
(26,957
)
Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes
 
$
15,959
   
$
50,328
 

Net realized gains (losses including OTTI) on securities, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Realized gains (losses):
 
   
   
   
 
Debt securities:
 
   
   
   
 
Gross realized gains
 
$
87
   
$
818
   
$
1,617
   
$
2,812
 
Gross realized losses
   
(40
)
   
(16
)
   
(211
)
   
(49
)
Total debt securities
   
47
     
802
     
1,406
     
2,763
 
Equity securities:
                               
Gross realized gains
   
656
     
78
     
2,502
     
473
 
Gross realized losses
   
-
     
-
     
(10
)
   
-
 
Total equity securities
   
656
     
78
     
2,492
     
473
 
Net realized gains
 
$
703
   
$
880
   
$
3,898
   
$
3,236
 
 
                               
OTTI included in realized losses on securities above
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $12.8 million and $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $88.9 million and $27.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

At September 30, 2013, 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
 
$
34,436
   
$
34,879
 
Due after one year through five years
   
414,302
     
429,113
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
667,466
     
672,615
 
Due after ten years
   
169,251
     
163,537
 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities
   
174,735
     
174,591
 
 
 
$
1,460,190
   
$
1,474,735
 

Net investment income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net Investment Income Earned From:
 
   
   
   
 
Debt securities
 
$
10,888
   
$
13,544
   
$
32,593
   
$
40,348
 
Equity securities
   
1,043
     
421
     
2,593
     
1,297
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
165
     
197
     
558
     
610
 
Total gross investment income
   
12,096
     
14,162
     
35,744
     
42,255
 
Less investment expenses
   
401
     
347
     
1,141
     
1,025
 
Net investment income
 
$
11,695
   
$
13,815
   
$
34,603
   
$
41,230
 

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

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

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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
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/or
· Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

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

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

During the quarter, the Company reviewed its investment portfolio in conjunction with its OTTI policy and determined the Company was not required to record a credit related OTTI loss or recognize a non-credit related OTTI loss in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
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, 2013  
 
 
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
 
 
Number of
Issues
   
Fair Value of Investments
 with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of Issues
   
Fair Value of Investments
with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
   
Number
of Issues
   
Fair Value of Investments
with
Unrealized
Losses
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses and
Non-Credit
OTTI
 
Debt Securities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
U.S. Government and agencies
   
7
   
$
7,334
   
$
(146
)
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
7
   
$
7,334
   
$
(146
)
Obligations of states and political subs
   
112
     
324,676
     
(18,357
)
   
-
     
-
      -      
112
     
324,676
     
(18,357
)
Corporate securities  
   
126
     
265,822
     
(11,403
)
   
-
     
-
      -      
126
     
265,822
     
(11,403
)
Redeemable preferred stocks
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      -      
-
     
-
     
-
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
11
     
82,127
     
(3,278
)
   
-
     
-
      -      
11
     
82,127
     
(3,278
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
6
     
13,023
     
(818
)
   
-
     
-
      -      
6
     
13,023
     
(818
)
Other asset-backed securities
   
2
     
8,789
     
(15
)
   
-
     
-
      -      
2
     
8,789
     
(15
)
Total debt securities
   
264
     
701,771
     
(34,017
)
   
-
     
-
      -    
264
     
701,771
     
(34,017
)
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      -      
-
     
-
     
-
 
Common stock  
   
19
     
18,985
     
(956
)
   
2
     
4,499
      (381 )    
21
     
23,484
     
(1,337
)
Total equity securities
   
19
     
18,985
     
(956
)
   
2
     
4,499
      (381 )    
21
     
23,484
     
(1,337
)
Total securities
283
$
720,756
$
(34,973
)
2
$
4,499
$
(381
)
285
$
725,255
$
(35,354
)
 
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
 
December 31, 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
   
5
   
$
7,063
   
$
(22
)
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
5
   
$
7,063
   
$
(22
)
Obligations of states and political subs
   
23
     
69,016
     
(1,427
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
23
     
69,016
     
(1,427
)
Corporate securities                                                
   
50
     
113,348
     
(858
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
50
     
113,348
     
(858
)
Redeemable preferred stocks
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
1
     
10,219
     
(40
)
   
1
     
24
     
(1
)
   
2
     
10,243
     
(41
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
2
     
463
     
(4
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2
     
463
     
(4
)
Total debt securities
   
81
     
200,109
     
(2,351
)
   
1
     
24
     
(1
)
   
82
     
200,133
     
(2,352
)
Equity Securities:
                                                                       
Perpetual preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Common stock                                                
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2
     
4,583
     
(207
)
   
2
     
4,583
     
(207
)
Total equity securities
   
0
     
-
     
-
     
2
     
4,583
     
(207
)
   
2
     
4,583
     
(207
)
Total securities
81
$
200,109
$
(2,351
)
3
$
4,607
$
(208
)
84
$
204,716
$
(2,559
)
 
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, 2012
 
$
(156
)
Additional credit impairments on:
       
Previously impaired securities
   
-
 
Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized
   
-
 
Reductions
   
156
 
Balance as of September 30, 2013
 
$
-
 

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”).
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
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:

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 7.2% 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 92.6% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.

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

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

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

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

The Level 3 securities consist of 17 securities totaling $3.5 million or 0.2% of the total investment portfolio. These primarily represent asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities that have a principal protection feature supported by a U.S. Treasury strip. To fair value these securities, the third party investment manager uses benchmarking techniques based upon industry sector, rating and other factors.

Also included in Level 3 valuation are the conversion feature within the Notes (as defined in Note 4 ~Debt) and the convertible senior notes hedge. The estimated fair values of both the conversion feature and the convertible senior notes hedge are obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties valued using non-binding broker quotations and significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
September 30,
2013
   
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
 
$
26,206
   
$
-
   
$
26,206
   
$
-
 
Obligations of states and political subs
   
752,124
     
-
     
752,124
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
520,606
     
-
     
519,668
     
938
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
   
1,208
     
1,208
     
-
     
-
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
122,891
     
-
     
122,891
     
-
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
30,479
     
-
     
30,307
     
172
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
21,221
     
-
     
18,781
     
2,440
 
Total debt securities available for sale
   
1,474,735
     
1,208
     
1,469,977
 
   
3,550
 
Equity Securities:
                               
Perpetual preferred stock
   
7,231
     
7,013
     
218
     
-
 
Common stock
   
105,757
     
105,757
     
-
     
-
 
Total equity securities available for sale
   
112,988
     
112,770
     
218
     
-
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,587,723
   
$
113,978
   
$
1,470,195
   
$
3,550
 
Derivatives:
                               
Derivatives - interest rate swaps
 
$
360
   
$
-
   
$
360
   
$
-
 
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes
   
(15,144
)
   
-
     
-
     
(15,144
)
Purchased cash convertible note hedge
   
15,144
     
-
     
-
     
15,144
 
Total derivatives
 
$
360
   
$
-
   
$
360
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Total securities available for sale and derivatives
 
$
1,588,083
   
$
113,978
   
$
1,470,555
   
$
3,550
 

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments and derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Fair Value
Measurement
Using Significant
Unobservable
Inputs - Level 3
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
$
5,444
 
 
       
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
   
748
 
Included in other comprehensive income
   
(520
)
 
       
Purchases
   
12,942
 
Issuances
   
(12,942
)
Settlements
   
(2,122
)
 
       
Transfers in and out of Level 3
   
-
 
Balance as of September 30, 2013
 
$
3,550
 

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

The Company’s policy on recognizing transfers between hierarchy levels is applied at the end of a reporting period. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 and 3 were required.

NOTE 4 – Debt

Credit Facilities

On August 29, 2012, the Company executed $130.0 million in senior credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities included a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.  On September 19, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Facilities pursuant to a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”).

Under the Amendment, the term loan facility continues to have a four year term, along with no changes to the amortization period. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance on the Company’s term loan facility was $24.0 million. The Amendment reduced available borrowing under the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $30.0 million with further periodic reductions to $21.0 million as of March 31, 2016.  The Amendment also established an amortization schedule for the revolving credit facility beginning on September 30, 2014.  The Company has $20.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2013, and $0.5 million in letters of credit have been issued as of September 30, 2013. The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $9.5 million as of September 30, 2013, is available to finance working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to its Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.

The Credit Facilities replaced the Company’s former term loan of $65.0 million and revolving credit agreement of $35.0 million, entered into on July 31, 2008, which were terminated upon the closing of the Credit Facilities on August 29, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the Company had an outstanding balance of $28.5 million on its term loan and a $20.0 million outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility. There was $0.5 million in letters of credit that had been issued as of December 31, 2012.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facilities provides for interest at either the Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) or the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”). ABR borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facilities provide for an unused facility fee ranging between twenty-five basis points and thirty-seven and a half basis points, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined by the Credit Facilities. At September 30, 2013, the interest rate on the Company’s term loan was 3.21%, which consisted of a weighted fixed rate of 0.71%, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%, as described in Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments. At September 30, 2013, the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility was 0.31%, plus a 2.50% margin.

Additionally, the Amendment revised the financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities that consist of: (1) minimum consolidated net worth of $365,697,000 as of the effective date of the Amendment, with quarterly increases thereafter of the sum of (a) seventy-five percent of positive net income and (b) seventy-five percent of increases in shareholders’ equity by reason of the issuance and sale of equity interests, if any, (2) minimum Risk Based Capital Ratio for all material insurance company subsidiaries of 1.75 times Company Action Level, (3) maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio of (i) 0.375 to 1.00 at any time prior to September 30, 2014, or (ii) 0.35 to 1.00 at any time on or after September 30, 2014, (4) minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, and (5) minimum A.M. Best rating of “B++.” As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.

FHLBI

During 2011, certain of the Insurance Company Subsidiaries (Star, Williamsburg and Ameritrust) became members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). As a member of the FHLBI, these subsidiaries have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates providing a source of liquidity. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI after pledging as collateral residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) having a carrying value of $40.1 million, and making a FHLBI common stock investment of approximately $1.6 million. The Company has the ability to increase its borrowing capacity through purchasing additional investments in FHLBI and pledging additional securities. The Company retains all the rights regarding the collateralized RMBS.

Debentures

The following table summarizes the principal amounts and variables associated with the Company’s debentures (in thousands):

Year of
Issuance
Description
Year
Callable
Year Due
Interest Rate Terms
 
Interest Rate
at September
30, 2013 (1)
   
Principal Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
2003
Junior subordinated debentures
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
   
4.30
%
 
$
10,310
 
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
4.26
%
   
13,000
 
2004
Senior debentures
2009
2034
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
   
4.46
%
   
12,000
 
2005
Junior subordinated debentures
2010
2035
Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
   
3.83
%
   
20,620
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2007
2032
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
4.26
%
   
15,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
2008
2033
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%
   
4.36
%
   
10,000
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
Total
   
$
80,930
 

(1) The underlying three-month LIBOR rate varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR rate, which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.

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

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

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

The junior subordinated debentures acquired in the ProCentury Merger were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $15.0 million and $10.0 million in floating rate trust preferred securities to a trust formed from the Company’s unconsolidated trust, ProFinance Statutory Trust I and ProFinance Statutory Trust II. The 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.  As of September 30, 2013, these issuance costs were fully amortized.

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

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

Cash Convertible Senior Notes

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

Due to the bifurcation, the debt component reflects an original issue discount (“OID”) of $12.9 million. The OID and deferred issuance costs of $3.7 million will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes. After considering the contractual interest payments and amortization of the OID, the Notes’ effective interest rate is 7.4%. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, recognized on the Notes was $1.7 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

The following table shows the amounts recorded for the debt component of the Notes as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

Outstanding principal
 
$
100,000
 
Unamortized OID
   
(12,158
)
Total debt component
 
$
87,842
 

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
As the conversion feature is structured under the cash settlement method, the embedded conversion option is reported as a derivative liability.

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company also entered into cash convertible senior notes hedge transactions (the “Note Hedges”) and warrant transactions (the “Warrants”) with respect to its common stock with certain counter-parties. Upon conversion, the Note Hedges are intended to offset potential cash payments in excess of the principal of the Notes. The Note Hedges and Warrants are separate transactions, which were entered into by the Company with certain counter-parties and are not part of the terms of the Notes.

The Company paid $12.9 million for the Note Hedges, which are exercisable upon conversion of the Notes. The Note Hedges are structured under the cash settlement method and are accounted for as a derivative asset.

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

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

NOTE 5 – Derivative Instruments

The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate its interest rate risk on its existing debt obligations. These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges. These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet 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
Counter-party Interest Rate Terms
 
Fixed Rate
   
Fixed Amount
at September
30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
6/30/2013
6/30/2023
Junior subordinated debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
   
6.340
%
 
$
10,000
 
4/29/2013
4/29/2023
Senior debentures
Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
   
6.250
%
   
13,000
 
9/28/2012
8/30/2016
Term loan (1)
Three-month LIBOR
   
0.714
%
   
24,000
 
8/15/2013
8/15/2023
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
Three-month LIBOR
   
2.180
%
   
10,000
 
9/4/2013
9/4/2023
Junior subordinated debentures (2)
Three-month LIBOR
   
2.270
%
   
15,000
 
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
   
$
104,000
 

(1) The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule. The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan. The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 2.50% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.

(2) The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt. The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
In relation to the above interest rate swaps, the net interest expense incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The net interest expense incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps were unrealized gains (losses) of $0.4 million and ($4.5 million), respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated gain (loss) on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately $0.2 million and ($2.9 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.

Cash Convertible Senior Notes and Note Hedges

As discussed in Note 4 ~ Debt, the Company issued the Notes. Holders may convert their cash convertible notes subject to certain conversion provisions. In order to offset the risk associated with the cash conversion feature, the Company entered into convertible note hedges with certain counterparties. Both the cash conversion feature and the purchased convertible note hedges are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

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”). No restricted stock awards were issued in 2012 or 2013. The restricted stock awards vest over a four year period, with the first twenty percent vesting immediately on the date issued (i.e., February 23) and the remaining eighty percent vesting annually on a straight line basis over the requisite four year service period. The unvested restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture in the event the employee is terminated for “Good Cause” or voluntarily resigns their employment without “Good Reason” as provided for in the employee’s respective employment agreements. The Company recorded approximately $83,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for both the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $247,000 and $211,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

On February 13, 2013, and February 23, 2012 the Company issued 2,400 and 1,500 non-restricted stock awards, respectively, to each member of the Board of Directors, which vested immediately. The Company recorded zero non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $137,000 and $149,000 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 7 – Shareholders’ Equity

At September 30, 2013, shareholders’ equity was $426.8 million, or a book value of $8.56 per common share, compared to $558.3 million, or a book value of $11.22 per common share, at December 31, 2012. The decrease in shareholders’ equity from year end primarily relates to the goodwill impairment expense that was recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2013.

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no share repurchases. 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.  The Share Repurchase Plan expired on October 28, 2013.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company paid dividends to its common shareholders of $3.0 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash dividends paid to common shareholders totaled $7.5 million.

On October 29, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 3, 2013, to shareholders of record as of November 18, 2013.

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, regulatory constraints related to the Insurance Company Subsidiaries, 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.

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 income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net income (loss)
$
5,516
$
(26,610
)
$
(100,460
)
$
(26,238
)
 
                           
Common shares:
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
49,887,200
     
49,776,011
     
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 
 
                               
Diluted
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
49,887,200
     
49,776,011
     
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 
Dilutive effect of:
                               
Share awards under long term incentive plan
   
46,340
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
49,933,540
     
49,776,011
     
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 
 
                               
Net income (loss) per common share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.11
   
$
(0.53
)
 
$
(2.01
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted
 
$
0.11
   
$
(0.53
)
 
$
(2.01
)
 
$
(0.52
)

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 9 – Goodwill

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

In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company concluded its reporting units to be specialty insurance operations (the “Specialty Insurance Operations”) and agency operations (the “Agency Operations”). The nature of the business and economic characteristics of all Agency Operations and all Specialty Insurance Operations are similar based upon, but not limited to, the following: (1) management alignment within each reporting unit, (2) the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries operating under a reinsurance pooling arrangement, and (3) the ability of the Company to leverage its expertise and fixed costs within each reporting unit.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are required to be tested for impairment at least once a year or more frequently if management believes indicators of impairment exist. Carrying values are compared with fair values, and when the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the carrying value of the impaired asset is reduced to its fair value. The performance of the test involves a two-step process.  Step One of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, the Company performs Step Two to determine the amount of impairment loss. Step Two analysis involves determining the potential impairment of goodwill as the difference between the carried goodwill and the hypothetical fair value of the enterprise less the fair value of the tangible net assets and less the estimation of identifiable intangible assets, such as agent relationships, licenses, trademarks and other intangibles that are not carried on the books at fair value.
 
Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process involving the use of estimates and judgments, particularly related to future cash flows, discount rates (including market risk premiums) and market multiples. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a blend of two commonly used valuation techniques, the market approach and the income approach. The Company gives consideration to two valuation techniques, as either technique can be an indicator of value. For the market approach, valuations of reporting units were based on an analysis of price multiples of net income, net book value and net tangible book value.  The peer group price multiples used in the analysis were selected based on management’s judgment.  For the income approach, the Company estimated future cash flows using a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”). A DCF model was selected to be comparable to what would be used by market participants to estimate fair value. The DCF model incorporated expected future growth rates, terminal value amounts, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital to discount estimated cash flows.  The projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with the Company’s forecast and long-range plans.
 
On August 2, 2013, A.M. Best (insurance industry rating agency) downgraded Meadowbrook's issuer credit rating, as well its financial strength ratings and the issuer credit ratings of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries after the Company reported weaker-than-anticipated second-quarter results.  Subsequent to the announcement, the Company’s stock price decreased by 10%.  These events represented a triggering event for potential goodwill impairment.  The Company completed a Step One interim goodwill impairment evaluation as of June 30, 2013, and determined that a potential goodwill impairment existed in the Specialty Insurance Operations reporting unit, as the carrying value of the unit exceeded its fair value.    The results of Step One analysis indicated that after assigning the fair value of the Specialty Insurance Operations reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities there would not be any excess fair value over the amounts assigned to allocate to goodwill.  As a result, the Company recorded a provisional impairment adjustment of $115.4 million at June 30, 2013.  This provisional adjustment represented a full impairment of Specialty Insurance Operations’ goodwill.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company performed a Step Two analysis of the goodwill impairment test.  The Step Two analysis indicated that the estimation of the fair value of identifiable intangible assets is greater than the amount of other intangibles carried.  To the extent this estimation is greater than the carried amount of other intangibles, the Company is not permitted to write up the other intangibles to fair value.  Based on the Step Two analysis completed during the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company concluded that no revision was necessary to its estimated goodwill impairment of $115.4 million recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2013. The carrying amount of the remaining goodwill as of September 30, 2013 was $5.6 million and represented goodwill attributable to the Company’s Agency Operations reporting unit.

NOTE 10 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company, and its subsidiaries, are subject at times to various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance, claims administration, consulting services and other business transactions arising in the ordinary course of business.  Where appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims, lawsuits and proceedings.  Some of these claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant.   Most of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by the policy of insurance at issue. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves.  We also maintain errors and omissions insurance and extra-contractual coverage under reinsurance treaties related to the policy of insurance at issue or other appropriate insurance.  In terms of any retentions or deductibles associated with such insurance, the Company has established accruals for such retentions or deductibles, when necessary, based upon current available information.  In accordance with accounting guidance, if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable; then an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Period expenses related to the defense of such claims are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  Management, with the assistance of outside counsel, adjusts such provisions according to new developments or changes in the strategy in dealing with such matters.  On the basis of current information, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that, other than with regard to the arbitration described below, any material loss exceeding amounts already accrued, if any, will result from any of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject to, either individually, or in the aggregate.

Legal Proceedings

Arbitration

The Company purchased a three year underlying per occurrence excess of loss reinsurance agreement (the “Retention Buy Down Treaty”) from the Reinsurer, which reinsured the Company’s statutory workers’ compensation business for the period of January 1, 1999 through January 1, 2002.  Under the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company ceded losses to the Reinsurer of approximately $42.6 million. The Company was also a party to an unrelated excess of loss treaty with another reinsurer for its workers compensation business covering the same periods (the “Excess of Loss Treaty”). Under the Excess of Loss Treaty, the Company’s retention was $250,000 per occurrence. The Company purchased the Retention Buy Down Treaty to reduce its $250,000 existing per occurrence retention to $100,000. In approximately 2008, a dispute arose between the Company and the Reinsurer as to how the Retention Buy Down Treaty applied to certain losses. When the Company and the Reinsurer could not come to a mutual understanding, the Company initiated arbitration proceedings requesting payment of its outstanding balance. On July 23, 2013, the arbitration panel issued an interim final award finding the Retention Buy Down Treaty did not include certain losses that the Company believed were subject to the Retention Buy Down Treaty.

During the arbitration, the Reinsurer sought from the Company an award of $1.6 million. This amount reflected the difference between what the Company claimed was due from the Reinsurer ($2.9 million) and what the Reinsurer claimed it was due back from the Company ($4.5 million). The panel awarded the Reinsurer $1.6 million, and $2.0 million in interest, plus attorney’s fees. Based upon the panel’s interpretation of the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company was required to reverse certain of its ceded incurred losses due from the Reinsurer. The Company recorded this change in ceded incurred losses during the second quarter of 2013. Notwithstanding the panel’s netting of the outstanding balances, the panel requested the Company submit additional documentation listing all programs covered by the Retention Buy Down Treaty and the Company's retained limit for each program. The Reinsurer was allowed to respond and submit its bill for attorney’s fees. The Company paid the $1.6 million and $2.0 million in interest, as required by the interim final award. On August 6, 2013, the Company submitted the above-mentioned additional documentation.
 
On August 10, 2013 the Reinsurer argued the Company’s submission as non-compliant. On August 12, 2103 and August 13, 2013, “by majority” the panel issued two orders: (1) the first order determined the Company’s submission of August 6, 2013 was non-responsive; and (2) the second order modified the terms of the interim final award and limited the submissions to documents previously produced in the arbitration.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

On August 19, 2013, the Company brought a Motion to Stay Proceedings before the panel, because it had discovered evidence of what it believed were improper ex parte contacts between the Reinsurer’s lawyer and the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer.  On August 29, 2013, the panel (by majority) denied the Company’s Motion to Stay Proceedings.

Thereafter, the Company filed a complaint in state court to vacate and/or modify the interim final award.  Subsequently, the Company filed a Motion to Stay the Arbitration in the state court requesting discovery to investigate what the Company believed was a “tainted” arbitration panel.  The Reinsurer removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan under Case No. 2:13-CV-13807.

On September 4, 2013, the Reinsurer filed a response to the Company’s submission before the panel seeking an additional $25 million in damages from the Company.  On September 10, 2013, the Company filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction from the federal court requesting the court enjoin the panel from issuing any further decisions.

On September 12, 2013 the federal court granted the Company’s preliminary injunction enjoining the panel from issuing any further decisions.  The district court found the Company would likely succeed on its underlying complaint seeking to vacate the interim final award due to: (1) the strong evidence of improper ex parte communications between the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer and its lawyer; (2) a breach of the arbitration provision within the Retention Buy Down Treaty because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator and the neutral arbitrator issued two substantive orders without the knowledge or input from the Company’s arbitrator; and  (3) failure of the Reinsurer’s arbitrator to disclose to the Company certain relationships between the Reinsurer and its arbitrator.  The court issued the injunction because it concluded, among other things, that the Company was “likely to prevail on the merits in a breach of contract action.”

The Reinsurer appealed the preliminary injunction.  Correspondingly, the Reinsurer has filed a Motion to Stay all Discovery in the federal court, which has not yet been ruled upon by the court.

Given the inherent uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of this proceeding, an adverse outcome in this matter could have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows on a particular quarter or annual period. At this time, an estimate of possible loss or range of loss cannot be made. The $1.6 million and the interest of $2.0 million were expensed by the Company during the second quarter and an estimate for the attorney fee portion of the award was also reserved for by the Company. Each of these amounts are being disputed in the federal court proceeding.

Securities Class Actions

On August 15, 2013, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, Robert Cubbin and Karen Spaun by Gabby Klein, a purported shareholder of the Company, individually and on behalf of a purported class consisting of stockholders who purchased Meadowbrook common stock between July 30, 2012 and August 8, 2013.  On October 7, 2013, a second lawsuit was filed against the same defendants in the same court by Anita Salberg and Family Estates Development, Inc., on behalf of themselves and a purported class of stockholders who purchased Meadowbrook common stock between January 25, 2012 and August 14, 2013.  Both lawsuits allege that during the purported class periods, the defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s reserves and reported goodwill.  There have been two filings by shareholders seeking the consolidation of the lawsuits and appointment as lead plaintiff, which are pending.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against these claims. The Company has not accrued any amounts for the securities class actions as the Company does not believe, based upon current information, that a loss relating to these matters is probable, and an estimate of a range of potential loss relating to these matters, cannot reasonably be made.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

NOTE 11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

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

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands)
 
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income
   
Affected line item in the statement where
net income is presented
       
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
   
 
 
$
703
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(246
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
457
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (in thousands)
 
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the statement where
net income is presented
       
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
   
 
 
$
880
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(309
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
571
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
 
 
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the statement where
net income is presented
       
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
   
 
 
$
3,898
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(1,364
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
2,534
 
Net of tax

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(in thousands)
 
Details about accumulated other
comprehensive income components
Amount reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income
Affected line item in the statement where
net income is presented
 
Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
   
 
 
$
3,236
 
Net realized gains
 
   
(1,133
)
Tax expense
 
 
$
2,103
 
Net of tax
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Forward-Looking Statements

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

For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, refer to the Item 1A of Part II Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and subsequent filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaim any obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Business Overview

We are a specialty niche focused commercial insurance underwriter 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.
Through our retail property and casualty agencies, we also generate commission revenue, which represents 2.0% 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 placed primarily with unaffiliated insurance carriers. These agencies are a minimal source of business for our Insurance Company Subsidiaries.

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies

In certain circumstances, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions periodically on an on-going basis based on a variety of factors. There can be no assurance, however, that actual results will not be materially different than our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operation will not be affected by accounting adjustments needed to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions. The accounting estimates and related risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2013, are those that we consider to be our critical accounting estimates. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there have been no material changes in regard to any of our critical accounting estimates.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Statutory Surplus

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

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statutory Surplus to GAAP Shareholders' Equity
For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(In thousands)

Statutory Consolidated Surplus
 
   
$
505,598
 
 
 
         
Statutory to GAAP differences:
 
         
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
60,232
         
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
   
1,314
         
Non-admitted assets and other
   
2,868
         
 
               
Total Statutory to GAAP differences
           
64,414
 
 
               
Debt at Holding Company
               
Bank Debt
   
(44,000
)
       
Convertible Debt
   
(87,842
)
       
Debentures
   
(80,930
)
       
 
               
Total Debt at Holding Company
           
(212,772
)
 
               
Total Non-Regulated Entities
           
69,558
 
GAAP Consolidated Shareholders' Equity
         
$
426,798
 

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

Net operating income (loss) and net operating income (loss) per share are non-GAAP measures that represent net income (loss) excluding net realized gains or loss, net of tax. The most directly comparable financial GAAP measures to net operating income (loss) and net operating income (loss) per share are net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share, respectively. Net operating income (loss) and net operating income (loss) per share are intended as supplemental information and are not meant to replace net income (loss) or net income (loss) per share. Net operating income (loss) and net operating income (loss) per share should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial results. The following is a reconciliation of net operating income (loss) to net income (loss), as well as net operating income (loss) per share to net income (loss) per share:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(In thousands, except share
and per share data)
   
(In thousands, except share
and per share data)
 
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
5,077
   
$
(27,223
)
 
$
(103,136
)
 
$
(28,448
)
Net realized gains, net of tax
   
439
     
613
     
2,676
     
2,210
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,516
   
$
(26,610
)
 
$
(100,460
)
 
$
(26,238
)
 
                               
Diluted earnings per common share:
                               
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
0.10
   
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(2.07
)
 
$
(0.57
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
0.11
   
$
(0.53
)
 
$
(2.01
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
49,933,540
     
49,776,011
     
49,866,326
     
50,312,285
 

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.

Combined Ratio

The combined loss and expense ratio (or combined ratio), expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance business. The combined ratio is a statutory (non-GAAP) accounting measurement, which represents the sum of (i) the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio), plus (ii) the ratio of underwriting expenses to premiums written (expense ratio). The combined ratios above have been modified to reflect GAAP accounting, as we evaluate the performance of our underwriting operations using the GAAP combined ratio. Specifically, the GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio, plus the ratio of GAAP underwriting expenses (which include the change in deferred policy acquisition costs) to premiums earned (expense ratio). When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.

The accident year combined ratio is a non-GAAP measure that excludes changes in net ultimate loss estimates from prior accident year loss reserves. The accident year combined ratio provides us with an assessment of the specific policy year’s profitability (which matches policy pricing with related losses) and assists us in our evaluation of product pricing levels and quality of business written. We use accident year combined ratio as one component to assess the Company's current year performance and as a measure to evaluate, and if necessary, adjust current year pricing and underwriting. The following is a reconciliation of the accident year combined ratio to the GAAP combined ratio:
 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Accident year combined ratio
   
99.2
%
   
107.9
%
   
99.7
%
   
100.9
%
Increase in net ultimate loss estimates on prior year loss reserves
   
3.8
%
   
19.2
%
   
7.0
%
   
13.0
%
GAAP Combined ratio
   
103.0
%
   
127.1
%
   
106.7
%
   
113.9
%

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

A.M. Best Downgrades the Company’s Financial Strength Rating

On August 2, 2013, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) lowered Meadowbrook’s issuer credit rating, as well its financial strength ratings and downgraded the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ financial strength rating from “A-” (Excellent) with a “negative” outlook to “B++” (Good) with a “stable” outlook. As a result of this development, we could experience a negative impact to our operations.

Agreement to Provide “A” Rated Policy Insurance Solution

Effective July 1, 2013, certain of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries entered into quota share reinsurance agreement(s) with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), which will provide certain of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries the use of an “A” rated policy issuance carrier for a portion of the Company’s business where an “A” rated policy issuer is required.  For the three months ended September 30, 2013, we assumed $85.1 million in direct written premium from SNIC.  The impact of the fee on the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 expense ratios were 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively.

Termination of Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty

The quota share reinsurance treaty entered into December 31, 2012 was terminated in the third quarter for business effective October 1, 2013 and after. At September 30, 2013, we had ceded unearned premium of $40.0 million, which will be earned over the next twelve months, based on the premium effective date.  The total pre-tax costs remaining, are $2.8 million (7% of the $40.0 million in ceded unearned premium), or $0.06 per share.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012

Executive Overview

Our results for the third quarter of 2013 were impacted by the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2012 and prior accident years, which added 3.8 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio. The third quarter of 2013 results also reflect a 1.6 combined ratio percentage points impact from the quota share reinsurance treaty that was entered into during the fourth quarter of 2012. Our GAAP combined ratio was 103.0% for the third quarter of 2013 compared to 127.1% for the comparable period in 2012. Our accident year combined ratio was 99.2% for the third quarter of 2013, compared to 107.9% in 2012.  The third quarter of 2013 was also impacted by after-tax storm losses of $3.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $8.4 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2012.

Net operating income (loss), a non-GAAP measure, increased $32.3 million, from a loss of $27.2 million, or ($0.55) per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, to net operating income of $5.1 million, or $0.10 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. The third quarter 2013 results include an after-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2012 and prior accident years of $4.5 million, or $0.09 per diluted share. The third quarter of 2012 results include an after-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years of $27.9 million, or $0.56 per diluted share. In addition, the third quarter 2013 after-tax results were reduced by $1.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share as a result of the quota share reinsurance treaty.

Gross written premium decreased $48.9 million, or 16.0%, to $257.0 million in 2013, compared to $305.9 million in 2012. This decrease primarily reflects the impact of business that was terminated during the fourth quarter of 2012 and planned premium reductions in specific underperforming programs.  The decrease was partly offset by achieved rate increases and the maturation of existing programs.
Results of Operations

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2013, was $5.5 million, or $0.11 per dilutive share compared to net loss of ($26.6 million), or ($0.53) per dilutive share, for the comparable period of 2012. Net operating income, a non-GAAP measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $5.1 million or $0.10 per dilutive share, compared to net operating loss of ($27.2 million), or ($0.55) per dilutive share for the comparable period in 2012. Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was 49,933,540 compared to 49,776,011 for the comparable period in 2012.  This increase was caused by the issuance of certain stock awards.

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2013 decreased $41.7 million, or 17.0%, to $203.9 million, from $245.5 million for the comparable period in 2012. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction within our net earned premiums.

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

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
 
   
 
Net earned premiums
 
$
181,056
   
$
223,407
 
Management administrative fees
   
5,270
     
2,705
 
Claims fees
   
1,736
     
1,596
 
Commission revenue
   
3,452
     
3,109
 
Net investment income
   
11,695
     
13,815
 
Net realized gains
   
675
     
902
 
Total revenue
 
$
203,884
   
$
245,534
 

Net earned premiums decreased $42.4 million, or 19.0%, to $181.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $223.4 million for the same period in 2012. This decrease was primarily the result of the quota share reinsurance treaty, as well as termination of, or reductions in, certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Net investment income decreased by $2.1 million, or 15.3%, to $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $13.8 million for the same period in 2012. The decrease reflects the impact from the fourth quarter 2012 sale of a portion of our bond portfolio in order to generate realized gains. We reinvested the proceeds from the sale during the first quarter of 2013, at lower interest rates.

Management administrative fees increased by $2.6 million, or 95%, from $2.7 million in the third quarter 2012 to $5.3 million in third quarter of 2013.  In the third quarter of 2013, a portion of our management administrative fee revenue that was previously eliminated as an intercompany transaction is now included with the SNIC policy issuance relationship. As such, that portion of the fee is no longer eliminated as it is considered third party revenue.
Expenses

Expenses decreased $95.1 million from $294.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $199.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease was primarily driven by an $80.5 million decrease in net losses and loss adjustment expenses.

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

 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Expense:
 
   
 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
132,247
   
$
212,698
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
54,228
     
71,373
 
General selling & administrative expenses
   
7,026
     
5,745
 
General corporate expenses
   
1,025
     
717
 
Amortization expense
   
1,037
     
1,372
 
Interest expense
   
3,581
     
2,372
 
Total expenses
 
$
199,144
   
$
294,277
 

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) decreased $80.5 million, to $132.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $212.7 million for the same period in 2012. Our calendar year loss and LAE ratio was 73.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 95.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The loss and LAE ratio for the third quarter of 2013 includes a 3.8 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2012 and prior, whereas the 2012 results included a 19.2 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior. The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 69.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 76.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Additional discussion of our reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses decreased $17.1 million, to $54.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $71.4 million for the same period in 2012. Our expense ratio decreased 1.9 percentage points to 30.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to 31.9% for the same period in 2012. The decrease in the expense ratio reflects the benefit of the ceding commission from the quota share reinsurance treaty of $17.4 million in the third quarter of 2013 that did not exist in third quarter 2012, partially offset by an increase in corporate overhead costs related to a reallocation of overhead costs from the Company’s fee-for service operations to the Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ operations.  The reallocation added 1.4 percentage points to the expense ratio and reflected a shift of corporate resources used to support capital and operating enhancements focused on strengthening statutory surplus and returning the insurance companies to an underwriting profit.  This reallocation had no net income effect as there was a corresponding decrease to general selling & administrative costs.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 increased $1.2 million, to $3.6 million, compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2012. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributed to the Notes we issued in the first quarter of 2013.

The GAAP effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 6.9% and 43.9% respectively. These rates include adjustments to an annual operating effective tax rate. The expected annual operating tax rate primarily excludes discrete charges related to the arbitration allowance and the goodwill impairment charge taken during the second quarter of 2013.  Excluding these discrete items, the annual operating effective tax rate for 2013 is expected to be approximately (8.8%). Income tax expense on capital gains and the change in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The lower 2013 quarterly operating federal effective tax rate reflects a higher concentration of tax-advantaged investment income compared to 2012.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012
 
Executive Overview

Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were impacted by a $115.4 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, goodwill impairment charge that we recorded during the second quarter of 2013, as described in Note 9 – Goodwill of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were impacted by an evaluation of the impact of an adverse interim final award from a reinsurance arbitration, which added 1.3 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio before the impact of the quota share reinsurance treaty, and the increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2012 and prior accident years, which added 7.0 percentage points to the GAAP combined ratio. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 results also reflect a 2.6 combined ratio percentage points impact from the quota share reinsurance treaty that was entered into during the fourth quarter of 2012. Our GAAP combined ratio was 106.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a GAAP combined ratio of 113.9% in the same period of 2012. Our accident year combined ratio was 99.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to 100.9% in the same period of 2012.

Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, was ($103.1 million), or ($2.07) per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, net operating loss was ($1.6 million), or ($0.03) per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to net operating loss of ($28.5 million), or ($0.57) per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Results of the nine months ended September 30, 2013 include an after-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2012 and prior accident years of $24.1 million, or $0.48 per diluted share. By contrast, results of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 include an after-tax increase in net ultimate loss estimates for 2011 and prior accident years of $52.9 million, or $1.05 per diluted share. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 after-tax results were impacted by $5.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, as a result of an adverse interim final award from a reinsurance arbitration. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2013 after-tax results were impacted by $5.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share as a result of the quota share reinsurance treaty.

Gross written premium decreased to $758.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $820.0 million for the same period in 2012. This anticipated decrease primarily reflects the impact of business that was discontinued in 2012. This decrease was largely offset by the accelerating pace of rate increases that have been achieved in combination with the maturation of existing programs.

Results of Operations

Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was ($100.5 million), or ($2.01) per dilutive share compared to a net loss of ($26.2 million), or ($0.52) per dilutive share for the comparable period in 2012. Excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $1.1 million, or $0.02 per dilutive share, compared to net loss of ($26.2 million), or ($0.52) per dilutive share, for the same period in 2012. Net operating loss, a non-GAAP measure, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was ($103.1 million) or ($2.07) per dilutive share. Excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, net operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was ($1.6 million), or ($0.03) per dilutive share, compared to net operating loss of ($28.5 million), or ($0.57) per dilutive share for the same period in 2012. Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 49,866,326 compared to 50,312,285 for the same period in 2012. This decrease reflects the impact of our Share Repurchase Plan.

Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased $102.4 million, or 14.7%, to $594.5 million, from $696.9 million for the comparable period in 2012. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction within our net earned premiums.
The following table sets forth the components of revenues (in thousands):

 
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
 
   
 
Net earned premiums
 
$
527,425
   
$
627,525
 
Management administrative fees
   
11,411
     
8,457
 
Claims fees
   
5,152
     
4,856
 
Commission revenue
   
12,068
     
11,614
 
Net investment income
   
34,603
     
41,230
 
Net realized gains
   
3,860
     
3,201
 
Total revenue
 
$
594,519
   
$
696,883
 

Net earned premiums decreased $100.1 million, or 16.0%, to $527.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $627.5 million in the comparable period in 2012. This decrease was primarily the result of the quota share reinsurance treaty, as well as termination of, or reductions in, certain programs where pricing and underwriting did not meet our targets.

Net investment income decreased by $6.6 million, or 16.1%, to $34.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $41.2 million in the comparable period in 2012. The decrease reflects the impact from the fourth quarter 2012 sale of a portion of our bond portfolio in order to generate realized gains. We reinvested the proceeds during the first quarter of 2013, with the replacement of those bonds at lower interest rates.

Net realized gains increased by $0.7 million, or 20.6%, to $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $3.2 million in the comparable period in 2012. The increase in realized gains during 2013 relates to higher volume of sales primarily from the repositioning our common equity portfolio.

Expenses

Expenses decreased $33.5 million from $746.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $712.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease is primarily the result of the adverse development on prior year reserves in 2012.

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

 
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Expense:
 
   
 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
399,434
   
$
511,203
 
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
   
163,283
     
203,479
 
General selling & administrative expenses
   
18,950
     
18,411
 
General corporate expenses
   
3,301
     
2,848
 
Amortization expense
   
3,146
     
4,095
 
Goodwill impairment expense
   
115,397
     
-
 
Interest expense
   
9,431
     
6,382
 
Total expenses
 
$
712,942
   
$
746,418
 

Net loss and LAE decreased $111.8 million, to $399.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $511.2 million for the same period in 2012. Our calendar year loss and LAE ratio was 75.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 81.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes a 7.0 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2012 and prior, whereas the 2012 results included a 13.0 percentage point increase from net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2011 and prior. The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 68.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 68.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Additional discussion of our reserve activity is described below within the Other Items ~ Reserves section.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses decreased $40.2 million, to $163.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $203.5 million for the same period in 2012. Our expense ratio decreased 1.4 percentage points to 31.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to 32.4% for the same period in 2012. The decrease reflects our ability to leverage fixed costs and growth in business for which we receive a ceding commission for providing insurance services to a workers’ compensation placement facility. Partly offsetting the decrease was the impact of the adverse interim final accrual on the reinsurance arbitration (discussed in Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies) and the cost of the SNIC relationship entered into in the third quarter of 2013 (discussed in the “Year-to-Date Developments” section).

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $3.0 million, to $9.4 million, compared to $6.4 million for the comparable period in 2012. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributed to the Notes we issued in the first quarter of 2013.

The GAAP effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately 13.2%, compared to 43.4%, for the same period in 2012. These rates include adjustments to an annual operating effective tax rate. The expected annual operating tax rate primarily excludes discrete charges related to the arbitration allowance and the goodwill impairment charge taken during the second quarter of 2012.  Excluding these discrete items, the annual operating effective tax rate for 2013 is expected to be approximately (8.8%). Income tax expense (benefit) on capital gains and the change in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $1.2 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The lower 2013 year-to-date operating federal effective tax rate reflects a higher concentration of tax-advantaged investment income compared to 2012.

Other Items

Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax

In July 2009, our subsidiary, Star, purchased a 28.5% ownership interest in an affiliate, Midwest Financial Holdings, LLC (“MFH”), for $14.8 million in cash. We are not required to consolidate this investment because we are not the primary beneficiary of the business, nor do we control the entity’s operations. Our ownership interest is significant, but is less than a majority ownership and, therefore, we are accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting. Star recognizes 28.5% of the profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership. We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH of $2.0 million, or $0.04 per dilutive share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.04 per dilutive share, for the comparable period of 2012. We received dividends from MFH in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, for $2.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

In November 2012, our subsidiary, Century Surety Company, committed to a $10 million strategic equity investment in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. As of September 30, 2013, approximately $6.1 million of the commitment had been satisfied with $3.9 million of unfunded commitment remaining. Our ownership interest is approximately 1.34% of the fund, which we are accounting for under the equity method of accounting. Century Surety Company will recognize 1.34% of the Fund’s profits and losses as a result of this equity interest ownership. We recognized equity earnings, net of tax, from the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per dilutive share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Reserves

At September 30, 2013, our best estimate for the ultimate liability for loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, was $1.1 billion. We established a reasonable range of reserves of approximately $0.97 billion to $1.2 billion. This range was established primarily by considering the various indications derived from standard actuarial techniques and other appropriate reserve considerations. The following table sets forth this range by line of business (in thousands):
Line of Business
 
Minimum
Reserve
Range
   
Maximum
Reserve
Range
   
Selected
Reserves
 
 
 
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
435,777
   
$
505,580
   
$
476,424
 
Residual Markets
   
20,480
     
22,682
     
22,023
 
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
383,077
     
519,373
     
446,817
 
Commercial Automobile
   
107,610
     
127,571
     
117,792
 
Other
   
27,228
     
31,653
     
29,544
 
Total Net Reserves
 
$
974,172
   
$
1,206,859
   
$
1,092,600
 

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, 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2012.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we reported an increase in net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2012 and prior of $37.0 million, or 3.4% of $1.1 billion of beginning net loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2012. The change in net ultimate loss estimates reflected revisions in the estimated reserves as a result of actual claims activity in calendar year 2013 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,
2012
   
Current
Year
   
Prior
Years
   
Total
Incurred
   
Current
Year
   
Prior
Years
   
Total Paid
   
Reserves
at
September 30,
2013
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
448,591
   
$
164,560
   
$
17,060
   
$
181,620
   
$
22,796
   
$
130,991
   
$
153,787
   
$
476,424
 
Residual Markets
   
18,451
     
7,929
     
264
     
8,193
     
1,756
     
2,865
     
4,621
     
22,023
 
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
427,296
     
107,946
     
17,870
     
125,816
     
8,406
     
97,889
     
106,295
     
446,817
 
Commercial Automobile
   
138,705
     
37,790
     
2,704
     
40,494
     
11,663
     
49,744
     
61,407
     
117,792
 
Other
   
41,032
     
44,195
     
(884
)
   
43,311
     
28,920
     
25,879
     
54,799
     
29,544
 
Net Reserves
   
1,074,075
   
$
362,420
   
$
37,014
   
$
399,434
   
$
73,541
   
$
307,368
   
$
380,909
     
1,092,600
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
   
381,905
                                                     
486,791
 
Consolidated
 
$
1,455,980
                                                   
$
1,579,391
 

The following table shows the re-estimated December 31, 2012 held reserves by line as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

Line of Business
 
Reserves at
December 31,
2012
   
Re-estimated
Reserves for
December 31, 2012 at
September 30, 2013
   
Development as
 a Percentage of
Prior Year
Reserves
 
 
 
   
   
 
Workers' Compensation
 
$
448,591
   
$
465,651
     
3.8
%
Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability
   
427,296
     
445,166
     
4.2
%
Commercial Automobile
   
138,705
     
141,409
     
1.9
%
Other
   
41,032
     
40,148
     
-2.2
%
Sub-total
   
1,055,624
     
1,092,374
     
3.5
%
Residual Markets
   
18,451
     
18,715
     
1.4
%
Total Net Reserves
 
$
1,074,075
   
$
1,111,089
     
3.4
%

Workers’ Compensation Excluding Residual Markets

The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2012 and prior in the workers' compensation line of business increased $17.1 million, or 3.8%. This was driven primarily by increases of $6.4 million and $6.6 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These increases are related to two California workers’ compensation insurance programs.  This increase was partially offset by decreases in other years.  Additional increases of $1.9 million, $2.1 million, and $1.3 million in accident years 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively, were related to an adverse reinsurance arbitration. The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.

Commercial Multiple Peril / General Liability

The net ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2012 and prior in the commercial multi-peril/general liability line of business increased $17.9 million, or 4.2%. This was driven primarily by increases of $2.8 million, $3.8 million, $1.7 million, $2.4 million, $2.5 million, $2.7 million, and $1.3 million in accident years 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.  This increase was primarily due to an excess liability program, a general agency program, a habitational program, an ocean marine program, a restaurant program, and a professional liability program.  The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.


Commercial Automobile

The $2.7 million increase, or 1.9%, in net ultimate loss estimates for the commercial automobile line of business was primarily from increases of $3.9 million accident year 2012.  This increase was from a countrywide program and a transportation program.  The increase in net ultimate loss estimates was partially offset by decreases of $1.3 million and $1.0 million in accident years 2011 and 2009, respectively.  These decreases were related to movements in a countrywide program.  The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.


Other

The $0.9 million decrease, or 2.2%, in net ultimate loss estimates in other lines of business is primarily from a decrease of $1.2 million in accident year 2012.  This decrease was related to small changes in several programs.  The decrease in net ultimate loss estimates was partially offset by increases in other years.  The change in ultimate loss estimates for all other accident years was insignificant.
Residual Markets

The workers’ compensation residual market line of business had an increase in net ultimate loss estimate of $0.3 million, or 1.4% of net reserves. This increase reflects rises 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.

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.

As an insurance holding company, the Company’s ability to continue to pay shareholder dividends is dependent upon the availability of liquid assets, which is dependent in large part on the dividend paying ability of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries. The timing and amount of dividends paid by the Insurance Company Subsidiaries to the Company may vary from year to year. Our Insurance Company Subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where they operate that restrict the amount and timing of dividends they may pay within twelve consecutive months without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The restrictions are generally based on net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Dividends in excess of such thresholds are considered “extraordinary” and require prior regulatory approval.

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 2013 is $42.6 million without prior regulatory approval. Of this $42.6 million, no ordinary dividends have been declared and paid as of September 30, 2013. In addition to ordinary dividends, the Insurance Company Subsidiaries have the capacity to pay $130.7 million of extraordinary dividends in 2013, subject to prior regulatory approval. The ability to pay ordinary and extraordinary dividends must be reviewed in relation to the impact on key financial measurement ratios, including Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratios and A.M. Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. The Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ ability to pay future dividends without advance regulatory approval is dependent upon maintaining a positive level of unassigned surplus, which in turn, is dependent upon the Insurance Company Subsidiaries generating net income. Total ordinary dividends paid from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to our holding company were zero and $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, on a trailing twelve month statutory consolidated basis, the gross and net premium leverage ratios were 2.0 to 1.0 and 1.3 to 1.0, respectively.

We also generate operating cash flow from non-regulated subsidiaries in the form of commission revenue, outside management fees, and intercompany management fees. These sources of income are used to meet debt service obligations, shareholders’ dividends and other operating expenses of the holding company and non-regulated subsidiaries. Earnings (before interest, taxes, impairment charges, depreciation, and amortization from non-regulated subsidiaries) were approximately $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

On August 29, 2012, the Company executed $130.0 million in senior credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities included a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.  On September 19, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Facilities pursuant to a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”).  Under the Amendment, the term loan facility continues to have a four year term, along with no changes to the amortization period. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance on its term loan facility was $24.0 million.
The Amendment reduced the available borrowing under the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $30.0 million with further periodic reductions to $21.0 million as of March 31, 2016.  The Amendment also established an amortization schedule for the revolving credit facility beginning on September 30, 2014.  The Company has $20.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2013, and $0.5 million in letters of credit have been issued as of September 30, 2013.

The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $9.5 million as of September 30, 2013, is available to finance working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to its Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with our financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities, as described in Note 4 - Debt.

Because of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ membership in the FHLBI, we have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates, providing a source of liquidity. As of September 30, 2013, we had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI. The proceeds were used to fund purchases of high quality bonds with maturities that match the maturity of the FHLBI credit facility. Due to the low cost of the FHLBI funding, we expect to generate returns in excess of its cost of borrowing under this strategy. We have the ability to increase our borrowing capacity through additional investments in FHLBI and pledging additional securities. As of December 31, 2012, we had $30.0 million of borrowings outstanding from the FHLBI.

Cash flows provided by operations was $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $127.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The decrease in operating cash flows reflects a net cash outflow from the quota share treaty that was entered into during the fourth quarter of 2012 as well as a reduction in cash from underwriting activities. 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, Debentures, and Cash Convertible Senior Notes

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

Investment Portfolio

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the recorded values of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, were both $1.7 billion.
In general, we believe our overall investment portfolio is conservatively invested. The effective duration of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2013, is 5.1 years, compared to 4.8 years at September 30, 2012. Our pre-tax book yield, excluding cash and cash equivalents was 3.1% at September 30, 2013, compared to 3.4% at December 31, 2012. The tax equivalent yield, excluding cash and cash equivalents was 3.6% at September 30, 2013, compared to 4.0% at December 31, 2012. Approximately 99.7% of our fixed income investment portfolio is investment grade.

Shareholders’ Equity

Refer to Note 7 ~ Shareholders’ Equity of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

On March 18, 2013, the Company issued the Notes, which mature on March 15, 2020. As a result of the issuance of the Notes, as of September 30, 2013, the total debt (including debentures) of the Company and its non-regulated subsidiaries was $212.7 million, and the payments due in more than five years increased to $180.9 million. For additional information regarding the Notes, refer to Note 4 ~ Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no other material changes in relation to our contractual obligations and commitments, outside of the ordinary course of our business.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates as well as other relevant market rate or price changes. The volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the underlying assets are traded directly influence market risk. The following is a discussion of our primary risk exposures and how those exposures are currently managed as of September 30, 2013. Our market risk sensitive instruments are primarily related to fixed income securities, which are available for sale and not held for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is managed within the context of an asset and liability management strategy for which the target duration for the fixed income portfolio is based on the estimate of the liability duration and takes into consideration our surplus. The investment policy guidelines provide for a fixed income portfolio effective duration of between three and a half and five and a half years. At September 30, 2013, our fixed income portfolio had an effective duration of 5.1 years, compared to 5.1 years at December 31, 2012.

At September 30, 2013, the fair value of our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, was $1.6 billion. Our market risk to the investment portfolio is primarily interest rate risk associated with debt securities. Our exposure to equity price risk is related to our investments in relatively small positions of common stocks, preferred stocks and mutual funds with an emphasis on dividend income. These investments comprise 7.0% of our investment portfolio.

Our investment philosophy is one of maximizing after-tax earnings and has historically included significant investments in tax-exempt bonds. 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, 2012. We do not anticipate significant changes in our primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known or expected to be in effect.
A sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected period. In our sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonable possible near-term changes in those rates. “Near term” means a period of up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements. In our sensitivity model, we use a hypothetical change to measure our potential loss in fair value of debt securities assuming an upward and downward parallel shift in interest rates. The table below presents our model’s estimate of changes in fair values given a change in interest rates. Dollar values are in thousands.

 
 
Rates Down 100bps
   
Rates Unchanged
   
Rates Up 100bps
 
Fair Value
 
$
1,546,284
   
$
1,474,735
   
$
1,400,244
 
Yield to Maturity or Call
   
1.7
%
   
2.5
%
   
3.5
%
Effective Duration
   
5.0
     
5.1
     
5.1
 

The other financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, equity securities, premium receivables, reinsurance recoverables, line of credit and other assets and liabilities, if 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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, 2013, we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $24.0 million. At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $240,000. At December 31, 2012 we had an outstanding balance on our term loan of $28.5 million. At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $285,000.

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

In addition, our revolving line of credit under which we can borrow up to $30.0 million is subject to variable interest rates. Thus, our interest expense on the revolving line of credit is directly correlated to market interest rates. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had a $20.0 million outstanding balance on our line of credit. At this level, a 100 basis point (1%) change in market rates would change annual interest expense by $200,000. In addition, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $0.5 million in letters of credit had been issued.

Equity Risk

Equity risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. Our equity securities are classified as available for sale in accordance with GAAP and carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Our outside investment managers are constantly reviewing the financial health of these issuers. In addition, we perform periodic reviews of these issuers.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the “Exchange Act”), which we refer to as disclosure controls, are controls and procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

As of September 30, 2013, 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, 2013, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is included under Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Not Applicable

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

Exhibit
 
No.
Description
 
 
10.1
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of September 19, 2013, by and among the Company, as the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and KeyBank, N.A., as Syndication Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, as the Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2013).
 
 
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
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 12, 2013
EXHIBITS INDEX

Exhibit
 
No.
Description
 
 
10.1
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated as of September 19, 2013, by and among the Company, as the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and KeyBank, N.A., as Syndication Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, as the Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2013).
 
 
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
 
 
47