Edgar Filing: AMERISAFE INC

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10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

Commission file number: 001-12251

AMERISAFE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Texas		75-2069407
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2301 Highway 190 West, DeRidder, Louisiana		70634
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (337) 463-9052

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

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

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

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

As of April 30, 2014, there were 18,674,459 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page No.
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Forward-Looking Statements		3

Item 1	Financial Statements		4

Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		22

Item 4	Controls and Procedures		23

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		23

Item 6	Exhibits		24

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These forward-looking statements include statements that reflect the current views of our senior management with respect to our financial performance and future events with respect to our business and the insurance industry in general. Statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity, including as a result of natural or man-made catastrophic events, than our underwriting, reserving or investment practices anticipate based on historical experience or industry data;

•

adverse developments in economic, competitive or regulatory conditions within the workers’ compensation insurance industry;

•

decreased level of business activity of our policyholders caused by decreased business activity generally, and in particular in the industries we target;

•

developments in capital markets that adversely affect the performance of our investments;

•

the cyclical nature of the workers’ compensation insurance industry;

•

general economic conditions, including recession, inflation, performance of financial markets, interest rates, unemployment rates and fluctuating asset values;

•

decreased demand for our insurance;

•

increased competition on the basis of types of insurance offered, premium rates, coverage availability, payment terms, claims management, safety services, policy terms, overall financial strength, financial ratings and reputation;

•

changes in regulations, laws, rates, or rating factors applicable to us, our policyholders or the agencies that sell our insurance;

•

loss of the services of any of our senior management or other key employees;

•

changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance and the failure of our reinsurers to pay claims in a timely manner or at all;

•

changes in rating agency policies or practices;

•

changes in legal theories of liability under our insurance policies;

•

the effects of U.S. involvement in hostilities with other countries and large-scale acts of terrorism, or the threat of hostilities or terrorist acts; and

•

other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this report, and under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate.

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)


	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities—held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $575,175 and $561,179 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	$	548,612		$	536,583
Fixed maturity securities—available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $270,135 and $244,409 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)		268,189			237,877
Equity securities—available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $3,447 and $9,482 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)		3,682			9,302
Short-term investments		85,031			84,422
Other investments		10,820			10,591

Total investments		916,334			878,775
Cash and cash equivalents		106,860			123,077
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers		78,275			75,326
Premiums receivable, net of allowance		192,964			171,579
Deferred income taxes		32,806			33,645
Accrued interest receivable		11,345			11,242
Property and equipment, net		7,425			7,549
Deferred policy acquisition costs		21,091			19,171
Other assets		9,650			8,637

	$	1,376,750		$	1,329,001

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses	$	636,191		$	614,557
Unearned premiums		177,428			164,296
Reinsurance premiums payable		1,727			607
Amounts held for others		36,617			35,739
Policyholder deposits		45,811			44,620
Insurance-related assessments		28,113			25,428
Accounts payable and other liabilities		29,650			26,940
Payable for investments purchased		635			—

		956,172			912,187
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock:
Voting—$0.01 par value authorized shares—50,000,000 in 2014 and 2013; 19,917,709 and 19,855,430 shares issued and 18,659,459 and 18,597,180 shares outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively		198			198
Additional paid-in capital		194,076			192,537
Treasury stock at cost (1,258,250 shares in 2014 and 2013)		(22,370	)		(22,370	)
Accumulated earnings		249,729			250,744
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net		(1,055	)		(4,295	)

		420,578			416,814

	$	1,376,750		$	1,329,001

See accompanying notes.

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	105,703		$	99,123
Ceded premiums written		(3,339	)		(4,481	)

Net premiums written	$	102,364		$	94,642

Net premiums earned	$	89,233		$	79,709
Net investment income		6,708			6,670
Net realized gains on investments		101			24
Fee and other income		131			109

Total revenues		96,173			86,512
Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred		61,285			56,001
Underwriting and certain other operating costs		7,963			7,068
Commissions		6,687			6,164
Salaries and benefits		6,721			5,645
Policyholder dividends		113			554

Total expenses		82,769			75,432

Income before income taxes		13,404			11,080
Income tax expense		2,855			2,229

Net income		10,549			8,851

Net income available to common shareholders	$	10,549		$	8,836

Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.57		$	0.48

Diluted	$	0.56		$	0.47

Shares used in computing earnings per share
Basic		18,531,926			18,281,353

Diluted		18,859,682			18,689,842

Extraordinary cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.50		$	—

Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.12		$	0.08

See accompanying notes.

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Net income	$	10,549	$	8,851
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, net of tax		3,240		(545	)

Comprehensive income	$	13,789	$	8,306

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)


	Common Stock				Treasury Stock						Additional Paid-In		Accumulated			Accumulated Other Comprehensive			Total
	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amounts			Capital		Earnings			Loss			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013		19,855,430	$	198		(1,258,250	)	$	(22,370	)	$	192,537	$	250,744		$	(4,295	)	$	416,814
Comprehensive income		—		—		—			—			—		10,549			3,240			13,789
Options exercised		61,167		—		—			—			600		—			—			600
Tax benefit from share-based payments		—		—		—			—			625		—			—			625
Restricted common stock issued		1,112		—		—			—			—		—			—			—
Share-based compensation		—		—		—			—			314		—			—			314
Dividends to stockholders		—		—		—			—			—		(11,564	)		—			(11,564	)

Balance at March 31, 2014		19,917,709	$	198		(1,258,250	)	$	(22,370	)	$	194,076	$	249,729		$	(1,055	)	$	420,578

See accompanying notes.

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Operating Activities
Net income	$	10,549		$	8,851
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		332			322
Net amortization of investments		3,765			2,928
Deferred income taxes		(906	)		(885	)
Net realized (gains) on investments		(101	)		(24	)
Share-based compensation		558			290
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Premiums receivable, net		(21,385	)		(25,197	)
Accrued interest receivable		(103	)		87
Deferred policy acquisition costs		(1,920	)		(1,619	)
Other assets		(1,241	)		(860	)
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses		21,634			7,538
Unearned premiums		13,132			14,932
Reinsurance balances		(1,829	)		2,675
Amounts held for others and policyholder deposits		2,069			3,124
Accounts payable and other liabilities		5,732			9,615

Net cash provided by operating activities		30,286			21,777
Investing Activities
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity		(38,698	)		(26,454	)
Purchases of investments available-for-sale		(35,248	)		(43,263	)
Purchases of short-term investments		(44,920	)		(47,603	)
Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity		24,930			34,411
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available-for-sale		14,557			2,528
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments		43,369			41,338
Purchases of property and equipment		(208	)		(144	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(36,218	)		(39,187	)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from stock option exercises		600			855
Tax benefit from share-based payments		625			642
Dividends to stockholders		(11,510	)		(1,469	)

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(10,285	)		28

Change in cash and cash equivalents		(16,217	)		(17,382	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		123,077			92,676

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	106,860		$	75,294

See accompanying notes.

AMERISAFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

AMERISAFE, Inc. (the “Company”) is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Texas. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries: American Interstate Insurance Company (“AIIC”), Silver Oak Casualty, Inc. (“SOCI”), American Interstate Insurance Company of Texas (“AIICTX”), Amerisafe Risk Services, Inc. (“RISK”) and Amerisafe General Agency, Inc. (“AGAI”). AIIC and SOCI are property and casualty insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. AIICTX is a property and casualty insurance company organized under the laws of the state of Texas. In 2013, AIIC and SOCI were re-domesticated to Nebraska from Louisiana. RISK, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a claims and safety services company, currently servicing only affiliated insurance companies. AGAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a general agent for the Company. AGAI sells insurance, which is underwritten by AIIC, SOCI and AIICTX, as well as by nonaffiliated insurance carriers. The assets and operations of AGAI are not significant to that of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The terms “AMERISAFE,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to AMERISAFE, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context requires.

The Company provides workers’ compensation insurance for small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, manufacturing, oil and gas, and agriculture. Assets and revenues of AIIC represent at least 95% of comparable consolidated amounts of the Company for each of 2014 and 2013.

In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position, the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and therefore do not include all information and footnotes to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Note 2. Stock Options and Restricted Stock

The Company has three equity incentive plans: the AMERISAFE 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Incentive Plan”), the AMERISAFE 2010 Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Plan (the “2010 Restricted Stock Plan”) and the AMERISAFE 2012 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan”). See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for additional information regarding the Company’s incentive plans.

In March 2013, the Company granted 4,312 shares of restricted common stock to four executive officers. The awards were made pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Incentive Plan.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, options to purchase 61,167 shares of common stock were exercised. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, options to purchase 95,000 shares of common stock were exercised. In connection with these exercises, the Company received $0.6 million of stock option proceeds in the first three months of 2014 and $0.9 million of stock option proceeds in the same period in 2013.

The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share

The Company computes earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Additionally, during 2013, the Company applied the “two-class method” in computing basic and diluted earnings per share as a result of the participating unvested common shares which contained nonforfeitable rights to dividends during this period. As of January 1, 2014, the Company no longer has participating unvested common shares which contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and now applies the treasury stock method in computing basic and diluted earnings per share.

Under the two-class method, net income available to common and participating common shareholders is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the current period and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period related to the Company’s common and participating common shares. Participating common shares include unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. Any remaining undistributed earnings are allocated to the common and participating common shareholders to the extent that each security shares in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. The amount of earnings allocable to each security is divided by the number of outstanding shares of the security to which the earnings are allocated to determine the EPS for the security. In a period of loss, no losses are allocated to the participating common shareholders. Instead, all such losses are allocated to the common shareholders.

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted EPS calculation includes potential common shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method, which reflects the potential dilution that would occur if any outstanding options or warrants were exercised or restricted stock becomes vested, and includes the “if converted” method for participating securities if the effect is dilutive. We determine diluted EPS as the more dilutive result of either the treasury method or the two-class method.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Basic EPS:
Net income, as reported	$	10,549	$	8,851
Less allocated income to unvested shares		—		15

Net income available to common shareholders—basic	$	10,549	$	8,836

Basic weighted average common shares		18,531,926		18,281,353
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57	$	0.48
Diluted EPS:
Net income available to common shareholders—diluted	$	10,549	$	8,836

Diluted weighted average common shares:
Weighted average common shares		18,531,926		18,281,353
Stock options and performance shares		327,756		408,489

Diluted weighted average common shares		18,859,682		18,689,842

Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56	$	0.47

Note 4. Investments

The gross unrealized gains and losses on, and the amortized cost and fair value of, those investments classified as held-to-maturity at March 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
States and political subdivisions	$	368,697	$	19,970	$	(303	)	$	388,364
Corporate bonds		94,099		945		(74	)		94,970
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		49,884		3,079		—			52,963
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		20,418		1,794		—			22,212
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies		12,265		1,077		(6	)		13,336
Asset-backed securities		3,249		214		(133	)		3,330

Totals	$	548,612	$	27,079	$	(516	)	$	575,175

The gross unrealized gains and losses on, and the cost or amortized cost and fair value of, those investments classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:


	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Fixed maturity:
States and political subdivisions	$	153,335	$	3,530	$	(2,790	)	$	154,075
Corporate bonds		106,789		503		(198	)		107,094
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		10,011		—		(2,991	)		7,020

Total fixed maturity		270,135		4,033		(5,979	)		268,189
Other investments		10,000		820		—			10,820
Equity securities		3,447		261		(26	)		3,682

Totals	$	283,582	$	5,114	$	(6,005	)	$	282,691

The gross unrealized gains and losses on, and the amortized cost and fair value of, those investments classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
States and political subdivisions	$	381,674	$	18,634	$	(1,153	)	$	399,155
Corporate bonds		67,423		861		(41	)		68,243
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		50,813		3,431		—			54,244
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		21,775		1,790		—			23,565
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies		11,514		1,002		—			12,516
Asset-backed securities		3,384		216		(144	)		3,456

Totals	$	536,583	$	25,934	$	(1,338	)	$	561,179

The gross unrealized gains and losses on, and the cost or amortized cost and fair value of, those investments classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:


	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Fixed maturity:
States and political subdivisions	$	154,024	$	1,491	$	(5,140	)	$	150,375
Corporate bonds		80,344		445		(361	)		80,428
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		10,041		—		(2,967	)		7,074

Total fixed maturity		244,409		1,936		(8,468	)		237,877
Other investments		10,000		591		—			10,591
Equity securities		9,482		387		(567	)		9,302

Totals	$	263,891	$	2,914	$	(9,035	)	$	257,770

A summary of the cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturity securities, classified as held-to-maturity at March 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, is as follows:


Remaining Time to Maturity	Amortized Cost Basis		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Less than one year	$	55,114	$	55,575
One to five years		171,828		179,609
Five to ten years		127,493		136,840
More than ten years		120,626		124,646
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		20,418		22,212
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		49,884		52,963
Asset-backed securities		3,249		3,330

Total	$	548,612	$	575,175

A summary of cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturity securities, classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, is as follows:


Remaining Time to Maturity	Amortized Cost Basis		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Less than one year	$	41,459	$	41,542
One to five years		60,956		61,229
Five to ten years		15,939		16,289
More than ten years		141,770		142,109
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		10,011		7,020

Total	$	270,135	$	268,189

The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses on securities, aggregated by major investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:


	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater				Total
	Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2014
Held-to-Maturity
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate bonds	$	24,290	$	74	$	—	$	—	$	24,290	$	74
States and political subdivisions		27,027		262		2,012		41		29,039		303
Asset-backed securities		—		—		1,866		133		1,866		133
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies		3,387		6		—		—		3,387		6

Total held-to-maturity securities		54,704		342		3,878		174		58,582		516

Available-for Sale
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate bonds	$	45,493	$	198	$	—	$	—	$	45,493	$	198
States and political subdivisions		43,605		1,371		12,247		1,419		55,852		2,790
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		1,324		423		5,695		2,568		7,019		2,991
Equity securities		461		26		—		—		461		26

Total available-for-sale securities		90,883		2,018		17,942		3,987		108,825		6,005

Total	$	145,587	$	2,360	$	21,820	$	4,161	$	167,407	$	6,521


	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater				Total
	Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Held-to-Maturity
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate bonds	$	14,090	$	41	$	—	$	—	$	14,090	$	41
States and political subdivisions		54,895		1,147		311		6		55,206		1,153
Asset-backed securities		—		—		1,916		144		1,916		144

Total held-to-maturity securities		68,985		1,188		2,227		150		71,212		1,338

Available-for Sale
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate bonds	$	29,691	$	361	$	—	$	—	$	29,691	$	361
States and political subdivisions		101,908		4,798		1,753		342		103,661		5,140
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		1,303		465		5,772		2,502		7,075		2,967
Equity securities		5,205		567		—		—		5,205		567

Total available-for-sale securities		138,107		6,191		7,525		2,844		145,632		9,035

Total	$	207,092	$	7,379	$	9,752	$	2,994	$	216,844	$	10,373

At March 31, 2014, the Company held 144 individual fixed maturity securities and one equity security that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 27 individual fixed maturity securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for longer than 12 months.

Amerisafe holds investments in a long/short equity fund, accounted for under the equity method. The carrying value of this investment is $10.8 million at March 31, 2014.

Investment income is recognized as it is earned. The discount or premium on fixed maturity securities is amortized using the “constant yield” method. Anticipated prepayments, where applicable, are considered when determining the amortization of premiums or discounts. Realized investment gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.

We regularly review our investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments. We consider various factors in determining if a decline in the fair value of an individual security is other-than-temporary. The key factors we consider are:

•

any reduction or elimination of dividends, or nonpayment of scheduled principal or interest payments;

•

the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the applicable security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings;

•

how long and by how much the fair value of the security has been below its cost or amortized cost;

•

any downgrades of the security by a rating agency;

•

our intent not to sell the security for a sufficient time period for it to recover its value;

•

the likelihood of being forced to sell the security before the recovery of its value; and

•

an evaluation as to whether there are any credit losses on debt securities.

We reviewed all securities with unrealized losses in accordance with the impairment policy described above. The Company expects to hold investments in equity securities for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a recovery of fair value. We determined that the unrealized losses in the fixed maturity securities portfolio related primarily to changes in market interest rates since the date of purchase, current conditions in the capital markets and the impact of those conditions on market liquidity and prices generally, and the transfer of the investments from the available-for-sale classification to the held-to-maturity classification in January 2004. We expect to recover the carrying value of these securities as it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. In addition, none of the unrealized losses on debt securities are considered credit losses.

Net realized gains on investments in the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $0.1 million resulting from gains on called fixed maturity securities and the sale of equity securities. Net realized gains in the three months ended March 31, 2013 were immaterial.

As a result of the review of our investment portfolio, there were no impairment losses recognized for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Note 5. Income Taxes

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” we provide for the recognition and measurement of deferred income tax benefits based on the likelihood of their realization in future years. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no uncertain tax positions recognized for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Tax years 2009 through 2013 are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. In April 2012, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that the examination for tax year 2009 had been completed, but remains subject to state taxing authorities.

Note 6. Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income was $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The difference between net income as reported and comprehensive income was due to changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax on available-for-sale securities.

Comprehensive income includes net income plus unrealized gains/losses on our available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting comprehensive income on a net basis in the statement of income, we used a 35 percent tax rate. The following table illustrates the changes in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for each period presented in the interim financial statements.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	(4,295	)	$	2,979
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassification		3,134			(556	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		106			11

Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		3,240			(545	)

Ending Balance	$	(1,055	)	$	2,434

The sale or other-than-temporary impairment of an available-for-sale security results in amounts being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to current period net income. The effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income are presented in the following table.


Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Three Months Ended March 31,						Affected line item in the statement of income
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	$	(163	)	$	(17	)	Net realized gains on investments

		(163	)		(17	)	Income before income taxes
		57			6		Income tax expense

	$	(106	)	$	(11	)	Net income

Note 7. Fair Value Measurements

We carry available-for-sale securities at fair value in our consolidated financial statements and determine fair value measurements and disclosure in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard defines fair value, describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

Fair value is defined in ASC Topic 820 as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability and, therefore, represents an exit price, not an entry price. Fair value is the exit price in the principal market (or, if lacking a principal market, the most advantageous market) in which the reporting entity would transact. Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and, as such, is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The exit price objective of a fair value measurement applies regardless of the reporting entity’s intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date.

ASC Topic 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present value amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, also known as current replacement cost. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value are to be consistently applied.

In ASC Topic 820, inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable:

•

Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity.

•

Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

Valuation techniques used to measure fair value are intended to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation techniques into the following three levels:

•

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

•

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

•

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are to be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters.

The fair values of the Company’s investments are based upon prices provided by an independent pricing service. The Company has reviewed these prices for reasonableness and has not adjusted any prices received from the independent provider. Securities reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs represent assets whose fair value is determined based upon observable unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets in active markets. Level 2 securities represent assets whose fair value is determined using observable market information such as previous day trade prices, quotes from less active markets or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

At March 31, 2014, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as a part of:
Other investments	$	—	$	—	$	10,820	$	10,820
Securities available for sale—equity:
Domestic common stock		3,682		—		—		3,682
Securities available for sale—fixed maturity:
States and political subdivisions		—		154,075		—		154,075
Corporate bonds		—		107,094		—		107,094
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		—		7,020		—		7,020

Total securities available for sale—fixed maturity		—		268,189		—		268,189

Total available for sale	$	3,682	$	268,189	$	10,820	$	282,691

At March 31, 2014, assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost are summarized below:


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Securities held-to-maturity—fixed maturity
States and political subdivisions	$	—	$	388,364	$	—	$	388,364
Corporate bonds		—		94,970		—		94,970
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		—		52,963		—		52,963
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		—		22,212		—		22,212
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies		7,343		—		—		7,343
Obligations of U.S. government agencies		—		5,993		—		5,993
Asset-backed securities		—		3,330		—		3,330

Total held-to-maturity	$	7,343	$	567,832	$	—	$	575,175

At December 31, 2013, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as part of:
Other investments	$	—	$	—	$	10,591	$	10,591
Securities available for sale—equity
Domestic common stock		9,302		—		—		9,302
Securities available for sale—fixed maturity
States and political subdivisions		—		150,375		—		150,375
Corporate bonds		—		80,428		—		80,428
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		—		7,074		—		7,074

Total available for sale—fixed maturity		—	$	237,877	$	—	$	237,877

Total available for sale	$	9,302	$	237,877	$	10,591	$	257,770

At December 31, 2013, assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost are summarized below:


	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Securities held-to-maturity—fixed maturity
States and political subdivisions	$	—	$	399,155	$	—	$	399,155
Corporate bonds		—		68,243		—		68,243
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		—		54,244		—		54,244
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		—		23,565		—		23,565
U.S. Treasury securities		6,602		—		—		6,602
Obligations of U.S. government agencies		—		5,914		—		5,914
Asset-backed securities		—		3,456		—		3,456

Total held-to-maturity	$	6,602	$	554,577	$	—	$	561,179

The Company determines fair value amounts for financial instruments using available third-party market information. When such information is not available, the Company determines the fair value amounts using appropriate valuation methodologies. Nonfinancial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income taxes and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are excluded from the fair value disclosure.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values, which are characterized as Level 1 assets.

Investments—The fair values for fixed maturity and equity securities are based on prices obtained from an independent pricing service. Equity and treasury securities are characterized as Level 1 assets, as their fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets. Fixed maturity securities, other than treasury securities, are characterized as Level 2 assets, as their fair values are determined using observable market inputs.

Short Term Investments—The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values. These securities are characterized as Level 2 assets in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Investments—Other investments consist of limited partnership (LP) interests valued using the net asset value provided by the general partner of the LP, which approximates the fair value of the interest. The LP’s objective is to generate absolute returns by investing long and short in publicly-traded global securities. Redemptions are allowed monthly following a sixty day notice with no lock up periods. The Company has no unfunded commitments related to the LP. This investment is characterized as a Level 3 asset in the fair value hierarchy.

The following table summarizes the carrying values and corresponding fair values for financial instruments:


	As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities—held-to-maturity	$	548,612	$	575,175	$	536,583	$	561,179
Fixed maturity securities—available-for-sale		268,189		268,189		237,877		237,877
Equity securities		3,682		3,682		9,302		9,302
Cash and cash equivalents		106,860		106,860		123,077		123,077
Short-term investments		85,031		85,031		84,422		84,422
Other investments		10,820		10,820		10,591		10,591

The following table presents summary information regarding changes in the fair value of assets measured at fair value using Level 3 input.


	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	10,591	$	—
Purchases		—		10,000
Total gains unrealized (Included in earnings as part of net investment income)		229		591

Ending Balance	$	10,820	$	10,591

The purchase reported on the Level 3 table above is related to an interest in a limited partnership.

Note 8. Treasury Stock

The Company’s Board of Directors initiated a share repurchase program in February 2010. In October 2011, October 2012 and October 2013, the Board reauthorized this program with a new limit of $25.0 million. Unless reauthorized, the program will expire on December 31, 2014. Since the beginning of this plan, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,258,250 shares for $22.4 million, or an average price of $17.78, including commissions.

Note 9. Subsequent Events

On April 29, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on June 26, 2014 to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2014. The Board intends to consider the payment of a regular cash dividend each calendar quarter.

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

We begin our discussion with an overview of our Company to give you an understanding of our business and the markets we serve. We then discuss our critical accounting policies. This is followed with a discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. This discussion includes an analysis of certain significant period-to-period variances in our consolidated statements of operations. Our cash flows and financial condition are discussed under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Business Overview

AMERISAFE is a holding company that markets and underwrites workers’ compensation insurance through its insurance subsidiaries. Workers’ compensation insurance covers statutorily prescribed benefits that employers are obligated to provide to their employees who are injured in the course and scope of their employment. Our business strategy is focused on providing this coverage

to small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, manufacturing, oil and gas and agriculture. Employers engaged in hazardous industries pay substantially higher than average rates for workers’ compensation insurance compared to employers in other industries, as measured per payroll dollar. The higher premium rates are due to the nature of the work performed and the inherent workplace danger of our target employers. Hazardous industry employers also tend to have less frequent but more severe claims as compared to employers in other industries due to the nature of their businesses. We provide proactive safety reviews of employers’ workplaces. These safety reviews are a vital component of our underwriting process and also promote safer workplaces. We utilize intensive claims management practices that we believe permit us to reduce the overall cost of our claims. In addition, our audit services ensure that our policyholders pay the appropriate premiums required under the terms of their policies and enable us to monitor payroll patterns that cause underwriting, safety or fraud concerns. We believe that the higher premiums typically paid by our policyholders, together with our disciplined underwriting and safety, claims and audit services, provide us with the opportunity to earn attractive returns for our shareholders.

We actively market our insurance in 30 states and the District of Columbia through independent agencies, as well as through our wholly owned insurance agency subsidiary. We are also licensed in an additional 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Critical Accounting Policies

Understanding our accounting policies is key to understanding our financial statements. Management considers some of these policies to be very important to the presentation of our financial results because they require us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures. Some of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results in future periods might differ from these estimates.

Management believes that the most critical accounting policies relate to the reporting of reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, including losses that have occurred but have not been reported prior to the reporting date, amounts recoverable from reinsurers, premiums receivable, assessments, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income taxes, the impairment of investment securities and share-based compensation. These critical accounting policies are more fully described in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	(unaudited)
Gross premiums written	$	105,703		$	99,123
Net premiums earned		89,233			79,709
Net investment income		6,708			6,670
Total revenues		96,173			86,512
Total expenses		82,769			75,432
Net income		10,549			8,851
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.47
Other Key Measures
Net combined ratio (1)		92.7	%		94.7	%
Return on average equity (2)		10.1	%		9.2	%
Book value per share (3)	$	22.54		$	21.20

(1)	The net combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, underwriting and certain other operating costs, commissions, salaries and benefits, and policyholder dividends by net premiums earned in the current period.

(2)	Return on average equity is calculated by dividing the annualized net income by the average shareholders’ equity for the applicable period.

(3)	Book value per share is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity by total outstanding shares, as of the end of the period.

Consolidated Results of Operations for Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared to March 31, 2013

Gross Premiums Written. Gross premiums written for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 were $105.7 million, compared to $99.1 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of 6.6%. The increase was attributable to a $8.5 million increase in annual premiums on voluntary policies written during the period and a $0.7 million increase in assumed premiums from mandatory pooling arrangements. These increases were partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in premiums resulting from payroll audits and related premium adjustments for policies written in previous quarters. The effective loss cost multiplier for our voluntary business was 1.86 for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 compared to 1.72 for the same period in 2013.

Net Premiums Written. Net premiums written for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 were $102.4 million, compared to $94.6 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of 8.2%. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in gross premiums written. As a percentage of gross premiums earned, ceded premiums were 3.6% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 5.3% for the first quarter of 2013. The decrease in ceded premiums as a percentage of gross premiums earned is a result of a change in our 2014 reinsurance treaties. For additional information, see Item 1, “Business—Reinsurance” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Subsequent to the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, AMSF placed the remaining 25% of its $3 million excess of $2 million working layer with a third party reinsurer. As a result, the working layer is 100% placed with reinsurers and Amerisafe is no longer a co-participant.

Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned for the first quarter of 2014 were $89.2 million, compared to $79.7 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of 11.9%. The increase was attributable to the increase in net premiums written in the quarter.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $6.7 million. Average invested assets, including cash and cash equivalents, were $1.0 billion in the quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to an average of $0.9 billion for the same period in 2013, an increase of 11.9%. The pre-tax investment yield on our investment portfolio was 2.7% and 2.9% per annum during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax-equivalent yield on our investment portfolio was 3.8% per annum for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to 4.2% per annum for the same period in 2013. The tax-equivalent yield is calculated using the effective interest rate and a 35% marginal tax rate.

Net Realized Gains on Investments. Net realized gains on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $0.1 million compared to an immaterial amount for the same period in 2013. Net realized gains in the first quarter of 2014 were attributable to called fixed maturity securities and the sale of equity securities from the available-for-sale portfolio.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred. Loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) incurred totaled $61.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $56.0 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of $5.3 million, or 9.4%. The current accident year losses and LAE incurred were $63.8 million, or 71.5% of net premiums earned, compared to $58.4 million, or 73.2% of net premiums earned, for the same period in 2013. We recorded favorable prior accident year development of $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, compared to favorable prior accident year development of $2.4 million in the same period of 2013, as further discussed below in “Prior Year Development.” Our net loss ratio was 68.7% in the first quarter of 2014, compared to 70.3% for the same period of 2013.

Underwriting and Certain Other Operating Costs, Commissions and Salaries and Benefits. Underwriting and certain other operating costs, commissions and salaries and benefits for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 were $21.4 million, compared to $18.9 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of 13.2%. This increase was primarily driven by a $1.1 million increase in compensation expense due to annual merit increases as well as increases in bonus and share-based compensation, a $0.5 million increase in commission expense, and a $0.2 million increase in mandatory pooling arrangement fees. Offsetting the increases were a $0.3 million decrease in insurance related assessments and a $0.5 million decrease in premium tax expense primarily driven by the re-domestication to Nebraska. In addition, due to a change in our 2014 reinsurance treaty, we experienced a $1.0 million decrease in experience rated commission and a $0.4 million decrease in ceding commission. For the quarter, our expense ratio was 23.9% in 2014 compared to 23.7% in 2013.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $2.9 million, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was attributable to an increase in the effective tax rate to 21.3% in the first quarter of 2014 from 20.1% in the first quarter of 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was attributable to improved underwriting margins which lowered the ratio of tax-exempt investment income to pre-tax income in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of operating funds are premiums, investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Our primary uses of operating funds include payments of claims and operating expenses. Currently, we pay claims using cash flow from operations and invest the excess.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $30.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which represented a $8.5 million increase from $21.8 million in net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This increase in operating cash flow was attributable to a $12.4 million increase in premium collections, a $3.3 million decrease in losses paid and a $0.7 million increase in investment income. Offsetting these increases were a $4.0 million decrease in payable for securities sold, a $3.2 million increase in underwriting expenses paid, a $0.4 million increase in federal income taxes paid and a $0.3 million decrease in reinsurance recoveries.

Net cash used in investing activities was $36.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to net cash used in investment activities of $39.2 million for the same period in 2013. Cash provided by sales and maturities of investments totaled $82.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $78.3 million for the same period in 2013. A total of $118.9 million in cash was used to purchase investments in the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $117.3 million in purchases for the same period in 2013.

Net cash used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $10.3 million compared to an immaterial amount for the same period in 2013. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, $11.5 million of cash was used for dividends paid to shareholders compared to $1.5 million in the same period of 2013. Offsetting these decreases were proceeds of $0.6 million from stock option exercises in the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $0.9 million for the same period in 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the tax benefit from share based compensation was $0.6 million.

The Board of Directors initially authorized the Company’s share repurchase program in February 2010. In October 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Board reauthorized this program. As of March 31, 2014, we had repurchased a total of 1,258,250 shares of our outstanding common stock for $22.4 million. The Company has $25.0 million available for future purchases at March 31, 2014 under this program. There were no shares purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. We intend to purchase shares of our common stock from time to time depending upon market conditions and subject to applicable regulatory considerations. It is anticipated that future purchases will be funded from available capital.

On February 25, 2014, the Company declared an extraordinary cash dividend of $0.50 per share, or $9.3 million, payable March 28, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2014. There were no extraordinary cash dividends declared in 2013.

Also on February 25, 2014, the Company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, or $2.2 million, payable on March 28, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2014. In 2013, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share.

Investment Portfolio

As of March 31, 2014, our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, totaled $1.0 billion, an increase of 11.4% from $0.9 billion on March 31, 2013. Effective April 1, 2010, purchases of fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity based on the individual security. Such classification is made at the time of purchase. The reported value of our fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity, as defined by FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities,” was equal to their amortized cost, and thus was not impacted by changing interest rates. Our equity securities and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale were reported at fair value.

The composition of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31, 2014, is shown in the following table:


	Carrying Value		Percentage of Portfolio
	(in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities—held-to-maturity:
States and political subdivisions	$	368,697		36.0	%
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		20,418		2.0	%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		49,884		4.8	%
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies		12,265		1.2	%
Corporate bonds		94,099		9.2	%
Asset-backed securities		3,249		0.3	%

Total fixed maturity securities—held-to-maturity		548,612		53.5	%

Fixed maturity securities—available-for-sale:
States and political subdivisions		154,075		15.1	%
U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities		7,020		0.7	%
Corporate bonds		107,094		10.5	%

Total fixed maturity securities—available-for-sale		268,189		26.3	%

Equity securities		3,682		0.4	%
Short-term investments		85,031		8.3	%
Cash and cash equivalents		106,860		10.4	%
Other investments		10,820		1.1	%

Total investments, including cash and cash equivalents	$	1,023,194		100.0	%

Our securities classified as available-for-sale are “marked to market” as of the end of each calendar quarter. As of that date, unrealized gains and losses are recorded to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, except when such securities are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. For our securities classified as held-to-maturity, unrealized gains and losses are not recorded in the financial statements until realized or until a decline in fair value, below amortized cost, is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no impairment losses recognized for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments.

Prior Year Development

The Company recorded favorable prior accident year development of $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The table below sets forth the favorable or unfavorable development for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for accident years 2009 through 2013 and, collectively, for all accident years prior to 2009.


	Favorable/(Unfavorable) Development
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Accident Year
2013	$	—	$	—
2012		—		0.1
2011		—		—
2010		0.3		0.2
2009		1.0		1.1
Prior to 2009		1.2		1.0

Total net development	$	2.5	$	2.4

The table below sets forth the number of open claims as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, and the number of claims reported and closed during the three months then ended.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Open claims at beginning of period		5,297			4,964
Claims reported		1,320			1,260
Claims closed		(1,283	)		(1,145	)

Open claims at end of period		5,334			5,079

The number of open claims at March 31, 2014 increased by 255 claims as compared to the number of open claims at March 31, 2013. Efforts continue to close prior year claims, especially in those circumstances where the claim could be settled for less than the corresponding case reserve amount (which amount represents the estimated ultimate cost to settle the claim, undiscounted). Management believes that these efforts have contributed, in part, to the favorable prior accident year development recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Our reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are inherently uncertain and our focus on providing workers’ compensation insurance to employers engaged in hazardous industries results in our receiving relatively fewer but more severe claims than many other workers’ compensation insurance companies. As a result of this focus on higher severity, lower frequency business, our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses may have greater volatility than other workers’ compensation insurance companies. For additional information, see Item 1, “Business—Loss Reserves” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk is the risk of potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are credit risk, interest rate risk and equity price risk. We currently have no exposure to foreign currency risk.

Since December 31, 2013, there have been no material changes in the quantitative or qualitative aspect of our market risk profile. For additional information regarding the Company’s exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms. We note that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving the stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Because of its inherent limitations, management does not expect that our disclosure control and our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can only provide reasonable, not absolute assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to errors or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any within the Company, have been detected.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The Board of Directors initially authorized the Company’s share repurchase program in February 2010. In October 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Board reauthorized this program. As of December 31, 2013, we had repurchased a total of 1,258,250 shares of our outstanding common stock for $22.4 million. There were no shares purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. We intend to purchase shares of our common stock from time to time depending upon market conditions and subject to applicable regulatory considerations. It is anticipated that future purchases will be funded from available capital. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is $25.0 million.

Item 6.

Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Description

10.32		Casualty Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective as of January 1, 2014, issued to the Company by the reinsurers named therein

31.1		Certification of C. Allen Bradley, Jr. filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of Michael Grasher filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1		Certification of C. Allen Bradley, Jr. and Michael Grasher filed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

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


						AMERISAFE, INC.

May 2, 2014						/s/ C. ALLEN BRADLEY, JR.
						C. Allen Bradley, Jr.
						Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
						(Principal Executive Officer)

May 2, 2014						/s/ Michael Grasher
						Michael Grasher
						Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
						(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.		Description

10.32		Casualty Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective as of January 1, 2014, issued to the Company by the reinsurers named therein

31.1		Certification of C. Allen Bradley, Jr. filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of Michael Grasher filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1		Certification of C. Allen Bradley, Jr. and Michael Grasher filed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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