UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
______________________

FORM 10 Q

Ö  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011

“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 1-14795

AMERICAN SAFETY INSURANCE HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
 
Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction
 
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)
 
Identification No.)
 
The Boyle Building, 2nd Floor
 
 
31 Queen Street
 
 
Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda
 
 
(Address, zip code of principal executive offices)
 
     
 
(441) 296-8560
 
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 


Indicate by check mark whether 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 such shorter period that registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
_X_ Yes                      ___ 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 (§229.405 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 ____ No __

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

Large accelerated filer _____
Accelerated filer __X__
Non-accelerated filer ______
Smaller reporting company ______

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

The aggregate number of shares outstanding of Registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, on May 2, 2011, was 10,445,285.



 
1

 




AMERICAN SAFETY INSURANCE HOLDINGS, LTD.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS




 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
23
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
23
     
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
24
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
24
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
24
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
24
Item 4.
Reserved
24
Item 5.
Other Information
24
Item 6.
Exhibits
25
     






 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands except share data)

   
March 31, 2011
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2010
 
Assets
           
Investments available-for-sale:
           
          Fixed maturity securities at fair value (including $5,357 and $5,419 from VIE)
  $ 782,080     $ 750,250  
          Common stock, at fair value
    6,926       5,082  
          Preferred stock, at fair value
    3,012       2,911  
          Short-term investments, at fair value (including $3,179 and $3,083  from VIE)
    52,990       60,207  
                 
Total investments
    845,008       818,450  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents (including $975 and $759 from VIE)
    34,448       38,307  
Accrued investment income (including $47 and $54 from VIE)
    6,268       7,174  
Premiums receivable (including $1,047 and $1,116 from VIE)
    30,514       32,470  
Ceded unearned premiums (including $246 and $286 from VIE)
    24,144       24,380  
Reinsurance recoverable (including $4,284 and $4,291 from VIE)
    196,360       198,014  
Deferred income taxes
    6,704       5,922  
Deferred acquisition costs (including $(48) and $(38) from VIE)
    23,094       22,142  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    13,085       13,013  
Goodwill
    9,317       9,317  
Other assets (including $272 and $0 from VIE)
    49,954       52,064  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,238,896     $ 1,221,253  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (including $10,071 and $9,710 from VIE)
  $ 667,725     $ 649,641  
Unearned premiums (including $859 and $945 from VIE)
    134,400       128,981  
Ceded premiums payable (including $547 and $434 from VIE)
    14,329       11,496  
Funds held (including $214 and $248 from VIE)
    54,471       55,917  
Other liabilities (including $0 and $427 from VIE)
    14,076       17,501  
Loans payable
    39,183       39,183  
                 
Total liabilities
    924,184       902,719  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares;
    -       -  
    no shares issued and outstanding
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding at March 31, 2011, 10,463,568 and December 31, 2010, 10,386,519
    105       104  
Additional paid-in capital
    103,132       102,768  
Retained earnings
    182,247       174,328  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
    25,560       38,128  
Total American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
shareholders’ equity
    311,044       315,328  
Equity in non-controlling interest
    3,668       3,206  
Total equity
    314,712       318,534  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,238,896     $ 1,221,253  

See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements (unaudited).

 
3

 

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
           
Revenues:
           
Direct earned premiums
  $ 57,656     $ 55,742  
Assumed earned premiums
    11,283       9,020  
Ceded earned premiums
    (14,571 )     (21,794 )
Net earned premiums
    54,368       42,968  
                 
Net investment income
    7,437       7,905  
Net realized gains
    11,107       1,011  
Fee income
    865       1,093  
Other income
    11       20  
Total revenues
    73,788       52,997  
                 
Expenses:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    42,260       25,401  
Acquisition expenses
    11,861       9,830  
Other underwriting expenses
    10,199       9,827  
Interest expense
    386       759  
Corporate and other expenses
    720       715  
Total expenses
    65,426       46,532  
                 
Earnings before income taxes
    8,362       6,465  
                 
Income tax benefit
    (32 )     (99 )
                 
Net earnings before non-controlling interest
    8,394       6,564  
                 
Less:  Net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest
    493       57  
                 
Net earnings attributable to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
  $ 7,901     $ 6,507  
                 
Net earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.76     $ 0.63  
Diluted
  $ 0.73     $ 0.61  
                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    10,444,325       10,331,810  
Diluted
    10,788,117       10,644,507  
                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements (unaudited).


-  -
 
4

 

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 8,394     $ 6,564  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Realized (gains) on sale of investments
    (11,107 )     (1,011 )
Depreciation expense
    624       635  
Stock based compensation expense
    608       436  
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, net
    (952 )     (1,391 )
Amortization of premiums on investments
    969       204  
Deferred income taxes
    (345 )     (378 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued investment income
    906       (189 )
Premiums receivable
    1,956       (1,823 )
Reinsurance recoverable
    1,654       (7,334 )
Ceded unearned premiums
    236       11,257  
Funds held
    (1,446 )     2,202  
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
    18,084       12,162  
Unearned premiums
    5,419       (5,457 )
Ceded premiums payable
    2,833       2,490  
Deferred revenues
    (3,425 )     (2,554 )
Other assets, net
    2,073       (5,220 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    26,481       10,593  
                 
Cash flow from investing activities:
               
Purchases of fixed maturities
    (146,021 )     (84,614 )
Purchase of common stock
    (2,500 )     -  
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities
    111,202       58,876  
Proceeds from sale of equity securities
    656       -  
Decrease in short-term investments
    7,217       16,185  
Purchase of fixed assets, net
    (651 )     (1,262 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (30,097 )     (10,815 )
                 
Cash flow from financing activities:
               
Stock repurchase payments
    (289 )     (148 )
Proceeds from exercised stock options
    383       19  
Purchases of common stock  pursuant
to the Stock Repurchase plan
    (337 )        
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps
    -       2,055  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (243 )     1,926  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,859 )     1,704  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    38,307       34,756  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 34,448     $ 36,460  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid
  $ 35     $ 10  
Interest paid
  $ 400     $ 700  

See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements (unaudited).

-  -
 
5

 

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
(Unaudited)  (dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 8,394     $ 6,564  
                 
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
               
                 
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available-for-sale
    (1,929 )     5,182  
                 
Unrealized losses on hedging transactions
    -       (681 )
                 
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) included in
   net earnings
    (11,107 )     (1,011 )
                 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income before taxes
    (13,036 )     3,490  
                 
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other
   comprehensive income
    (437 )     309  
                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income net of income taxes
    (12,599 )     3,181  
                 
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (4,206 )   $ 9,745  
                 
Less:  Comprehensive income attributable to the non-
controlling interest
    462       76  
                 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to American Safety
  Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
  $ (4,668 )   $ 9,669  


See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements (unaudited).


-  -
 
6

 

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2011
(Unaudited)


Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.  (“American Safety Insurance”) and its subsidiaries and American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc. (“American Safety RRG”), a non-subsidiary risk retention group affiliate (collectively, the “Company”), are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as established by the FASB Accounting Standards Codification© ("Codification" or "ASC").  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, based on the best information available, in recording transactions resulting from business operations.  Certain balance sheet amounts involve accounting estimates and/or actuarial determinations and are therefore subject to change and include, but are not limited to, invested assets, deferred income taxes, reinsurance recoverables, goodwill and the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. As additional information becomes available (or actual amounts are determinable), the estimates may be revised and reflected in operating results.  While management believes that these estimates are adequate, such estimates may change in the future.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011, may not be indicative of the results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.  These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the audited consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Safety Insurance, each of its subsidiaries and American Safety RRG.  All significant intercompany balances as well as normal recurring adjustments have been eliminated.  Unless otherwise noted, all balances are presented in thousands.


-  -
 
7

 


Note 2 - Investments
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of the Company’s investments at March 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, are as follows (dollars in thousands):

         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
unrealized
   
unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
fair value
 
March 31, 2011
                       
Securities available for sale:
  $ 75,697     $ 2,319     $ (93 )   $ 77,923  
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
  obligations of U.S.
  government
  corporations and agencies
States of the U.S. and political
  subdivisions of the states
    23,454       872       (163 )     24,163  
Corporate securities
    307,828       15,912       (741 )     322,999  
Mortgage-backed securities
    278,156       8,992       (642 )     286,506  
Commercial mortgage-backed
  securities
    32,150       3,875       (17 )     36,008  
Asset-backed securities
    34,070       473       (62 )     34,481  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 751,355     $ 32,443     $ (1,718 )   $ 782,080  
                                 
Common stock
  $ 6,926     $ -     $ -     $ 6,926  
                                 
Preferred stock
  $ 2,789     $ 259     $ (36 )   $ 3,012  
                                 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
   
Amortized
   
unrealized
   
unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
fair value
 
December 31, 2010
                               
Securities available for sale:
  $ 70,796     $ 3,014     $ (36 )   $ 73,774  
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
  obligations of U.S.
  government
  corporations and agencies
States of the U.S. and political
  subdivisions of the states
    23,463       816       (253 )     24,026  
Corporate securities
    314,995       25,023       (459 )     339,559  
Mortgage-backed securities
    234,137       8,990       (408 )     242,719  
Commercial mortgage-backed
  securities
    29,123       6,438       -       35,561  
Asset-backed securities
    33,884       796       (69 )     34,611  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 706,398     $ 45,077     $ (1,225 )   $ 750,250  
                                 
Common stock
  $ 5,082     $ -     $ -     $ 5,082  
                                 
Preferred stock
  $ 2,789     $ 198     $ (76 )   $ 2,911  


-  -
 
8

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, available-for-sale fixed maturity securities were sold for total proceeds of $81.6 million and $35.0 million, respectively, resulting in net realized gains to the Company.  The net realized gains on these sales totaled $11.1 million and $1.0 million in 2011 and 2010 respectively.  For the purpose of determining net realized gains, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value at March 31, 2011 are shown below by contractual maturity.

   
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated
fair value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 13,053     $ 13,319  
Due after one year through five years
    163,645       169,668  
Due after five years through ten years
    155,468       163,497  
Due after ten years
    103,243       110,827  
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
    315,946       324,769  
                 
Total
  $ 751,355     $ 782,080  

The following tables summarize the gross unrealized losses of the Company's investment portfolio as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, by category and length of time that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position.

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
March 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
Fixed Maturities:
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities
  and obligations of U.S.
  government corporations
  and agencies
  $ 15,401     $ (93 )   $ -     $ -     $ 15,401     $ (93 )
States of the U.S. & other
  political subdivisions of
  the states
    3,785       (92 )     1,047       (71 )     4,832       (163 )
Corporate securities
    55,704       (730 )     1,163       (11 )     56,867       (741 )
Mortgage- backed
  securities
    58,314       (642 )     -       -       58,314       (642 )
Commercial mortgage-
  backed securities
    10,849       (17 )     -       -       10,849       (17 )
Asset- backed securities
    14,454       (62 )     -       -       14,454       (62 )
Total fixed maturities
    158,507       (1,636 )     2,210       (82 )     160,717       (1,718 )
Common stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Preferred stock
    498       (2 )     985       (34 )     1,483       (36 )
Total temporarily
impaired
  $ 159,005     $ (1,638 )   $ 3,195     $ (116 )   $ 162,200     $ (1,754 )


-  -
 
9

 


   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
December 31, 2010
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
Fixed Maturities:
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities
  and obligations of U.S.
  government corporations
  and agencies
  $ 8,615     $ (36 )   $ -     $ -     $ 8,615     $ (36 )
States of the U.S. & other
  political subdivisions of
  the states
    7,071       (194 )     1,060       (59 )     8,131       (253 )
Corporate securities
    21,321       (459 )     -       -       21,321       (459 )
Mortgage- backed
  securities
    29,274       (408 )     -       -       29,274       (408 )
Commercial mortgage-
  backed securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Asset- backed securities
    6,903       (69 )     -       -       6,903       (69 )
Total fixed maturities
    73,184       (1,166 )     1,060       (59 )     74,244       (1,225 )
Common stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Preferred stock
    966       (29 )     972       (47 )     1,938       (76 )
Total temporarily
impaired
  $ 74,150     $ (1,195 )   $ 2,032     $ (106 )   $ 76,182     $ (1,301 )

We routinely review our investments that have experienced declines in fair value to determine if the decline is other than temporary.  These reviews are performed with consideration of the facts and circumstances of an issuer in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Accounting for Non-Current Marketable Equity Securities; ASC-320-10-05, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and related guidance.  The identification of distressed investments and the assessment of whether a decline is other-than-temporary involve significant management judgment and require evaluation of factors including but not limited to:

·
percentage decline in value and the length of time during which the decline has occurred;
·
recoverability of principal and interest;
·
market conditions;
·
ability and intent to hold the investment to recovery;
·
a pattern of continuing operating losses of the issuer;
·
rating agency actions that affect the issuer’s credit status;
·
adverse changes in the issuer’s availability of production resources, revenue sources, technological conditions; and
·
adverse changes in the issuer’s economic, regulatory, or political environment.

Additionally, credit analysis and/or credit rating issues related to specific investments may trigger more intensive monitoring to determine if a decline in market value is other than temporary ("OTTI").  For investments with a market value below cost, the process includes evaluating the length of time and the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the prospects and financial condition of the issuer, and evaluation for a potential recovery in market value, among other factors.  This process is not exact and further requires consideration of risks such as credit risk and interest rate risk.  Therefore, if an investment’s cost exceeds its market value solely due to changes in interest rates, recognizing impairment may not be appropriate.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not incur any OTTI losses.

-  -
 
10

 


Note 3 – Segment Information

Our business is classified into insurance operations and other, with the insurance operations consisting of three divisions:  excess and surplus lines (E&S), alternative risk transfer (ART) and assumed reinsurance (Assumed Re).  E&S includes eight products:  environmental, construction, products liability, excess, property, surety, healthcare, and professional liability.  ART includes two products: specialty programs and fully funded.  In our Assumed Re division, the Company assumes specialty property and casualty business from unaffiliated insurers and reinsurers.

Within E&S, our environmental insurance products provide general contractor pollution and/or professional liability coverage for contractors and consultants in the environmental remediation industry and property owners. Construction provides general liability insurance for residential and commercial contractors.  Products liability provides general liability and product liability coverages for smaller manufacturers and distributors, non-habitational real estate and certain real property owner, landlord and tenant risks. Excess provides excess and umbrella liability coverages over our own and other carriers’ primary casualty polices, with a focus on construction risks. Our property coverage encompasses surplus lines commercial property business and commercial multi-peril (CMP) policies.  Surety provides payment and performance bonds primarily to the environmental remediation and construction industries.  Healthcare provides customized liability insurance solutions primarily for long-term care facilities.

In our ART division, specialty programs provide insurance to homogeneous niche groups through third party program managers.  Our specialty programs consist primarily of property and casualty insurance coverages for certain classes of specialty risks including, but not limited to, construction contractors, pest control operators, small auto dealers, real estate brokers, consultants, restaurant and tavern owners, bail bondsmen and parent/teacher associations.  Fully funded policies provide our insureds the ability to fund their liability exposure via a self-insurance vehicle.  We write fully funded general and professional liability for businesses operating primarily in the healthcare and construction industries.

Our assumed reinsurance division offers property and casualty reinsurance products in the form of treaty and facultative contracts targeting specialty insurers, risk retention groups and captives.  We provide this coverage on an excess of loss and, to a lesser extent, on a quota share basis.  We reinsure casualty business, which includes general liability, commercial auto, professional liability and workers’ compensation.  The assumed reinsurance division also participates in one property catastrophe treaty that provides a finite limit over the treaty period.  The treaty covers world-wide property catastrophe losses including hurricanes and earthquakes.

Our Other segment includes lines of business that we have placed in run-off, such as workers’ compensation, excess liability insurance for municipalities, other commercial lines, real estate and other ancillary product lines.

The Company measures segments using net income, total assets and total equity.  The reportable insurance divisions are measured by net earned premiums, incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses and acquisition expenses.


-  -
 
11

 

The following table presents key financial data by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
   
Insurance
   
Other
       
   
E&S
   
ART
   
Reinsurance
   
Run-off
   
Total
 
Gross Written Premiums
  $ 35,995     $ 21,878     $ 16,472     $ -     $ 74,345  
Net Written Premiums
    29,602       14,906       15,502       -       60,010  
Net Earned Premiums
    27,994       14,355       12,019       -       54,368  
                                         
Underwriting Profit (Loss)
    (2,869 )     (972 )     (6,394 )     283       (9,952 )
                                         
Fee Income
    5       860       -       -       865  
Other Income
    -       -       -       11       11  
Investment Income
    4,815       1,121       1,349       152       7,437  
Pre-tax Operating Income
    1,951       1,009       (5,045 )     446       (1,639 )
                                         
Realized Gains
                                    11,107  
Interest and Holding Company Expenses
                                    1,106  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
                                    8,362  
Income Tax Benefit
                                    (32 )
Net Earnings
                                  $ 8,394  
Less:  Net Earnings Attributable to the Non-
  controlling Interest
                                    493  
Net Earnings Attributable to ASIH, Ltd.
                                  $ 7,901  
                                         
Loss Ratio
    63.4 %     62.8 %     128.9 %  
*NM
      77.7 %
Expense Ratio
    46.8 %     38.0 %     24.3 %  
NM
      39.0 %
Combined Ratio**
    110.2 %     100.8 %     153.2 %  
NM
      116.7 %

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
 
   
Insurance
   
Other
       
   
E&S
   
ART
   
Reinsurance
   
Run-off
   
Total
 
Gross Written Premiums
  $ 29,628     $ 18,234     $ 11,455     $ -     $ 59,317  
Net Written Premiums
    24,353       14,092       10,336       -       48,781  
Net Earned Premiums
    22,152       11,163       9,653       -       42,968  
                                         
Underwriting Profit (Loss)
    (2,521 )     11       756       (336 )     (2,090 )
                                         
Fee Income
    146       831       116       -       1,093  
Other Income
    -       -       -       20       20  
Investment Income
    5,449       1,129       1,088       239       7,905  
Pre-tax Operating Income (Loss)
    3,074       1,971       1,960       (77 )     6,928  
                                         
Realized Gains
                                    1,011  
Interest and Holding Company Expenses
                                    1,474  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
                                    6,465  
Income Tax Benefit
                                    (99 )
Net Earnings
                                  $ 6,564  
Less:  Net Earnings Attributable to the Non-
  controlling Interest
                                    (57 )
Net Earnings Attributable to ASIH, Ltd.
                                  $ 6,507  
                                         
Loss Ratio
    59.4 %     57.5 %     60.3 %  
*NM
      59.1 %
Expense Ratio
    51.3 %     35.0 %     30.7 %  
NM
      43.2 %
Combined Ratio**
    110.7 %     92.5 %     91.0 %  
NM
      102.3 %

*
NM = Ratio is not meaningful
**
The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses net of fee income to earned premiums.

-  -
 
12

 

The Company conducts business in two geographic segments:  the United States and Bermuda.  Significant differences exist in the regulatory environment in each country.

The following table provides financial data about the geographic locations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (dollars in thousands):

   
United States
   
Bermuda
   
Total
 
March 31, 2011
                 
Income tax benefit
  $ (32 )   $ -     $ (32 )
Net earnings attributable to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
  $ (120 )   $ 8,021     $ 7,901  
Assets
  $ 658,064     $ 580,832     $ 1,238,896  
Equity
  $ 98,847     $ 215,865     $ 314,712  
                         
   
United States
   
Bermuda
   
Total
 
March 31, 2010
                       
Income tax benefit
  $ (99 )   $ -     $ (99 )
Net earnings attributable to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
  $ 664     $ 5,843     $ 6,507  
Assets
  $ 629,603     $ 532,973     $ 1,162,596  
Equity
  $ 95,642     $ 189,907     $ 285,549  


Note 4 - Income Taxes

United States federal and state income tax expense from operations consists of the following components (dollars in thousands):
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Current
  $ 313     $ 533  
Deferred
    (345 )     (378 )
Change in valuation allowance
    -       (254 )
                 
Total
  $ (32 )   $ (99 )


Income tax expense for the periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 differed from the amount computed by applying the United States Federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before Federal income taxes as a result of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Expected income tax expense
  $ 2,675     $ 2,178  
Foreign earned income not subject to U.S. taxation
    (2,727 )     (1,991 )
Change in valuation allowance
    -       (254 )
Tax-exempt interest
    (3 )     (18 )
State taxes and other
    23       (14 )
                 
Total
  $ (32 )   $ (99 )



-  -
 
13

 

Note 5 – Equity Based Compensation

The Company’s incentive stock plan grants incentive stock options to employees.  The majority of the options outstanding under the plan vest evenly over a three year period and have a term of 10 years.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value stock options.  The Company’s methodology for valuing stock options has not changed from December 31, 2010.  During the first three months of 2011, the Company did not grant any stock options compared to 78,775 for the same period of 2010.  Stock based compensation expense related to outstanding stock options was $189 and $168 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is reflected in net earnings as part of other underwriting expenses.

In addition to stock options discussed above, the Company may grant restricted shares to employees under the incentive stock plan.  During the first three months of 2011, the Company granted 38,681 shares of restricted stock compared to 209,254 for the same period in 2010.  All shares vest on the grant date anniversary ratably over three years at 25%, 25%, and 50%, respectively.  Stock based compensation expense related to the restricted shares was $349 and $188 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is reflected in net earnings as part of other underwriting expenses.  Additionally, the Company recorded $70 and $80 in expense for the first three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to stock awards made as a portion of Director compensation.

Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is 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 measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market.  Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market that are independent, knowledgeable, able to transact for the asset or liability, and willing to transact for the asset or liability.

We determined the fair values of certain financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in “Fair Value Measurements”, topic ASC 820-10-05.  Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used to measure fair value.  The inputs of these valuation techniques are categorized into three levels.  The guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

 
Our Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the reporting date.  The Company receives one quote per instrument for Level 1 inputs.

 
Our 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.  The Company receives one quote per instrument for Level 2 inputs.

 
Our Level 3 inputs are valuations based on inputs that are unobservable.  Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company receives fair value prices from its third-party investment managers who use an independent pricing service.  These prices are determined using observable market information such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security's terms and conditions, among other things.  The Company has reviewed the processes used by the third party providers for pricing the securities, and has determined that these processes result in fair values consistent with the GAAP requirements.  In addition, the Company reviews these prices for reasonableness and has not adjusted any prices received from the third-party providers as of March 31, 2011.

-  -
 
14

 


Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

As of March 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements Using
(dollars in thousands)
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Fixed Maturities:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and
  obligations of U.S. government
  corporations and agencies
  $ 26,952     $ 50,971     $ -     $ 77,923  
States of the U.S. and political
  subdivisions of the states
    -       24,163       -       24,163  
Corporate securities
    -       322,998       -       322,998  
Mortgage-backed securities
    -       286,506       -       286,506  
Commercial mortgage-backed
  securities
    -       36,008       -       36,008  
Asset-backed securities
    -       34,482       -       34,482  
Total fixed maturities
    26,952       755,128       -       782,080  
Equities securities
    3,012       -       6,926       9,938  
Short term investments
    52,990       -       -       52,990  
                                 
Total
  $ 82,954     $ 755,128     $ 6,926     $ 845,008  

   
Fair Value Measurements
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(dollars in thousands)
 
       
Level 3 Financial Instruments
 
Equities
 
       
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 5,082  
Total gains(losses) realized (unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
    -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    -  
Net purchases, sales & distributions
    1,844  
Net transfers in (out of) Level 3
    -  
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 6,926  
         
Change in net unrealized gains relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $ -  

There were no transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 categories during the first three months of 2011.

-  -
 
15

 


A description of the Company's inputs used to measure fair value is as follows:
Fixed maturities (Available for Sale) Levels 1 and 2
 
·  
United States Treasury securities are valued using quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets and are therefore shown as Level 1.
·  
United States Government agencies are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
·  
States of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
·  
Corporate securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
·  
Mortgage-backed securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
·  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
·  
Asset-backed securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.  These fair value measurements are provided by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.

Equity securities (Level 1) – For these securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets.

Equity securities (Level 3) – For these equity funds, the Company was unable to use observable market inputs and management used assumptions that market participants might use.

As management is ultimately responsible for determining the fair value measurements for all securities, we validate prices received from our investment advisor by comparing the fair value estimates to our knowledge of the current market and investigate any prices deemed not to be representative of fair value.  We review fair values for significant changes in a one-month period and security values that change in value contrary to general market movements.

Short-term investments are reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs.

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments.

Premiums receivable – The carrying value of premiums receivable approximate fair value due to its short-term nature.

Reinsurance recoverables – The carrying value of reinsurance receivables approximate fair value.  The Company has established an allowance for bad debts associated with reinsurance balances recoverable and is primarily related to specifically identified counterparties.

Loans payable – The carrying value of those notes is a reasonable estimate of fair value.  Due to the variable interest rate of these instruments, carrying value approximates market value.

-  -
 
16

 


Note 7 – Credit Facility

The Company has an unsecured line of credit facility for $20 million that expires August 20, 2013.  The principal amount outstanding under the credit facility provides for interest at Libor plus 200 basis points with a 3% floor.  In addition, the credit facility provides for an unused facility fee of 15 basis points payable monthly.  The line of credit facility contains certain covenants and at March 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.  The Company has no outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2011.

Note 8 – Loans Payable

Trust Preferred Offerings

In 2003, American Safety Capital and American Safety Capital II, both non-consolidated, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, issued $8 million and $5 million, respectively, of variable rate 30-year trust preferred securities.  The proceeds were used by the Company to support the growth of its insurance business.  The securities require interest payments on a quarterly basis calculated at a floating rate of LIBOR + 4.2% and LIBOR + 3.95% for American Safety Capital and American Safety Capital II, respectively. The securities can be redeemed at the Company’s option after five years from the date of original issuance.

In 2005, the American Safety Capital Trust III, a non-consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued a 30-year trust preferred obligation in the amount of $25 million. This obligation bears a fixed interest rate of 8.31% for the first five years and LIBOR plus 3.4% thereafter. Interest is payable on a quarterly basis and the securities may be redeemed at the Company’s option after five years from the date of original issuance.

The balance of loans payable at March 31, 2011 was $39.2 million.

Note 9 – Variable Interest Entity

The Risk Retention Act of 1986 (the “Risk Retention Act”) allowed companies with specialized liability insurance needs that could not be met in the standard insurance market to create a new type of insurance vehicle called a risk retention group.  We assisted in the formation of American Safety RRG in 1988 in order to establish a U.S. insurance company to market and underwrite specialty environmental coverages.

American Safety RRG is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) which is consolidated in our financial statements in accordance with ASC 810-10-5, as through the contractual relationships, the Company has the power to direct the activities of American Safety RRG that most significantly impact its economic performance and the right to receive benefits from American Safety RRG that could be significant to American Safety RRG.  Due to these criteria being met, American Safety is the primary beneficiary of the variability of the underwriting profits of American Safety RRG.  The liabilities of American Safety RRG consolidated by the Company do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of American Safety RRG.  Similarly, the assets of American Safety RRG consolidated by the Company do not represent additional assets available to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets.  The creditors of American Safety RRG do not have recourse to the Company for the obligations outside of obligations that exist due to contractual loss sharing or reinsurance arrangements that exist between American Safety RRG and other entities under common control in the ordinary course of the business.  The equity of American Safety RRG is for the benefit of the policyholders and is considered a non-controlling interest in the shareholder’s equity section of the Company's consolidated balance sheet.  Should RRG incur net losses and the equity of RRG decline below regulatory minimum capital levels or result in a deficit, there is no legal obligation of the Company to fund those losses or contribute capital to the VIE.  The profit and loss of the VIE increases or decreases the value of the non-controlling interest on the balance sheet of the Company and does not contribute to earnings or equity attributable to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

-  -
 
17

 


Assets and Liabilities of the VIE as consolidated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):

   
3/31/2011
   
12/31/2010
 
Investments
  $ 8,536     $ 8,502  
Cash and equivalents
    975       759  
Accrued investment income
    47       54  
Premiums receivable
    1,047       1,116  
Ceded unearned premiums
    246       286  
Reinsurance recoverables
    4,284       4,291  
Deferred acquisition costs
    (48 )     (38 )
Other assets
    272       -  
Total Assets
  $ 15,359     $ 14,970  
                 
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 10,071     $ 9,710  
Unearned premium
    859       945  
Ceded premiums payable
    547       434  
Funds held
    214       248  
Other liabilities
    -       427  
Total Liabilities
  $ 11,691     $ 11,764  
                 


Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies

At March 31, 2011, the Company had aggregate outstanding irrevocable letters of credit which had not been drawn amounting to $5.9 million.  Those letters of credit included $2.5 million for the benefit of the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration, as well as $2.5 million issued pursuant to a contingent payment obligation, and $0.9 million issued to various other parties.

ASRe, our reinsurance subsidiary, provides reinsurance protection for risk retention groups, captives and insurance companies and may be required to provide letters of credit to collateralize a portion of the reinsurance protection.  In the normal course of business they may provide letters of credit to the companies that they reinsure.  As of March 31, 2011, ASRe had $52.8 million in letters of credit issued and outstanding.

Litigation Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.  The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment.  In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s financial statements.  If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.  Based on the information presently available, management does not believe that any pending or threatened litigation or arbitration disputes will have any material adverse effect on our final condition or operating results.

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date of this 10Q filing and determined there were none.


-  -
 
18

 


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

We segregate our business into two segments:  insurance operations and other.  The insurance operations are further classified into three divisions: excess and surplus lines (E&S), alternative risk transfer (ART) and assumed reinsurance (Assumed Re).  E&S consists of eight product lines:  property, environmental, construction, products liability, excess, surety, healthcare, and professional liability.  ART consists of two product lines: specialty programs and fully funded.  Assumed Re consists of specialty property and casualty business assumed from unaffiliated specialty insurers and reinsurers.  Other includes lines of business that we no longer underwrite (run-off), other ancillary product lines and real estate.  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Within the E&S division we provide property and general liability coverage across specialty classes of business.  Our environmental business provides general, professional and pollution liability to contractors, consultants and property owners.  Construction provides commercial general liability insurance coverages for residential and commercial contractors.  Products liability offers general liability and product liability coverages for smaller manufacturers and distributors, non-habitational real estate and certain real property owner, landlord and tenant risks.  Excess and umbrella provides liability coverages over our own and other carriers’ primary casualty policies, with a focus on construction risks.  Surety provides payment and performance bonds primarily to the environmental remediation and construction industries.  Healthcare provides customized liability insurance solutions primarily for long-term care facilities.  Professional liability provides coverage for primary and following-form excess directors and officers liability for public, private and non-profit entities; stand alone employment practices liability insurance; and fiduciary liability, as well as primary and excess coverage for miscellaneous professional liability risks such as lawyers and insurance agents.

In our ART division, specialty programs provide insurance to homogeneous niche groups through third party program managers.  Our fully funded product allows insureds to self-insure their risks where collateral is required for which we generate fee income.

In our Assumed Re division, the Company provides traditional specialty property and casualty reinsurance for unaffiliated specialty insurers and reinsurers, risk retention groups and captives focused on medical malpractice, general liability, professional liability, and one property catastrophe contract.  The property catastrophe retrocessional contract is exposed to worldwide events and provides $15 million of protection for each treaty year.

The Other segment consists of lines of business that we have placed in run-off, such as workers’ compensation, excess liability insurance for municipalities, certain commercial line and real estate.

The Company measures all segments using net earnings.  The reportable insurance operations divisions are measured by net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses and acquisition expenses.  Assets are not allocated to the reportable insurance operations segments.

The following information is presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).


-  -
 
19

 

The following table presents key financial data by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
   
Insurance
   
Other
       
   
E&S
   
ART
   
Reinsurance
   
Run-off
   
Total
 
Gross Written Premiums
  $ 35,995     $ 21,878     $ 16,472     $ -     $ 74,345  
Net Written Premiums
    29,602       14,906       15,502       -       60,010  
Net Earned Premiums
    27,994       14,355       12,019       -       54,368  
                                         
Underwriting Profit (Loss)
    (2,869 )     (972 )     (6,394 )     283       (9,952 )
                                         
Fee Income
    5       860       -       -       865  
Other Income
    -       -       -       11       11  
Investment Income
    4,815       1,121       1,349       152       7,437  
Pre-tax Operating Income
    1,951       1,009       (5,045 )     446       (1,639 )
                                         
Realized Gains
                                    11,107  
Interest and Holding Company Expenses
                                    1,106  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
                                    8,362  
Income Tax Benefit
                                    (32 )
Net Earnings
                                  $ 8,394  
Less:  Net Earnings Attributable to
  the Non-controlling Interest
                                    493  
Net Earnings Attributable to ASIH,
Ltd.
                                  $ 7,901  
                                         
Loss Ratio
    63.4 %     62.8 %     128.9 %  
*NM
      77.7 %
Expense Ratio
    46.8 %     38.0 %     24.3 %  
NM
      39.0 %
Combined Ratio**
    110.2 %     100.8 %     153.2 %  
NM
      116.7 %

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
 
   
Insurance
   
Other
       
   
E&S
   
ART
   
Reinsurance
   
Run-off
   
Total
 
Gross Written Premiums
  $ 29,628     $ 18,234     $ 11,455     $ -     $ 59,317  
Net Written Premiums
    24,353       14,092       10,336       -       48,781  
Net Earned Premiums
    22,152       11,163       9,653       -       42,968  
                                         
Underwriting Profit (Loss)
    (2,521 )     11       756       (336 )     (2,090 )
                                         
Fee Income
    146       831       116       -       1,093  
Other Income
    -       -       -       20       20  
Investment Income
    5,449       1,129       1,088       239       7,905  
Pre-tax Operating Income
    3,074       1,971       1,960       (77 )     6,928  
                                         
Realized Gains
                                    1,011  
Interest and Holding Company Expenses
                                    1,474  
Earnings Before Income Taxes
                                    6,465  
Income Tax Benefit
                                    (99 )
Net Earnings
                                  $ 6,564  
Less:  Net Earnings Attributable to
  the Non-controlling Interest
                                    57  
Net Earnings Attributable to ASIH,
Ltd.
                                  $ 6,507  
                                         
Loss Ratio
    59.4 %     57.5 %     60.3 %  
*NM
      59.1 %
Expense Ratio
    51.3 %     35.0 %     30.7 %  
NM
      43.2 %
Combined Ratio**
    110.7 %     92.5 %     91.0 %  
NM
      102.3 %

*
NM = Ratio is not meaningful
**
The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses net of fee income to earned premiums.

-  -
 
20

 


Three Months Ended March 31, 2011, compared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Net Earnings

Net earnings attributable to ASIH were $7.9 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $6.5 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, for the same period of 2010.  The increase in net earnings was primarily due to net realized gains on investments totaling $11.1 million that were partially offset by catastrophe and other property losses in addition to prior year loss reserve strengthening in the Assumed Reinsurance Division.

Combined Ratio

Our underwriting results are measured by the combined ratio, which is the sum of (a) the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to net earned premiums (loss ratio), and, (b) the ratio of policy acquisition costs and other operating underwriting expenses net of fee income to net earned premiums (expense ratio).  A combined ratio below 100% indicates that an insurer has an underwriting profit, and a combined ratio above 100% indicates that an insurer has an underwriting loss.

The combined ratio was 116.7%, composed of a loss ratio of 77.7% and an expense ratio of 39.0%.  The increase in the loss ratio to 77.7% from 59.1% for the same quarter in 2010 includes prior year reserve strengthening of $6.8 million including weather related losses in the E&S and ART divisions of $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively and $4.6 million primarily attributable to two non-renewed casualty contracts in the Assumed Reinsurance division.  The loss ratio was also impacted by $3.6 million in losses attributable to New Zealand and Japan catastrophes in the Assumed Reinsurance division.  The improvement in the expense ratio to 39.0% from 43.2% is attributable to economies of scale associated with an increase in net earned premiums.

Gross Written Premiums

Gross written premiums increased 25% to $74.3 million from $59.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The growth in the E&S division to $36.0 million from $29.6 million was attributable to the environmental, healthcare and surety products.  The growth in the ART division relates primarily to the dealer open lot program.  The growth in Assumed Reinsurance was generated from an international general liability quota share treaty as well as growth in targeted classes of business.

Net Earned Premiums

Net earned premiums increased 27% to $54.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $43.0 million for the same period of 2010.  The addition of new products in the last three years has resulted in increased premium volume, specifically within the E&S and ART divisions and therefore resulted in higher net earned premiums.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income is derived from the investment portfolio net of investment expenses.  Net investment income decreased to $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $7.9 million for the same period of 2010 due to the sale and maturity of fixed income securities totaling $111.2 million and subsequent reinvestment in shorter duration, lower yielding securities.  Average invested assets increased to $831.7 million at March 31, 2011, as compared to $754.4 million for the same period of 2010.  The pretax investment yield for the three months was 3.6% and 4.2% respectively for 2011 and 2010.


-  -
 
21

 

Acquisition Expenses

Acquisition expenses are commissions paid to producers that are partially offset by ceding commissions or fronting fees.  Acquisition expenses also include premium taxes paid to states in which we are admitted to conduct business.  Policy acquisition expenses were $11.9 million or 21.8% of earned premium for the three months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to $9.8 million or 22.9% of earned premium for the same period of 2010.  The increase in acquisition expenses, on a percentage basis, relates to the growth in the E&S and ART divisions that carry a higher acquisition cost than does Assumed Re.

Other Underwriting Expenses

Other underwriting expenses were $10.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $9.8 million for the same 2010 period.  As a percentage of earned premiums, other underwriting expenses decreased to 18.7% from 22.9% for the same three months of 2010.  The improvement is the result of economies of scale generated from increased net earned premiums.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2011, was $0.03 million compared to $0.1 million for the same period of 2010.  Tax benefits were recognized in both periods as a result of the geographic mix of income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company meets its cash requirements and finances its growth principally through cash flows generated from operations.  The Company has experienced a reduction in premium rates due to the entrance of new competitors and overall market conditions.  The Company’s primary sources of short-term cash flow are premium writings and investment income.  Short-term cash requirements relate to claims payments, reinsurance premiums, commissions, salaries, employee benefits, and other operating expenses.  Due to the uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of settlements of unpaid claims, the Company’s future liquidity requirements may vary; therefore, the Company has structured its investment portfolio to mitigate those factors.  The Company believes its current cash flows are sufficient for the short-term needs of its business and its invested assets are sufficient for the long-term needs of its insurance business.

The Company has a line of credit facility of $20 million.  The facility is unsecured and expires August 20, 2013.  At March 31, 2011, the Company had not drawn on the facility.

Net cash provided by operations was $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to net cash provided by operations of $10.6 million for the same period of 2010.  The increase in cash flow from operations is primarily attributable to increased net written premiums.

On March 2, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of common stock.  Pursuant to this authorization, the Company repurchased a total of 155,700 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $2.6 million during 2010 and repurchased 17,566 shares at a cost of $0.3 million during the first quarter 2011.  During April 2011, the company repurchased an additional 20,000 shares.

Our ability to pay future dividends to shareholders will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of our subsidiaries to generate earnings from which to pay dividends.  The jurisdictions in which we and our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are domiciled places limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions payable by insurance companies in order to protect the solvency of insurers.  Given the capital requirements associated with our business plan, we do not anticipate paying dividends on the common shares in the near future.


-  -
 
22

 


Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance, including insurance market conditions, premium growth, acquisitions and new products, and the impact of new accounting standards.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially, including competitive conditions in the insurance industry, levels of new and renewal insurance business, developments in loss trends, adequacy and changes in loss reserves and actuarial assumptions, timing or collectability of reinsurance recoverables, market acceptance of new coverages and enhancements, changes in reinsurance costs and availability, potential adverse decisions in court and arbitration proceedings, the integration and other challenges attendant to acquisitions, and changes in levels of general business activity and economic conditions.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For an in-depth discussion of the Company’s market risks, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in Item 7A of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Report, concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company (including consolidated subsidiaries) would be made known to them.

Changes in Internal Control

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

-  -
 
23

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company, through its subsidiaries, is routinely party to pending or threatened litigation or arbitration disputes in the normal course of or related to its business. Based upon information presently available, in view of reserve practices and legal and other defenses available to our subsidiaries, management does not believe that any pending or threatened litigation or arbitration disputes will have any material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

For an in-depth discussion of risk factors affecting the Company, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Reserved

Item 5. Other Information

None


-  -
 
24

 

 Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit No.
Description
   
11
Computation of Earnings Per Share
   
31.1
Certification Pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
31.2
Certification Pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.1
Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.2
Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 10th day of May, 2011.

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.
 
 
 
By:  /s/ Stephen R. Crim
Stephen R. Crim
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Mark W. Haushill
Mark W. Haushill
Chief Financial Officer
 
 



-  -
 
25

 

Exhibit 11



American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Computation of Earnings Per Share
(Dollars in thousands except per-share data)




   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
Basic:
Earnings available to common shareholders
  $ 7,901     $ 6,507  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    10,444,325       10,331,810  
                 
 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.76     $ 0.63  
                 
 
Diluted:
Earnings available to common Shareholders
  $ 7,901     $ 6,507  
 
 
Weighted average common shares
Outstanding
    10,444,325       10,331,810  
 
 
Weighted average common shares
equivalents associated with options and restricted stock
    343,792       312,697  
 
 
Total weighted average common shares for diluted purposes
    10,788,117       10,644,507  
                 
 
Diluted earnings per common Share
  $ 0.73     $ 0.61  



-  -
 
26

 


Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Stephen R. Crim, certify that:

 
1)
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.;

 
2)
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3)
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4)
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5)
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

   
Date:  May 10, 2011
/s/ Stephen R. Crim
 
Stephen R. Crim
 
Chief Executive Officer


-  -
 
27

 

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Mark W. Haushill, certify that:

 
1)
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.;

 
2)
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3)
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4)
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:

 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5)
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

   
Date:  May 10, 2011
/s/   Mark W. Haushill
 
Mark W. Haushill
 
Chief Financial Officer


-  -
 
28

 

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The undersigned, as the Chief Executive Officer of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd., certifies that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010, which accompanies this certification fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. at the dates and for the periods indicated.  The foregoing certification is made pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2003 (18 U.S.C. §1350) and shall not be relied upon for any other purpose.

   
Date:  May 10, 2011
/s/ Stephen R. Crim
 
Stephen R. Crim
 
Chief Executive Officer
   

A signed original of this written statement required by § 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by § 906, has been provided to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and will be retained by American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The information in this Exhibit 32.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.



-  -
 
29

 

Exhibit 32.2



Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


The undersigned, as the Chief Financial Officer of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd., certifies that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010, which accompanies this certification fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. at the dates and for the periods indicated. The foregoing certification is made pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2003 (18 U.S.C. §1350) and shall not be relied upon for any other purpose.

   
Date:  May 10, 2011
/s/   Mark W. Haushill
 
Mark W. Haushill
 
Chief Financial Officer
   


A signed original of this written statement required by § 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by § 906, has been provided to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and will be retained by American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The information in this Exhibit 32.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.






-  -
 
30