PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
 

 
 
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 June 30, 2007 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 or 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 August 1, 2007 there were 33,066,986 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I — Financial Information
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Part II — Other Information
ITEM1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
SIGNATURE
EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
EX-32.2 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO

2


 

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 that are 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, court judgment, legislative actions, payment or performance of obligations under indebtedness, payment of dividends, and other matters.
     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, reinsurance and/or insurance, and changes in the availability, cost, quality, or collectibility of reinsurance and/or insurance;
 
    bad faith litigation which may arise from our involvement in the settlement of claims;
 
    post-trial motions which may produce rulings adverse to us and/or appeals we undertake that 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;
 
    changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans; and
 
    ability to recruit and retain senior management
     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, 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 caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and 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.

3


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
                 
    June 30     December 31  
    2007     2006  
     
    (Unaudited)        
Assets
           
Investments
               
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
  $ 3,058,569     $ 3,136,222  
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value
    51,975       49,218  
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
    7,325       7,220  
Equity securities, trading, at fair value
    8,869       7,638  
Short-term investments
    289,528       184,280  
Business owned life insurance
    59,876       58,721  
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
    18,154       9,331  
Other
    65,135       39,468  
     
Total investments
    3,559,431       3,492,098  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    9,743       29,146  
Premiums receivable
    106,320       113,023  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    352,199       370,763  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    17,395       18,954  
Deferred taxes
    120,598       112,201  
Real estate, net
    22,893       23,135  
Other assets
    205,329       183,533  
     
 
  $ 4,393,908     $ 4,342,853  
     
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Policy liabilities and accruals:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,602,737     $ 2,607,148  
Unearned premiums
    246,183       253,773  
Reinsurance premiums payable
    124,221       106,176  
     
Total policy liabilities
    2,973,141       2,967,097  
Other liabilities
    87,114       78,032  
Long-term debt
    179,399       179,177  
     
Total liabilities
    3,239,654       3,224,306  
Commitments and contingencies
           
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,555,394 and 33,398,028 shares issued, respectively
    336       334  
Additional paid-in capital
    503,477       495,848  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of ($15,173) and $62, respectively
    (28,182 )     111  
Retained earnings
    698,691       622,310  
     
 
    1,174,322       1,118,603  
Treasury stock, at cost, 489,535 shares and 121,765 shares, respectively
    (20,068 )     (56 )
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,154,254       1,118,547  
     
 
  $ 4,393,908     $ 4,342,853  
     
See accompanying notes

4


 

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, 2006
  $ 1,118,547     $ 111     $ 622,310     $ 496,126          
 
                                       
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    2,670             2,670                
 
                                       
Net income
    73,711             73,711                
 
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
    (28,293 )     (28,293 )                    
 
                                       
Purchase of treasury stock
    (20,012 )                 (20,012 )        
 
                                       
Common stock issued as compensation
    3,137                   3,137          
 
                                       
Stock-based compensation
    3,742                   3,742          
 
                                       
Common stock options exercised
    752                   752          
     
 
                                       
Balance at June 30, 2007
  $ 1,154,254     $ (28,182 )   $ 698,691     $ 483,745          
     
                                         
            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
    167,267             167,267                
 
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments:
                                       
Continuing operations
    (29,032 )     (29,032 )                    
Discontinued operations
    373       373                      
 
                                       
Common stock issued as compensation
    2,479                   2,479          
 
                                       
Stock-based compensation:
                                       
Continuing operations
    2,950                   2,950          
Discontinued operations
    642                   642          
 
                                       
Common stock options exercised
    278                   278          
     
 
                                       
Balance at June 30, 2006
  $ 910,003     $ (37,493 )   $ 553,152     $ 394,344          
     
See accompanying notes

5


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
     
    2007   2006   2007   2006
     
Revenues:
                               
Gross premiums written
  $ 105,747     $ 106,805     $ 291,049     $ 288,991  
     
Net premiums written
  $ 90,867     $ 96,381     $ 262,326     $ 268,962  
     
 
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 148,622     $ 150,141     $ 299,306     $ 302,889  
Premiums ceded
    (15,959 )     (12,721 )     (29,466 )     (23,039 )
     
Net premiums earned
    132,663       137,420       269,840       279,850  
Net investment income
    44,548       35,432       87,119       68,313  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    964       205       1,831       1,686  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    277       (754 )     (2,885 )     (610 )
Other income
    1,682       1,489       3,107       2,744  
     
 
                               
Total revenues
    180,134       173,792       359,012       351,983  
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    110,050       113,209       239,651       234,807  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (11,257 )     (10,099 )     (41,811 )     (20,565 )
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    98,793       103,110       197,840       214,242  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    25,648       25,914       52,475       52,367  
Interest expense
    2,984       2,632       5,944       5,188  
     
 
                               
Total expenses
    127,425       131,656       256,259       271,797  
     
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    52,709       42,136       102,753       80,186  
 
                               
Provision for income taxes:
                               
Current expense (benefit)
    10,607       11,625       22,204       25,099  
Deferred expense (benefit)
    4,481       520       6,838       (2,739 )
     
 
    15,088       12,145       29,042       22,360  
     
 
                               
Income from continuing operations
    37,621       29,991       73,711       57,826  
 
                               
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
                      109,441  
     
 
                               
Net income
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 73,711     $ 167,267  
     
 
                               
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.13     $ 0.96     $ 2.22     $ 1.86  
Income from discontinued operations
                      3.51  
     
Net income
  $ 1.13     $ 0.96     $ 2.22     $ 5.37  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.06     $ 0.90     $ 2.08     $ 1.74  
Income from discontinued operations
                      3.21  
     
Net income
  $ 1.06     $ 0.90     $ 2.08     $ 4.95  
     
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    33,178       31,195       33,236       31,175  
     
Diluted
    36,093       34,065       36,125       34,060  
     
See accompanying notes

6


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
     
    2007   2006   2007   2006
     
 
                               
Comprehensive income, after tax:
                               
Continuing operations:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 73,711     $ 57,826  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
    (29,787 )     (13,380 )     (28,293 )     (29,032 )
     
Comprehensive income, continuing operations
  $ 7,834     $ 16,611     $ 45,418     $ 28,794  
     
 
                               
Discontinued operations:
                               
Income from discontinued operations
  $     $     $     $ 109,441  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
                      373  
     
Comprehensive income, discontinued operations
  $     $     $     $ 109,814  
     
See accompanying notes

7


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                 
    Six Months Ended June 30
    2007   2006
     
Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 73,711     $ 167,267  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          (109,441 )
Depreciation and amortization
    7,789       10,840  
Net realized investment (gains) losses
    2,885       610  
Net purchases of trading portfolio securities
    (4,180 )     (50,294 )
Stock-based compensation
    3,742       2,950  
Taxes paid related to gain on sale of discontinued operations
          (54,565 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Premiums receivable
    6,703       11,292  
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (4,411 )     89,528  
Unearned premiums
    (7,590 )     (13,664 )
Reinsurance related assets and liabilities
    38,168       (1,332 )
Other
    (22,093 )     (11,009 )
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    94,724       42,182  
     
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Purchases of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    (663,487 )     (1,410,939 )
Equity securities available for sale
    (218 )      
Other investments
    (2,051 )     (364 )
Proceeds from sale or maturities of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    672,888       1,094,597  
Equity securities available for sale
    518       235  
Other investments
    7,045       49  
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments
    (105,248 )     (104,492 )
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of sales expense paid of $4,080
          371,037  
Other
    (8,564 )     (953 )
     
Net cash used by investing activities
    (99,117 )     (50,830 )
     
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Cash received from options exercised
    117       119  
Purchases of treasury stock
    (16,770 )      
Excess tax benefit from options exercised
    1,643       634  
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
    (15,010 )     753  
     
 
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (19,403 )     (7,895 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    29,146       34,506  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,743     $ 26,611  
     
 
               
Significant Non-cash Transactions:
               
Fixed maturities securities received as proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
  $     $ 24,819  
     
Fixed maturity securities transferred, at fair value, from available-for-sale to other investments
  $ 34,732     $  
     
See accompanying notes

8


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ProAssurance Corporation and its consolidated 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 report on Form 10-K.
Reclassifications/Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
     In 2007, due to the increased significance of the amounts involved, ProAssurance has separately reported its investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and its equity in the earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were included as a component of other investments and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were considered as a component of net investment income. Prior period balances in this report have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations, net income or total assets.
     Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries consist of ownership interests in non-public investment entities. ProAssurance uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in which its ownership interest does not require consolidation but for which ProAssurance’s ownership interest is a greater than minor interest. ProAssurance includes its proportionate share of the income (losses) of its unconsolidated subsidiaries in its results of operations as a separate line item in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
Accounting Changes
     In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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 adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased retained earnings and reduced tax liabilities by $2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Developments
     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and does not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its results of operation or financial condition.

9


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are not currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS 159 on its effective date, but has not completed its determination of the effect, if any, of adoption on its results of operations or financial condition.
2. Acquisitions
     ProAssurance acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) on August 1, 2006 as a means of expanding its operations geographically. PIC Wisconsin is an insurance company that focuses on medical professional insurance; its largest premium states are Wisconsin and Iowa.
     The acquisition was a stock-for-stock exchange accounted for as a purchase transaction in accordance with SFAS 141. The aggregate purchase price of $103.7 million was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $42.7 million was recognized equal to the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.
     For additional information regarding the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 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. In accordance with SFAS 144, results attributed to the personal lines operations are reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2006, income from discontinued operations consists solely of the gain recognized on the sale of $164.0 million net of related taxes of $54.6 million.
     For additional information regarding the sale of the MEEMIC Companies see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.

10


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
4. Investments
     The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities are as follows:
                                 
    June 30, 2007
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   (Losses)   Value
    In thousands
 
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 3,102,816     $ 5,969     $ (50,216 )   $ 3,058,569  
Equity securities
    4,551       2,781       (7 )     7,325  
     
 
  $ 3,107,367     $ 8,750     $ (50,223 )   $ 3,065,894  
     
                                 
    December 31, 2006
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   (Losses)   Value
    In thousands
 
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 3,138,648     $ 22,725     $ (25,151 )   $ 3,136,222  
Equity securities
    4,618       2,602             7,220  
     
 
  $ 3,143,266     $ 25,327     $ (25,151 )   $ 3,143,442  
     
     Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are $495.4 million and $957.7 million, respectively, including proceeds from sales of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities of approximately $326.3 million and $874.9 million, respectively. Purchases of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities approximated $242.0 million and $1,022.2 million during the same respective periods.
     Net realized investment gains (losses) are comprised of the following:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    In thousands
Gross realized gains
  $ 1,292     $ 30     $ 1,734     $ 753  
Gross realized (losses)
    (78 )     (100 )     (260 )     (167 )
Other than temporary impairment (losses)
          (88 )     (4,174 )     (659 )
Trading portfolio net gains (losses)
    (937 )     (596 )     (185 )     (537 )
     
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ 277     $ (754 )   $ (2,885 )   $ (610 )
     
     In January 2007, ProAssurance transferred high yield asset backed bonds (previously considered as available-for-sale securities) having a fair value of approximately $34.7 million to an investment fund created for the purpose of managing such investments. ProAssurance maintains a direct beneficial interest in securities originally contributed to the fund, and the securities are included in the ProAssurance Balance Sheet as a component of other investments, at fair value ($23.7 million at June 30, 2007, including net unrealized losses of $1.9 million). During the six months ended June 30, 2007 ProAssurance recognized other-than-temporary impairments of $4.2 million related to the securities contributed to the fund.
     Cash flows from the initial investment, approximately $7.0 million to-date, are being re-invested in an undivided interest of the fund. The equity method of accounting is used to account for this undivided interest, as the investment is considered an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary. At June 30, 2007 the carrying value of this undivided interest is $7.0 million.

11


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
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.
     ProAssurance adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. In accordance with the guidance provided in the statement, the cumulative effect of adoption, a $2.7 million reduction in tax liabilities, was recorded as an increase to beginning retained earnings.
     ProAssurance recognizes tax-related interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. No interest or penalties were accrued or paid during the six months ended June 30, 2007 nor was there any liability for such amounts at June 30, 2007.
     ProAssurance files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, ProAssurance is no longer subject to examinations by authorities related to its U.S federal or state income tax filings for years before 2003. Currently, no income tax returns are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any state or local taxing authority.
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 $13.2 million and $26.8 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions earned was $13.9 million and $27.0 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006, 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 related to previously established reserves of $20.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The favorable development reflects reductions in the Company’s estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through 2005 accident years, offset by an increase to the reserves for losses in excess of policy limits. ProAssurance recognized $35.6 million of favorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     ProAssurance recognized favorable net loss development of $8.0 million for the three months and $12.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to reflect slight reductions in estimated claim severity principally for accident years 2003 and 2004.

12


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
8. Long-term Debt
     Outstanding long-term debt, as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, consists of the following:
                         
            June 30   December 31
            2007   2006
             
            In thousands
 
Convertible Debentures due June 2023 (the Convertible Debentures), unsecured, principal of $107.6 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, net of unamortized discounts of $1.8 million at June 30, 2007 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2006.
  $ 105,824     $ 105,677  
 
Trust Preferred Subordinated Debentures (the 2034 Subordinated Debentures; the 2032 Subordinated Debentures), unsecured, bearing interest at a floating rate, adjustable quarterly.
               
 
 
    6/30/2007                  
Due
  Rate                  
December 2032
    9.36%       15,464       15,464  
April 2034
    9.21%       13,403       13,403  
May 2034
    9.21%       32,992       32,992  
 
Surplus Notes due May 2034 (the Surplus Notes), unsecured, net of unamortized discount of $0.3 million, principal of $12.0 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 7.7%, until May 2009.
    11,716       11,641  
             
 
 
          $ 179,399     $ 179,177  
             
Convertibility
     Holders of the Convertible Debentures may convert their debentures during the following quarter 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 a quarter. Upon conversion, holders will receive 23.9037 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures surrendered for conversion. During the quarter ended June 30, 2007 the criterion allowing conversion was met and holders may convert through September 30, 2007. To-date, no holders have requested conversion. If converted, ProAssurance has the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
Fair Value
     At June 30, 2007, the fair value of the Convertible Debentures is approximately 138% of their face value of $107.6 million, based on recent trading activity. At June 30, 2007, the fair value of the Surplus Notes approximates 98% of their face value of $12.0 million based on available third party valuation information. The fair value of the 2034 and 2032 Subordinated Debentures approximates the face value of the debentures.
Additional Information
     For additional information regarding the terms of ProAssurance’s outstanding long-term debt see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.

13


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
9. Stockholders’ Equity
     At June 30, 2007 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, the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such shares. At June 30, 2007, the Board of Directors had not authorized the issuance of any preferred stock nor determined any provisions for the preferred stock.
     As discussed in Note 1, ProAssurance adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. In accordance with the guidance provided by FIN 48, ProAssurance has reported the cumulative effect of adoption as an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $2.7 million.
     In April 2007, the Board of Directors authorized $150 million to repurchase shares or debt securities. The timing and quantity of any purchases are dependent upon market conditions and any changes in ProAssurance’s capital requirements, as well as limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. As of June 30, 2007 ProAssurance had repurchased approximately 368,000 common shares at a total cost of approximately $20.0 million (including purchases of $3.2 million settled after June 30, 2007). Treasury shares are reported at cost, and are reflected on the balance sheet as an unallocated reduction of total equity.
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 $21.3 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. 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 itself related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by policyholders. Such legal actions have been considered by ProAssurance in establishing its reserves. The outcome of all legal actions is not presently determinable for a number of reasons. For example, in the event that ProAssurance or its 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 available to 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.

14


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
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   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
     
    2007   2006   2007   2006
     
            In thousands, except per share data        
Basic earnings per share calculation:
                               
 
                               
Numerator:
                               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 73,711     $ 57,826  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
                      109,441  
     
Net income
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 73,711     $ 167,267  
     
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    33,178       31,195       33,236       31,175  
     
 
                               
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.13     $ 0.96     $ 2.22     $ 1.86  
Income from discontinued operations
                      3.51  
     
Net income
  $ 1.13     $ 0.96     $ 2.22     $ 5.37  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share calculation:
                               
 
                               
Numerator:
                               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 73,711     $ 57,826  
Effect of assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    742       742       1,484       1,484  
     
Income from continuing operations—diluted computation
    38,363       30,733       75,195       59,310  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
                      109,441  
     
Net income—diluted computation
  $ 38,363     $ 30,733     $ 75,195     $ 168,751  
     
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    33,178       31,195       33,236       31,175  
Assumed exercise of stock options/issuance of nonvested stock awards
    343       298       317       313  
Assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    2,572       2,572       2,572       2,572  
     
Diluted weighted average equivalent shares
    36,093       34,065       36,125       34,060  
     
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.06     $ 0.90     $ 2.08     $ 1.74  
Income from discontinued operations
                      3.21  
     
Net income
  $ 1.06     $ 0.90     $ 2.08     $ 4.95  
     
     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. Stock options are considered dilutive stock options when the option exercise price is below the average stock 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 outstanding shares. The average number of ProAssurance’s outstanding options not considered to be dilutive during the six-months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 is approximately 200,000 and 256,000, respectively.

15


 

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
June 30, 2007
12. Stock Options and Share-based Payments
     ProAssurance provides performance-based stock compensation to employees under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the ProAssurance Corporation Incentive Compensation Stock Plan. Share-based compensation expense of approximately $1.5 million and $3.7 million with a related tax benefit of approximately $493,000 and $1.3 million were recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Share-based compensation expense of approximately $956,000 and $3.0 million with a related tax benefit of approximately $288,000 and $940,000 were recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.
     During the six months ended June 30, 2007 ProAssurance granted approximately 167,000 options. The estimated fair value of the options averaged $16.22 per option. Fair values were estimated as of the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions:
         
    2007  
 
Weighted average assumptions:
       
Risk-free interest rate
    4.5 %
Expected volatility
    0.24  
Dividend yield
    0 %
Expected average term (in years)
    5  
     ProAssurance also granted Performance Shares awards to employees in March 2007 under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards were issued to two groups of employees: PRA executive officers and other managers. The Performance Shares vest at 100% on December 31, 2009 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 approximately 56,000 shares and 94,000 shares, depending upon the degree to which Performance Measures are attained. The fair value of each Performance Share was estimated on the date of grant as $51.48 per share, based on the market value of ProAssurance common stock on that date.
13. Subsequent Event
     Subsequent to June 30, 2007 but prior to the issuance of these financial statements, ProAssurance repurchased approximately 193,000 common shares at a total cost of $10.7 million under its stock repurchase plan that are not reflected in these financial statements.

16


 

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, 2006, 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 consolidated 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.
Critical Accounting Estimates
     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 therein. 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 estimates 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)
     The largest component of our liabilities is our reserve for losses and the largest component of expense for our operations is incurred losses. Net losses in any period reflect our estimate of net losses incurred related to the premiums earned in that period as well as any changes to our estimates of the reserve established for net losses of prior periods.
     The estimation of medical professional liability losses is inherently difficult. 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 claimants’ family, the outcome of jury trials, 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.
     In establishing our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses management considers a variety of factors including historical paid and incurred loss development trends, the effect of inflation on medical care, general economic trends and the legal environment. We perform an in-depth review of our reserve for losses on a semi-annual basis. Additionally, each reporting period we update and review the data underlying the estimation of our reserve for losses and make adjustments that we believe the emerging data indicate. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in the 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.

17


 

Reinsurance
     We use insurance and reinsurance (collectively, “reinsurance”) to provide capacity to write larger limits of liability, and to stabilize underwriting results in years in which higher 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.
     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 June 30, 2007 all ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transferring contracts.
     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 under our insurance and reinsurance programs. 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. As losses are paid, the related amount expected to be collected from reinsurers is recorded as a receivable in other assets as it no longer relates to our recorded reserves.
     We estimate premiums ceded under reinsurance agreements wherein the premium due to the reinsurer, subject to certain maximums and minimums, is based on losses reimbursed or to be reimbursed under the agreement. Our estimates of the amounts due from and to reinsurers are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Our assessment of the collectibility of the recorded amounts receivable from reinsurers considers the payment history of the reinsurer, publicly available financial and rating agency data, our interpretation of the underlying contracts and policies, and responses by reinsurers. Appropriate reserves are established for balances we believe may not be ultimately collected.
     Given the uncertainty of the ultimate amounts of our losses, our estimates of losses and related amounts recoverable 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.
Investment Valuations
     We evaluate our investments on at least a quarterly basis for declines in fair 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 fair value of the investments is less than its cost basis,
 
    the length of time for which the fair value of the investment has been less than its cost basis,
 
    the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer underlying the investment, 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 fair value.
     A decline in the fair value of an investment 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 investment. In subsequent periods, we base any measurement of gain or loss or decline in value upon the adjusted cost basis of the investment. Generally, adjustments to the cost basis of fixed maturity securities are accreted to par over the remaining life of the security.
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 and any amounts estimated to be unrecoverable are charged to expense in the current period.

18


 

Accounting Changes
     We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48) as of its effective date, January 1, 2007. FIN 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and 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. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased retained earnings and reduced our tax liability by $2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance
     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and do not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are not currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will adopt SFAS 159 on its effective date, but have not completed our determination of the effect of adoption on our results of operations or financial condition.
Recent Significant Events
     Effective January 1, 2006, we sold our personal lines operations and recognized a gain on the sale of $109.4 million after consideration of sales expenses and estimated taxes. Additional information regarding the sale is provided in Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
     Effective August 1, 2006 we acquired Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) in an all stock merger. The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin allowed ProAssurance to expand its medical professional liability business into the state of Wisconsin and adjacent states and into Nevada. This transaction strategically expanded our geographic footprint and is in keeping with our desire to expand our professional liability operations through selective acquisitions. A more detailed description of the merger transaction is provided in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
     During the first quarter of 2007 we reached a confidential settlement that ended all litigation and appeals stemming from, and related to, a $217 million judgment on a malpractice verdict against insureds of one of our subsidiaries entered in Tampa, Florida in October 2006. The effect of the settlement has been reflected in our financial statements.
     On April 2, 2007 our Board authorized $150 million to repurchase our shares or debt securities. The timing and quantity of any repurchase is dependent upon market conditions and any changes in ProAssurance’s capital requirements, as well as limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. As of June 30, 2007 we have repurchased approximately 368,000 common shares at a total cost of approximately $20.0 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2007 we repurchased approximately 193,000 common shares at a total cost of $10.7 million that are not reflected in our June 30, 2007 financial statements.
     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, A. Derrill Crowe, M.D. retired as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2007. Dr. Crowe remains as non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Board

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of Directors elected W. Stancil Starnes to succeed Dr. Crowe as CEO. Mr. Starnes formerly served as President, Corporate Planning and Administration, of Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, a large commercial construction firm. Prior to October 2006, Mr. Starnes served as the Senior and Managing Partner of Starnes & Atchison, LLP, Attorneys at Law, and was extensively involved with ProAssurance and its predecessor companies in the defense of its medical liability claims.
Reclassifications
     Due to the increasing significance of the amounts involved, we have separately stated our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and our equity in the earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were included as a component of other investments, and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were considered as a component of net investment income. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations, net income or total assets.
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 our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to limitation by state insurance regulations. See our discussions under “Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Our Operating Subsidiaries” in Part I, and in Note 15 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our December 31, 2006 Form 10K for additional information regarding dividend limitations. At June 30, 2007 we held cash and investments of approximately $257 million outside of our insurance subsidiaries that are available for use without regulatory approval.
Cash flows
     The principal components of our cash flow are the excess of net investment income and premiums collected over net losses paid and operating costs, including income taxes. 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. Likewise timing delays exist between the payment of claims and the collection of reinsurance recoveries.
     Our operating activities provided positive cash flows of approximately $ 7.7 million during the three months and $94.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007. As compared to 2006, we experienced little growth in premiums written and consequently our premium receipts remained relatively flat.
     Net payments for loss and loss adjustment expenses have increased in 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase in loss payments is influenced by the anticipated maturing of the loss reserves established during the last several years of growth. Also, we had a greater number of large indemnity payments made during the second quarter. The timing of indemnity payments can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon many factors, including the speed at which cases work through the trial and appellate process. The increase in paid losses is the primary reason our paid to incurred and paid loss ratios are higher in 2007 than in 2006. The paid to incurred ratio is further impacted by a decline in incurred losses; the paid loss ratio is further impacted by the decline in net premiums earned. These ratios are two metrics commonly used to gauge the operations of insurance companies. The ratios for a short period of time cannot be viewed in isolation for a long-tailed business. The payments to-date in 2007 are within our historical payment patterns.

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    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
Paid to incurred ratio
    109.8%       64.2%       92.8%       60.2%  
Paid loss ratio
    81.8%       48.2%       68.1%       46.1%  
 
     In 2006, cash provided by operating activities of $42 million is composed of net positive cash flows from routine insurance operations of $147 million, offset by tax payments related to the sale of our personal lines operations of approximately $55 million and purchases of trading securities of approximately $50 million.
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 relatively short duration of our investments, we do not foresee any such shortfall.
     We held cash and short-term securities of $299.3 million at June 30, 2007 as compared to $213.4 million at December 31, 2006. Since December 31, 2006 we have reduced our investment in variable rate demand notes, which are classified as fixed maturity securities, by approximately $84.3 million and increased our investment in securities which are classified as short-term securities. From a treasury management perspective, we do not view this action as significant since both types of securities are highly liquid.
     Other investments increased from $39.5 million at December 31, 2006 to $65.1 million at June 30, 2007. In January 2007 we contributed high-yield asset-backed bonds from our available-for-sale investment portfolio to a fund created for the purpose of managing such investments. We maintain a direct beneficial interest in securities originally contributed to the fund, which are included in our Balance Sheet as a component of other investments at fair value ($23.7 million at June 30, 2007 including net unrealized losses of $1.9 million). Cash flows from our initial investment in the fund, which approximate $7.0 million to-date at June 30, 2007, are being re-invested in an undivided interest of the fund. The undivided interest is considered as an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary and is accounted for using the equity method.
     As of June 30, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities of $3.11 billion comprise 86% of our total investments. The $77.7 million net decrease as compared to our December 31, 2006 holdings reflects a decline in fair value attributable to higher interest rates (as discussed below), the transfer of the previously discussed high-yield bonds and the reinvestment of a portion of the proceeds from sales/maturities into short-term securities. These decreases were partially offset by the investment of excess operating cash flows for the year.
     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 June 30, 2007. The weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2007 is 4.24 years; the weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities and our short-term securities combined is 3.92 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 June 30, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized losses of approximately $44.2 million with gross unrealized losses totaling $50.2 million and gross unrealized gains of $6.0 million. At December 31, 2006, on a pre-tax basis, our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized losses of approximately $2.5 million with unrealized losses totaling $25.2 million and unrealized gains totaling $22.7 million. Almost all of the unrealized loss positions in our portfolio are interest-rate related. Due to the short duration of our overall portfolio and our positive operating cash flows, we believe we have the ability and intent to hold these bonds to recovery of book value or maturity and do not consider the declines in value to be other than temporary. 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.”

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     Equity investments represent less than 1% of our total investments and less than 1.5% of our capital at both June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. At June 30, 2007, the carrying value of our equity investments (including equities in our available-for-sale and trading portfolios) totaled $16.2 million as compared to $14.9 million at December 31, 2006.
Debt
     Our long-term debt at June 30, 2007 is comprised of the following (in thousands, except %):
                 
                First
    Rate   2007   Redemption Date
     
Convertible Debentures
  3.9%, fixed     $105,824     July 2008
2034 Subordinated Debentures
  9.2%, Libor adjusted     46,395     May 2009
2032 Subordinated Debentures
  9.4%, Libor adjusted     15,464     December 2007
2034 Surplus Notes
  7.7%, fixed until May 2009     11,716     May 2009*
 
               
 
        $179,399      
 
               
 
*   Subject to approval by the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance
     Our Convertible Debentures may be converted at the option of holders when the price of our common stock exceeds a specified price during 20 of the last 30 days of any 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 met during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and holders may convert through September 30, 2007. To-date, no holders have requested conversion. If converted, we have the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
     A more detailed description of our debt is provided in Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance
     At June 30, 2007 our reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses is $352.2 million. Our receivable from reinsurers on paid losses, which is classified as a part of other assets, is $44.3 million.
     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 significant difficulties in collecting amounts due from reinsurers due to the financial condition of the reinsurer. Periodically, reinsurers may dispute our claim for reimbursement from them. We have established appropriate reserves for any balances that we believe may not be ultimately collected. Should future events lead us to believe that any reinsurer will not meet its obligations to us, adjustments to the amounts recoverable would be reflected in the results of current operations. Such an adjustment has the potential to be significant to the results of operations in the period in which it is recorded, however, we would not expect such an adjustment to have a material effect on our capital position or our liquidity.
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 our reserve for losses and legal actions falling outside of these areas which we evaluate and reserve for separately as a part of our Other Liabilities.

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     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 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 claims resolution 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 we believe 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 $21.3 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 our estimates. In particular, we or our insureds may 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 available to insureds; and we may become a party to bad faith litigation over the settlement of a claim. 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 in the period in which any such action is resolved.
Overview of Results—Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
     Income from continuing operations increased to $37.6 million and $73.7 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively, as compared to $30.0 million and $57.8 million for the same respective periods in 2006; an increase of 25% for the three-month period and 27% for the six-month period. Income from continuing operations per diluted share also increased as compared to 2006—to $1.06 from $0.90 for the comparative three-month periods and to $2.08 from $1.74 for the comparative six-month periods.
     The improvement in results is primarily due to additional investment earnings and to favorable development of prior accident year losses. Revenues related to our investments, including net realized investment gains, increased in 2007 by $10.9 million for the quarter and by $16.7 million for the year-to-date period. We recognized favorable development in 2007 of $20.0 million during the second quarter and $35.6 million during the year-to-date period as compared to $8.0 million and $12.0 million during the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, in 2006.
     These improvements were partially offset by lower gross earned premiums, higher ceded premiums and higher current accident year losses as compared to the same periods in 2006. Gross earned premiums decreased by approximately $1.5 million for the comparative three-month periods and by approximately $3.6 million for the comparative six-month periods, reflecting declines in written premiums experienced over the last twelve months. Premiums ceded increased by $3.2 million for the three-month period and by $6.4 million for the six-month period, which primarily resulted from changes to our estimates of the premiums due to reinsurers under certain prior year reinsurance arrangements, and, for the year-to-date period, a benefit received in 2006 related to the commutation of reinsurance arrangements for which there was no corresponding benefit in 2007. Current accident year losses increased by $7.7 million for the comparative quarter periods and by $7.2 million for the comparative year-to-date periods; the increase in current accident year losses is due to variations in the mix of risks insured during the period and an increase to our reserves for losses in excess of policy limits.

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Results of Operations—Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
     Selected consolidated financial data for each period is summarized in the table below.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
     
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
     
    $ in thousands
Revenues:
                                               
Gross premiums written
  $ 105,747     $ 106,805     $ (1,058 )   $ 291,049     $ 288,991     $ 2,058  
     
Net premiums written
  $ 90,867     $ 96,381     $ (5,514 )   $ 262,326     $ 268,962     $ (6,636 )
     
Premiums earned
  $ 148,622     $ 150,141     $ (1,519 )   $ 299,306     $ 302,889     $ (3,583 )
Premiums ceded
    (15,959 )     (12,721 )     (3,238 )     (29,466 )     (23,039 )     (6,427 )
     
Net premiums earned
    132,663       137,420       (4,757 )     269,840       279,850       (10,010 )
Net investment income
    44,548       35,432       9,116       87,119       68,313       18,806  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    964       205       759       1,831       1,686       145  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    277       (754 )     1,031       (2,885 )     (610 )     (2,275 )
Other income
    1,682       1,489       193       3,107       2,744       363  
     
Total revenues
    180,134       173,792       6,342       359,012       351,983       7,029  
     
 
                                               
Expenses:
                                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    110,050       113,209       (3,159 )     239,651       234,807       4,844  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (11,257 )     (10,099 )     (1,158 )     (41,811 )     (20,565 )     (21,246 )
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    98,793       103,110       (4,317 )     197,840       214,242       (16,402 )
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    25,648       25,914       (266 )     52,475       52,367       108  
Interest expense
    2,984       2,632       352       5,944       5,188       756  
     
Total expenses
    127,425       131,656       (4,231 )     256,259       271,797       (15,538 )
     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    52,709       42,136       10,573       102,753       80,186       22,567  
 
                                               
Income taxes
    15,088       12,145       2,943       29,042       22,360       6,682  
     
Income from continuing operations
    37,621       29,991       7,630       73,711       57,826       15,885  
 
                                               
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
                            109,441       (109,441 )
     
Net income
  $ 37,621     $ 29,991     $ 7,630     $ 73,711     $ 167,267     $ (93,556 )
     
 
                                               
Continuing Operations:
                                               
Net loss ratio
    74.5 %     75.0 %     (0.5 )     73.3 %     76.6 %     (3.3 )
Underwriting expense ratio
    19.3 %     18.9 %     0.4       19.4 %     18.7 %     0.7  
     
Combined ratio
    93.8 %     93.9 %     (0.1 )     92.7 %     95.3 %     (2.6 )
     
Operating ratio
    60.2 %     68.1 %     (7.9 )     60.4 %     70.9 %     (10.5 )
     
 
                                               
Return on equity*
    13.0 %     13.3 %     (0.3 )     13.0 %     13.8 %     (0.8 )
     
 
*   Annualized

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Premiums
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
                            $ in thousands                        
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 105,747     $ 106,805     $ (1,058 )     (1.0 %)   $ 291,049     $ 288,991     $ 2,058       0.7 %
                         
 
Premiums earned
  $ 148,622     $ 150,141     $ (1,519 )     (1.0 %)   $ 299,306     $ 302,889     $ (3,583 )     (1.2 %)
Premiums ceded
    (15,959 )     (12,721 )     (3,238 )     25.5 %     (29,466 )     (23,039 )     (6,427 )     27.9 %
                         
Net premiums earned
  $ 132,663     $ 137,420     $ (4,757 )     (3.5 %)   $ 269,840     $ 279,850     $ (10,010 )     (3.6 %)
                         
Gross Premiums Written
     The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin has increased our gross written premiums. However, the increasingly competitive market and lower rates, as discussed below, have reduced the premiums generated by our pre-acquisition book of business. These results are consistent with our strategy to grow through selective acquisitions and to maintain our underwriting and pricing discipline in periods of market softening.
     We sell professional liability insurance primarily to physicians and other health care providers (hospitals and other health care facilities, dentists, nurses). As a part of our professional liability coverage, we offer extended reporting endorsement or “tail” coverages to all of our insureds but we do not market such coverages separately. The amount of tail premium written and earned can vary widely from period to period. To simplify the overall presentation of our premiums, the tables and our discussions below of physician and non-physician premiums exclude tail coverage because of this volatility; we separately discuss tail coverage at the end of this section.
     Physician premiums represent 85% and 86% of gross written premiums for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As shown in the following table, physician premiums reflect an overall decline of approximately 3% during the second quarter of 2007, but have changed little during the year-to-date period.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
                    In thousands                
 
Physician Premiums:
                                               
PRA pre-acquisition business
  $ 75,668     $ 86,460     $ (10,792 )   $ 212,827     $ 247,557     $ (34,730 )
PIC Wisconsin acquisition
    8,076             8,076       35,283             35,283  
         
 
  $ 83,744     $ 86,460     $ (2,716 )   $ 248,110     $ 247,557     $ 553  
         
     We continue to face price competition from long established providers, including hospital based programs, and from more recent market entrants, including off-shore providers, self-insurance arrangements and risk retention groups. This has both reduced our retention rate and has made it more difficult for us to attract new business.
     We base our rates on expected loss costs. In response to increased competition and where warranted by expectations of improved frequency and loss cost trends, we have filed for lower rates (some of which have already become effective during 2007) or held rates constant in a number of our markets and offer discounts to qualifying insureds. We remain committed to an adequate rate structure in a competitive rate environment and will continue our policy of foregoing any business that cannot be written at our profit goals. Our overall retention rate (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin and excess and surplus lines business) based on the number of physician risks that we insure is 85% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 88% and 87% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. On a weighted average basis, our charged rates (including the effects of discounts) for physicians renewed during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007

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remained flat as compared to 2006 rates. Changes in charged rates, however, vary significantly from state to state, ranging from rate decreases of as much as 11% to increases of as much as 47%.
     Premiums written for non-physician coverages represent 11% and 9% of our total gross written premiums for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and include premiums attributable to the PIC Wisconsin acquisition as follows:
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
                    In thousands                
 
Non-physician Premiums:
                                               
PRA pre-acquisition business
  $ 12,811     $ 14,521     $ (1,710 )   $ 24,481     $ 26,627     $ (2,146 )
PIC Wisconsin
    3,005             3,005       6,793             6,793  
         
 
  $ 15,816     $ 14,521     $ 1,295     $ 31,274     $ 26,627     $ 4,647  
         
     The most significant component of non-physician premiums is premiums written for hospital and facility coverages, which approximated $8.7 million and $16.8 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively. On an overall basis, 2007 as compared to 2006, hospital and facility premiums increased by $278,000 for the three-month period and increased by $2.6 million for the six-month period. PIC Wisconsin contributed premiums for hospital and facility coverages of $2.4 million for the three-month period and $5.5 million for the six-month period.
     We are required to offer extended reporting endorsement or “tail” policies to insureds that are discontinuing their claims-made coverage with us. As competition has increased, it has become common for insurers to offer prior acts coverage to new insureds. This negates the need for our non-renewing or canceled insureds to purchase tail coverage and has reduced the amount of tail premium that we write. Our preference is to sell less rather than more tail coverage since it represents a long-term liability with increased pricing risk. In 2007, tail premiums totaled $6.2 million during the three- month period and $11.7 million during the six-month period (6% and 4% of gross written premiums, respectively), declining by $0.4 million and $3.1 million when compared to the same respective periods in 2006.
Premiums Earned
     Because premiums are generally earned pro rata over the entire policy period, fluctuations in premiums earned tend to lag those of premiums written. Our policies generally carry a term of one year. Premiums earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, as compared to the same periods in 2006 reflects changes in written premiums that have occurred during 2006 and 2007, on a pro rata basis. Tail policies are 100% earned in the period written because the policies insure only incidents that occurred in prior periods.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
                    In thousands                
 
Premiums Earned:
                                               
PRA pre-acquisition business
  $ 128,752     $ 150,141     $ (21,389 )   $ 259,426     $ 302,889     $ (43,463 )
PIC Wisconsin acquisition
    19,870             19,870       39,880             39,880  
         
 
  $ 148,622     $ 150,141     $ (1,519 )   $ 299,306     $ 302,889     $ (3,583 )
         
     As discussed under premiums written, premium growth has been fairly flat during the first six months of 2007 and is likely to continue to decrease during the remainder of 2007. Unless there is significant growth in premiums written during the remainder of 2007, earned premiums will continue to decline as compared to the same periods in 2006.
     In the twelve months that follow the acquisition of an insurance subsidiary, our premiums earned include premiums 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. In

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2007, earned premium includes approximately $3.8 million and $10.0 million for the three- and six-month periods related to the unexpired policies acquired in the PIC Wisconsin transaction. In 2006, earned premium includes approximately $3.9 million and $10.0 million for the same periods related to the unexpired policies acquired in the NCRIC transaction.
Premiums Ceded
     Premiums ceded represent the portion of earned premiums that we pay our reinsurers for their assumption of a portion of our losses. The premium that we cede to our reinsurers is determined, in part, by the loss experience (subject to minimums and maximums) of the business ceded to them. It takes a number of years before all losses are known, and in the intervening period premiums due to the reinsurer are estimated. Ceded premium estimates are revised as loss estimates are revised.
     During the second quarter of 2007, we recognized additional ceded premiums of approximately $2.6 million resulting from revisions to our estimates of the losses allocable to certain prior accident year reinsurance treaties. These ceded premiums increased our 2007 reinsurance ratio for the three-month period by 1.8 percentage points and increased the ratio for the six-month period by 0.9 percentage points.
     Exclusive of the effect of the above amount, our 2007 reinsurance expense ratio (ceded premiums as a percentage of earned premiums) for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 is 9.0%. Most of the increase in the ratio, as compared to the adjusted 2006 ratio of 8.5% (see below) is due both to the addition of premiums ceded by PIC Wisconsin under its reinsurance agreements and to fact that premium declines from our organic book of business principally relate to retained business rather than to ceded business. Thus, within our organic book of business, the proportion of ceded premiums has increased.
     In the first quarter of 2006 we commuted all our outstanding reinsurance arrangements with the Converium group of companies for approximately $4.2 million. The transaction resulted in a decrease in ceded premiums for the first quarter of 2006 of approximately $2.7 million. After adjustment for this item, our year-to-date 2006 reinsurance expense ratio is approximately 8.5%.

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Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
     The determination of calendar year losses involves the actuarial evaluation of incurred losses for the current accident year and the actuarial re-evaluation of incurred losses for prior accident years, including the reserve amounts required for losses in excess of policy limits.
     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 any changes in estimates related to prior accident years.
     The following table summarizes net losses and net loss ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 by separating losses between the current accident year and all prior accident years.
                                                 
    Net Losses
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
    In millions
 
                                               
Current accident year
  $ 118.8     $ 111.1     $ 7.7     $ 233.4     $ 226.2     $ 7.2  
Prior accident years
    (20.0 )     (8.0 )     (12.0 )     (35.6 )     (12.0 )     (23.6 )
         
Calendar year
  $ 98.8     $ 103.1     $ (4.3 )   $ 197.8     $ 214.2     $ (16.4 )
         
                                                 
    Net Loss Ratios*
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
     
 
                                               
Current accident year
    89.5 %     80.9 %     8.6       86.5 %     80.8 %     5.7  
Prior accident years
    (15.0 %)     (5.9 %)     (9.1 )     (13.2 %)     (4.2 %)     (9.0 )
         
Calendar year
    74.5 %     75.0 %     (0.5 )     73.3 %     76.6 %     (3.3 )
         
 
*   Net losses as specified divided by net premiums earned.
     Net losses increased by approximately $17.2 million and $34.6 million for the three- and six-month periods of 2007 due to the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin; however, this PIC Wisconsin increase was offset by a decrease in the net losses attributable to our other insurance subsidiaries. This decrease is principally due to the decline in earned exposures by those subsidiaries and increased favorable prior accident year loss development in 2007 as compared to 2006.
     Our consolidated loss ratio for the current accident year increased in the three- and six-month periods because of the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin, which generally operates at a higher loss ratio, and because the mix of premiums earned in 2007 was more heavily weighted to states where higher loss ratios are expected. Also, during the second quarter we increased our estimates for the current accident year with regard to losses in excess of policy limits. PIC Wisconsin’s current accident year net loss ratio is higher than that of our other subsidiaries primarily because rate increases implemented in 2006 and 2007 have not yet been fully reflected in earned premiums.
     We recognized favorable loss development of approximately $20.0 million during the three-month period ended June 30, 2007 related to our previously established (prior accident year) reserves. The favorable development primarily resulted from reductions to our estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through 2005 accident years. Offsetting this favorable development was unfavorable development related to our reserves for losses in excess of policy limits. We recognized favorable development of $35.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

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     During the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 we recognized favorable development of $8.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, related to our previously established (prior accident year) reserves, primarily to reflect reductions in our estimates of claim severity, within our retained layer of risk, principally for the 2003 and 2004 accident years.
     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.

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Net Investment Income, Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
 
                                                               
Net investment income
  $ 44,548     $ 35,432     $ 9,116       25.7 %   $ 87,119     $ 68,313     $ 18,806       27.5 %
     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 2007 increase in net investment income is due to several factors, the most significant being higher average invested funds. The PIC Wisconsin merger and positive cash flow generated by our insurance operations significantly increased average invested funds during the first half of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
      Improved yields have also contributed to the growth of our net investment income. Market interest rates of the past several years have allowed us to consistently invest new and matured funds at rates that exceed the average held in our portfolio. Average yields for our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities during 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
                               
Average income yield
    4.7 %     4.4 %     4.7 %     4.3 %
Average tax equivalent income yield
    5.4 %     5.1 %     5.3 %     5.0 %
     Net investment income by investment category is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    In thousands
 
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 37,861     $ 30,160     $ 74,179     $ 58,049  
Equities
    77       140       139       202  
Short-term investments
    3,846       4,525       7,709       8,483  
Other invested assets
    3,258       1,016       6,140       2,291  
Business owned life insurance
    583       567       1,155       1,140  
Investment expenses
    (1,077 )     (976 )     (2,203 )     (1,852 )
     
Net investment income
  $ 44,548     $ 35,432     $ 87,119     $ 68,313  
     
     The increase in investment income from fixed maturities and the increase in investment expenses are both principally due to the increase in invested funds, including those acquired as a result of the PIC Wisconsin transaction. Income from other invested assets is principally derived from non-public investment partnerships/limited liability companies and our income from these holdings varies from period to period.

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     The components of net realized investment gains (losses) are shown in the following table.
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
    In thousands
 
                               
Net gains (losses) from sales
    1,214     $ (70 )   $ 1,474     $ 586  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
          (88 )     (4,174 )     (659 )
Trading portfolio gains (losses)
    (937 )     (596 )     (185 )     (537 )
     
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ 277     $ (754 )   $ (2,885 )   $ (610 )
     
     The 2007 other-than-temporary impairment losses above were recognized to reflect a significant loss in the fair value of our investment in high yield asset backed bonds particularly those with sub-prime loan exposures during the first quarter of 2007. The bonds are included in other investments and have a carrying value of $23.7 million, see Note 4.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
  $ 25,648     $ 25,914     $ (266 )     (1.0 %)   $ 52,475     $ 52,367     $ 108       0.2 %
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
 
                                               
Underwriting expense ratio
    19.3 %     18.9 %     0.4       19.4 %     18.7 %     0.7  
     Stock based compensation costs increased in 2007; the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin also added underwriting, operating and acquisition expense. However, direct acquisition costs at our other insurance subsidiaries have decreased due to declines in premium volume.
     Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses in 2007 and 2006 include stock based compensation expense of approximately $1.5 million and $956,000 for the second quarter of each year and $3.7 million and $3.0 million for the six-month periods, respectively. Approximately $1.2 million and $1.0 million of this expense for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relates to awards given to retirement eligible employees. Under SFAS 123R awards issued to retirement eligible employees are expensed when awarded rather than over the vesting period of the award.
     Guaranty fund assessments (net recoveries) totaled approximately ($90,000) and ($134,000) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $995,000 and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.
     We awarded 100,000 options to our new CEO, W. Stancil Starnes, on July 2, 2007. The fair value of the award is approximately $1.8 million which will be fully expensed in the third quarter of 2007.
Interest Expense
     Interest expense increased for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the same periods in 2006 primarily because we assumed $11.6 million of debt as a part of the PIC Wisconsin merger.

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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   Six Months Ended
    June 30   June 30
    2007   2006   2007   2006
 
                               
Statutory rate
    35 %     35 %     35 %     35 %
Tax-exempt income
    (7 %)     (8 %)     (7 %)     (8 %)
Other
    1 %     2 %           1 %
     
Effective tax rate
    29 %     29 %     28 %     28 %
     

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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.
     As of June 30, 2007, the fair value of our 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. Certain of the securities are held in an unrealized loss position; we have the current ability and intent 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 June 30, 2007.
                                         
    June 30, 2007   December 31, 2006
    Portfolio   Change in   Effective   Portfolio   Effective
    Value   Value   Duration   Value   Duration
Interest Rates   Millions   Millions   Years   Millions   Years
 
200 basis point rise
  $ 2,844     $ (267 )     4.50     $ 2,911       4.31  
100 basis point rise
  $ 2,976     $ (135 )     4.48     $ 3,057       4.20  
Current rate *
  $ 3,111     $       4.24     $ 3,185       3.89  
100 basis point decline
  $ 3,239     $ 128       3.82     $ 3,306       3.55  
200 basis point decline
  $ 3,358     $ 247       3.54     $ 3,422       3.51  
 
*   Current rates are as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
     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 June 30, 2007 was on a cost basis which approximates its fair value. This portfolio lacks significant interest rate sensitivity due to its short duration.

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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 June 30, 2007, 99.5% of our fixed maturity securities are 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, even investment grade securities can rapidly deteriorate and result in significant losses.
     As of June 30, 2007, our fixed maturity securities include securities with a fair value of approximately $ 30.7 million that are supported by collateral classified as sub-prime, of which approximately 67% are AAA rated, 15% are AA+, and 19% are A. Additionally we have approximately $6.0 million of exposure to below investment grade fixed income securities with sub-prime exposure within a high-yield investment fund; the average rating of these securities is BB.
Equity Price Risk
     At June 30, 2007 the fair value of our investment in common stocks was $16.2 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 0.96. 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 9.6% to $17.7 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the S&P 500 Index would imply a decrease of 9.6% in the fair value of these securities to $14.6 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 June 30, 2007. 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 excluded 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 excluded PIC Wisconsin from that scope because we expected substantially all of its significant systems and processes to be converted to those of ProAssurance during 2007.

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Part II — Other Information
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     See “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A of the 2006 Form 10K.
     “Our business could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more key employees”
     We are heavily dependent upon our senior management and the loss of services of our senior executives could adversely affect our business. Our success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on our ability to retain the services of existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of key employees or senior managers, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect the quality and profitability of our business operations.
     “We have a new Chief Executive Officer”
     Our former Chief Executive Officer, A. Derrill Crowe announced his retirement during the second quarter. Dr. Crowe will remain as our non-executive Chairman and our Board has elected W. Stancil Starnes (age 58) to replace him, as CEO. Mr. Starnes has been affiliated with our Company and its predecessors for 30 years in his capacity as one of the nation's leading medical liability defense attorneys. While he has been a close advisor to the Company and Dr. Crowe in particular, he has not, until now, held an executive position in an insurance company. We believe he is well qualified to lead our Company, given (a) his management background as the senior partner at a law firm with 60 attorneys that he and his father founded thirty years ago, (b) his brief experience as President, Corporate Planning and Administration, of Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, a privately held, Birmingham-based commercial construction firm with 3,000 employees and $2 billion in annual revenues, (c) his 12 years of experience as a member of the Board of Directors of Alabama National Bancorporation, and (d) the support of our senior management team, which has an average of 23 years experience in the insurance industry and related fields.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     Items 2(a) and (b) are inapplicable.
     (c) Information required by Item 703 of Regulation S-K
                                 
    ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES        
                    Total Number     Approximate Dollar  
                    of Shares     Value of Shares  
    Total             Purchased as Part     that May Yet Be  
    Number of             of Publicly     Purchased Under  
    Shares     Average Price Paid     Announced Plans or     the Plans or  
Period   Purchased     per Share     Programs(1)     Programs(1)  
April 1, 2007-
April 30, 2007
    154,670     $ 52.64                   154,670     $ 141,854,025  
May 1, 2007-
May 31, 2007
    25,000     $ 55.85                   25,000     $ 140,457,383  
June 1, 2007-
June 30, 2007
    188,100     $ 55.63                   188,100     $ 129,988,321  
 
                           
Total
    367,770     $ 54.39                   367,770          
 
                           
(1)   On April 2, 2007 the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million in ProAssurance common shares or debt securities, subject to limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board’s authorization for the repurchase plan has no expiration date.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
  10.1   Employment Agreement of W. Stancil Starnes (filed as an Exhibit to ProAssurance’s Current Report on Form 8K, File No. 001-16533, and incorporated by reference pursuant to SEC Rule 12b-32).
 
  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
August 8, 2007
         
     
  /s/ Edward L. Rand, Jr.    
  Edward L. Rand, Jr., Chief Financial Officer    
  (Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)   
 

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