PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
or
     
o   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 0-16533
ProAssurance Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   63-1261433
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation of Organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
100 Brookwood Place, Birmingham, AL   35209
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(205) 877-4400
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name, Former Address, and Former Fiscal Year,
if Changed Since Last Report)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
     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 þ      Accelerated Filer o     Non-Accelerated Filer o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
     As of October 27, 2006 there were 33,212,060 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

ProAssurance Corporation
Form 10Q
Table of Contents
                 
Part I – Financial Information        
 
  Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)        
 
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets     3  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital     4  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income     5  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income     6  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows     7  
 
      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     8  
 
  Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     21  
 
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     37  
 
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures     39  
    Forward-Looking Statements     40  
 
               
Part II – Other Information        
 
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     42  
 
  Item 6.   Exhibits     42  
    Signature     43  
 EX-10.1 FIRST AMENDMENT TO 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
 EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF PEO
 EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF PFO
 EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF PEO
 EX-32.2 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF PFO

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
                 
    September 30   December 31
    2006   2005
     
Assets
               
Investments
               
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
  $ 3,052,315     $ 2,403,450  
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value
    46,776        
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
    11,408       10,018  
Equity securities, trading, at fair value
    5,862       5,181  
Short-term investments
    239,442       93,066  
Business owned life insurance
    58,144       56,436  
Other
    48,094       46,168  
     
Total investments
    3,462,041       2,614,319  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    23,568       34,506  
Premiums receivable
    126,486       106,549  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    390,613       327,693  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    20,250       20,379  
Deferred taxes
    121,025       103,935  
Real estate, net
    23,338       16,623  
Other assets
    163,060       117,596  
Assets of discontinued operations
          567,779  
     
 
  $ 4,330,381     $ 3,909,379  
     
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Policy liabilities and accruals:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,588,954     $ 2,224,436  
Unearned premiums
    288,445       264,258  
Reinsurance premiums payable
    100,716       83,314  
     
Total policy liabilities
    2,978,115       2,572,008  
Other liabilities
    91,239       67,572  
Long-term debt
    179,066       167,240  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
          337,513  
     
Total liabilities
    3,248,420       3,144,333  
Commitments and contingencies
           
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,330,991 and 31,230,647 shares issued, respectively
    333       312  
Additional paid-in capital
    494,562       387,739  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $326 and ($4,755), respectively
    602       (8,834 )
Retained earnings
    586,520       385,885  
     
 
    1,082,017       765,102  
Less treasury stock, at cost, 121,765 shares
    (56 )     (56 )
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,081,961       765,046  
     
 
  $ 4,330,381     $ 3,909,379  
     
See accompanying notes

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                                 
            Accumulated            
            Other           Other
            Comprehensive   Retained   Capital
    Total   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Accounts
     
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $ 765,046     $ (8,834 )   $ 385,885     $ 387,995  
 
                               
Net income
    200,635             200,635        
 
                               
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments:
                               
Continuing operations
    9,063       9,063              
Discontinued operations
    373       373              
 
                               
Common stock issued as compensation
    3,027                   3,027  
 
                               
Equity issued in purchase transaction:
                               
Common stock issued
    99,128                   99,128  
 
                               
Stock-based compensation:
                               
Continuing operations
    3,808                   3,808  
Discontinued operations
    642                   642  
 
                               
Common stock options exercised
    239                   239  
     
 
                               
Balance at September 30, 2006
  $ 1,081,961     $ 602     $ 586,520     $ 494,839  
     
                                 
            Accumulated            
            Other           Other
            Comprehensive   Retained   Capital
    Total   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Accounts
     
Balance at December 31, 2004
  $ 611,019     $ 24,397     $ 272,428     $ 314,194  
 
                               
Net income
    78,739             78,739        
 
                               
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments:
                               
Continuing operations
    (20,968 )     (20,968 )            
Discontinued operations
    (3,543 )     (3,543 )            
 
                               
Common stock issued as compensation
    2,048                   2,048  
 
                               
Equity issued in purchase transaction:
                               
Common stock issued
    67,196                   67,196  
Fair value of option assumed
    192                   192  
 
                               
Common stock options exercised
    3,789                   3,789  
     
 
                               
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $ 738,472     $ (114 )   $ 351,167     $ 387,419  
     
See accompanying notes

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
     
Revenues:
                               
Gross premiums written
  $ 163,273     $ 167,308     $ 452,264     $ 434,741  
     
 
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 152,043     $ 155,842     $ 421,004     $ 399,991  
     
 
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 163,043     $ 159,067     $ 465,932     $ 436,901  
Premiums ceded
    (13,599 )     (14,104 )     (36,637 )     (37,009 )
     
Net premiums earned
    149,444       144,963       429,295       399,892  
Net investment income
    38,623       25,280       108,622       71,361  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    (510 )     (618 )     (1,120 )     1,315  
Other income
    1,688       1,105       4,431       3,501  
     
 
                               
Total revenues
    189,245       170,730       541,228       476,069  
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    124,165       132,137       358,972       363,896  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (10,128 )     (14,239 )     (30,693 )     (32,423 )
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    114,037       117,898       328,279       331,473  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    25,859       23,498       78,226       66,792  
Interest expense
    2,886       2,290       8,074       6,457  
     
 
                               
Total expenses
    142,782       143,686       414,579       404,722  
     
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    46,463       27,044       126,649       71,347  
 
                               
Provision for income taxes:
                               
Current expense (benefit)
    17,425       7,815       42,524       19,756  
Deferred expense (benefit)
    (4,330 )     (988 )     (7,069 )     (1,533 )
     
 
    13,095       6,827       35,455       18,223  
     
 
                               
Income from continuing operations
    33,368       20,217       91,194       53,124  
 
                               
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          9,120       109,441       25,615  
     
 
                               
Net income
  $ 33,368     $ 29,337     $ 200,635     $ 78,739  
     
 
                               
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.03     $ 0.66     $ 2.88     $ 1.79  
Income from discontinued operations
          0.30       3.46       0.86  
     
Net income
  $ 1.03     $ 0.96     $ 6.34     $ 2.65  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.96     $ 0.63     $ 2.71     $ 1.70  
Income from discontinued operations
          0.27       3.17       0.79  
     
Net income
  $ 0.96     $ 0.90     $ 5.88     $ 2.49  
     
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    32,551       30,480       31,640       29,700  
     
Diluted
    35,438       33,345       34,525       32,546  
     
See accompanying notes

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
     
Comprehensive income, after tax:
                               
Continuing operations:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 33,368     $ 20,217     $ 91,194     $ 53,124  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
    38,095       (17,744 )     9,063       (20,968 )
     
 
                               
Comprehensive income, continuing operations
  $ 71,463     $ 2,473     $ 100,257     $ 32,156  
     
 
                               
Discontinued operations:
                               
Income from discontinued operations
  $     $ 9,120     $ 109,441     $ 25,615  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
          (2,217 )     373       (3,543 )
     
 
                               
Comprehensive income, discontinued operations
  $     $ 6,903     $ 109,814     $ 22,072  
     
See accompanying notes

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    September 30
    2006   2005
     
Continuing Operations:
               
Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 200,635     $ 78,739  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          (25,615 )
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
    (164,006 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    15,225       18,140  
Net realized investment (gains) losses
    1,120       (1,315 )
Net purchases of trading portfolio securities
    (47,378 )     (669 )
Stock-based compensation
    3,808        
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Premiums receivable
    4,404       12,869  
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    138,644       173,835  
Unearned premiums
    (13,458 )     (2,414 )
Reinsurance related assets and liabilities
    294       3,024  
Other
    (4,820 )     (5,985 )
     
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
    134,468       250,609  
     
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Purchases of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    (1,913,786 )     (680,929 )
Equity securities available for sale
          (632 )
Other investments
          (2,386 )
Proceeds from sale or maturities of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    1,505,036       492,547  
Equity securities available for sale
    33,577       44,421  
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments
    (138,576 )     (109,242 )
Cash proceeds, net of sale expenses of $4,080 from sale of discontinued operations
    371,038        
Other
    (3,665 )     (1,249 )
     
Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations
    (146,376 )     (257,470 )
     
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Cash received from options exercised
    119       3,640  
Excess tax benefit from options exercised
    851        
     
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations
    970       3,640  
     
 
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (10,938 )     (3,221 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    34,506       20,698  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 23,568     $ 17,477  
     
 
               
Discontinued Operations:
               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations
  $     $ 31,750  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations
          (28,476 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations
           
     
 
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
          3,274  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
          9,386  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $ 12,660  
     
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Taxes paid, net of refunds (including $54.6 million paid in 2006 related to the sale of discontinued operations)
  $ 89,040     $ 27,830  
     
 
               
SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:
               
Fixed maturities securities received as proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
  $ 24,819     $  
     
Common stock issued in acquisition
  $ 99,128     $ 67,196  
     
See accompanying notes

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
1. Basis of Presentation
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ProAssurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (ProAssurance). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2006. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2005 report on Form 10-K.
Reclassifications
     Previously, rental income from real estate holdings and real estate related expenses were considered as components of net investment income. In 2006, rental income from real estate holdings is included in other income; real estate expenses are included in underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. To conform to the 2006 financial statement presentation, rental income of $213,000 and $814,000 and real estate related expenses of $645,000 and $1.9 million were reclassified for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations or net income.
Accounting Changes
     On December 16, 2004 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, hereafter referred to as SFAS 123(R), which is a revision of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123), which superseded Accounting Principles Board (APB) 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25), and amends SFAS 95, Statement of Cash Flows. The provisions of SFAS 123(R) require all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. SFAS 123(R) also requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under previous literature. ProAssurance adopted SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the required effective date, using the “modified prospective” method permitted by the statement. The disclosures required by SFAS 123(R) are provided in Note 12.
     The FASB issued SFAS 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, in May 2005 as a replacement for APB 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS 154 applies to voluntary changes in accounting principle and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle and is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. ProAssurance adopted SFAS 154 effective January 1, 2006; however, to date, the adoption has had no effect.
     In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. ProAssurance will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. ProAssurance has not determined the effect, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on ProAssurance’s financial position and results of operations. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48, if any, will be recorded in retained earnings.

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
2. Acquisitions
     ProAssurance acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. and its subsidiaries (PIC Wisconsin) effective August 1, 2006 as a means of expanding the distribution of its professional liability insurance products geographically. PIC Wisconsin is an insurance company that sells professional liability insurance to physicians and groups of physicians, dentists and hospitals principally in the State of Wisconsin and other Midwestern states.
     Under the terms of the agreement, each share of PIC Wisconsin stock was converted into 102.75 shares of ProAssurance stock. In the determination of the purchase price each ProAssurance share was valued at $49.76 which is the average ProAssurance common stock price for three days before and after July 31, 2006, the date on which the number of shares issued was determined. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase transaction in accordance with SFAS 141 and the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimates of their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $37.7 million was recognized equal to the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. The goodwill is not expected to be tax deductible.
     The fair values of PIC Wisconsin’s reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses and related reinsurance recoverables were estimated based on the present value of the expected underlying cash flows of the loss reserves and reinsurance recoverables, and include a risk premium and a profit margin. In determining the fair value estimate, management discounted PIC Wisconsin’s historical undiscounted net loss reserve, which was based on recent actuarial reviews, to present value assuming a discount rate of 4.86%, the risk free treasury rate on August 1, 2006 for maturities of approximately 4 years, which is the average estimated duration of the reserves. The discounting pattern was actuarially developed from PIC Wisconsin’s historical loss data. An expected profit margin of 5.00% was applied to the discounted loss reserves, which is consistent with management’s understanding of the returns anticipated by the reinsurance market (the reinsurance market representing a willing partner in the purchase of loss reserves). Additionally, in consideration of the long-tail nature and the related high degree of uncertainty of such reserves, an estimated risk premium of 5.00% was applied to the discounted reserves. The above calculations resulted in a fair value which was not materially different than PIC Wisconsin’s historical reserves and therefore did not result in an adjustment to PIC Wisconsin’s carried reserve for loss and loss adjustment expense.

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
2. Acquisitions (continued)
     The following chart summarizes the total cost of the acquisition and the allocation of the purchase price:
         
    In millions  
Fair value of approximately 2.0 million ProAssurance common shares issued based on a fair value of $49.76 per share
  $ 99.1  
Other acquisition costs
    4.6  
 
     
Aggregate purchase price
    103.7  
 
     
Assets (liabilities) acquired, at fair value:
       
Fixed maturities available for sale
    199.3  
Equity securities, available for sale
    34.4  
Short-term investments
    7.8  
Premiums receivable
    24.3  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    55.6  
Other assets
    43.6  
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (225.9 )
Unearned premiums
    (37.6 )
Surplus notes
    (11.6 )
Other liabilities
    (23.9 )
 
     
Fair value of net assets acquired
    66.0  
 
     
Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, recognized as goodwill
  $ 37.7  
 
     
     ProAssurance acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of NCRIC Corporation and its subsidiaries (NCRIC) on August 3, 2005 and PRA’s consolidated results since the acquisition date include NCRIC activity. For additional information regarding the NCRIC acquisition see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2005 Annual Report on Form 10K.
3. Discontinued Operations
     Effective January 1, 2006 ProAssurance sold its wholly owned subsidiaries, MEEMIC Insurance Company, Inc. and MEEMIC Insurance Services (collectively, the MEEMIC Companies) to Motors Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of GMAC Insurance Holdings, Inc., for total consideration of $400 million before taxes and transaction expenses. The MEEMIC Companies were the only active entities of ProAssurance’s personal lines operations.
     ProAssurance acquired ConsiCare, a non-insurance subsidiary, as a part of the acquisition of NCRIC in August 2005. ConsiCare was sold in December 2005.
     In accordance with SFAS 144, the assets, liabilities and operating results attributed to the personal lines operations and the operating results of ConsiCare are reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
3. Discontinued Operations (continued)
     The following tables provide detailed information regarding the financial statement lines identified as discontinued operations.
                                            
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
            In thousands        
Personal Lines results:
                               
Net premiums earned
  $     $ 46,753     $     $ 141,082  
Net investment income
          3,230             9,337  
Other revenues
          630             2,371  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
          (24,747 )           (81,458 )
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
          (12,040 )           (33,430 )
Gain from sale of discontinued operations
                164,006        
Provision for income taxes
          (4,661 )     (54,565 )     (12,242 )
     
Personal lines results, net of tax
  $     $ 9,165     $ 109,441     $ 25,660  
ConsiCare results, net of tax
          (45 )           (45 )
     
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $     $ 9,120     $ 109,441     $ 25,615  
     
         
    December 31, 2005  
    In thousands  
Assets of Discontinued Operations:
       
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
  $ 261,896  
Cash and cash equivalents
    52,721  
Premiums receivable
    15,063  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    171,820  
Other assets
    66,279  
 
     
Total
  $ 567,779  
 
     
 
       
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
       
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 252,294  
Unearned premiums
    65,429  
Other liabilities
    19,790  
 
     
Total
  $ 337,513  
 
     
     ProAssurance paid taxes of $54.6 million in 2006 related to the sale of the personal lines. The accompanying Statement of Cash Flows reflects the payment of these taxes as an operating activity and reflects the cash proceeds from the sale as an investing activity.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
4. Investments
     The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities are as follows:
                                 
    September 30, 2006
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   (Losses)   Value
            In thousands        
Fixed maturities
  $ 3,054,401     $ 24,103     $ (26,189 )   $ 3,052,315  
Equity securities
    8,390       3,085       (67 )     11,408  
     
 
  $ 3,062,791     $ 27,188     $ (26,256 )   $ 3,063,723  
     
                                 
    December 31, 2005
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gain   (Losses)   Value
            In thousands        
Fixed maturities
  $ 2,418,621     $ 15,128     $ (30,299 )   $ 2,403,450  
Equity securities
    7,858       2,295       (135 )     10,018  
     
 
  $ 2,426,479     $ 17,423     $ (30,434 )   $ 2,413,468  
     
     Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are $1.3 billion and $350.4 million, respectively, including proceeds from sales of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities of approximately $1.1 billion and $132.8 million, respectively. Purchases of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities approximated $1.3 billion and $72.9 million during the same respective periods.
     Net realized investment gains (losses) are comprised of the following:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
            In thousands        
Gross realized gains
  $ 1,242     $ 641     $ 1,995     $ 3,433  
Gross realized (losses)
    (2,030 )     (572 )     (2,197 )     (1,354 )
Other than temporary impairment (losses)
    (372 )     (729 )     (1,031 )     (769 )
Trading portfolio gains (losses)
    650       42       113       5  
     
 
                               
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ (510 )   $ (618 )   $ (1,120 )   $ 1,315  
     
5. Income Taxes
     The provision for income taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily because a portion of ProAssurance’s investment income is tax-exempt.
6. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
     Costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of new and renewal premiums (primarily premium taxes, commissions and underwriting salaries) are deferred to the extent they are recoverable against unearned premiums and are amortized as related premiums are earned. Income from continuing operations includes amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions earned, of $14.1 million and $41.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
6. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (continued)
earned, was $14.1 million and $40.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.
7. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
     ProAssurance establishes its reserve for losses based on estimates of individual claims and actuarially determined estimates of future losses based on ProAssurance’s past loss experience, available industry data and projections as to future claims frequency, severity, inflationary trends and settlement patterns. Estimating reserves, and particularly liability reserves, is a complex process. Claims may be resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more, and may be subject to litigation. Estimating losses for liability claims requires ProAssurance to make and revise judgments and assessments regarding multiple uncertainties over an extended period of time. As a result, reserve estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. The assumptions used in establishing ProAssurance’s reserves are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Changes to estimates of previously established reserves are included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is changed.
     ProAssurance recognized favorable net loss development of $11.0 million and $23.0 million related to previously established reserves during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, primarily to reflect reductions in the Company’s estimates of claim severity. The favorable results principally affect accident years 2003 and 2004. Favorable net loss development of $5.0 million and $10.0 million was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, to reflect slight reductions in estimated claim severity for accident years 2002 and prior.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
8. Long-term Debt
     Outstanding long-term debt, as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, consisted of the following:
                         
            September 30   December 31
            2006   2005
            In thousands
Convertible Debentures due June 2023 (the Convertible Debentures), unsecured principal amount of $107.6 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, net of discounts of $2.0 million at September 30, 2006 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2005, respectively.
  $ 105,602     $ 105,381  
 
                       
Trust Preferred Subordinated Debentures (the Subordinated Debentures), unsecured, bearing interest at a floating rate, adjustable quarterly.
               
 
                       
 
  9/30/2006                  
 
                     
Due
  Rate
               
 
                     
April 2034
  9.3%         13,403       13,403  
May 2034
  9.3%         10,310       10,310  
May 2034
  9.3%         22,682       22,682  
December 2032
  9.4%         15,464       15,464  
 
                       
Surplus Notes due May 2034 (the Surplus Notes), unsecured principal amount of $12.0 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 7.7%, net of discount of $0.4 million.
    11,605        
             
 
 
          $ 179,066     $ 167,240  
             
Debt Assumed in PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
     The Surplus Notes were assumed in ProAssurance’s acquisition of PIC Wisconsin and are unsecured obligations of PIC Wisconsin, subordinated and junior in the right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Claims and Senior Indebtedness of PIC Wisconsin. The Surplus Notes are not guaranteed by ProAssurance and are effectively subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of ProAssurance Corp. and its subsidiaries, including insurance policy-related liabilities. PIC Wisconsin may redeem some or all of the Surplus Notes for cash beginning in May 2009.
     Interest is payable quarterly at a fixed annual rate of 7.71% until May 2009. Thereafter the Surplus Notes bear interest at a floating rate of London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) + 3.85%. Each payment of interest and principal may be made only with the prior approval of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin and only to the extent PIC Wisconsin has sufficient surplus to make such payment.
     The Surplus Notes were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date estimated in accordance with the purchase accounting requirement of SFAS 141. The resultant discount recorded at the acquisition date totaled $420,000 and is being amortized over the remaining expected life of the debt (until May 2009, the first redemption date) using the effective interest method. Such amortization is recorded in financial statements as an addition to interest expense.
Additional Information
     For additional information regarding the terms of the Convertible Debentures and the 2032 and 2034 Subordinated Debentures see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2005 Annual Report on Form 10K.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
8. Long-term Debt (continued)
Fair Value
     At September 30, 2006, the fair value of the Convertible Debentures is approximately 125% of face value based on available independent market quotes. At September 30, 2006, the fair value of the Surplus Notes approximates their carrying value and the fair value of the 2034 and 2032 Subordinated Debentures approximates the face value of the debentures.
9. Stockholders’ Equity
     At September 30, 2006 ProAssurance had 100 million shares of authorized common stock and 50 million shares of authorized preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to determine the provisions for the issuance of shares of the preferred stock, including the number of shares to be issued and the designations, powers, preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such shares. At September 30, 2006 the Board of Directors had not authorized the issuance of any preferred stock nor determined any provisions for the preferred stock.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
     As a result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a judgment entered against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in favor of Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (“CHW”) in the amount of $18.2 million (the “CHW Judgment”). The judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ProAssurance has established a liability related to the judgment of $20.6 million, which includes the estimated costs associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment and projected post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase price. As required, ProAssurance has posted a $20.5 million appellate bond to secure payment of the CHW judgment plus interest and costs, in the event the judgment is ultimately affirmed and paid.
     ProAssurance is involved in various other legal actions arising primarily from claims against ProAssurance related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by policyholders. The legal actions arising from these claims have been considered by ProAssurance in establishing its reserves. The outcome of all legal actions is not presently determinable. In particular, in the event that we or our insureds receive adverse verdicts, post-trial motions may be denied, in whole or in part; any appeals that may be undertaken may be unsuccessful; ProAssurance may be unsuccessful in legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage purchased by its insureds; and ProAssurance may become a party to bad faith litigation over the amount of the judgment above an insured’s policy limits. However, ProAssurance’s management is of the opinion, based on consultation with legal counsel, that the resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on ProAssurance’s financial position. However, to the extent that the cost of resolving these actions exceeds the corresponding reserves, the legal actions could have a material effect on ProAssurance’s results of operations for the period in which any such action is resolved.

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
11. Earnings Per Share
     The following table provides detailed information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for each period presented:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
    In thousands, except per share data
Basic earnings per share calculation:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 33,368     $ 20,217     $ 91,194     $ 53,124  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          9,120       109,441       25,615  
     
Net income
  $ 33,368     $ 29,337     $ 200,635     $ 78,739  
     
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    32,551       30,480       31,640       29,700  
     
 
                               
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.03     $ 0.66     $ 2.88     $ 1.79  
Income from discontinued operations
          0.30       3.46       0.86  
     
Net income
  $ 1.03     $ 0.96     $ 6.34     $ 2.65  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share calculation:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 33,368     $ 20,217     $ 91,194     $ 53,124  
Effect of assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    742       742       2,226       2,226  
     
Income from continuing operations–diluted computation
    34,110       20,959       93,420       55,350  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          9,120       109,441       25,615  
     
Net income–diluted computation
  $ 34,110     $ 30,079     $ 202,861     $ 80,965  
     
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    32,551       30,480       31,640       29,700  
Assumed exercise of stock options/issuance of nonvested stock awards
    315       293       313       274  
Assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    2,572       2,572       2,572       2,572  
     
Diluted weighted average equivalent shares
    35,438       33,345       34,525       32,546  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.96     $ 0.63     $ 2.71     $ 1.70  
Income from discontinued operations
          0.27       3.17       0.79  
     
Net income
  $ 0.96     $ 0.90     $ 5.88     $ 2.49  
     

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ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
11. Earnings Per Share (continued)
     In accordance with SFAS 128 “Earnings per Share", the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding includes an incremental adjustment for the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options. The adjustment is computed quarterly; the annual incremental adjustment is the average of the quarterly adjustments. Stock options are considered dilutive stock options when the average stock price exceeds the option exercise price during the quarter and the assumed conversion of the options, using the treasury stock method as specified by SFAS 128, produces an increased number of shares. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 certain of ProAssurance’s outstanding options were not considered to be dilutive because the exercise price of the options was above the average ProAssurance share price during the quarter. The average number of options not considered to be dilutive during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is approximately 201,000 and 210,000, respectively.
12. Stock Options and Stock-based Payments
     Effective January 1, 2006 ProAssurance adopted SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, which revises SFAS 123 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” and supersedes APB 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. SFAS 123(R) requires recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial statements based on the grant-date fair value of the award, recognized over the period the employee is required to perform services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). SFAS 123(R) also amends SFAS No. 95 “Statement of Cash Flows,” to require that “excess tax benefits” be reported as financing cash inflows, instead of as reductions of taxes paid within operating cash flows as previously presented. “Excess tax benefit” is defined as the actual tax benefit received related to an option exercise that is in excess of the deferred tax benefit recognized under SFAS 123(R) related to the options.
     ProAssurance adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified-prospective method. Under the modified-prospective method, prior periods are not restated. However, for awards granted prior to the date of adoption that are unvested on the adoption date, compensation cost is recognized prospectively. In periods after adoption compensation cost is recognized over the remaining service period related to the award, based on amounts previously reported in the pro forma disclosures required under SFAS 123. Compensation cost is also recognized for awards granted after the effective adoption date based on the grant-date fair value of the award, calculated and recognized under the measurement provisions of SFAS 123(R). ProAssurance recognized, in continuing operations, compensation cost of approximately $850,000 and $3.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. A tax benefit of approximately $250,000 for the three months and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was recognized related to employee stock awards.
     ProAssurance provides performance-based stock compensation to employees under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the ProAssurance Corporation Incentive Compensation Stock Plan (the Plans). The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the administration of the Plans.
     Options granted under the Plans since 2002 vest at a rate of 20% annually beginning six months after the grant date. Options granted prior to 2002 were fully vested at the grant date. The exercise price of each option granted is equal to the market price of the stock on the date of grant, and all have an original term of ten years. At September 30, 2006 there were approximately 1.1 million options outstanding under the Plans.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
12. Stock Options and Stock-based Payments (continued)
     ProAssurance granted 114,000 options to employees during 2006. The grant date fair value of 2006 option awards was estimated as $2.1 million; $18.61 per option on a weighted average basis. Fair values were estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, calculated separately for each option vesting unit. The input values used in the pricing model, on a weighted-average basis, are:
         
    2006
Expected life
  6.3 years
Risk-free interest rate
    4.7 %
Volatility
    0.25  
Dividend yield
    0 %
     Because ProAssurance has limited historical data regarding exercise behavior of its employees, the expected life of the options was estimated using the methodology provided for in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 107, which is the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the option. The risk-free interest rate was based upon a U.S. Treasury instrument with a life that is similar to the expected life of the option grant. Volatility was based on the historical volatility of ProAssurance’s stock price for the most recent period (as of the grant date) equal to the shorter of either the expected life of the option or the period since June 27, 2001, when ProAssurance was formed. Dividend yield was assumed to be zero since ProAssurance has historically not paid dividends.
     The following table provides information regarding ProAssurance’s outstanding options:
                                 
            Weighted   Aggregate    
            Average   Intrinsic   Weighted
            Exercise   Value   Average Remaining
    Options   Price   (in thousands) (1)   Contractual Term
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
    1,162,863     $ 28.73                  
Exercised
    (143,439 )   $ 26.34     $ 3,443 (2)        
Forfeited
    (2,736 )   $ 22.13     $ 74          
Granted
    114,000     $ 51.35       (3)        
 
                               
Outstanding at September 30, 2006
    1,130,688     $ 31.25     $ 20,386     6.6 years
 
                               
Exercisable at September 30, 2006
    732,392     $ 26.57     $ 16,623     5.4 years
 
                               
Outstanding; vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2006
    1,095,927     $ 31.01     $ 20,023     6.5 years
 
                               
 
(1)   Intrinsic value is the difference in the market value of the stock at a given point in time and the option exercise price
 
(2)   As of the date of exercise
 
(3)   As of the date of grant: all options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock
     As of September 30, 2006, approximately 265,000 options have vested in 2006, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $5.2 million.
     New shares are issued for options exercised. The above table includes options issued in conjunction with merger transactions. At December 31, 2005 there were approximately 60,000 such options, approximately 5,400 of which were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
     At December 31, 2005, there were 68,750 outstanding options held by employees of the MEEMIC companies. These options became 100% vested upon completion of the sale; all were exercised during the first quarter of 2006. Compensation cost of approximately $642,000 related to the vesting of these options, and a related tax benefit of approximately $225,000 are included in the computation of the gain on the sale of the MEEMIC companies.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
12. Stock Options and Stock-based Payments (continued)
     As of September 30, 2006, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options granted under ProAssurance’s stock compensation plans approximated $4.4 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.
     On March 8, 2006 ProAssurance also granted Performance Shares awards to employees under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards were issued to two groups of employees: key executives and management. The Performance Shares vest at 100% on December 31, 2008 based upon continued service and attainment of one of two Performance Measures. For both groups one Performance Measure is achievement of a specified financial goal; the other Performance Measure requires achievement of a specified peer group ranking. The number of Performance Shares that will be awarded if vesting criteria are met can vary between 46,000 shares and 76,000 shares, depending upon the degree to which Performance Measures are attained. No Performance Shares were forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
     The fair value of each Performance Share was estimated on the date of grant as $51.38 per share, based on the market value of ProAssurance common stock on that date. At September 30, 2006, based on current achievement of the Performance Measures, it is estimated that 58,000 Performance Shares, having an estimated fair value of $3.0 million will ultimately vest. At September 30, 2006 the unrecognized compensation cost related to Performance Shares is estimated as $2.2 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over 2.3 years.
     The adoption of SFAS 123(R) and its fair value compensation cost recognition provisions are different from the nonrecognition provisions under SFAS 123 and the intrinsic value method for compensation cost allowed by APB 25. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) decreased earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as follows:
                 
    Effect of Adoption
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2006   September 30, 2006
    In thousands, except per share data
Income from continuing operations, before tax
  $ 858     $ 3,808  
Income from continuing operations, after tax
  $ 629     $ 2,639  
Income from discontinued operations
  $     $ 417  
Net income
  $ 629     $ 3,056  
 
               
Income per share from continuing operations:
               
Basic
  $ 0.01     $ 0.09  
Diluted
  $ 0.02     $ 0.07  
 
               
Net Income:
               
Basic
  $ 0.01     $ 0.10  
Diluted
  $ 0.02     $ 0.07  
     Additionally, the adoption increased cash flow from financing activities by $851,000 and decreased cash flow from operations by the same amount.

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Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2006
12. Stock Options and Stock-based Payments (continued)
     Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) ProAssurance applied the intrinsic-value provisions set forth in APB No. 25 and related Interpretations as permitted by SFAS 123. Accordingly, in prior periods compensation expense was not recognized for options granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of ProAssurance’s common stock on the date of grant. No restatement of prior periods is required when SFAS 123(R) is adopted using the modified prospective transition method. SFAS 123(R) does, however, require disclosure of the effect that applying the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 (the precedent to SFAS 123(R)) would have had on prior periods. The following table provides the required disclosure.
                 
    Three Months   Nine Months
    Ended   Ended
    September 30, 2005   September 30, 2005
    In thousands, except per share data
Income from continuing operations, as reported
  $ 20,217     $ 53,124  
 
               
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related income taxes
    31       61  
 
               
Less: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method of all awards, net of related income taxes
    504       1,404  
     
Pro forma income from continuing operations
  $ 19,744     $ 51,781  
     
 
               
Earnings per share, continuing operations:
               
Basic–as reported
  $ 0.66     $ 1.79  
     
Basic–pro forma
  $ 0.65     $ 1.74  
     
Diluted–as reported
  $ 0.63     $ 1.70  
     
Diluted–pro forma
  $ 0.61     $ 1.66  
     

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto accompanying this report and ProAssurance’s Annual report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which includes a Glossary of insurance terms and phrases. Throughout the discussion, references to ProAssurance, “we,” “us” and “our” refers to ProAssurance Corporation and its subsidiaries. The discussion contains certain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. As discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements,” our actual financial condition and operating results could differ significantly from these forward-looking statements.
     We sold our personal lines operations effective January 1, 2006. Accordingly, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements report these operations (which were formerly reported as a separate operating segment) as discontinued operations in all periods presented. Unless otherwise stated, financial information provided in this discussion for both current and prior periods excludes amounts attributed to discontinued operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
     Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on current and historical developments, market conditions, industry trends and other information that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operations will not be materially affected by changes in these estimates and assumptions.
     Management considers the following accounting policies to be critical because they involve significant judgment by management and the effect of those judgments could result in a material effect on our financial statements.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (reserve for losses or reserve)
     Our reserve for losses represents our estimate of the future amounts necessary to pay claims and expenses associated with their settlement and investigation. These estimates consist of case reserves and bulk reserves. The estimates take into consideration our past loss experience, available industry data and projections as to future claims frequency, severity, inflationary trends and settlement patterns. External and internal actuaries routinely review our reserve for losses. We consider the views of the actuaries as well as other factors, such as known, anticipated or estimated changes in frequency and severity of claims and loss retention levels and premium rates, in establishing the amount of our reserve for losses. Estimating casualty insurance reserves, and particularly liability reserves, is a complex process. These claims are typically resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more, and estimating loss costs for these claims requires multiple judgments involving many uncertainties. Our reserve estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. The assumptions used in establishing our reserve for losses are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then-current operations. Due to the size of our reserve for losses, even a small percentage adjustment to these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is made.

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Reinsurance
     Our receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents our estimate of the amount of our reserve for losses that will be recoverable from our reinsurers. Our estimate is based upon our estimates of the ultimate losses that we expect to incur and the portion of those losses that we expect to be allocable to reinsurers based upon the terms of our reinsurance agreements. We also estimate premiums ceded under reinsurance agreements wherein the premium due to the reinsurer, subject to certain maximums and minimums, is based on losses reimbursed under the agreement. Our estimates of the amounts receivable from and payable to reinsurers are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Given the uncertainty of the ultimate amounts of our losses, these estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then-current operations. Due to the size of our reinsurance balances, even a small adjustment to these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is made.
     We evaluate each of our ceded reinsurance contracts at its inception to determine if there is sufficient risk transfer to allow the contract to be accounted for as reinsurance under current accounting guidance. At September 30, 2006 all ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transferring contracts.
     Our assessment of the collectibility of the recorded amounts receivable from reinsurers considers both the payment history of the reinsurer and publicly available financial and rating agency data. At September 30, 2006 we believe all of our recorded reinsurance receivables to be collectible.
Investments
     We consider our fixed maturity and our equity securities as either available-for-sale or trading portfolio securities. Both available-for-sale and trading portfolio securities are carried at fair value. Changes in the market value (unrealized gains and losses) of available-for-sale securities, whether positive or negative, are included, net of the related tax effect, in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, and are excluded from current period net income. Changes in the market value of trading portfolio securities are included in current period net income as a component of net realized investment gains (losses).
     We evaluate the securities in our available-for-sale investment portfolio on at least a quarterly basis for declines in market value below cost for the purpose of determining whether these declines represent other than temporary declines. Some of the factors we consider in the evaluation of our investments are:
    the extent to which the market value of the security is less than its cost basis,
 
    the length of time for which the market value of the security has been less than its cost basis,
 
    the financial condition and near-term prospects of the security’s issuer, taking into consideration the economic prospects of the issuer’s industry and geographical region, to the extent that information is publicly available, and
 
    our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
     A decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security below cost that we judge to be other than temporary is realized as a loss in the current period income statement and reduces the cost basis of the security. In subsequent periods, we base any measurement of gain or loss or decline in value upon the adjusted cost basis of the security. Adjustments to the cost basis of fixed maturity securities are accreted to par over the remaining life of the security.

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
     Policy acquisition costs, primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting salaries, vary directly with, and are primarily related to, the acquisition of new and renewal premiums. Such costs are capitalized and charged to expense as the related premium revenue is recognized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred policy acquisition costs based on our estimates of the profitability of the underlying business and any amounts estimated to be unrecoverable are charged to expense in the current period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance
     Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, hereafter referred to as SFAS 123(R), which is a revision of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123). Previously, we valued employee stock-based payments using the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principle Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25). Accordingly, we did not generally recognize compensation cost related to such payments but provided pro forma disclosure of the effect on net income and earnings per share of applying the fair value provisions of SFAS 123.
     The provisions of SFAS 123(R) require share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. We adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified-prospective-transition method permitted by the statement. Under this method compensation expense to be recognized over the related service periods includes: (a) compensation cost for share-based payments granted but not vested prior to adoption, based upon the grant-date fair values estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation cost for share-based payments granted subsequent to adoption based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Statement 123(R). In accordance with the modified-prospective-transition method, prior periods were not restated.
     The adoption of SFAS 123(R) resulted in the recognition of approximately $3.8 million of compensation expense during the first nine months of 2006. See Note 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding stock-based payments.
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, in May 2005 as a replacement of APB 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS 154 applies to voluntary changes in accounting principle and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle and is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. ProAssurance adopted SFAS 154 effective January 1, 2006; however, to date, the adoption has had no effect.
     In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. We have not determined the effect, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our financial position and results of operations. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48, if any, will be recorded in retained earnings.

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Recent Significant Events
     Effective August 1, 2006 we completed our previously announced acquisition of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) in an all stock merger transaction. PIC Wisconsin is a stock insurance company that sells professional liability insurance to physicians, groups of physicians, dentists, and hospitals principally in the state of Wisconsin as well as other Midwestern states. On August 3, 2005 we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of NCRIC Corporation and its subsidiaries (NCRIC) in a stock for stock merger. NCRIC’s primary business is a single insurance company that provides medical professional liability insurance in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. These transactions strategically expanded our geographic footprint and are in keeping with our desire to expand our professional liability operations through selective acquisitions. A more detailed description of the merger transactions is included in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
     On January 4, 2006 we sold our personal lines operations (the MEEMIC companies), effective January 1, 2006, for $400 million before taxes and transaction expenses. We recognized a gain on the sale in the first quarter of 2006 of $109.4 million after consideration of sales expenses and estimated taxes. Taxes on the transaction were paid in the second quarter of 2006. Sale proceeds will support the capital requirements of our professional liability insurance subsidiaries and other general corporate purposes. Additional information regarding the sale of the MEEMIC companies is provided in Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
     During the third quarter of 2006 a jury in Tampa awarded a total of $217 million in a medical malpractice case against insureds of ProNational Insurance Company, one of our subsidiaries. The jury awarded $117 million on September 29, 2006 and added $100 million in punitive damages on October 3, 2006. There is currently no claim outstanding against us or any of our subsidiaries. There are many open legal issues still to be decided regarding both the merits of the case and the availability of coverage to the defendants. Based on similar cases, we believe it will be several years before this case is ultimately resolved.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources and Financial Condition
Overview
     ProAssurance Corporation is a holding company and is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Because it has no other business operations, dividends from its operating subsidiaries represent a significant source of funds for its obligations, including debt service. The ability of those insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to limitation by state insurance regulations. See our discussions under “Regulation of Dividends from Our Operating Subsidiaries” in Part I, and in Note 15 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our December 31, 2005 Form 10K for additional information regarding dividend limitations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 our insurance subsidiaries have paid cash dividends totaling $200 million and at September 30, 2006 we held cash and investments of approximately $278 million outside of our insurance subsidiaries that is available for use without regulatory approval.
Cash flows
     The principal components of our cash flow have historically been the excess of net investment income and premiums collected over net losses paid and operating costs, including income taxes.
     Our operating activities provided positive cash flow of $134.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to cash provided by operations of $250.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Two factors significantly reduced cash flow in 2006. First, in 2006 we have purchased, on a net basis, $47.4 million of trading portfolio securities whereas, in 2005, such purchases were less than $1 million. Under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), purchases and sales of trading securities are classified as operating activities, unlike purchases and sales of short-term investments or available-for-sale securities which are classified as investment activities. Additionally, we have paid taxes of $54.6 million in 2006 related to the sale of our personal lines operations. Aside from these two significant uses of cash, our 2006 cash flow also reflects improved investment earnings and higher premium collections and additional operating cash flows from PIC Wisconsin offset by higher payments for losses and underwriting expenses. PIC Wisconsin contributed approximately $8.2 million to our operating cash flow.
     Timing delays exist between the collection of premiums and the ultimate payment of losses. Premiums are generally collected within the twelve-month period after the policy is written while our claim payments are generally paid over a more extended period of time. A claim may be filed during the same period in which we collect premiums; however, the claim resolution process can be lengthy and it may be several years before payments of defense costs or indemnity are made.
     Two measures that are often used to look at the cash flow generated by a company’s insurance operations are the paid to incurred ratio and the paid claims ratio. Our paid to incurred loss ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are 60.0% and 49.6%, respectively. Our paid loss ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are 45.9% and 41.1%, respectively. There are several factors that impact the paid to incurred ratio. First we have experienced a decline in our incurred losses, with the loss ratio declining to 76.5% from 82.9%. In addition, we have experienced a slight acceleration in the closing of claims and our inventory of open claims has decreased. Also, while we have seen a decline in the average payment per closed claim, our average loss adjustment expenses per closed claim has increased.
     We believe that rate adequacy is critical to our long-term liquidity. We continually review rates and submit requests for rate increases to state insurance departments as we consider necessary to maintain rate adequacy. We are unable to predict whether we will continue to receive approval for our rate filings. In most jurisdictions we are required to receive approval of these rate increases before we can factor them into the pricing of our products.

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Investments
     We manage our investments to ensure that we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations, taking into consideration the timing of cash flows from our investments as well as the expected cash flows to be generated by our operations. At our insurance subsidiaries the primary outflow of cash is related to the payment of claims and expenses. The payment of individual claims cannot be predicted with certainty; therefore, we rely upon the history of paid claims in estimating the timing of future claims payments. To the extent that we have an unanticipated shortfall in cash we may either liquidate securities or borrow funds under previously established borrowing arrangements. However, given the cash flows being generated by our operations and the relatively short duration of our investments we do not foresee any such shortfall.
     We invest most of the cash generated from operations into debt and equity securities. We held cash and cash equivalents of approximately $23.6 million at September 30, 2006 and $34.5 million at December 31, 2005.
     Our investment in short-term securities at September 30, 2006 is $239.4 million as compared to $93.1 million at December 31, 2005. We have elected to hold more funds in short-term securities during 2006 in order to increase our investment flexibility.
     In second quarter 2006 we allocated a portion of our investment portfolio to Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) which are inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury to provide additional diversification to our investment holdings. To maximize our return on this investment class it is anticipated these securities will be actively traded. For this reason we have classified these securities as trading.
     Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities comprised 88% of our total investments as compared to 92% at December 31, 2005. The change in the mix of our investment portfolio is being driven by the increase in short-term investments previously discussed along with the increase in trading securities. Substantially all of our fixed maturities are either United States government agency obligations or investment grade securities as determined by national rating agencies. Our available for sale fixed maturities have a dollar weighted average rating of “AA” at September 30, 2006. Our investment policy implements an asset allocation that uses length to maturity as one method of managing our long-term rate of return. The weighted average effective duration of our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2006 is 3.8 years; the weighted average effective duration of our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities and our short-term securities combined is 3.6 years.
     Changes in market interest rate levels generally affect our net income to the extent that reinvestment yields are different than the yields on maturing securities. Changes in market interest rates also affect the fair value of our fixed maturity securities. On a pre-tax basis, at September 30, 2006 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized losses of $2.1 million, with unrealized losses totaling $26.2 million and unrealized gains totaling $24.1 million. At December 31, 2005, on a pre-tax basis, our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized losses of $15.2 million with unrealized losses totaling $30.3 million and unrealized gains totaling $15.1 million. In general, bond interest rates are higher at September 30, 2006 than at December 31, 2005, but have fluctuated during the intervening period. The overall decrease in the net amount of unrealized losses at September 30 as compared to December 31, which may appear contrary to the overall change in bond interest rates, is due to changes in the allocation of the portfolio during 2006. Almost all of the unrealized loss positions in our portfolio are interest-rate related. Due to the short duration of our portfolio and our strong operating cash flows, we believe we have the ability to hold these bonds to recovery of book value or maturity and do not consider the declines in value to be other than temporary.
     At September 30, 2006, the carrying value of our equity investments (including equities in our available-for-sale and trading portfolios, and equity-type holdings included in other investments) totaled $65.4 million, representing approximately 2% of our total investments, and approximately 6% of our capital. There has been no significant change in equity holdings since December 31, 2005.

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     For a discussion of the potential effects that future changes in interest rates may have on our investment portfolio see Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
Debt
     Our long-term debt at September 30, 2006 is comprised of the following (in thousands, except %):
             
    Rate   2006  
Convertible debentures, net of discount of $1,997.
  3.9%, fixed   $ 105,602  
2034 Subordinated debentures
  9.3%, Libor adjusted     46,395  
2032 Subordinated debentures
  9.4%, Libor adjusted     15,464  
2034 Surplus notes (acquired in the PIC Wisconsin transaction), net of discount of $395.
  7.7%, fixed     11,605  
 
         
 
      $ 179,066  
 
         
     We may redeem the Convertible Debentures on or after July 7, 2008 with notice. If the market value of ProAssurance common stock exceeds the product of the conversion price (currently $41.83) multiplied by 120% for 20 of the last 30 trading days of any quarter, holders of the Convertible Debentures may convert their debentures during the following quarter. Upon conversion, holders will receive 23.9037 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures surrendered for conversion. The criterion allowing conversion was not met during the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
     The 2032 and 2034 Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed at our option in December 2007 and April 2009, respectively. The 2034 Surplus Notes may be redeemed at our option in May 2009 subject to approval by the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance.
Reinsurance
     We use reinsurance to provide capacity to write larger limits of liability, to reduce losses of a catastrophic nature and to stabilize underwriting results in those years in which such losses occur. The purchase of reinsurance does not relieve us from the ultimate risk on our policies, but it does provide reimbursement from the reinsurer for certain losses paid by us.
     The effective transfer of risk is dependent on the credit-worthiness of the reinsurer. We purchase reinsurance from a number of companies to mitigate concentrations of credit risk. Our reinsurance broker assists us in the analysis of the credit quality of our reinsurers. We base our reinsurance buying decisions on an evaluation of the then-current financial strength, rating and stability of prospective reinsurers. However, the financial strength of our reinsurers, and their corresponding ability to pay us, may change in the future due to forces or events we cannot control or anticipate.
     We have not experienced any significant difficulties in collecting amounts due from reinsurers due to the financial condition of the reinsurer. Should future events lead us to believe that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations to us, adjustments to the amounts recoverable would be reflected in the results of then-current operations.
Litigation
     We are involved in various legal actions arising primarily from claims against us related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by our policyholders. Legal actions are generally divided into two categories: Legal actions dealing with claims and claim-related actions which we consider in our evaluation of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves; and legal actions falling outside of these areas which we evaluate and reserve for separately as a part of our Other Liabilities. The recent verdict in Tampa will be evaluated with our other claim-related actions.
     Claim-related actions are considered as a part of our reserving process under the guidance provided by SFAS 60 Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises. We evaluate the likely

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outcomes from these actions giving consideration to appellate issues, coverage issues, potential recoveries from our insurance and reinsurance programs, and settlement discussions as well as our historical settlement practices. This data is then given consideration in the overall evaluation of our reserve for losses.
     For non-claim-related actions we evaluate each case separately and establish what management believes is an appropriate reserve under the guidance provided by SFAS 5 Accounting for Contingencies. As a result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a judgment entered against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in favor of Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (CHW) in the amount of $18.2 million (the CHW judgment). The CHW judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ProAssurance has established a liability for this judgment of $20.6 million, which includes the estimated costs associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment and projected post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase price.
     There are risks, as outlined in our Risk Factors, that individual actions could be settled for more than Management’s estimates. In particular, in the event that we or our insureds receive adverse verdicts, post-trial motions may be denied, in whole or in part, any appeals that may be undertaken may be unsuccessful; we may be unsuccessful in our legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage purchased by insureds; and we may become a party to bad faith litigation over the amount of the judgment above our policy limits. To the extent that the cost of resolving these actions exceeds our estimates, the legal actions could have a material effect on ProAssurance’s results of operations for the period in which any such action is resolved.
Acquisition
     In August 2006 we issued approximately 2.0 million ProAssurance common shares in an all-stock merger transaction with PIC Wisconsin. The following chart summarizes the total cost of the acquisition and the allocation of the purchase price:
         
    In millions  
Fair value of common shares issued
  $ 99.1  
Other acquisition costs
    4.6  
 
     
Aggregate purchase price
    103.7  
 
     
Assets (liabilities) acquired, at fair value:
       
Fixed maturities available for sale
    199.3  
Equity securities, available for sale
    34.4  
Short-term investments
    7.8  
Premiums receivable
    24.3  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    55.6  
Other assets
    43.6  
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (225.9 )
Unearned premiums
    (37.6 )
Surplus notes
    (11.6 )
Other liabilities
    (23.9 )
 
     
Fair value of net assets acquired
    66.0  
 
     
Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, recognized as goodwill
  $ 37.7  
 
     
Overview
     We are an insurance holding company and our operating results are almost entirely derived from the operations of our insurance subsidiaries. Our core operating subsidiaries are The Medical Assurance Company, Inc., ProNational Insurance Company, NCRIC, Inc., Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. and Red Mountain Casualty Insurance Company, Inc.; all principally write professional liability insurance. We also write a limited amount of medical professional liability insurance through Woodbrook Casualty Insurance, Inc.

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Results of Operations
     Selected consolidated financial data for each period is summarized in the table below.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2006   2005   (Decrease)   2006   2005   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
Revenues:
                                               
Gross premiums written
  $ 163,273     $ 167,308     $ (4,035 )   $ 452,264     $ 434,741     $ 17,523  
     
Net premiums written
  $ 152,043     $ 155,842     $ (3,799 )   $ 421,004     $ 399,991     $ 21,013  
     
Premiums earned
  $ 163,043     $ 159,067     $ 3,976     $ 465,932     $ 436,901     $ 29,031  
Premiums ceded
    (13,599 )     (14,104 )     505       (36,637 )     (37,009 )     372  
     
Net premiums earned
    149,444       144,963       4,481       429,295       399,892       29,403  
Net investment income
    38,623       25,280       13,343       108,622       71,361       37,261  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    (510 )     (618 )     108       (1,120 )     1,315       (2,435 )
Other income
    1,688       1,105       583       4,431       3,501       930  
     
 
                                               
Total revenues
    189,245       170,730       18,515       541,228       476,069       65,159  
     
 
                                               
Expenses:
                                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    124,165       132,137       (7,972 )     358,972       363,896       (4,924 )
Reinsurance recoveries
    (10,128 )     (14,239 )     4,111       (30,693 )     (32,423 )     1,730  
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    114,037       117,898       (3,861 )     328,279       331,473       (3,194 )
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    25,859       23,498       2,361       78,226       66,792       11,434  
Interest expense
    2,886       2,290       596       8,074       6,457       1,617  
     
 
                                               
Total expenses
    142,782       143,686       (904 )     414,579       404,722       9,857  
     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    46,463       27,044       19,419       126,649       71,347       55,302  
 
                                               
Income taxes
    13,095       6,827       6,268       35,455       18,223       17,232  
     
Income from continuing operations
    33,368       20,217       13,151       91,194       53,124       38,070  
 
                                               
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          9,120       (9,120 )     109,441       25,615       83,826  
     
 
                                               
Net income
  $ 33,368     $ 29,337     $ 4,031     $ 200,635     $ 78,739     $ 121,896  
     
 
                                               
Continuing Operations:
                                               
Net loss ratio
    76.3 %     81.3 %     (5.0 )     76.5 %     82.9 %     (6.4 )
Underwriting expense ratio
    17.3 %     16.2 %     1.1       18.2 %     16.7 %     1.5  
     
Combined ratio
    93.6 %     97.5 %     (3.9 )     94.7 %     99.6 %     (4.9 )
     
Operating ratio
    67.8 %     80.1 %     (12.3 )     69.4 %     81.8 %     (12.4 )
     
Return on equity*
    13.4 %     11.6 %     1.8       13.2 %     10.5 %     2.7  
     
 
*   Annualized
     The improvement in both our net income from continuing operations and our related annualized ROE is attributable to the reduction in our net loss ratio and the increase in net investment income. Both of these items are discussed in more detail below.
     Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is significantly higher than the same period in 2005 because 2006 net income includes a gain on the disposition of our personal lines operations of $109.4 million, net of tax and transactions costs.

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Effect of Acquisitions
     We acquired PIC Wisconsin effective August 1, 2006 and our results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 include PIC Wisconsin results for the two month period subsequent to the date of acquisition. Operating results for 2005 do not include PIC Wisconsin results. For clarity, many of our discussions of operating results include tables that reflect PIC Wisconsin results as a separate line item.
     We acquired NCRIC effective August 3, 2005 and our results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 include NCRIC results for the two-month period subsequent to the date of acquisition. Operating results for all periods in 2006 include NCRIC results. As our integration of NCRIC’s operations continues, the impact of the NCRIC acquisition is more difficult to separately identify. In certain markets, policies previously written by NCRIC are being renewed by other insurance subsidiaries in our organization in order to effectively utilize our capital. Because NCRIC operations are no longer separate and distinct, NCRIC results are not separately identified in the tables that follow. Unless otherwise indicated, results attributable to the NCRIC acquisition are combined with other PRA results (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin) in the discussions that follow.
Reclassifications
     Previously, rental income from real estate holdings and real estate related expenses were considered as components of net investment income. In 2006, rental income from real estate holdings is included in other income; real estate expenses are included in underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. To conform to the 2006 financial statement presentation, rental income of $213,000 and $814,000 and real estate related expenses of $645,000 and $1.9 million were reclassified for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations or net income.
Premiums
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30   Nine Months Ended September 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2006   2005   (Decrease)   2006   2005   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands  
Gross premiums written:
                                                               
PRA
  $ 153,435     $ 167,308     $ (13,873 )     (8.3 %)   $ 442,426     $ 434,741     $ 7,685       1.8 %
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    9,838             9,838       n/a       9,838             9,838       n/a  
                         
Consolidated
  $ 163,273     $ 167,308     $ (4,035 )     (2.4 %)   $ 452,264     $ 434,741     $ 17,523       4.0 %
                         
 
                                                               
Premiums earned:
                                                               
PRA
  $ 149,351     $ 159,067     $ (9,716 )     (6.1 %)   $ 452,240     $ 436,901     $ 15,339       3.5 %
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    13,692             13,692       n/a       13,692             13,692       n/a  
                         
Consolidated
  $ 163,043     $ 159,067     $ 3,976       2.5 %   $ 465,932     $ 436,901     $ 29,031       6.6 %
                         
 
                                                               
Premiums ceded:
                                                               
PRA
  $ (11,991 )   $ (14,104 )   $ 2,113       (15.0 %)   $ (35,029 )   $ (37,009 )   $ 1,980       (5.4 %)
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    (1,608 )           (1,608 )     n/a       (1,608 )           (1,608 )     n/a  
                         
Consolidated
  $ (13,599 )   $ (14,104 )   $ 505       (3.6 %)   $ (36,637 )   $ (37,009 )   $ 372       (1.0 %)
                         
 
                                                               
Net premiums earned:
                                                               
PRA
  $ 137,360     $ 144,963     $ (7,603 )     (5.2 %)   $ 417,211     $ 399,892     $ 17,319       4.3 %
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    12,084             12,084       n/a       12,084             12,084       n/a  
                         
Consolidated
  $ 149,444     $ 144,963     $ 4,481       3.1 %   $ 429,295     $ 399,892     $ 29,403       7.4 %
                         
Gross Premiums Written
     Gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2006 decreased by $4.0 million as compared to the same period in 2005; gross written premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased by $17.5 million as compared to the same period in 2005. As shown in the above table, the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin in August 2006 increased premiums by $9.8 million.
     Our 2006 results include premiums written as a result of the NCRIC acquisition for the entire period; in 2005 our operations include such premiums only since the date of acquisition (August 3, 2005). Approximately $14 million and $53 million of our written premiums for physician coverages

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during the three- and nine-month periods of 2006, respectively, are attributable to the NCRIC acquisition. In 2005, the acquisition contributed physician premiums of approximately $11 million to our third quarter written premiums. The 2006 quarter increase principally reflects renewal patterns for the NCRIC book of business for which July is typically a heavy renewal month.
     The additional premiums from the NCRIC and PIC Wisconsin acquisitions have been offset by a decline in premiums in our organic book of business. Premiums for physician coverages are the most significant component of our business, and comprise approximately 90% of our written premiums. Premiums written for physician coverages declined by $14.0 million for the comparative three-month periods and increased by $14.2 million for the comparative nine-month periods. The quarter decrease in premiums written for physician coverages reflects an increasingly competitive landscape. Price-based competition has increased in a number of states, particularly in the Midwest and Florida, which has reduced both our retention rate and the amount of new business we have chosen to write. We remain committed to an adequate rate structure and we are continuing our policy of foregoing business that cannot be written at our profit goals.
     Our overall retention rate (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin) for the number of standard physician risks that we insure is 80% and 84% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 87% and 86% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. In particular, the 2006 third quarter reflects the non-renewal of a large, university-based physician group. This group became self-insured through a captive insurance arrangement. Excluding the effect from this non-renewing university account, our 2006 retention rate is 84% for the three-month period and 86% for the nine-month period.
     In response to moderating loss costs, we have begun to implement smaller rate increases and in some markets have held rates constant or lowered rates. Our average rate increase on physician renewals (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin) is approximately 3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 13% and 12% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.
     Premiums written for non-physician coverages, principally hospitals and facilities, remained relatively constant for the comparative three-month periods but decreased by approximately $6.5 million for the comparative nine-month periods. Premiums for hospital and facility coverages represent 4% of premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 5% of premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This segment of business is highly price sensitive and individual policies for these coverages can carry large amounts of premiums. Our focus is on maintaining adequate margins in the policies we sell and we have chosen not to compete primarily on price. Premiums for these coverages can fluctuate widely from period to period.
Premiums Earned
     Because premiums are generally earned pro rata over the entire policy period after the policy is written, fluctuations in premiums earned tend to lag those of premiums written. Our policies generally carry a term of one year.
     In the twelve months that follow the acquisition of an insurance subsidiary, our premiums earned include premiums earned related to the subsidiary’s unexpired policies on the date of acquisition (unearned premium). Such premiums are earned over the remaining term of the associated policy.
     Premiums earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same periods in 2005 reflects the changes in written premiums that have occurred during 2005 and 2006, on a pro rata basis. Premiums earned also includes additional earned premium related to unexpired policies acquired in the NCRIC transaction. Such additional earned premium was insignificant during the third quarter of 2006 but approximated $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and approximated $12 million for both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005.

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Premiums Ceded
     Premiums ceded represent the portion of earned premiums that we pay our reinsurers for their assumption of a portion of our losses. In the third quarter of 2006 we ceded approximately 8.3% of our earned premiums, compared to 8.9% for the third quarter of 2005. For the nine-month period we ceded approximately 7.9% of earned premium compared to 8.5% in 2005.
     Both the three- and the nine-month ratios are lower as compared to 2005 as a result of the NCRIC transaction. NCRIC premiums written before January 1, 2006 are reinsured under pre-merger NCRIC reinsurance arrangements that provided a greater amount of reinsurance and, consequently, higher ceded premiums. The amount of premium earned under these pre-merger arrangements has declined throughout 2006 and had a more pronounced effect on the ratio for the three-month period than for the nine-month period. In addition, NCRIC’s pre-merger reinsurance agreements carried higher rates for those levels of coverage that are comparable to the ProAssurance reinsurance program. The ratio for the nine-month period has also been reduced in 2006 due to the commutation of our outstanding reinsurance arrangements with the Converium group of companies during the first quarter of 2006. The commutation had the effect of reducing ceded premiums by $2.7 million in the first quarter.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
     The estimation of medical professional liability losses is inherently difficult. Injuries may not be discovered until years after an incident, or the claimant may delay pursuing the recovery of damages. Ultimate loss costs, even for similar events, vary significantly depending upon many factors, including but not limited to the nature of the injury and the personal situation of the claimant or the claimant’s family, the judicial climate where the insured event occurred, general economic conditions and the trend of health care costs. Medical liability claims are typically resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more. The combination of changing conditions and the extended time required for claim resolution results in a loss cost estimation process that requires actuarial skill and the application of judgment, and such estimates require periodic revision.
     Calendar year losses may be divided into three components: (i) actuarial evaluation of incurred losses for the current accident year; (ii) actuarial re-evaluation of incurred losses for prior accident years; and (iii) actuarial re-evaluation of the reserve for the death, disability and retirement provision (DDR) in our claims-made policies.
     Accident year refers to the accounting period in which the insured event becomes a liability of the insurer. For occurrence policies the insured event becomes a liability when the event takes place; for claims-made policies the insured event generally becomes a liability when the event is first reported to the insurer. We believe that measuring losses on an accident year basis is the most indicative measure of the underlying profitability of the premiums earned in that period since it associates policy premiums earned with our estimate of the losses incurred related to those policy premiums. Calendar year results include the operating results for the current accident year and, as discussed in critical accounting policies, any changes in estimates related to prior accident years.

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     The following tables summarize net losses and net loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 by separating losses between the current accident year and all prior accident years.
                                                 
    Net Losses
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   Change   2006   2005   Change
    In millions
Current accident year:
                                               
PRA
  $ 111.7     $ 122.9     $ (11.2 )   $ 338.0     $ 341.5     $ (3.5 )
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    13.3             13.3       13.3             13.3  
     
Consolidated
  $ 125.0     $ 122.9     $ 2.1     $ 351.3     $ 341.5     $ 9.8  
     
 
                                               
Prior accident years:
                                               
PRA
  $ (11.0 )   $ (5.0 )   $ (6.0 )   $ (23.0 )   $ (10.0 )   $ (13.0 )
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
                                   
     
Consolidated
  $ (11.0 )   $ (5.0 )   $ (6.0 )   $ (23.0 )   $ (10.0 )   $ (13.0 )
     
 
                                               
Calendar year:
                                               
PRA
  $ 100.7     $ 117.9     $ (17.2 )   $ 315.0     $ 331.5     $ (16.5 )
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    13.3             13.3       13.3             13.3  
     
Consolidated
  $ 114.0     $ 117.9     $ (3.9 )   $ 328.3     $ 331.5     $ (3.2 )
     
                                                 
    Net Loss Ratios
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   Change   2006   2005   Change
     
Current accident year:
                                               
PRA
    81.3 %     84.8 %     (3.5 )     81.0 %     85.4 %     (4.4 )
Consolidated
    83.7 %     84.8 %     (1.1 )     81.8 %     85.4 %     (3.6 )
 
                                               
Prior accident years:
                                               
PRA
    (8.0 %)     (3.5 %)     (4.5 )     (5.5 %)     (2.5 %)     (3.0 )
Consolidated
    (7.4 %)     (3.5 %)     (3.9 )     (5.3 %)     (2.5 %)     (2.8 )
 
                                               
Calendar year:
                                               
PRA
    73.3 %     81.3 %     (8.0 )     75.5 %     82.9 %     (7.4 )
Consolidated
    76.3 %     81.3 %     (5.0 )     76.5 %     82.9 %     (6.4 )
     We focus on developing and maintaining adequate rates. As a percentage of net earned premiums (the net loss ratio) current accident year net losses have declined 3.5 points and 4.4 points in the quarter and nine-month period, respectively. The decline in the current accident year net loss ratio is attributable to the improved rate adequacy we are currently achieving. The decrease in current accident year net losses for both the three- and the nine-month periods principally reflects decreases in the number of insured risks in 2006 as compared to 2005.
     During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 we recognized favorable calendar year development of $11.0 million and $23.0 million, respectively, related to our previously established reserves, primarily to reflect reductions in our estimates of claim severity, within our retained layer of risk, for the 2003 and 2004 accident years. While we have begun to see an increase in the number of larger verdicts being rendered this has not had a meaningful impact on the severity of claims within the first $1 million of risk.
     We do an analysis of the impact of large and excess verdicts as a part of our reserve analysis. In the risk layers above $1 million, generally the business ceded by us to our reinsurers, we are not recognizing any favorable development. While our analysis of the long-term data does indicate an overall improvement in the severity trends at this level the increase in larger verdicts over the past several quarters has caused us to be cautious in recognizing this trend within the excess layers.
     In a similar fashion over the past several quarters we have seen an increased number of verdicts in excess of the policy limits that we offer to our insureds. As a part of our reserving process we evaluate the likely outcomes from these verdicts giving consideration to appellate issues, coverage

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issues, potential recoveries from our insurance and reinsurance programs, and settlement discussions as well as our historical settlement practices. This information is then used in evaluating the overall adequacy of our reserves.
     Assumptions used in establishing our reserve are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then current operations. Due to the size of our reserve, even a small percentage adjustment to the assumptions can have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the change is made.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2006   2005   (Decrease)   2006   2005   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands            
Net investment income:
                                                               
PRA
  $ 35,750     $ 25,280     $ 10,470       41.4 %   $ 105,749     $ 71,361     $ 34,388       48.2 %
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    2,873             2,873       n/a       2,873             2,873       n/a  
                         
Consolidated
  $ 38,623     $ 25,280     $ 13,343       52.8 %   $ 108,622     $ 71,361     $ 37,261       52.2 %
                         
     Net investment income is primarily derived from the interest income earned by our fixed maturity securities and includes interest income from short-term, trading portfolio and cash equivalent investments, dividend income from equity securities, earnings from other investments and increases in the cash surrender value of business owned executive life insurance contracts. Investment fees and expenses are deducted from investment income.
     The 2006 increase in net investment income as compared to 2005 is due to several factors, the most significant being higher average invested funds during 2006. The proceeds from the sale of the MEEMIC companies in January, the NCRIC merger, and positive cash flow generated by our insurance operations significantly increased average invested funds during both the three and the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same periods in 2005. The additional income earned on the proceeds received in the MEEMIC sale approximated $4 million during the three-month period and $12 million during the nine-month period. Income from limited partnerships, which can vary significantly from period to period, decreased by approximately $830,000 for the three-month period and increased by approximately $140,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same periods in 2005.
     Rising market interest rates of the past several years have further contributed to the improvement in net investment income. We have been able to invest new and matured funds at higher rates and this has steadily increased the average yield of our portfolio. Exclusive of PIC Wisconsin, our average yields for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
Average income yield
    4.5 %     4.3 %     4.4 %     4.2 %
Average tax equivalent income yield
    5.2 %     4.8 %     5.1 %     4.7 %

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     The components of net realized investment gains (losses) are shown in the following table.
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
    In thousands
Net gains (losses) from sales*
  $ (788 )   $ 69     $ (202 )   $ 2,079  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (372 )     (729 )     (1,031 )     (769 )
Trading portfolio gains (losses)
    650       42       113       5  
     
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ (510 )   $ (618 )   $ (1,120 )   $ 1,315  
     
 
*   Amounts for 2006 include PIC Wisconsin net gains (losses) of $0.4 million.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2006   2005   (Decrease)   2006   2005   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
                                                               
PRA
  $ 24,119     $ 23,498     $ 621       2.6 %   $ 76,486     $ 66,792     $ 9,694       14.5 %
PIC Wisconsin Acquisition
    1,740             1,740       n/a       1,740             1,740       n/a  
         
Consolidated
  $ 25,859     $ 23,498     $ 2,361       10.0 %   $ 78,226     $ 66,792     $ 11,434       17.1 %
         
     The increase in underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflects additional costs related to the addition of NCRIC operations, higher compensation costs, including stock-based compensation costs, and for the nine months, an increase in Guaranty Fund assessments.
     The adoption of SFAS 123(R) added compensation expense of approximately $850,000 (0.6% of net premiums earned) and $3.8 million (0.9% of net premiums earned) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Such expenses were higher in the first quarter as compared to the second and third quarters principally because certain awards granted in 2006 to retirement eligible employees were expensed in their entirety in the first quarter of 2006, in accordance with the guidance of SFAS 123(R).
     Guaranty Fund assessments were approximately $314,000 (0.2% of net premiums earned) and $1.4 million (0.3% of net premiums earned) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to approximately $458,000 and $343,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The increase in Guaranty Fund expenses is principally attributable to an assessment by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, Inc. for $1.2 million. We will have the ability to recoup this expense with a premium surcharge to our Florida insureds.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2006   2005   (Decrease)   2006   2005   (Decrease)
Underwriting expense ratio:
                                               
PRA
    17.6 %     16.2 %     1.4       18.3 %     16.7 %     1.6  
Consolidated
    17.3 %     16.2 %     1.1       18.2 %     16.7 %     1.5  
     The increase in the underwriting expense ratio for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively, is principally attributable to higher compensation costs, including stock-based compensation costs, and additionally for the nine months the increase in Guaranty Fund assessments. The additional NCRIC expenses had little effect on the expense ratio due to the corresponding increase in earned premium resulting from the acquisition.

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Interest Expense
     Interest expense increased approximately $600,000 and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2005 due to debt we assumed in our acquisitions of NCRIC ($15.5 million in August 2005) and PIC Wisconsin ($11.6 million in August 2006). Interest expense also increased because our Subordinated Debentures carry variable rates based on LIBOR and the average LIBOR rate increased approximately 2 percentage points in 2006 as compared to 2005.
Taxes
     Our effective tax rate for each period is significantly lower than the 35% statutory rate because a considerable portion of our net investment income is tax-exempt. The effect of tax-exempt income on our effective tax rate is shown in the table below:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2006   2005   2006   2005
Statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Tax-exempt income
    (7.2 %)     (8.8 %)     (7.8 %)     (9.6 %)
Other
    0.4 %     (1.0 %)     0.8 %     0.1 %
     
Effective tax rate
    28.2 %     25.2 %     28.0 %     25.5 %
     
     The increase in our 2006 effective tax rate is the result of our tax-exempt income being a smaller percentage of total income than in prior periods.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk related to our investment operations. These risks are interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk.
     The term market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates.
     As of September 30, 2006, our fair value investment in fixed maturity securities was $3.1 billion. These securities are subject primarily to interest rate risk and credit risk. To date, we have not entered into transactions that require treatment as derivatives pursuant to SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended and interpreted.
Interest Rate Risk
     Our fixed maturities portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, market values of fixed income portfolios fall and vice versa. The fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale portfolio are not held for trading purposes. Certain of the securities are held in an unrealized loss position; we believe that we are in a position to keep such securities until recovery of book value or maturity.
     The following table summarizes estimated changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities for specific hypothetical changes in interest rates as of September 30, 2006.
                                         
    September 30, 2006   December 31, 2005
    Portfolio   Change in   Effective   Portfolio   Effective
    Value   Value   Duration   Value   Duration
         Interest Rates   Millions   Millions   Years   Millions   Years
 
200 basis point rise
  $ 2,855     $ (244 )     4.19     $ 2,218       4.07  
100 basis point rise
  $ 2,977     $ (122 )     3.89     $ 2,310       4.02  
Current rate *
  $ 3,099     $       3.83     $ 2,403       3.91  
100 basis point decline
  $ 3,213     $ 114       3.46     $ 2,498       3.82  
200 basis point decline
  $ 3,322     $ 223       3.36     $ 2,595       3.59  
 
*   Current rates are as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
     Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of fixed income security assets, and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.
     Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of the fair value of fixed rate instruments. Actual values may differ from those projections presented should market conditions vary from assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of individual securities, including non-parallel shifts in the term structure of interest rates and changing individual issuer credit spreads.
     ProAssurance’s cash and short-term investment portfolio at September 30, 2006 was on a cost basis which approximates its fair value. This portfolio lacks significant interest rate sensitivity due to its short duration.
     At September 30, 2006, the fair value of our investment in preferred stocks was $2.1 million. Preferred stocks are primarily subject to interest rate risk because they bear a fixed rate of return.

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Credit Risk
     We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. We control this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities we purchase.
     As of September 30, 2006, 97.9% of our fixed income portfolio consisted of securities rated investment grade. We believe that this concentration in investment grade securities reduces our exposure to credit risk on these fixed income investments to an acceptable level. However, in the current environment even investment grade securities can rapidly deteriorate and result in significant losses.
Equity Price Risk
     At September 30, 2006 the fair value of our investment in common stocks was $15.2 million. These securities are subject to equity price risk, which is defined as the potential for loss in market value due to a decline in equity prices. The weighted average Beta of this group of securities is 0.92. Beta measures the price sensitivity of an equity security or group of equity securities to a change in the broader equity market, in this case the S&P 500 Index. If the value of the S&P 500 Index increased by 10%, the fair value of these securities would be expected to increase by 9.2% to $16.6 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the S&P 500 Index would imply a decrease of 9.2% in the fair value of these securities to $13.8 million. The selected hypothetical changes of plus or minus 10% do not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios and are used for illustrative purposes only.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e) as of September 30, 2006. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
     There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, those controls during the quarter.
     Our management has concluded that it will exclude PIC Wisconsin’s systems and processes from the scope of ProAssurance’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 in reliance on the guidance set forth in Question 3 of a “Frequently Asked Questions” interpretive release issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Chief Accountant and the Division of Corporation Finance in June 2004 (and revised on October 6, 2004). We are excluding PIC Wisconsin from that scope because we expect substantially all of its significant systems and processes to be converted to those of ProAssurance during 2007.
     Our management excluded NCRIC’s systems and processes from the scope of ProAssurance’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 in reliance on the guidance set forth in Question 3 of a “Frequently Asked Questions” interpretive release issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Chief Accountant and the Division of Corporation Finance in June 2004 (and revised on October 6, 2004). We excluded NCRIC from that scope because we expected substantially all of its significant systems and processes to be converted to those of ProAssurance during 2006.

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Forward-Looking Statements
     Any statements in this Form 10Q that are not historical facts are specifically identified as forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon our estimates and anticipation of future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the expected results described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “hope”, “hopeful”, “intend”, “may”, “optimistic”, “preliminary”, “project”, “should”, “will” and other analogous expressions. There are numerous important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Thus, sentences and phrases that we use to convey our view of future events and trends are expressly designated as forward-looking statements as are sections of this Form 10Q clearly identified as giving our outlook on future business.
     Forward-looking statements relating to our business include among other things: statements concerning liquidity and capital requirements, return on equity, financial ratios, net income, premiums, losses and loss reserves, premium rates and retention of current business, competition and market conditions, the expansion of product lines, the development or acquisition of business in new geographical areas, the availability of acceptable reinsurance, actions by regulators and rating agencies, payment or performance of obligations under indebtedness, payment of dividends, and other matters.
     In addition, forward-looking statements may also relate to the merger between ProAssurance and PIC Wisconsin, Inc. as well as the goals, plans, objectives, intentions, expectations, financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business of the combined company including, without limitation, statements relating to the benefits of the merger, such as future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhanced revenues, and the accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger and statements regarding certain of ProAssurance’s and/or PIC Wisconsin’s goals and expectations with respect to earnings, earnings per share, revenue, expenses and the growth rate in such items, as well as other measures of economic performance.
     These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors that could affect the actual outcome of future events:
    general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market area, that are worse than anticipated;
 
    regulatory and legislative actions or decisions that adversely affect our business plans or operations;
 
    inflation and changes in the interest rate environment;
 
    performance of financial markets and/or changes in the securities markets that adversely affect the fair value of our investments or operations;
 
    changes in laws or government regulations affecting medical professional liability insurance;
 
    changes to our ratings assigned by rating agencies;
 
    the effects of health care changes, including managed care;
 
    uncertainties inherent in the estimate of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance, and changes in the availability, cost, quality, or collectibility of reinsurance;
 
    bad faith litigation may arise from cases in which the amount of a judgment is above our policy limits;
 
    post-trial motions may produce ruling adverse to us and/or appeals we undertake may be unsuccessful;
 
    significantly increased competition among insurance providers and related pricing weaknesses in some markets;
 
    our ability to achieve continued growth through expansion into other states or through acquisitions or business combinations;
 
    the expected benefits from acquisitions may not be achieved or may be delayed longer than expected due to, among other reasons, business disruption, loss of customers and employees, increased operating costs or inability to achieve cost savings, and assumption of greater than expected liabilities;
 
    changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by our regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and
 
    changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.
     Our results may differ materially from those we expect and discuss in any forward-looking statements. The principal risk factors that may cause these differences are described in various documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Registration Statement filed on February 15, 2006 and updated on June 2, 2006, as well as in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,

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such as our current reports on Form 8-K, and our regular reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, particularly in “Item 1A, Risk Factors.”
     We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and wish to advise readers that the factors listed above could affect our financial performance and could cause actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. Except as required by law or regulations, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

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Part II – Other Information
ITEM1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     Added to “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A of the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10K:
     If the litigation of a claim against an insured results in a verdict in excess of our insured’s policy limit, we could become the target of an action alleging that we acted in bad faith.
     Our insureds purchase policies with stated limits per incident, and if we are unable to settle a claim within those limits, the award resulting from the litigation of such claim, if any, may exceed the policy limits. If that situation arises, we could be sued by our insured for allegedly acting in bad faith during our handling of the claim. The damages in actions for bad faith may include the amounts in excess of the policy limits as well as consequential and punitive damages. Awards above policy limits are relatively infrequent, but they are becoming more common. Historically, we have been successful in resolving actions against us for bad faith on terms that have no material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation, however, by their nature these actions usually involve multi-million dollar awards and have the potential to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
  10.1   First amendment to 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
  31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC rule 13a-14(a).
 
  31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC rule 13a-14(a).
 
  32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
  32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350).

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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
 
 
November 8, 2006
 
 
  /s/ Edward L. Rand, Jr.    
  Edward L. Rand, Jr., Chief Financial Officer   
  (Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)  
 

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