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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

or

     
[   ]   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: 1-6802

First Acceptance Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  75-1328153
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
3813 Green Hills Village Drive
Nashville, Tennessee

(Address of principal executive offices)
  37215
(Zip Code)

(615) 844-2800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [   ]                      No [X]

As of November 11, 2004, there were outstanding 46,681,438 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

 


FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

INDEX

         
    Page
    1  
    1  
    1  
    2  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    9  
    15  
    16  
    16  
    16  
    16  
    17  
 EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.2 SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION

 i 

 


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    September 30,    
    2004   June 30,
    (Unaudited)
  2004
ASSETS
               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale at market value (amortized cost: $42,610 and $33,298)
  $ 43,303     $ 33,243  
Investment in mutual fund, at market value
    10,196        
Cash and cash equivalents
    24,654       38,352  
Fiduciary funds – restricted
    1,841       1,851  
Premiums and fees receivable from policyholders and agents
    33,079       32,076  
Reinsurance recoverables
    12,179       12,297  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
          12,384  
Deferred tax asset
    43,291       45,493  
Other assets
    3,500       3,545  
Property and equipment
    2,189       2,404  
Foreclosed real estate held for sale
    1,108       1,108  
Deferred acquisition costs
    1,891        
Goodwill
    97,304       97,304  
Identifiable intangible assets
    5,230       5,610  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL
  $ 279,765     $ 285,667  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
  $ 32,142     $ 30,434  
Unearned premiums
    35,259       33,433  
Deferred fee income
    2,534       2,590  
Amounts due to reinsurers
          11,899  
Amounts due to insurance companies
    1,841       1,851  
Note payable to financial institution
    3,750       4,000  
Deferred ceding commissions, net
          300  
Federal income taxes payable
          1,032  
Other liabilities
    5,532       5,902  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    81,058       91,441  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 75,000 shares authorized; 46,771 and 46,535 shares issued; 46,681 and 46,535 shares outstanding
    467       465  
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized
           
Additional paid-in capital
    451,427       450,658  
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
               
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
    450       (35 )
Accumulated deficit
    (252,998 )     (256,862 )
Treasury stock, 90 shares, at cost
    (639 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    198,707       194,226  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL
  $ 279,765     $ 285,667  
 
   
 
     
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended
    September 30,
    2004
  2003
Revenues:
               
Premiums earned
  $ 21,685     $  
Commissions and fees
    6,672        
Ceding commissions from reinsurer
    1,937        
Gains on sales of foreclosed real estate
          1,310  
Investment income
    609       239  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total revenues
    30,903       1,549  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Expenses:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    13,430        
Insurance operating expenses
    10,406        
Other operating expenses
    369       560  
Stock-based compensation
    61       102  
Depreciation
    289       7  
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets
    380        
Interest expense
    70        
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total expenses
    25,005       669  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    5,898       880  
Income tax expense
    2,034        
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 3,864     $ 880  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average basic shares
    46,659       20,589  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average diluted shares
    48,041       21,211  
 
   
 
     
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
                                                         
    Common Stock   Additional   Accumulated
other
                  Total
   
  paid-in   comprehensive   Accumulated   Treasury   stockholders’
    Shares
  Amount
  capital
  Income/(loss)
  deficit
  Stock
  equity
Balances at July 1, 2004
    46,535     $ 465     $ 450,658     $ (35 )   $ (256,862 )         $ 194,226  
Net income
                            3,864             3,864  
Other comprehensive income – change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
                      485                   485  
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive income
                                        4,349  
 
                                                   
 
 
Stock-based compensation
                61                         61  
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost
                                  (639 )     (639 )
Exercise of stock options
    236       2       708                         710  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at September 30, 2004
    46,771     $ 467     $ 451,427     $ 450     $ (252,998 )     (639 )   $ 198,707  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended
    September 30,
    2004
  2003
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 3,864     $ 880  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    669       7  
Stock-based compensation
    61       102  
Amortization of premium on fixed maturities
    59        
Deferred income taxes
    1,941        
Gains on sales of foreclosed real estate
          (1,310 )
Change in:
               
Fiduciary funds – restricted
    10        
Premiums and fees receivable from policyholders and agents
    (1,003 )      
Reinsurance recoverables
    118        
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    12,384        
Other assets
    45       (360 )
Deferred acquisition costs, net
    (2,191 )      
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    1,708        
Unearned premiums
    1,826        
Deferred fee income
    (56 )      
Amounts due to reinsurers
    (11,899 )      
Amounts due to insurance companies
    (10 )      
Federal income taxes payable
    (1,032 )      
Other liabilities
    (370 )     363  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    6,124       (318 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate
          1,539  
Acquisitions of property and equipment
    (74 )     (42 )
Purchases of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    (10,486 )      
Sales and maturities of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    1,113        
Purchases of investment in mutual fund
    (10,196 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (19,643 )     1,497  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Purchase of treasury stock
    (639 )      
Exercise of stock options
    710        
Payments on borrowings
    (250 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (179 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (13,698 )     1,179  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    38,352       56,847  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 24,654     $ 58,026  
 
   
 
     
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

1. General

     First Acceptance Corporation (the “Company”) is a retailer, servicer and underwriter of non-standard personal automobile insurance based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Company currently writes non-standard personal automobile insurance in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Indiana and is licensed as an insurer in 16 additional states. Business is written through two insurance company subsidiaries, USAuto Insurance Company, Inc. and Village Insurance Company, Inc. In Alabama, the Company assumes business through reinsurance contracts with unaffiliated insurance companies, since neither of the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries is currently licensed there. Incidental run-off operations are also conducted by the Company as a managing general agency whereby premiums are written on behalf of other insurance companies.

2. Basis of Presentation

     The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2005. These unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

     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. It also requires disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the prior period have been reclassified to conform with the current period’s presentation.

3. Income Taxes

     There was no income tax expense recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2003 as a result of net operating losses available to offset federal taxable income for which a full valuation allowance had been established. The valuation allowance was adjusted in connection with the April 30, 2004 acquisition of USAuto Holdings, Inc. (“USAuto”). For the three months ended September 30, 2004, there was no change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

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FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

4. Net Income per Share

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

                 
    Three Months Ended
    September 30,
    2004
  2003
Net income
  $ 3,864     $ 880  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average common basic shares
    46,659       20,589  
Effect of dilutive securities — options
    1,382       622  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average common dilutive shares
    48,041       21,211  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04  
 
   
 
     
 
 

5. Stock-Based Compensation

     Prior to July 1, 2003, the Company applied APB No. 25 in accounting for employee stock options. Under APB No. 25, the difference between the aggregate market value and exercise price of the securities underlying the stock options at grant date, or intrinsic value, is recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. If the employee stock options had been accounted for under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of the stock options would have been recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The following table, as prescribed by SFAS No. 148, illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2003 if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to all stock-based compensation. There is no effect for the three months ended September 30, 2004 since all stock options issued under APB No. 25 were fully vested prior to July 1, 2004.

         
    Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2003
Net income before income taxes, as reported
  $ 880  
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income
    102  
Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards
    (241 )
 
   
 
 
Net income before income taxes, pro forma
    741  
Income tax expense, pro forma
     
 
   
 
 
Net income, pro forma
  $ 741  
 
   
 
 
Net income per share:
       
Basic, as reported
  $ 0.04  
Basic, pro forma
  $ 0.04  
Diluted, as reported
  $ 0.04  
Diluted, pro forma
  $ 0.03  

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Table of Contents

FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

6. Reinsurance

     Effective September 1, 2004, the Company elected to not renew its 50% quota-share reinsurance treaty. As part of such non-renewal, an election was also made to “cut-off” the reinsurance as of the non-renewal date. Therefore, on such date, the reinsurer returned the ceded unearned premium (prepaid reinsurance premiums) to the Company, and the reinsurer is not liable for any losses incurred after the non-renewal date.

7. Business Combination

     The following pro forma consolidated statement of income has been derived by the application of pro forma adjustments to the Company’s historical consolidated statements of income. The pro forma consolidated statement of income for the three months ended September 30, 2003 gives effect to the acquisition of USAuto and related transactions as if they had been consummated on July 1, 2003. Assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes, which should be read in conjunction with this pro forma consolidated statement of income.

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FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

                                 
            USAuto        
Pro forma Statement of Income   Company   Historical   Pro forma   Company
Three Months Ended September 30, 2003
  Historical
  September 30, 2003
  Adjustments
  Pro forma
Revenues:
                               
Premiums earned
  $     $ 12,145     $     $ 12,145  
Commissions and fees
          7,788             7,788  
Ceding commissions from reinsurer
          2,827             2,827  
Gains on sales of foreclosed real estate
    1,310                   1,310  
Investment income
    239       233       (89 )(a)     383  
Net realized gains on sales of investments
          1             1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total revenues
    1,549       22,994       (89 )     24,454  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses:
                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
          8,449       (173 )(b)     8,276  
Insurance operating expenses
          9,996       (133 )(c)     9,863  
Other operating expenses
    560             (191 )(d)     369  
Stock-based compensation
    102             (102 )(e)      
Depreciation and amortization
    7       251       537   (f)     795  
Interest expense
          70             70  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total expenses
    669       18,766       (62 )     19,373  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    880       4,228       (27 )     5,081  
Income tax expense
          560       1,422   (g)     1,982  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 880     $ 3,668     $ (1,449 )   $ 3,099  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.04                     $ 0.07  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.04                     $ 0.07  
Weighted average basic shares
    20,589                       46,218 (h)
Weighted average diluted shares
    21,211                       46,929 (h)

Notes to pro forma consolidated statements of income:

(a)   To eliminate investment income that would not have been earned if the acquisition had been completed on July 1, 2003.
 
(b)   To record accretion of the fair value adjustment to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.
 
(c)   To record net increase in salary expense reflecting new employment agreements with USAuto executives effective with the acquisition and to eliminate loan guarantee fees that are no longer required following the acquisition.
 
(d)   To eliminate compensation expense of Company employees terminated pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement effective upon closing of acquisition and to include the expense of a new advisory agreement.
 
(e)   To eliminate stock-based compensation expense of Company employees terminated pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement effective upon closing of the acquisition.
 
(f)   To amortize identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisition and to eliminate depreciation on assets disposed of as part of Company employee severance cost as result of the acquisition.
 
(g)   To record additional income tax expense as result of (1) the change in tax status of certain USAuto subsidiary companies from S corporation to C corporation, (2) expected utilization of available NOL carryforwards and (3) the tax-effect of deductible pro forma adjustments.
 
(h)   Includes the dilutive effect of stock options issued to Company employees as result of the acquisition as if such options had been issued on July 1, 2003.

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

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report.

General

     Prior to our April 30, 2004 acquisition of USAuto Holdings, Inc. (“USAuto”), we were engaged in pursuing opportunities to acquire one or more operating companies. In addition, we marketed for sale a portfolio of foreclosed real estate. We will continue to market the remaining real estate held (consisting of six tracts of land in San Antonio, Texas) and will attempt to sell it on a basis that provides us with the best economic return. New investments in real estate are not anticipated, with the exception of a pending $0.3 million acquisition of a tract of land adjacent to one of our properties to enhance the marketability of the owned parcel.

     As a result of the USAuto acquisition, we are now principally a retailer, servicer and underwriter of non-standard personal automobile insurance, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Non-standard personal automobile insurance is made available to individuals who are categorized as “non-standard” because of their inability or unwillingness to obtain standard insurance coverage due to various factors, including payment history, payment preference, failure in the past to maintain continuous insurance coverage, driving record and/or vehicle type and, in most instances, who are required by law to buy a minimum amount of automobile insurance.

     As of October 31, 2004, we owned and operated 165 retail locations, staffed by employee-agents. Our employee-agents exclusively sell insurance products either underwritten or serviced by us. We currently write non-standard personal automobile insurance in seven states: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Indiana. We are also licensed as an insurer in 16 additional states.

     Our consolidated financial statements vary in important respects from our historical consolidated financial statements due to the acquisition of USAuto. The three months ended September 30, 2003 reflect the results from our previous acquisition activities and real estate operations, while the three months ended September 30, 2004 reflect primarily the results from our insurance operations.

     Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2003 included expenses that have been discontinued as a result of the acquisition of USAuto. These expenses principally consisted of compensation to employees who were terminated in connection with the acquisition. However, the current period includes (as will future periods) the cost of an advisory services agreement with an entity controlled by Donald J. Edwards, our former Chief Executive Officer. These items have been incorporated into the presentation of pro forma operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2003, which assume that the acquisition of USAuto occurred on July 1, 2003. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Overview

     The three months ended September 30, 2004 reflect the results of our insurance operations, while the three months ended September 30, 2003 reflect the results of our acquisition activities and real estate operations. In addition to the actual results, we discuss pro forma operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2003 that assume that the USAuto acquisition occurred on July 1, 2003. We also separately discuss both the results of the insurance operations and the real estate and corporate activities. Segment information is summarized below on both an actual and pro forma basis for the periods presented.

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Insurance

                         
    Actual
  Pro forma
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Revenues:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 21,685     $     $ 12,145  
Commissions and fees
    6,672             7,788  
Ceding commissions from reinsurer
    1,937             2,827  
Investment income
    355             233  
Other
                1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total revenues
    30,649             22,994  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses:
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    13,430             8,276  
Operating expenses
    10,406             9,863  
Depreciation and amortization
    669             795  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total expenses
    24,505             18,934  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
  $ 6,144     $     $ 4,060  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Real Estate And Corporate

                         
    Actual
  Pro forma
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Revenues:
                       
Gains on sales of foreclosed real estate
  $     $ 1,310     $ 1,310  
Investment income
    254       239       150  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total revenues
    254       1,549       1,460  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses:
                       
Operating expenses
    369       560       369  
Stock-based compensation
    61       102        
Depreciation
          7        
Interest expense
    70             70  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total expenses
    500       669       439  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
  $ (246 )   $ 880     $ 1,021  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Our insurance operations derive revenues from selling, servicing and underwriting non-standard personal automobile insurance policies in seven states. We conduct our underwriting operations through two insurance company subsidiaries, USAuto Insurance Company, Inc. and Village Auto Insurance Company, Inc. Our insurance operations revenues are primarily from:

    premiums earned from sales of policies issued by the insurance company subsidiaries, net of the portion of those premiums that have been ceded to reinsurers;
 
    fee income, which includes policy and installment billing fees on policies written as well as fees for other ancillary services (principally a motor club product);
 
    commission income paid by our reinsurer to us for ceded premiums (up until the September 1, 2004 non-renewal of our quota-share reinsurance); and
 
    investment income earned on the invested assets of the insurance company subsidiaries.

To a lesser extent, we are also winding down operations in which our managing general agency subsidiaries (MGA subsidiaries) receive commissions for selling and servicing policies on behalf of third-party insurance companies.

     The following table presents gross premiums earned by state for the insurance operations separately for policies written by the insurance company subsidiaries and for policies issued by the MGA subsidiaries on behalf of other insurance companies, on both an actual and a pro forma basis for the periods presented. We believe this table illustrates the total gross premiums serviced by us and under our control.

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    Actual
  Pro forma
    Three Month Ended   Three Month Ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Insurance company subsidiaries:
                       
Georgia
  $ 15,986     $     $ 12,341  
Tennessee
    6,401             6,171  
Ohio
    2,017             1,060  
Mississippi
    961             948  
Missouri
    890             702  
Indiana
    134              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total gross premiums earned
  $ 26,389     $     $ 21,222  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
MGA subsidiaries:
                       
Alabama
  $ 6,309     $     $ 5,868  
Georgia
    919             4,507  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total gross premiums earned
  $ 7,288     $     $ 10,375  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The following table presents net premiums earned by state for the insurance operations on both an actual and a pro forma basis for the periods presented. This table represents the net underwriting risk retained by us after considering the effects of reinsurance. Note that the Alabama premiums shown are assumed by us through a quota share reinsurance contract, which was increased from 15% to 50%, effective February 1, 2004.

                         
    Actual
  Pro forma
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Georgia
  $ 11,232     $     $ 6,658  
Tennessee
    4,344             3,128  
Alabama
    3,284             971  
Ohio
    1,393             541  
Mississippi
    683             500  
Missouri
    616             347  
Indiana
    133              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total net premiums earned
  $ 21,685     $     $ 12,145  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Insurance companies present a combined ratio as a measure of their overall underwriting profitability. The components of the combined ratio are as follows:

     Loss Ratio — Loss ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned and is a basic element of underwriting profitability. We calculate this ratio based on all direct and assumed premiums earned, net of ceded reinsurance.

     Expense Ratio — Expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of operating expenses to premiums earned. This is a measurement that illustrates relative management efficiency in administering our operations. We calculate this ratio on a net basis as a percentage of net premiums earned. Insurance operating expenses are reduced by fee income from insureds and ceding commissions received from our reinsurer as compensation for the costs we incur in servicing this business on their behalf.

     Combined Ratio — Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. If the combined ratio is at or above 100, an insurance company cannot be profitable without sufficient investment income. The following table presents the combined ratios for the insurance operations on both an actual and a pro forma basis for the periods presented.

                         
    Actual
  Pro forma
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Loss and loss adjustment expense
    61.9 %           68.1 %
Expense
    13.6             10.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    75.5 %           78.3 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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     The invested assets of the insurance operations are generally highly liquid and consist substantially of readily marketable, investment grade, municipal bonds. At September 30, 2004, approximately 49% of our fixed maturities portfolio was tax-exempt. This percentage has reduced and will continue to reduce over time as we move to a taxable portfolio in order to maximize the utilization of our tax net operating loss carryforwards. Most securities held are issued by political subdivisions in the states of Georgia and Tennessee as these type of investments enable our insurance company subsidiaries to obtain premium tax credits. Investment income is composed primarily of interest earned on these securities, net of related investment expenses. Realized gains and losses on our investment portfolio may occur from time to time as changes are made to our holdings based upon changes in interest rates and changes in the credit quality of securities held.

     The non-standard personal automobile insurance industry is somewhat cyclical in nature. In the past, the industry has been characterized by periods of price competition and excess capacity followed by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity. If new competitors enter this market, existing competitors may attempt to increase market share by lowering rates. Such conditions could lead to reduced prices, which would have a negative impact on our revenues and profitability. However, we believe that during 2002 and 2003, the underwriting results in the personal automobile insurance industry improved as a result of favorable pricing and competitive conditions that allowed for broad increases in rate levels by insurers, while rates and premium levels for non-standard automobile insurance have stabilized during 2004.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared With Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

     Actual Consolidated Results

     Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $3.9 million versus $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The prior year’s results reflect only real estate operations and the costs associated with acquisition opportunities, while the current year reflects insurance operating results.

     Net income per share on both a basic and a diluted basis for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $0.08 as compared to $0.04 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. No tax expense was recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2003, as a result of net operating losses available to offset federal taxable income for which a full valuation allowance had been established.

     Pro forma Consolidated Results

     On a pro forma basis, net income for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $3.1 million. When compared to the actual net income of $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, net income increased 26%. Pro forma net income per share on both a basic and a diluted basis for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $0.07.

     Actual Results – Insurance Operations

     For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the insurance operations recorded income before income taxes of $6.1 million. The combined ratio for this period was 75.5%, which was comprised of a loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 61.9% and an expense ratio of 13.6%.

     Pro forma Results – Insurance Operations

     On a pro forma basis, income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $4.1 million. When compared to the actual income before income taxes of $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, income before income taxes increased 49%.

     Net premiums earned increased 79% to $21.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $12.1 million on a pro forma basis for the same period last year. This increase is primarily the result of three factors: (1) writing more of our insurance business in Georgia through our insurance company subsidiaries rather than through our managing general agency operations for other insurance companies; (2) increasing our assumed reinsurance percentage from 15% to 50% for our Alabama business, which is written through other insurance companies effective February 1, 2004; and (3) electing to not renew our 50% quota share reinsurance commencing September 1, 2004. In addition to these factors, the number of policies in force at September 30, 2004 increased 12% over the same date in 2003. Likewise, as a result of shifting the insurance underwriting to our insurance

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company subsidiaries, commissions and fees declined over the same period and, as a result of not renewing the quota share reinsurance, ceding commissions from our reinsurer decreased.

     During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the number of sales offices (or “stores”) increased by 16, increasing to 155 at September 30, 2004. During the same period last year, we opened 4 stores.

     Investment income increased primarily as a result of the increase in invested assets as a result of our growth. We expect investment income to continue to increase as we shift the investment portfolio from tax-exempt to taxable investments in order to maximize the utilization of our tax net operating loss carryforwards. The weighted average investment yield for the fixed maturities portfolio was 3.66% at September 30, 2004 with a duration of 4.8 years. The yield for the comparable Lehman Brothers municipal bond indices at September 30, 2004 was 3.53%.

     The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio improved to 61.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from 68.1% on a pro forma basis for the same period in fiscal 2004. Based on our geographical spread of risk, we had no material losses as a result of the August and September 2004 hurricane activity in the Southeast.

     Insurance operating expenses increased 5% to $10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $9.9 million on a pro forma basis for the same period in fiscal 2004. This increase is primarily due to expenses that vary along with the increase in net premiums earned. However, in comparing these periods, the expense ratio increased from 10.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to 13.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2004, primarily due to the fact that fee income from ancillary products (which reduces expenses in calculating the expense ratio) declined, and this fee income was spread over a larger base of net premiums earned. Pro forma insurance operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2003 included $0.3 million in costs incurred by USAuto as result of its acquisition by us.

     Overall, the combined ratio improved to 75.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from 78.3% on a pro forma basis for the same period last year.

     Actual Results – Real Estate and Corporate

     Loss before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $0.2 million versus income before income taxes of $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, there were no gains on sales of foreclosed real estate while gains of $1.3 million were recognized in the same period in fiscal 2004. Gains on sales of real estate represents proceeds received from the sale of foreclosed real estate in excess of carrying value, less selling costs.

     Investment income was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in fiscal 2004. The decrease in available cash equivalents as a result of the USAuto acquisition was offset by a higher return earned during the current period on our investment in mutual fund.

     Other operating expenses decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2004, primarily as a result of the elimination of the cost of former employees who were terminated as a result of the USAuto acquisition. The reduction in costs was partially offset by additional costs associated with being an operating public company. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2004, we reversed a $0.4 million property tax accrual on a parcel of foreclosed real estate held for sale that was reverted back to the taxing authority in lieu of the outstanding tax liens. This property had no carrying value due to these encumbrances.

     Pro forma Results – Real Estate and Corporate

     On a pro forma basis, income before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $1.0 million. These results exclude compensation of terminated employees and reflect only the real estate operations and costs related to acquisition opportunities. The results also reflect interest expense on USAuto’s note payable.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Prior to the USAuto acquisition, our historical funding requirements were for operating expenses, including legal, audit and consulting expenses incurred in connection with the evaluation of potential acquisition candidates and other strategic opportunities. Our historical primary sources of funding for operating expenses were proceeds from the sales of foreclosed real estate and investment income on cash and cash equivalents and cash on hand.

     Since the completion of the USAuto acquisition, our liquidity and capital resources have become more reflective of those of a fully-integrated retailer, servicer and underwriter of non-standard personal automobile insurance. Primary sources of funds are premiums, commission and fee income and investment income. Funds are used to pay claims and operating expenses, pay interest and principal under the terms of our loan agreement and purchase investments.

     Operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2004 provided $6.1 million of cash compared to $0.3 million used in the same period in fiscal 2004. The increase is the direct result of the inclusion of insurance operations in the current period.

     Net cash used by investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $19.6 million as compared to $1.5 million provided in the same period in fiscal 2004. The fiscal 2005 period reflects the additions to our investment portfolio, while the fiscal 2004 period results include proceeds from the sales of foreclosed real estate.

     During the three months ended September 30, 2004, we increased the statutory capital and surplus of the insurance company subsidiaries by $2.0 million to support additional premium writings. At September 30, 2004, we had $20.4 million available in unrestricted cash and investments outside of the insurance company subsidiaries.

     The note payable to a financial institution at September 30, 2004 consisted of a term loan with an unpaid balance of $3.8 million that bears interest at LIBOR plus 366 basis points. The note is payable in scheduled quarterly installments through June 30, 2007 and is secured by the common stock and certain assets of USAuto’s direct wholly-owned subsidiaries. The term loan contains certain financial covenants and requires USAuto to maintain certain financial ratios. At September 30, 2004, USAuto was in compliance with all provisions of the loan agreement, including the financial covenants and ratios, except for a Risk Based Capital ratio for which a waiver had been obtained.

     As a result of the USAuto acquisition, we are now part of an insurance holding company system with substantially all of our operations conducted by our insurance company subsidiaries. Accordingly, the holding company will only receive cash from operating activities as a result of investment income and the ultimate liquidation of our foreclosed real estate held for sale. Cash could be made available through loans from financial institutions, the sale of common stock, and dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, as a result of our tax net operating loss carryforwards, taxable income generated by the insurance company subsidiaries will provide cash to the holding company through an intercompany tax allocation agreement through which the insurance company subsidiaries will reimburse the holding company for current tax benefits utilized through recognition of the net operating loss carryforwards.

     State insurance laws limit the amount of dividends that may be paid from the insurance company subsidiaries. These limitations relate to statutory capital and surplus and net income. In addition, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act for risk-based capital (“RBC”) provides formulas to determine the amount of statutory capital and surplus that an insurance company needs to ensure that it has an acceptable expectation of not becoming financially impaired. A low RBC ratio would prevent an insurance company from paying dividends.

     Statutory guidelines suggest that the insurance company subsidiaries should not exceed a ratio of net premiums written to statutory capital and surplus of 3-to-1. We believe that the insurance company subsidiaries have sufficient financial resources available to support their net premium writings in both the short-term and the reasonably foreseeable future.

     There are six parcels of land remaining to be sold in the San Antonio area, totaling 310 acres. As of November 1, 2004, we had received conditional contracts or letters of intent on properties totaling more than $0.9

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million in book value. No assurance can be provided, however, that any of these contracts or expressions of interest ultimately will culminate in a successful sale.

     We believe that existing cash and investment balances, when combined with anticipated cash flows generated from operations, will be adequate to meet our expected liquidity needs in both the short term and the reasonably foreseeable future. Our growth strategy includes possible acquisitions. Any acquisitions or other growth opportunities may require external financing, and we may from time to time seek to obtain external financing. We cannot assure you that additional sources of financing will be available to us or that any such financing would not negatively impact our results of operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This report contains 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. All statements made in the report, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements from our use of the words “may,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intent,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target,” “is likely,” “will,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things:

    statements and assumptions relating to future growth, income, income per share and other financial performance measures, as well as management’s short-term and long-term performance goals;
 
    statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations or financial condition from recent and expected developments or events;
 
    statements relating to our business and growth strategies; and
 
    any other statements or assumptions that are not historical facts.

     We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. However, these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results to differ materially from our expectations of future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We discuss these and other uncertainties in the “Business — Risk Factors” section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2004.

     You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as otherwise required by applicable laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or the risk factors described in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this report.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     We have an exposure to interest rate risk relating to fixed maturity investments. Changes in market interest rates directly impact the market value of our fixed maturity securities. Some fixed income securities have call or prepayment options. This subjects us to reinvestment risk as issuers may call their securities, which could result in us reinvesting the proceeds at lower interest rates. We manage exposure to interest rate risks by adhering to specific guidelines in connection with our investment portfolio. We invest primarily in municipal bonds that have been rated “A” or better by Standard & Poors. At September 30, 2004, 96.3% of the portfolio was invested in securities rated “AA” or better by Standard & Poors, and 100% was invested in securities rated “A” or better by Standard & Poors. We have not recognized any other than temporary losses on the investment portfolio. We also utilize the services of a professional fixed income investment manager.

     As of September 30, 2004, the impact of an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates on our fixed maturities portfolio would have resulted in an estimated decrease in fair value of 4.5%, or approximately $2.0 million. Conversely, as of the same date, the impact of an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest

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rates on our fixed maturities portfolio would have resulted in an estimated increase in fair value of 4.5%, or approximately $2.0 million.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2004. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures effectively and timely provide them with material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     During the period covered by this report, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or its reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5. Other Information

     (a) On August 24, 2004, the Company entered into a Severance Compensation Agreement with Charles D. Hamilton, our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The agreement has an initial term of three years and thereafter renews for successive one-year terms, unless terminated by the Company at least six months prior to the beginning of any renewal term. If Mr. Hamilton leaves the employment of the Company for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement) during the term of the agreement, Mr. Hamilton is entitled to in equal, monthly installments over the 12 month period following termination (i) an amount equal to his then current annual base salary; (ii) payment of his monthly premiums for continued health and dental insurance coverage for the shorter of (A) 12 months from the date of termination, (B) until he no longer has coverage under COBRA or (C) he is eligible for substantially similar coverage under a subsequent employers health plan; (iii) customary outplacement services; and (iv) accelerated vesting of any stock options. The Severance Compensation Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

The following exhibits are attached to this report:

31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32.1   Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2   Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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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.

         
    FIRST ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
 
       
November 12, 2004
  By:   /s/ Stephen J. Harrison
     
 
      Stephen J. Harrison
      Chief Executive Officer
 
       
November 12, 2004
  By:   /s/ Charles D. Hamilton, Jr.
     
 
      Charles D. Hamilton, Jr.
      Chief Financial Officer

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