ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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x Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
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Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
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Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 6, 2008
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation
(the Company) will be held at the principal executive offices of the Company at 4370 Peachtree
Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia at 9:00 A.M., Eastern Time, on May 6, 2008, for the following
purposes:
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To elect eleven (11) directors of the Company for the ensuing year; |
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(2) |
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To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournments or postponements thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2008, will be entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED WHEN MAILED IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Janie L. Ryan
Corporate Secretary
April 4, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 6, 2008
GENERAL
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors of Atlantic American Corporation (the Company) for use at the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders (the Meeting) to be held at the time and place, and for the purposes, specified in
the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and at any postponements or adjournments
thereof. When the enclosed proxy is properly executed and returned, or you vote your proxy through
the Internet as provided for on the enclosed proxy card, the shares which it represents will be
voted at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions thereon. In the absence of any such
instructions, the shares represented thereby will be voted in favor of the election of all of the
nominees for director listed under the caption Election of Directors and for the ratification of
the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
for 2008. Management does not know of any other business to be brought before the Meeting not
described herein, but it is intended that as to any such other business properly brought before the
Meeting, a vote will be cast pursuant to any proxy granted in accordance with the judgment of the
proxies appointed thereunder. This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy are first
being given or sent to shareholders of the Company on or about April 4, 2008.
Any shareholder who executes and delivers a proxy, or votes a proxy through the Internet, may
revoke it at any time prior to its use by: (i) giving written notice of such revocation to the
Secretary of the Company at 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000; (ii) executing
and delivering a proxy bearing a later date to the Secretary of the Company at 4370 Peachtree Road,
N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000; (iii) voting, or re-voting, as the case may be, a proxy over the
Internet at a later date; or (iv) attending the Meeting and voting in person.
Only holders of record of issued and outstanding shares of $1.00 par value per share common stock
of the Company (Common Stock) as of March 14, 2008 (the Record Date) will be entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 21,843,062 shares of Common Stock
outstanding. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 is being
provided with this proxy statement.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The costs of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Officers, directors and employees of
the Company may solicit proxies by telephone, personal interview or otherwise, but will not receive
any additional compensation for so doing. No contract or arrangement exists for engaging
specially-paid employees or solicitors in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the
Meeting. Arrangements may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries holding shares for a beneficial owner to send proxies and proxy materials to their
principals, and the Company will reimburse them for their expenses in so doing.
VOTE REQUIRED
A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock must be present in person or by proxy at the
Meeting in order to have the quorum necessary to transact business. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will be counted as present in determining whether the quorum requirement is satisfied.
A non-vote occurs when a custodian, nominee or fiduciary holding shares for a beneficial owner
votes on one proposal pursuant to discretionary authority or instructions from the beneficial
owner, but does not vote on another proposal because the nominee has not received instruction from
the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority to vote with respect to such other
proposal. Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Common
Stock present in person or by proxy and actually voting at the Meeting at which a quorum is
present. In order for shareholders to approve each other matter to be voted on at the Meeting, the
votes cast favoring the proposal must exceed the votes cast opposing the proposal. Abstentions and
non-votes will not count as votes for or against any director or proposal, as case may be, as to
which there is an abstention or non-vote.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
One of the purposes of the Meeting is to elect eleven directors to serve until the next annual
meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their
earlier resignation or removal. In the event any of the nominees should be unavailable to serve as
a director, which contingency is not presently anticipated, proxies will be voted for the election
of such other persons as may be designated by the present Board of Directors.
All of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors are currently Directors of the Company.
The following information is set forth with respect to the eleven nominees for Director to be
elected at the Meeting:
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Name |
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Age |
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Position with the Company |
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J. Mack Robinson
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84 |
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Chairman of the Board |
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
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46 |
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Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Edward E. Elson
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74 |
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Director |
Harold K. Fischer
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75 |
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Director |
Samuel E. Hudgins
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79 |
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Director |
D. Raymond Riddle
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74 |
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Director |
Harriett J. Robinson
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77 |
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Director |
Scott G. Thompson
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63 |
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Director |
Mark C. West
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48 |
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Director |
William H. Whaley, M.D.
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68 |
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Director |
Dom H. Wyant
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81 |
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Director |
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Mr. Robinson has served as Chairman of the Board since 1974 and served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company from September 1988 to May 1995. Mr. Robinson is also a Director
of Gray Television, Inc.
Mr. Howell has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 1995, and prior
thereto served as Executive Vice President of the Company from October 1992 to May 1995. He has
been a Director of the Company since October 1992. Mr. Howell is the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs.
Robinson. He is also a Director of Triple Crown Media, Inc. and Gray Television, Inc.
Mr. Elson is the former Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Denmark,
serving from 1993 through 1998. He has been a Director of the Company since October 1998, and
previously served as a Director from 1986 to 1993.
Mr. Fischer is the retired President of Association Casualty Insurance Company and Association Risk
Management General Agency, Inc., former subsidiaries of the Company, positions which he held from
1984 through June 2001. He has been a Director of the Company since July 1999, when the Company
originally acquired those former subsidiaries, which have since been divested.
Mr. Hudgins has been an independent consultant since September 1997 and was a Principal in
Percival, Hudgins & Company, LLC, an investment bank, from April 1992 to September 1997. He has
been a Director of the Company since 1986.
Mr. Riddle is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Service Industries,
Inc., a diversified holding company, positions he held from September 1994 to February 1996. Prior
thereto, he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of National Service Industries
since January 1993. Prior thereto, he was President of Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., the
President of Wachovia Corporation of Georgia and Executive Vice President of Wachovia Corporation.
He has been a Director of the Company since 1976, and also serves as a Director of AMC, Inc. and
AGL Resources, Inc.
Mrs. Robinson, the wife of J. Mack Robinson, has been a Director of the Company since 1989. She is
also a Director of Gray Television, Inc.
Mr. Thompson has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of American Southern Insurance
Company, a subsidiary of the Company, since 2004; prior thereto he had been the President and Chief
Financial Officer of that company since 1984. He has been a Director of the Company since February
1996.
Mr. West has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Genoa Companies since 1990. He
has been a Director of the Company since July 1997.
Dr. Whaley has been a physician in private practice for more than the past five years. He has been
a Director of the Company since July 1992.
Mr. Wyant is a retired partner of the law firm of Jones Day, which serves as counsel to the
Company. He served as a Partner with that firm from 1989 through 1994, and as Of Counsel from 1995
through 1997. He has been a Director of the Company since 1985.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the nominees for Director.
2
Committees of The Board of Directors
As a result of the level of beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by J. Mack Robinson, one of
our director nominees and currently our Chairman of the Board, and his affiliates, the Company
meets the definition of a controlled company as defined pursuant to Rule 4350(c)(5) of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Marketplace Rules (the NASDAQ Rules).
Accordingly, the Company is exempt from certain requirements of the NASDAQ Rules, including the
requirement that a majority of its Board of Directors be independent, as defined in such rules, the
requirement that director nominees be selected, or recommended for the boards selection, by either
a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee comprised solely of independent
directors, and certain requirements relating to the determination of executive officer
compensation. Notwithstanding this, however, the Board of Directors has determined that the
following individuals are independent pursuant to the NASDAQ Rules for purposes of serving as a
member of the Board of Directors: Edward E. Elson, Harold K. Fischer, D. Raymond Riddle, Mark C.
West and Dom H. Wyant.
The Board of Directors of the Company has three standing committees: the Executive Committee, the
Stock Option and Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee.
The Executive Committee is composed of Messrs. Robinson, Howell and Hudgins, and Dr. Whaley. The
Executive Committees function is to act in the place and stead of the Board of Directors to the
extent permitted by law on matters which require Board action between meetings of the Board of
Directors. The Executive Committee of the Company met or acted by written consent three times
during 2007.
The Stock Option and Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Elson, Riddle and West and Dr.
Whaley, each of whom, with the exception of Dr. Whaley, is independent pursuant to the NASDAQ
Rules. The Stock Option and Compensation Committees function is to establish the number of stock
options to be granted to officers and key employees and the annual salaries and bonus amounts
payable to officers of the Company. The Stock Option and Compensation Committee met one time during
2007. Due to its status as a controlled company, and the related historically low turnover among
Board and Committee members, as well as among the Companys executive officers, the Board has not
foreseen a need to adopt a charter to govern the Stock Option and Compensation Committees
functions.
The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Elson, Riddle, West and Wyant. Information regarding
the functions performed by the Audit Committee and its membership during 2007 is set forth in the
Report of the Audit Committee, included below. The Board of Directors has determined that all of
the members of the Audit Committee are independent for purposes of being an Audit Committee
member, and financially literate, as such terms are defined in the NASDAQ Rules and the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that
three of the members of the Audit Committee, Messrs. Elson, Riddle and West, each have the
attributes of an audit committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K. In making such determination, the Board took into
consideration, among other things, the express provision in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K that the
determination that a person has the attributes of an audit committee financial expert shall not
impose any greater responsibility or liability on that person than the responsibility and liability
imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee, nor shall it affect the duties and
obligations of other Audit Committee members or the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee has a
written charter which sets out its authority and responsibilities, a copy of which is available on
the Companys website, www.atlam.com. The Audit Committee met or acted by written consent five
times during 2007.
Due to its status as a controlled company, and the related historically small turnover of its
members, the Board has not foreseen the need to establish a separate nominating committee or adopt
a charter to govern the nomination process. The Board of Directors has generally addressed the
need to retain members and fill vacancies after discussion among current members, the members of
the Executive Committee, and the Companys management. The Board of Directors does not have any
specific qualifications that are required to be met by director candidates and does not have a
formal process for identifying and evaluating director candidates.
Additionally, the Board of Directors does not have a formal policy with respect to the
consideration of any director candidates recommended by shareholders and has determined that it is
appropriate not to have such a formal policy at this time. The Board of Directors, however, will
give due consideration to director candidates recommended by shareholders. Any shareholder that
wishes to nominate a director candidate should submit complete information as to the identity and
qualifications of the director candidate to the Board of Directors at the address and in the manner
set forth below for communication with the Board.
The Board of Directors met or acted by written consent five times in 2007. Each of the Directors
named above attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and its committees of which he or
she was a member during 2007. The Company does not have a formal policy regarding Director
attendance at its annual meetings, but attendance by the Directors is encouraged and expected. At
the Companys 2007 annual meeting of shareholders, nine of the Companys directors were in
attendance.
Shareholders may communicate with members of the Board of Directors by mail addressed to the full
Board of Directors, a specific member of the Board of Directors or a particular committee of the
Board of Directors, at Atlantic American Corporation, 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30319.
3
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee (the Committee) oversees the Companys (i) financial reports and other
financial information; (ii) systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, legal
compliance and ethics; and (iii) auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes. The
Companys management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the
reporting processes, including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, the Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial
statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, including a discussion of
the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant accounting judgments and estimates,
and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit
of the Companys financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) and expressing an opinion thereon. During 2007, the Committee
reviewed with the independent auditors for the 2007 fiscal year their judgments as to the quality,
not just the acceptability, of the Companys accounting principles and such other matters as are
required to be discussed with the Committee under auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States, including the items set out in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication
with Audit Committees, as amended, promulgated by the Auditing Standards Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and rule 2-07 of Regulation S-X. In addition, the
Committee has discussed with the Companys independent auditors for the 2007 fiscal year the
auditors independence from management and the Company, including the matters in the written
disclosures received as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.1, and considered the
compatibility of nonaudit services provided to the Company by BDO Seidman, LLP, with the
maintenance of the auditors independence.
The Committee discussed with the Companys independent auditors for the 2007 fiscal year the
overall scope and plans for the 2007 audit. The Committee met with such independent auditors, with
and without management present, to discuss, among other things, the results of their audit, their
considerations of the Companys internal controls, and the overall quality of the Companys
financial reporting. The Committee met or acted by written consent five times during fiscal year
2007.
In performing its functions, the Committee acts only in an oversight capacity. The Committee
reviews the Companys periodic reports prior to filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and quarterly earnings announcements. In its oversight role, the Committee relies on the work and
assurances of the Companys management, which has the primary responsibility for financial
statements and reports, and of the independent auditors, who, in their report, express an opinion
on the Companys annual financial statements as to their conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
D. Raymond Riddle, Chairman
Edward E. Elson
Mark C. West
Dom H. Wyant
March 27, 2008
4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth ownership information regarding our outstanding equity securities as
of March 14, 2008 by: (i) each person who is known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company; (ii) each director; (iii) each executive
officer named in the Summary Compensation Table below; (iv) all of the
Companys directors and executive officers as a group; (v) Series B Preferred Stock ownership; and
(vi) Series D Preferred Stock Ownership.
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Common |
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Series B |
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Series D |
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Stock(1) |
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Preferred Stock(1) |
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Preferred Stock(1) |
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Number of |
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Number of |
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Number of |
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Name of Stockholder |
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Shares |
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Percentage |
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Shares |
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Percentage |
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Shares |
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Percentage |
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J. Mack Robinson
4370 Peachtree Road,
N.E. Atlanta, Georgia
30319 |
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14,563,400 |
(2) |
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66.62 |
% |
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134,000 |
(2) |
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100 |
% |
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70,000 |
(2) |
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100 |
% |
Harriett J. Robinson
4370 Peachtree Road,
N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319 |
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8,678,680 |
(3) |
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39.73 |
% |
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71,500 |
(3) |
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53.36 |
% |
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Harold K. Fischer
P.O. Box 9728
Austin, TX 78766 |
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1,347,666 |
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6.17 |
% |
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Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
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537,525 |
(4) |
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2.43 |
% |
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Edward E. Elson |
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22,346 |
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* |
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Samuel E. Hudgins |
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9,513 |
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* |
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D. Raymond Riddle |
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125,814 |
(5) |
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* |
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Scott G. Thompson |
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108,346 |
(6) |
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* |
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Mark C. West |
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171,796 |
(7) |
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* |
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William H. Whaley, M.D |
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39,346 |
(8) |
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* |
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Dom H. Wyant |
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18,346 |
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* |
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John G. Sample, Jr. |
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61,604 |
(9) |
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* |
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All directors and
executive officers as
a group (12
persons) |
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17,005,702 |
(10) |
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76.32 |
% |
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134,000 |
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100 |
% |
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70,000 |
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100 |
% |
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* |
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Represents less than one percent. |
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(1) |
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All shares of stock are owned beneficially and of record unless otherwise stated. Except
upon the occurrence of certain events, holders of Series B Preferred Stock and Series D
Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote, whereas each share of common stock entitles its
holder to one vote. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock and shares of Series D Preferred
Stock are not currently convertible, but may become convertible into shares of the Companys
common stock under certain conditions. |
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(2) |
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With respect to the common stock, includes: 3,740,646 shares of common stock owned by Gulf
Capital Services, Ltd.; 946,702 shares of common stock owned by Delta Life Insurance Company;
and 300,000 shares of common stock owned by Delta Fire & Casualty Company, all of which are
companies controlled by Mr. Robinson and each of which has an address at 4370 Peachtree Road,
N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319; and 18,525 shares of common stock held by Mr. Robinson pursuant
to the Companys 401(k) Plan. With respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, Mr. Robinson
directly owns 62,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. With respect to the Series D
Preferred Stock, consists of 70,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock owned by Gulf Capital
Services, Ltd. Also includes all shares held by Mr. Robinsons wife (see note 3 below). |
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(3) |
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Harriett J. Robinson is the wife of J. Mack Robinson. With respect to the common stock,
includes 8,042,048 shares of common stock held by Mrs. Robinson as trustee for her children,
as to which she disclaims any beneficial ownership. Also includes 6,720 shares of common stock
held jointly with her grandson. With respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, consists of
7,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock owned directly and 64,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock held by Mrs. Robinson as trustee for her children, as to which she disclaims
any beneficial ownership. Does not include any shares held by Mr. Robinson (see note 2
above). |
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(4) |
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Includes: 200,000 shares of common stock subject to presently exercisable stock options;
87,259 shares of common stock held pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan; 3,200 shares of
common stock owned by his wife; 38,000 shares of common stock owned by his wife as custodian
for their children; and 6,720 shares of common stock held in joint ownership by Mr. Howells
son and Harriett J. Robinson, as to which he disclaims any beneficial ownership. |
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(5) |
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Includes 600 shares of common stock held by Mr. Riddles spouse, as to which he disclaims any
beneficial ownership. |
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(6) |
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Includes 80,000 shares of common stock subject to presently exercisable options. |
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(7) |
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Includes 127,500 shares of common stock owned by Atlantis Capital LLP, of which Mr. West is
the President of the General Partner. |
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(8) |
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Includes 6,000 shares of common stock owned by Dr. Whaleys spouse as custodian for his
daughter. |
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(9) |
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Includes: 50,000 shares of common stock subject to presently exercisable options and 4,104
shares of common stock held pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
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(10) |
|
Includes 330,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable
options held by all directors and executive officers as a group. Also includes shares of
common stock held pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Plan described in notes 2, 4 and 11 above. |
5
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Companys directors, executive officers, and
any persons holding more than ten percent of any class of the Companys equity securities
registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are required to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes of ownership of Common
Stock and other equity securities of the Company, and to furnish the Company with copies of such
reports. To the Companys knowledge, all such filings were completed, but nine of these required
filings were not timely completed, during the year ended December 31, 2007. Each such filing was
inadvertently made after the required deadline due to administrative error. Three of those filings
were required by Mr. Robinson, each relating to one transaction; three of those required filings
were required by Mrs. Robinson, each relating to one transaction; one of the filings was required
by Mr. West, relating to two transactions; and one filing was required by each of Mr. Riddle and
Mr. Sample, each relating to one transaction. In making this disclosure, the Company has relied on
written representations of its directors and executive officers and its receipt of copies of the
reports that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Compensation Philosophy
The Stock Option and Compensation Committee (the Compensation Committee) believes that the
compensation of executives should be designed to attract, retain and motivate those persons who
enable Atlantic American to achieve its mission. Our compensation setting process includes
establishing an overall level of compensation for executive officers that will be paid if certain
personal, corporate and combined performance goals are met. Compensation is then allocated through
four primary components: base salaries, cash bonuses, equity incentives and other minor
perquisites.
The Compensation Committees philosophy is to pay salaries competitive with prevailing levels
within our industry and market. The Compensation Committee also uses annual bonus awards to award
and incentivize officers; bringing overall compensation to desired levels. In addition, equity
incentives are considered in order to provide additional motivation to improve the Companys long
term prospects. Industry compensation data is typically sourced from SNL Financial, a leading
financial information provider to the financial services industries, including insurance. Market
compensation data, which we generally obtain from various public sources such as proxy statements
and various state and/or regional salary surveys, relating to companies of similar size (measured
by assets, revenues, GAAP and statutory profitability, etc.) with executive officers in the Atlanta
area, is also considered.
To assist the Compensation Committee in establishing overall compensation for executive officers,
the Compensation Committee has, from time to time, although not in 2007, engaged the services of an
external compensation consultant, Buck Consultants. The consultants have been previously engaged
to make recommendations relative to the levels and timing of base and incentive cash compensation
and short and long-term equity awards and programs.
Compensation components are generally determined annually at the beginning of each year, effective
March 15, and are solely the responsibility of the Compensation Committee. Adjustments, after
consideration of industry and market data and input from relevant consultants, are then based
primarily on the performance of the Company and the individual executive officer during the prior
calendar year and expectations and objectives for performance in the current year. All decisions
are within the discretion of the Compensation Committee and are made without regard to race,
religion, color, age, handicap, gender, national origin or other prohibited factors; and our
overall compensation program complies with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and
guidelines.
Base Cash Compensation
Annual adjustments to cash compensation levels are determined on a discretionary basis by the
Compensation Committee after considering not only those factors discussed above, but also after
considering various other external market factors such as changes in consumer prices, external
forces which may be influencing the Atlanta employment market and/or competitive offers and/or
positions. After such consideration, effective March 15, 2007, Mr. Howells base cash compensation
was increased 10% and Mr. Robinsons and Mr. Samples base cash compensation was increased 6%.
Subsequent to the Compensation Committees approval of 2007 base cash compensation and in
recognition of the declining levels of business and related premium revenue, in July 2007 Mr.
Robinson voluntarily reduced his base cash compensation by 6.2% and Mr. Howell voluntarily reduced
his base cash compensation by 9.1%. Subsequent thereto, in October 2007, Mr. Robinson again
voluntarily reduced his base cash compensation by an additional 98.9% to an annualized rate of
$2,000 per annum and Mr. Howell again voluntarily reduced his base cash compensation by an
additional 52.1% to an annualized rate of $218,600. In October 2007, Mr. Sample also voluntarily
reduced his base cash compensation by 10% to an annualized rate of $357,069. Since the voluntary
reductions in October 2007, the Compensation Committee has not approved any subsequent increases to
previously approved base compensation levels.
Bonus Compensation
Cash bonuses are determined on a discretionary basis by the Compensation Committee. The bonuses
are intended to reflect an evaluation of the individuals prior year performance as well as the
Companys prior year performance. Historical practice is that bonuses have been determined based
on a percentage of the annual cash compensation to be paid with effect as of March 15 of the year
in which the bonus is paid and the performance evaluation is made. While the Compensation
Committee retains discretion as to the amounts and percentages of bonus awards, the bonus
compensation range as a percentage of salary for each of the Companys executive officers has
historically been as follows: Chairman of the Board (40%-50%), Chief Executive Officer (50%-60%),
and Chief Financial Officer (30%-40%).
6
As of December 31, 2007, in recognition of the declining levels of business and related premium
revenue, there were no bonuses accrued and/or approved related to 2007. Subsequent thereto and
through March 31, 2008, there were no bonus accruals or payments made.
Equity-Based Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes that equity-based compensation, in the form of stock options or
other stock awards, serves to motivate executives to seek to improve the Companys short-term and
long-term prospects and thereby align the interests of the Companys executives with those of its
shareholders. Given evolving trends in equity-based compensation, the Compensation Committee
declined to make any equity-based compensation awards in 2007 to allow for further analysis of
relevant comparables. Analysis is ongoing and the Compensation Committee does plan on making
future equity-based awards.
Perquisites
The Compensation Committee believes that including in compensation for the Companys executive
officers certain minor perquisites is consistent with the Companys overall compensation philosophy
and appropriately reflects prevailing market conditions. The Compensation Committee reviews, from
time to time, the nature and level of perquisites available for such officers.
Primary Compensation Table
For compensation purposes, the Compensation Committee generally evaluates the performance of the
named executive officers on the same basis as the Companys other officers. Approved compensation
increases for 2007, as applicable, for these individuals are reflected below and are in recognition
of various performance criteria during both 2006 and 2007. Salary increases and bonus awards are
granted in the first quarter and are generally consistent with historical compensation practices of
the Company. The distribution of bonus awards coincides with the release of performance results
for the previous year and after considering the Federal income tax consequences of such deductions.
All forms of compensation are taxed in compliance with State and Federal law.
Termination Payments
During 2007 the Company did not make payment to any executive officer as a result of dismissal,
resignation, or retirement.
Report of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation
The Stock Option and Compensation Committee (the Compensation Committee) of the Company has
reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of
Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation
Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in
this Proxy Statement.
THE STOCK OPTION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Dr. William H. Whaley, Chairman
Edward E. Elson
D. Raymond Riddle
Mark C. West
7
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
There is shown below information concerning the annual compensation for services in all capacities
to the Company and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 of those
persons qualifying as Executive Officers of the Company. Included are: (i) chief executive officer
(ii) chief financial officer and (iii) the only other executive officer of the Company at December
31, 2007 whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000, (the named executive officers):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary Compensation Table |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total |
Name and Principal Position |
|
|
Year |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($)(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
414,413 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
41,500 |
(1) |
|
|
|
455,913 |
|
President and CEO |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
456,500 |
|
|
|
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
|
53,500 |
(5) |
|
|
|
785,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John G. Sample, Jr. |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
383,081 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
36,500 |
(2) |
|
|
|
419,581 |
|
Senior Vice President and CFO |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
374,286 |
|
|
|
|
158,697 |
|
|
|
|
28,820 |
(6) |
|
|
|
561,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mack Robinson |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
145,831 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
36,781 |
(3) |
|
|
|
182,612 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
187,550 |
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
53,500 |
(5) |
|
|
|
341,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of (i) contributions to Mr. Howells account under
the Companys 401(k) Plan of $15,500 and (ii) fees paid for serving as a director of the
Company and subsidiaries of $26,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of (i) contributions to Mr. Samples account under the Companys 401(k)
Plan of $15,500, (ii) an annual automobile allowance of $9,000, and (iii) fees paid for
serving as a director of a subsidiary of the Company of $12,000. |
|
(3) |
|
Consists of (i) contributions to Mr. Robinsons account under the Companys 401(k)
Plan of $14,281 and (ii) fees paid for serving as a director of the Company and subsidiaries
of $22,500. |
|
(4) |
|
Does not include amounts deemed received pursuant to certain related transactions
and described below in Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. |
|
(5) |
|
Consists of (i) contributions to the named individuals
account under the Companys 401(k) Plan of $7,500 and (ii) fees paid for serving as a director
of the Company and subsidiaries of $46,000. |
|
(6) |
|
Consists of (i) contributions to Mr. Samples account under the Companys 401(k)
Plan of $7,500, (ii) an annual automobile allowance of $9,000, (iii) reimbursed costs of an
annual physical of $320 and (iv) fees paid for serving as a director of a subsidiary of the
Company of $12,000. |
8
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information about the outstanding equity awards held by the named
executive officers at December 31, 2007.
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards(1) |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Market |
|
Awards: |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Value of |
|
Number of |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Shares or |
|
Unearned |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Units of |
|
Shares, |
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That |
|
Stock |
|
Units or |
|
or Other |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have |
|
That |
|
Other Rights |
|
Rights That |
|
|
|
Options |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Not |
|
Have Not |
|
That Have |
|
Have Not |
|
|
|
(#) |
|
Options |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Not Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
(#) Unexercisable |
|
Options (#) |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
|
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
|
10/15/11 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
1.59 |
|
|
|
05/06/13 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
John G. Sample, Jr. |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
2.00 |
|
|
|
07/02/12 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mack Robinson |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All of the option grants were made under the Companys 1992 Incentive Plan, except for
100,000 options granted to Mr. Howell that were made under the Companys 2002 Incentive Plan.
All of the option grants have a ten-year term, vest 50% upon the date of grant and 25% on each
of the two subsequent anniversaries of the date of grant and have an exercise price equal to
the fair market value on grant date. |
The following table provides information about stock option exercises and vesting for the named
executive officers during the year ended December. 31, 2007
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired |
|
Realized |
|
Acquired |
|
Realized |
|
|
On |
|
On |
|
On |
|
On |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Exercise |
|
Vesting |
|
Vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
John G. Sample, Jr. |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
39,700 |
|
|
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2007, Messrs. Elson, Riddle and West, and Dr. Whaley, none of whom was, during the year or
formerly, an officer or employee of the Company, were members of the Stock Option and Compensation
Committee of our Board of Directors. None of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee members
serve as members of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or
more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or Stock Option and Compensation
Committee.
9
Compensation of Directors
Atlantic Americans policy is to pay all members of the Board of Directors an annual retainer fee
of $12,000, to pay fees to Directors at the rate of $2,000 for each Board meeting attended and $500
for each committee meeting attended. In addition, Directors are reimbursed for actual expenses
incurred in connection with attending meetings of the Board and/or Committees of the Board. The
annual retainer fee is paid $6,000 in cash, with the remainder paid in shares of Common Stock based
upon the market price as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the
annual meeting, the date of grant of such shares. Pursuant to the Companys 2002 Incentive Plan
(the 2002 Incentive Plan), all Directors who are not employees or officers of the Company of any
of its subsidiaries are entitled to receive stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and
other equity awards.
The following table provides information about the compensation paid for services as a director of
the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director Summary Compensation Table |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
in Cash ($) |
|
|
Awards ($) |
|
|
Awards ($) |
|
|
Compensation ($) |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Compensation ($) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mack Robinson |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
16,500 |
(2) |
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
18,500 |
(2) |
Edward E. Elson |
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
Harold K. Fischer |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
Samuel E. Hudgins |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
132,600 |
(4) |
|
|
|
152,600 |
|
D. Raymond Riddle |
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
Harriett J. Robinson |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
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16,500 |
(2) |
Scott G. Thompson |
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14,000 |
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6,000 |
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-0- |
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(1 |
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N/A |
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(1 |
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20,000 |
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Mark C. West |
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12,500 |
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6,000 |
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-0- |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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-0- |
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18,500 |
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William H. Whaley, M.D. |
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14,500 |
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6,000 |
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-0- |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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15,000 |
(3) |
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35,500 |
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Dom H. Wyant |
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16,000 |
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6,000 |
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-0- |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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-0- |
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22,000 |
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(1) |
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None other than compensation received as an employee of the Company and reported in
the Summary Compensation Table above, or, in the case of Mr. Thompson, compensation received
as an employee of a subsidiary of the Company. |
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(2) |
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Does not include amounts deemed received pursuant to certain related transactions
and described below in Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. |
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(3) |
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The Company has entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Whaley, pursuant to
which Dr. Whaley provides certain medical consulting and advisory services to the Companys
subsidiaries. Pursuant to the agreement, Dr. Whaley receives $15,000 per year for such
services. |
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(4) |
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The Company has entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Hudgins, pursuant to
which Mr. Hudgins provides various financial and other consulting services to the Company.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Hudgins received $132,600 during 2007 for such services. |
10
2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee is required by law and applicable NASDAQ Rules to be directly responsible for
the appointment, compensation and retention of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm. The Audit Committee has appointed BDO Seidman, LLP (BDO) as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. While
shareholder ratification of the selection of BDO as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm is not required by the Companys By-laws or otherwise, the Board of Directors is
submitting the selection of BDO to the shareholders for ratification. If the shareholders fail to
ratify the selection, the Audit Committee may, but is not required to, reconsider whether to retain
that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the
appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the
year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders.
On April 3, 2006, the Audit Committee determined not to renew its engagement of Deloitte & Touche
LLP (D&T), which served as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 (the Prior Period), and appointed BDO as the
Companys auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. BDO was also engaged to reaudit
the Companys financial statement for the Prior Period.
D&Ts reports on the Companys consolidated financial statement as of December 31, 2005 and 2004
for the years then ended did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not
qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
In connection with the audits of the Companys financial statements for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2004, there were no disagreements between the Company and D&T on any matters
of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which, if not resolved to D&Ts satisfaction, would have caused D&T to make reference to
the matter in its reports. During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, there were no
reportable events as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 304(a)(1)(v).
D&T has previously furnished us with a letter, addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission,
stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of D&Ts letter, dated April 3, 2006,
has been filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Companys current report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2006.
A representative from BDO is expected to be present at the Meeting and will have the opportunity to
make any statement if such representative desires to do so, and, if present, will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
Amounts paid to the Companys principal accountant by category were as follows:
Audit Fees
The Company has paid or expects to pay BDO approximately $483,000, in the aggregate, for
professional services it rendered for the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements
and audits of subsidiary company statutory reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and
the reviews of the interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The Company paid BDO $460,000, in the
aggregate, for professional services it rendered for the audit of the Companys consolidated
financial statements and audits of subsidiary company statutory reports for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006 and the reviews of the interim financial statements included in the Companys
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Company also paid BDO $150,000 for a reaudit of the
Companys consolidated balance sheet for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 2005.
Audit Related Fees
No audit-related fees were paid to BDO during 2007 or 2006.
Tax Fees
There were no tax fees paid to the Companys principal accountant in either 2007 or 2006.
All Other Fees
BDO did not provide any other category of products or services to the Company during the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2007 or 2006 and, accordingly, no other fees were paid thereto in either
2007 or 2006.
The Audit Committee considers whether the provision of non-audit services by the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
All audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee. Pursuant to the Audit
Committees Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the Policy) and as permitted by
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority
to any of its members, provided that any service approved in this manner is reported to the full
Audit Committee at its next meeting.
11
The Policy provides for a general pre-approval of certain specifically enumerated services that are
to be provided within specified fee levels. With respect to requests to provide specifically
enumerated services not specifically pre-approved pursuant to such general grant, such requests
must be submitted to the Audit Committee by both the independent registered public accounting firm
and the Chief Financial Officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view,
the request is consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission rules on auditor independence.
Such requests must also be specific as to the nature of the proposed service, the proposed fee and
any other details the Audit Committee may request.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company leases space for its principal offices, as well as the principal offices of certain of
its subsidiaries, in an office building located at 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia,
from Delta Life Insurance Company, a corporation of which Mr. Robinson, the Companys Chairman,
owns 59% of the stock, with the remainder owned by Mrs. Robinson directly and as trustee for her
children, under a lease, which incepted on November 1, 2007, and provides for rent adjustments on
every fifth anniversary of the term commencement date. Under the terms of the leases, the Company
occupies approximately 65,489 square feet of office space as well as covered parking garage
facilities at an annual rent of approximately $622,000, plus a pro rata share of all real estate
taxes, general maintenance and service expenses and insurance costs with respect to the office
building and other facilities. The terms of the lease are believed by management of the Company to
be comparable to terms that could be obtained by the Company from unrelated parties for comparable
rental property.
Effective December 31, 1995, an aggregate of $13.4 million in principal of demand notes previously
issued by the Company were canceled in exchange for the issuance by the Company of an aggregate of
134,000 shares of a new series of preferred stock (the Series B Preferred Stock), which has a
stated value of $100 per share and accrues dividends at 9% per year. At December 31, 2007, the
Company had accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock totaling $14,472,000,
which was the largest amount outstanding during such year. All shares of Series B Preferred Stock
are owned directly or indirectly by affiliates of Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Robinson or Mr. Howell.
On September 30, 2006, the Company issued and sold 70,000 shares of its Series D preferred stock,
par value $1.00 per share (the Series D Preferred Stock) to Gulf Capital Services, Ltd. (Gulf
Capital), a corporation of which Mr. Robinson owns 24% of the stock, with the remainder owned by
Mrs. Robinson as trustee for her children, for an aggregate purchase price of $7.0 million. The
outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock have a stated value of $100 per share; accrue annual
dividends at a rate of $7.25 per share (payable in cash or shares of the Companys common stock at
the option of the board of directors of the Company) and are cumulative; in certain circumstances
may be convertible into an aggregate of approximately 1,754,000 shares of common stock, subject to
certain adjustments and provided that such adjustments do not result in the Company issuing more
than approximately 2,703,000 shares of common stock without obtaining prior shareholder approval;
and are redeemable solely at the Companys option. The Series D Preferred Stock is not currently
convertible. During 2007, the Company issued 226,605 shares of common stock in lieu of series D
Preferred Stock dividend payments valued at $0.6 million. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2007,
the Company did not have any unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock.
In accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement for the sale of Georgia Casualty and
Association Casualty to Columbia Mutual Insurance Company, certain investments held by Georgia
Casualty and Association Casualty were required to be disposed of prior to the completion of such
sale. Effective November 30, 2007, an investment in a real estate joint venture was sold to Gulf
Capital Services, Ltd. for a purchase price of $3,700,000. Mr. Robinson and his affiliates
collectively own 100% of Gulf Capital Services, Ltd.
On May 22, 2007, Gray Television, Inc. redeemed 175 shares of Gray Television Series C preferred
stock held by the Company at a price of $10,000 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends equal
to $19,833. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Howell and Mrs. Robinson are directors, and may be deemed to be
affiliates, of Gray Television, Inc.
The Company is a party to a consulting arrangement with Mr. Hudgins, pursuant to which Mr. Hudgins
provides various financial and other consulting services to the Company. Pursuant to the
agreement, Mr. Hudgins received $132,600 during 2007 for such services.
In accordance with the terms of the written charter of the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors, the Audit Committee is to approve all related party transactions that are required to be
disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Audit Committee approved all such
transactions in 2007.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management of the Company knows of no matters other than those stated above which are to be brought
before the Meeting. However, if any such other matters should be presented for consideration and
voting, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxies to vote thereon in accordance with
their best judgment.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals to be presented at the next annual meeting of shareholders must be received
by the Company no later than December 5, 2008, in order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy
statement for the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders. Any such proposal should be addressed to the
Companys President and mailed to 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000. A
shareholder not seeking to have his proposal included in the Companys proxy statement, but seeking
to have the proposal considered at the Companys 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, should notify
the Company in the manner set forth above of his proposal no later than February 27, 2009. In
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if the shareholder has not
given such notice to the Company by February 27, 2009, the persons appointed as proxies for the
2009 annual meeting of shareholders may exercise discretionary authority to vote on any such
shareholder proposal.
12
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
As a stockholder of Atlantic American Corporation,
you have the option of voting your shares
electronically through the Internet, eliminating the need to return the proxy card.
Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked,
signed, dated and returned the proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the Internet must be received
by 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 5 , 2008.
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Vote Your Proxy on the Internet:
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Vote Your Proxy by mail:
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Go to www.continentalstock.com
Have your proxy card available when
you access the above website.
Follow the prompts to vote your
shares.
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OR
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Mark,
sign, and date your proxy card,
then detach it,
and return it in the
postage-paid envelope
provided.
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PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE
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VOTING ELECTRONICALLY |
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6 FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE 6
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THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO
DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL
DIRECTORS AND OTHER PROPOSALS. THIS PROXY IS
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
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Please mark
your votes
like this
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X
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FOR
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WITHHOLD |
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all nominees
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AUTHORITY for |
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all nominees |
1.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
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o |
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FOR, except (To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a line
through that nominees name in the list below) |
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01 J. Mack Robinson, 02 Hilton H. Howell, Jr., 03 Edward E. Elson, 04 Harold K. Fischer, |
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05 Samuel E. Hudgins, 06 D. Raymond Riddle , 07 Harriett J. Robinson, |
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08 Scott G. Thompson, 09 Mark C. West, 10 William H. Whaley, M.D., 11 Dom H. Wyant |
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PRINT AUTHORIZATION
(THIS BOXED AREA DOES NOT PRINT)
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To commence printing on this proxy card please sign, date
and fax
this card to this
number: 212-691-9013 or email us your
approval. |
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SIGNATURE:
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DATE:
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TIME: |
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Registered Quantity
Broker Quantity
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Note:
SCOTTI to Email final approved copy for Electronic Voting website
setup: Yes o |
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN |
2.
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TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP.
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In their discretion,
the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may
properly come before the meeting. |
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UPON FINAL APPROVAL
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COMPANY ID: |
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FORWARD INTERNET &
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TELEPHONE VOTING |
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PROXY NUMBER: |
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TO
SUNGUARD
WITHOUT THE YELLOW
BOX, BLUE BOX & CROP
MARKS |
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ACCOUNT NUMBER:
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Signature
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Signature
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Dated: |
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, 2008 |
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NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
6
FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE
6
PROXY
ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORPORATION
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3000
Proxy
Solicitation on Behalf of the Board of Directors of
the Company for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held on May 6, 2008
The undersigned hereby appoints J. Mack Robinson, Hilton H. Howell, Jr. and John G. Sample,
Jr., or any of them, as proxies with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to vote on the
undersigneds behalf at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Atlantic American Corporation, to be
held at 9:00 A.M., Eastern Time, on May 6, 2008, at the offices of the Company, 4370 Peachtree
Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia and at all adjournments or postponements thereof, upon all business
as may properly come before the meeting, including the business described in the accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, receipt of which is acknowledged.
PROXIES WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY INSTRUCTIONS INDICATED BELOW. IF NO SPECIFICATION
IS MADE, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND ALL LISTED
PROPOSALS. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES WILL BE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS
MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. THIS PROXY IS REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS USE.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)