-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, PqYviMT9yffbSQPXuc9QhBjI0JRYhvoYvhpY9G2LOUFV/cccbIJC8bQj787EG63f dgruv4V7qc4G1LgWvGo0+Q== 0000950123-09-042198.txt : 20090910 0000950123-09-042198.hdr.sgml : 20090910 20090909204058 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-09-042198 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090910 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090909 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PENN MILLERS HOLDING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001453820 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331] IRS NUMBER: 232994859 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-156936 FILM NUMBER: 091061531 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 72 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET STREET 2: PO BOX P CITY: WILKES-BARRE STATE: PA ZIP: 18773-0016 BUSINESS PHONE: 8008228111 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 72 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET STREET 2: PO BOX P CITY: WILKES-BARRE STATE: PA ZIP: 18773-0016 424B4 1 x74385b4e424b4.htm 424B4 e424b4
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
Registration Statement No. 333-156936
 
PROSPECTUS
 
PENN MILLERS HOLDING CORPORATION
 
 
We are offering up to 6,772,221 shares of our common stock for sale at a price of $10.00 per share in connection with the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company, or Penn Millers Mutual, from the mutual to stock form of organization. Immediately following the conversion, we will acquire all of the newly issued shares of Penn Millers Mutual common stock.
 
We are offering shares of our common stock in three phases: a subscription offering phase, a community offering phase, and a syndicated community offering phase. The minimum number of shares that must be sold, the maximum number of shares that can be sold and the limit on the number of shares that any person may purchase apply to all three phases of the offering taken together.
 
We are offering shares in the subscription offering phase in the following order of priority:
 
  •  eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, who were the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company, as of April 22, 2009;
 
  •  our employee stock ownership plan, which we refer to as our ESOP; and
 
  •  officers, directors and employees of Penn Millers Mutual and its subsidiaries.
 
The subscription offering phase will end at noon, Eastern Time, on October 7, 2009. Any shares of our common stock not sold in the subscription offering may be sold to the general public in the community offering phase, which will commence simultaneously with and end concurrently with the subscription offering phase unless extended by us. We may also sell shares of our common stock to offerees in a syndicated community offering phase that may be conducted concurrently with or subsequent to the subscription offering and the community offering phases.
 
Our ability to complete this offering is subject to two conditions. First, a minimum of 4,505,000 shares of common stock must be sold to complete the offering. Second, a majority of the members of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009 must approve Penn Millers Mutual’s plan of conversion. Until such time as these conditions are satisfied, all funds submitted to purchase shares will be held in escrow with Christiana Bank & Trust Company.
 
Our ESOP has the right to purchase that number of shares which is equal to 9.99% of the total number of shares sold in the offering. Therefore, the maximum number of shares sold may be increased to 6,772,221 shares solely to accommodate the 9.99% interest being purchased by our ESOP. Shares issued to the ESOP will be counted toward satisfaction of the minimum amount. If more orders are received than shares offered, shares will be allocated in the manner and priority described in this prospectus.
 
The minimum number of shares that a person may subscribe to purchase is 25 shares. Except for our ESOP, the maximum number of shares that a person may purchase is 5% of the total number of shares sold in the offering.
 
Griffin Financial Group, LLC, which we refer to as Griffin Financial, will act as our placement agent and will use its best efforts to assist us in selling our common stock in the offering, but is not obligated to purchase any shares of common stock that are being offered for sale. Purchasers will not pay any commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
 
There is currently no public market for our common stock. We have applied for the quotation of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PMIC.”
 
This investment involves risk. For a discussion of the material risks that you should consider, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.
 
 
 
 
OFFERING SUMMARY
Price: $10.00 per share
 
 
                                 
                      Adjusted
 
    Minimum     Midpoint     Maximum     Maximum  
 
Number of shares offered
    4,505,000       5,300,000       6,095,000       6,772,221  
Gross offering proceeds
  $ 45,050,000     $ 53,000,000     $ 60,950,000     $ 67,722,210  
Less: Proceeds from ESOP shares(1)
  $ 4,504,990     $ 5,299,990     $ 6,094,990     $ 6,772,210  
Conversion and offering expenses
  $ 2,570,000     $ 2,570,000     $ 2,570,000     $ 2,570,000  
Commissions(2)(3)
  $ 675,750     $ 795,000     $ 914,250     $ 1,015,833  
Net proceeds
  $ 37,299,260     $ 44,335,010     $ 51,370,760     $ 57,364,167  
Net proceeds per share
  $ 8.28     $ 8.37     $ 8.43     $ 8.47  
 
 
(1) The calculation of net proceeds from this offering does not include the shares being purchased by our ESOP because we will loan a portion of the proceeds to the ESOP to fund the purchase of such shares. The ESOP is purchasing such number of shares as will equal 9.99% of the total number of shares sold in the offering.
 
(2) Represents the amount to be paid to Griffin Financial, which is equal to 1.5% of the shares sold in the subscription offering and the community offering. See “The Conversion and Offering — Marketing and Placement Agent Arrangements.”
 
(3) Assumes that no shares are sold in a syndicated community offering phase. In the event of a syndicated community offering phase, a commission rate of 5.5% will be paid on all shares sold in that phase.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
For assistance, please call the Stock Information Center at 1-877-764-2743.
 
 
 
 
Griffin Financial Group, LLC
 
 
 
 
The date of this Prospectus is September 9, 2009


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
         
 
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CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and Griffin Financial has not, authorized any other person to provide information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We and Griffin Financial are offering to sell and seeking offers to buy our common stock only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Information contained on our web site is not part of this prospectus.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this prospectus:
 
  •  “Penn Millers,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company, which we refer to as Penn Millers Mutual, PMHC Corp., Penn Millers Insurance Company, and any of its subsidiaries prior to the conversion. “Penn Millers,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the registrant, Penn Millers Holding Corporation, as well as Penn Millers Mutual, PMHC Corp., Penn Millers Insurance Company and any of its subsidiaries after the conversion;
 
  •  the “conversion” refers to a series of transactions by which Penn Millers Mutual will convert from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company and become a subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation;
 
  •  the “offering” and the “conversion offering” refer to the offering of up to 6,772,221 shares of our common stock under the plan of conversion to eligible subscribers in a subscription offering and to the general public in a community offering and syndicated community offering. We expect to conduct the subscription offering and the community offering at the same time. The syndicated community offering may be conducted concurrently with or subsequent to the subscription offering and the community offering; and
 
  •  “members” refers to members of Penn Millers Mutual, who are either (i) the named insureds under an individual insurance policy issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company or (ii) the named insureds under a group insurance policy issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company.


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the offering fully, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including our financial statements and the notes to the financial statements included in this prospectus.
 
Overview
 
We provide a variety of property and casualty insurance products designed to meet the insurance needs of certain segments of the agricultural industry and the needs of small commercial businesses. We are licensed in 39 states, but we currently limit our sales of our agricultural insurance products to 33 states and our commercial insurance products to 8 states. We discontinued writing personal insurance products in 2003 and now offer only commercial products. We report our operating results in three operating segments: agribusiness insurance, commercial business insurance, and our “other” segment. However, assets are not allocated to segments and are reviewed in the aggregate for decision-making purposes.
 
Our agribusiness insurance segment product includes fire and allied lines, inland marine, general liability, commercial automobile, workers’ compensation, and umbrella liability insurance. We specialize in writing coverage for manufacturers, processors, and distributors of products for the agricultural industry. We do not write property or liability insurance for farms or farming operations unless written in conjunction with an eligible agribusiness operation, and we do not write any crop insurance or weather insurance. Our commercial business segment insurance product consists of a business owner’s policy that combines property, liability, business interruption, and crime coverage for small businesses; workers’ compensation; commercial automobile; and umbrella liability coverage. The types of businesses we target include retail, service, hospitality, wholesalers, light manufacturers, and printers. Our third business segment, which we refer to as our “other” segment, includes the runoff of discontinued lines of insurance business and the results of mandatory assigned risk reinsurance programs that we must participate in as a condition of doing business in the states in which we operate.
 
We primarily market our products through a network of over 450 independent producers in 33 states. Penn Millers has been assigned an “A−” (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc., (A.M. Best) which is the fourth highest out of fifteen possible ratings. The latest rating evaluation by A.M. Best occurred on June 23, 2009.
 
Our Companies
 
Penn Millers Holding Corporation is a newly created Pennsylvania corporation incorporated in 2009 to be the stock holding company for Penn Millers Mutual following the mutual-to-stock conversion of Penn Millers Mutual. Penn Millers Holding Corporation is not an operating company and has not engaged in any business to date. Our executive offices are located at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773-0016, and our toll-free number is 800-233-8347. Our web site address is www.pennmillers.com. Information contained on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and such information should not be considered to be part of this prospectus.
 
Penn Millers currently consists of two holding companies, Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and PMHC Corp. (PMHC), and two operating insurance companies, Penn Millers Insurance Company and American Millers Insurance Company. We also own an insurance agency, Penn Millers Agency, Inc., which is currently inactive. In February 2009 we finalized the sale of substantially all the assets of another insurance agency, Eastern Insurance Group, Inc. (Eastern Insurance Group). In July 2008 we completed the sale of the assets of Penn Software and Technology Services, Inc., (Penn Software) an affiliated software company.
 
Our lead insurance company is Penn Millers Insurance Company, which is a Pennsylvania stock insurance company originally incorporated as a mutual insurance company in 1887. In 1999, Penn Millers Insurance Company converted from a mutual to a stock insurance company within a mutual holding company structure. This conversion created Penn Millers Mutual, a Pennsylvania mutual holding company, and established a “mid-tier” stock holding company, PMHC, to hold all of the outstanding shares of Penn Millers Insurance Company. Neither Penn Millers Mutual nor PMHC engages in any significant operations. The outstanding capital stock of Penn Millers Insurance Company is the primary asset of PMHC. American Millers Insurance Company is a wholly


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owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Insurance Company that provides Penn Millers Insurance Company with excess of loss reinsurance.
 
Immediately following the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual, PMHC will merge with and into Penn Millers Mutual, terminating its existence. Upon the completion of the merger, Penn Millers Mutual will be renamed PMMHC Corp. and will become the stock holding company for Penn Millers Insurance Company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation.
 
Penn Millers Insurance Company, American Millers Insurance Company, PMHC, and Penn Millers Mutual are subject to examination and comprehensive regulation by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. See “Business — Regulation.”
 
Our Business Strategies and Offering Rationale
 
Market Overview
 
Our principal business strategy in both our agribusiness and commercial segments is to identify discrete underwriting risks where competition is limited and we can add value through personal service to our producers and insureds.
 
Like most insurers, our premium growth and underwriting results have been, and continue to be, influenced by market conditions. Pricing in the property and casualty insurance industry historically has been cyclical. During a so-called soft market cycle, excess underwriting capacity leads to intense price competition and a market characterized by declining premium volume and relaxed underwriting terms. In a so-called hard market cycle, price competition is less severe. Therefore, during a hard market cycle insurers typically are able to increase premiums, maintain underwriting discipline and increase profit margins.
 
Since 2005, the property and casualty insurance industry has experienced a soft market cycle. Although changes in the market cycle are impossible to predict, indicators of a return to a hard market typically include declining returns on equity, combined ratios at or in excess of 100% and reduced investment income due to low interest rates or investment losses. Because of recent turmoil in the capital markets, investment losses in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 were particularly severe. We believe that each of these market indicators are now present to some degree, which suggests that soft market conditions may be coming to an end in the near future.
 
Our current capital position is sufficient to support our existing premium volume and allow for the potential of modest growth. However, historically our growth during hard market cycles has exceeded industry norms. In the last hard market cycle that we believe began in 2000 and ended in 2004, our commercial lines direct premiums written in our core business segments increased by 148% (a compound annual growth rate of 25%), which exceeded the commercial lines industry growth of 63% (a compound annual growth rate of 13%) during that period. The primary purpose of this offering is to increase our capital to permit us to take advantage of growth opportunities when and if a hard market cycle returns.
 
Competitive Strategy
 
Our insurance policies are primarily sold through select independent insurance producers. We view these producers as our customers, because we believe that they significantly influence the insured’s decision to choose our insurance products over those of a competitor. We strive to win our producers’ support for our insurance products by differentiating ourselves from our competitors through positive relationships with our producers and by responding to their needs. The key to building and maintaining these positive relationships is communication between our producers and one of our underwriter and marketing representative teams, supported by loss control representatives, claims adjusters, and management. This approach provides the producers with responsive, consistent and predictable communications, service and decisions from us.
 
Growth Strategies
 
Our long-term growth plans involve enhancing our existing products and adding new products to increase our market share with our existing producers and continuing to add selected producers. Competitive pressures in the


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marketplace are exerting downward pressure on our prices, which is currently affecting our writing of new and renewal business. Our focus on underwriting discipline and rate adequacy in the midst of this soft market has resulted in our premium revenue growth being relatively modest and somewhat volatile. We believe that over the next twelve to twenty-four months the property and casualty insurance industry’s profits will decline to the point where pricing will start to increase and the underwriting cycle will move into a hard market phase. Although we do not have any current plans or intent to expand or grow our business by acquisition, we will consider any opportunities that are presented to us.
 
We believe we are positioning the Company to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities that we anticipate will occur when prices increase during the expected hard market in the following ways:
 
  •  First, in 2009 we introduced an insurance product called PennEdge that will enable us to write customized coverages on mid-size commercial accounts. PennEdge will provide property and liability coverage to accounts that currently do not meet the eligibility requirements for our traditional business owners or agribusiness products. PennEdge is specifically tailored to unique business and industry segments, including wholesalers, light manufacturing, hospitality, commercial laundries and dry cleaners, and printers. These segments were chosen based on the experience of our underwriting staff and the market opportunities available to our existing producers. Currently, the PennEdge product is approved in seven states.
 
  •  Second, we have differentiated our products by entering into strategic alliances to offer equipment breakdown, employment practices liability, and miscellaneous professional liability coverage, and we are exploring a strategic alliance to offer environmental impairment liability coverage. Under such strategic alliances, we typically reinsure all of the risk of loss to the strategic partner and earn a ceding commission.
 
  •  Third, we are currently represented by a small number of producers in a large geographic area. New producers are an important part of our growth strategy, and we intend to continue to add them in areas where we want to increase our market presence.
 
The completion of this offering will supply additional capital needed to support substantially increased premium volume, which we expect to result from the implementation of these growth strategies.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Our ability to implement these strategies could be adversely affected by the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty insurance market. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, and operating resources than we have. Furthermore, our ability to successfully develop and market new products, like PennEdge, or those developed through strategic alliances, may depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, our producers acceptance of such products, attaining the necessary regulatory approvals, and the prices and products available from our competitors. Our competitors may price their products more aggressively or offer our producers higher commission rates, which may adversely affect our ability to grow and compete. For more information about risks facing our business see — “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business.”
 
The Conversion of Penn Millers Mutual from Mutual to Stock Form
 
Penn Millers Mutual is a mutual holding company. As a mutual holding company, it has no shareholders, but it does have members. The members of Penn Millers Mutual are the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company. Like shareholders, the members have certain rights with respect to Penn Millers Mutual such as voting rights with respect to the election of directors and certain fundamental transactions, including the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual from mutual to stock form. However, unlike shares held by shareholders, the memberships in Penn Millers Mutual are not transferable and do not exist separate from the related insurance policy with Penn Millers Insurance Company. Therefore, these membership rights are extinguished when a policyholder cancels its policy with Penn Millers Insurance Company.
 
Penn Millers Mutual adopted a plan of conversion on April 22, 2009 by which Penn Millers Mutual will convert from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company. Following the conversion, Penn Millers Mutual will become the wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. A majority of the members


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of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009 must approve the plan of conversion at a special meeting of the members to be held on October 15, 2009.
 
As part of the conversion, we are offering between 4,505,000 shares and 6,772,221 shares of our common stock for sale at a purchase price of $10.00 per share on a priority basis to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, who were the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company at April 22, 2009, our employee stock ownership plan, the directors, officers, and employees of Penn Millers, and the general public. All purchasers of our common stock in the offering will pay the same cash price per share.
 
The Subscription and Community Offerings
 
In the subscription offering phase, shares of common stock are being offered to eligible subscribers in the following order of priority:
 
  •  first, to the eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, who were the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company at April 22, 2009;
 
  •  second, to our employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP; and
 
  •  third, to the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers.
 
The eligible members and the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers have the right to purchase shares of common stock in the offering subject to these priorities. Our ESOP also has the right to purchase shares in this offering in an amount equal to 9.99% of the shares sold in the offering. We call the offering of the common stock to these constituents the “subscription offering.”
 
In the community offering phase, shares of common stock are being offered to members of the general public with preference given to:
 
  •  licensed insurance agencies and brokers that have been appointed by or otherwise are under contract with Penn Millers Insurance Company to market and distribute our insurance products;
 
  •  policyholders under policies of insurance issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company after April 22, 2009 (who are also members of Penn Millers Mutual); and
 
  •  natural persons and trusts for natural persons who are residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania.
 
We refer to the offering of the common stock to the general public as the “community offering.” Unlike the subscription offering, purchasers in the community offering do not have any right to purchase shares in the offering, and their orders are subordinate to the rights of the eligible subscribers in the subscription offering.
 
Any of the 6,095,000 offered shares of common stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering may be sold in the community offering. However, we reserve the absolute right to accept or reject any orders in the community offering, in whole or in part. We are planning to hold the community offering concurrently with the subscription offering.
 
The Syndicated Community Offering
 
If participants in the subscription and community offerings, including the ESOP, purchase fewer than 6,095,000 shares, we, in our sole discretion, may sell additional shares on a best efforts basis using a syndicate of registered broker-dealers co-managed by Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. (“Sterne Agee”). We refer to this phase of the offering as the “syndicated community offering.” This syndicated community offering may be conducted concurrently with or after the subscription offering and the community offering.
 
The following table shows those persons that are eligible to purchase shares in the various phases of the offering and the shares available for purchase in each phase of the offering. The table does not include the shares that will be issued to the ESOP in the subscription offering, because the number of shares that can be issued in the offering can be increased to 6,772,221 solely to accommodate the purchase of such shares by the ESOP. We expect


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to conduct the subscription offering and the community offering simultaneously, and the syndicated community offering may be conducted concurrently with or after the subscription offering and community offering.
 
         
        Shares Available
Offering
 
Eligible Purchasers
 
for Purchase
 
Subscription Offering
  Eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, who were the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company at April 22, 2009; and   6,095,000 shares
    Penn Millers’ officers, directors and employees (who may not, as a group, purchase more than 35% of the shares offered).    
Community Offering
  All members of the general public, with preference given to:   6,095,000 shares, less shares subscribed for in the subscription offering
   
 licensed insurance agencies and brokers appointed by or under contract with Penn Millers Insurance Company;
   
   
 policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company issued policies after April 22, 2009, who are also members of Penn Millers Mutual; and
   
   
 residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania.
   
Syndicated Community Offering
  All members of the general public.   6,095,000 shares, less shares subscribed for in the subscription offering and the community offering


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Our Structure Prior to the Conversion
 
Since Penn Millers Insurance Company converted from mutual to stock form in 1999, we have operated under a mutual holding company structure. Our current corporate structure is shown in the following chart below.
 
(Flow Chart)


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Our Structure Following the Conversion
 
After the completion of the conversion, all of the outstanding common stock of the converted Penn Millers Mutual will have been issued to Penn Millers Holding Corporation, making the converted Penn Millers Mutual the wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. We will then merge our current mid-tier stock holding company, PMHC, into the converted Penn Millers Mutual, terminating the existence of PMHC. In addition, we intend to begin the process to dissolve Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software in 2009. The following chart shows our corporate structure following completion of these transactions.
 
(Flow Chart)
 
Use of Proceeds
 
We expect the net proceeds of the offering to be between $42.5 million and $65.2 million, after the payment of $2.57 million in estimated conversion and offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering as follows:
 
                 
          Amount
 
    Amount
    at the Adjusted
 
    at the Minimum     Maximum  
 
Use of Net Proceeds
               
Loan to ESOP
  $ 4,504,990     $ 6,772,210  
Commissions(1)(
  $ 675,750     $ 1,015,833  
General corporate purposes
  $ 37,299,260     $ 57,364,167  
                 
Total
  $ 42,480,000     $ 65,152,210  
                 
 
After paying our conversion and offering expenses and commissions, we will use a portion of the net proceeds received from the sale of common stock in the offering to make a loan to our ESOP in an amount sufficient to permit the ESOP to buy up to 9.99% of the shares sold in the offering.
 
After using a portion of the net proceeds to fund a loan to our ESOP, we expect to contribute most of the remaining net proceeds from the offering to Penn Millers Insurance Company. These net proceeds will supply additional capital that Penn Millers Insurance Company needs to support future premium growth. The net proceeds will also be used for general corporate purposes, including the expansion of our producer networks and the
 
 
(
(1) Rep res ent s the am oun tt o be pai d to Gri ffi n Fin anci al, w hic hi s equ al to 1. 5% of the s har es sol d in t he sub scr ipt ion of fer ing a nd com mun ity o ffer ing , pre sum ing th at al ls har es ar es old i nt hos e pha ses .I n th e even t of a syn dic ate dc omm uni ty off eri ng ph ase ,a c omm issi on ra te of 5. 5% wil l be pai d on all s har es sol d in t hat ph ase .


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marketing of our new PennEdge product. On a short-term basis, the net proceeds will be invested primarily in U.S. government securities, other federal agency securities, and other securities consistent with our investment policy. On a short-term basis, any proceeds that we do not contribute to Penn Millers Insurance Company will be invested primarily in U.S. government securities, other federal agency securities, and other securities consistent with our investment policy.
 
Assuming we receive shareholder approval of our stock-based incentive plan within twelve months after the plan’s approval by our board of directors, we may use a portion of the proceeds that are not contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company to purchase in the open market shares of our common stock to be awarded under the stock-based incentive plan. We may not seek our shareholders’ approval of the plan until at least six months after the offering has been completed.
 
Except for the foregoing, we currently have no specific plans, intentions, arrangements or understandings regarding the proceeds of the offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”
 
How Do I Buy Stock in the Offering?
 
To buy common stock in the offering, sign and complete the stock order form that accompanies this prospectus and send it to us with your payment in the envelope provided so that it is received no later than noon, Eastern Time on October 7, 2009. Payment may be made by check or money order payable to “Christiana Bank & Trust Company, escrow agent.” After you send in your payment, you have no right to modify your investment or withdraw your funds without our consent, unless we extend the offering to a date later than November 23, 2009. See “The Conversion and Offering — If Subscriptions Received in all of the Offerings Combined Do Not Meet the Required Minimum” and “The Conversion and Offering — Resolicitation.” Our consent to any modification or withdrawal request may or may not be given in our sole discretion. We may reject a stock order form if it is incomplete or not timely received. We may also reject any order received in the community offering or the syndicated community offering, in whole or in part, for any reason.
 
Limits on Your Purchase of Common Stock
 
The minimum number of shares a person or entity may subscribe for in the offering is 25 shares ($250). Except for the ESOP, the maximum number of shares that a person or entity, together with any affiliate, associate or any person or entity with whom he or she is acting in concert, may purchase in the offering is 5% of the total shares sold in the offering. For this purpose, an associate of a person or entity includes:
 
  •  such person’s spouse;
 
  •  relatives of such person or such person’s spouse living in the same house;
 
  •  companies, trusts or other entities in which such person or entity is an officer, director, or partner, or is, directly or indirectly, a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the equity securities;
 
  •  a trust or estate in which such person or entity holds a substantial beneficial interest or serves in a fiduciary capacity; or
 
  •  any person acting in concert with any of the persons or entities listed above.
 
We may decrease or increase the maximum purchase limitation. See “The Conversion and Offering — Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.” In the event that we change the maximum purchase limitation, we will distribute a prospectus supplement or revised prospectus to each person who has placed an order to purchase the previous maximum number of shares such person could purchase in the offering.
 
The ESOP has the right to purchase an amount equal to 9.99% of the shares of common stock to be issued in the offering, and its right to purchase this amount is not subject to any limitations or restrictions.
 
Oversubscription
 
If you are an eligible member of Penn Millers Mutual or a director, officer or employee of Penn Millers, and we receive subscriptions in the subscription offering for more than 6,095,000 shares, which is the maximum number of


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shares being offered, your subscription may be reduced. In that event, no shares will be sold in the community offering or syndicated community offering, and the shares of common stock will be allocated first to eligible members and then to directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers. The maximum number of shares being offered will be increased to the extent necessary to allow the ESOP to purchase that number of shares equal to 9.99% of the shares issued in the offering.
 
If eligible members subscribe for more than 6,095,000 shares, no shares of common stock will be sold to directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers (except in his or her capacity as an eligible policyholder). The shares of common stock will be allocated so as to permit each subscribing eligible member to purchase up to 1,000 shares (unless the magnitude of subscriptions does not permit such an allocation). Any remaining shares will be allocated among the eligible members who subscribe for more than 1,000 shares in proportion to the respective amounts of shares for which they subscribe. For a more complete description of the allocation procedures in the event of an oversubscription by eligible members, see “The Conversion and Offering — Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights.”
 
If eligible members subscribe for less than 6,095,000 shares, but together with directors, officers and employees subscribe for more than 6,095,000 shares, each eligible member will be allowed to purchase the full amount of shares for which he or she subscribed, and the remaining shares of common stock will be allocated among the directors, officers and employees on a pro rata basis based on the amount that each director, officer and employee subscribed to purchase.
 
If we receive in the subscription offering subscriptions for less than 6,095,000 shares of common stock, but in the subscription, community, and syndicated community offerings together we receive subscriptions and orders for more than 6,095,000 shares, we will sell to participants in the subscription offering the number of shares sufficient to satisfy their subscriptions in full, and then may accept orders in the community offering and the syndicated community offering, with preference given to orders received in the community offering, provided that the total number of shares sold in all three offerings does not exceed 6,095,000 shares (including the shares sold to the ESOP).
 
Undersubscription
 
If the number of shares purchased in the subscription, community and syndicated community offerings are collectively less than 4,505,000, then we will return all funds received in the offerings promptly to purchasers, without interest. In that event, we may cause a new valuation of the Company to be performed, and based on this valuation amend the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and commence a new offering of the common stock. In that event, people who submitted subscriptions or orders will be permitted to submit new subscriptions or orders. See “The Conversion and Offering — Resolicitation.”
 
Shares Outstanding Immediately After the Offering
 
After the offering, there will be a minimum of 4,505,000 shares and a maximum of 6,772,221 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
 
Management Purchases of Stock
 
The directors and executive officers of Penn Millers, together with their affiliates and associates, have indicated their intention to purchase approximately 127,500 shares of common stock in the offering. This amount does not include any of the shares of common stock to be purchased by the ESOP, but does include any shares that businesses owned or controlled by our directors may subscribe to purchase in their capacity as an eligible policyholder. Our directors and executive officers and their affiliates and associates are not obligated to purchase this number of shares, and in the aggregate they may purchase a greater or smaller number of shares. The total shares purchased by the management group and their affiliates and associates are not permitted to exceed 35% of the shares issued in the offering. See “The Conversion and Offering — Proposed Management Purchases.”


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Benefits to Management
 
Upon completion of the offering, the ESOP will own 9.99% of the total shares of common stock issued in the offering. These shares will be allocated under the ESOP over a 10-year period to our eligible employees, including our executive officers, as a retirement benefit.
 
Our board of directors also adopted a stock-based incentive plan on July 28, 2009 for the benefit of our directors, executive officers and other eligible employees. The stock-based incentive plan will be submitted to our shareholders for approval. However, the plan cannot be proposed to shareholders until at least six months after the offering has been completed and, under the terms of the plan, the plan must be approved by our shareholders within twelve months of the adoption of the plan by our board of directors.
 
Under the proposed stock-based incentive plan, we may award options to purchase common stock or award shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units to directors, executive officers and other eligible employees. The exercise price of stock options is the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the option award. All awards under the stock-based incentive plan will be subject to such vesting, performance criteria, or other conditions as the compensation committee of our board of directors may establish. A number of shares equal to 10% of the shares issued in the offering (including shares issued to the ESOP) will be available for future issuance upon the exercise of stock options and a number of shares equal to 4% of the shares issued in the offering (including shares issued to the ESOP) will be available for future issuance upon the award of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock. No decisions concerning the number of shares to be awarded or options to be granted to any director, officer or employee have been made at this time.
 
The following table presents information regarding the participants in each benefit plan, and the total amount, the percentage, and the dollar value of the stock that we intend to set aside for our ESOP and stock-based incentive plan. No options, restricted stock, or restricted stock units will be issued under the stock-based incentive plan until the plan is approved by our shareholders. The table assumes the following:
 
  •  that 6,095,000 shares will be sold in the offering; and
 
  •  that the value of the stock in the table is $10.00 per share.
 
Options are assigned no value because their exercise price will be equal to the fair market value of the stock on the day the options are awarded. As a result, anyone who receives an option will benefit from the option only if the price of the stock rises above the exercise price and the option is exercised.
 
                             
        Percent of
          Value of Shares
 
    Individuals Eligible to
  Shares Issued
    Number of
    Based on $10.00
 
Plan
 
Receive Awards
  in the Offering     Shares     Share Price  
 
ESOP
  All eligible full-time employees     9.99 %     609,499     $ 6,094,990  
Shares available under the stock-based incentive plan for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
  Directors and selected officers and employees     4 %     243,800     $ 2,438,000  
Shares available under the stock-based incentive plan for stock options
  Directors and selected officers and employees     10 %     609,500       (1)
 
 
(1) Stock options will be awarded with a per share exercise price at least equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of award. The value of a stock option will depend upon increases, if any, in the price of our common stock during the term of the stock option.
 
Deadlines for Purchasing Stock
 
If you wish to purchase shares of our common stock, a properly completed and signed original stock order form, together with full payment for the shares, must be received (not postmarked) at the Stock Information Center no later than 12:00 noon, Eastern Time, on October 7, 2009. You may submit your order form in one of three ways:


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by mail using the order reply envelope provided, by overnight courier to the address indicated on the stock order form, or by bringing the stock order form and payment to the Stock Information Center, which is located at our offices at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. The Stock Information Center is open weekdays, except bank holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Once submitted, your order is irrevocable unless the offering is terminated or extended. We may extend the October 7, 2009 expiration date, without notice to you. If we extend the subscription offering to a date later than November 23, 2009, the stock order will be canceled and all funds received will be returned promptly, without interest. The subscription offering may not be extended to a date later than November 23, 2009. The community offering and syndicated community offering, if conducted, may terminate at any time without notice, but no later than 45 days after the termination of the subscription offering.
 
Conditions That Must Be Satisfied Before We Can Complete the Offering and Issue the Stock
 
Before we can complete the offering and issue our common stock, the members of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009 must approve the plan of conversion, and we must sell at least the minimum number of shares offered.
 
No funds will be released from the escrow account until all of the phases of the offering have been completed and all of these conditions have been satisfied. If all of these conditions are not satisfied by November 23, 2009, the offering will be terminated and all funds will be returned promptly without interest.
 
Termination of the Offering
 
We have the right to cancel the offering at any time. If we cancel the offering, your money will be promptly refunded, without interest.
 
Dividend Policy
 
We currently do not have any plans to pay dividends to our shareholders. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends will be dependent upon Penn Millers Insurance Company declaring and paying a dividend to us. The payment of such dividends may require the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. For additional information regarding restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. See “Dividend Policy.”
 
Market for Common Stock
 
We have applied for listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, but this does not mean that an active trading market for our stock will develop.
 
How You May Obtain Additional Information Regarding the Offering
 
If you have any questions regarding the stock offering, please call the Stock Information Center at 1-877-764-2743, Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time or write to us at Penn Millers Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 9800, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. The Stock Information Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays. Our Stock Information Center is located at our offices at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. Additional copies of the materials will be available at the Stock Information Center.
 
Risk Factors
 
An investment in our common stock involves numerous risks. See “Risk Factors.”


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RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to all other information contained in this prospectus, you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding whether to purchase our common stock.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Catastrophic or other significant natural or man-made losses may negatively affect our financial and operating results.
 
As a property and casualty insurer, we are subject to claims from catastrophes that may have a significant negative impact on operating and financial results. We have experienced catastrophe losses and can be expected to experience catastrophe losses in the future. Catastrophe losses can be caused by various events, including coastal storms, snow storms, ice storms, freezing temperatures, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wind, hail, fires, and other natural or man-made disasters. The frequency, number and severity of these losses are unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event.
 
We attempt to reduce our exposure to catastrophe losses through the underwriting process and by obtaining reinsurance coverage. However, in the event that we experience catastrophe losses, we cannot assure you that our unearned premiums, loss reserves and reinsurance will be adequate to cover these risks. In addition, because accounting rules do not permit insurers to reserve for catastrophic events until they occur, claims from catastrophic events could cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or results of operations. Our ability to write new business also could be adversely affected.
 
We characterize as a “catastrophe” any event that is classified as such by the Property Claims Services (“PCS”) unit of Insurance Services Office, Inc. PCS defines industry catastrophes as events that cause $25 million or more in direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers. In 2006 and 2007, annual losses incurred by us from such events, net of reinsurance, were approximately $1.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively. In 2008, the industry experienced an unusually high level of catastrophe losses. According to the PCS, there were 37 catastrophic events in the United States in 2008, compared to an annual average of 24 events over the previous nine year period. The estimated $25.2 billion of industry losses in 2008, although not unusually high when compared to 2004 and 2005, did exceed the $15.9 billion of losses for the previous two years combined. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, we incurred approximately $4.9 million of catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance. With a broad geographic scope of business, we were impacted by 19 of the 37 designated catastrophic events, most of which included a high number of smaller losses that did not penetrate our catastrophe or per risk excess of loss reinsurance coverage.
 
Our financial condition and results of operations also are affected periodically by losses caused by natural perils such as those described above that are not deemed a catastrophe. If a number of these events occur in a short time period, it may materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Any downgrade in our A.M. Best rating could affect our ability to write new business or renew our existing business, which would lead to a decrease in revenue and net income.
 
Third-party rating agencies, such as A.M. Best, periodically assess and rate the claims-paying ability of insurers based on criteria established by the rating agencies. Ratings assigned by A.M. Best are an important factor influencing the competitive position of insurance companies. A.M. Best ratings, which are reviewed at least annually, represent independent opinions of financial strength and ability to meet obligations to policyholders and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Therefore, our A.M. Best rating should not be relied upon as a basis for an investment decision to purchase our common stock.
 
Penn Millers Insurance Company holds a financial strength rating of “A−” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the fourth highest rating out of 15 rating classifications. Penn Millers Insurance Company has held an A-rating for the past 15 years, and has been rated A− or higher every year since we were first rated in 1918. Our most recent evaluation by A.M. Best occurred on June 23, 2009. Financial strength ratings are used by producers and customers


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as a means of assessing the financial strength and quality of insurers. If our financial position deteriorates, we may not maintain our favorable financial strength rating from A.M. Best. A downgrade of our rating could severely limit or prevent us from writing desirable business or from renewing our existing business. In addition, a downgrade could negatively affect our ability to implement our strategy because it could cause our current or potential producers to choose other more highly rated competitors or reduce our ability to obtain reinsurance. See “Business — A.M. Best Rating.”
 
Turmoil in the capital markets, declining values of securities, and the severe economic downturn contributed to our losses in 2008 and the first six months of 2009. If such economic conditions continue, they may impact our business activity level, results of operations, capital position and stock price in future periods.
 
Our business prospects, results of operations and capital position are affected by financial market conditions and general economic conditions. As a public company, our stock price will also be affected by such conditions.
 
Pressures on the global economy and financial markets commenced in the third quarter of 2007, accelerated significantly in the third quarter of 2008, and continued into the first quarter of 2009. Recently, there has been rising unemployment, decreasing real estate and commodity prices, decreasing consumer spending and business investment, unprecedented stock price volatility and a significant slowdown in the economy. It is not possible to predict whether conditions will deteriorate further or when the outlook will improve.
 
As a result, the value of the securities we hold as investments may continue to decline, negatively affecting our earnings and capital level through realized and unrealized investment losses. If adverse economic conditions negatively affect companies who issue the securities we hold and reinsurers on whom we rely to help pay insurance claims, our liquidity level may suffer, we may experience insurance losses and it may be necessary to write-down securities we hold, due to issuer defaults or ratings downgrades. In December 2008, we sold all of our equity investments for a realized loss of $4.5 million, which was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008 and contributed to our net loss of $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, our investment portfolio, which consisted entirely of fixed maturity investments, had a net unrealized gain, before taxes, of approximately $1.4 million. During the first six months of 2009, we had net realized investment losses of $0.1 million, which contributed to our net loss of $184,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Additionally, the market price of insurance company stocks has been volatile recently, and the common stock we issue to investors in this offering may be subject to price fluctuations unrelated to our operating performance or business prospects. In the event of a protracted recession, we may experience significant challenges. These may include an increase in lapsed premiums and policies and a reduction of new business, declining premium revenues from our workers’ compensation products due to our insureds’ declining payrolls, and declining premiums as a result of business failures. In addition, increases in both legitimate and fraudulent claims may result from a protracted and deep recession. An adverse economic environment could affect the recovery of deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets may not be realizable. Finally, if adverse economic conditions affect the ability of our reinsurers to pay claims, we could experience significant losses that could impair our financial condition.
 
Our investment performance may suffer as a result of adverse capital market developments, which may affect our financial results and ability to conduct business.
 
We invest the premiums we receive from policyholders until cash is needed to pay insured claims or other expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we had $5.8 million in net realized investment losses as compared to $702,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our investments will be subject to a variety of investment risks, including risks relating to general economic conditions, market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, liquidity risk and credit risk. An unexpected increase in the volume or severity of claims may force us to liquidate securities, which may cause us to incur capital losses. If we do not structure the duration of our investments to match our insurance and reinsurance liabilities, we may be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity at a significant loss to cover such payments. Investment losses could significantly decrease our asset base and statutory surplus, thereby affecting our ability to conduct business.


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See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Quantitative and Qualitative Information About Market Risk.”
 
The geographic distribution of our business exposes us to significant natural disasters, which may negatively affect our financial and operating results.
 
Approximately 35% of our business is concentrated in the southeastern United States, which is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes. Additionally, we plan to expand our business to the midwestern United States, which is prone to tornadoes and hail storms. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 26% of our direct premiums written originated from business written in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and therefore, we have a greater exposure to catastrophic or other significant natural or man-made losses in that geographic region. The incidence and severity of such events are inherently unpredictable. In recent years, changing climate conditions have increased the unpredictability, severity and frequency of tornados, hurricanes, and other storms.
 
States and regulators from time to time have taken action that has the effect of limiting the ability of insurers to manage these risks, such as prohibiting insurers from reducing exposures or withdrawing from catastrophe-prone areas, or mandating that insurers participate in residual markets. Our ability or willingness to manage our exposure to these risks may be limited due to considerations of public policy, the evolving political environment, or social responsibilities. We may choose to write business in catastrophe-prone geographic areas that we might not otherwise write for strategic purposes, such as improving our access to other underwriting opportunities.
 
Our ability to properly estimate reserves related to hurricanes can be affected by the inability to access portions of the impacted areas, the complexity of factors contributing to the losses, the legal and regulatory uncertainties, and the nature of the information available to establish the reserves. These complex factors include, but are not limited to the following:
 
  •  determining whether damages were caused by flooding versus wind;
 
  •  evaluating general liability and pollution exposures;
 
  •  the impact of increased demand for products and services necessary to repair or rebuild damaged properties;
 
  •  infrastructure disruption;
 
  •  fraud;
 
  •  the effect of mold damage;
 
  •  business interruption costs; and
 
  •  reinsurance collectability.
 
The estimates related to catastrophes are adjusted as actual claims are filed and additional information becomes available. This adjustment could reduce income during the period in which the adjustment is made, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Losses resulting from political instability, acts of war or terrorism may negatively affect our financial and operating results.
 
Numerous classes of business are exposed to terrorism related catastrophic risks. The frequency, number and severity of these losses are unpredictable. As a result, we have changed our underwriting protocols to address terrorism and the limited availability of terrorism reinsurance. However, given the uncertainty of the potential threats, we cannot be sure that we have addressed all the possibilities.
 
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as extended by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, is effective for the period from November 26, 2002 through December 31, 2014. Prior to the act, insurance coverage by private insurers for losses (other than workers’ compensation) arising out of acts of terrorism was severely limited. The act provides, among other things, that all licensed insurers must offer coverage on most commercial lines of business for acts of terrorism. Losses arising out of acts of terrorism that are certified as such by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and that exceed $100 million will be reimbursed by the federal government subject to a limit of $100 billion in any year and less a deductible calculated for each insurer. Each insurance company is responsible for a deductible based on a percentage of its direct earned premiums in the


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previous calendar year. For 2009, our deductible is approximately $15.4 million. For losses in excess of the deductible, the federal government will reimburse 85% of the insurer’s loss, up to the insurer’s proportionate share of the $100 billion.
 
Notwithstanding the protection provided by reinsurance and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, the risk of severe losses to us from acts of terrorism has not been eliminated. Our reinsurance contracts include various limitations or exclusions limiting the reinsurers’ obligation to cover losses caused by acts of terrorism. Accordingly, events constituting acts of terrorism may not be covered by, or may exceed the capacity of, our reinsurance and could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
 
Our results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance industry, and we are currently in a “soft market” phase of the insurance industry cycle, which may lead to reduced premium volume.
 
Results of companies in the insurance industry, and particularly the property and casualty insurance industry, historically have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties and have fluctuated in cyclical periods of low premium rates and excess underwriting capacity resulting from increased competition (a so-called “soft market”), followed by periods of high premium rates and a shortage of underwriting capacity resulting from decreased competition (a so-called “hard market”). The industry’s profitability can be affected significantly by:
 
  •  estimates of rising levels of actual costs that are not known by companies at the time they price their products;
 
  •  volatile and unpredictable developments, including man-made and natural catastrophes;
 
  •  changes in reserves resulting from the general claims and legal environments as different types of claims arise and judicial interpretations relating to the scope of insurers’ liability develop; and
 
  •  fluctuations in interest rates, inflationary pressures and other changes in the investment environment, which affect returns on invested capital and may impact the ultimate payout of losses.
 
Fluctuations in underwriting capacity, demand and competition, and the impact on our business of the other factors identified above, could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We believe that underwriting capacity and price competition in the current market are indicative of a “soft market” phase of the insurance industry cycle. This additional underwriting capacity has resulted in increased competition from other insurers seeking to expand the kinds or amounts of insurance coverage they offer and causes some insurers to seek to maintain market share at the expense of underwriting discipline. During the last three years, we have experienced increased price competition with regard to most of our product lines.
 
Because estimating future losses is difficult and uncertain, if our actual losses exceed our loss reserves our operating results may be adversely affected.
 
We maintain reserves to cover amounts we estimate will be needed to pay for insured losses and for the expenses necessary to settle claims. Estimating loss and loss expense reserves is a difficult and complex process involving many variables and subjective judgments. We regularly review our reserve estimate protocols and our overall amount of reserves. We review historical data and consider the impact of various factors such as:
 
  •  trends in claim frequency and severity;
 
  •  information regarding each claim for losses;
 
  •  legislative enactments, judicial decisions and legal developments regarding damages; and
 
  •  trends in general economic conditions, including inflation.
 
Our actual losses could exceed our reserves. If we determine that our loss reserves are inadequate, we will have to increase them. This adjustment would reduce income during the period in which the adjustment is made, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Such adjustments to loss reserve estimates are referred to as “loss development.” If existing loss reserves exceed the revised estimate, it is


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referred to as positive loss development. Negative loss development occurs when the revised estimate of expected losses with respect to a calendar year exceed existing loss reserves. For example, our loss and loss expense reserve for the 2000 calendar year has experienced a cumulative negative loss development of $9.1 million (a 30.9% deficiency) as of December 31, 2008, while our loss and loss expense reserve for the 2005 calendar year experienced a cumulative positive loss development of $1.1 million (a 1.9% excess) as of December 31, 2008. For additional information, see “Business — Loss and LAE Reserves.”
 
We bear the credit risk with respect to our reinsurers and if our reinsurers do not pay our claims, or fail to pay us in a timely manner, in accordance with our reinsurance agreements, we may incur losses.
 
Reinsurance is a practice where one insurer called a reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurer, known as the ceding insurer, for all or part of the potential liability arising from policies issued by the ceding insurer. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to us to the extent of the risk transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us of liability to our policyholders. We are subject to loss and credit risk with respect to the reinsurers with whom we deal because buying reinsurance does not relieve us of our liability to policyholders. If our reinsurers are not capable of fulfilling their financial obligations to us, our insurance losses would increase. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we ceded 19.7% of our gross written premiums to our reinsurers. We secure reinsurance coverage from a number of reinsurers. The lowest A.M. Best rating issued to any of our reinsurers is “A−” (Excellent), which is the fourth highest of fifteen ratings. See “Business — Reinsurance.”
 
We may be unable to effectively develop and market new products, like PennEdge, which may negatively affect our operations.
 
Our ability to expand our business and to compete depends on our ability to successfully develop and market new products, like PennEdge. The success of new products such as PennEdge depends on many factors, including our ability to anticipate and satisfy customer needs, develop our products cost-effectively, differentiate our products from our competitors, and, where applicable, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals on a timely basis.
 
However, even if we successfully develop new products, the success of those products will be dependent upon market acceptance. Market acceptance could be affected by several factors, including, but not limited to:
 
  •  the availability of alternative products from our competitors;
 
  •  the price of our product relative to our competitors;
 
  •  the commissions paid to producers for the sale of our products relative to our competitors;
 
  •  the timing of our market entry; and
 
  •  our ability to market and distribute our products effectively.
 
The successful development and marketing of PennEdge and other products will require a significant investment. Our failure to effectively develop and market PennEdge and other products may have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.
 
The property and casualty insurance market in which we operate is highly competitive, which limits our ability to increase premiums for our products and recruit new producers.
 
Competition in the property and casualty insurance business is based on many factors. These factors include the perceived financial strength of the insurer, premiums charged, policy terms and conditions, services provided, reputation, financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies and the experience of the insurer in the line of insurance to be written. We compete with stock insurance companies, mutual companies, local cooperatives and other underwriting organizations. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and operating resources than we have. Many of the lines of insurance we write are subject to significant price competition. If our competitors price their products aggressively, our ability to grow or renew our business may be adversely affected. We pay producers on a commission basis to produce business. Some of our competitors may offer higher commissions or insurance at lower premium rates through the use of salaried personnel or other


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distribution methods that do not rely on independent producers. Increased competition could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain business and thereby reduce our profits from operations.
 
Our results of operations may be adversely affected by any loss of business from key producers.
 
Our products are primarily marketed by independent producers. Other insurance companies compete with us for the services and allegiance of these producers. These producers may choose to direct business to our competitors, or may direct less desirable risks to us. One producer, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, which writes business for us through nine offices, accounted for $11.0 million or approximately 12% of our direct premiums written in 2008. Only one other producer accounted for more than 5% of our 2008 direct premiums written. If we experience a significant decrease in business from, or lose entirely, our largest producers it would have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Assessments and premium surcharges for state guaranty funds, second injury funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements may reduce our profitability.
 
Most states require insurance companies licensed to do business in their state to participate in guaranty funds, which require the insurance companies to bear a portion of the unfunded obligations of impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies. These obligations are funded by assessments, which are expected to continue in the future. State guaranty associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurance companies in the state based on their proportionate share of premiums written in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies are engaged. Accordingly, the assessments levied on us may increase as we increase our written premiums. Some states also have laws that establish second injury funds to reimburse insurers and employers for claims paid to injured employees for aggravation of prior conditions or injuries. These funds are supported by either assessments or premium surcharges based on incurred losses. See “Business — Regulation.”
 
In addition, as a condition to conducting business in some states, insurance companies are required to participate in residual market programs to provide insurance to those who cannot procure coverage from an insurance carrier on a negotiated basis. Insurance companies generally can fulfill their residual market obligations by, among other things, participating in a reinsurance pool where the results of all policies provided through the pool are shared by the participating insurance companies. Although we price our insurance to account for our potential obligations under these pooling arrangements, we may not be able to accurately estimate our liability for these obligations. Accordingly, mandatory pooling arrangements may cause a decrease in our profits. At December 31, 2008, we participated in mandatory pooling arrangements in 32 states. As we write policies in new states that have mandatory pooling arrangements, we will be required to participate in additional pooling arrangements. Further, the impairment, insolvency or failure of other insurance companies in these pooling arrangements would likely increase the liability for other members in the pool. The effect of assessments and premium surcharges or increases in such assessments or surcharges could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Other Segment.”
 
Our revenues may fluctuate with our investment results and changes in interest rates.
 
Our investment portfolio contains a significant amount of fixed maturity securities, including bonds, mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) and other securities. The fair values of these invested assets fluctuate depending upon economic conditions, particularly changes in interest rates.
 
MBSs are subject to prepayment risks that vary with, among other things, interest rates. MBSs represented approximately $25.3 million or approximately 21% of our investments at December 31, 2008. During periods of declining interest rates, MBSs generally return principal faster than expected as the underlying mortgages are prepaid and/or refinanced by the borrowers in order to take advantage of the lower rates. MBSs with an amortized cost that is greater than par (i.e., purchased at a premium) may incur a reduction in yield or a loss as a result of prepayments. In addition, during such periods, we generally will be unable to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at comparable yields. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the frequency of prepayments


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generally decreases. MBSs that have an amortized value that is less than par (i.e., purchased at a discount) may incur a decrease in yield or a loss as a result of slower prepayments.
 
We may not be able to prevent or minimize the negative impact of interest rate changes. Additionally, unforeseen circumstances may force us to sell certain of our invested assets at a time when their fair values are less than their original cost, resulting in realized capital losses, which would reduce our net income. For example, the precipitous decline in stock market prices in the second half of 2008 resulted in our decision to sell the balance of the equity securities in our investment portfolio in December 2008 for a pre-tax net realized loss of $4.5 million.
 
Volatility in commodity and other prices could impact our financial results.
 
We provide insurance coverages to mills, silos, and other agribusinesses, which store large quantities of commodities such as corn, wheat and soybeans. Therefore, the amount of our losses is affected by the value of these commodities. Volatility in commodity prices may be a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, shortages or excess supply created by weather changes, catastrophes, changes in global or local demand, or the rise or fall of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Unexpected increases in commodity prices could result in our losses exceeding our actual reserves for our agribusiness lines. Such volatility in commodity prices could cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or results of operations. Although we have experienced a period of rising commodity prices for the last several years, we believe that since the third quarter of 2008 we have entered a period of declining commodity prices.
 
In addition, the cost of construction materials and prevailing labor costs in areas affected by widespread storm damage can significantly impact our casualty losses. Higher costs for construction materials and shortages of skilled contractors such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters can increase the cost to repair or replace an insured property.
 
Proposals to federally regulate the insurance business could affect our business.
 
Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business. However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, pension regulation, privacy, tort reform legislation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct federal regulation of insurance have been proposed. These proposals generally would maintain state-based regulation of insurance, but would affect state regulation of certain aspects of the insurance business, including rates, producer and company licensing, and market conduct examinations. We cannot predict whether any of these proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or, if enacted, such laws may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Business — Regulation — New and Proposed Legislation and Regulations.”
 
If we fail to comply with insurance industry regulations, or if those regulations become more burdensome, we may not be able to operate profitably.
 
We are regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, as well as, to a more limited extent, the federal government and the insurance departments of other states in which we do business. Currently, approximately 26% of our direct premiums written originate from business written in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Therefore, the cancellation or suspension of our license in these states, as a result of any failure to comply with the applicable insurance laws and regulations, may negatively impact our operating results.
 
Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than shareholders and other investors. These regulations relate to, among other things:
 
  •  approval of policy forms and premium rates;
 
  •  standards of solvency, including establishing requirements for minimum capital and surplus, and for risk-based capital;
 
  •  classifying assets as admissible for purposes of determining solvency and compliance with minimum capital and surplus requirements;


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  •  licensing of insurers and their producers;
 
  •  advertising and marketing practices;
 
  •  restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;
 
  •  assessments by guaranty associations and mandatory pooling arrangements;
 
  •  restrictions on the ability to pay dividends;
 
  •  restrictions on transactions between affiliated companies;
 
  •  restrictions on the size of risks insurable under a single policy;
 
  •  requiring deposits for the benefit of policyholders;
 
  •  requiring certain methods of accounting;
 
  •  periodic examinations of our operations and finances;
 
  •  claims practices;
 
  •  prescribing the form and content of reports of financial condition required to be filed; and
 
  •  requiring reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes.
 
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department also conducts periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and requires the filing of annual and other reports relating to financial condition, holding company issues and other matters. These regulatory requirements may adversely affect or inhibit our ability to achieve some or all of our business objectives. Our last examination was as of December 31, 2004.
 
In addition, regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to deny or revoke licenses for various reasons, including the violation of regulations. Further, changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
 
Our ability to manage our exposure to underwriting risks depends on the availability and cost of reinsurance coverage.
 
Reinsurance is the practice of transferring part of an insurance company’s liability and premium under an insurance policy to another insurance company. We use reinsurance arrangements to limit and manage the amount of risk we retain, to stabilize our underwriting results and to increase our underwriting capacity. The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to current market conditions and may vary significantly over time. Any decrease in the amount of our reinsurance will increase our risk of loss and could reduce the level of premiums we may write. We may be unable to maintain our desired reinsurance coverage or to obtain other reinsurance coverage in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If we are unable to renew our expiring coverage or obtain new coverage, it will be difficult for us to manage our underwriting risks and operate our business profitably.
 
It is also possible that the losses we experience on risks we have reinsured will exceed the coverage limits on the reinsurance. If the amount of our reinsurance coverage is insufficient, our insurance losses could increase substantially.
 
We could be adversely affected by the loss of our existing management or key employees.
 
The success of our business is dependent, to a large extent, on our ability to attract and retain key employees, in particular our senior officers. Our business may be adversely affected if labor market conditions make it difficult for us to replace our current key officers with individuals having equivalent qualifications and experience at compensation levels competitive for our industry. In particular, because of the shortage of experienced underwriters and claims personnel who have experience or training in the agribusiness sector of the insurance industry, replacing key employees in that line of our business could be challenging. Our key officers include: Douglas A. Gaudet, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael O. Banks, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,


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Kevin D. Higgins, our Senior Vice President of Claims, Harold Roberts, our Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, and Jonathan C. Couch, our Controller and Vice President. These key officers have an average of 23 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.
 
While we have employment agreements with a number of key officers, we do not have agreements not to compete or employment agreements with most of our employees. Our employment agreements with our key officers have change of control provisions that provide for certain payments and the continuation of certain benefits in the event they are terminated without cause or they voluntarily quit for good reason after a change in control. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements.”
 
We could be adversely affected by any interruption to our ability to conduct business at our current location.
 
Our business operations are concentrated in one physical location in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, which is located on the Susquehanna River. Accordingly, our business operations could be substantially interrupted by flooding, snow, ice, and other weather-related incidents, or from fire, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorism, or other such events. In such an event, we may not have sufficient redundant facilities to cover a loss or failure in all aspects of our business operations and to restart our business operations in a timely manner. Any damage caused by such a failure or loss may cause interruptions in our business operations that may adversely affect our service levels and business. See “Business — Technology.”
 
Risk Factors Relating to the Ownership of Our Common Stock
 
Our ESOP and stock-based incentive plan will increase our costs, which will reduce our income.
 
Our ESOP will purchase 9.99% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with funds borrowed from us. The cost of acquiring the shares of common stock for the ESOP, and therefore the amount of the loan, will be between $4,504,990 at the minimum of the offering range and $6,772,210 at the adjusted maximum of the offering range. The loan will be repaid over a ten year period. We will record annual employee stock ownership plan expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares of common stock committed to be released to employees under the ESOP for each year. If shares of our common stock appreciate in value over time, compensation expense relating to the employee stock ownership plan will increase.
 
We have adopted a stock-based incentive plan that we will submit to our shareholders for approval no earlier than six months after the offering. Under this plan, we may award participants restricted shares of our common stock, restricted stock units denominated in shares of our common stock or options to purchase shares of our common stock. Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards will be made at no cost to the participants. Restricted stock units are payable in shares of common stock or in cash in the discretion of the compensation committee. The number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards (to the extent that such restricted stock unit awards are not paid in cash) or upon exercise of stock option awards under the stock-based incentive plan may not exceed 4% and 10%, respectively, of the total number of shares sold in the offering.
 
The costs associated with the grant of restricted stock awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be recognized and expensed over their vesting period at the fair market value of the shares on the date they are awarded. If the restricted shares of common stock to be awarded under the plan are repurchased in the open market (rather than issued directly from our authorized but unissued shares of common stock) and cost the same as the purchase price in the offering, the reduction to shareholders’ equity due to the plan would be between $1,802,000 at the minimum of the offering range and $2,438,000 at the maximum of the offering range. To the extent we repurchase such shares in the open market and the price of such shares exceeds the offering price of $10.00 per share, the reduction to shareholders’ equity would exceed the range described above. Conversely, to the extent the price of such shares is below the offering price of $10.00 per share, the reduction to shareholders’ equity would be less than the range described above. The costs associated with the grant of restricted stock unit awards to be settled in cash will similarly be recognized and expensed over their vesting period at the fair market value of the shares on the date they are awarded. However, unlike awards of restricted stock, the fair market value will be remeasured on a quarterly basis until the award vests or is otherwise settled. Therefore, in addition to reducing our net income by


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recording this compensation and benefit expense, increases in our stock price will increase this expense for restricted stock unit awards settled in cash, thereby further reducing our net income.
 
Finally, accounting rules require companies to recognize as compensation expense the award-date fair value of stock options. This compensation expense will be recognized over the appropriate service period. When we record an expense for the award of options using the fair value method, we will incur significant compensation and benefits expense, which will reduce our net income.
 
The implementation of the stock-based incentive plan may dilute your percentage ownership interest and may also result in downward pressure on the price of our stock.
 
The proposed stock-based incentive plan will be funded through either open market purchases or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares. In the event that authorized but unissued shares are used to fund restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards and the exercise of stock option awards under the plan in an amount equal to 4% and 10%, respectively, of the shares issued in a midpoint offering, shareholders would experience a reduction in ownership interest of approximately 12.3%. In addition, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards and upon exercise of stock option awards following the approval of our stock-based incentive plan may be perceived by the market as having a dilutive effect, which could lead to a decrease in the price of our common stock.
 
The valuation of our common stock in the offering is not necessarily indicative of the future price of our common stock, and the price of our common stock may decline after this offering.
 
There can be no assurance that shares of our common stock will be able to be sold in the market at or above the $10.00 per share initial offering price in the future. The final aggregate purchase price of our common stock in the offering will be based upon an independent appraisal. The appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock. The valuation is based on estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time to time. See “The Conversion and Offering — The Valuation” for the factors considered by Curtis Financial in determining the appraisal.
 
The price of shares of our common stock may decline for many reasons, some of which are beyond our control, including among others:
 
  •  quarterly variations in our results of operations;
 
  •  changes in expectations as to our future results of operations, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
 
  •  announcements by third parties of claims against us;
 
  •  changes in law and regulation;
 
  •  public perceptions of the insurance industry;
 
  •  declines in the stock market in general;
 
  •  results of operations that vary from those expected by investors; and
 
  •  future sales of shares of our common stock.
 
In addition, the stock market in the last year has experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations that sometimes have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. As a result, the trading price of shares of our common stock may be below the initial public offering price, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price you pay to purchase them.
 
Statutory provisions and our articles and bylaws may discourage takeover attempts on Penn Millers that you may believe are in your best interests or that might result in a substantial profit to you.
 
We are subject to provisions of Pennsylvania corporate and insurance law that hinder a change of control. Pennsylvania law requires the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s prior approval of a change of control of an


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insurance holding company. Under Pennsylvania law, the acquisition of 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of an insurer or its holding company is presumed to be a change in control. Approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department may be withheld even if the transaction would be in the shareholders’ best interest if the Pennsylvania Insurance Department determines that the transaction would be detrimental to policyholders.
 
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws also contain provisions that may discourage a change in control. These provisions include:
 
  •  a prohibition on a person, including a group acting in concert, from acquiring voting control of more than 10% of our outstanding stock without prior approval of the board of directors;
 
  •  a classified board of directors divided into three classes serving for successive terms of three years each;
 
  •  the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors;
 
  •  the requirement that nominations for the election of directors made by shareholders and any shareholder proposals for inclusion on the agenda at any annual meeting must be made by notice (in writing) delivered or mailed to us not less than 90 days prior to the meeting;
 
  •  the prohibition of shareholders’ action without a meeting and of shareholders’ right to call a special meeting;
 
  •  unless otherwise waived by the board of directors, to be elected as a director, a person must be a shareholder of Penn Millers Holding Corporation for the lesser of one year or the time that has elapsed since the completion of the conversion;
 
  •  the requirement imposing a mandatory tender offering requirement on a shareholder that has a combined voting power of 25% or more of the votes that our shareholders are entitled to cast;
 
  •  the requirement that certain provisions of our articles of incorporation can only be amended by an affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least 80% of all votes that shareholders are entitled to cast, unless approved by an affirmative vote of at least 80% of the members of the board of directors; and
 
  •  the requirement that certain provisions of our bylaws can only be amended by an affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least 662/3%, or in certain cases 80%, of all votes that shareholders are entitled to cast.
 
These provisions may serve to entrench management and may discourage a takeover attempt that you may consider to be in your best interest or in which you would receive a substantial premium over the current market price. These provisions may make it extremely difficult for any one person, entity or group of affiliated persons or entities to acquire voting control of Penn Millers, with the result that it may be extremely difficult to bring about a change in the board of directors or management. Some of these provisions also may perpetuate present management because of the additional time required to cause a change in the control of the board. Other provisions make it difficult for shareholders owning less than a majority of the voting stock to be able to elect even a single director. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements” and “Description of Capital Stock.”
 
We will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds that we retain from the offering.
 
Although we expect to use part of the net proceeds of the offering to fund a loan to our ESOP and to potentially make open market purchases of our shares for our stock incentive plan, our management will have broad discretion with respect to the use of the net proceeds that are contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company. Except as specified above, we expect to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, purchasing investment securities and further expanding our insurance operations. See “Use of Proceeds.”
 
We believe that subscription rights have no value, but the Internal Revenue Service may disagree, and therefore eligible members may be deemed to have taxable income as a result of their receipt of the subscription rights.
 
Generally, the federal income tax consequences of the receipt, exercise and expiration of subscription rights are uncertain. We intend to take the position that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, eligible members will be


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treated as transferring their membership interests in Penn Millers Mutual to Penn Millers Holding Corporation in exchange for subscription rights to purchase Penn Millers Holding Corporation common stock, and that any gain realized by an eligible member as a result of the receipt of a subscription right that is determined to have ascertainable fair market value on the date of such deemed exchange must be recognized and included in such eligible member’s gross income for federal income tax purposes, whether or not such right is exercised.
 
Curtis Financial has advised us that it believes the subscription rights will not have any fair market value. Curtis Financial has noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to recipients, will be legally nontransferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of our common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in the community offering. Nevertheless, Curtis Financial cannot assure us that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge its determination that the subscription rights will not have any fair market value or that such challenge, if made, would not be successful.
 
You should consult your tax advisors with respect to the potential tax consequences to you of the receipt, exercise and expiration of subscription rights.
 
The United States federal income tax consequences of the receipt, exercise or expiration of the subscription rights granted to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, our ESOP, and the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers are uncertain.
 
For more information see “Federal Income Tax Considerations — Tax Consequences of Subscription Rights” and “Federal Income Tax Considerations — Recent Developments.”
 
We currently do not intend to pay a cash dividend and if Penn Millers Insurance Company does not have profits or surplus, our ability to pay dividends will be limited.
 
We currently intend to retain any profits to provide capacity to write insurance and to accumulate reserves and surplus for the payment of claims. Our board of directors does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Any decisions to pay dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Following the conversion, we will be a separate entity with no operations of our own other than holding the stock of Penn Millers Mutual. We will depend primarily on dividends paid by Penn Millers Insurance Company and any proceeds from the offering that are not contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company to pay the debt service on our existing loans and to provide funds for the payment of dividends. We will receive dividends only after all of Penn Millers Insurance Company’s obligations and regulatory requirements with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department have been satisfied. During any twelve-month period, the amount of dividends paid by Penn Millers Insurance Company to us, without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, may not exceed the greater of 10% of the insurance company’s surplus as regards policyholders as reported on its most recent annual statement filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or the insurance company’s statutory net income as reported on such statement. If the Penn Millers Insurance Company does not have profits or surplus, we will be unable to pay dividends to you in the future.
 
Compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other laws or regulations applicable to public companies could result in higher operating costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
When the offering is completed, we will be subject to the periodic reporting, proxy solicitation, insider trading and other obligations imposed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). In addition, the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will immediately become applicable to us. Compliance with these requirements will increase our legal and accounting costs and the cost of directors and officers liability insurance, and will require management to devote substantial time and effort to ensure initial and ongoing compliance with these obligations. A key component of compliance under the Exchange Act is to produce quarterly and annual financial reports within prescribed time periods after the close of our fiscal year and each fiscal quarter. Historically, we have not been required to prepare such financial reports within these time periods. Failure to satisfy these reporting requirements may result in delisting of our common stock by the Nasdaq Global Market, and inquiries from or


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sanctions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Moreover, the provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that requires public companies to review and report on the adequacy of their internal controls over financial reporting will be applicable to us in 2010. We estimate that compliance with these requirements will require a substantial commitment of time and will result in an initial nonrecurring expense of approximately $300,000 to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and an increase of approximately $700,000 in annual operating expenses to comply with the ongoing requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These expenses as well as the additional management time and attention needed to comply with these requirements, or additional requirements imposed on public companies in the future, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Business — Regulation.”
 
Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our ability to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
 
Upon completion of the offering, we will become a public reporting company. The federal securities laws and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require that we file annual, quarterly and current reports, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and that we certify the adequacy of our internal controls and procedures. Before this offering, we and our independent registered public accounting firm did not, and were not required to, perform an evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In connection with the preparation of our interim June 30, 2009 financial statements, we identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The control deficiency identified was ineffective review of the accounting for a specific provision within the aggregate stop loss reinsurance calculation, which resulted in an error in our first quarter 2009 financial statements. For additional information on the correction of this immaterial error, please see note 18 in the Notes to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements beginning on page F-6. Notwithstanding any additional expenditures and efforts to become compliant with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may fail to promptly remediate the existing material weakness, or additional material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting could be identified in the future that, if unresolved, could cause us or our independent registered public accounting firm to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective. Further, the existing weakness, if not remediated, or a future material weakness could result in material errors or misstatements in our annual or interim financial statements, creating the need for a restatement.
 
Our high price-to-earnings ratio may cause our stock to trade at less than $10 per share in the secondary market after completion of the offering.
 
Because of our relatively low returns on equity and assets in recent reporting periods and our negative profitability in the last twelve months, Curtis Financial did not rely on the pro forma price-to-earnings ratio in performing its valuation of us. Instead, Curtis Financial relied on the fully-converted pro forma price-to-book ratio as a valuation metric in determining the value of the Company. As a result, the price-to-earnings ratio of our shares may be substantially higher than our peers after completion of the offering. This may result in our shares trading in the secondary market after completion of the offering at less than the $10 per share offering price.
 
If we do not obtain approval to list on the Nasdaq Global Market, the price and liquidity of our stock may be adversely affected.
 
We have applied for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market. In order to list, we must meet certain minimum requirements for our shareholders’ equity, net income, the market value and number of publicly held shares, the number of shareholders, and the market price of our stock. In addition, to initially list, we must have at least three market makers agree to make a market in our stock. Even if we are approved, an active trading market may not develop and similar minimum criteria is required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, including having up to four market makers making a market in our stock under certain continued listing standards. The failure to receive approval to list or a subsequent delisting from the Nasdaq Global Market may adversely affect the market


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price for our stock and reduce the liquidity of our common stock, and therefore, make it more difficult for you to sell our stock.
 
Because Stevens & Lee is acting as legal counsel to us and to its affiliate, Griffin Financial, in this transaction, a conflict of interest exists which may adversely affect us.
 
Stevens & Lee, together with independent counsel retained by our independent directors, is acting as counsel in connection with this transaction. Griffin Financial, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Stevens & Lee, is acting as our placement agent in connection with this transaction. Accordingly, conflicts of interest may arise because Stevens & Lee is simultaneously acting as counsel to us and to Griffin Financial. This could cause Stevens & Lee to provide advice in the best interests of Griffin Financial rather than providing advice that is in our best interests.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of such words as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “seek,” “expect” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:
 
  •  statements of goals, intentions and expectations;
 
  •  statements regarding prospects and business strategy; and
 
  •  estimates of future costs, benefits and results.
 
The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” that could affect the actual outcome of future events.
 
All of these factors are difficult to predict and many are beyond our control. These important factors include those discussed under “Risk Factors” and those listed below:
 
  •  future economic conditions in the markets in which we compete that are less favorable than expected;
 
  •  the effects of weather-related and other catastrophic events;
 
  •  the effect of legislative, judicial, economic, demographic and regulatory events in the jurisdictions where we do business;
 
  •  our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities either through acquisitions or the expansion of our producer network;
 
  •  our ability to introduce and successfully market our new PennEdge commercial multi-peril policy;
 
  •  our ability to expand our agribusiness lines into new geographic areas, including the midwestern United States;
 
  •  financial market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates and the stock markets causing a reduction of investment income or investment gains and a reduction in the value of our investment portfolio;
 
  •  heightened competition, including specifically the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors and the development of new products by new or existing competitors, resulting in a reduction in the demand for our products;
 
  •  the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war;
 
  •  the effects of terrorist related insurance legislation and laws;
 
  •  changes in general economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment, interest rates and other factors;
 
  •  the cost, availability and collectability of reinsurance;
 
  •  estimates and adequacy of loss reserves and trends in loss and loss adjustment expenses;


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  •  changes in the coverage terms selected by insurance customers, including higher deductibles and lower limits;
 
  •  our inability to obtain regulatory approval of, or to implement, premium rate increases;
 
  •  the potential impact on our reported net income that could result from the adoption of future accounting standards issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board or the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard-setting bodies;
 
  •  inability to carry out marketing and sales plans, including, among others, development of new products or changes to existing products and acceptance of the new or revised products in the market;
 
  •  unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations;
 
  •  adverse litigation or arbitration results; and
 
  •  adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules governing insurance holding companies and insurance companies, and environmental, tax or accounting matters including limitations on premium levels, increases in minimum capital and reserves, and other financial viability requirements, and changes that affect the cost of, or demand for our products.
 
Because forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.
 
ALL SUBSEQUENT WRITTEN AND ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO PENN MILLERS OR ANY PERSON ACTING ON OUR BEHALF IS EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONTAINED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS SECTION.


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SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
The following table sets forth selected financial data for Penn Millers prior to the offering. You should read this data in conjunction with our financial statements and accompanying notes, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data at June 30, 2009 and 2008 and the statement of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are derived from our unaudited financial statements beginning on page F-2. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the statement of operations data for each of the years in the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are derived from our audited financial statements beginning on page F-26.
 
We evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to GAAP measures, we utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for providing comparisons to our peers. These non-GAAP measures are underwriting loss, combined ratios, written premiums, and net written premiums to statutory surplus ratio.
 
These historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results, and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.
 
                                                         
    At or for the Six Months
       
    Ended June 30,     At or for the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006     2005(5)     2004  
    (Unaudited)     (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                                                       
Direct premiums written
  $ 41,976     $ 45,996     $ 94,985     $ 94,073     $ 84,544     $ 84,084     $ 89,041  
                                                         
Net premiums written
  $ 33,384     $ 37,979     $ 77,367     $ 74,119     $ 67,525     $ 62,057     $ 67,036  
                                                         
Net premiums earned
  $ 36,926     $ 39,369     $ 78,737     $ 70,970     $ 64,645     $ 64,723     $ 63,090  
Net investment income
    2,769       2,723       5,335       5,324       4,677       4,444       4,278  
Other net realized investment gains (losses)
    64       1,876       (2,897 )     (82 )     349       565       936  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (197 )           (2,922 )     (620 )           (141 )      
Other revenue
    111       221       411       508       345       277       301  
                                                         
Total revenue
  $ 39,673     $ 44,189     $ 78,664     $ 76,100     $ 70,016     $ 69,868     $ 68,605  
                                                         
Expenses
                                                       
Loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 25,866     $ 28,692     $ 57,390     $ 49,783     $ 43,766     $ 40,242     $ 42,910  
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    10,953       11,521       23,081       21,930       20,080       21,556       20,464  
Underwriting and administrative expense
    1,869       1,807       3,481       2,233       3,216       7,662       3,895  
Interest expense
    156       87       184       125       222       195       84  
Other operating expenses
    90       76       365       184       314       266       82  
                                                         
Total losses and expenses
  $ 38,934     $ 42,183     $ 84,501     $ 74,255     $ 67,598     $ 69,921     $ 67,435  
                                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes
  $ 739     $ 2,006     $ (5,837 )   $ 1,845     $ 2,418     $ (53 )   $ 1,170  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    107       494       (1,378 )     396       506       (295 )     (21 )
                                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 632     $ 1,512     $ (4,459 )   $ 1,449     $ 1,912     $ 242     $ 1,191  
Income (loss) on discontinued operations
    (816 )     (14 )     (2,920 )     (363 )     168       47       199  
                                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (184 )   $ 1,498     $ (7,379 )   $ 1,086     $ 2,080     $ 289     $ 1,390  
                                                         


27


 

                                                         
    At or for the Six Months
       
    Ended June 30,     At or for the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006     2005(5)     2004  
    (Unaudited)     (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
                                                       
Total investments, cash and cash equivalents
  $ 146,878     $ 134,484     $ 133,873     $ 136,312     $ 126,655     $ 116,898     $ 117,002  
Total assets
    228,385       221,904       220,524       219,613       207,768       197,897       192,020  
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
    118,025       104,589       108,065       95,956       89,405       83,849       73,287  
Unearned premiums
    41,218       44,947       45,322       46,595       43,294       39,984       42,798  
Total liabilities
    176,413       162,767       169,769       158,212       147,238       140,128       132,114  
Equity
    51,972       59,137       50,755       61,401       60,530       57,769       59,906  
U.S. GAAP Ratios:
                                                       
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio(1)
    70.0 %     72.9 %     72.9 %     70.1 %     67.7 %     62.2 %     68.0 %
Underwriting expense ratio(2)
    34.5 %     33.1 %     32.8 %     33.3 %     35.1 %     39.2 %     38.0 %
                                                         
Combined ratio(3)
    104.5 %     106.0 %     105.7 %     103.4 %     102.8 %     101.4 %     106.0 %
                                                         
Return on average equity, continuing operations(4)
    2.5 %     5.1 %     (8.0 )%     2.4 %     3.2 %     0.4 %     2.0 %
Return on average equity(4)
    (1.0 )%     5.0 %     (13.2 )%     1.8 %     3.5 %     0.5 %     2.3 %
Statutory Data:
                                                       
Statutory net income (loss)
  $ 2,111     $ 1,510     $ (4,718 )   $ 878     $ 1,374     $ 3,171     $ 634  
Statutory surplus
    44,188       47,458       42,569       50,795       50,524       47,216       45,445  
Ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus(4)
    151.1 %     160.1 %     181.7 %     145.9 %     133.6 %     131.4 %     147.5 %
 
 
(1) Calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expenses by net premiums earned.
 
(2) Calculated by dividing amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and net underwriting and administrative expenses (attributable to insurance operations) by net premiums earned.
 
(3) The sum of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio of less than 100% means a company is making an underwriting profit.
 
(4) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
(5) In conjunction with the offering, 2005 has been adjusted, as of January 1, 2005, to reflect the adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements.

28


 

 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Although the actual proceeds from the sale of our common stock cannot be determined until the offering is complete, we currently anticipate that the gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock will be between $45.1 million, at the minimum, and $67.7 million, at the adjusted maximum, of the offering range. We expect net proceeds from this offering to be between $42.5 million and $65.2 million, after payment of our offering expenses. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information — Additional Pro Forma Data” and “The Conversion and Offering — The Valuation” as to the assumptions used to arrive at such amounts. We expect to use the net proceeds from the offering as follows:
 
                 
          Adjusted
 
    Minimum     Maximum  
 
Net Proceeds
               
Gross proceeds
  $ 45,050,000     $ 67,722,210  
Conversion and offering expenses
    2,570,000       2,570,000  
                 
Net proceeds before loan to ESOP
  $ 42,480,000     $ 65,152,210  
                 
Use of Net Proceeds
               
Loan to ESOP
  $ 4,504,990     $ 6,772,210  
Commissions
  $ 675,750     $ 1,015,833  
General corporate purposes
    37,299,260       57,364,167  
                 
Total
  $ 42,480,000     $ 65,152,210  
                 
 
After the payment of our conversion and offering expenses and commissions, we will use the net proceeds received from the sale of our shares of common stock in the offering to make a loan to our ESOP in an amount sufficient to permit the ESOP to buy an amount equal to 9.99% of the shares sold in the offering.
 
After using net proceeds to fund a loan to our ESOP, we expect to contribute most of the net proceeds from the offering to Penn Millers Insurance Company. Although the exact amount to be contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company and the amount to be retained by Penn Millers Holding Corporation has not been determined, it will be in part determined by the amount of net proceeds received in this offering. These net proceeds will supply additional capital that Penn Millers Insurance Company needs to support future growth in its net premiums written. The net proceeds contributed to the capital of Penn Millers Insurance Company will also be used for general corporate purposes, which may include reducing our reliance on reinsurance, furthering our geographic diversification through expansion of our producer network and marketing our PennEdge product. See “Business — Our Business Strategies and Offering Rationale.” On a short-term basis, the net proceeds contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company will be invested primarily in U.S. government securities, other federal agency securities, and other securities consistent with our investment policy.
 
Except for the loan to our ESOP, the contribution of capital to Penn Millers Insurance Company, the use of such proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the payment of debt service on our existing lines of credit, and the possible purchase of stock to fund restricted stock awards and stock option grants, we currently have no specific plans, arrangements or understandings regarding the use of the net proceeds from this offering.
 
As of August 30, 2009, the Company had $1.8 million outstanding under a line of credit. These borrowings were used to pay for the initial expenses incurred for the offering and are part of the estimated $2.57 million of total conversion and offering expenses that will be paid from the gross proceeds. We anticipate that aside from $1.8 million outstanding under the line of credit, none of the proceeds will be used for debt service.
 
The amount of proceeds from the sale of common stock in the offering will depend on the total number of shares actually sold. As a result, the net proceeds from the sale of common stock cannot be determined until the offering is completed.


29


 

 
MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
 
We have applied for listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PMIC,” subject to the completion of the offering.
 
We have never issued any capital stock to the public. Consequently, there is no established market for our common stock. The development of a public market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends upon the presence in the marketplace of a sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers at any given time. Neither we nor any market maker has any control over the development of such a public market. Although we have applied to have our stock listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, an active trading market may not develop. This is, in part, because the size of the offering is small. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the stock will be held by our management and our ESOP.
 
One of the requirements for initial listing of the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market is that there are at least three market makers for the common stock. We cannot assure you that there will be three or more market makers for our common stock. However, we believe that we meet all other requirements for listing at this time. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to resell your shares of common stock for a price at or above $10.00 per share, or that approval for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market will be available, as contemplated.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
Payment of dividends on our common stock is subject to determination and declaration by our board of directors. Our dividend policy will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.
 
At present, we have no intention to pay dividends to our shareholders. We cannot assure you that dividends will be paid, or if and when paid, that they will continue to be paid in the future.
 
We initially will have no significant source of cash flow other than dividends from Penn Millers Insurance Company, the repayment of our loan to the ESOP and the investment earnings on any net proceeds of the offering not contributed to Penn Millers Insurance Company. Therefore, the payment of dividends by us will depend significantly upon our receipt of dividends from Penn Millers Insurance Company.
 
Pennsylvania law sets the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid by Penn Millers Insurance Company during any twelve-month period after notice to, but without prior approval of, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. This amount cannot exceed the greater of 10% of the company’s surplus as regards policyholders as reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, or the company’s statutory net income for the period covered by the annual statement as reported on such statement. As of December 31, 2008, the amount available for payment of dividends by Penn Millers Insurance Company to us in 2009 without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is approximately $4.3 million. We cannot assure you that the Pennsylvania Insurance Department would approve the declaration or payment by Penn Millers Insurance Company of any dividends in excess of such amount to us. See “Business — Regulation.”
 
Even if we receive any dividends from Penn Millers Insurance Company, we may not declare any dividends to our shareholders because of our working capital requirements. We are not subject to regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders, but we are subject to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. This law generally permits dividends or distributions to be paid as long as, after making the dividend or distribution, we will be able to pay our debts in the ordinary course of business and our total assets will exceed our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of stock with senior liquidation rights if we were to be dissolved at the time the dividend or distribution is paid.


30


 

 
CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table displays information regarding our historical and pro forma capitalization at June 30, 2009, on a consolidated basis. The pro forma information gives effect to the sale of common stock at the minimum, midpoint, and maximum of the range of our estimated consolidated pro forma market value, as determined by the independent valuation of Curtis Financial. The pro forma information also is displayed at the maximum of the estimated valuation range plus shares issuable to the ESOP, which we refer to as the “adjusted maximum.” The various capital positions are displayed based upon the assumptions set forth under “Use of Proceeds.” For additional financial information, see our financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-2 of this prospectus. The total number of shares to be issued in the offering will range from 4,505,000 shares to 6,772,221 shares. The exact number will depend on market and financial conditions. See “Use of Proceeds” and “The Conversion and Offering — Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued.”
 
Pro Forma Capitalization at June 30, 2009
 
                                         
    Penn Millers
                         
    Historical
                         
    Consolidated
                      Adjusted
 
    Capitalization     Minimum     Midpoint     Maximum     Maximum  
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
Long term debt and lines of credit
  $ 2,959     $ 1,276     $ 1,276     $ 1,276     $ 1,276  
Shareholders’ equity:
                                       
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized shares 10,000,000(1)
  $     $ 45     $ 53     $ 61     $ 68  
Additional paid in capital
          41,759       49,582       57,405       64,068  
Retained earnings
    51,730       51,730       51,730       51,730       51,730  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    242       242       242       242       242  
Less: common stock to be acquired by ESOP(2)
          (4,505 )     (5,300 )     (6,095 )     (6,772 )
                                         
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 51,972     $ 89,271     $ 96,307     $ 103,343     $ 109,336  
                                         
 
 
(1) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of common stock pursuant to the proposed stock-based incentive plan. We intend to adopt a stock-based incentive plan and will submit such plan to shareholders for their approval at a meeting of shareholders to be held at least six months following completion of the offering. If the plan is approved by shareholders, an amount equal to 14% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be available for future issuance under such plan. Under such plan, 4% will be available for future awards of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards settled in our common stock, and 10% will be available for future stock option grants. Your ownership percentage would decrease by approximately 12.3% if shares were issued from our authorized but unissued shares upon the grant of all potential restricted stock awards and the exercise of all potential stock options, and if 5,300,000 shares were sold in the offering. No decrease in your ownership percentage will occur if the shares are purchased for the plan on the open market. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information — Additional Pro Forma Data” and “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements — Stock-Based Incentive Plan.”
 
(2) Assumes that 9.99% of the common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the ESOP. The common stock acquired by the ESOP is reflected as a reduction in shareholders’ equity. Assumes the funds used to acquire the ESOP shares will be borrowed from Penn Millers. See Note 1 to the table set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information — Additional Pro Forma Data” and “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements — Employee Stock Ownership Plan.”


31


 

 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet as of June 30, 2009, gives effect to the completion of the offering, including implementation of the ESOP, as if it had occurred as of June 30, 2009. The data is based on the assumption that 4,505,000 shares of common stock (the minimum number of shares required to be sold in the offering) are sold to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, our directors, officers, and employees, and the ESOP and other purchasers in the subscription offering and community offering, and that no shares are sold in the syndicated community offering.
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, presents our operating results as if the offering was completed and the implementation of the ESOP had occurred as of January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2008, respectively.
 
Completion of the offering is contingent on the sale of a minimum of 4,505,000 shares of common stock in the offering. If less than 4,505,000 shares of common stock are subscribed for in the subscription offering and community offering phases, the remaining shares may be sold in the syndicated community offering phase.
 
The unaudited pro forma information does not claim to represent what our financial position or results of operations would have been had the offering occurred on the dates indicated. This information is not intended to project our financial position or results of operations for any future date or period. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions that we believe are factually supportable and reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, the accompanying notes, and the other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The pro forma adjustments and pro forma amounts are provided for informational purposes only. Our financial statements will reflect the effects of the offering only from the date it is completed.
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2009
 
                         
    Penn Millers
          Penn Millers
 
    Historical
    Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    Consolidated     Adjustments     Consolidated(4)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Assets
                       
Cash and invested assets
  $ 146,878     $ 35,616 (1)   $ 182,494  
Premiums and fees receivable
    26,783             26,783  
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
    25,950             25,950  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    9,862             9,862  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    3,769             3,769  
Accrued investment income
    1,565             1,565  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    3,958             3,958  
Income taxes receivable
    738             738  
Deferred income taxes
    3,240             3,240  
Other assets
    4,011             4,011  
Deferred offering costs
    1,631             1,631  
Assets held for sale
                 
                         
Total assets
  $ 228,385     $ 35,616     $ 264,001  
                         


32


 

                         
    Penn Millers
          Penn Millers
 
    Historical
    Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    Consolidated     Adjustments     Consolidated(4)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Liabilities
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expense reserves
  $ 118,025     $     $ 118,025  
Unearned premiums
    41,218             41,218  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    14,211             14,211  
Borrowings under line of credit
    1,683       (1,683 )(2)      
Long-term debt
    1,276             1,276  
Liabilities held for sale
                 
                         
Total liabilities
  $ 176,413     $ (1,683 )   $ 174,730  
                         
Shareholders’ equity
                       
Common stock
  $     $ 45 (1)   $ 45  
Unearned compensation
          (4,505 )(3)     (4,505 )
Additional paid in capital
          41,759 (1)     41,759  
Retained earnings
    51,730             51,730  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes
    242             242  
                         
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 51,972     $ 37,299     $ 89,271  
                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 228,385     $ 35,616     $ 264,001  
                         
 
 
(1) The unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet, as prepared, gives effect to the sale of common stock at the minimum of the estimated range of our consolidated pro forma market value, as determined by the independent valuation of Curtis Financial. The unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet is based upon the assumptions set forth under “Use of Proceeds.”
 
(2) We intend to repay in full the outstanding principal balance under our lines of credit with proceeds from the offering.
 
(3) Reflects the $4,504,990 loan from us to our ESOP, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase 9.99% of the common stock issued in the offering at a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The amount of this borrowing has been reflected as a reduction from net proceeds to determine the estimated funds available for investment. The amount of the ESOP loan will increase to $5,299,990, $6,094,990, and $6,772,210 if 5,300,000, 6,095,000, and 6,772,221 shares, respectively, are sold in the offering. The ESOP loan will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the current long-term Applicable Federal Rate with semi-annual compounding in effect on the closing date of the offering.
 
(4) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares in connection with the grant of options or awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan that we intend to adopt. Under the stock-based incentive plan, an amount equal to the aggregate of 10% of the common stock sold in the offering, or 450,500, 530,000, 609,500, and 677,221 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be available for future issuance upon the exercise of options to be granted under the stock-based incentive plan. Also under the stock-based incentive plan an amount equal to the aggregate of 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, or 180,200, 212,000, 243,800 and 270,889 shares of common stock at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be purchased either through open market purchases or issued by Penn Millers for the purposes of making awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan. We expect to seek shareholder approval of the plan at least six months after completion of the offering. The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock for the purpose of making restricted stock awards under the stock-based incentive plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders by approximately 12.3% at the midpoint of the offering range.

33


 

 
For comparison with the above, the following table provides the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of common stock at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the estimated valuation range and at the adjusted maximum, which includes the shares to be issued to the ESOP in the event we accept subscriptions to purchase the maximum number of shares from other purchasers in the offering.
 
                                 
                      Adjusted
 
    Minimum     Midpoint     Maximum     Maximum  
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)  
 
Gross proceeds from the offering
  $ 45,050     $ 53,000     $ 60,950     $ 67,722  
Less: common stock acquired by the ESOP
    (4,505 )     (5,300 )     (6,095 )     (6,772 )
Less: offering expenses
    (2,570 )     (2,570 )     (2,570 )     (2,570 )
Less: placement agent commissions(1)
    (676 )     (795 )     (914 )     (1,016 )
                                 
Net proceeds from the offering
  $ 37,299     $ 44,335     $ 51,371     $ 57,364  
                                 
Total shares issued by Penn Millers in the offering
    4,505,000       5,300,000       6,095,000       6,772,221  
 
 
(1) Represents the amount to be paid to Griffin Financial, which is equal to 1.5% of the shares sold in the subscription offering and community offering, presuming that all shares are sold in those phases. In the event of a syndicated community offering phase, a commission rate of 5.5% will be paid on all shares sold in that phase.
 
The ESOP loan will require at least annual payments of principal and interest for a term of 10 years. Penn Millers Insurance Company intends to make contributions to the ESOP at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the ESOP loan. As the ESOP loan is repaid, the shareholders’ equity of Penn Millers Holding Corporation will be increased. The ESOP expense reflects adoption of Statement of Position (SOP) 93-6, which requires recognition of expense based upon shares committed to be allocated under the ESOP, and the exclusion of unallocated shares from earnings per share computations. The valuation of shares committed to be allocated under the ESOP would be based upon the average market value of the shares during the year. For purposes of this calculation, the average market value was assumed to be equal to $10.00 per share. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements.”


34


 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
                         
    Penn Millers
          Penn Millers
 
    Historical
    Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    Consolidated     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (Dollars in thousands,
 
    except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 78,737     $     $ 78,737  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    5,335       (1)     5,335  
Other realized investment losses, net
    (2,897 )           (2,897 )
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (2,922 )           (2,922 )
Other income
    411             411  
                         
Total revenues
    78,664             78,664  
                         
Expenses:
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 57,390     $     $ 57,390  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    23,081             23,081  
Underwriting and administrative expenses
    3,481             3,481  
Interest expense
    184             184  
Other expense, net
    365       451 (2)     816  
                         
Total losses and expenses
    84,501       451       84,952  
                         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (5,837 )   $ (451 )   $ (6,288 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,378 )     (153 )(3)     (1,531 )
                         
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (4,459 )   $ (298 )   $ (4,757 )
                         
Earnings per share data:
                       
Basic and diluted loss per common share from continuing operations
  $             $ (1.17 )
                         
Weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding
                  4,077,025 (4)(5)


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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Operations
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
                         
    Penn Millers
          Penn Millers
 
    Historical
    Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    Consolidated     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (dollars in thousands,
 
    except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 36,926     $     $ 36,926  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       (1)     2,769  
Other realized investment gains
    64             64  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (197 )           (197 )
Other income
    111             111  
                         
Total revenues
    39,673             39,673  
                         
Losses and expenses:
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 25,866     $     $ 25,866  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,953             10,953  
Underwriting and administrative expenses
    1,869             1,869  
Interest expense
    156             156  
Other expense, net
    90       225 (2)     315  
                         
Total losses and expenses
    38,934       225       39,159  
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 739     $ (225 )   $ 514  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    107       (77 )(3)     30  
                         
Income from continuing operations
  $ 632     $ (148 )   $ 484  
                         
Earnings per share data:
                       
Basic and diluted loss per common share from continuing operations
  $             $ 0.12  
                         
Weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding
                  4,065,763 (4)(5)
 
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statements of Operations
 
(1) We anticipate that we would earn approximately $1.3 million of investment income assuming the net proceeds were available for investment and received as of January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2008, respectively, and that they were invested with an average annual pre-tax rate of return of 3.52%.
 
(2) General operating expenses include a pro forma adjustment to recognize compensation expense under the ESOP for shares of common stock committed to be released to participants as the principal and interest of the $4,504,990 loan from us to the ESOP is repaid. The pro forma adjustment reflects the amounts repaid on the ESOP loan based on ten equal annual installments of principal and interest.
 
(3) Adjustments to reflect the federal income tax effects of note (2) above assuming an effective federal income tax rate of 34%.
 
(4) It is assumed that 9.99% of the shares issuable in the offering will be purchased by our ESOP. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire such shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from Penn Millers Holding Corporation. The amount to be borrowed is reflected as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Penn Millers Insurance Company expects to make annual contributions to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the debt. Annual payment of the ESOP debt is based upon ten equal annual installments of principal and interest. The pro forma net earnings assumes: (i) that the contribution to the ESOP is equivalent to the debt service requirement for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively; (ii) (A) that 22,525, 26,500, 30,475, and 33,861 shares at the


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minimum, the midpoint, the maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, were committed to be released at the end of the six months ended June 30, 2009, at an average fair value of $10.00 per share, in accordance with SOP 93-6, (B) that 45,050, 53,000, 60,950, and 67,722 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, were committed to be released at the end of the year ended December 31, 2008, at an average fair value of $10.00 per share, in accordance with SOP 93-6; and (iii) for purposes of calculating the net income per share, the weighted average of the ESOP shares which have not been committed for release, equal to 427,975, 503,500, 579,025 and 643,361 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range during the year ended December 31, 2008, and equal to 439,236, 516,749, 594,262, and 660,291 during the six months ended June 30, 2009, were subtracted from total shares outstanding of 4,505,000, 5,300,000, 6,095,000, and 6,772,221 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range on such dates.
 
(5) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares in connection with the grant of options or awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan that we intend to adopt. Under the stock-based incentive plan, an amount equal to the aggregate of 10% of the common stock sold in the offering, or 450,500, 530,000, 609,500, and 677,221 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be available for future issuance upon the exercise of options to be granted under the stock-based incentive plan. Also under the stock-based incentive plan an amount equal to the aggregate of 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, or 180,200, 212,000, 243,800 and 270,889 shares of common stock at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be purchased either through open market purchases or issued by Penn Millers for the purposes of making awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan. We expect to seek shareholder approval of the plan at least six months after completion of the offering. The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock for the purpose of making restricted stock awards under the stock-based incentive plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders by approximately 12.3% at the midpoint of the offering range.
 
Additional Pro Forma Data
 
The actual net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in the offering cannot be determined until the offering is completed. However, the offering net proceeds are currently estimated to be between $37.3 million and $57.4 million, based upon the following assumptions:
 
  •  Our ESOP will purchase an amount equal to 9.99% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with a loan from us;
 
  •  Expenses of the conversion and offering will be $2.57 million; and
 
  •  Placement agent commissions will equal 1.5% of the gross proceeds of the offering and that no shares will be sold in the syndicated offering.
 
We have prepared the following table, which sets forth our historical net income and retained earnings prior to the offering and our pro forma net income and shareholders’ equity following the offering. In preparing this table and in calculating pro forma data, the following assumptions have been made:
 
  •  Pro forma earnings have been calculated assuming the stock had been sold at the beginning of the period;
 
  •  Pro forma per share amounts have been calculated by dividing historical and pro forma amounts by the indicated number of shares of stock, as adjusted to give effect to the purchase of shares by our ESOP; and
 
  •  Pro forma shareholders’ equity amounts have been calculated as if our common stock had been sold in the offering on June 30, 2009, and, accordingly, no effect has been given to the assumed earnings effect of the net proceeds from the offering.
 
The following pro forma information may not be representative of the financial effects of the offering at the date on which the offering actually occurs and should not be taken as indicative of future results of operations. The


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pro forma shareholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the common stock and may be different than amounts that would be available for distribution to shareholders in the event of liquidation.
 
The following table summarizes historical data and our pro forma data at June 30, 2009, based on the assumptions set forth above and in the table and should not be used as a basis for projection of the market value of the common stock following the completion of the offering.
 
                                 
    At or for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                      6,772,221 Shares
 
    4,505,000 Shares
    5,300,000 Shares
    6,095,000 Shares
    Sold at $10.00 per
 
    Sold at $10.00 per
    Sold at $10.00 per
    Sold at $10.00 per
    Share (Adjusted
 
    Share (Minimum
    Share (Midpoint
    Share (Maximum
    Maximum
 
    of Range)     of Range)     of Range)     of Range)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)  
 
Pro forma offering proceeds
                               
Gross proceeds of public offering
  $ 45,050     $ 53,000     $ 60,950     $ 67,722  
Less offering expenses and commissions
    (3,246 )     (3,365 )     (3,484 )     (3,586 )
                                 
Net proceeds
    41,804       49,635       57,466       64,136  
Less ESOP shares(1)
    (4,505 )     (5,300 )     (6,095 )     (6,772 )
                                 
Net proceeds after ESOP shares
  $ 37,299     $ 44,335     $ 51,371     $ 57,364  
                                 
Pro forma shareholders’ equity
                               
Historical equity of Penn Millers
    51,972       51,972       51,972       51,972  
Pro forma proceeds after ESOP shares
    37,299       44,335       51,371       57,364  
                                 
Pro forma shareholders’ equity(2)
  $ 89,271     $ 96,307     $ 103,343     $ 109,336  
                                 
Pro forma per share data
                               
Total shares outstanding after the offering
    4,505,000       5,300,000       6,095,000       6,772,221  
Pro forma book value per share
  $ 19.82     $ 18.17     $ 16.96     $ 16.14  
Pro forma price-to-book value
    50.45 %     55.04 %     58.96 %     61.96 %
Pro forma net income:
                               
Historical income from continuing operations
  $ 632     $ 632     $ 632     $ 632  
Loss on discontinued operations
    (816 )     (816 )     (816 )     (816 )
ESOP expense
    (148 )     (175 )     (201 )     (223 )
                                 
Pro forma income
  $ (332 )   $ (359 )   $ (385 )   $ (407 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding(3)
    4,065,763       4,783,251       5,500,738       6,111,931  
Pro forma loss per share
  $ (.08 )   $ (.08 )   $ (.07 )   $ (.07 )
 
 
(1) It is assumed that 9.99% of the aggregate shares sold in the offering will be purchased by the ESOP. The funds used to acquire such shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from us. The amount to be borrowed is reflected as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Annual contributions are expected to be made to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the debt. The pro forma net income assumes: (i) that the contribution to the ESOP is equivalent to the debt service requirements for the six


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months ended June 30, 2009; and (ii) only the ESOP shares committed to be released were considered outstanding for purposes of the net income per share calculations.
 
(2) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares in connection with the grant of options or awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan that we intend to adopt. Under the stock-based incentive plan, an amount equal to the aggregate of 10% of the common stock sold in the offering, or 450,500, 530,000, 609,500, and 677,221 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be available for future issuance upon the exercise of options to be granted under the stock-based incentive plan. Also under the stock-based incentive plan an amount equal to the aggregate of 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, or 180,200, 212,000, 243,800 and 270,889 shares of common stock at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the estimated offering range, respectively, will be purchased either through open market purchases or issued by Penn Millers for the purposes of making awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units settled in our common stock under the stock-based incentive plan. We expect to seek shareholder approval of the plan at least six months after completion of the offering. The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock for the purpose of making restricted stock awards under the stock-based incentive plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders by approximately 12.3% at the midpoint of the offering range.
 
(3) It is assumed that 9.99% of the shares issuable in the offering will be purchased by our ESOP. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire such shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from Penn Millers Holding Corporation. The amount to be borrowed is reflected as a reduction to shareholders’ equity of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. Annual contributions are expected to be made to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the debt. The annual payment of the ESOP debt is based upon ten equal annual installments of principal and interest. The pro forma net earnings assumes: (i) that the contribution to the ESOP is equivalent to the debt service requirement for the six months ended June 30, 2009; (ii) that 22,525, 26,500, 30,475, and 33,861 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, were committed to be released at the end of the six months ended June 30, 2009, at an average fair value of $10.00 per share in accordance with SOP 93-6; and (iii) for purposes of calculating the net income per share, the weighted average of the ESOP shares which have not been committed for release, equal to 439,236, 516,749, 594,262, and 660,291 and at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range during the six months ended June 30, 2009, were subtracted from total shares outstanding of 4,505,000, 5,300,000, 6,095,000, and 6,772,221 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range on such dates.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus constitutes forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” for more information. You should review “Risk Factors” for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein.
 
Overview
 
Penn Millers Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania. Penn Millers Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMHC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company, or Penn Millers Mutual. American Millers Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Insurance Company. On the effective date of the conversion, Penn Millers Mutual will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. After the conversion, PMHC will merge with and into Penn Millers Mutual. The consolidated financial statements of Penn Millers Mutual prior to the conversion will become the consolidated financial statements of Penn Millers Holding Corporation upon completion of the conversion.
 
On February 2, 2009, we completed the sale of substantially all of the net assets of Eastern Insurance Group, which was a wholly owned subsidiary insurance agency of PMHC. In July 2008, we completed the sale of substantially all of the net assets of Penn Software and Technology Services, Inc. (Penn Software), a Pennsylvania corporation specializing in software development for the insurance industry. Penn Software was a wholly owned subsidiary of PMHC. Both Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software are accounted for as discontinued operations. We intend to begin the process to dissolve both Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software in 2009.
 
We offer insurance products designed to meet the needs of certain segments of the agricultural industry in 33 states. We also offer commercial insurance products designed to meet the needs of main street businesses in 8 states. We report our operating results in three operating segments: agribusiness insurance, commercial business insurance, and our “other” segment. Assets are not allocated to segments and are reviewed in the aggregate for decision-making purposes. Our agribusiness insurance segment product includes property (fire and allied lines and inland marine), liability (general, products and umbrella), commercial automobile, and workers’ compensation insurance. We specialize in writing coverage for manufacturers, processors, and distributors of products for the agricultural industry. We market our agribusiness lines through independent producers and our employees. Our commercial business insurance segment product consists of a business owner’s policy that combines the following: property, liability, business interruption, and crime coverage for small businesses; workers’ compensation; commercial automobile; and umbrella liability coverage. The types of businesses we target include retail, service, hospitality, wholesalers, light manufacturers, and printers. We market our commercial lines through independent producers.
 
Our third business segment, which we refer to as our “other” segment, includes the runoff of lines of business that we no longer offer or assume and assigned risk reinsurance programs in which we are required to participate.
 
Penn Millers Insurance Company is rated “A−” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, Inc., which is the fourth highest out of fifteen possible ratings. The latest rating evaluation by A.M. Best Company, Inc. occurred on June 23, 2009.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had direct premiums written of $42.0 million, net premiums earned of $36.9 million and net income from continuing operations of $0.6 million. At June 30, 2009, we had total assets of $228.4 million and equity of $52.0 million.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we had direct premiums written of $95.0 million, net premiums earned of $78.7 million, and a net loss from continuing operations of $4.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we had direct premiums written of $94.1 million, net premiums earned of $71.0 million, and net income from continuing operations of $1.4 million. At December 31, 2008, we had total assets of $220.5 million and equity of $50.8 million.


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Marketplace Conditions and Trends
 
The property and casualty insurance industry is affected by recurring industry cycles known as “hard” and “soft” markets. A soft cycle is characterized by intense competition resulting in lower pricing in order to compete for business. A hard market, generally considered a beneficial industry trend, is characterized by reduced competition that results in higher pricing. Since 2005, the property and casualty insurance industry has been characterized by a soft market and increased pricing competition.
 
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
 
We derive our revenue primarily from premiums earned, net investment income and net realized gains (losses) from investments.
 
Gross and net premiums written
 
Gross premiums written is equal to direct and assumed premiums before the effect of ceded reinsurance. Net premiums written is the difference between gross premiums written and premiums ceded or paid to reinsurers (ceded premiums written).
 
Premiums earned
 
Premiums earned are the earned portion of our net premiums written. Gross premiums written include all premiums recorded by an insurance company during a specified policy period. Insurance premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are earned ratably over the duration of the policies. At the end of each accounting period, the portion of the premiums that are not yet earned are included in unearned premiums and are realized as revenue in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our policies typically have a term of twelve months. Thus, for example, for a policy that is written on July 1, 2008, one-half of the premiums would be earned in 2008 and the other half would be earned in 2009.
 
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) on investments
 
We invest our surplus and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities (including unearned premiums and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses) in cash, cash equivalents, equities and fixed maturity securities. Investment income includes interest and dividends earned on invested assets. Net realized gains and losses on invested assets are reported separately from net investment income. We recognize realized gains when invested assets are sold for an amount greater than their cost or amortized cost (in the case of fixed maturity securities) and recognize realized losses when investment securities are written down as a result of an other-than-temporary impairment or sold for an amount less than their cost or amortized cost, as applicable. Our portfolio of investment securities is managed by an independent investment manager who has discretion to buy and sell securities in accordance with the investment policy approved by our board of directors. However, by agreement, our investment manager cannot sell any security without our consent if such sale will result in a net realized loss.
 
Penn Millers’ expenses consist primarily of:
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the largest expense item and include: (1) claim payments made, (2) estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for prior periods, and (3) costs associated with investigating, defending and adjusting claims.
 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and underwriting and administrative expenses
 
Expenses incurred to underwrite risks are referred to as policy acquisition expenses and underwriting and administrative expenses. Policy acquisition costs consist of commission expenses, premium taxes and certain other underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the writing and acquisition of new and renewal business. These policy acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. Underwriting and administrative expenses consist of salaries, rent, office supplies, depreciation and all


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other operating expenses not otherwise classified separately, and payments to bureaus and assessments of statistical agencies for policy service and administration items such as rating manuals, rating plans and experience data. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses directly attributable to each segment are recorded in that segment directly. Underwriting and administrative overhead expense not specifically attributable to an individual segment is allocated to those segments based upon factors such as, employee head count, policy count, and premiums written.
 
Income taxes
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date.
 
Key Financial Measures
 
We evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to reviewing our financial performance based on results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures are underwriting income, combined ratios, written premiums, and the ratio of net written premiums to statutory surplus.
 
We measure growth by monitoring changes in gross premiums written and net premiums written. We measure underwriting profitability by examining loss and loss adjustment expense, underwriting expense and combined ratios. We also measure profitability by examining underwriting income (loss) and net income (loss).
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned. We measure the loss ratio on an accident year and calendar year loss basis to measure underwriting profitability. An accident year loss ratio measures loss and loss adjustment expenses for insured events occurring in a particular year, regardless of when they are reported, as a percentage of premiums earned during that year. A calendar year loss ratio measures loss and loss adjustment expense for insured events occurring during a particular year and the change in loss reserves from prior accident years as a percentage of premiums earned during that year.
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
The underwriting expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and net underwriting and administrative expenses (attributable to insurance operations) to premiums earned, and measures our operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering our insurance business.
 
GAAP combined ratio
 
Our GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio and measures our overall underwriting profit. If the GAAP combined ratio is below 100%, we are making an underwriting profit. If our combined ratio is at or above 100%, we are not profitable without investment income and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
 
Net premiums written to statutory surplus ratio
 
The net premiums written to statutory surplus ratio represents the ratio of net premiums written, after reinsurance ceded, to statutory surplus. This ratio measures our exposure to pricing errors in our current book of business. The higher the ratio, the greater the impact on surplus should pricing prove inadequate.


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Underwriting income (loss)
 
Underwriting income (loss) measures the pre-tax profitability of our insurance segments. It is derived by subtracting loss and loss adjustment expense, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses from earned premiums. Each of these items is presented as a caption in our statements of operations.
 
Net income (loss) and return on average equity
 
We use net income (loss) to measure our profit and return on average equity to measure our effectiveness in utilizing equity to generate net income. In determining return on average equity for a given year, net income (loss) is divided by the average of the beginning and ending equity for that year.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
General
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires both the use of estimates and judgment relative to the application of appropriate accounting policies. We are required to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our financial statements and related footnotes. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on 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 adversely affected by the need to make accounting adjustments to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions from time to time. We believe the following policies are the most sensitive to estimates and judgments.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
How reserves are established
 
We maintain reserves for the payment of claims (incurred losses) and expenses related to adjusting those claims (loss adjustment expenses or LAE). Our loss reserves consist of case reserves, which are reserves for claims that have been reported to us, and reserves for claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported (IBNR).
 
When a claim is reported to us, our claims personnel establish a case reserve for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. The amount of the loss reserve for the reported claim is based primarily upon a claim-by-claim evaluation of coverage, liability, injury severity or scope of property damage, and any other information considered pertinent to estimating the exposure presented by the claim. Each claim is settled individually based upon its merits, and some claims may take years to settle, especially if legal action is involved. Case reserves are reviewed on a regular basis and are updated as new data becomes available.
 
In addition to case reserves, we maintain estimates of reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred but not reported. Some claims may not be reported for many years. As a result, the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment reserves includes significant estimates for IBNR.
 
We utilize independent actuaries to assist with the estimation of our loss and LAE reserves each quarter. These actuaries prepare estimates of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and LAE based on established actuarial methods described below. Our management reviews these estimates and supplements the actuarial analysis with information not fully incorporated into the actuarially based estimate, such as changes in the external business environment and changes in internal company processes and strategy. We may adjust the actuarial estimates based on this supplemental information in order to arrive at the amount recorded in the financial statements.


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We accrue liabilities for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses based upon estimates of the ultimate amount payable. We project our estimate of ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses by line of business using the following actuarial methodologies:
 
Paid Loss Development Method — The Paid Loss Development Method utilizes historical loss payment patterns to estimate future losses. Estimates using this method are not affected by changes in case reserving practices that might have occurred during the review period, but may be understated as this method does not take into account large unpaid claims. This method is also susceptible to any changes in the rate of claim settlements or shifts in the size of claims settled.
 
The actuaries produce and review several indications of ultimate loss using this method based on various loss development factors (LDF) selections, such as:
 
  •  2, 3, 4, and 5-Year Averages (straight averages and loss-weighted averages);
 
  •  5-Year Average Excluding Highest and Lowest LDFs;
 
  •  All-Year average (straight average and loss-weighted average); and
 
  •  Selected LDF Pattern (LDFs are selected for each evaluation based on the actuaries’ review of the historical development).
 
Incurred Loss Development Method — The Incurred Loss Development Method utilizes historical incurred loss (the sum of cumulative historical loss payments plus outstanding case reserves) patterns to estimate future losses. This method is often preferred over the paid method as it includes the additional information provided by the aggregation of individual case reserves. The resulting LDFs tend to be lower and more stable than those of the paid development method. However, the incurred development method may be affected by changes in case reserving practices and any unusually large individual claims. As with the Paid Loss Development Method, the actuaries produce and review several indications of ultimate loss using this method based on various LDF selections.
 
Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method (Paid and Incurred) — The Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method is a blended method that explicitly takes into account both actual loss development to date and expected future loss emergence. This method is applied on both a paid loss basis and an incurred loss basis. This method uses the selected loss development patterns from the Loss Development Methods to calculate the expected percentage of loss unpaid (or unreported). The expected future loss component of the method is calculated by multiplying earned premium for the given exposure period by a selected a priori (i.e. deductive) loss ratio. The resulting dollars are then multiplied by the expected percentage of unpaid (or unreported) loss described above. This provides an estimate of future paid (or reported) losses that is then added to actual paid (or incurred) loss data to produce estimated ultimate loss.
 
Frequency/Severity Method — The Frequency/Severity Method combines estimates of ultimate claim counts and estimates of per claim ultimate loss severities to yield estimates of ultimate losses. Both the ultimate claim counts and ultimate severity are estimated using a loss development factor approach similar to the Incurred Loss Development Method. For this reason, the same considerations discussed in the Incurred Loss Development Method apply to this method as well. Ultimate claim counts and ultimate severities are multiplied together to produce an estimate of ultimate losses. This method is useful in more recent accident years where the data is not mature and is especially useful when loss development patterns are volatile or not well established.
 
We estimate IBNR reserves by first deriving an actuarially based estimate of the ultimate cost of total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by line of business as of the financial statement date. We then reduce the estimated ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses by loss and loss adjustment expense payments and case reserves carried as of the financial statement date. The actuarially determined estimate is based upon indications from one of the above actuarial methodologies or uses a weighted average of these results. The specific method used to estimate the ultimate losses for individual lines of business, or individual accident years within a line of business, will vary depending on the judgment of the actuary as to what is the most appropriate method for a line of business’ unique characteristics. Finally, we consider other factors that impact reserves that are not fully incorporated in the


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actuarially based estimate, such as changes in the external business environment and changes in internal company processes and strategy.
 
The process of estimating loss reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables can be affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, economic inflation, legal trends, and legislative changes, among others. The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expenses is difficult to estimate. Loss reserve estimation difficulties also differ significantly by line of business due to differences in claim complexity, the volume of claims, the potential severity of individual claims, the determination of occurrence date for a claim, and reporting lags (the time between the occurrence of the policyholder event and when it is actually reported to the insurer). Informed judgment is applied throughout the process, including the application of various individual experiences and expertise to multiple sets of data and analyses. We continually refine our loss reserve estimates in a regular ongoing process as historical loss experience develops and additional claims are reported and settled. We consider all significant facts and circumstances known at the time loss reserves are established.
 
Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates, final resolution of the estimated liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses may be higher or lower than the related loss reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, actual paid losses, as claims are settled in the future, may be materially higher or lower in amount than current loss reserves. We reflect adjustments to loss reserves in the results of operations in the period the estimates are changed.
 
Our reserves for unpaid loss and LAE are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    As of
    As of
    As of
 
    June 30,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Case reserves
  $ 60,430     $ 57,976     $ 48,957  
IBNR reserves
    28,397       27,464       28,272  
                         
Net unpaid loss and LAE
    88,827       85,440       77,229  
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid loss and LAE
    29,198       22,625       18,727  
                         
Reserves for unpaid loss and LAE
  $ 118,025     $ 108,065     $ 95,956  
                         
 
At June 30, 2009, the amount recorded as compared to the actuarially-determined reserve range, net of reinsurance was as follows:
 
                     
Reserve Range for Unpaid Loss and LAE
Low End
 
Recorded
 
High End
(Dollars in thousands)
 
$ 81,841     $ 88,827     $ 92,886  
 
Our actuaries determined a range of reasonable reserve estimates which reflect the uncertainty inherent in the loss reserve process. This range does not represent the range of all possible outcomes. We believe that the actuarially-determined ranges represent reasonably likely changes in the loss and LAE estimates, however actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. The range was determined by line of business and accident year after a review of the output generated by the various actuarial methods utilized. The actuaries reviewed the variance around the select loss reserve estimates for each of the actuarial methods and selected reasonable low and high estimates based on their knowledge and judgment. In making these judgments the actuaries typically assumed, based on their experience, that the larger the reserve the less volatility and that property reserves would exhibit less volatility than casualty reserves. In addition, when selecting these low and high estimates, the actuaries considered:
 
  •  Historical industry development experience in our business lines;
 
  •  Historical company development experience;
 
  •  Trends in social and economic factors that may affect our loss experience, such as the impact of economic conditions on the speed in which injured workers return to their jobs;


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  •  The impact of court decisions on insurance coverage issues, which can impact the ultimate cost of settling claims;
 
  •  Trends and risks in claim costs, such as risk that medical cost inflation could increase, or that increasing unemployment rates can impact workers compensation claim costs;
 
  •  The relatively small base of claims we have increases the risk that a few claims experiencing adverse developments could significantly impact our loss reserve levels; and
 
  •  The impact of changes in our net retention (i.e., reduction in reinsurance) over the past few years on the potential magnitude of reserve development.
 
Actuaries are required to exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of all of these and other factors in the analysis of our loss and LAE reserves, and related range of anticipated losses. Because of the level of uncertainty impacting the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that different actuaries would arrive at different conclusions. The method of determining the reserve range has not changed and the reserve range generated by our actuaries is consistent with the observed development of our loss reserves over the last few years.
 
The width of the range in reserves arises primarily from those lines of business for which specific losses may not be known and reported for some period and for losses that may take longer to emerge. These long-tail lines consist mostly of casualty lines including general liability, products liability, umbrella, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto liability exposures. The ultimate frequency or severity of these claims can be very different than the assumptions we used in our estimation of ultimate reserves for these exposures. The high end of the reserve range is limited by our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract that provides reinsurance coverage for the 2009 and 2008 accident years for loss and allocated loss adjustment expense from all lines of business in excess of a 72% loss and allocated loss adjustment expense ratio up to a 92% loss and allocated loss adjustment expense ratio.
 
Specifically, the following factors could impact the frequency and severity of claims, and therefore, the ultimate amount of loss and LAE paid:
 
  •  The rate of increase in labor costs, medical costs, material costs, and commodity prices that underlie insured risks;
 
  •  Development of risk associated with our expanding producer relationships, new classes of business, and our growth in states where we currently have small market share;
 
  •  Impact of unemployment rates on behavior of injured insured workers;
 
  •  Impact of changes in laws or regulations;
 
  •  Adequacy of current pricing in relatively soft insurance markets; and
 
  •  Variability related to asbestos and environmental claims due to issues as to whether coverage exists, the definition of occurrence, the determination of ultimate damages, and the allocation of such damages to responsible parties.
 
The estimation process for determining the liability for unpaid loss and LAE inherently results in adjustments each year for claims incurred (but not paid) in preceding years. Negative amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated (favorable development). Positive amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts greater than originally estimated (unfavorable development). For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we experienced favorable development of $1.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we experienced favorable development of $5.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
 
Potential for variability in our reserves is evidenced by this development. As further illustration of reserve variability, we initially estimated our reserve for unpaid loss and LAE net of reinsurance at the end of 2000 at $29.5 million. As of June 30, 2009, that reserve was re-estimated at $38.6 million, which is $9.1 million, or 30.9%, higher than the initial estimate.


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Lines of Business and Actuarial Ranges
 
The selection of the ultimate loss is based on information unique to each line of business and accident year and the judgment and expertise of the actuaries and management. Although we raised the net retention of our per risk excess of loss reinsurance covering many of these lines of business in 2008, our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract limits the potential for further development across all lines for the reserves associated with that accident year. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had ceded reinsurance loss recoverable under this stop loss contract of $3.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively, which is included in the net liabilities reported below. While individual lines may experience adverse development for the 2008 accident year in the future, the total net reserves for that accident year are protected against another $13.1 million of adverse development up to a 92% loss ratio. As of June 30, 2009, the actual 2009 accident year loss ratio for business subject to the aggregate stop loss treaty is approximately 69%.
 
The following table provides case and IBNR reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses by major lines of business as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and 2007. Prior to 2008, we did not produce an actuarial range of estimates. A discussion of each major line of business will follow.
 
As of June 30, 2009
 
                                         
                      Actuarially Determined
 
    Case
    IBNR
    Total
    Range of Estimates  
    Reserves     Reserves     Reserves     Low     High  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Commercial auto liability
  $ 9,167     $ 4,193     $ 13,360     $ 12,386     $ 13,553  
Workers’ compensation
    11,723       5,118       16,841       16,006       17,340  
Commercial multi-peril
    15,660       6,271       21,931       21,029       22,809  
Liability
    11,467       7,408       18,875       16,515       19,422  
Fire & allied
    6,147       767       6,914       6,734       7,093  
Assumed
    4,442       4,135       8,577       7,326       9,851  
Other
    1,824       505       2,329       1,845       2,818  
                                         
Total net reserves
    60,430       28,397       88,827     $ 81,841     $ 92,886  
                                         
Reinsurance recoverables
    13,382       15,816       29,198                  
                                         
Gross reserves
  $ 73,812     $ 44,213     $ 118,025                  
                                         


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As of December 31, 2008
 
                                         
                      Actuarially Determined
 
    Case
    IBNR
    Total
    Range of Estimates  
    Reserves     Reserves     Reserves     Low     High  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Commercial auto liability
  $ 7,698     $ 4,214     $ 11,912     $ 11,116     $ 12,404  
Workers’ compensation
    11,108       4,489       15,597       14,870       16,395  
Commercial multi-peril
    16,696       6,381       23,077       22,420       24,062  
Liability
    9,840       7,689       17,529       15,447       18,235  
Fire & allied
    5,857       26       5,883       5,837       5,883  
Assumed
    5,027       4,517       9,544       8,207       10,810  
Other
    1,750       148       1,898       1,524       2,369  
                                         
Total net reserves
    57,976       27,464       85,440     $ 79,421     $ 90,158  
                                         
Reinsurance recoverables
    11,634       10,991       22,625                  
                                         
Gross reserves
  $ 69,610     $ 38,455     $ 108,065                  
                                         
 
As of December 31, 2007
 
                         
    Case
    IBNR
    Total
 
    Reserves     Reserves     Reserves  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Commercial auto liability
  $ 6,340     $ 5,592     $ 11,932  
Workers’ compensation
    9,449       6,027       15,476  
Commercial multi-peril
    14,581       5,608       20,189  
Liability
    6,721       5,282       12,003  
Fire & allied
    4,507       823       5,330  
Assumed
    5,198       4,573       9,771  
Other
    2,161       367       2,528  
                         
Total net reserves
    48,957       28,272       77,229  
Reinsurance recoverables
    13,159       5,568       18,727  
                         
Gross reserves
  $ 62,116     $ 33,840     $ 95,956  
                         
 
As discussed earlier, the estimation of our reserves is based on several actuarial methods, each of which incorporates many quantitative assumptions. The judgment of the actuary plays an important role in selecting among various loss development factors and selecting the appropriate method, or combination of methods, to use for a given line of business and accident year. The ranges presented above represent the expected variability around the actuarially determined central estimate. The width of the range is primarily determined by the specific line of business. For example, long tail casualty lines typically involve greater uncertainty and, therefore, have a wider range of expected outcomes. The magnitude of the line of business (i.e. volume of insured exposures) can also factor into the range such that more significantly sized lines of business provide more statistically significant data to rely upon. The total range around our actuarially determined estimate varies from -6% to +7%, with the ranges around each of our core lines of business (excluding Assumed and Other lines) ranging from the widest being -8% to +8% (Liability) to the narrowest being -3% to +3% (Fire & Allied lines). As shown in the table below, since 2002, the variance in our originally estimated loss reserves has ranged from 7% deficient to 8% redundant.


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Recent Variabilities of the Liability for Unpaid Loss and LAE, Net of Reinsurance Recoverables
 
                                                 
    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
As originally estimated
  $ 42,731     $ 48,072     $ 55,804     $ 61,032     $ 69,316     $ 77,229  
As estimated at December 31, 2008
    45,744       49,284       54,411       59,884       63,847       72,004  
                                                 
Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)
  $ (3,013 )   $ (1,212 )   $ 1,393     $ 1,148     $ 5,469     $ 5,225  
                                                 
% redundancy (deficiency)
    (7.1 )%     (2.5 )%     2.5 %     1.9 %     7.9 %     6.8 %
 
The table below summarizes the impact on equity from changes in estimates of unpaid loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
 
                 
          Percentage
 
    Aggregate Loss and
    Change(1)
 
Reserve Range for Unpaid Loss and LAE
  LAE Reserve     in Equity  
 
Low End
  $ 81,841       8.9 %
Recorded
  $ 88,827        
High End
  $ 92,886       (5.2 )%
 
 
(1) Net of tax
 
If the loss and LAE reserves were recorded at the high end of the actuarially-determined range, the loss and LAE reserves would increase by $4.1 million. This increase in reserves would have the effect of decreasing net income and equity as of June 30, 2009 by $2.7 million. If the loss and LAE reserves were recorded at the low end of the actuarially-determined range, the loss and LAE reserves at June 30, 2009 would be reduced by $7.0 million with corresponding increases in net income and equity of $4.6 million.
 
If the loss and LAE reserves were to adversely develop to the high end of the range, approximately $4.1 million of anticipated future payments for the loss and LAE expenses would be required to be paid, thereby affecting cash flows in future periods as the payments for losses are made.
 
Specific considerations for major lines of business
 
Commercial Multi-Peril
 
At June 30, 2009, the commercial multi-peril line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $21.9 million, which represented 24.7% of our total net reserves. This line of business includes both property and liability coverage provided under a business owner’s policy. This line of business can be prone to adverse development arising from delayed reporting of claims and adverse settlement trends related to the liability portion of the line. No adjustment has been made to the actuarially selected estimate for this line. While management has not identified any specific trends relating to additional reserve uncertainty on prior accident years, a declining economic climate and unfavorable changes to the legal environment could lead to the filing of more claims for previously unreported losses.
 
Liability
 
At June 30, 2009, our liability line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance of $18.9 million, which represented 21.2% of our total net reserves. This line of business includes general liability, products liability, and umbrella liability coverages. This reserve is $0.9 million, or 4.7%, above the actuarially selected estimate. This line can be prone to volatility and adverse development. In particular, many claims in these coverages often involve a complex set of facts and high claim amounts, and litigation often takes place in challenging court environments.
 
Workers’ Compensation
 
At June 30, 2009, our workers’ compensation line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $16.8 million, or 19.0% of our total net reserves. This reserve is $0.5 million, or 2.7%, above the actuarially selected


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estimate. In addition to the uncertainties associated with the actuarial assumptions and methodologies described above, the workers’ compensation line of business can be impacted by a variety of issues such as unexpected changes in medical cost inflation, medical treatment options and duration, changes in overall economic conditions, and company specific initiatives. Initiatives to limit the long term costs of workers’ compensation claims costs, such as return to work programs, can be adversely impacted by poor economic conditions when there are fewer jobs available for injured workers.
 
Commercial Automobile Liability
 
At June 30, 2009, our commercial automobile liability line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $13.4 million, which represented 15.0% of our total net reserves. This reserve is $0.4 million, or 3.1%, above the actuarially selected estimate. This line of business is similar to workers’ compensation in that the reporting of claims is generally timely but understanding the true extent of the liability can be difficult to estimate, both at the claim level and in aggregate. The gathering of important information can be delayed due to a slow legal discovery process. Also, uncertainty about the true severity of injuries and unpredictability of medical cost inflation can make reserving for specific claims a challenge. Medical cost inflation and evolving legal environments can also invoke uncertainty into the process of estimating IBNR.
 
Fire and Allied
 
At June 30, 2009, our fire and allied lines of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $6.9 million, which represented 7.8% of our total net reserves. These lines of business comprise a substantial amount of the property exposures that we insure. Our allied lines of business covers losses primarily from wind, hail, and snow. No adjustment has been made to the actuarially selected estimate for this line. Favorable or unfavorable development can occur on specific claims based on changes in the cost of building materials, refinement of damage assessments, and resolution of coverage issues, and as opportunities for salvage and subrogation are investigated.
 
Assumed
 
At June 30, 2009, our assumed lines of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $8.6 million, which represented 9.7% of our total net reserves. This reserve is $0.3 million, or 3.6%, above the actuarially selected estimate. These lines comprise the majority of our Other segment, with the reserves mostly attributable to a Munich Re America reinsurance pool, in which we terminated our participation in 1986, and the mandatory assumed risk pools in which we are required to participate in the states we do business. The case reserves for these pools are established based on amounts reported to us by the ceding parties. The IBNR is estimated based on observed development trends using the various methodologies described earlier. The exposures within these pools include long tail lines such as workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, and products liability, which includes asbestos exposures. Development can occur in these reserves due to such factors as the changing legal environment, the economic climate, and medical cost inflation. In addition, we are dependent on information from third parties which can make it difficult to estimate the IBNR for this business.
 
Investments
 
Our fixed maturity and equity securities investments are classified as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value as determined by management based upon quoted market prices or a recognized pricing service at the reporting date for those or similar investments. Changes in unrealized investment gains or losses on our investments, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected directly in equity as a component of comprehensive income (loss) and, accordingly, have no effect on net income (loss). Investment income is recognized when earned, and capital gains and losses are recognized when investments are sold, or other-than-temporarily impaired.


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The fair value and unrealized losses for our securities that were temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
  Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)  
June 30, 2009:
                                               
U.S. Treasuries
  $ 493     $ 16     $     $     $ 493     $ 16  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    3,036       44                   3,036       44  
State and political subdivisions
    555       2       2,655       65       3,210       67  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
                3,523       344       3,523       344  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    2,470       44                   2,470       44  
Corporate securities
    3,637       89       8,444       826       12,081       915  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    10,191       195       14,622       1,235       24,813       1,430  
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 10,191     $ 195     $ 14,622     $ 1,235     $ 24,813     $ 1,430  
                                                 
 
                                                 
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
  Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)  
December 31, 2008:
                                               
State and political subdivisions
  $ 2,934     $ 56     $ 515     $ 54     $ 3,449     $ 110  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    2,203       297       1,645       373       3,848       670  
Corporate securities
    10,732       1,008       9,907       1,083       20,639       2,091  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    15,869       1,361       12,067       1,510       27,936       2,871  
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 15,869     $ 1,361     $ 12,067     $ 1,510     $ 27,936     $ 2,871  
                                                 
 
                                                 
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
  Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)  
December 31, 2007:
                                               
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
  $     $     $ 4,199     $ 7     $ 4,199     $ 7  
State and political subdivisions
    516       1       3,669       13       4,185       14  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    497             3,161       36       3,658       36  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
                5,989       83       5,989       83  
Corporate securities
    2,665       44       8,662       188       11,327       232  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    3,678       45       25,680       327       29,358       372  
Equity securities
    760       43       326       1       1,086       44  
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 4,438     $ 88     $ 26,006     $ 328     $ 30,444     $ 416  
                                                 


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Fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates which generally translate, respectively, into decreases and increases in fair values of fixed maturity investments. The fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments also may be affected by the credit worthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of other investments, the liquidity of the instrument, and other general market conditions.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, our fixed maturity portfolio had net unrealized gains of $2.0 million due to increases in fair values. Unrealized gains in corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and tax exempt bonds were partially offset by unrealized losses in U.S. Treasury and government agencies securities.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, our fixed maturity portfolio lost $420,000 due to declines in fair values. Most of the decline in our fixed maturity portfolio was in corporate bonds issued by financial institutions, whose prices have been depressed as a result of the recent turmoil in the credit markets.
 
We have evaluated each security and taken into account the severity and duration of the impairment, the current rating on the bond, and the outlook for the issuer according to independent analysts. We have found that the declines in fair value are most likely attributable to the current market dislocation, and there is no evidence that the likelihood of not receiving all of the contractual cash flows is expected. Our fixed maturity portfolio is managed by an independent investment manager who has discretion to buy and sell securities, however, by agreement, the investment manager cannot sell any security without our consent if such sale will result in a net realized loss.
 
We monitor our investment portfolio and review securities that have experienced a decline in fair value below cost to evaluate whether the decline is other-than-temporary. When assessing whether the amortized cost basis of the security will be recovered, we compare the present value of the cash flows likely to be collected, based on an evaluation of all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, to the amortized cost basis of the security. The shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected in relation to the amortized cost basis is referred to as the “credit loss.” If there is a credit loss, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary. If we identify that an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred, we then determine whether we intend to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovering the amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses. If we determine that we do not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security, the amount of the impairment loss related to the credit loss will be recorded in earnings, and the remaining portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss will be recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. If we determine that we intend to sell the security, or that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovering its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses, the full amount of the other-than-temporary impairment will be recognized in earnings.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we determined that one security in our portfolio had sustained a loss from which it was unlikely to recover. In July 2009 we sold our entire holdings in this security, which resulted in a pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment loss as of June 30, 2009 of approximately $197,000.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recorded pre-tax charges to income of $2,922,000, $620,000 and $0, respectively, for securities that we determined were other-than-temporarily impaired. Adverse investment market conditions, or poor operating results of underlying investments, could result in impairment charges in the future.
 
We use quoted values and other data provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service in our process for determining fair values of our investments. Its evaluations represent an exit price and a good faith opinion as to what a buyer in the marketplace would pay for a security in a current sale. This pricing service provides us with one quote per instrument. For fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturity securities that do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service prepares estimates of fair value using a wide array of observable inputs including relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. The observable market inputs that our independent pricing service utilizes may include (listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data on markets, industry, and the economy. Additionally, the


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independent pricing service uses an Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The pricing service did not use broker quotes in determining fair values of our investments.
 
Should the independent pricing service be unable to provide a fair value estimate, we would attempt to obtain a non-binding fair value estimate from a number of broker-dealers and review this estimate in conjunction with a fair value estimate reported by an independent business news service or other sources. In instances where only one broker-dealer provides a fair value for a fixed maturity security, we use that estimate. In instances where we are able to obtain fair value estimates from more than one broker-dealer, we would review the range of estimates and would select the most appropriate value based on the facts and circumstances. Should neither the independent pricing service nor a broker-dealer provide a fair value estimate, we would develop a fair value estimate based on cash flow analyses and other valuation techniques that utilize certain unobservable inputs. Accordingly, we would classify such a security as a Level 3 investment.
 
The fair value estimates of our investments provided by the independent pricing service at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, were utilized, among other resources, in reaching a conclusion as to the fair value of our investments. As of June 30, 2009, all but one instrument (which had an amortized cost of $200,000 and a fair value of $205,000) of our fixed maturity investments were priced using this one primary service. The independent pricing service was unable to price this recently-issued bond so we utilized a non-binding fair value estimate provided by an independent broker-dealer and evaluated the estimate through a review of business news sources and other information pertaining to the issuer and recent trading activity in the security. The independent pricing service began pricing the bond on August 5, 2009, and management also utilized this information in its evaluation of the reasonableness of the price used at June 30, 2009. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the independent pricing service provided fair value estimates for all of our investments.
 
Management reviews the reasonableness of the pricing provided by the independent pricing service by employing various analytical procedures. We review all securities to identify recent downgrades, significant changes in pricing, and pricing anomalies on individual securities relative to other similar securities. This will include looking for relative consistency across securities in common sectors, durations, and credit ratings. This review will also include all fixed maturity securities rated lower than “A” by Moody’s or S&P. If, after this review, management does not believe the pricing for any security is a reasonable estimate of fair value, then it will seek to resolve the discrepancy through discussions with the pricing service. In our review we did not identify any such discrepancies for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and no adjustments were made to the estimates provided by the pricing service for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and for the years 2008 and 2007. The classification within the fair value hierarchy of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, is then confirmed based on the final conclusions from the pricing review.
 
Goodwill and intangible assets
 
The costs associated with a group of assets acquired in a transaction are allocated to the individual assets, including identifiable intangible assets, based on their fair values. Identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized over the period that the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows.
 
The excess of the price paid over the value assigned to identifiable intangible and tangible net assets is recorded as goodwill. The goodwill carried in our financial statements is related to our investments in Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software. The identifiable intangible assets recorded in our financial statements are related to acquisitions within Eastern Insurance Group and primarily include customer related intangibles (i.e. insurance renewals). All goodwill and intangible assets are recorded in assets held for sale.
 
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price


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allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. For impairment tests performed for periods ended prior to December 15, 2008, the implied fair value of goodwill was calculated under the guidance outlined in SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations.
 
We performed the impairment tests as of September 30, 2008, for Eastern Insurance Group and December 31, 2007 and 2006 for Penn Software and Eastern Insurance Group. Goodwill in Penn Software was impaired by $160,000 as of December 31, 2007. Penn Software was sold in July 2008, resulting in all remaining Penn Software goodwill being written off and a pre-tax loss on the sale of $117,000 being recognized.
 
In 2008, our board of directors approved a plan to explore the sale of Eastern Insurance Group. The decision resulted from continued evaluation of our long term strategic plans and the role that the insurance brokerage segment played in that strategy. In the third quarter of 2008, the board fully committed to the sale of Eastern Insurance Group in order to concentrate solely on insurance underwriting as a long term core competency.
 
At September 30, 2008, we tested the goodwill carrying value of Eastern Insurance Group for impairment. The possibility of impairment was evident based on non-binding offers obtained in the selling process at prices less than the carrying amount, and the deterioration of local and national economic conditions. As a result of the impairment test, we recognized an impairment to goodwill of approximately $2.4 million within discontinued operations at September 30, 2008, which represented our best estimate of goodwill impairment loss, as further discussed in note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, beginning on page F-26. We completed the sale of Eastern Insurance Group on February 2, 2009. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, we sold substantially all of Eastern Insurance Group’s assets and liabilities for proceeds of $3.1 million less estimated costs of the sale of $248,000. Based on the fair value determined by the final terms of the sale and finalization of step two of the goodwill impairment test, we recorded an additional write down of goodwill at December 31, 2008 of $165,000. Subsequently, in the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $16,000.
 
As of December 31, 2008, intangible assets with a carrying amount of $464,000 were included in assets held for sale. We ceased amortizing these intangible assets effective September 30, 2008, upon classifying Eastern Insurance Group as held for sale. Amortization expense related to these intangibles was $49,000, $62,000, and $51,000, for the years ended 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
 
As these intangible assets were classified as held for sale, we measured them, as part of the disposal group, at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. We estimated the fair value less cost to sell at $599,000, which exceeded the carrying amount by $135,000. As such, the intangible assets were carried at $464,000, at December 31, 2008.
 
As of June 30, 2009 we have no goodwill or intangible assets.


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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Certain direct acquisition costs consisting of commissions, premium taxes and certain other direct underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the production of business are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies as the underlying policy premiums are earned. At June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, deferred acquisition costs and the related unearned premium reserves were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006  
 
Agribusiness segment
                               
Deferred acquisition costs
  $ 5,533     $ 5,981     $ 6,429     $ 6,252  
Unearned premium reserves
  $ 24,274     $ 27,352     $ 27,552     $ 26,686  
Commercial business segment
                               
Deferred acquisition costs
  $ 4,308     $ 4,616     $ 4,579     $ 4,120  
Unearned premium reserves
  $ 16,859     $ 17,957     $ 19,021     $ 16,573  
Other
                               
Deferred acquisition costs
  $ 21     $ 4     $ 6     $ 9  
Unearned premium reserves
  $ 85     $ 13     $ 22     $ 35  
Total
                               
Deferred acquisition costs
  $ 9,862     $ 10,601     $ 11,014     $ 10,381  
Unearned premium reserves
  $ 41,218     $ 45,322     $ 46,595     $ 43,294  
 
The method followed in computing deferred acquisition costs limits the amount of deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected loss and loss adjustment expenses, may require adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. If the estimation of net realizable value indicates that the deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable, they would be written off.
 
Income Taxes
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date.
 
We had gross deferred tax assets of $9.8 million at June 30, 2009 and $10.5 million at December 31, 2008. A valuation allowance is required to be established for any portion of the deferred tax asset for which we believe it is more likely than not that it will not be realized. We believe it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets associated with our realized capital losses will not be realized. At June 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008, we are carrying a valuation allowance associated with these items of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
 
We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109. As of January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, and June 30, 2009, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. Federal tax years 2005 through 2008 were open for examination as of June 30, 2009.


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We have reviewed the potential of a tax position regarding a worthless stock deduction for our investment in Eastern Insurance Group. We have determined that the more-likely-than-not (i.e., a greater than fifty percent likelihood that the deduction will be sustained upon examination) recognition threshold would not be met. If we were to conclude to take this tax deduction on our 2009 federal income tax return, the benefit would need to be recorded as an uncertain tax position, with no current benefit recognized. The maximum impact of a tax deduction is approximately $0.9 million, with a reasonable possibility that the tax return position will not be taken.
 
Pension Benefit Obligation
 
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The accounting results for pension benefit costs and obligations are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions applied in the determination of such amounts. These actuarial assumptions include the following: discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, future compensation increases, employee turnover, expected retirement age, optional form of benefit and mortality. We review these assumptions for changes annually with our independent actuary. We consider our discount rate assumptions and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets to be our most critical assumptions.
 
The discount rate is used to value, on a present basis, our pension benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date. The same discount rate is also used in the interest cost component of the pension benefit cost determination for the following year. The measurement date used in the selection of our discount rate is the balance sheet date. Our discount rate assumptions are determined annually with assistance from our actuary based on the pattern of expected future benefit payments and the prevailing rates available on long-term, high quality corporate bonds (rated Aa or higher by an accepted rating agency) with terms similar to our estimated future pension distributions. This discount rate can change from year-to-year based on market conditions that impact corporate bond yields, and is reasonably likely to change in the future. Our discount rate decreased from 6.40% at December 31, 2007 to 6.16% at December 31, 2008.
 
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied in the determination of periodic pension benefit cost as a reduction in the computation of the expense. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption, we considered published surveys of expected market returns, actual returns of various major indices, and our own historical investment returns. If any of these variables materially change in the future, our assumption is reasonably likely to change. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on an asset allocation assumption of 60% in equity securities and 40% in long duration fixed maturity securities. We review our asset allocation at least annually and make changes when considered appropriate. In 2008, we did not change our expected long-term rate of return from the 7.5% used in 2007. Our pension plan assets are valued at actual market value as of the measurement date.
 
Pension expense for 2008 would have increased approximately $31,000 if our expected return on plan assets were one half of one percent lower. The 2008 pension expense would have increased approximately $68,000 if our assumed discount rate were one half of one percent lower, and would have decreased approximately $51,000 if our assumed discount rate were one half of one percent higher. The benefit obligation at December 31, 2008 would have increased by approximately $568,000 if our assumed discount rate were one half of one percent lower. We believe that a one half of one percent change in the discount rate and/or the return on plan assets has a reasonable likelihood of occurrence. However, actual results could differ significantly from this estimate.
 
Further information on our pension and other employee benefit obligations is included in note 9 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, beginning on page F-26.
 
In connection with our public offering, in July 2009 our board of directors approved a resolution to freeze the future accrual of benefits under the Company’s defined benefit pension plan effective October 31, 2009. Our financial statements and our results of operations do not reflect the effects of this planned event. To the extent our pension plan is underfunded, we will continue to make contributions to the pension plan. Our pension plan was underfunded by $3.5 million as of December 31, 2008. The amount of our future contributions to the pension plan may vary and is subject to a number of factors, including, the performance of the pension plan’s investments, interest rates, and the ongoing determinations of the Internal Revenue Service in regard to pension plan funding requirements.


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Results of Operations
 
Our results of operations are influenced by factors affecting the property and casualty insurance industry in general. The operating results of the United States property and casualty insurance industry are subject to significant variations due to competition, weather, catastrophic events, regulation, general economic conditions, judicial trends, fluctuations in interest rates and other changes in the investment environment.
 
Our premium growth and underwriting results have been, and continue to be, influenced by market conditions. Pricing in the property and casualty insurance industry historically has been cyclical. During a soft market cycle, price competition is more significant than during a hard market cycle and makes it difficult to attract and retain properly priced agribusiness and commercial business. The insurance industry is currently experiencing a soft market cycle. Therefore, insurers may be unable to increase premiums and increase profit margins. A hard market typically has a positive effect on premium growth.
 
The major components of operating revenues and net (loss) income are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Revenues:
                                       
Premiums earned:
                                       
Agribusiness
  $ 21,939     $ 22,470     $ 45,298     $ 40,245     $ 35,889  
Commercial Business
    14,403       16,060       31,805       29,260       26,761  
Other
    584       839       1,634       1,465       1,995  
                                         
Total premiums earned
    36,926       39,369       78,737       70,970       64,645  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       2,723       5,335       5,324       4,677  
Realized investment gains (losses), net
    (133 )     1,876       (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
Other income
    111       221       411       508       345  
                                         
Total revenues
  $ 39,673     $ 44,189     $ 78,664     $ 76,100     $ 70,016  
                                         
Components of net income (loss):
                                       
Underwriting (loss) income:
                                       
Agribusiness
  $ (1,702 )   $ (961 )   $ 313     $ 441     $ 2  
Commercial Business
    (145 )     (1,157 )     (5,046 )     (1,913 )     (678 )
Other
    166       (238 )     288       (998 )     (1,106 )
                                         
Total underwriting (loss) income
    (1,681 )     (2,356 )     (4,445 )     (2,470 )     (1,782 )
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       2,723       5,335       5,324       4,677  
Realized investment gains (losses), net
    (133 )     1,876       (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
Other income
    111       221       411       508       345  
Corporate expense
    (81 )     (295 )     (770 )     (506 )     (635 )
Interest expense
    (156 )     (87 )     (184 )     (125 )     (222 )
Other expense, net
    (90 )     (76 )     (365 )     (184 )     (314 )
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes
    739       2,006       (5,837 )     1,845       2,418  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    107       494       (1,378 )     396       506  
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    632       1,512       (4,459 )     1,449       1,912  
                                         
Discontinued Operations:
                                       
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, before income taxes
    (12 )     (21 )     (3,090 )     (489 )     292  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    804       (7 )     (170 )     (126 )     124  
                                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations
    (816 )     (14 )     (2,920 )     (363 )     168  
                                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (184 )   $ 1,498     $ (7,379 )   $ 1,086     $ 2,080  
                                         


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Premiums Written and Premiums Earned
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had $36.9 million of premiums earned compared to $39.4 million of premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The 6.2% decrease is primarily due to a decrease in our commercial business segment’s written premiums of $4.5 million, offset by an increase in written premiums in our agribusiness segment of $0.5 million. The decline of $4.5 million in direct premiums written in our commercial business segment is primarily attributable to our strategic decisions to withdraw from certain unprofitable classes of business and terminate relationships with several underperforming producers. The $0.5 million increase in direct premiums written in our agribusiness segment is due primarily to improved premium retention and the impact of recent price increases on certain lines of business.
 
Ceded premiums earned were $9.7 million and $9.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Ceded premiums earned increased $1.8 million and was primarily the result of increased reinsurance rates and a change in our reinsurance program for 2009, whereby we lowered our participation rate on our per-risk reinsurance treaty. Losses between $500,000 and $1.0 million are retained at 52.5% in 2009 versus our 75% retention rate in 2008. Losses between $1.0 million and $5.0 million are retained at 0% in 2009 versus our 25% retention rate in 2008. This increase in ceded premiums earned was partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in ceded premiums earned under our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract from a lower current year accident loss ratio in 2009 and a reinstatement premium credit of $0.6 million.
 
The effect of reinsurance, with respect to premiums, for the six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
    Written     Earned     Written     Earned  
 
Direct
  $ 41,976     $ 46,164     $ 45,996     $ 47,727  
Assumed
    514       440       781       697  
Ceded
    (9,106 )     (9,678 )     (8,798 )     (9,055 )
                                 
Net
  $ 33,384     $ 36,926     $ 37,979     $ 39,369  
                                 
 
Premiums earned increased 10.9% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to growth in direct premiums written during 2007 and 2008, combined with a decrease in ceded premiums written of approximately $2.2 million in 2008. The decrease in ceded premiums was primarily due to a change in our reinsurance program for 2008 whereby we retained more of our losses above $500,000 and reduced our ceded premiums.
 
Premiums earned in 2007 increased 9.8% over 2006 due to a $9.5 million increase in direct premiums written for 2007 partially reduced by a $2.4 million increase in ceded premiums written related to the growth in direct premiums written.
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our average invested assets and investment income for the reported periods (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Average cash and invested assets
  $ 140,376     $ 135,398     $ 135,093     $ 131,484     $ 121,777  
Net investment income
    2,769       2,723       5,335       5,324       4,677  
Return on average cash and invested assets(1)
    4.0 %     4.1 %     3.9 %     4.0 %     3.8 %
 
 
(1) Return on average cash and invested assets for interim periods is calculated on an annualized basis.


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Net investment income increased $46,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The overall increase was primarily due to higher average balances in cash and invested assets, offset by declines in interest rates and lower dividend income.
 
Net investment income increased $11,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007. The increase is attributable to an increase in the average invested assets of $3.6 million, which was mostly offset by the impact of declining interest rates.
 
Net investment income increased 13.8% for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due an increase in the average invested assets from $121.8 million in 2006 to $131.5 million in 2007, resulting primarily from investment of cash flows from operating activities, and a slightly higher average yield on our fixed maturity investments.
 
Realized Investment (Losses) Gains, Net
 
We had net realized investment losses of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to net realized investment gains of $1.9 million for the same period ended June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2009, we determined that one security in our portfolio had sustained a loss from which it was unlikely to recover. In July 2009 we sold our entire holdings in this security which resulted in a pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment loss as of June 30, 2009 of approximately $197,000. The net realized gains in the six month period ended June 30, 2008 were primarily due to sales of equity securities made in connection with our transition from an actively managed portfolio to investments in indexed mutual funds.
 
On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. Prior to the issuance of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, in order for us to conclude that a debt security was not other-than-temporarily impaired, we were required to assert that we had both the intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5M “Other than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and other authoritative literature. FSP No. FAS 115-2 and 124-2 stipulates that we should assess whether we (a) have the intent to sell the debt security, or (b) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. The FSP also modifies the trigger used to assess the collectability of cash flows from probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, to one where it is more likely than not that we cannot recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. We adopted the provisions of FSP No. 115-2 and 124-2 for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. With respect to a cumulative-effect transition adjustment upon adoption of FSP No. 115-2 and 124-2, the adoption of this FSP had no impact on our financial position since none of the securities in our portfolio at April 1, 2009 had previously been other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
We had realized investment losses of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $702,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Approximately $5.7 million of the realized investment losses were attributable to other-than-temporary impairments ($2.9 million) and sales of equity investments ($2.8 million). In December 2008, we decided to liquidate our investments in equity securities in order to protect our capital position from the risk of further declines in the fair value of equity securities.
 
Our net realized investment losses of $702,000 in 2007 included pre-tax impairment charges of $620,000 recognized as a result of other-than-temporary declines in fair values. Our net realized investment gains in 2006 of $349,000 resulted from normal turnover within our investment portfolio, principally from the sale of equity securities.
 
Our fixed maturity investments are classified as available for sale because we will, from time to time, make sales of securities that are not impaired, consistent with our investment goals and policies. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities of $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Most of these unrealized losses were in corporate bonds issued by financial institutions, whose prices have been depressed as a result of the turmoil that has struck credit markets. We have evaluated each security and taken into account the severity and duration of the impairment, the current rating on the bond, and the outlook for the issuer according to independent analysts. We believe that the foregoing declines in fair value in our existing


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portfolio are most likely attributable to the current market dislocation and there is no evidence that we will not recover the entire amortized cost basis. With regard to the corporate bond that we categorized as other-than-temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2009, the amount of unrealized losses pertaining to this security as of December 31, 2008 was $130,000.
 
Other Income
 
Other income in all periods presented primarily consists of premium installment charges and fluctuations in returns of company owned life insurance (COLI) policies. The decline in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008 is primarily due to lower returns on the COLI policies. The decline in other income for the year 2008 compared to 2007 is due to a lower rate of return on the COLI policies. The growth in other income from 2006 to 2007 is attributable to increases in the volume of premium billing installments, due to the growth in the number of in-force policies, and increasing investments in COLI.
 
Underwriting (Loss) Income
 
As discussed above, we evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to using GAAP based performance measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures are underwriting income (loss), combined ratios, written premiums, and net written premiums to statutory surplus ratio.
 
Underwriting (loss) income measures the pre-tax profitability of our insurance segments. It is derived by subtracting loss and loss adjustment expenses, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses from earned premiums. Each of these captions is presented in our statements of operations but not subtotaled. The sections below provide more insight into the variances in the categories of loss and loss adjustment expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and underwriting and administrative expense, which impact underwriting profitability.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Our loss and loss adjustment expense (LAE) ratio decreased to 70.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to 72.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Loss and LAE was $25.9 million and $28.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in loss and LAE in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily due to lower current accident year losses and LAE of $3.8 million due to a lower level of new claim activity. This lower level of claim activity included lower catastrophe losses of $2.2 million in 2009 compared to 2008. A lower level of favorable prior year development in 2009 versus 2008 partially offset the favorable effect of the decline in current accident year losses. The favorable impact on the loss and LAE ratio from lower loss and LAE was offset by lower earned premiums of $2.4 million, due mostly to the reduction in net premiums written.
 
The net favorable development of $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily attributable to favorable loss development in the fire and allied (approximately $0.9 million) and commercial multi-peril (approximately $0.2 million) lines. The fire and allied lines development was the result of favorable settlements on prior years’ claims and the commercial multi-peril development was attributable to lower level emergence of incurred losses, relative to expectations, for the 2006 accident year.
 
The net favorable development of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to the favorable loss development trends experienced in the fire and allied (approximately $1.2 million), workers’ compensation (approximately $0.9 million), and commercial auto liability (approximately $0.4 million) lines of business throughout 2008. The factors contributing to this net favorable development are described in more detail in the discussion of 2008 loss and LAE that follows.
 
Our LAE ratio increased to 72.9% in 2008, compared to 70.1% for the same period in 2007, primarily due to loss and loss adjustment expenses increasing $7.6 million in 2008, or 15.3% higher than in 2007. A $7.8 million or 10.9%, increase in net premiums earned offset, in part, the impact of the increased loss and LAE on the loss and LAE ratio. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses is primarily due to higher catastrophe losses of $4.9 million for


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2008, compared to $2.0 million for 2007, increases in other non-catastrophe property losses; and increased automobile and liability losses. This increase was also driven by our higher reinsurance retention, which led to more retained losses. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses was partly offset by net favorable prior year loss development of approximately $5.2 million in 2008, compared to approximately $4.6 million in 2007.
 
The net favorable development for the year 2008 is primarily attributable to favorable loss development in the fire and allied (approximately $2.2 million), workers’ compensation (approximately $1.6 million), and commercial auto liability (approximately $1.1 million) lines of business. The fire and allied lines development was the result of prior years’ claims settling for less than originally estimated. Many of our policies have high property exposures for which reported claims often require an extended amount of time to evaluate the claim due to the complexity in determining the value of the building and contents loss. The favorable loss development in the workers’ compensation and commercial auto lines was due to the general observation of declines in claims severity on prior accident years. As discussed in “— Critical Accounting Policies”, these lines of business are prone to greater variability in the loss reserving process due to the inherent uncertainty as to claim reporting and settlement trends. Frequency and severity trends tend to emerge over more extended periods of time and adjustments to our estimates based on these changing trends are not made until the period in which there is reasonable evidence that an adjustment to the reserve is appropriate.
 
The loss and LAE ratio increased to 70.1% in for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 67.7% for the same period in 2006. Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $6.0 million in 2007, or 13.7% higher than the experience in 2006. This increase was driven primarily by our growth in premiums and an increase in large non-catastrophe property losses. Catastrophe losses increased 15.3% to $2.0 million in 2007 from $1.7 million in 2006, primarily due to several large losses attributable to winter storms and tornadoes. These increases in loss and loss adjustment expenses were partly offset by net favorable prior year loss and loss expense development of approximately $4.6 million in 2007, compared to approximately $19,000 for 2006.
 
The net favorable development for the year 2007 is primarily attributable to favorable loss development in the workers’ compensation (approximately $2.8 million), commercial auto liability (approximately $2.5 million), and fire and allied (approximately $1.0 million) lines of business. We broadly observed some decreasing frequency and severity in the commercial auto liability line and decreasing severity in the workers’ compensation line. The fire and allied lines development was attributable to claims settling for less than originally reserved. This development for 2007 was partly offset by approximately $1.5 million of unfavorable development in the commercial multi peril line and reserve strengthening of approximately $0.4 million related to asbestos claims assumed from a terminated reinsurance pool. The commercial multi peril line experienced an increase in newly reported claims for the 2005 accident year.
 
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Underwriting and Administrative Expenses
 
Our underwriting expense ratio represents the ratio of underwriting expenses (amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and underwriting and administrative expenses directly attributable to our insurance operations) divided by net premiums earned. As one component of the combined ratio, along with the loss and LAE ratio, the underwriting expense ratio is a key measure of profitability. The underwriting expense ratio can exhibit volatility from year to year from such factors as changes in premium volume, one-time or infrequent expenses for strategic initiatives, or profitability based bonuses to employees and producers. Our strategy has been to grow our net premium volume while controlling overhead costs. Total underwriting and administrative expenses, including amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, was $12.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and $13.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, as a result of the previously described decrease in earned premiums. Underwriting and administrative expenses increased $62,000 primarily from increased compliance costs in preparing to become a public company.
 
The underwriting expense ratio increased from 33.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 34.5% for the same period in 2009. This increase was due primarily to the decrease in earned premiums as we ceded a greater portion of our losses to reinsurers in 2009 as compared to 2008.
 
Total underwriting and administrative expenses, including amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, increased $2.4 million in 2008, or 9.9% higher than in 2007. This increase is the result of a $1.2 million increase in


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amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs resulting from a 6.0% increase in direct premiums earned and an increase in underwriting and administrative expense of $1.2 million from product development costs incurred in 2008 associated with the roll-out of our PennEdge product in early 2009. The increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 33.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2007, to 32.8% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Total underwriting and administrative expenses, including amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, increased $867,000 in 2007, or 3.7% higher than 2006. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased approximately $1.9 million, or 9.2%, due to an 11.8% increase in direct premiums earned in 2007. This increase in deferred policy acquisition costs was partly offset by a decrease of $983,000 in underwriting and administrative expense primarily attributable to decreases in employee bonuses and in the use of outside consultants. The small increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 35.1% in 2006 to 33.3% in 2007.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $156,000 as compared to $87,000 in 2008. The increase of $69,000 is primarily due to increased interest expense on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract.
 
Interest expense for the year ended 2008 was $184,000 compared to $125,000 for the year ended 2007. The increase was primarily due to accrued interest on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract, which we entered into effective January 1, 2008. The impact of this increase in 2008 was partly offset by a reduction in interest expense due to a lower average outstanding debt balance. In 2006, we repaid the balance of the mortgage loan for our home office building, which resulted in the significant decline in interest expense in 2007 from the $222,000 in interest expense incurred in 2006.
 
Other Expense
 
Other expense is comprised primarily of estimated reserves and specific write-offs of uncollectible premiums. The expense related to uncollectible premiums increased in 2006 due to an increase in aging of premiums receivable at the time. The expense levels returned to more normalized levels in 2007 and increased in 2008, primarily due to increased write-offs and aging of receivables. Other expense increased from $76,000 at June 30, 2008 to $90,000 at June 30, 2009. The increase of $14,000 is due primarily to increased write-offs and aging of receivables.
 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Before Income Taxes
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had pre-tax income from continuing operations of $0.7 million compared to pre-tax income of $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to realized gains of $1.9 million in 2008 from sales of investments and a $2.4 million decrease in net premiums earned, which were partially offset by decreased loss and LAE of $2.8 million.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $5.8 million compared to pre-tax income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This decrease was largely attributable to the significant increase in catastrophe and non-catastrophe related weather losses in 2008 and realized losses from other than temporary impairments and the sale of equity securities in 2008.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, we had pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1.8 million compared to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease was due to the impact of net realized losses of $702,000 in 2007 compared to net realized gains of $349,000 in 2006, partly offset by growth in investment income.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, income tax expense for continuing operations was $107,000, or an effective rate of 14.5%, as compared to $494,000 of income tax expense, or an effective rate of 24.6% for the six month period ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in the effective rate is primarily due to tax exempt investment income accounting for a greater portion of 2009 pre-tax book income as compared to 2008.


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The provision for income taxes for continuing operations was a benefit of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, or an effective rate of 23.6%, compared to $396,000 of income tax expense, or an effective rate of 21.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2007. The 2008 provision for income taxes includes expense associated with a valuation reserve of $1.0 million for our 2008 realized capital losses for which it is more likely than not that we will not realize a tax benefit.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the provision for income taxes for continuing operations was an expense of $396,000, or an effective rate of 21.5%, compared to $506,000 of income tax expense, or an effective rate of 20.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Net (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
 
Discontinued operations include the results related to our agency operations at Eastern Insurance Group and our technology consulting firm, Penn Software. The sale of the net assets of Penn Software was completed in July 2008, and the sale of the net assets of Eastern Insurance Group was completed in February 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the net loss from discontinued operations of $816,000 includes a provision for income taxes of $804,000, the majority of which represents state and federal income tax expense from the sale of the net assets of Eastern Insurance Group whose book basis exceeded their tax basis.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the net loss from discontinued operations of $2.9 million includes an after tax goodwill impairment of $2.6 million for Eastern Insurance Group. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the net loss from discontinued operations of $363,000 included an after tax charge of $438,000 for executive severance related to the agency operations and an after tax goodwill impairment of $106,000 for Penn Software.
 
Net (Loss) Income
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had a net loss of $184,000 compared to net income of $1,498,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $1.7 million is primarily due to a decline in realized investment gains of $2.0 million; a $2.4 million decrease in net premiums earned; and a net loss on discontinued operations of $0.8 million. These declines were partially offset by lower loss and LAE of $2.8 million.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we had a net loss of $7.4 million compared to net income of $1.1 million for 2007. This decline in net income is primarily attributable to the change in net realized investment gains (losses), an increase in our loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, and the loss from discontinued operations, all of which are discussed in more detail above. Net income in 2007 declined to $1.1 million from $2.1 million in 2006 due primarily to the decline in net realized investment gains from 2006 to 2007 and the loss recognized from the impairment of Penn Software’s goodwill.
 
Results of Operations by Segment
 
Our operations are organized into three business segments: agribusiness, commercial business, and our other segment. These segments reflect the manner in which we are currently managed based on type of customer, how the business is marketed, and the manner in which risks are underwritten. Within each segment we underwrite and market our insurance products through packaged offerings of coverages sold to generally consistent types of customers.
 
For purposes of segment reporting, the other segment includes the runoff of discontinued lines of insurance business and the results of mandatory assigned risk reinsurance programs that we must participate in as a cost of doing business in the states in which we operate. The discontinued lines of insurance business include personal lines, which we began exiting in 2001, and assumed reinsurance contracts in which we previously participated on a voluntary basis. Participation in these assumed reinsurance contracts ceased in the 1980s and early 1990s.


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Agribusiness
 
The results of our agribusiness segment were as follows:
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
    Dollars in thousands  
 
Direct premiums written
  $ 25,688     $ 25,190     $ 57,281     $ 55,965     $ 51,874  
Net premiums written
    19,354       19,472       45,110       41,402       38,350  
Revenues:
                                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 21,939     $ 22,470     $ 45,298     $ 40,245     $ 35,889  
Other income
    12       98       182       245       115  
                                         
Total revenues(1)
  $ 21,951     $ 22,568     $ 45,480     $ 40,490     $ 36,004  
                                         
Operating income (loss):
                                       
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ (1,702 )   $ (961 )   $ 313     $ 441     $ 2  
Other income
    12       98       182       245       115  
Interest & other expenses
    (87 )     (43 )     (202 )     (77 )     (150 )
                                         
Total operating income (loss)(1)
  $ (1,777 )   $ (906 )   $ 293     $ 609     $ (33 )
                                         
Loss and loss expense ratio
    75.5 %     72.7 %     68.7 %     67.9 %     66.3 %
Underwriting expense ratio
    32.3 %     31.6 %     30.6 %     31.0 %     33.7 %
                                         
GAAP combined ratio
    107.8 %     104.3 %     99.3 %     98.9 %     100.0 %
                                         
 
 
(1) Revenues exclude net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income. Operating income (loss) equals pre-tax income from continuing operations excluding the impact of net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income.
 
Premiums Written and Earned Premiums
 
The agribusiness marketplace has been very competitive during the last three years, putting pressure on pricing. These competitive pressures are affecting our writing of new and renewal business and putting downward pressure on our existing rates. Our focus on underwriting discipline and rate adequacy in the midst of this soft market has resulted in our premium revenue growth being relatively modest during 2008 and 2009. Direct premiums written increased from $25.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to $25.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. This $0.5 million increase is due primarily to improved premium retention and the impact of recent price increases on certain lines of business. Due to marketplace competition, direct premiums written increased only 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007. Direct premiums written increased 7.9% in 2007 over 2006. The 2007 growth was attributable to aggressive marketing efforts to generate a higher level of new submissions from our brokers and to retain more of our existing accounts.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, we modified our reinsurance program and retained less of our losses as compared to 2008, which resulted in an increase in ceded premiums written of $0.6 million or 10.8%. This increase in ceded premiums written offset the $0.5 million growth in direct premiums written. Net premiums earned declined from $22.5 million at June 30, 2008 to $21.9 million at June 30, 2009. This decrease in net premiums earned is due to increased reinsurance costs and the timing of the growth in direct premiums written.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we modified our reinsurance program by retaining more of our losses above $500,000, which resulted in a decrease in ceded premiums written compared to 2007. The 2.4% increase in gross premiums written for 2008, combined with the reduction in ceded premiums, resulted in net premiums written increasing by 9.0% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007. As a result, growth in net premiums written in 2007 and 2008 continued to drive the growth in net premiums earned in 2008, in which net premiums earned increased by 12.6% compared to 2007.
 
Effective January 1, 2006, we modified our reinsurance program by increasing our per loss retention from $300,000 to $500,000. The reinsurance program was not materially changed in 2007, so the increase in net


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premiums written in 2007 of 8.0% over 2006 results from the growth in gross premiums written attributable to the marketing efforts to increase premium volumes. The growth in net premiums written in 2006 and 2007 resulted in a 12.1% increase in 2007 net premiums earned over the prior year.
 
Other Income
 
Other income primarily consists of premium installment charges and fluctuations in returns on COLI policies. The decline of $86,000 in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period of 2008 is due primarily to lower returns on COLI policies in effect. The decline in other income for 2008 as compared to 2007 is due to a lower rate of return on the COLI policies. The growth from 2006 to 2007 is attributable to increases in the volume of billing installments, due to the growth in the number of in-force policies, and increasing investments in company owned life insurance.
 
Underwriting Income (Loss)
 
As discussed above, we evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to GAAP based measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures are underwriting income, combined ratios, written premiums, and net written premiums to statutory surplus ratio.
 
Underwriting income (loss) measures the pre-tax profitability of our insurance segments. It is derived by subtracting loss and loss adjustment expenses, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses from earned premiums. Each of these captions is presented in our statements of operations but not subtotaled. The discussion below provides more insight into the variances in the categories of loss and LAE and underwriting and administrative expense, which impact underwriting profitability.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Our agribusiness segment incurred $16.6 million of loss and LAE for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to $16.3 million of loss and LAE for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase of $0.3 million is due to a decrease in the amount of favorable prior year development in 2009 as compared to 2008 of $1.5 million, partially offset by $1.3 million of lower incurred losses on the current accident year due to a decrease in new claim activity in 2009, including lower catastrophe losses. The decrease in net premiums earned of $0.5 million together with the increase in loss and LAE resulted in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increasing from 72.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 75.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, 14.0% higher than in 2007. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses has primarily been driven by growth in insured exposures, weather related losses, and the increase in the reinsurance retention for 2008. Catastrophe losses were $4.5 million in 2008, compared to $1.6 million in 2007. In addition, increases in other non-catastrophe, weather-related property losses and increased automobile and liability losses have also contributed to the increase in loss and loss adjustment expense. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses has been offset by favorable prior year loss and loss expense development of approximately $4.8 million in 2008, compared to $4.3 million during 2007. The combination of increasing loss costs and competitive pricing has resulted in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increasing from 67.9% for 2007 to 68.7% for 2008.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $3.5 million in 2007, 14.8% higher than the experience in 2006. This increase was driven primarily by the growth in insured exposures and an increase in large weather related property losses. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses was partly offset by favorable prior year loss and loss expense development of $4.3 million in 2007, compared to $196,000 in 2006. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses relative to the increase in net premiums earned resulted in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increasing from 66.3% in 2006 to 67.9% in 2007.
 
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Underwriting and Administrative Expenses
 
Underwriting expenses were $7.1 million for each of the six month periods ending June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Relatively flat underwriting expenses combined with the decline in net premiums earned resulted in our underwriting expense ratio increasing from 31.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 32.3% for the six


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months ended June 30, 2009. This increase in the underwriting expense ratio, together with the increase in the loss and LAE ratio, had the effect of our combined ratio increasing from 104.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 107.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Underwriting expenses increased by $1.4 million in 2008, 10.9% higher than in 2007. The increase is due to increased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs associated with the growth in premiums earned in 2008. This increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 31.0% for 2007 to 30.6% for 2008. This decline in the underwriting expense ratio was insufficient to offset the increase in loss and loss adjustment expense during 2008 primarily caused by the $2.9 million increase in catastrophe losses. As a result, our combined ratio rose from 98.9% for 2007 to 99.3% for the same period in 2008.
 
Underwriting expenses increased $399,000 in 2007, 3.3% higher than 2006 due to an increase in acquisition expenses associated with the growth in premiums in 2007. This small increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 33.7% in 2006 to 31.0% in 2007. As a result of this decline in underwriting expenses our combined ratio declined from 100.0% in 2006 to 98.9% in 2007.
 
Interest and Other Expense
 
Interest and other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $87,000 as compared to $43,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase is due primarily to interest expense on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract and increased uncollectible premium write-offs and aging of receivables.
 
Interest and other expense for 2008 was $202,000 compared to $77,000 for 2007. The increase was primarily due to interest on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract, which we entered into effective January 1, 2008. In 2006, we repaid the balance of the mortgage loan for our home office building, which resulted in the significant decline in interest and other expense in 2007 from the $150,000 in interest and other expense incurred in 2006.
 
Commercial Business
 
The results of our commercial business segment were as follows:
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
    Dollars in thousands  
 
Direct premiums written
  $ 16,144     $ 20,664     $ 37,458     $ 37,860     $ 32,365  
Net premiums written
    13,373       17,585       30,632       31,266       27,144  
Revenues:
                                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 14,403     $ 16,060     $ 31,805     $ 29,260     $ 26,761  
Other income
    99       122       229       263       230  
                                         
Total revenues(1)
  $ 14,502     $ 16,182     $ 32,034     $ 29,523     $ 26,991  
                                         
Operating income (loss):
                                       
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ (145 )   $ (1,157 )   $ (5,046 )   $ (1,913 )   $ (678 )
Other income
    99       122       229       263       230  
Interest & other expenses
    (103 )     (72 )     (247 )     (113 )     (257 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)(1)
  $ (149 )   $ (1,107 )   $ (5,064 )   $ (1,763 )   $ (705 )
                                         
Loss and loss expense ratio
    63.4 %     72.0 %     80.1 %     70.3 %     65.5 %
Underwriting expense ratio
    37.6 %     35.2 %     35.8 %     36.2 %     37.0 %
                                         
GAAP Combined ratio
    101.0 %     107.2 %     115.9 %     106.5 %     102.5 %
                                         
 
 
(1) Revenues exclude net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income. Operating income (loss) equals pre-tax income from continuing operations excluding the impact of net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income.


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Premiums Written and Premiums Earned
 
The commercial insurance marketplace has been very competitive during the last three years, putting pressure on pricing. Our focus on underwriting discipline and rate adequacy in the midst of this soft market has made growth challenging during this period. Our direct premiums written decreased from $20.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to $16.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. This decline of $4.5 million is primarily attributable to our strategic decisions to withdraw from certain unprofitable classes of business and terminate relationships with several underperforming producers.
 
The decline in direct premiums written in 2008 and 2009 contributed to the $1.7 million decrease in net premiums earned from $16.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Direct premiums written decreased slightly by $402,000 or 1.1% in the year ended 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Direct premiums written grew 17.0% in 2007 over 2006.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we modified our reinsurance program as compared to 2007 by retaining more of our losses above $500,000, which resulted in a decrease in ceded premiums written. This reduction in ceded premiums has been mostly offset by the reinsurance of a new coverage we offered in 2008 and additional ceded premium incurred under our aggregate stop loss reinsurance treaty. We started offering employment practices liability insurance coverage in 2008 and have ceded all of the business to a reinsurer. The decrease in direct premiums written for 2008, combined with the described changes to ceded premiums, has resulted in net premiums written decreasing by 2.0% in the year ended 2008 compared to the same period of 2007. The growth in net premiums written in 2007 continued to drive the growth in net premiums earned in 2008, which increased 8.7% to $31.8 million.
 
The reinsurance program was not materially changed in 2007, so the increase in net premiums written in 2007 of 15.2% over 2006 resulted from 17.0% growth in direct premiums written for 2007 compared to 2006. The growth in net premiums written in 2007 of 15.2% resulted in net premiums earned in 2007 increasing 9.3% over 2006.
 
Other Income
 
Other income primarily consists of premium installment charges and fluctuations in returns on COLI policies. The decline in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period of 2008 of $23,000 is due primarily to a lower rate of return on COLI policies in effect. The decline in other income for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007 is due to a lower rate of return on COLI policies. The growth in other income from 2006 to 2007 is attributable to increases in the volume of premium billing installments, due to the growth in the number of in force policies, and increasing investments in company owned life insurance.
 
Underwriting Income (Loss)
 
As discussed above, we evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to certain GAAP measures, we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures are underwriting income, combined ratios, written premiums, and net written premiums to statutory surplus ratio.
 
Underwriting income (loss) measures the pre-tax profitability of our insurance segments. It is derived by subtracting loss and loss adjustment expenses, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses from earned premiums. Each of these captions is presented in our statements of operations but not subtotaled. The sections below provide more insight into the variances in the categories of loss and LAE and underwriting and administrative expense, which impact our underwriting profitability.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Our commercial business segment incurred $9.1 million of loss and LAE for the six month period ended June 30, 2009 as compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2008. The $2.5 million decrease is due to $2.1 million of lower current year losses compared to 2008 because of decreases in new claim volume, and a higher level of favorable


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development on prior year losses of $0.3 million as compared to 2008. This decrease in loss and loss adjustment expenses relative to the smaller decrease in net premiums earned was responsible for the loss and LAE ratio declining from 72.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 63.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $4.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2008, 23.9% higher than in 2007. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses is due to increases in non-catastrophe property losses, increased automobile and workers compensation losses, and the increase in the reinsurance retention for 2008. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses was also affected by favorable prior year loss and loss expense development of approximately $117,000 in 2008, compared to approximately $800,000 of favorable development in 2007. This increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses relative to the smaller increase in net premiums earned resulted in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increasing from 70.3% for 2007 to 80.1% for 2008.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $3.0 million in 2007, 17.3% higher than the experience in 2006 due primarily to a significant increase in property losses. A lower level of workers compensation losses partly offset the growth in property losses. The increases in property losses were driven by higher non-catastrophe losses for 2007 compared to 2006. Catastrophe losses totaled $377,000 in 2007 compared to $276,000 in 2006. The increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses was also affected by favorable prior year loss and loss expense development of approximately $800,000 in 2007, compared to approximately $700,000 of favorable development in 2006. This increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses relative to the increase in net premiums earned resulted in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increasing from 65.5% in 2006 to 70.3% in 2007.
 
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Underwriting and Administrative Expenses
 
Underwriting expenses were $5.4 million and $5.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the reduction in our net premiums earned. Slightly lower underwriting expenses combined with a steeper decline in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio increasing from 35.2% for the first six months of 2008 to 37.6% for the same period in 2009. This increase in the underwriting expense ratio was less than the decrease in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and, as a result of this net favorable effect, our combined ratio decreased from 107.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 101.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Underwriting expenses increased $768,000 in the year ended 2008, 7.2% higher than 2007 due primarily to an increase in acquisition expenses associated with the growth in premium revenues in 2008. This increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 36.2% for 2007 to 35.8% for 2008. This 40 basis point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio only partially offset the significant rise in our loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. As a result, our combined ratio increased from 106.5% for 2007 to 115.9% for 2008.
 
Underwriting expenses increased $695,000 in 2007, 7.0% higher than in 2006 due to an increase in acquisition expenses associated with the growth in premium revenues in 2007. This increase in underwriting expenses relative to the larger increase in net premiums earned resulted in the underwriting expense ratio declining from 37.0% in 2006 to 36.2% in 2007. For the same comparable periods, however, loss and loss adjustment expense rose 480 basis points, resulting in an increase in our combined ratio from 102.5% in 2006 to 106.5% in 2007.
 
Interest and Other Expense
 
Interest and other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $103,000 as compared to $72,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase is due primarily to interest expense on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract and increased aging of receivables and uncollectible premium write-offs.
 
Interest and other expense for the year 2008 increased to $247,000 compared to $113,000 for 2007 primarily due to accrued interest on our aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract, which was effective beginning on January 1, 2008. In 2006, we repaid the balance of the mortgage loan for our home office building, which resulted in a $144,000 decline in interest and other expense for the year ended 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.


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Other Segment
 
The results of our other segment were as follows:
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
    Dollars in thousands  
 
Assumed premiums written
  $ 657     $ 922     $ 1,625     $ 1,451     $ 2,031  
Net premiums written
    657       922       1,625       1,451       2,031  
Revenues:
                                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 584     $ 839     $ 1,634     $ 1,465     $ 1,995  
                                         
Total revenues
  $ 584     $ 839     $ 1,634     $ 1,465     $ 1,995  
                                         
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ 166     $ (238 )   $ 288     $ (998 )   $ (1,106 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
  $ 166     $ (238 )   $ 288     $ (998 )   $ (1,106 )
                                         
Loss and loss expense ratio
    28.9 %     94.0 %     47.3 %     129.7 %     122.3 %
Underwriting expense ratio
    42.6 %     34.3 %     35.1 %     38.4 %     33.1 %
                                         
GAAP Combined ratio
    71.5 %     128.3 %     82.4 %     168.1 %     155.4 %
                                         
 
The other segment is comprised of business that we assume from assigned risk reinsurance programs in which states require admitted insurers to participate, the runoff of our personal lines business, which we began exiting in 2001, and the runoff of assumed reinsurance contracts in which we previously voluntarily participated as an assuming reinsurer.
 
Both revenues and expenses in our other segment have experienced volatility over the last three years due to fluctuating rates of participation in our mandatory pools. This is reflected in net premiums earned of $2.0 million in 2006, $1.5 million in 2007, and $1.6 million in 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 net premiums earned were $657,000 as compared to $922,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Our total losses and expenses were $3.1 million in 2006, $2.5 million in 2007, and $1.3 million in 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, losses and expenses were $418,000, compared to $1,077,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the mandatory pools experiencing lower loss ratios for recent accident years and a lower level of adverse development in the voluntary assumed pools.
 
Because of favorable claims development in the runoff of our personal lines and an increase in our net premiums earned in 2008 compared to 2007, our operating loss in our other segment decreased from a loss of $998,000 in 2007 to operating income of $288,000 for 2008. This continues our experience of decreasing losses from operations in this segment from a loss of $1.1 million in 2006.
 
Below is an overview of the significant mandatory and voluntary assumed risk pools:
 
Mandatory Assumed Reinsurance:
 
Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans, Beachfront Plans and Windstorm Plans.  FAIR plans are state-run programs that provide basic property insurance coverage on buildings, dwellings, and their contents for property owners who are unable to obtain coverage in the standard insurance market. Beachfront and windstorm plans are similar in that they are state-regulated insurance pools that provide property insurance, both personal and commercial, in coastal areas exposed to the risk of heavy windstorm losses. The premiums, losses, and expenses of all three plans are allocated to participating insurers in proportion to their property (including wind) insurance premiums in the state.
 
Commercial Automobile Insurance Plan and Joint Underwriting Association.  Both are automobile residual markets that provide insurance to consumers who are unable to purchase automobile insurance through the voluntary market due to a variety of factors, such as their driving history or status as first-time drivers. Companies


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must participate in these plans and assume their proportionate share of the plan’s premiums and losses based on their voluntary premiums in that state.
 
National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool, Massachusetts Workers Compensation Pool, Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Pool, Mississippi Workers Compensation Assigned Risk Pool.  These are organizations in which hazardous workers’ compensation risks are assigned to insurers under various insurance plans and are reinsured into a pool. All companies must participate in these pools and assume their proportionate share of the plan’s premiums and losses based on their voluntary workers compensation premiums in the state so that undue loss to any one company can be avoided.
 
Voluntary Assumed Reinsurance:
 
The majority of our voluntary assumed business is due to three sources (dollars in thousands):
 
         
    Total Reserves
 
    Including IBNR
 
    As of December 31,
 
    2008  
 
Munich Re America Brokers, Inc (formerly American Re)
  $ 5,012  
Mutual Reinsurance Bureau
    363  
Association of Mill & Elevator Companies
    288  
         
Total
  $ 5,663  
         
 
Munich Re America
 
Munich Re America (formerly American Re) and Penn Millers Insurance Company entered into a reinsurance agreement beginning January 1, 1969 covering various property and liability lines of business. Penn Millers Insurance Company’s participation percentage ranged from 0.625% to 0.75%. We cancelled the contract effective December 31, 1986. In 1988 we were notified of numerous new bodily injury and property damage asbestos claims in accident years 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1979. We have experienced adverse development and periodic reserve strengthening over the years, but we believe that Munich Re America has established adequate case and IBNR reserves at this time.
 
Mutual Reinsurance Bureau
 
The Mutual Reinsurance Bureau and Penn Millers Insurance Company agreement ran from 1966 to 1986. Mutual Reinsurance Bureau reinsured mainly casualty lines, including exposures to asbestos, environmental and lead liability.
 
Association of Mill & Elevator Companies
 
The Association of Mill & Elevator Companies, also called the Mill Mutuals, was a pooling arrangement established by a group of regional agribusiness underwriters whereby each company would cede a portion of their direct business into the pool and the results of the pool would be distributed to each member according to their contractual participation percentage. The pool was established prior to 1965 and was disbanded in 1993.
 
Given the insignificant amount of premium earned in the other segment, we evaluate this segment’s underwriting performance in terms of dollars of underwriting loss instead of its combined ratio. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 the other segment produced operating income of $166,000, compared to an operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $238,000. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the other segment produced operating income of $288,000 compared to operating losses of $998,000 in 2007 and $1.1 million in 2006.


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The chart below shows the amount of operating income (loss) arising from each of the sources listed above:
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
    Dollars in thousands  
 
Mandatory Assumed Reinsurance
  $ 221     $ (245 )   $ 239     $ 95     $ (332 )
Personal Lines — runoff
    (6 )     126       335       (94 )     (98 )
Voluntary Assumed Reinsurance — runoff
    (49 )     (119 )     (286 )     (999 )     (676 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
  $ 166     $ (238 )   $ 288     $ (998 )   $ (1,106 )
                                         
 
Financial Position
 
At June 30, 2009 we had total assets of $228.4 million, compared to total assets of $220.5 million at December 31, 2008. The increase is due to increases in ceded loss recoverables and the increased market value of our fixed maturity portfolio.
 
At December 31, 2008, we had total assets of $220.5 million, compared to total assets of $219.6 million at December 31, 2007. Invested assets declined in 2008 due to the weakening investment markets. This decline was more than offset primarily by an increase in reinsurance receivables, which is attributable mainly to the timing of payments from our reinsurers and reinsurance recoveries recorded related to the stop-loss reinsurance contract.
 
At June 30, 2009, we had total liabilities of $176.4 million, compared to $169.8 million at December 31, 2008. The increase is primarily due to an increase in loss and LAE reserves of $10.0 million, partly offset by a decline in unearned premiums of $4.1 million.
 
At December 31, 2008, total liabilities were $169.8 million, compared to $158.2 million at December 31, 2007. The $11.6 million increase was primarily due to the increase in loss and LAE reserves. The reserve for unpaid loss and LAE was $108.1 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $96.0 million at December 31, 2007. This increase was due primarily to the growth in premiums written and the timing of claims payments.
 
Total equity increased from $50.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $52.0 million at June 30, 2009. The increase is primarily due to net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments of $1.3 million.
 
Total equity decreased to $50.8 million at December 31, 2008, from $61.4 million as of December 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $10.6 million, or 17.3%. The decrease in equity primarily reflects net unrealized investment losses of $2.2 million and a net loss of $7.4 million (primarily due to realized investment losses and the impairment of goodwill on discontinued operations) for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
At December 31, 2007, total assets were $219.6 million compared to $207.8 million at December 31, 2006. The $11.8 million increase was primarily due to a $9.7 million increase in cash and invested assets resulting from revenue growth in our insurance operations.
 
At December 31, 2007, total liabilities were $158.2 million, compared to $147.2 million at December 31, 2006. The $11.0 million increase was primarily due to the increase in loss and LAE reserves and unearned premium reserves. The reserve for unpaid loss and LAE was $96.0 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $89.4 million at December 31, 2006. The unearned premium reserve was $46.6 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $43.3 million at December 31, 2006. These increases were due primarily to the growth in premiums written and the timing of payments on reported claims.
 
Total equity increased to $61.4 million at December 31, 2007, from $60.5 million as of December 31, 2006, an increase of $871,000, or 1.4%. The increase in equity primarily reflected net income of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Effect of Offering on Our Future Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Our future financial condition and results of operations will be affected by the offering. Upon completion of the offering, our pro forma shareholders’ equity will be between $89.3 million and $109.3 million, an increase of


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approximately 71.8% to 110.4% over our equity at June 30, 2009. See “Use of Proceeds,” “Capitalization” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.” This increased capitalization should permit us to (i) increase direct premium volume to the extent competitive conditions permit, (ii) increase net premium volume by decreasing our reliance on reinsurance, and (iii) enhance investment income by increasing our investment portfolio.
 
ESOP
 
In connection with the offering, the ESOP intends to finance the purchase of 9.99% of the common stock issued in the offering with the proceeds of a loan from Penn Millers Holding Corporation, and Penn Millers Insurance Company will make annual contributions to the ESOP sufficient to repay that loan, which we estimate will total, on a pre-tax basis, between approximately $450,000 and $680,000. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements — Employee Stock Ownership Plan.”
 
Stock-based Incentive Plan
 
Under the stock-based incentive plan, we may issue a total number of shares equal to 14% of the shares of common stock that are issued in the offering. Of this amount, an amount equal to 4% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering may be used to make restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock unit awards and 10% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering may be used to award stock options under the stock-based incentive plan. The grant-date fair value of any common stock used for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards will represent unearned compensation. As we accrue compensation expense to reflect the vesting of such shares, unearned compensation will be reduced accordingly. We will also compute compensation expense at the time stock options are awarded based on the fair value of such options on the date they are granted. This compensation expense will be recognized over the appropriate service period. Implementation of the stock-based incentive plan is subject to shareholder approval. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements.”
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We generate sufficient funds from our operations and maintain a high degree of liquidity in our investment portfolio to meet the demands of claim settlements and operating expenses. The primary source of funds are premium collections, investment earnings and maturing investments.
 
We maintain investment and reinsurance programs that are intended to provide sufficient funds to meet our obligations without forced sales of investments. We maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in relatively short-term and highly liquid assets to ensure the availability of funds.
 
As of June 30, 2009 and as of December 31, 2008, we had a loan outstanding with a commercial bank in the amount of $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which was due to mature in July 2010. The interest rate on the loan was based on the one month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 105 basis points. We entered into an interest rate swap that fixed the interest rate at 5.55%. This loan was used for the acquisition of insurance agencies.
 
In addition, we maintain two unsecured lines of credit with a commercial bank in the amount of $500,000 and $2.0 million, which allowed us to meet our short term cash needs as they arose. As of June 30, 2009, we had $500,000 outstanding under the $500,000 line of credit and $1,183,000 outstanding under the $2.0 million line of credit. As of December 31, 2008, we had $500,000 outstanding under the $500,000 line of credit and $450,000 outstanding under the $2.0 million line of credit. We were obligated to pay interest on the $500,000 line of credit, which was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2010, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 105 basis points. The $2.0 million line of credit carried an interest rate of LIBOR plus 211 basis points and expired on July 31, 2009. Our credit agreements for these unsecured lines of credit are subject to certain covenants and restrictions, including limitations on additional borrowing, encumbrances, and sales of assets. The covenants in these agreements included the maintenance of various amounts and ratios, including debt to capital, risk based capital, combined financial debt service, and net premiums written to statutory capital and surplus ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
 
On July 22, 2009, we consolidated our long-term loan and lines of credit by entering into a new, four year $3.0 million revolving line of credit with a commercial bank. On August 3, 2009, $1.8 million of this new line of


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credit and cash from operations of $1.1 million was used to pay off the long-term loan amount of $1,251,000 of principal and interest which was outstanding, and our two existing lines of credit, at an aggregate amount of principal and interest of $1,683,000. The interest rate swap tied to the loan was terminated, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $47,000. As of June 30, 2009, a loss of $53,000 was accrued based on the fair value of the interest rate swap.
 
The new $3.0 million line of credit will require monthly payments of accrued interest, with principal due no later than the maturity of the loan agreement, which will be on July 22, 2013. The initial interest rate on outstanding borrowings will be LIBOR plus 175 basis points. This rate will be increased annually at each anniversary of the loan agreement by an additional 25 basis points. In addition, we will be charged an unused line fee on the available and unused borrowing capacity under this line of credit. This unused line fee will be 12.5 basis points for the first year of the line of credit, 25 basis points for the second year of the line of credit, and 37.5 basis points for each of the third and fourth years of the line of credit. This credit agreement includes certain covenants and restrictions, including limitations on additional borrowing, encumbrances, and sales of assets. The financial covenants that the Company must meet include debt to capital, risk based capital, debt service, and net premiums written to statutory capital and surplus ratios.
 
Upon completion of the offering, we will immediately become subject to the proxy solicitation, periodic reporting, insider trading and other requirements of the Exchange Act and to most of the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We estimate that the cost of initial compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will be approximately $300,000 and that compliance with the ongoing requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will result in an increase of approximately $700,000 in our annual operating expenses.
 
Cash flows from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 and years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities
  $ 9,386     $ 2,550     $ 7,383     $ 11,017     $ 11,711  
Cash flows used in investing activities
    (8,689 )     (6,144 )     (5,702 )     (13,373 )     (6,592 )
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
    (561 )     (157 )     144       (562 )     (2,087 )
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 136     $ (3,751 )   $ 1,825     $ (2,918 )   $ 3,032  
                                         
 
Cash flows from operating activities increased by $6.8 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2009 compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2008. The change is primarily due to lower net amounts paid to settle claims, higher collections of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and timing of reinsurance premium payments.
 
Investing activities used $8.7 million and $6.1 million of net cash for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the first six months of 2009, net purchases of investments classified as available for sale were $11.2 million, as compared to $5.9 million for the same period in 2008. Net proceeds from our February 2009 sale of the net assets of Eastern Insurance Group provided $2.6 million of net cash. Cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 include $1.1 million of amounts paid for fees and expenses associated with our conversion and public offering, partially offset by $733,000 of borrowings on our $2.0 million line of credit in the first quarter of 2009.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, cash flows from operating activities totaled $7.4 million compared to $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This decrease in cash flows from operating activities was primarily due to increased claim payments partially offset by lower reinsurance payments. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $13.4 million in 2007, primarily reflecting an increase in fixed maturity investments purchased and partially offset by an increase in equity investments sold.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, cash flows from operating activities totaled $11.0 million compared to $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities was


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primarily due to a decline in net income during 2007 compared to 2006. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily reflecting a year over year decrease in fixed maturity and equity investments sold of $7.1 million.
 
Our principal source of liquidity will be dividend payments and other fees received from Penn Millers Insurance Company. Penn Millers Insurance Company is restricted by the insurance laws of Pennsylvania as to the amount of dividends or other distributions it may pay to us. Under Pennsylvania law, there is a maximum amount that may be paid by Penn Millers Insurance Company during any twelve-month period. Penn Millers Insurance Company may pay dividends to us after notice to, but without prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department in an amount “not to exceed” the greater of (i) 10% of the surplus as regards policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company as reported on its most recent annual statement filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, or (ii) the statutory net income of Penn Millers Insurance Company for the period covered by such annual statement. Dividends in excess of this amount are considered “extraordinary” and are subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
 
The amount available for payment of dividends from Penn Millers Insurance Company in 2009 without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is approximately $4.3 million based upon the insurance company’s 2008 annual statement. Prior to its payment of any dividend, Penn Millers Insurance Company is required to provide notice of the dividend to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. This notice must be provided to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department 30 days prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if Penn Millers Insurance Company is in violation of any law or regulation. These restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity.
 
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2008, our future payments under contractual obligations and estimated claims and claims related payments for continuing operations.
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
          Less than
                More than
 
Contractual Obligations
  Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Estimated gross loss & loss adjustment expense payments
  $ 108,065     $ 36,743     $ 38,903     $ 17,290     $ 15,129  
Defined benefit plan obligations
    9,773       295       697       1,445       7,336  
Long-term debt obligations and lines of credit
    2,667       1,047       1,320       200       100  
Operating lease obligations
    246       123       118       5        
Accrued severance costs
    831       471       251       30       79  
Interest on long-term debt obligations and lines of credit
    94       50       39       4       1  
                                         
Total
  $ 121,676     $ 38,729     $ 41,328     $ 18,974     $ 22,645  
                                         
 
The timing of the amounts of the gross loss and loss adjustment expense payments is an estimate based on historical experience and the expectations of future payment patterns. However, the timing of these payments may vary from the amounts stated above. Defined benefit plan obligations are estimates based on various assumptions such as historical accruals, estimates of future employee service periods, future compensation increases, and mortality rates.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital reserves.


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Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk
 
Market Risk
 
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. We have exposure to three principal types of market risk through our investment activities: interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter, into any derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate changes primarily results from our significant holdings of fixed rate investments. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the fair value of these securities.
 
The average maturity of the debt securities in our investment portfolio at June 30, 2009, was 4.6 years. Our debt securities investments include U.S. government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, obligations of state and local governments and governmental authorities, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities, most of which are exposed to changes in prevailing interest rates and which may experience moderate fluctuations in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates. We carry these investments as available for sale. This allows us to manage our exposure to risks associated with interest rate fluctuations through active review of our investment portfolio by our management and board of directors and consultation with our external investment manager.
 
Fluctuations in near-term interest rates could have an impact on our results of operations and cash flows. Certain of these securities may have call features. In a declining interest rate environment these securities may be called by their issuer and replaced with securities bearing lower interest rates. If we are required to sell these securities in a rising interest rate environment we may recognize losses.
 
As a general matter, we attempt to match the durations of our assets with the durations of our liabilities. Our investment objectives include maintaining adequate liquidity to meet our operational needs, optimizing our after-tax investment income, and our after-tax total return, all of which are subject to our tolerance for risk.
 
The table below shows the interest rate sensitivity of our fixed maturity investments measured in terms of fair value (which is equal to the carrying value for all of our investment securities that are subject to interest rate changes) at June 30, 2009:
 
                 
    Estimated
       
    Change in
       
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
  Fair Value     Fair Value  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
200 basis point increase
  $ (10,285 )   $ 124,498  
100 basis point increase
    (5,071 )     129,712  
No change
          134,783  
100 basis point decrease
    4,748       139,531  
200 basis point decrease
    9,614       144,397  
 
The interest rate risk for our variable rate debt not subject to the interest rate swap is not material at June 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the financial condition of a specific debt issuer. We address this risk by investing primarily in fixed maturity securities that are rated investment grade with a minimum average portfolio quality of “Aa2” by Moody’s or an equivalent rating quality. We also independently, and through our outside investment manager, monitor the financial condition of all of the issuers of fixed maturity securities in the portfolio. To limit our exposure to risk, we employ diversification rules that limit the credit exposure to any single issuer or asset class.


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Equity Risk
 
Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. In order to reduce our exposure to losses in our investment portfolio, during the fourth quarter of 2008 we sold all of our equity securities.
 
Impact of Inflation
 
Inflation increases consumers’ needs for property and casualty insurance coverage due to the increase in the value of the property covered and any potential liability exposure. Inflation also increases claims incurred by property and casualty insurers as property repairs, replacements and medical expenses increase. These cost increases reduce profit margins to the extent that rate increases are not implemented on an adequate and timely basis. We establish property and casualty insurance premiums levels before the amount of loss and loss expenses, or the extent to which inflation may impact these expenses, are known. Therefore, we attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation when establishing rates. Because inflation has remained relatively low in recent years, financial results have not been significantly affected by it.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which clarifies the accounting for income tax reserves and contingencies recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. On January 1, 2008, we adopted FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 did not result in any adjustments to beginning retained earnings, nor did it have a significant effect on our operations, financial condition, or liquidity. As of June 30, 2009 and as of December 31, 2008, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits.
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements. SAB No. 108 provides guidance on how to evaluate prior period financial statement misstatements for purposes of assessing their materiality in the current period. SAB No. 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. There are two widely recognized methods for quantifying the effects on the financial statements: the “rollover” or income statement method and the “iron curtain” or balance sheet method. Historically, we used the “rollover” method. Under this method, we quantified our financial statement misstatements based on the amount of errors originating in the current year income statement and as a result did not consider the effects of correcting the portion of the current year balance sheet misstatement that originated in prior years. SAB No. 108 now requires that we consider both the rollover and iron curtain methods (dual method) when quantifying misstatements in the financial statements. The iron curtain method quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the timing of the misstatement’s origination.
 
We previously identified that we had incorrectly accounted for contingent commissions in connection with the acquisition of Galland, Steinhauer & Repa, Inc. in 2005. At the time, we allocated $187,000 received for contingent commissions subsequent to the acquisition, which were then passed through to the seller, pursuant to the contract, to the purchase price and also recognized revenue for that amount. This resulted in a $187,000 overstatement of goodwill and revenue for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2005. Prior to the adoption of SAB No. 108, we determined this misstatement was not material to the financial statements using the income statement approach. The error was considered material using the dual method approach.
 
We have restated our 2005 financial statements to adopt the provisions of SAB No. 108. As a result, the balance in retained earnings at December 31, 2005 as presented in our Consolidated Statements of Equity was reduced by $187,000, and goodwill was reduced by the same amount.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, we discovered an error in the accrual of ceded premiums for the 2009 accident year under the aggregate stop loss contract in effect for 2008 and 2009. Our March 31, 2009 financial


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statements have been corrected to reflect the increase in ceded premiums. Pursuant to SAB No. 108, it was determined that the misstatements were not material to the financial statements issued as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The effect on our March 31, 2009 financial statements is illustrated in note 18 in the Notes to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements on page F-23.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status through comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires fiscal year end measurement of defined benefit plan assets and benefit obligations. SFAS No. 158 amends SFAS Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the disclosure requirements was effective for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. We recorded an adjustment of $994,000 net of $512,000 in related tax, to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) upon adoption. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of our fiscal year end balance sheet date was effective for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. This requirement had no effect on us.
 
In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It applies to other pronouncements that require or permit fair value but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement defines fair value as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures. The hierarchy is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets. The highest possible level should be used to measure fair value. We adopted SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008. Our adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
 
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 No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Upon adoption, an entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in operations at each subsequent reporting date. Most of the provisions apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. However, the amendment to SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, applies to all entities with available for sale and trading securities. SFAS No. 159 applied to us beginning on January 1, 2008. We did not elect to use the fair value option for any assets or liabilities.
 
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until January 1, 2009, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). As of January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009, we had no nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were affected by the guidance outlined in FSP FAS 157-2.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities and specifically requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS 161 applied to us beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial condition or results of operations, and we have complied with this standard’s disclosure requirement.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS 162), to identify the sources of accounting principles and provide a framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The hierarchy of authoritative accounting guidance outlined in SFAS 162 was not expected to change current


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practice but facilitated the FASB’s codification of accounting standards. SFAS 162 was effective November 15, 2008. Our adoption did not result in any significant financial statement impact.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts (SFAS No. 163), requiring that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default (insured event) when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. This statement also clarifies how SFAS No. 60, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises, applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement to be used to account for premium revenue and claim liabilities. Those clarifications will increase comparability in financial reporting of financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises. Expanded disclosures of financial guarantee insurance contracts are also required. SFAS No. 163 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. Disclosures about the risk-management activities of the insurance enterprise are effective for the first period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance of this statement. Except for those disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. SFAS No. 163 applied to us as of January 1, 2009, except for disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. The adoption of this standard did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active (FSP FAS 157-3). FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 and provides an example to illustrate considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 allows for the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions about future cash flows and appropriately risk-adjusted discount rates when relevant observable inputs are not available to determine the fair value for a financial asset in a dislocated market. Our adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 had no impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (FSP FAS 132R-1). FSP FAS 132R-1 was issued to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132R-1 requires an employer to disclose information about how investment allocation decisions are made, including factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies. An employer will also need to disclose separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans the fair value of each major category of plan assets based on the nature and risks of the assets as of each annual reporting date for which a statement of financial position is presented. FSP FAS 132R-1 also requires the disclosure of information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs and valuation techniques used to develop fair value measurements of plan assets at the annual reporting date. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), an employer will be required to disclose the effect of the measurements on changes in plan assets for the period. Furthermore, an employer is required to provide financial statement users with an understanding of significant concentrations of risk in plan assets. FSP FAS 132R-1 should be applied for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. Earlier application is permitted. We are still evaluating the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 and intend to comply with its disclosure requirements.
 
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20 (EITF 99-20-1). EITF 99-20-1 provides guidance on determining other-than-temporary impairments on securities subject to EITF Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets. The provisions of EITF 99-20-1 are required to be applied prospectively for interim periods and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Our adoption of EITF 99-20-1 did not result in any significant financial statement impact.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. FSP FAS 157-4 was effective for interim and


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annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Our adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 on April 1, 2009, had no material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 provides guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on debt and equity securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Our adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 on April 1, 2009, did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires a company to disclose in its interim financial statements the fair value of all financial instruments within the scope of FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, as well as the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 on April 1, 2009, and we have complied with this Statement’s disclosure provisions.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. These standards include the evaluation time period, circumstances when an entity should recognize a subsequent event and the necessary disclosures. This SFAS is effective for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and we have complied with the provisions of this Statement.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification tm and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162. On the effective date of this Standard, FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm (ASC) will become the source of authoritative U.S. accounting and reporting standards for nongovernmental entities, in addition to guidance issued by the SEC. FASB ASC significantly changes the way financial statement preparers, auditors, and academics perform accounting research. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This new standard flattens the GAAP hierarchy to two levels: one that is authoritative (in FASB ASC) and one that is non-authoritative (not in FASB ASC). We will begin to use the new guidelines and numbering system prescribed by the Codification referring to GAAP in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. As the Codification was not intended to change or alter existing GAAP, we anticipate that the adoption of this Standard will not have any impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
All other Standards and Interpretations of those Standards issued during the six months ended June 30, 2009 did not relate to accounting policies and procedures applicable to us at this time.


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BUSINESS
 
Overview
 
We provide a variety of property and casualty insurance products designed to meet the insurance needs of certain segments of the agricultural industry and the needs of small commercial businesses. We are licensed in 39 states, but we currently limit our sales of our agricultural insurance products to 33 states and our commercial insurance products to 8 states. We discontinued writing personal lines insurance products in 2003 and now offer only commercial products. We report our operating results in three operating segments: agribusiness insurance, commercial business insurance, and our “other” segment. However, our assets are not allocated to segments and are reviewed by management in the aggregate for decision-making purposes.
 
Our agribusiness insurance product includes fire and allied lines, inland marine, general liability, commercial automobile, workers’ compensation, and umbrella liability insurance. We specialize in writing coverage for manufacturers, processors, and distributors of products for the agricultural industry. We do not write property or liability insurance for farms or farming operations unless written in conjunction with an eligible agribusiness operation, and we do not write any crop insurance. Our commercial business insurance product consists of a business owner’s policy that combines property, liability, business interruption, and crime coverage for small businesses; workers’ compensation; commercial automobile; and umbrella liability coverage. The types of businesses we target include retail, service, hospitality, wholesalers, light manufacturers, and printers. Our third business segment, which we refer to as our “other” segment, includes the runoff of lines of business that we no longer offer and assigned risk reinsurance programs in which we are required to participate.
 
We primarily market our products through a network of over 450 independent producers in 33 states. Penn Millers Insurance Company has been assigned an “A−” (Excellent) rating by A. M. Best, which is the fourth highest out of fifteen ratings. The latest rating evaluation by A.M. Best occurred on June 23, 2009.
 
We are managed by an experienced group of executives led by Douglas A. Gaudet, our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gaudet has served in his current position since December 2005, and has worked in the insurance industry for 30 years. Mr. Gaudet’s experience in prior positions with other insurance companies includes the development and introduction of new insurance products for such companies. Michael O. Banks, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has served with Penn Millers since 2002. Formerly a certified public accountant with KPMG, Mr. Banks worked with another insurance company for thirteen years prior to joining Penn Millers. Harold Roberts, our Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, has been with Penn Millers for over 33 years. Kevin D. Higgins, our Senior Vice President of Claims, has served with Penn Millers since 2003. Mr. Higgins has over 27 years experience in the claims field. Jonathan Couch, our Controller and Vice President, joined Penn Millers in 2002 and has over 17 years of diversified financial management experience. As a group, our executive officers have on average more than 23 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.
 
We formed Penn Millers Holding Corporation so that it could acquire all of the capital stock of Penn Millers Mutual in the conversion. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has approved our plan to acquire control of Penn Millers Mutual. Prior to the conversion, we do not expect to engage in any significant operations. After the conversion, our primary assets will be the outstanding capital stock of Penn Millers Mutual and a portion of the net proceeds of this offering.
 
Penn Millers currently consists of two holding companies, Penn Millers Mutual and PMHC, and three operating companies — Penn Millers Insurance Company, American Millers Insurance Company and Penn Millers Agency.
 
The lead insurance company is Penn Millers Insurance Company, which is a Pennsylvania stock insurance company originally incorporated as a mutual insurance company in 1887. In 1999, Penn Millers Insurance Company converted from a mutual to a stock insurance company within a mutual holding company structure. This conversion created Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company, a Pennsylvania mutual holding company, and established a “mid-tier” stock holding company, PMHC, also a Pennsylvania corporation, to hold all of the outstanding shares of Penn Millers Insurance Company. Neither Penn Millers Mutual nor PMHC engages in any significant operations. The outstanding capital stock of Penn Millers Insurance Company is the primary asset of


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PMHC. Immediately following the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual from mutual to stock form, PMHC will be merged out of existence into Penn Millers Mutual pursuant to a plan of liquidation.
 
American Millers Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania stock insurance company, is a wholly owned insurance subsidiary of Penn Millers Insurance Company. American Millers Insurance Company is currently used to reinsure Penn Millers Insurance Company by providing excess of loss reinsurance to Penn Millers for property losses above $450,000 up to $500,000. American Millers Insurance Company is licensed in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Underwriting of the assumed risks is performed by Penn Millers Insurance Company. American Millers Insurance Company is rated “B++” (Good) by A.M. Best, which is the fifth highest out of fifteen possible ratings. The latest rating evaluation by A.M. Best occurred on June 23, 2009.
 
Penn Millers Insurance Company, American Millers Insurance Company, PMHC, and Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company are subject to examination and comprehensive regulation by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. See “— Regulation.”
 
Penn Millers Agency, Inc., a Pennsylvania domiciled insurance agency, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Insurance Company. This company does not conduct any significant business at this time.
 
Eastern Insurance Group, an insurance agency located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMHC. On February 2, 2009, we sold substantially all of the net assets of Eastern Insurance Group. In July 2008, we completed the sale of substantially all of the net assets of Penn Software, a Pennsylvania software development company. We plan to begin the process dissolve both Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software.
 
Our executive offices are located at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773-0016, and our toll-free phone number is 800-233-8347. Our web site address is www.pennmillers.com. Information contained on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and such information should not be considered to be part of this prospectus.
 
Our Business Strategies and Offering Rationale
 
Market Overview
 
Our principal business strategy in both our agricultural and commercial segments is to identify discrete underwriting risks where competition is limited and we can add value through personal service to our producers and insureds.
 
Like most insurers, our premium growth and underwriting results have been, and continue to be, influenced by market conditions. Pricing in the property and casualty insurance industry historically has been cyclical. During a so-called soft market cycle, excess underwriting capacity leads to intense price competition and a market characterized by declining premium volume and relaxed underwriting terms. In a so-called hard market cycle, price competition is less severe. Therefore, during a hard market cycle insurers are able to increase premiums, maintain underwriting discipline and earn a more acceptable profit margin.
 
Since 2005, the property and casualty insurance industry has experienced a soft market cycle. Although changes in the market cycle are impossible to predict, indicators of a return to a hard market typically include declining returns on equity, combined ratios at or in excess of 100% and reduced investment income due to low interest rates or investment losses. Because of turmoil in the capital markets, investment losses in the third quarter of 2008 have been particularly severe. Each of these market indicators are now present to some degree, which suggests the current soft market may be coming to an end in the near future.
 
Our current capital position is sufficient to support our existing premium volume and allow for modest growth. However, historically our growth during hard market cycles has exceeded industry norms. In the last hard market cycle that we believe began in 2000 and ended in 2004, our commercial lines direct premiums written in our core business segments increased by 148% (a compound annual growth rate of 25%), which exceeded the industry commercial lines average of 63% (a compound annual growth rate of 13%). The primary purpose of this offering is to increase our capital to permit us to take advantage of growth opportunities when and if a hard market cycle returns.


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Competitive Strategy
 
Our insurance policies are sold through select independent insurance producers. We view these producers as our customers, because we believe that they significantly influence the insured’s decision to choose our insurance products over those of a competitor. We strive to win our producers’ loyal, profitable insureds by differentiating ourselves from our competitors through our relationships with our producers and our responsiveness to their needs. The key to our relationships is the communication between our producers and our underwriter and marketing representative teams, supported by loss control representatives, claims adjusters, and management. This approach provides the producers with very responsive, consistent and predictable communications, service and decisions from us.
 
Growth Strategies
 
Our long-term growth plans involve enhancing our existing products and adding new products to grow our market share with our existing producers and continuing to add select producers. Competitive pressures in the marketplace are currently affecting our writing of new and renewal business and exerting downward pressure on our prices. Our focus on underwriting discipline and rate adequacy in the midst of this soft market has resulted in our premium revenue growth being relatively modest and somewhat volatile. We believe that over the next 12 to 24 months the property and casualty insurance industry’s profits will decline to the point where pricing will start to increase and the underwriting cycle will move into a hard market phase. Although we do not have any current plans or intent to expand or grow our business by acquisition, we will consider any opportunities that are presented to us.
 
We believe we are positioning the Company to take advantage of the profitable growth opportunities we anticipate will occur when prices increase during the hard market.
 
  •  First, in 2009 we introduced an insurance product called PennEdge that will enable us to write customized coverages on mid-size commercial accounts. PennEdge will provide property and liability coverage to accounts that currently do not meet the eligibility requirements for our traditional business owners or agribusiness products. PennEdge is specifically tailored to unique business and industry segments, including wholesalers, light manufacturing, hospitality, commercial laundries and dry cleaners, and printers. These segments were chosen based on the experience of our underwriting staff and the market opportunities available to our existing producers.
 
  •  Second, we have differentiated our product offerings by entering into strategic alliances to offer equipment breakdown, employment practices liability, and miscellaneous professional liability coverage, and we are exploring a strategic alliance to offer environmental impairment liability coverage. Under such strategic alliances, we typically reinsure all of the risk of loss to the strategic partner and earn a ceding commission.
 
  •  Third, we are currently represented by a small number of producers in a large geographic area. New producers are an important part of our growth strategy, and we intend to continue to add them in areas where we want to increase our market presence.
 
The completion of this offering will supply additional capital needed to support substantially increased premium volume that may result from the implementation of these strategies.
 
Underwriting Strategies
 
Our underwriting philosophy is aimed at consistently generating profits through sound risk selection and pricing discipline. We are pursuing premium rate adequacy to enhance our underwriting results. For both our agribusiness and commercial business segments, we continue to emphasize that we will not compromise profitability for top line growth. We use loss control representatives to examine most of our risks to determine the adequacy of insurance to property value, assess property conditions, and identify any liability exposures.
 
We are a well established niche player in the agribusiness market with over 120 years in that specialty segment. Our PennEdge product will allow us to develop additional niche markets out of our existing commercial business target markets. We will focus our business on those industry segments we understand and in which we can differentiate ourselves from other insurance companies. Currently, the PennEdge product is approved in seven states.


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Claims Strategy
 
Our claims team supports our agency and broker relationship strategy by working to provide a consistent, good faith claims handling response to our policyholders. Claims excellence is achieved by timely investigation and handling of claims, settlement of meritorious claims for equitable amounts, maintenance of adequate case reserves, and control of claims loss adjustment expenses. We partner with industry experts and designated law firms to meet the specific service needs arising from the broad spectrum of claims unique to both the agribusiness and commercial business customer. Key strategic alliances ensure high quality field adjusting services, effective workers’ compensation case management, active pursuit of salvage and subrogation opportunities, and aggressive fraud prevention efforts, all of which yield results equally beneficial to our policyholders, producers, and Penn Millers.
 
Agribusiness Segment
 
Penn Millers has been writing agribusiness policies for over 120 years. We believe we have an excellent industry reputation provided by experienced underwriting, marketing and loss control staff, supported by knowledgeable and easily accessible claims staff and senior management. Lines of business offered by our agribusiness segment include commercial property, inland marine, general liability, fidelity, surety, workers’ compensation, commercial automobile, and umbrella liability insurance. We market our insurance product to small to middle market agricultural businesses such as grain storage and elevators, flour mills, livestock feed manufacturers, fertilizer blending and application, cotton gins, livestock feed lots, mushroom growers, farm supply stores, produce packing, and seed merchants. The premium size of our agribusiness accounts range from approximately $100 to $1.5 million with an average premium of approximately $43,000. Our product is sold through approximately 200 specialty agribusiness producers and also on a direct basis. The primary competitors in our agribusiness marketplace are Nationwide Agribusiness, Michigan Millers Insurance Company, Continental Western Insurance Company, and Westfield Insurance Company. We seek to compete with other agribusiness insurance companies primarily on service rather than price.
 
The following table sets forth the direct premiums written, net premiums earned, and net loss ratios for the lines of business of our agribusiness product for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,     For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Direct Premiums Written:
                                       
Property
  $ 9,492     $ 9,203     $ 20,831     $ 20,263     $ 18,961  
Commercial Auto
    5,481       5,710       12,919       14,055       13,334  
Liability
    4,955       4,438       9,615       8,635       8,029  
Workers’ Compensation
    3,443       3,380       8,064       7,394       6,610  
Other
    2,317       2,459       5,852       5,618       4,940  
                                         
Total
  $ 25,688     $ 25,190     $ 57,281     $ 55,965     $ 51,874  
                                         
Net Premiums Earned:
                                       
Property
  $ 7,933     $ 8,055     $ 16,412     $ 13,772     $ 12,620  
Commercial Auto
    5,543       6,078       12,119       11,859       11,189  
Liability
    4,593       4,341       8,795       7,540       6,768  
Workers’ Compensation
    3,536       3,667       7,310       6,394       5,166  
Other
    334       329       662       680       146  
                                         
Total
  $ 21,939     $ 22,470     $ 45,298     $ 40,245     $ 35,889  
                                         
Net Loss Ratios:
                                       
Property
    100.6 %     108.8 %     86.1 %     84.9 %     60.4 %
Commercial Auto
    71.6 %     41.7 %     41.9 %     48.5 %     62.7 %
Liability
    52.8 %     61.3 %     90.1 %     102.6 %     46.4 %
Workers’ Compensation
    59.6 %     65.0 %     51.4 %     54.2 %     113.8 %
Other
    23.4 %     0.0 %     37.7 %     (196.2 )%     92.0 %
Total
    75.5 %     72.7 %     68.7 %     67.9 %     66.3 %


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Property
 
Commercial property coverage protects businesses against the loss or loss of use, including its income-producing ability, of company property. As of June 30, 2009, our agribusiness segment had approximately 1,200 property insurance policies in force.
 
Commercial Auto
 
Commercial auto coverage protects businesses against liability to others for both bodily injury and property damage, medical payments to insureds and occupants of their vehicles, physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle from collision and various other perils, and damages caused by uninsured motorists. Commercial automobile policies are generally marketed only in conjunction with other supporting lines. As of June 30, 2009, our agribusiness segment had approximately 900 commercial automobile insurance policies in force.
 
Liability
 
Liability insurance includes commercial general liability, products liability, and professional liability covering our agribusiness insureds’ operations. As of June 30, 2009, our agribusiness segment had approximately 1,200 general liability insurance policies in force.
 
Workers’ Compensation
 
Workers’ compensation coverage protects employers against specified benefits payable under state law for workplace injuries to employees. We consider our workers’ compensation business to be a companion product; we rarely write stand-alone workers’ compensation policies. As of June 30, 2009, our agribusiness segment had approximately 400 workers’ compensation insurance policies in force.
 
Other
 
Other lines of business includes umbrella liability, system breakdown, employment practices liability, and surety insurance.
 
Commercial Lines Segment
 
Our commercial business segment offers insurance coverage primarily to small commercial businesses. The premium size of our commercial business accounts range from approximately $200 to approximately $163,000 with an average premium of approximately $6,400. Our commercial lines business targets select low to medium hazard businesses such as retailers, including beverage stores, floor covering stores, florists, grocery stores, office equipment and supplies stores, and shopping centers; hospitality, such as restaurants and hotels; artisan contractor businesses, such as electrical, plumbing, and landscaping; professional services, such as accountants, insurance agencies, medical offices, and optometrists; office buildings; and select light manufacturing and wholesale businesses. The primary product is a business owner’s policy called “Solutions 2000” that covers major property and liability exposures, crime, and business interruption utilizing a simplified rating program. Other lines of business offered are workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and umbrella insurance. These lines are sold through approximately 250 independent agents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, New York, and Maryland. A large number of regional and national insurance companies compete for our small business customers. We seek to compete with other commercial lines insurance companies primarily on service rather than price.


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The following table sets forth the direct premiums written, net premiums earned, and net loss ratios of our lines of business of our commercial business product for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,     For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Direct Premiums Written:
                                       
Property & Liability
  $ 8,771     $ 11,625     $ 21,056     $ 22,474     $ 20,567  
Workers’ Compensation
    3,156       4,382       8,031       7,716       5,825  
Commercial Auto
    2,578       2,875       5,068       4,914       3,983  
Other
    1,639       1,782       3,303       2,756       1,990  
                                         
Total
  $ 16,144     $ 20,664     $ 37,458     $ 37,860     $ 32,365  
                                         
Net Premiums Earned:
                                       
Property & Liability
  $ 8,878     $ 9,934     $ 19,428     $ 18,301     $ 18,076  
Workers’ Compensation
    3,105       3,694       7,451       6,524       5,077  
Commercial Auto
    2,271       2,303       4,659       4,194       3,564  
Other
    149       129       267       241       44  
                                         
Total
  $ 14,403     $ 16,060     $ 31,805     $ 29,260     $ 26,761  
                                         
Net Loss Ratios:
                                       
Property & Liability
    56.0 %     81.7 %     99.0 %     87.0 %     59.9 %
Workers’ Compensation
    91.4 %     39.7 %     54.5 %     37.1 %     74.0 %
Commercial Auto
    63.9 %     83.6 %     45.9 %     54.9 %     78.2 %
Other
    (88.8 )%     41.1 %     17.2 %     (35.3 )%     359.3 %
Total
    63.4 %     72.0 %     80.1 %     70.3 %     65.5 %
 
Property and Liability
 
Our property and liability coverage includes commercial multi-peril, fire, allied, and general liability insurance. The majority of this business is rated and classified as commercial multi-peril. As of June 30, 2009, our commercial business segment had approximately 4,900 property and liability insurance policies in force.
 
Workers’ Compensation
 
Workers’ compensation coverage protects employers against specified benefits payable under state law for workplace injuries to employees. We generally write workers’ compensation policies in conjunction with our business owner’s policies. However, we do write stand-alone workers’ compensation policies. As of June 30, 2009, our commercial business segment had approximately 1,700 workers compensation insurance policies in force.
 
Commercial Automobile
 
Commercial auto coverage protects businesses against liability to others for both bodily injury and property damage, medical payments to insureds and occupants of their vehicles, physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle from collision and various other perils, and damages caused by uninsured motorists. Commercial automobile policies are only marketed in conjunction with our business owner’s policies. As of June 30, 2009, our commercial business segment had approximately 900 commercial automobile insurance policies in force.
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
We market our agricultural insurance product through approximately 200 producers in 33 states, and our commercial insurance product is sold through approximately 250 producers in 8 states and by several of our employees. We primarily market our products through this select group of independent producers. All of these producers represent multiple insurance companies and are established businesses in the communities in which they


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operate. Our producers generally market the full range of our products. We view our independent insurance producers as our primary customers because they are in a position to recommend either our insurance products or those of a competitor to their customers. We consider our relationships with these producers to be good. We also have two employees that are engaged in the direct marketing of our insurance products, which accounted for approximately $3.7 million in direct premiums written for our agribusiness segment in 2008.
 
We manage our producers through annual business reviews, with underwriter, marketing representative, and management participation, and through the establishment of benchmarks and goals for premium volume and profitability. In recent years we have eliminated a number of unprofitable producers. Our staff of three agribusiness marketing representatives report to Joseph J. Survilla, our Vice President of Agribusiness Marketing. Mr. Survilla has over 17 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been with Penn Millers since 1991. Our staff of six commercial lines marketing representatives report to William A. Dine, Sr., our Vice President of Commercial Business. Mr. Dine has over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been with Penn Millers since 2000. Our sales and marketing staff work together with our underwriting staff as teams in connection with establishing the appropriate pricing for our products.
 
One producer, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, which writes business for us through nine offices, accounted for $11.0 million or approximately 12% of our direct premiums written in 2008. Only one other producer accounted for more than 5% of our 2008 direct premiums written.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, our top 10 producers accounted for approximately 32% of direct premiums written.
 
We emphasize personal contact between our producers and the policyholders. We believe that our producers’ responsive and efficient service and reputation, as well as our policyholders’ loyalty to and satisfaction with their agent or broker, are the principal sources of new customer referrals, cross-selling of additional insurance products and policyholder retention for Penn Millers.
 
We depend upon our independent producers to produce new business, assist in the underwriting process, and to provide front line customer service. Our network of independent producers also serves as an important source of information about the needs of the insureds we serve. We utilize this information to develop new products, such as PennEdge, and new product features, and to enter into strategic relationships to offer new products such as equipment breakdown, employment practices liability and environmental impairment coverages, which differentiates us from our competitors.
 
Our producers are monitored and supported by our marketing representatives, who are employees of Penn Millers. These representatives also have principal responsibility for recruiting and training new producers. We periodically hold seminars for producers and conduct training programs that provide both technical training about our products and sales training about how to effectively market our products.
 
Producers are compensated through a fixed base commission with an opportunity for profit sharing depending on the producer’s premiums written and profitability. Because we rely heavily on independent producers, we utilize a contingent compensation plan as an incentive for producers to place high-quality business with us and to support our loss control efforts. We believe that the contingent compensation paid to our producers is comparable with other insurance companies, subject to the producer directing high-quality, profitable business to us.
 
Our marketing efforts are further supported by our claims philosophy, which is designed to provide prompt and efficient service and claims processing, resulting in a positive experience for producers and policyholders. We believe that these positive experiences result in higher policyholder retention and new business opportunities when communicated by producers and policyholders to potential customers.
 
Underwriting, Risk Assessment and Pricing
 
Our competitive strategy in underwriting is to provide very high-quality service to our producers and insureds by responding quickly and effectively to information requests and policy submissions. Our underwriting and marketing personnel work together in teams and are compensated based upon the profitability of the business that they sell and underwrite. Accordingly, they work together to originate and approve coverage for customers that will


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be priced appropriately for the underwriting risk assumed. We underwrite our agricultural and commercial lines accounts by evaluating each risk with consistently applied standards. We maintain information on all aspects of our business, which is regularly reviewed to determine product line profitability. Specific information regarding individual insureds is monitored to assist us in making decisions about policy renewals or modifications.
 
Our underwriting staff of 25 employees has an average of 9 years of experience in property and casualty underwriting. Harold W. Roberts, our Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, has been with Penn Millers for over 33 years.
 
Our underwriting philosophy aims to consistently generate underwriting profits through sound risk selection and pricing discipline. One key element in sound risk selection is our use of loss control inspections. During the underwriting process, we rely to a significant extent on information provided by our staff of loss control representatives located throughout the continental United States. Our staff of nine loss control representatives is supported by a network of third party loss control providers to cover more remote areas. Our loss control representatives make a risk assessment by evaluating the insured’s hazards and related controls through interviews with the insured and inspections of their premises. If the business has risk management deficiencies, the inspector will offer recommendations for improvement. If significant deficiencies are not corrected, we will decline the business or move to cancel or non-renew policies already in force. Each new agribusiness customer is visited by a loss control representative, and most agribusiness customers are visited annually thereafter. Most of our commercial business customers are also inspected. Whether an inspection is required is based primarily on the type and amount of insurance coverage that is requested. These loss control inspections allow us to more effectively evaluate and mitigate risks, thereby improving our profitability.
 
We strive to be disciplined in our pricing by pursuing rate increases to maintain or improve our underwriting profitability while still being able to attract and retain customers. We utilize pricing reviews that we believe will help us price risks more accurately, improve account retention, and support the production of profitable new business. Our pricing reviews involve evaluating our claims experience and loss trends on a periodic basis to identify changes in the frequency and severity of our claims. We then consider whether our premium rates are adequate relative to the level of underwriting risk as well as the sufficiency of our underwriting guidelines.
 
Claims Management
 
Claims on insurance policies are received directly from the insured or through our independent producers. Our claims department supports our producer relationship strategy by working to provide a consistently responsive level of claim service to our policyholders. Our experienced, knowledgeable claims staff provides timely, good faith investigation and settlement of meritorious claims for appropriate amounts, maintenance of adequate case reserves for claims, and control of external claims adjustment expenses.
 
Kevin D. Higgins, our Senior Vice President of Claims, supervises a staff of 14 employees with an average of 20 years of experience in processing property and casualty insurance claims. Mr. Higgins joined Penn Millers in 2003 and has over 27 years of experience in claims management.
 
Technology
 
Our technology efforts are focused on supporting our competitive strategy of differentiating ourselves from our competitors through our relationships with our producers and our responsiveness to their needs and on making us as efficient and cost effective as possible.
 
Our producers access our systems through a proprietary portal on our public website. Through this portal our producers can quote new business, submit applications and change requests, and access policyholder billing and claims information. The portal also provides information on our products and services and contains sales and marketing materials for the producers.
 
We have streamlined internal processes to achieve operational efficiencies through the implementation of a policy and claim imaging and workflow system. This system provides online access to electronic copies of policy files, enabling our underwriters to respond to our producers’ inquiries more quickly and efficiently. The imaging


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system also automates internal workflows through electronic routing of underwriting and processing work tasks. This system allows our claims staff to access and process reported claims in an electronic claim file.
 
As part of our disaster recovery program, we maintain backup computer servers at an off-site location that are updated on a real time basis. Accordingly, in the event that power or access to our headquarters is disrupted, we can continue to operate our business without significant interruption.
 
Reinsurance
 
Reinsurance Ceded.  In accordance with insurance industry practice, we reinsure a portion of our exposure and pay to the reinsurers a portion of the premiums received on all policies reinsured. Insurance policies written by us are reinsured with other insurance companies principally to:
 
  •  reduce net liability on individual risks;
 
  •  mitigate the effect of individual loss occurrences (including catastrophic losses);
 
  •  stabilize underwriting results;
 
  •  decrease leverage; and
 
  •  increase our underwriting capacity.
 
Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty reinsurance. Under facultative reinsurance, each policy or portion of a risk is reinsured individually. Under treaty reinsurance, an agreed-upon portion of a class of business is automatically reinsured. Reinsurance also can be classified as quota share reinsurance, pro rata reinsurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share reinsurance and pro rata reinsurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its insurance liability to the reinsurer in exchange for a like percentage of premiums less a ceding commission. The ceding company in turn recovers from the reinsurer the reinsurer’s share of all loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under excess of loss reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a particular portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined deductible or retention. Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding company to the extent of the coverage ceded.
 
We determine the amount and scope of reinsurance coverage to purchase each year based on a number of factors. These factors include the evaluation of the risks accepted, consultations with reinsurance representatives and a review of market conditions, including the availability and pricing of reinsurance. A primary factor in the selection of reinsurers from whom we purchase reinsurance is their financial strength. Our reinsurance arrangements are generally renegotiated annually. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we ceded to reinsurers $9.1 million of written premiums as compared to $8.8 million of written premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we ceded to reinsurers $19.0 million of written premiums, compared to $21.2 million of written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Individual property risks in excess of $500,000 are covered on an excess of loss basis pursuant to various reinsurance treaties up to $20 million. Any exposure over $20 million is covered by facultative reinsurance. All property lines of business, including commercial automobile physical damage, are reinsured under the same treaties.
 
The chart below illustrates the reinsurance coverage under our 2009 excess of loss treaties for individual property risks:
 
                 
          Ceded Under
 
    Retained by
    Reinsurance
 
Losses Incurred
  Company     Treaties  
 
Up to $500,000
    100 %     0 %
$500,000 in excess of $500,000
    52.5 %     47.5 %
$4 million in excess of $1 million
    0 %     100 %
$15 million in excess of $5 million
    0 %     100 %


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Individual casualty risks that are in excess of $500,000 are covered on an excess of loss basis up to $10 million per occurrence, pursuant to various reinsurance treaties. The chart below illustrates the reinsurance coverage under our 2009 excess of loss treaties for individual casualty risks:
 
                 
          Ceded Under
 
    Retained by
    Reinsurance
 
Losses Incurred
  Company     Treaties  
 
Up to $500,000
    100 %     0 %
$500,000 in excess of $500,000
    52.5 %     47.5 %
$4 million in excess of $1 million
    0 %     100 %
$5 million in excess of $5 million
    0 %     100 %
 
Casualty losses in excess of $500,0000 arising from workers’ compensation claims are reinsured up to $10 million on a per occurrence treaty basis under these same treaties, but are subject to maximum coverage of $7.5 million for any one life.
 
Umbrella liability losses are reinsured on a 75% quota share basis up to $1 million and a 100% quota share basis in excess of $1 million up to $5 million. Any exposure over $5 million up to $10 million is covered by facultative reinsurance.
 
Catastrophic reinsurance protects the ceding insurer from significant aggregate loss exposure. Catastrophic events include windstorms, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, blizzards, terrorist activities and freezing temperatures. We purchase layers of excess treaty reinsurance for catastrophic property losses. We retain the first $2 million on any one occurrence and reinsure 95% of losses per occurrence in excess of $2 million, up to a maximum of $45 million total for one event.
 
We also maintain a whole account, accident year aggregate excess of loss (aggregate stop loss) contract. This contract covers the 2008 and 2009 accident years and provides reinsurance coverage for loss and allocated loss adjustment expense (ALAE) from all lines of business, in excess of a 72% loss and ALAE ratio. The reinsurance coverage has a limit of 20% of subject net earned premiums.
 
The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations to us could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Our reinsurance providers, the majority of whom are longstanding partners who understand our business, are all carefully selected with the help of our reinsurance broker, Towers Perrin. We monitor the solvency of reinsurers through regular review of their financial statements and, if available, their A.M. Best ratings. All of our reinsurance partners have at least an “A−” rating from A.M. Best. According to A.M. Best, companies with a rating of “A−” or better “have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders.” We have experienced no significant difficulties collecting amounts due from reinsurers.


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The following table sets forth the largest amounts of loss and loss expenses recoverable from reinsurers as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands) and the current A.M. Best Rating of each as of July 31, 2009:
 
                     
    Loss & Loss
           
    Expense
           
    Recoverable
    Percentage of
     
    on Unpaid
    Total
    A.M. Best
    Claims     Recoverable     Rating
 
Hannover Ruckericherungs
  $ 5,381       24 %   A
Swiss Reinsurance America Corp
    4,311       19 %   A
XL Reinsurance America
    2,575       11 %   A
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company
    2,095       9 %   A
Partner Reinsurance Co. of the U.S. 
    1,948       9 %   A+
Hannover Reinsurance (Ireland)
    1,717       8 %   A
Employers Mutual Casualty Co. 
    1,100       5 %   A−
Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance
    848       4 %   A
Aspen Insurance UK
    676       3 %   A
General Reinsurance
    541       2 %   A++
All Other
    1,433       6 %   A− or better
                     
Total
  $ 22,625       100 %    
                     
 
Reinsurance Assumed.  We generally do not assume risks from other insurance companies. However, we are required by statute to participate in certain residual market pools. This participation requires us to assume business for workers’ compensation and for property exposures that are not insured in the voluntary marketplace. We participate in these residual markets pro rata on a market share basis, and as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, our participation was not material. We previously participated in various voluntary insurance pools that are currently in runoff. We no longer participate in any voluntary assumed reinsurance contracts.
 
Loss and LAE Reserves
 
We are required by applicable insurance laws and regulations to maintain reserves for payment of loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE). These reserves are established for both reported claims and for claims incurred but not reported (IBNR), arising from the policies we have issued. The laws and regulations require that provision be made for the ultimate cost of those claims without regard to how long it takes to settle them or the time value of money. The determination of reserves involves actuarial and statistical projections of what we expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of such claims. The reserves are set based on facts and circumstances then known, estimates of future trends in claims severity, and other variable factors such as inflation and changing judicial theories of liability.
 
Estimating the ultimate liability for losses and LAE is an inherently uncertain process. Therefore, the reserve for losses and LAE does not represent an exact calculation of that liability. Our reserve policy recognizes this uncertainty by maintaining reserves at a level providing for the possibility of adverse development relative to the estimation process. We do not discount our reserves to recognize the time value of money.
 
When a claim is reported to us, our claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. This estimate reflects an informed judgment based upon general insurance reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of our claims staff. In estimating the appropriate reserve, our claims staff considers the nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury or damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss. Case reserves are adjusted by our claims staff as more information becomes available. It is our policy to settle each claim as expeditiously as possible.
 
We maintain IBNR reserves to provide for already incurred claims that have not yet been reported and developments on reported claims. The IBNR reserve is determined by estimating our ultimate net liability for both reported and IBNR claims and then subtracting the case reserves and paid loss and LAE for reported claims.


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Each quarter, we compute our estimated ultimate liability using principles and procedures applicable to the lines of business written. However, because the establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process, we cannot assure you that ultimate losses will not exceed the established loss reserves. Adjustments in aggregate reserves, if any, are reflected in the operating results of the period during which such adjustments are made.
 
Our estimated liability for asbestos and environmental claims is $2.7 million at June 30, 2009, and $2.5 million, $2.8 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a substantial portion of which results from our participation in assumed reinsurance pools. The estimation of the ultimate liability for these claims is difficult due to outstanding issues such as whether coverage exists, the definition of an occurrence, the determination of ultimate damages, and the allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties. Therefore, any estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater-than-normal variation and uncertainty.
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending unpaid losses and LAE reserve balances of Penn Millers for the six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 108,065     $ 95,956     $ 95,956     $ 89,405     $ 83,849  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE
    22,625       18,727       18,727       20,089       22,817  
                                         
Net liability at January 1
    85,440       77,229       77,229       69,316       61,032  
                                         
Loss and LAE incurred, net:
                                       
Current year
  $ 27,193     $ 30,997     $ 62,612     $ 54,421     $ 43,785  
Prior years
    (1,327 )     (2,305 )     (5,222 )     (4,638 )     (19 )
                                         
Total incurred loss and LAE
    25,866       28,692       57,390       49,783       43,766  
                                         
Less loss and LAE paid, net:
                                       
Current year
  $ 7,769     $ 8,673     $ 26,578     $ 22,191     $ 14,222  
Prior years
    14,710       14,555       22,601       19,679       21,260  
                                         
Total loss and LAE expenses paid
    22,479       23,228       49,179       41,870       35,482  
                                         
Net liability for unpaid loss and LAE, at end of period
  $ 88,827     $ 82,693     $ 85,440     $ 77,229     $ 69,316  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE
    29,198       21,896       22,625       18,727       20,089  
                                         
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at end of period
  $ 118,025     $ 104,589     $ 108,065     $ 95,956     $ 89,405  
                                         
 
The estimation process for determining the liability for unpaid losses and LAE inherently results in adjustments each year for claims incurred (but not paid) in preceding years. Negative amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated (favorable development). Positive amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts greater than originally estimated (unfavorable or adverse development).
 
Reconciliation of Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The following table shows the development of our reserves for unpaid loss and LAE from 1998 through 2008 on a GAAP basis. The top line of the table shows the liabilities at the balance sheet date, including losses incurred but not yet reported. The upper portion of the table shows the cumulative amounts subsequently paid as of successive years with respect to the liability. The lower portion of the table shows the reestimated amount of the


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previously recorded liability based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimates change as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. The redundancy (deficiency) exists when the reestimated liability for each reporting period is less (greater) than the prior liability estimate. The “cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” depicted in the table, for any particular calendar year, represents the aggregate change in the initial estimates over all subsequent calendar years.
 
Gross deficiencies and redundancies may be significantly more or less than net deficiencies and redundancies due to the nature and extent of applicable reinsurance.
 
The adverse development for the years 1999 through 2002 is primarily attributable to changes in estimates as we had better information about the frequency and severity of claims and the adequacy of premium pricing levels, particularly in the commercial multi-peril line of business. We have traditionally recorded reserves above the actuaries’ central estimate. However, the competitive insurance market of the late 1990’s resulted in inadequate pricing that was not immediately recognized in our estimates. Beginning in 2003, actuarial consultants were engaged to provide an additional reserve analysis three times per year. In addition, new policies and procedures were introduced to the claims function and more rigorous analysis of pricing data was undertaken. The resulting improvements to the claims reserving and underwriting and pricing processes have helped reduce the levels of reserve volatility in more recent years.
 
The net cumulative deficiency for these years, while still high, is significantly lower than the gross deficiency, while in more recent years, the variance between gross and net is not as pronounced. This is primarily attributable to the fact that we purchased more reinsurance protection during these years. Our maximum retained loss for any one risk was $200,000 from 1999 to 2000. From 2001 to 2003, the maximum retention was $250,000. The maximum retention was $300,000 in 2004 and 2005 and $500,000 in 2006 and 2007. Effective January 1, 2008, we renewed our reinsurance coverage with a number of changes. We continued to retain $500,000 on any individual property and casualty risk, however, for 2008, we retained 75% of losses in excess of $500,000 to $1,000,000 and 25% of losses in excess of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. As a complement to this increased retention, we entered into a whole account, accident year aggregate excess of loss contract that covers accident years 2008 and 2009. The reinsurance contract provides coverage in the event that the accident year loss ratio exceeds 72%. The favorable trend in redundant reserves since 2004 can be attributed primarily to the implementation of our improved claims management and reserving practices.
 
                                                                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    1998     1999     2000     2001     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
 
Liability for unpaid loss and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables
  $ 31,185     $ 30,165     $ 29,476     $ 35,656     $ 42,731     $ 48,072     $ 55,804     $ 61,032     $ 69,316     $ 77,229     $ 85,440  
Cumulative amount of liability paid through
                                                                                       
One year later
    8,925       10,393       12,523       15,441       15,279       18,849       19,288       21,262       19,681       22,591        
Two years later
    13,312       15,977       20,032       23,640       25,731       27,719       28,977       32,372       31,974              
Three years later
    16,712       20,104       25,184       28,897       31,372       34,125       35,481       40,950                    
Four years later
    19,542       23,386       28,118       32,311       35,104       37,135       41,365                          
Five years later
    21,496       24,935       30,318       33,755       36,561       39,446                                
Six years later
    22,790       26,699       31,333       34,786       37,978                                      
Seven years later
    24,430       27,451       32,039       35,847                                            
Eight years later
    25,117       28,000       33,002                                                  
Nine years later
    25,641       28,755                                                        
Ten years later
    26,387                                                              


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    Year Ended December 31,  
    1998     1999     2000     2001     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008  
    (Dollars in thousands)        
 
Liability estimated as of
                                                                                       
One year later
    28,581       28,506       34,545       38,657       44,764       49,658       54,729       61,017       64,679       72,004        
Two years later
    25,883       31,763       34,864       40,138       44,591       48,718       54,948       61,081       63,847              
Three years later
    28,647       30,869       35,865       40,527       44,424       49,954       54,510       59,884                    
Four years later
    27,906       30,885       36,594       40,416       45,405       49,617       54,411                          
Five years later
    28,295       31,910       37,108       40,696       45,603       49,284                                
Six years later
    29,438       32,448       37,402       41,157       45,744                                      
Seven years later
    30,168       33,127       38,193       41,513                                            
Eight years later
    30,811       33,820       38,590                                                  
Nine years later
    31,425       34,273                                                        
Ten years later
    31,942                                                              
Cumulative total redundancy (deficiency)
  $ (757 )   $ (4,108 )   $ (9,114 )   $ (5,857 )   $ (3,013 )   $ (1,212 )   $ 1,393     $ 1,148     $ 5,469     $ 5,225        
                                                                                         
Gross liability — end of year
  $ 37,574     $ 39,188     $ 37,056     $ 47,084     $ 53,462     $ 69,463     $ 73,287     $ 83,849     $ 89,405     $ 95,956     $ 108,065  
Reinsurance recoverables
    6,389       9,023       7,580       11,428       10,731       21,391       17,483       22,817       20,089       18,727       22,625  
                                                                                         
Net liability — end of year
  $ 31,185     $ 30,165     $ 29,476     $ 35,656     $ 42,731     $ 48,072     $ 55,804     $ 61,032     $ 69,316     $ 77,229     $ 85,440  
                                                                                         
Gross reestimated liability — latest
  $ 47,068     $ 55,110     $ 58,413     $ 62,206     $ 65,091     $ 67,034     $ 71,114     $ 84,443     $ 80,647     $ 91,772          
Reestimated reinsurance recoverables — latest
    15,126       20,837       19,823       20,693       19,347       17,750       16,703       24,559       16,800       19,768          
                                                                                         
Net reestimated liability — latest
  $ 31,942     $ 34,273     $ 38,590     $ 41,513     $ 45,744     $ 49,284     $ 54,411     $ 59,884     $ 63,847     $ 72,004          
                                                                                         
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)
  $ (9,494 )   $ (15,922 )   $ (21,357 )   $ (15,122 )   $ (11,629 )   $ 2,429     $ 2,173     $ (594 )   $ 8,758     $ 4,184          
                                                                                         
 
Effective January 1, 2009, we changed our reinsurance program for 2009, which lowered the participation on our per-risk reinsurance treaty. Losses between $500,000 and $1.0 million are retained at 52.5% for 2009 versus a 75% retention rate in 2008. Losses between $1.0 million and $5.0 million are retained at 0% for 2009 versus 25% in 2008.
 
Investments
 
Our investments in debt and equity securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected as a component of equity net of taxes. The goal of our investment activities is to complement and support our overall mission. As such, the investment portfolio’s goal is to maximize after-tax investment income and price appreciation while maintaining the portfolios’ target risk profile.
 
An important component of our operating results has been the return on invested assets. Our investment objectives are (i) accumulation and preservation of capital, (ii) optimization, within accepted risk levels, of after-tax returns, (iii) assuring proper levels of liquidity, (iv) providing for an acceptable and stable level of current income, (v) managing the maturities of our investment securities to reflect the maturities of our liabilities, and (vi) maintaining a quality portfolio which will help attain the highest possible rating from A.M. Best. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk.”
 
In addition to any investments prohibited by the insurance laws and regulations of Pennsylvania and any other applicable states, our investment policy prohibits the following investments and investing activities:
 
  •  Commodities and futures contracts
 
  •  Options (except covered call options)

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  •  Non-investment grade debt obligations at time of purchase
 
  •  Preferred stocks (except “trust preferred” securities)
 
  •  Interest-only, principal-only, and residual tranche collateralized mortgage obligations
 
  •  Private placements
 
  •  International debt obligations
 
  •  Foreign currency trading
 
  •  Limited partnerships
 
  •  Convertible securities
 
  •  Venture-capital investments
 
  •  Real estate properties (except real estate investment trusts)
 
  •  Securities lending
 
  •  Portfolio leveraging, i.e., margin transactions
 
  •  Short selling
 
Our board of directors developed our investment policy in conjunction with our external investment manager and reviews the policy periodically.
 
Our fixed maturity investment portfolio is professionally managed by a registered independent investment advisor specializing in the management of insurance company assets. In December 2008, we liquidated our entire portfolio of equity securities and invested the $11.4 million of net proceeds in fixed maturity securities. For more information regarding our investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Investments.”
 
The following table sets forth information concerning our investments (dollars in thousands).
 
                                                 
                At December 31,  
    At June 30, 2009     2008     2007  
    Cost or
    Estimated
    Cost or
    Estimated
    Cost or
    Estimated
 
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
 
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
  $ 16,995     $ 17,703     $ 14,929     $ 16,089     $ 18,523     $ 18,888  
U.S. treasury securities
    7,801       8,041       8,530       9,310       7,837       8,096  
States, Territories and possessions
    15,182       16,017       15,753       16,475       15,310       15,771  
Special Revenue
    16,472       17,146       16,022       16,482       15,011       15,363  
Public Utilities
    5,037       5,226       5,419       5,396       2,516       2,580  
Industrial and Miscellaneous
    43,487       43,905       34,511       32,857       31,337       31,545  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed
    4,428       4,090       4,600       3,932       4,816       4,838  
Residential Mortgage-Backed
    21,995       22,655       20,774       21,373       15,623       15,688  
                                                 
Total Debt Securities
    131,397       134,783       120,538       121,914       110,973       112,769  
Equity Securities
                            10,525       13,409  
                                                 
Total
  $ 131,397     $ 134,783     $ 120,538     $ 121,914     $ 121,498     $ 126,178  
                                                 


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The following table summarizes the distribution of our portfolio of fixed maturity investments as a percentage of total estimated fair value based on credit ratings assigned by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (S&P) at June 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands).
 
                                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Estimated
    Percent of
    Estimated
    Percent of
 
Rating(1)
  Fair Value     Total(2)     Fair Value     Total(2)  
 
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
  $ 17,703       13.1 %   $ 16,089       13.2 %
U.S. treasury securities
    8,041       6.0 %     9,310       7.6 %
AAA
    45,426       33.7 %     44,452       36.5 %
AA
    22,777       16.9 %     17,866       14.7 %
A
    33,498       24.9 %     29,409       24.1 %
BBB
    6,582       4.9 %     4,788       3.9 %
BB
    756       0.5 %           0.0 %
                                 
Total
  $ 134,783       100.0 %   $ 121,914       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) The ratings set forth in this table are based on the ratings assigned by S&P. If S&P’s ratings were unavailable, the equivalent ratings supplied by Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch Investors Service, Inc. or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) were used where available.
 
 
(2) Represents percent of fair value for classification as a percent of the total portfolio.
 
The table below sets forth the maturity profile of our debt securities at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Expected maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties (dollars in thousands).
 
                                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Amortized
    Estimated Fair
    Amortized
    Estimated Fair
 
    Cost     Value(1)     Cost     Value(1)  
 
Less than one year
  $ 8,431     $ 8,570     $ 8,321     $ 8,439  
One though five years
    49,238       51,078       42,747       43,356  
Five through ten years
    40,362       41,262       39,299       39,824  
Greater than ten years
    6,943       7,128       4,797       4,990  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed(2)
    4,428       4,090       4,600       3,932  
Residential Mortgaged-Backed(2)
    21,995       22,655       20,774       21,373  
                                 
Total debt securities
  $ 131,397     $ 134,783     $ 120,538     $ 121,914  
                                 
 
 
(1) Debt securities are carried at fair value in our financial statements beginning on page F-2.
 
 
(2) Mortgage-backed securities consist of residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and securities collateralized by home equity loans. These securities are presented separately in the maturity schedule due to the inherent risk associated with prepayment or early amortization. Prepayment rates are influenced by a number of factors that cannot be predicted with certainty, including: the relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages or other collateral to changes in interest rates; a variety of economic, geographic and other factors; and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structures.
 
At June 30, 2009, the average maturity of our mortgage-backed securities was 3.6 years and the average effective duration was 3.1 years. The average maturity of our fixed maturity investment portfolio, excluding mortgage-backed securities, was 4.8 years and the average duration was 3.8 years. As a result, the fair value of our investments may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates. In addition, we may experience investment losses to the extent our liquidity needs require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest rate environments.


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The following table sets forth the fair value and average credit rating of our portfolio of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) at June 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands).
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Credit
          Credit
          Credit
 
    Fair Value     Rating     Fair Value     Rating     Fair Value     Rating  
 
U.S. Agency RMBS
  $ 22,655       AAA     $ 21,373       AAA     $ 15,688       AAA  
Non-Agency RMBS
                                   
Prime First Lien
                                   
Prime Second Lien
                                   
Alt-A Loans
                                   
Subprime Loans
                                   
                                                 
Total
  $ 22,655           $ 21,373           $ 15,688        
                                                 
 
At June 30, 2009, at December 31, 2008, and at December 31, 2007, we owned no home equity loan backed securities.
 
We use quoted values and other data provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service as inputs in our process for determining fair values of our investments. The pricing service covers substantially all of the securities in our portfolio. The pricing service’s evaluations represent an exit price, a good faith opinion as to what a buyer in the marketplace would pay for a security in a current sale. The pricing is based on observable inputs either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are active, quoted prices for similar securities at the measurement date, or other inputs that are observable.
 
Our fixed maturity investment manager provides us with pricing information that we utilize, together with information obtained from an independent pricing service, to determine the fair value of our fixed maturity securities. After performing a detailed review of the information obtained from the pricing service, no adjustment was made to the values provided.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 approximately 17% and 19%, respectively of our investments in fixed maturity securities were guaranteed by third party monoline insurers. The following table sets forth information with respect to our fixed maturity securities that were guaranteed by third party insurers. We hold no securities issued by any third party insurer.
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Credit
          Credit
          Credit
 
    Fair Value     Rating     Fair Value     Rating     Fair Value     Rating  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Auto loan backed securities
  $           $           $        
Home equity loan backed securities
                                   
Municipal bonds
  $ 22,438       AA+     $ 22,864       AA+     $ 23,258       AAA  
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to the fair value at June 30, 2009, December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007, of the fixed maturity securities that are guaranteed by each of the third party insurers (dollars in thousands).
 
                         
    Fair Value at
    Fair Value at
    Fair Value at
 
Insurer
  June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
 
AMBAC
  $ 3,286     $ 3,259     $ 3,274  
FGIC
    5,483       2,772       2,735  
FSA
    8,827       8,829       8,730  
MBIA
    4,842       8,004       8,519  
                         
Total
  $ 22,438     $ 22,864     $ 23,258  
                         


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The following table sets forth the ratings of the security, with and without consideration of guarantee, for the fixed maturity securities that are guaranteed by third party insurers at June 30, 2009 and with the guarantee at December 31, 2008 and 2007 (dollars in thousands).
 
                                 
    At June 30, 2009     At December 31, 2008     At December 2007  
    With
    Without
    With
    With
 
    Guarantee
    Guarantee
    Guarantee
    Guarantee
 
Rating
  Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value  
 
AAA
  $ 8,840     $ 1,100     $ 8,832     $ 23,258  
AA
    11,423       15,964       11,868        
A
    2,175       5,374       2,164        
                                 
Total
  $ 22,438     $ 22,438     $ 22,864     $ 23,258  
                                 
 
Our average cash and invested assets, net investment income and return on average cash and invested assets for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006  
 
Average cash and invested assets
  $ 140,376     $ 135,398     $ 135,093     $ 131,484     $ 121,777  
Net investment income
    2,769       2,723       5,335       5,324       4,677  
Return on average cash and invested assets(1)
    4.0 %     4.1 %     3.9 %     4.0 %     3.8 %
 
 
(1) Return on average cash and invested assets for interim periods is calculated on an annualized basis.
 
A.M. Best Rating
 
A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) rates insurance companies based on factors of concern to policyholders. A.M. Best currently assigns an “A−” (Excellent) rating to Penn Millers Insurance Company. This rating is the fourth highest out of 15 rating classifications. The latest rating evaluation by A.M. Best occurred on June 23, 2009. According to the A.M. Best guidelines, A.M. Best assigns “A−” ratings to companies that have, on balance, very good balance sheet financial strength, operating performance and business profiles according to the standards established by A.M. Best. Companies rated “A−” are considered by A.M. Best to have “an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders.” The rating evaluates the claims paying ability of a company, and is not a recommendation on the merits of an investment in our common stock.
 
In evaluating a company’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews:
 
  •  the company’s profitability, leverage and liquidity;
 
  •  its book of business;
 
  •  the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance;
 
  •  the quality and estimated fair value of its assets;
 
  •  the adequacy of its reserves and surplus;
 
  •  its capital structure;
 
  •  the experience and competence of its management; and
 
  •  its marketing presence.
 
In its ratings report on Penn Millers Insurance Company, A.M. Best stated that we had solid capitalization and an established market position. A.M. Best cited our strong agency relationships, significant presence in the agribusiness market, and strong loss control services within the agri-business market. The report stated that these positive attributes are partially offset by historically low profitability that resulted from a high expense ratio in comparison to our peers, fluctuations in reserve development, below average underwriting leverage, and a history of


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large storm losses. A.M. Best noted that historically we have ceded a disproportionate portion of our premiums to reinsurers. The report acknowledged that we have made recent efforts to improve our operating results by restructuring our reinsurance program and purchasing a two-year aggregate stop-loss reinsurance program to restrict losses. A.M. Best stated that our ratings outlook is stable.
 
Competition
 
The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive. We compete with stock insurance companies, mutual companies, local cooperatives and other underwriting organizations. Certain of these competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and operating resources than we do. Our ability to compete successfully in our principal markets is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. These factors include market and competitive conditions. Many of our lines of insurance are subject to significant price competition. Some companies may offer insurance at lower premium rates through the use of salaried personnel or other distribution methods, rather than through independent producers paid on a commission basis (as we do). In addition to price, competition in our lines of insurance is based on quality of the products, quality and speed of service, financial strength, ratings, distribution systems and technical expertise. The primary competitors in our agribusiness marketplace are Nationwide Agribusiness, Michigan Millers Insurance Company, Continental Western Insurance Company, and Westfield Insurance Company. A large number of regional and national insurance companies compete for small business customers.
 
Regulation
 
General.  Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation in the states in which they do business. State insurance authorities have broad administrative powers with respect to all aspects of the insurance business including:
 
  •  approval of policy forms and premium rates;
 
  •  standards of solvency, including establishing statutory and risk-based capital requirements for statutory surplus;
 
  •  classifying assets as admissible for purposes of determining statutory surplus;
 
  •  licensing of insurers and their producers;
 
  •  advertising and marketing practices;
 
  •  restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;
 
  •  assessments by guaranty associations;
 
  •  restrictions on the ability of Penn Millers Insurance Company to pay dividends to us;
 
  •  restrictions on transactions between Penn Millers Insurance Company and its affiliates;
 
  •  restrictions on the size of risks insurable under a single policy;
 
  •  requiring deposits for the benefit of policyholders;
 
  •  requiring certain methods of accounting;
 
  •  periodic examinations of our operations and finances;
 
  •  claims practices;
 
  •  prescribing the form and content of reports of financial condition required to be filed; and
 
  •  requiring reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes.
 
State insurance laws and regulations require Penn Millers Insurance Company to file financial statements with state insurance departments everywhere it does business, and the operations of Penn Millers Insurance Company and its accounts are subject to examination by those departments at any time. Penn Millers prepares statutory


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financial statements in accordance with accounting practices and procedures prescribed or permitted by these departments.
 
Examinations.  Examinations are conducted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department every three to five years. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s last examination of Penn Millers Insurance Company was as of December 31, 2004. The examination did not result in any adjustments to our financial position. In addition, there were no substantive qualitative matters indicated in the examination report that had a material adverse impact on our operations.
 
NAIC Risk-Based Capital Requirements.  In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations, the NAIC has adopted risk-based capital requirements that require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula. These risk-based capital requirements attempt to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in a company’s mix of products and investment portfolio. Under the formula, a company first determines its “authorized control level” risk-based capital. This authorized control level takes into account (i) the risk with respect to the insurer’s assets; (ii) the risk of adverse insurance experience with respect to the insurer’s liabilities and obligations, (iii) the interest rate risk with respect to the insurer’s business; and (iv) all other business risks and such other relevant risks as are set forth in the risk-based capital instructions. A company’s “total adjusted capital” is the sum of statutory capital and surplus and such other items as the risk-based capital instructions may provide. The formula is designed to allow state insurance regulators to identify weakly capitalized companies.
 
The requirements provide for four different levels of regulatory attention. The “company action level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 2.0 times its authorized control level but greater than or equal to 1.5 times its authorized control level. At the company action level, the company must submit a comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority that discusses proposed corrective actions to improve the capital position. The “regulatory action level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 1.5 times but greater than or equal to 1.0 times its authorized control level. At the regulatory action level, the regulatory authority will perform a special examination of the company and issue an order specifying corrective actions that must be followed. The “authorized control level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 1.0 times but greater than or equal to 0.7 times its authorized control level; at this level the regulatory authority may take action it deems necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control. The “mandatory control level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 0.7 times its authorized control level; at this level the regulatory authority is mandated to place the company under its control. The capital levels of Penn Millers Insurance Company have never triggered any of these regulatory capital levels. We cannot assure you, however, that the capital requirements applicable to Penn Millers Insurance Company will not increase in the future.
 
NAIC Ratios.  The NAIC also has developed a set of 11 financial ratios referred to as the Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS). On the basis of statutory financial statements filed with state insurance regulators, the NAIC annually calculates these IRIS ratios to assist state insurance regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The NAIC has established an acceptable range for each of the IRIS financial ratios. If four or more of its IRIS ratios fall outside the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC, an insurance company may receive inquiries from individual state insurance departments. During each of the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, Penn Millers Insurance Company did not produce results outside the acceptable range for any of the IRIS tests.
 
Market Conduct Regulation.  State insurance laws and regulations include numerous provisions governing trade practices and the marketplace activities of insurers, including provisions governing the form and content of disclosure to consumers, illustrations, advertising, sales practices and complaint handling. State regulatory authorities generally enforce these provisions through periodic market conduct examinations.
 
Property and Casualty Regulation.  Our property and casualty operations are subject to rate and policy form approval, as well as laws and regulations covering a range of trade and claim settlement practices. State insurance regulatory authorities have broad discretion in approving an insurer’s proposed rates. The extent to which a state restricts underwriting and pricing of a line of business may adversely affect an insurer’s ability to operate that business profitably in that state on a consistent basis.


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State insurance laws and regulations require us to participate in mandatory property-liability “shared market,” “pooling” or similar arrangements that provide certain types of insurance coverage to individuals or others who otherwise are unable to purchase coverage voluntarily provided by private insurers. Shared market mechanisms include assigned risk plans and fair access to insurance requirement or “FAIR” plans. In addition, some states require insurers to participate in reinsurance pools for claims that exceed specified amounts. Our participation in these mandatory shared market or pooling mechanisms generally is related to the amount of our direct writings for the type of coverage written by the specific arrangement in the applicable state. We cannot predict the financial impact of our participation in these arrangements. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Other Segment.”
 
Guaranty Fund Laws.  All states have guaranty fund laws under which insurers doing business in the state can be assessed to fund policyholder liabilities of insolvent insurance companies. Under these laws, an insurer is subject to assessment depending upon its market share in the state of a given line of business. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we incurred approximately ($18,000), $156,000, and $299,000, respectively, in assessments pursuant to state insurance guaranty association laws. We establish reserves relating to insurance companies that are subject to insolvency proceedings when we are notified of assessments by the guaranty associations. We cannot predict the amount and timing of any future assessments on Penn Millers under these laws. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Other Segment.”
 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  On July 30, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the SOA. The stated goals of the SOA are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. We will become subject to the provisions of the SOA immediately after completion of this offering.
 
The SOA implemented a broad range of corporate governance, accounting and reporting measures for companies that have securities registered under the Exchange Act. Specifically, the SOA and the various regulations promulgated thereunder, established, among other things: (i) new requirements for audit committees, including independence, expertise, and responsibilities; (ii) additional responsibilities regarding financial statements for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the reporting company; (iii) new standards for auditors and the regulation of audits, including independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (iv) increased disclosure and reporting obligations for the reporting company and their directors and executive officers, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions and a prohibition on trading during pension blackout periods; (v) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; and (vi) a range of new and increased civil and criminal penalties for fraud and other violations of the securities laws. The Company has addressed the requirements imposed by regulations relating to the SOA, including adopting a Code of Ethics applicable to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and principal accounting officer (in addition to the Code of Conduct already in place for all employees and members of the board of directors of the Company), and meeting NASDAQ’s and the SEC’s procedural and disclosure requirements.
 
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002.  On November 26, 2002, President Bush signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. Under this law, coverage provided by an insurer for losses caused by certified acts of terrorism is partially reimbursed by the United States under a formula under which the government pays 90% of covered terrorism losses, exceeding a prescribed deductible. Therefore, the act limits an insurer’s exposure to certified terrorist acts (as defined by the act) to the prescribed deductible amount. The deductible is based upon a percentage of direct earned premium for commercial property and casualty policies. Coverage under the act must be offered to all property, casualty and surety insureds.
 
The immediate effect was to nullify terrorism exclusions previously permitted by state regulators to the extent they exclude losses that would otherwise be covered under the act. The act, as amended by the Risk Insurance


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Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, further states that until December 31, 2014, rates and forms for terrorism risk insurance covered by the act are not subject to prior approval or a waiting period under any applicable state law. Rates and forms of terrorism exclusions and endorsements are subject to subsequent review.
 
Financial Services Modernized.  The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act was signed into law by President Clinton on November 12, 1999. The principal focus of the act is to facilitate affiliations among banks, securities firms and insurance companies. The ability of banks and securities firms to affiliate with insurers may increase the number, size and financial strength of our potential competitors. We have no affiliations with banks or securities firms and currently have no plans to enter into any such affiliation.
 
Privacy.  As mandated by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, states continue to promulgate and refine laws and regulations that require financial institutions, including insurance companies, to take steps to protect the privacy of certain consumer and customer information relating to products or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes. A recent NAIC initiative that affected the insurance industry was the adoption in 2000 of the Privacy of Consumer Financial and Health Information Model Regulation, which assisted states in promulgating regulations to comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. In 2002, to further facilitate the implementation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the NAIC adopted the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information Model Regulation. Several states have now adopted similar provisions regarding the safeguarding of customer information. Penn Millers has implemented procedures to comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s related privacy requirements.
 
OFAC.  The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) maintains a list of “Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” (the SDN List). The SDN List identifies persons and entities that the government believes are associated with terrorists, rogue nations or drug traffickers. OFAC’s regulations prohibit insurers, among others, from doing business with persons or entities on the SDN List. If the insurer finds and confirms a match, the insurer must take steps to block or reject the transaction, notify the affected person and file a report with OFAC. The focus on insurers’ responsibilities with respect to the SDN List has increased significantly since September 11, 2001.
 
New and Proposed Legislation and Regulations.  The property and casualty insurance industry has recently received a considerable amount of publicity because of rising insurance costs and the unavailability of insurance. New regulations and legislation are being proposed to limit damage awards, to control plaintiffs’ counsel fees, to bring the industry under regulation by the federal government and to control premiums, policy terminations and other policy terms. We are unable to predict whether, in what form, or in what jurisdictions, any regulatory proposals might be adopted or their effect, if any, on us.
 
One such proposal includes the Obama administration’s recent proposal, Federal Regulatory Reform: A New Foundation: Rebuilding Financial Supervision and Regulation. As part of larger reforms for the financial industry, the administration is proposing the formation of an Office of National Insurance (ONI) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Under this proposal, the ONI would support proposals to modernize and improve insurance regulation, including but not limited to, those that (i) reduce systemic risk posed to the financial system from the insurance industry; (ii) promote strong capital standards and appropriate risk management, (iii) provide meaningful and consistent consumer protections applicable to insurance products and services; (iv) increase national uniformity through either a federal charter or effective action by the states, (v) improve and broaden the regulation of insurance companies and affiliates on a consolidated basis, including affiliated businesses outside of the traditional insurance business, and (vi) coordinate regulation within existing international insurance regulatory frameworks. Under the proposal, the ONI would be responsible for gathering information, developing expertise, negotiating international agreements and coordinating policy in the insurance industry.
 
On May 19, 2009, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer introduced a bill titled the Shareholder Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (the Schumer Bill). The stated goal of the Schumer Bill is to prioritize the long-term health of companies and their shareholders. The Schumer Bill requires, among other things, that the SEC adopt new rules giving shareholders greater access to the director nominating process and proxy ballot and additional input on governance matters.


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The Schumer Bill proposes to amend the Exchange Act to give shareholders a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation at any meeting at which executive compensation disclosure is required. In addition, the Schumer Bill would give shareholders a non-binding advisory vote on any agreement providing for golden parachute compensation based on or otherwise related to an acquisition, merger, sale or other similar transaction that was not already subject to an advisory vote.
 
If the Schumer Bill is passed, the SEC would be required to implement rules that prohibit the national securities exchanges, like the NASDAQ, from listing the securities of a public company that does not: (i) have an independent chairman who has not previously served as an executive officer of a public company; (ii) hold annual elections for every member of the board of directors; (iii) utilize majority voting in uncontested elections of the board of directors; (iv) provide shareholders with access to the company’s proxy statement; (v) maintain a resignation policy for directors not elected by a majority of the shareholders; and (vi) form a risk committee composed of independent directors to evaluate the company’s risk management practices.
 
On June 12, 2009, U.S. Representative Gary Peters and others introduced another shareholder rights bill entitled the Shareholder Empowerment Act of 2009 (the Peters Bill). The Peters Bill contains the same proposals as the Schumer Bill discussed above but also imposes additional requirements on public companies to: (i) adopt a policy for reviewing unearned bonus, incentive or equity payments awarded to executive officers as a result of fraud, financial restatement, or other similar cause, and requiring recovery or cancellation of any unearned payments to the extent that it is feasible and practical to do so; (ii) adopt a policy prohibiting the company from entering into severance agreements with a senior executive officer who is terminated for poor performance; (iii) eliminate broker discretionary voting on routine matters; (iv) require the board of directors to retain an independent adviser in connection with the negotiation of executive employment agreements and compensation arrangements; and (v) require additional disclosure of specific performance targets used by the company to determine a senior executive officer’s eligibility for bonuses, or equity and incentive compensation. At this time, we can not conclude with any degree of certainty the likelihood that the foregoing reforms will be adopted and what impact such reforms would have on our business.
 
Dividends.  Pennsylvania law sets the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid by Penn Millers Insurance Company during any twelve-month period after notice to, but without prior approval of, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. This amount cannot exceed the greater of 10% of the insurance company’s surplus as regards policyholders as reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, or the insurance company’s statutory net income for the period covered by the annual statement as reported on such statement. As of December 31, 2008, the amount available for payment of dividends by Penn Millers Insurance Company in 2009 without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is approximately $4.3 million. “Extraordinary dividends” in excess of the foregoing limitations may only be paid with prior notice to, and approval of, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. See “Dividend Policy.” In 2008, Penn Millers Insurance Company paid dividends to PMHC of $900,000 to pay operating expenses and debt service.


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Holding Company Laws.  Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding company systems. Each insurance company in a holding company system is required to register with the insurance supervisory agency of its state of domicile and furnish certain information. This includes information concerning the operations of companies within the holding company group that may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within the group. Pursuant to these laws, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department requires disclosure of material transactions involving Penn Millers Insurance Company and its affiliates, and requires prior notice and/or approval of certain transactions, such as “extraordinary dividends” distributed by Penn Millers Insurance Company. Under these laws, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department also has the right to examine us and Penn Millers Insurance Company at any time.
 
All transactions within our consolidated group affecting Penn Millers Insurance Company must be fair and equitable. Notice of certain material transactions between Penn Millers Insurance Company and any person or entity in our holding company system will be required to be given to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Certain transactions cannot be completed without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
 
Approval of the state insurance commissioner is required prior to any transaction affecting the control of an insurer domiciled in that state. In Pennsylvania, the acquisition of 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of an insurer or its holding company is presumed to be a change in control. Pennsylvania law also prohibits any person or entity from (i) making a tender offer for, or a request or invitation for tenders of, or seeking to acquire or acquiring any voting security of a Pennsylvania insurer if, after the acquisition, the person or entity would be in control of the insurer, or (ii) effecting or attempting to effect an acquisition of control of or merger with a Pennsylvania insurer, unless the offer, request, invitation, acquisition, effectuation or attempt has received the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Penn Millers is a party to litigation in the normal course of business. Based upon information presently available to us, we do not consider any litigation to be material. However, given the uncertainties attendant to litigation, we cannot assure you that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially adversely affected by any litigation.
 
Properties
 
Our headquarters are located at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. We own this 39,963 square foot facility. Eastern Insurance Group maintains two separate offices located at 613 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and 138 Airport Road, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, which are 11,980 square feet and 1,700 square feet, respectively. Eastern Insurance Group leases both facilities. On February 2, 2009, when we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of Eastern Insurance Group, these leases were assumed by the buyer.
 
Employees
 
As of July 31, 2009, we had 111 full-time equivalent employees related to continuing operations. None of these employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our employee relations are good.


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THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING
 
Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company was formed as a mutual holding company by Penn Millers in 1999 in connection with the conversion of Penn Millers Insurance Company (formerly known as Penn Millers Mutual Insurance Company) from a mutual to stock insurance company within a mutual holding company structure. The Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner issued a 1998 Order approving the conversion of Penn Millers Insurance Company from mutual to stock form within a mutual holding company structure.
 
As a mutual holding company, Penn Millers Mutual does not have shareholders. It has members. The members of Penn Millers Mutual are the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company. According to the 1998 Order, except for those rights related to insurance coverages, the members of Penn Millers Mutual are entitled to the same rights as the members of a mutual insurance company, including the right to elect directors and to approve fundamental transactions such as this conversion. In an insurance company organized as a stock institution, policyholders have no governance rights, which reside with shareholders, and instead have only contractual rights under their insurance policies.
 
General
 
On April 22, 2009, the board of directors of Penn Millers Mutual unanimously adopted the plan of conversion, subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner and the members of Penn Millers Mutual. Pursuant to the 1998 Order, we were required to obtain the approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner prior to effecting a conversion of Penn Millers Mutual, which we received on August 19, 2009. Approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner is not a recommendation or endorsement of the offering. The plan of conversion is also subject to the approval of a majority of the members of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009, at a special meeting to be held on October 15, 2009.
 
The plan of conversion provides that we will offer shares of our common stock for sale in a subscription offering to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers. In addition, we may elect to offer the shares of common stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering, if any, for sale in a community offering commencing during or upon completion of the subscription offering and in a subsequent syndicated community offering. See “— Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights” and “— Community Offering.” We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any order to purchase shares of common stock received in the community offering or syndicated community offering.
 
The conversion will be accomplished by the filing of amended and restated articles of incorporation for Penn Millers Mutual with the Pennsylvania Department of State. These amended and restated articles will, among other things, create and authorize the issuance of shares of capital stock of the converted company.
 
Upon the conversion, all of the outstanding common stock shares of the converted Penn Millers Mutual will be issued to Penn Millers Holding Corporation, and Penn Millers Mutual will then become a wholly owned stock subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. The conversion will be effected only if subscriptions and orders are received for at least 4,505,000 shares of common stock and a majority of the members of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009 approve the plan of conversion. The conversion will be accounted for as a simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and share offering that will not change the historical accounting basis of Penn Millers Mutual’s consolidated financial statements.
 
A copy of the plan of conversion is available by contacting Penn Millers Holding Corporation’s principal executive offices located at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. A copy of the plan also was sent to each member of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009 along with the notice of the special meeting. The plan also is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Copies of the registration statement and attachments may be obtained from the SEC. See “Additional Information.”
 
Offering of Common Stock
 
In connection with the conversion, we are offering shares of common stock to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, our ESOP, our directors, officers and employees and the general public. The offering to eligible


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members, the ESOP and Penn Millers’ directors, officers and employees is referred to as the subscription offering because each of those constituents will receive subscription rights to purchase common stock in the following order of priority:
 
  •  eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, who are defined in the plan of conversion as the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company under policies of insurance in place as of April 22, 2009;
 
  •  our ESOP; and
 
  •  the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers who are not eligible policyholders under the category above.
 
Our ESOP has the right to purchase shares in this offering in an amount equal to 9.99% of the shares sold in the offering. The subscription rights of Penn Millers’ directors, officers and employees are subordinate to the subscription rights of the eligible members and our ESOP.
 
We also plan to offer to sell shares of our common stock to members of the general public in a community offering with preference given to the following:
 
  •  licensed insurance agencies and brokers that have been appointed by or are under contract with Penn Millers Insurance Company to market and distribute policies of insurance;
 
  •  policyholders under policies of insurance issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company after April 22, 2009; and
 
  •  natural persons and trusts of natural persons (including individual retirement and Keogh retirement accounts and personal trusts in which such natural persons have substantial interests) who are residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania.
 
If subscriptions and orders are not received for all of the shares available in the subscription and community offerings, we may offer the remaining available shares to the general public in a syndicated community offering co-managed by Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee on a best efforts basis. The syndicated community offering may be conducted concurrently with or subsequent to the subscription offering and community offering.
 
The completion of this offering is subject to market conditions and other factors beyond our control. If the offering is not completed, our capital structure will remain unchanged. In that event, Penn Millers Mutual will continue to be a mutual holding company and sole shareholder of PMHC, and PMHC will continue to serve as the stock holding company for Penn Millers Insurance Company, and all funds received with order forms will be promptly returned to purchasers without interest.
 
Effect of Offering on Members of Penn Millers Mutual
 
As set forth in the 1998 Order approving the conversion of Penn Millers Insurance Company within a mutual holding company structure, the members of Penn Millers Mutual are made up of the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company. Accordingly, a policyholder of Penn Millers Insurance Company must have an effective policy of Penn Millers Insurance Company in order to be a member of Penn Millers Mutual. The 1998 Order further states that, except for those rights related to insurance coverages, the members of Penn Millers Mutual are entitled to the same rights as members of a mutual insurance company, including the right to vote for the election of directors and certain other corporate transactions. These voting rights are similar to those held by shareholders. However, this membership interest, unlike shares held by shareholders, has no market value because it cannot be separated from the underlying insurance policy and, in any event, is not transferable.
 
Upon completion of the conversion and the issuance of all its outstanding common stock shares, Penn Millers Mutual will be a stock holding company and wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. All membership interests in Penn Millers Mutual held by the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company will terminate. However, the conversion will have no effect on the contractual rights of the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company.


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If the plan of conversion is not approved by a majority of the members of Penn Millers Mutual as of July 10, 2009, or if the conversion fails to be completed for any other reason, Penn Millers Mutual will continue as a mutual holding company and Penn Millers’ corporate structure will be unchanged. In this case, the members of Penn Millers Mutual will retain the membership rights described above.
 
Continuity of Insurance Coverage and Business Operations
 
This conversion will not change the insurance protection or premiums under individual insurance policies with Penn Millers Insurance Company. During and after the conversion, the normal business of issuing insurance policies will continue without change or interruption. After the conversion, we will continue to provide services to policyholders under current policies. Each member of the board of directors of Penn Millers Holding Corporation is also a member of the respective boards of directors of Penn Millers Mutual, PMHC and Penn Millers Insurance Company and will continue to serve on such boards of directors after the conversion. See “Management — Directors and Officers.” All of our officers at the time of the offering will retain their same positions after the conversion.
 
Voting Rights
 
As members, the policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company have certain voting rights in Penn Millers Mutual. After the conversion, all of the voting rights of the policyholders in Penn Millers Mutual will cease. Policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company will no longer be members of Penn Millers Mutual and will no longer have the right to elect the directors of Penn Millers Mutual or approve transactions involving Penn Millers Mutual. Instead, voting rights in Penn Millers Mutual will be held by Penn Millers Holding Corporation, which will own all of the outstanding capital stock of Penn Millers Mutual. Voting rights in Penn Millers Holding Corporation will be held by the shareholders of Penn Millers Holding Corporation, subject to the terms of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Penn Millers Holding Corporation and to the provisions of Pennsylvania and federal law. See “Description of Capital Stock — Common Stock” for a description of our common stock.
 
Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights
 
In accordance with the plan of conversion, rights to subscribe for the purchase of our common stock have been granted to the following persons, listed in order of priority:
 
  •  “eligible members” (as they are referred to in the plan of conversion), which means a person or entity who is the named insured under an insurance policy issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company that is issued and in force as of the close of business on April 22, 2009;
 
  •  our ESOP; and
 
  •  the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers as of the closing date of the offering.
 
At April 22, 2009, Penn Millers Mutual had approximately 6,318 eligible members, which equaled the number of policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company as of that date.
 
All subscriptions received will be subject to the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and to the maximum and minimum purchase limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and as described below under “— Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.”
 
Priority 1: Eligible Members.  Each eligible member of Penn Millers Mutual will receive, without payment, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “— Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.”
 
If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions by eligible members, shares will be allocated first among subscribing eligible members so as to permit each such eligible member, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of: (i) the number of shares for which he or she subscribed, or (ii) 1,000 shares. Any shares remaining after such allocation will be allocated among the subscribing eligible members whose


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subscriptions remain unfilled on a pro rata basis based on the amount that each eligible member subscribed to purchase, provided that no fractional shares will be issued.
 
Priority 2: ESOP.  The ESOP will receive, without payment, second priority, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase, in the aggregate, that number of shares equal to 9.99% of the common stock to be issued in the offering. The ESOP intends to purchase 9.99% of the shares of common stock, or between 450,500 shares and 677,221 shares, based on the minimum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. Subscriptions by the ESOP will not be aggregated with shares of common stock purchased directly by or which are otherwise attributable to any other participants in the offering, including subscriptions of any of Penn Millers’ directors, officers, or employees. Any oversubscription by the eligible members will not reduce the number of shares that the ESOP may purchase in the offering. In that event, the number of shares to be issued in the offering will be increased by such number of shares as is necessary to permit the ESOP to purchase 9.99% of the total number of shares issued in the offering. See “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements — Employee Stock Ownership Plan,” and “— Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.”
 
Priority 3: Directors, Officers, and Employees.  To the extent that there are sufficient shares remaining after satisfaction of all subscriptions by eligible members and the ESOP, then Penn Millers’ directors, officers, and employees will each receive, without payment, third priority, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to 5% of the total shares of common stock sold in the offering. The ability of the directors, officers, and employees to purchase common stock under this category is in addition to rights that are otherwise available to them under the plan of conversion if they fall within higher priority categories, provided that they do not exceed the 5% share limitation on purchases set forth in the preceding sentence. See “— Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.” For information as to the number of shares proposed to be purchased by the directors and executive officers, see “— Proposed Management Purchases.”
 
In the event of an oversubscription among the directors, officers, or employees, any available shares will be allocated on a pro rata basis based on the amount that each person subscribed to purchase.
 
Community Offering
 
To the extent that shares remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of eligible members, the ESOP, and the directors, officers and employees in the subscription offering described above, we may elect to accept offers received in the community offering to the extent of any remaining shares. The community offering, if any, will commence at the same time as, during, or promptly after the subscription offering and will end no later than 45 days after the end of the subscription offering.
 
In the community offering, we, in our sole and absolute discretion, may give preference to orders received from the following categories of persons before proceeding to accept orders from the general public:
 
  •  licensed insurance agencies and brokers that have been appointed by or otherwise are under contract with Penn Millers Insurance Company to market and distribute policies of insurance;
 
  •  named insureds under policies of insurance issued by Penn Millers Insurance Company after April 22, 2009; and
 
  •  natural persons and trusts of natural persons (including individual retirement and Keogh retirement accounts and personal trusts in which such natural persons have substantial interests) who are residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties, Pennsylvania.
 
Subject to the preferences described above, the common stock offered in the community offering will be offered and sold in a manner designed to achieve a wide distribution of the common stock. In the event of oversubscription, subject to the preferences described above and our right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, any order received in the community offering, any available shares will be allocated so as to permit each person whose order is accepted in the community offering to purchase, to the extent possible, the lesser of 1,000 shares and the number of shares subscribed for by such person. Thereafter, any available shares will be allocated among accepted orders that have not been filled on a pro rata basis based on the amount each person subscribed to purchase.


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The opportunity to submit an order for shares of common stock in the community offering is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration of the community offering.
 
Syndicated Community Offering
 
As a final step in the offering, if there are any shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, they may be offered for sale to the public in a syndicated community offering. This syndicated community offering would be commenced at our sole discretion. A syndicated community offering would be made through a group of registered broker-dealers to be formed and co-managed by Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee on our behalf. We would reserve the right to reject orders in whole or part in our sole discretion in a syndicated community offering. Neither Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee, or any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common stock in the syndicated community offering. However, Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee have agreed to use their best efforts in the sale of shares in the syndicated community offering.
 
The price at which common stock would be sold in the syndicated community offering would be $10.00 per share. Shares of common stock purchased in the syndicated community offering would be combined with purchases in the subscription and community offerings for purposes of this offering’s maximum purchase limitation of 5% of the total shares sold in the offering.
 
If a syndicated community offering is held, Sterne Agee will serve as sole book-running manager. In their capacity as co-managers, Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee may form a syndicate of other broker-dealers who are Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (formerly NASD) member firms. Neither Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee, or any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of common stock in the syndicated community offering. The syndicated community offering will be conducted in accordance with certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to best efforts offerings. Generally, under those rules, Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee, in their capacity as a broker-dealers, will deposit funds they receive prior to closing from interested investors into a separate noninterest-bearing bank account. If and when all the conditions for the closing are met, funds for common stock sold in the syndicated community offering will be promptly delivered to us. If the offering is consummated, but some or all of an interested investor’s funds are not accepted by us, those funds will be returned to the interested investor promptly, without interest. If the offering is not consummated, funds in the account will be promptly returned, without interest, to the potential investor. Normal customer ticketing will be used for order placement. In the syndicated community offering, order forms will not be used.
 
A syndicated community offering, if necessary, will terminate no more than 45 days after the end of subscription offering.
 
Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued
 
The plan of conversion requires that the purchase price of the common stock be based on a valuation of our estimated consolidated pro forma market value. The valuation must be in the form of a range consisting of a midpoint valuation, a valuation fifteen percent (15%) above the midpoint valuation and a valuation fifteen percent (15%) below the midpoint valuation. Curtis Financial has determined that, as of August 7, 2009, our estimated consolidated pro forma market value is between $45.05 million and $60.95 million.
 
Under the plan of conversion, the total purchase price of the common stock to be sold in the offering must be compatible with the pro forma market value of Penn Millers Mutual, on a consolidated basis.
 
We determined to offer the common stock in the offering at the price of $10 per share to ensure a sufficient number of shares are available for purchase by policyholders. In addition, Griffin Financial advised us that the $10 per share offering price is commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions of other insurance companies and savings banks and savings associations that use the subscription rights model. These were the only factors considered by our board of directors in determining to offer shares of common stock at $10 per share. The purchase price will be $10 per share regardless of any change in the consolidated pro forma market value of Penn Millers Mutual, as determined by Curtis Financial.


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We plan to issue between 4,505,000 and 6,095,000 shares (exclusive of the purchase by the ESOP) of our common stock in the offering. This range was determined by dividing the $10.00 price per share into the range of Curtis Financial’s valuation. Our ESOP will purchase between 450,500 and 677,221 shares of common stock in the offering.
 
At the completion of the offering, but prior to our acceptance of any subscription orders in the offering, Curtis Financial will submit an updated valuation of the consolidated pro forma market value of Penn Millers Mutual as of the last day of the offering. Curtis Financial will take into account factors similar to those involved in its initial valuation. If the updated valuation does not fall within the estimated valuation range of the earlier valuation, we may cancel the offering, or establish a new valuation range and hold a new offering. In either event, the funds of any who submitted a subscription or order will be returned to such person promptly, without interest. If we proceed with a new offering using the updated valuation, people who submitted subscriptions or orders will be promptly notified by mail of the updated valuation and revised offering range. In that case, people will be given an opportunity to place new subscriptions and orders. See “— Resolicitation.” Subscriptions and orders may not be withdrawn for any reason if the updated valuation is within the estimated valuation range of the earlier valuation.
 
There is a difference of approximately $15.9 million between the low end and the high end of the estimated valuation range of Curtis Financial’s valuation. As a result, the percentage interest in Penn Millers that a subscriber for a fixed number of shares of common stock will have is approximately 26.1% greater if 4,505,000 shares are sold than if 6,095,000 shares are sold. In addition, assuming that the actual consolidated market value of Penn Millers Mutual will be within the broad estimated valuation range, this consolidated market value may be materially more or less than the total amount of subscriptions and orders received. Therefore, purchasers, in total and on a per share basis, may pay more for the common stock than the actual market value.
 
We cannot assure you that the market price for the common stock immediately following the offering will equal or exceed $10 per share. Also, you should be aware that, prior to the completion of the offering, you will not have available to you information concerning the final updated valuation. The final updated valuation will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Additional Information.”
 
If Subscriptions Received in the Subscription Offering Meet or Exceed the Maximum Number of Shares Offered
 
If, after the subscription offering, the number of shares subscribed for by eligible members, the ESOP, and the directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers in the subscription offering is equal to or greater than 6,095,000 shares, the offering will be promptly completed. We will, upon completion of the offering, issue shares of common stock to the subscribing participants, including to our ESOP. However, except for the shares purchased by the ESOP, the number of shares of common stock issued will not exceed 6,095,000 shares of common stock being offered. In the event of an oversubscription in the subscription offering, shares of common stock will be allocated among the subscribing participants in the priorities set forth in the plan of conversion. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued.
 
If Subscriptions Received in the Subscription Offering Meet or Exceed the Required Minimum
 
If the number of shares of common stock subscribed for by eligible members, the ESOP, and Penn Millers’ directors, officers and employees in the subscription offering is equal to or greater than 4,505,000 shares, but less than 6,095,000 shares, then we may choose to promptly complete the offering. However, prior to doing so, we will have the right in our absolute discretion to accept, in whole or in part, or reject orders received from any or all persons in the community offering. We also will have the right to offer shares of common stock to purchasers in a syndicated community offering. In any event, on the effective date we will issue to those persons purchasing in the subscription offering shares of common stock in an amount sufficient to satisfy the accepted subscriptions in full, including the subscription of the ESOP for 9.99% of the shares issued in the offering. No more than 6,772,221 shares of common stock will be issued in the offering (including the shares issued to the ESOP). No fractional shares of common stock will be issued.


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If Subscriptions Received in the Subscription Offering Do Not Meet or Exceed the Maximum
 
If the number of shares of common stock subscribed for by eligible members, the ESOP, and Penn Millers’ directors, officers and employees in the subscription offering is less than 6,095,000 shares, we may, in our sole and absolute discretion, accept other orders. We may accept orders received from purchasers in the community offering, and we may sell shares of common stock to purchasers in a syndicated community offering so that the aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in this offering is no greater than 6,772,221 shares (including shares issued to the ESOP). At that time, the offering will be promptly completed.
 
Upon completion of the offering we will first issue to subscribing eligible members and directors, officers and employees of Penn Millers shares of common stock in an amount sufficient to satisfy their subscriptions in full. Next, we will issue to persons whose orders in the community offering (and if we conduct a syndicated community offering, to persons whose orders in the syndicated community offering) are accepted, sufficient additional shares of common stock so that the total number of shares of common stock to be issued in the offering, including the shares to be issued to the ESOP, will be equal to at least 4,505,000 shares. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued. In order to raise additional capital, we may in our sole and absolute discretion elect to issue in excess of 4,505,000 shares of common stock by accepting orders of purchasers in the community offering and any syndicated offering. The number of shares of common stock issued in the offering cannot exceed 6,772,221 shares of common stock (including shares issued to the ESOP). See “— Community Offering” and “— Syndicated Community Offering” above.
 
If Subscriptions and Orders Received in All phases of the Offering Combined Do Not Meet the Required Minimum
 
If properly completed subscriptions and orders for less than 4,505,000 shares are received, then we may choose to cancel this offering and return all funds received in the offering, without interest, or we may cause a new valuation of the consolidated pro forma market value of Penn Millers Mutual to be performed, and based on this valuation commence a new offering of the common stock. If we elect to commence a new offering, the funds received from each purchaser will be returned to such purchaser, without interest.
 
Resolicitation
 
In the event that an updated valuation is provided by Curtis Financial that does not fall within the estimated valuation range, and we determine to proceed with the offering, we will return the funds received to the purchasers, without interest, and we will resolicit those who have previously subscribed for shares in the subscription and community offerings and any syndicated community offering.
 
We will also resolicit purchasers in the event that the offering is extended beyond November 23, 2009.
 
The Valuation
 
The plan of conversion requires that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock must be based on the appraised estimated consolidated pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined on the basis of an independent valuation. This pro forma market value may be that value that is estimated to be necessary to attract full subscription for the shares, as indicated by the valuation. It also may be stated as a range of pro forma market values.
 
The plan of conversion requires that the valuation be made by an independent appraiser experienced in the valuation of insurance companies and that the purchase price of our common stock be based on the appraised estimated consolidated pro forma market value of Penn Millers Mutual, as determined on the basis of such independent valuation. On October 27, 2008, we retained Curtis Financial Group, LLC to prepare a valuation in connection with a plan of minority stock offering, which was subsequently terminated in favor of the current plan of conversion. On March 30, 2009, we retained Curtis Financial to prepare this valuation. Curtis Financial is engaged regularly in the valuation of insurance companies and other financial institutions. There is no pre-existing relationship between Curtis Financial and Penn Millers.
 
Collectively, for those engagements. Curtis Financial will be paid a fixed fee of $186,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses. This fee is not contingent on the completion of the offering. We agreed, among other things, to indemnify


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Curtis Financial from and against any and all loss or expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, in connection with its appraisal and other services, except if such loss or expenses are the result of a lack of good faith or gross negligence on the part of Curtis Financial.
 
Curtis Financial made its appraisal in reliance upon the information contained in this document and information provided by management of Penn Millers, including the financial statements. Curtis Financial also considered the following factors, among others:
 
  •  the present and projected operating results and financial condition of Penn Millers and current economic conditions;
 
  •  certain historical, financial and other information relating to Penn Millers;
 
  •  a comparative evaluation of the operating and financial statistics of Penn Millers with those of other similarly situated publicly traded insurance companies located in Pennsylvania and other regions of the United States;
 
  •  the aggregate size of the offering of the common stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation as determined by Curtis Financial;
 
  •  the impact of the conversion offering on our net worth and earnings potential as determined by Curtis Financial;
 
  •  the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities; and
 
  •  the value which Curtis Financial estimates to be necessary to attract a full subscription of our common stock.
 
In conducting its analysis of Penn Millers, Curtis Financial placed emphasis on various financial and operating characteristics of Penn Millers, including our lines of business and competitive position in the industry, our relative size and premium volume, our operating results in recent years, and our ratio of equity capital to total assets. In addition to the factors listed above, in its review of the appraisal provided by Curtis Financial, our board of directors reviewed the methodologies and the appropriateness of the assumptions used by Curtis Financial and determined that such assumptions were reasonable.
 
In preparing the appraisal, Curtis Financial visited our corporate headquarters and conducted discussions with our management concerning our business and future prospects. Curtis Financial reviewed and discussed with our management our audited GAAP and statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2008 and our unaudited GAAP and statutory financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
In deriving its estimate of the estimated consolidated pro forma market value of Penn Millers, Curtis Financial utilized the comparative market valuation approach. The comparative market valuation approach estimates a value by reviewing the relevant market pricing characteristics of comparable companies that are publicly traded. Curtis Financial selected a group of publicly traded insurance companies based on criteria relating to asset size, profitability level, and market segment, among other factors. In determining the composition of the comparative group, Curtis Financial focused exclusively on publicly traded property and casualty insurance companies. Curtis Financial utilized the asset size and market capitalization selection criteria to encompass a meaningful number of companies for inclusion in the comparative group. The size and market capitalization criteria considered companies included in the lower quartile of all publicly traded property and casualty companies.
 
Curtis Financial reviewed the trading market price ratios of the comparable companies for the purpose of developing valuation ratio benchmarks to reach an estimate of value for Penn Millers. The principal valuation measure considered by Curtis Financial was the price-to-book value ratio. Curtis Financial also considered the price-to-earnings and price-to-assets ratios. Based on the quantitative and qualitative comparisons of Penn Millers with the selected group of publicly traded companies, Curtis Financial applied adjusted market pricing ratios to our pro forma financial data to determine our estimated consolidated pro forma market value. The market pricing ratios determined by Curtis Financial took into account market value adjustments for our earnings prospects, our


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management, liquidity of our shares of common stock, subscription interest, stock market conditions, dividend outlook and the new issue discount warranted for an equity securities offering.
 
The following table sets forth the publicly traded insurance companies used by Curtis Financial in its comparative market valuation approach and certain financial data reviewed by Curtis Financial regarding these companies and Penn Millers as of or for the last twelve months (LTM) ended June 30, 2009.
 
                                                 
                LTM(1)
    Total
             
    Total
    Total
    Total
    Equity/
    LTM
    LTM
 
    Assets
    Equity
    Revenue
    Assets
    ROAA(1)
    ROAE(1)
 
    ($000s)     ($000s)     ($000s)     (%)     (%)     (%)  
 
Comparative Group
                                               
21st Century Holding Company
    204,676       76,288       62,937       37.2       (3.2 )     (8.1 )
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. 
    765,742       345,853       176,997       45.2       1.3       3.0  
CRM Holdings, Ltd. 
    452,951       101,677       134,533       22.4       (3.5 )     (13.5 )
Donegal Group Inc. 
    893,824       371,328       378,831       41.5       1.9       4.7  
Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. 
    385,487       137,234       129,820       35.6       (5.4 )     (13.5 )
EMC Insurance Group Inc. 
    1,142,746       307,348       405,255       26.9       0.3       1.3  
First Mercury Financial Corporation
    1,045,694       286,838       251,615       27.4       2.4       8.5  
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 
    551,279       190,555       267,758       34.6       2.3       6.5  
Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. 
    580,809       148,430       155,403       25.6       1.6       6.5  
National Interstate Corporation
    969,243       243,547       295,525       25.1       2.2       9.8  
National Security Group, Inc. 
    125,054       35,045       59,538       28.0       (3.4 )     (11.5 )
NYMAGIC, INC.
    977,190       187,572       107,837       19.2       (7.1 )     (28.4 )
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. 
    911,125       341,811       275,243       37.5       2.4       6.3  
Unico American Corporation
    182,340       76,226       45,089       41.8       2.9       7.3  
Comparative Group Mean
    656,297       203,549       196,170       32.0       (0.4 )     (1.5 )
Comparative Group Median
    673,276       189,064       166,200       31.3       1.4       3.9  
Penn Millers
    228,385       51,972       74,148       22.8       (2.4 )     (9.6 )
 
 
(1) LTM corresponds to last twelve months ended June 30, 2009. Return on average assets (ROAA), which is the ratio of net income to total average assets, and the return on average equity (ROAE), which is the ratio of net income to total average equity, utilize net income for the LTM period and asset book values at June 30, 2009 and 2008 to derive such ratios.


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The following table sets forth for the publicly traded insurance companies used by Curtis Financial certain market valuation data reviewed by Curtis Financial regarding these companies based on closing market prices as of August 7, 2009.
 
                                                 
    Total
    Price/
    Price/
    Price/
    Price/
    Price/
 
    Market
    Book
    Tang.
    LTM
    LTM
    Total
 
    Value
    Value
    Book
    EPS(1)
    Rev.(1)
    Assets
 
    ($000s)     (%)     (%)     (x)     (x)     (%)  
 
Comparative Group
                                               
21st Century Holding Company
    37,345       49.0       49.0       Neg       0.59       18.2  
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. 
    311,288       89.8       89.8       29.69       1.75       40.6  
CRM Holdings, Ltd. 
    18,280       18.1       18.7       Neg       0.14       4.1  
Donegal Group Inc. 
    401,238       108.1       108.1       23.16       1.06       44.9  
Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. 
    89,946       65.0       75.8       Neg       0.69       23.1  
EMC Insurance Group Inc. 
    305,750       99.5       99.8       74.52       0.75       26.8  
First Mercury Financial Corporation
    223,907       78.1       100.3       9.85       0.89       21.4  
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 
    139,640       73.3       115.2       11.53       0.52       25.3  
Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. 
    116,521       78.5       81.5       12.85       0.75       20.1  
National Interstate Corporation
    359,109       147.4       147.4       16.71       1.22       37.1  
National Security Group, Inc. 
    20,966       59.8       59.8       Neg       0.35       16.8  
NYMAGIC, INC.
    158,873       84.7       84.7       Neg       1.47       16.3  
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. 
    210,058       61.5       62.4       10.33       0.76       23.1  
Unico American Corporation
    45,137       59.2       59.2       8.47       1.00       24.8  
Comparative Group Mean
    174,147       76.6       82.3       21.90       0.85       24.5  
Comparative Group Median
    149,256       75.7       83.1       12.85       0.76       23.1  
Penn Millers (Fully Converted)
                                               
Pro Forma Minimum
    45,050       50.5       50.5       Neg       0.60       17.0  
Pro Forma Midpoint
    53,000       55.0       55.0       Neg       0.70       19.4  
Pro Forma Maximum
    60,950       59.0       59.0       Neg       0.80       21.8  
 
 
(1) LTM EPS corresponds to earnings per share for the last twelve months ended June 30, 2009. LTM revenue corresponds to total revenue for the last twelve months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Curtis Financial determined that the price-to-earnings ratio was not applicable due to our relatively low average returns on equity and assets in recent reporting periods and our negative profitability in the LTM period. Thus, the price-to-book value ratio takes on additional meaning as a valuation metric. Curtis Financial also relied upon the price to asset ratio to confirm its valuation conclusion was reasonable. Based on its comparative analyses, Curtis Financial concluded that our estimated consolidated pro forma market value at the midpoint warranted a discount in the range of approximately 25% to 35% relative to the comparative group based on the price-to-book value ratio.
 
Curtis Financial’s valuation appraisal of our estimated consolidated pro forma market value was prepared as of August 7, 2009. Curtis Financial has agreed to update its valuation at the conclusion of the offering, and otherwise as requested by us. These updates will consider developments in general stock market conditions, current stock market valuations for selected insurance companies, the results of the subscription offering, and the recent financial condition and operating performance of Penn Millers.
 
On the basis of the foregoing, Curtis Financial gave its opinion, dated August 7, 2009, that the estimated consolidated pro forma market value of our common stock ranged from a minimum of $45.05 million to a maximum of $60.95 million with a midpoint of $53.0 million. We determined that the common stock should be sold at $10.00 per share, resulting in a range of 4,505,000 to 6,095,000 shares of common stock being offered in the offering, which amount may be increased to 6,772,221 shares solely to accommodate the purchase by the ESOP of 9.99% of the shares sold in the subscription offering. The offering range may be amended if required or if


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necessitated by subsequent developments in our financial condition or market conditions generally. In the event the offering range is updated to amend the value of Penn Millers below $45.05 million or above $60.95 million, and we decide to proceed with the offering, the new appraisal will be filed with the SEC by post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
 
No sale of shares of common stock in the offering may be consummated unless Curtis Financial first confirms that nothing of a material nature occurred that, taking into account all relevant factors, would cause it to conclude that the purchase price is materially incompatible with the estimate of the consolidated pro forma market value of our outstanding common stock upon completion of the offering. If this confirmation is not received, Penn Millers may cancel the offering, extend the offering period and establish a new estimated offering range and/or estimated price range, extend, reopen or hold a new offering or take any other action we deem necessary.
 
Depending upon market or financial conditions, the total number of shares of common stock offered may be increased or decreased without a resolicitation of subscribers, provided that the aggregate gross proceeds are not below the minimum or more than the maximum of the offering range. In the event market or financial conditions change so as to cause the aggregate purchase price of the shares to be below the minimum of the offering range, purchasers will be resolicited and be permitted to continue their orders, in which case they will need to confirm their subscriptions prior to the expiration of the resolicitation offering or their subscription funds will be promptly refunded, or be permitted to modify or rescind their subscriptions. If the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering is increased due to an increase in the offering range to reflect changes in market or financial conditions, persons who subscribed for the maximum number of shares will be given the opportunity to subscribe for the adjusted maximum number of shares. See “— Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.”
 
An increase in the number of shares of common stock as a result of an increase in the estimated consolidated pro forma market value would decrease both a purchaser’s ownership interest and our pro forma shareholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma shareholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares of common stock would increase both a purchaser’s ownership interest and our pro forma shareholders’ equity on a per share basis while decreasing pro forma shareholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. The effect on pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share of any increase or decrease in the number of shares issued will depend on the manner in which we use the proceeds from the offering. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.”
 
The appraisal report of Curtis Financial is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and is available for inspection in the manner set forth under “Additional Information.”
 
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is not required to review or approve the valuation prepared by Curtis Financial in connection with this offering.
 
The valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing common stock. In preparing the valuation, Curtis Financial relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of financial, statistical and other information provided to it by Penn Millers. Curtis Financial did not independently verify the financial statements and other information provided to it by Penn Millers, nor did Curtis Financial value independently our assets and liabilities. The valuation considers Penn Millers only as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of our liquidation value. The valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time to time. We cannot assure you that persons purchasing common stock will be able to sell such shares at or above the initial purchase price. Copies of the valuation report of Curtis Financial setting forth the method and assumptions for its valuation are on file and available for inspection at our principal executive offices. Any subsequent updated valuation report of Curtis Financial will be available for inspection.
 
Offering Deadline
 
The offering will expire at noon, Eastern Time, on October 7, 2009, unless on or prior to that date our board of directors extends the offering, which we may do without notice to you. Subscription rights not exercised prior to the termination date of this offering will be void. If this offering is extended more than 45 days after the original


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expiration date, we will return all of the funds received from purchasers, without interest, and we will resolicit subscribers offering them the opportunity to submit new orders. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel your order and return your payment without interest.
 
Subscriptions and orders for common stock will not be accepted by us until we receive subscriptions and orders for at least 4,505,000 shares of common stock. If we have not received subscriptions and orders for at least 4,505,000 shares of common stock by the expiration date of this offering, all funds delivered to us for the purchase of stock in this offering will be promptly returned to purchasers without interest.
 
Use of Order Forms in This Offering
 
Any person or entity who wants to subscribe for or order shares of common stock in this offering must sign and complete the stock order form and return it to us so that it is received (not postmarked) no later than noon, Eastern Time, on October 7, 2009, together with full payment for all shares for which the order is made. The stock order form should be delivered in-person at our offices or mailed to the Stock Information Center at P.O. Box 9800, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. Payment by check or money order must accompany the stock order form. No cash, wire transfers, or third party checks will be accepted. All checks or money orders must be made payable to “Christiana Bank & Trust Company, escrow agent.” Unless the subscription offering is extended, all subscription rights will expire at noon, Eastern Time, on the termination date of this offering, whether or not we have been able to locate each person or entity entitled to subscription rights. Once tendered, orders to purchase common stock in the offering cannot be modified or revoked without our consent.
 
No prospectus will be mailed any later than five days prior to the termination date of this offering, or hand delivered any later than two days prior to such date. This procedure is intended to ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours prior to the termination of the offering in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Execution of the stock order form will confirm receipt or delivery in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Stock order forms will be distributed only with or preceded by a prospectus. Photocopies and facsimile copies of stock order forms will not be accepted.
 
A subscription right may be exercised only by the eligible member, director, officer, or employee to whom it is issued and only for his or her own account. The subscription rights granted under our plan of conversion are nontransferable. Each eligible member, director, officer, or employee subscribing for shares of common stock is required to represent that he or she is purchasing the shares for his or her own account. Each eligible member, director, officer, or employee also must represent that he or she has no agreement or understanding with any other person or entity for the sale or transfer of the shares. We are not aware of any restrictions that would prohibit eligible members who purchase shares of common stock in the offering and who are not executive officers or directors of Penn Millers from freely transferring shares after the offering. See “— Limitations on Resales” herein.
 
We shall have the absolute right, in our sole discretion, and without liability to any person, to reject any stock order form, including but not limited to a stock order form that is:
 
  •  not timely received;
 
  •  improperly completed or executed;
 
  •  is not accompanied by payment in full for the shares of common stock subscribed for in the form; or
 
  •  submitted by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we believe may be violating, evading or circumventing the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion.
 
We may, but are not required to, waive any incomplete, inaccurate or unsigned stock order form. We also may require the submission of a corrected stock order form or the remittance of full payment for the shares of common stock subscribed for by any date that we specify. Our interpretations of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and determinations concerning the acceptability of the stock order forms will be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. We (and our directors, officers, employees and agents) will not be liable to any person or entity in connection with any interpretation or determination.


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Payment for Shares
 
When you submit a completed stock order form to us, you must include payment in full for all shares of common stock covered by such order form. Payment may be made by check or money order in U.S. dollars and must be made payable to “Christiana Bank & Trust Company, escrow agent.” Payments will be placed in an escrow account at Christiana Bank & Trust Company, who will serve as the escrow agent. The escrow account will be administered by the escrow agent. An executed stock order form, once received by us, may not be modified or rescinded without our consent. Funds accompanying stock order forms will not be released to us until the offering is completed.
 
The ESOP will not be required to pay for shares at the time it subscribes, but will be required to pay for its shares at or before the completion of this offering.
 
Delivery of Certificates
 
Certificates representing shares of the common stock will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the addresses indicated on the order forms by such persons as soon as practical following completion of the offering. Until certificates are delivered to purchasers, you may not be able to sell the shares even though trading of the common stock will have begun.
 
Stock Information Center
 
If you have any questions regarding the offering, please call the Stock Information Center at 1-877-764-2743, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time or write to us at Penn Millers Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 9800, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. The Stock Information Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays. Our Stock Information Center is located at our offices at 72 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18773. Additional copies of the materials will be available at the Stock Information Center.
 
Marketing and Placement Agent Arrangements
 
We have engaged Griffin Financial as a placement agent in connection with the offering of the common stock in the offering. Griffin Financial has agreed to use its best efforts to assist us with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for shares of common stock in the offering.
 
Stevens & Lee is acting as counsel to Griffin Financial in connection with the offering and, together with independent counsel retained by us, is also acting as our counsel in connection with the offering. Griffin Financial is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Stevens & Lee. You should be aware that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with this transaction because Stevens & Lee is serving as an advisor to both us and the placement agent for this offering. The independent directors of the Company have retained independent counsel to help address these conflicts of interest, which potentially include differences between the Company’s interest in proceeding with the offering and that of Griffin Financial.
 
Pursuant to our engagement letter with Stevens & Lee, Stevens & Lee has agreed to perform its services in connection with the conversion and offering based on its standard hourly rates subject to a cap of $800,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses. Griffin Financial will receive an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate dollar amount of stock sold in the subscription and community offering, which shall be deemed a commission payable to Griffin for its services, less a $50,000 retainer fee and $50,000 paid to Griffin Financial upon the filing of this registration statement. An amount equal to $100,000 shall be deemed payable to Stevens & Lee for services as Griffin’s placement agent’s counsel. However, this $100,000 fee is also subject to the $800,000 legal fee cap.
 
In the event the offering is abandoned for any reason, we will pay Stevens & Lee its accrued and unpaid legal fees, but in no event shall such fees (including fees previously paid) exceed $600,000.
 
In the event of a syndicated offering , a syndicate of broker-dealers co-managed by Griffin Financial and Sterne Agee will be formed for purposes of completing the syndicated offering, with Sterne Agee acting as sole book running manager. We have agreed to pay our placement agents a fee of 5.5% of the aggregate dollar amount


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of stock sold in the syndicated offering. Of this amount, and in consideration of its role as sole book running manager in the syndicated offering, Sterne Agee will be paid 4.75% of the aggregate dollar amount of stock sold in the syndicated offering and Griffin will be paid 0.75% of the dollar amount of stock sold in the syndicated offering.
 
In addition, all fees and commissions payable to Stevens & Lee, Griffin Financial, and Sterne Agee (or other FINRA members participating in the offering) in connection with the conversion and offering are subject to an aggregate cap of 6% of the gross offering proceeds.
 
The following table sets forth commissions payable to Griffin Financial at the minimum and maximum number of shares sold in the offering, assuming that no shares are sold in a syndicated offering:
 
                 
    Minimum
    Maximum
 
    (4,505,000 Shares)     (6,095,000 Shares)  
 
Commissions
  $ 675,750 (1)   $ 914,250 (1)
 
 
(1) Includes the $100,000 in fees already paid to Griffin Financial, which will be credited against any commissions payable to Griffin Financial.
 
Fees to Griffin Financial and to any other broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting fees. Griffin Financial and any other broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriters. If the offering is not consummated or Griffin Financial ceases under certain circumstances to provide assistance to us, Griffin Financial will be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Griffin Financial has no residual rights under the engagement letter to represent us or receive any payment from us in connection with any future financings, mergers, asset sales or any other transaction.
 
The Griffin Financial engagement letter also contains customary indemnification provisions. We have agreed to indemnify Griffin Financial for its liabilities, costs and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in this prospectus, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
Christiana Bank & Trust Company will perform escrow agent services for us in the offering. Christiana Bank & Trust Company will receive a fee for this service, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service. The Bank of New York Mellon will perform records management services for us in the offering. The Bank of New York Mellon will receive a fee for this service, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service.
 
Our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock in this offering. Questions from prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives. Our employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange Act, and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with his or her participation in this offering.
 
Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock
 
The plan of conversion provides for certain limitations on the purchase of shares in the offering:
 
  •  No person or entity may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock in the offering;
 
  •  No purchaser may purchase more than 5% of the total shares of common stock sold in the offering; and
 
  •  No purchaser, together with such purchaser’s affiliates and associates or a group acting in concert, may purchase more than 5% of the total shares of common stock sold in the offering.
 
Therefore, if any of the following persons purchase stock, their purchases when combined with your purchases cannot exceed 5% of the total shares of common stock sold in the offering:
 
  •  any corporation or organization (other than an affiliate of Penn Millers) of which you are an officer or partner or the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities;


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  •  any trust or other estate in which you have a substantial beneficial interest or as to which you serve as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity;
 
  •  any of your relatives or your spouse, or any relative of your spouse, who lives at home with you;
 
  •  any person or entity who you control, who controls you, or who together with you is controlled by the same third party;
 
  •  any person or entity who is knowingly participating with you in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action toward a common goal; or
 
  •  any person or entity with whom you are combining or pooling voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any agreement or relationship.
 
The above 5% share purchase limit does not apply to the ESOP, which intends to purchase 9.99% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering.
 
There are approximately 6,318 eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, as determined by reference to the number of policyholders of Penn Millers Insurance Company as of April 22, 2009. If subscriptions by eligible members for common stock exceed the maximum of the estimated valuation range set forth in Curtis Financial’s valuation, we will be obligated to sell to eligible members the maximum number of shares offered. Except as set forth below under “— Proposed Management Purchases,” we are unable to predict the number of eligible members that may participate in the subscription offering or the extent of any participation.
 
Shares of common stock to be purchased and held by the ESOP and allocated to a participant in the ESOP will not be aggregated with shares of common stock purchased by the participant or any other purchase of common stock in the offering for purposes of the purchase limitations discussed above.
 
The officers and directors of Penn Millers, together with their affiliates and associates, may not purchase, in total, more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the shares of common stock issued in the offering. An associate is defined as:
 
  •  any corporation or organization (other than an affiliate of Penn Millers) of which the officer or director is an officer or partner or the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities;
 
  •  any trust or other estate in which the officer or director has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which he or she serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; or
 
  •  any of the officer’s or director’s relatives or his or her spouse, or any relative of the spouse, who lives at home with the officer or director.
 
Our directors will not be deemed to be associates of one another or a group acting in concert with other directors solely as a result of membership on our board of directors.
 
Subject to any required regulatory approval and the requirements of applicable law, we may increase or decrease any of the purchase limitations at any time. If the individual purchase limitation is increased, we will permit any person or entity who subscribed for the maximum number of shares of common stock to purchase an additional number of shares up to the revised maximum. These additional shares will be subject to the rights and preferences of any person or entity who has priority subscription rights. If the individual purchase limitation or the number of shares of common stock to be sold is decreased, the order of any person or entity who subscribed for the maximum number of shares will be decreased to the new maximum. In the event that we change the maximum purchase limitation, we will distribute a prospectus supplement or revised prospectus to each person who placed an order for the previous maximum number of shares that an individual could purchase.
 
Each person or entity purchasing common stock in the offering will be deemed to confirm that the purchase does not conflict with the purchase limitations under the plan of minority stock offering or otherwise imposed by law. If any person or entity violates the purchase limitations, we will have the right to purchase from that person or entity, at the purchase price of $10.00 per share, all shares acquired by the person or entity in excess of the purchase limitation. If the person or entity has sold these excess shares, we are entitled to receive the difference between the


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aggregate purchase price paid by the person or entity for the excess shares and the proceeds received by the person from the sale of the excess shares. This right of Penn Millers to purchase excess shares is assignable.
 
We have the right in our sole and absolute discretion and without liability to any purchaser, underwriter or any other person or entity to determine which orders, if any, to accept in the community offering or in the syndicated community offering. We have the right to accept or reject any order in whole or in part for any reason or for no reason. We also have the right to determine whether and to what extent shares of common stock are to be offered or sold in a syndicated community offering.
 
Proposed Management Purchases
 
The following table lists the approximate number of shares of common stock that each of the directors and executive officers of Penn Millers Mutual and its subsidiaries and their affiliates and associates intend to purchase in the offering. These numbers include shares that each person and his associates intend to purchase. The directors and executive officers listed below do not have any agreements or obligation to purchase the amounts shown below. Each director or executive officer may elect to purchase an amount greater or less than those shown below, except that his or her purchase may not exceed 5% of the total shares sold in the offering. The table also shows the number of shares to be purchased by all directors and executive officers as a group, including the shares that all of their affiliates and associates intend to purchase, and other related information. For purposes of the following table, we have assumed that sufficient shares will be available to satisfy subscriptions in all categories.
 
                         
          Number of
       
Name
  Amount ($)     Shares(1)(2)     Percent(3)  
 
Directors:
                       
Heather M. Acker
  $ 50,000       5,000       *  
F. Kenneth Ackerman, Jr. 
    100,000       10,000       *  
Dorrance R. Belin
    50,000       5,000       *  
John L. Churnetski
    75,000       7,500       *  
John M. Coleman
    200,000       20,000       *  
Douglas A. Gaudet
    300,000       30,000       *  
Kim E. Michelstein
    50,000       5,000       *  
Robert A. Nearing, Jr. 
    75,000       7,500       *  
Donald A. Pizer
    50,000       5,000       *  
James M. Revie
    50,000       5,000       *  
J. Harvey Sproul, Jr. 
    100,000       10,000       *  
Executive Officers:
                       
Michael O. Banks
    100,000       10,000       *  
Jonathan C. Couch
    20,000       2,000       *  
Harold Roberts
    20,000       2,000       *  
Kevin Higgins
    25,000       2,500       *  
Joseph Survilla
    10,000       1,000       *  
                         
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (16 persons)
  $ 1,275,000       127,500       2.83 %
                         
 
 
*  Less than one percent.
 
 
(1) Does not include shares that will be allocated to employees under the ESOP. Under the ESOP, our employees will be allocated over time, in the aggregate, shares in an amount equal to 9.99% of the common stock issued in the offering (which equals between 450,499 shares if 4,505,000 shares are sold in the offering and 677,222 shares if 6,772,221 shares are sold in the offering).
 
(2) Does not include shares that would be issuable upon the exercise of options or the vesting of restricted stock awards granted under our proposed stock-based incentive plan. Under the stock-based incentive plan, we expect to grant to directors, executive officers and other employees options to purchase common stock and restricted


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stock awards in an aggregate amount equal to 14% of the shares issued in the offering (which equals between 630,700 shares if 4,505,000 shares are sold in the offering, and 948,111 shares if 6,772,221 shares are sold in the offering).
 
 
(3) Assumes that 4,505,000 shares are issued in the offering, including the shares purchased by the ESOP.
 
Limitations on Resales
 
The common stock issued in the offering will be freely transferable under the Securities Act of 1933. However, the transfer of shares issued to our directors and officers will be restricted for a period of six months from the effective date of the offering. The directors and officers of Penn Millers also are subject to additional resale restrictions under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933. Shares of common stock issued to directors and officers will bear a legend giving appropriate notice of these restrictions. We will give instructions to the transfer agent for the common stock regarding these transfer restrictions. Any shares issued to the directors and officers of Penn Millers as a stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to restricted stock will be subject to the same restrictions. Shares acquired by the directors and officers after the completion of the offering will be subject to the requirements of Rule 144. See “Management — Directors and Officers.”
 
Amendment or Termination of Plan of Conversion
 
The plan of conversion may be amended or terminated at any time by our board of directors in its sole discretion.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
General
 
The statements of United States federal income tax law, or legal conclusions with respect to United States federal income tax law, in the following discussion constitute the opinion of Stevens & Lee on the material federal income tax considerations to:
 
  •  Penn Millers Mutual upon the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company;
 
  •  eligible members that are U.S. Persons that hold their membership interests in Penn Millers Mutual as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (which we refer to as the Code), of the receipt, exercise and lapse of subscription rights to purchase shares of the common stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation (which we refer to as our common stock) in the subscription offering;
 
  •  eligible members that are U.S. Persons that purchase shares of our common stock in the subscription offering upon the exercise of subscription rights and hold their shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock purchased in the subscription offering; and
 
  •  other investors that are U.S. Persons that purchase shares of our common stock in the community offering and hold their shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock purchased in the community offering.
 
The following discussion is based, primarily, on private letter rulings that have been issued by the Internal Revenue Service to certain corporations unrelated to Penn Millers that have engaged in transactions that are analogous to the conversion. Under the Code, private letter rulings are directed only to the taxpayer that requested the rulings and they may not be used or cited as precedent by other taxpayers. In addition, some of the discussion below under “— Tax Consequences of Subscription Rights,” is outside the scope of the private letter rulings that have been issued by the Internal Revenue Service and is based on the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service and other applicable authorities,


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all as in effect on the date of this discussion and all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) and to differing interpretations. No assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any part of the discussion under “— Tax Consequences of Subscription Rights,” below.
 
The following discussion is directed solely to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual that are U.S. Persons and hold membership interests in a qualifying policy as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and it does not purport to address all of the United States federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to Penn Millers Mutual or to the individual circumstances of particular categories of eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual, in light of their specific circumstances. For example, if a partnership holds membership interests in a qualifying policy, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership that holds membership interests in a qualifying policy, you should consult your tax advisor. In addition, the following discussion does not address aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be applicable to eligible members of Penn Millers Mutual subject to special treatment under the Code, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, pass-through entities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, financial asset securitization investment trusts, dealers or traders in securities, or tax-exempt organizations, or any aspect of the U.S. alternative minimum tax or state, local or foreign tax consequences of the proposed transactions.
 
For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Person” means (a) a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation, or entity treated as corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (c) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, (d) a trust if either (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. Person for United States federal income tax purposes, or (e) any other person or entity that is treated for United States federal income tax purposes as if it were one of the foregoing.
 
This discussion does not constitute tax advice and is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning. Each eligible member is urged to consult its own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax consequences of the receipt, exercise and lapse of subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock in the subscription offering. Each prospective purchaser of shares of our common stock is urged to consult its own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock purchased pursuant to this offering.
 
The Conversion
 
For federal income tax purposes:
 
  •  the conversion of Penn Millers Mutual from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company will be a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code;
 
  •  Penn Millers Mutual in its post-conversion stock form will constitute one and the same taxable entity as Penn Millers Mutual in its pre-conversion mutual form;
 
  •  neither Penn Millers Mutual in its pre-conversion mutual form nor Penn Millers Mutual in its post-conversion stock form will recognize gain or loss as a result of the conversion; and
 
  •  the tax attributes of Penn Millers Mutual in its pre-conversion mutual form will remain unchanged as tax attributes of Penn Millers Mutual in its post-conversion stock form. Thus, Penn Millers Mutual’s basis in its assets, holding period for its assets, net operating loss carryovers, if any, capital loss carryovers, if any, earnings and profits and accounting methods will not be changed by reason of the conversion.


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Tax Consequences of Subscription Rights
 
Generally, the federal income tax consequences of the receipt, exercise and lapse of subscription rights are uncertain. They present novel issues of tax law that are not adequately addressed by any direct authorities. Nevertheless, based upon the advice of Stevens & Lee, we believe, and we intend to take the position that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
 
  •  eligible members will be treated as transferring their membership interests in Penn Millers Mutual to Penn Millers Holding Corporation in exchange for subscription rights to purchase Penn Millers Holding Corporation common stock;
 
  •  any gain realized by an eligible member as a result of the receipt of a subscription right with a fair market value must be recognized, whether or not such right is exercised;
 
  •  the amount of gain that must be recognized by an eligible member as a result of the receipt of a subscription right will equal the fair market value of such subscription right;
 
  •  any gain recognized by an eligible member as a result of the receipt of a subscription right with a fair market value should constitute a capital gain, which will be long term capital gain if the eligible member has held its membership interests for more than one year; and
 
  •  if an eligible member is required to recognize gain on the receipt of a subscription right and does not exercise such subscription right, (i) the eligible member should recognize a corresponding loss upon the expiration or lapse of such member’s unexercised subscription right, (ii) the amount of that loss should equal the gain previously recognized upon receipt of the unexercised subscription right, and (iii) if the common stock that an eligible member would have received upon exercise of the lapsed subscription right would have constituted a capital asset in the hands of that eligible member, the resulting loss upon expiration of the subscription right should constitute a capital loss.
 
For purposes of determining gain, it is unclear how to determine the number of subscription rights that may be allocated to each eligible member during the subscription offering.
 
Curtis Financial has advised us that it believes the subscription rights will not have any fair market value. Curtis Financial has noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to recipients, will be legally nontransferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of our common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in the community offering. Curtis Financial cannot assure us, however, that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge Curtis Financial’s determination or that such challenge, if made, would not be successful. Nevertheless, eligible members are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax consequences of the receipt, exercise and lapse of subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock in the subscription offering. See also “— Recent Developments” below.
 
Tax Consequences to Purchasers of Our Common Stock in the Offering
 
Basis and Holding Period.  The adjusted tax basis of a share of our common stock purchased by an eligible member pursuant to the exercise of a subscription right will equal the sum of the amount of cash paid for such share plus the basis, if any, of the subscription right that is exercised to purchase such share, taking into account the income and gain, if any, recognized by such eligible member on the receipt of such subscription right, less any prior return of capital distributions in respect of such stock. In all other cases, a holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock generally will equal the U.S. holder’s acquisition cost less any prior return of capital distributions in respect of such stock. The holding period of a share of our common stock purchased by an eligible member through the exercise of a subscription right will begin on the date on which the subscription right is exercised. In all other cases, the holding period of common stock purchased by an eligible member or other investor in the community offering will begin on the date following the date on which the stock is purchased.
 
Dividends and Distributions.  If we pay cash distributions to holders of shares of our common stock, such distributions generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions


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in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce (but not below zero) the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of its shares of our common stock and will be treated as described under “— Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock” below.
 
Dividends we pay to a U.S. holder that is a taxable corporation generally will qualify for the dividends received deduction if the requisite holding period is satisfied. With certain exceptions (including, but not limited to, dividends treated as investment income for purposes of investment interest deduction limitations), and provided certain holding period requirements are met, dividends we pay to a non-corporate U.S. holder generally will constitute “qualified dividends” that will be subject to tax at the maximum tax rate accorded to capital gains for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, after which the rate applicable to dividends is currently scheduled to return to the tax rate generally applicable to ordinary income.
 
Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock.  In general, a holder of shares of our common stock must treat any gain or loss recognized upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of such shares (which would include a dissolution and liquidation) as capital gain or loss. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder’s holding period for its shares of our common stock so disposed of exceeds one year. In general, a holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition and (ii) the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock so disposed of. Long-term capital gain realized by a non-corporate holder generally will be subject to a maximum rate of 15 percent for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, after which the maximum long-term capital gains rate is scheduled to increase to 20 percent. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations, as is the deduction for losses realized upon a taxable disposition by a holder of its shares of our common stock if, within a period beginning 30 days before the date of such disposition and ending 30 days after such date, such holder has acquired (by purchase or by an exchange on which the entire amount of gain or loss was recognized by law), or has entered into a contract or option so to acquire, substantially identical stock or securities.
 
Recent Tax Developments
 
We call to your attention that, on August 6, 2008, the opinion of the United States Court of Federal Claims was filed in the case of Eugene A. Fisher, Trustee, Seymour P. Nagan Irrevocable Trust, Plaintiff, v. The United States, Defendant (No. 04-1726T), in which the court ruled that a policyholder of Sun Life Assurance Company that, in the course of the demutualization of Sun Life in a recapitalization that constituted a reorganization under the Code, (a) exchanged its voting and liquidation rights in Sun Life for shares of the common stock of a new holding company that would become the corporate parent of Sun Life (the “Exchange Shares”), and (b) sold the Exchange Shares on the open market, did not realize any income for federal income tax purposes on the sale of the Exchange Shares, because the amount realized by the policyholder on the sale of the Exchange Shares was less than the policyholder’s cost basis in its Sun Life insurance policy as a whole. The opinion of the court is contrary to the long-standing published position of the Internal Revenue Service that the basis of stock received by a policyholder in the course of a mutual insurance company’s demutualization in a series of transactions that constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code is zero. We understand that the government has appealed the court’s decision.
 
The plan of conversion and the law considered by the court in Fisher were substantially different than Penn Millers Mutual’s plan of conversion and the corresponding law of Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, if the principles articulated by the court in Fisher were determined to be applicable to the subscription offering: (a) eligible members would not be required to recognize any income or gain upon the receipt of subscription rights with a fair market value if the fair market value of the subscription rights did not exceed the eligible policyholder’s cost basis in its Penn Millers insurance policy as a whole; and (b) the basis of the shares of our common stock purchased by an eligible member pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights would equal the sum of the purchase price of the stock plus the eligible member’s adjusted tax basis in the subscription rights that are exercised.


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You should consult your tax advisors with respect to the potential tax consequences to you of the receipt, exercise and lapse of subscription rights and the determination of your adjusted tax basis in your shares of our common stock, based on your particular circumstances.
 
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.
 
We must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each holder the amount of dividends or other distributions we pay to such holder on its shares of our common stock and the amount of tax withheld with respect to those distributions, regardless of whether withholding is required.
 
The gross amount of dividends and proceeds from the disposition of shares of our common stock paid to a holder that fails to provide the appropriate certification in accordance with applicable U.S. Treasury regulations generally will be subject to backup withholding at the applicable rate (currently 28 percent).
 
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts we withhold under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S federal income tax liability, if any, by the Internal Revenue Service if the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.
 
DUE TO THE INDIVIDUAL NATURE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES, EACH ELIGIBLE MEMBER AND EACH OTHER PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK IN THE OFFERING IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR.


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MANAGEMENT
 
Directors and Officers
 
Our board of directors consists of Heather M. Acker, F. Kenneth Ackerman, Jr., Dorrance R. Belin, John L. Churnetski, John M. Coleman, Douglas A. Gaudet, Kim E. Michelstein, Robert A. Nearing, Donald A. Pizer, James M. Revie and J. Harvey Sproul, Jr., each of whom also presently serves as a director of Penn Millers Insurance Company, PMHC, and Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company. The board of directors is divided into three classes with directors serving for three-year terms with approximately one-third of the directors being elected at each annual meeting of shareholders. Messrs. Churnetski, Coleman, and Nearing have terms of office expiring at the annual meeting to be held in 2010. Messrs. Belin and Revie and Mses. Acker and Michelstein have terms of office expiring at the annual meeting to be held in 2011. Messrs. Ackerman, Gaudet, and Sproul have terms of office expiring at the annual meeting to be held in 2012.
 
Our executive officers are elected annually and, subject to the terms of their respective employment agreements, hold office until their respective successors have been elected and qualified or until death, resignation or removal by the board of directors. Annually, the director nominees are reviewed by the governance and bylaws committee and are selected by the board of directors.
 
No person is eligible for election as a director after attaining the age of 75. Mr. Sproul, our chairman, has reached the age of 75 and, therefore, will not be eligible to stand for reelection when his term expires in 2012. Currently, the board of directors anticipates naming Mr. Ackerman, our Vice Chairman, Mr. Sproul’s successor. At this time, the board of directors has not identified a successor for the Vice Chairman position and may chose to leave this position vacant.
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our current directors.
 
                     
    Age at
           
    September 9,
    Director
    Position with
    2009     Since(1)    
Penn Millers
 
Heather M. Acker
    57       2004     Director
F. Kenneth Ackerman, Jr. 
    70       1979     Vice Chairman
Dorrance R. Belin
    71       1998     Director
John L. Churnetski
    68       1997     Director
John M. Coleman
    59       2007     Director
Douglas A. Gaudet
    54       2005     President and CEO
Kim E. Michelstein
    56       1998     Director
Robert A. Nearing, Jr. 
    66       1997     Director
Donald A. Pizer
    65       2009     Director
James M. Revie
    72       1990     Director
J. Harvey Sproul, Jr. 
    75       1990     Chairman
                     
 
 
(1) Indicates year first elected as a director of Penn Millers Insurance Company.
 
The business experience of each director for at least the past five years is set forth below.
 
J. Harvey Sproul, Jr. is our Chairman of the Board and has served as such since April 17, 2002. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Mr. Sproul had served as Vice Chairman of the Board since August 1997. He has served as a Director since 1990. He is President of H.B. Sproul Construction Company in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania and has served as such since 1978. H.B. Sproul Construction Company provides consulting and services to Sproul Construction, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation that performs site construction in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area, including site excavation, compacted fill, storm and sanitary installation and bituminous paving. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Brown University and served as a Lieutenant, j.g., in the United States Navy.
 
F. Kenneth Ackerman, Jr. is our Vice Chairman of the Board and has served as such since January 29, 2003, and has served as a Director since 1979. He has served as Chairman of Integrated Healthcare Strategies in Minneapolis,


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Minnesota since 2007. Integrated Healthcare Strategies is a consulting firm that assists healthcare organizations in workplace quality and organization. He previously served as President of Clark Consulting Healthcare Group from 2000 to 2007. Mr. Ackerman received his bachelors of science degree from Denison University and his masters of health administration from the University of Michigan.
 
Heather M. Acker is Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for Gentex Corporation in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Ms. Acker has held the position of Chief Financial Officer for over five years and has been Chief Operating Officer since 2007. Gentex Corporation designs and manufactures integrated life support systems for human protection in military, homeland defense and commercial markets. Ms. Acker received her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Bucknell University and received her M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in finance. Ms. Acker has served as a Director since 2004.
 
Dorrance R. Belin, Esq. is a Partner in the law firm of Oliver, Price & Rhodes in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and concentrates his practice in estate planning and administration. Mr. Belin received his bachelor of arts degree in history from Yale University. In addition, he received his law degree from University of Pittsburgh and currently holds a license to practice law in Pennsylvania. Mr. Belin is also licensed in Pennsylvania as a title insurance agent. He has served as a Director since 1998.
 
John L. Churnetski is retired from the architectural firm, Quad Three Group, Inc., a Wilkes-Barre engineering and architectural firm, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman until December 2005. He was employed by Quad Three Group for thirty-eight years. He has a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He has served as a Director since 1997.
 
John M. Coleman is Chief Operating Officer of NCI Consulting LLC, and has served as such since 2006. NCI Consulting, LLC is a strategic management consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical industry and located in Moorestown, New Jersey. Mr. Coleman had previously worked as a private investor from 1999 until January 2006. His prior employment includes Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Gillette Company and Senior Vice President — Law and Public Affairs of Campbell Soup Company. Mr. Coleman graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Haverford College. He received his law degree from University of Chicago and is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. He served as law clerk to the Honorable John D. Butzner, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals and to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Coleman is a former Department Chair of the Philadelphia law firm, Dechert LLP and has been the Chief Legal Officer of two Fortune 500 companies. He has served as a Director since 2007.
 
Douglas A. Gaudet was appointed our President and Chief Executive Officer in 2005 after a nationwide search. He previously served as Vice President, Commercial Lines for Philadelphia Insurance Companies from 2004 to 2005. From November of 2000 until November of 2003, Mr. Gaudet served as Senior Executive Vice President of Operations of Harleysville Insurance Group, a public company with $1.2 billion in direct premiums written. Mr. Gaudet received his bachelors of arts degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam and his M.B.A. from Clarkson University. Mr. Gaudet is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and holds an insurance producer license in Pennsylvania.
 
Kim E. Michelstein served as Director of the Insite Division and a Senior Manager of Benco Dental Company from June 1999 until November 2003. Benco Dental Company is the largest independent dental supply company in the United States. Since November 2003, she has worked as an independent consultant specializing in pro bono organizational work. Ms. Michelstein received her bachelor of arts degree in French and Spanish from Mount Holyoke College. In addition, Ms. Michelstein received her M.B.A from Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in marketing. Ms. Michelstein served as a marketing executive for two Fortune 500 companies, General Foods Corporation and McNeil Consumer Products, a division of Johnson & Johnson. She has served as a Director since 1998.
 
Robert A. Nearing, Jr. is Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of Cochecton Mill in Cochecton, New York, which manufactures animal feed for the agricultural industry. Mr. Nearing graduated from Mohawk Valley College with a degree in mechanical technology. He has served as a Director since 1997.


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Donald A. Pizer was a partner at Ernst & Young in its audit and assurance practice for twenty-one years until his retirement in 2003. After his retirement in 2003, Mr. Pizer provided consulting services to assist Ernst & Young in its design of educational programs for its professionals working in the firm’s insurance and banking practices. Mr. Pizer also served as director and audit committee chairman for Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp., a NASDAQ listed insurance holding company from February 2003 until its acquisition by Tokio Marine Group, Inc. in December 2008. Since the acquisition, Mr. Pizer serves as director and audit committee chair of Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company and Philadelphia Insurance Company, indirect subsidiaries of Tokio Marine Group, Inc. Mr. Pizer received his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in accounting from Penn State University. He is a certified public accountant and has served as a Director since April 2009.
 
James M. Revie is Chairman and Business Manager of Strategic Litigation Research in Kingston, Pennsylvania and has served as such since 2003. Strategic Litigation Research is a nationwide consulting service that advises major corporations, insurance companies and law firms regarding the defense strategy in their litigation. Mr. Revie received his bachelor of arts degree in engineering from Harvard University. In addition, he received his M.B.A. from Harvard University in finance. Mr. Revie has served as a Director since 1990.
 
In order to determine which of our directors are independent, we have elected to utilize the standards for independence established under the NASDAQ listing standards. Under this standard, an independent director is a person other than an executive officer or employee of Penn Millers or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The following persons will not be considered independent:
 
  •  a director who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by us;
 
  •  a director who accepted or who has a spouse, parent, child or sibling, whether by blood, marriage or adoption, or any other person who resides in his home, hereinafter referred to as a “Family Member”, who accepted any compensation from us in excess of $120,000 during any period of twelve consecutive months within the three years preceding the determination of independence (other than compensation for board or board committee service; compensation paid to a Family Member who is an employee (other than an executive officer) of Penn Millers; or benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan, or non-discretionary compensation).
 
  •  a director who is a Family Member of an individual who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by us as an executive officer;
 
  •  a director who is, or has a Family Member who is, a partner in, or a controlling shareholder or an executive officer of, any organization to which we made, or from which we received, payments for property or services in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s consolidated gross revenues for that year, or $200,000, whichever is more (excluding payments arising solely from investments in our securities; or payments under non-discretionary charitable contribution matching programs).
 
  •  a director of Penn Millers who is, or has a Family Member who is, employed as an executive officer of another entity where at any time during the past three (3) years any of our executive officers served on the compensation committee of such other entity; or
 
  •  a director who is, or has a Family Member who is, a current partner of our outside auditor, or was a partner or employee of the company’s outside auditor who worked on our audit at any time during any of the past three (3) years.
 
Under this criteria, the board of directors determined that directors Acker, Ackerman, Belin, Coleman, Churnetski, Michelstein, Nearing, Pizer, Revie and Sproul are independent. Pennsylvania insurance law requires that one-third of the members of each committee of the board be independent, except for the audit, nominating, and compensation committees, which may only include independent directors.
 
Director Compensation
 
In 2008, each of our non-employee directors received an annual retainer of $20,000, except for our Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, and a fee of $1,000 for each board meeting attended. Additionally, each of our


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non-employee directors received a fee of $500 for each committee meeting that he or she attends. The Chairman of each committee also received a $250 fee per meeting. The Audit Committee Chairman received an additional annual retainer of $3,000. Our Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sproul, received an annual retainer of $32,000, and our Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ackerman, received an annual retainer of $22,000.
 
For 2009, each of our non-employee directors will receive an annual retainer of $20,000, except for our Chairman, Vice Chairman and Audit Committee Chairman, and a fee of $1,000 for each board meeting attended. Additionally, each of our non-employee directors will receive a fee of $500 per committee meeting attended, except for the Chairperson of the respective committee, who will receive a fee of $750 per committee meeting. Our Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sproul, will receive an annual retainer of $32,000, and our Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ackerman, will receive an annual retainer of $22,000. Our Audit Committee Chairman, Mr. Coleman, will receive an annual retainer of $30,000.
 
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
                                                         
                            Change in
             
                            Pension
             
                            Value and
             
                            Nonqualified
             
    Fees Earned
                Non-Equity
    Deferred
             
    or Paid
    Stock
    Option
    Incentive Plan
    Compensation
    All Other
       
    in Cash
    Awards
    Awards
    Compensation
    Earnings
    Compensation
    Total
 
    ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
 
J. Harvey Sproul, Jr. 
  $ 47,500     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 47,500  
F. Kenneth Ackerman, Jr. 
  $ 39,193     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 906     $ 40,099  
Heather M. Acker
  $ 35,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 35,000  
Dorrance R. Belin
  $ 36,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 36,000  
John L. Churnetski
  $ 32,500     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 32,500  
John M. Coleman
  $ 34,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 34,000  
Kim E. Michelstein
  $ 36,750     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 36,750  
Robert A. Nearing, Jr. 
  $ 29,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 29,000  
William A. Ray(1)
  $ 29,619     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 7,551     $ 37,170  
James M. Revie
  $ 33,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 33,000  
 
 
(1) William A. Ray, age 66, had served as a Director since 2001 and resigned from the Board of Directors effective December 10, 2008. Mr. Ray retired from Towers Perrin Reinsurance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1999, where he was a Senior Vice President and Principal.
 
Committees of the Board of Directors
 
Compensation Committee.  Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Churnetski (Committee Chairman), Ackerman, Belin, Nearing, Pizer, Revie and Sproul, and Ms. Acker. All of the directors are independent under the criteria established under the NASDAQ listing standards. All of the directors are “non-employee directors,” as required under the Exchange Act. The compensation committee will:
 
  •  review, evaluate and approve the compensation and benefit plans and policies of Penn Millers employees, including its officers;
 
  •  review, evaluate and approve the compensation and benefit plans and policies for our officers and directors;
 
  •  grant stock options and restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards to employees, management and directors under our proposed stock-based incentive plan;
 
  •  be responsible for producing an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our proxy statement and for ensuring compliance of compensation and benefit programs with all other legal, tax and regulatory requirements; and
 
  •  make recommendations to our board of directors regarding these matters.


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Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Coleman (Committee Chairman), Ackerman, Belin, Churnetski, Pizer, and Sproul, and Mses. Acker and Michelstein. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Ms. Acker and Mr. Pizer each are an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations. Under the independence criteria utilized by the NASDAQ listing rules, the Audit Committee members must meet additional criteria to be deemed independent. An Audit Committee member may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee, the board of directors, or any other board of directors’ committee (i) accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from Penn Millers other than the receipt of fixed amounts of compensation under a retirement plan (including deferred compensation) for prior service with Penn Millers (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service); or (ii) be an affiliated person of Penn Millers as defined in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(e)(1). All of the directors of the Audit Committee are independent under this criteria.
 
The Audit Committee will:
 
  •  be responsible for the selection, retention, oversight and termination of our independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  approve the non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  review the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  approve the estimated cost of the annual audit;
 
  •  establish procedures to facilitate the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received from third parties regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters;
 
  •  establish procedures to facilitate the receipt, retention, and treatment of confidential, anonymous submissions of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters by Penn Millers employees;
 
  •  review and approve all related party transactions and transactions raising potential conflicts of interest;
 
  •  review the annual financial statements and the results of the audit with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  review with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of our system of internal control over financial reporting, including their effectiveness at achieving compliance with any applicable laws or regulations;
 
  •  review with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the significant recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm with respect to changes in accounting procedures and internal control over financial reporting; and
 
  •  report to the board of directors on the results of its review and make such recommendations as it may deem appropriate.
 
Governance Committee.  The Governance Committee of the board of directors consists of Messrs. Ackerman (Committee Chairman), Belin, Coleman, Nearing, and Sproul and Mses. Acker and Michelstein. All of the directors are independent as defined under the NASDAQ listing standards. The Governance Committee will:
 
  •  make independent recommendations to the board of directors as to best practices for board governance and evaluation of board performance;
 
  •  produce a Code of Ethics and submit it for board approval, and periodically review the Code of Ethics for necessary revisions;
 
  •  identify suitable candidates for board membership, and in such capacity will consider any nominees recommended by shareholders;
 
  •  propose to the board a slate of directors for election by the shareholders at each annual meeting; and
 
  •  propose candidates to fill vacancies on the board based on qualifications it determines to be appropriate.


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Finance Committee.  The Finance Committee consists of Mses. Michelstein (Committee Chairman) and Acker, and Messrs. Ackerman, Gaudet, Coleman, Revie and Sproul. The purpose of the Finance Committee is to review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to financial issues and policies of the company. In particular, the Finance Committee will:
 
  •  review investment policies, strategies, transactions and performance;
 
  •  review Penn Millers’ capital structure and provide recommendations regarding financial planning;
 
  •  conduct an annual financial review and assessment of proposed strategic plans and initiatives;
 
  •  conduct a financial review and assessment of proposed business transactions; and
 
  •  administer Penn Millers’ Pension Plan and 401(k) plans.
 
Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee consists of Messrs. Sproul (Committee Chairman), Ackerman, Churnetski, Coleman, and Gaudet, and Ms. Michelstein. The purpose and duties of the Executive Committee are to handle legal formalities and technicalities concerning administrative operations. The Executive Committee will:
 
  •  oversee budget review;
 
  •  provide capital spending approval;
 
  •  propose capital structure policy;
 
  •  oversee merger, acquisition and divestiture review;
 
  •  provide debt issuance approval; and
 
  •  review qualification of commercial and investment bankers.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The members of the compensation committee of our board of directors are currently Messrs. Churnetski (Committee Chairman), Ackerman, Belin, Nearing, Pizer, Revie and Sproul.
 
The compensation committee does not include any current or former officers or current employees of Penn Millers. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.
 
Officers
 
Douglas A. Gaudet, age 54, was appointed our President and Chief Executive Officer in 2005. He previously served as Vice President, Commercial Lines for Philadelphia Insurance Companies from 2004 to 2005. From November of 2000 until November of 2003, Mr. Gaudet served as Senior Executive Vice President of Operations of Harleysville Insurance Group, a public company with $1.2 billion in direct premiums written. Mr. Gaudet received his bachelors of arts degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam and his M.B.A. from Clarkson University. Mr. Gaudet is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and holds an insurance producer license in Pennsylvania.
 
Michael O. Banks, age 50, is our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and has served as such since August 2002. His responsibilities are in the areas of administration, financial functions, human resources and the commercial business insurance unit. He has also currently serves as Secretary, which he was appointed to in September 2004. Mr. Banks has served as an Executive Vice President since March 2004. He previously served as a Senior Vice President from August 2002 until March 2004. Mr. Banks is a former certified public accountant. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
 
Harold W. Roberts, age 55, is our Senior Vice President of Agribusiness Underwriting and has served as such since March 2006. Prior to his appointment as Senior Vice President of Agribusiness Underwriting he served as Senior Vice President of Underwriting from October 2004 until January 2006. Previously, he had served as Vice


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President of Underwriting. Mr. Roberts graduated from Wilkes College with a bachelor of science degree in finance and accounting. Mr. Roberts is also a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and is currently a licensed insurance producer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia.
 
Kevin D. Higgins, age 52, is our Senior Vice President of Claims and has served as such since January 2007. He had previously served as Vice President of Claims from May 2003 until December 2006. Mr. Higgins is Certified Insurance Counselor and is a certified Associate in Claims and Casualty Claims Law Associate. Prior to his employment with Penn Millers, he served in progressive claims leadership roles with Royal & SunAlliance, including as President and Director of Operations of its wholly owned subsidiary, Investigative Resources Global, Inc.
 
Jonathan C. Couch, age 40, is our Vice President of Finance and Controller and has been with Penn Millers since November 2002. He is responsible for managing all of the financial functions of Penn Millers, including, financial reporting, accounting, benefit plans, loss reserves, investments, planning and budgeting. Prior to his employment with Penn Millers, he served in various financial roles at Pitney Bowes, Inc., Andersen Consulting, and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Couch received his bachelor of arts degree in economics and business from Lafayette College and his M.B.A from the University of Connecticut.
 
Frank Joanlanne, age 43, was our Senior Vice President and the President of Penn Software from 2003 until 2008. His employment with us was terminated effective December 1, 2008 in connection with our sales of substantially all of the net assets of Penn Software and Eastern Insurance Group.
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
The compensation committee of our board of directors is currently responsible for establishing and reviewing our compensation policies and approving the compensation of our employees, including our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, referred to herein as our “named executive officers.” The compensation committee oversees our overall compensation structure, policies and programs, and assesses whether our compensation structure establishes appropriate incentives for management and employees.
 
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives.  The compensation committee has sought to design a compensation structure that attracts, motivates and retains qualified and experienced officers and, at the same time, is both reasonable for our organization and competitive position in the marketplace. The compensation structure is designed to support our business strategy and business plan by clearly communicating expectations for executives with respect to goals and rewarding achievement of these goals. Finally, our compensation structure is designed to align our named executive officers’ incentives with performance measures directly related to the Company’s financial goals and the creation of shareholder value.
 
Our compensation has consisted primarily of cash compensation, salary and bonuses, and retirement benefits. In connection with the offering, we expect to offer our employees the opportunity to participate in an employee stock ownership plan. In addition, following the offering, we expect to adopt a stock-based incentive plan, subject to shareholder approval of the plan. The stock-based incentive plan will allow us to incorporate into our compensation structure stock options, and restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards to directors, officers and other employees. Because equity and performance-based compensation will correlate our employees’ compensation with the creation of shareholder value, we anticipate that our proposed stock-based benefit plans will play a significant role in our future compensation considerations, particularly for our named executive officers.
 
Determination of Compensation Level.  Because the compensation committee currently reviews the compensation for employees throughout our organization, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gaudet, provides recommendations on matters of compensation philosophy, plan design and the general guidelines for employee compensation. These recommendations are then considered and evaluated by the compensation committee. Mr. Gaudet generally attends committee meetings in order to provide information on employee performance, but refrains from participating in discussions regarding his own compensation. The compensation committee, in an executive session, reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives for Mr. Gaudet, evaluates his performance, with the governance committee, based upon these goals and objectives, and sets his compensation level on the basis of this evaluation.


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In order to establish the compensation structure for 2008 and 2009, the compensation committee employed Compensation Consulting Consortium (3C) to conduct a review of external competitiveness of our compensation structure based on publicly available salary surveys and through the publicly available compensation information of a peer group of publicly traded insurance companies of comparable asset size and with comparable revenues. The survey’s objectives were to determine the value and market competiveness of the total compensation packages for our executives. In its evaluation of market competiveness, the compensation committee focused primarily on the information provided from the peer group analysis, which consisted of the following nine insurance companies: 21st Century Holding Company, Atlantic American Corporation, Bancinsurance Corporation, Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc., Gainsco, Inc., Investors Title Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Group, National Atlantic Holdings Corporation, and Unico American Corporation. The peer group of companies has a nationwide span. The committee does not benchmark salaries, bonuses, or retirement plans or benefits to any particular level or percentile target of the peer group range. An individual’s total compensation or individual compensation elements may be higher or lower than the peer group due to additional considerations such as tenure with Penn Millers or cost of living adjustments. However, the compensation committee utilizes these surveys to ensure that the compensation structure allows Penn Millers to maintain a competitive position in the marketplace for talent.
 
Elements of Executive Compensation.  The components of compensation we provide to our named executive officers primarily consist of the following:
 
  •  annual base salary;
 
  •  annual cash and deferred compensation bonuses which are discretionary;
 
  •  retirement benefits; and
 
  •  other perquisites and personal benefits.
 
Base Salary.  For fiscal year 2008, the compensation committee considered salary adjustments for Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Joanlanne, Roberts, Higgins and Couch in January 2008. Mr. Gaudet, our only named executive officer who is also a member of the board of directors, did not participate in discussions regarding his own compensation.
 
In determining base salaries for 2008, the compensation committee considered the overall financial performance of Penn Millers and the individual executive officer’s performance and compensation relative to the peer surveys, however, no particular weight was given to any single factor. The base salaries at December 31, 2008, for Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Joanlanne, Roberts, Higgins and Couch were $342,476, $235,706, $198,633, $186,589, $162,983 and $133,524, respectively. The compensation committee believes that the base salaries paid to our named executive officers are commensurate with their duties, performance and range for the industry compared with insurance companies of similar size within our region, and therefore permit us to attract and retain qualified and talented employees. Due to the current economic environment, the compensation committee did not authorize any increases in base salary for officers in 2009, and therefore, their base salaries will remain at their 2008 levels.
 
Employment Agreements.  We enter into employment agreements with executive officers, including the named executive officers, when we determine that an employment agreement is warranted in order to ensure the executive’s continued employment in light of prevailing market competition for the particular position held by the executive officer, or where it is determined it is necessary in light of the prior experience of the executive or practices at Penn Millers with respect to other similarly situated employees. Based on the evaluation of these factors, we currently have employment agreements with Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, and Couch, and William A. Dine, Sr., our Vice President of Commercial Business, and Joseph J. Survilla, our Vice President of Agribusiness Marketing.
 
Cash Bonuses.  In addition to base salary, we pay annual cash bonuses to our employees, including our named executive officers under our Success Sharing Bonus Plan. The amount of the cash bonus for the 2008 calendar year was calculated based on achieving certain operating income targets established on a segment or company-wide basis. For 2009, bonus targets were established on a company-wide basis. In order to participate in the plan, an employee must have been employed with Penn Millers for at least four months prior to the end of the calendar year and satisfactorily performed his or her job duties in the board’s discretion. For the fiscal year ended December 31,


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2008, none of our named executive officers met the specified operating targets in order to earn a bonus. Our Chief Executive Officer may recommend and the board, in its discretion, may approve a bonus outside the criteria set forth in the plan in the event of extraordinary individual or business unit performance or events. No bonuses were awarded under the plan for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Under the Success Sharing Bonus Plan, payouts of bonuses are conditioned on Penn Millers Insurance Company first meeting its operating income goals. We believe our operating income targets have a direct impact on our executives’ performance and the achievement of our strategic goals. Operating income goals are established for each level of our reporting segments. If a segment meets its operating income target, the executives in that segment are entitled to a bonus. For 2008, our operating income goals were as follows:
 
                         
Business Unit Level
  Threshold ($)     Target ($)     Maximum ($)  
 
Insurance Company
  $ 4,731,000     $ 6,121,000     $ 8,349,000  
Commercial Business
  $ 1,812,000     $ 2,344,000     $ 3,198,000  
Agribusiness
  $ 3,590,000     $ 4,645,000     $ 6,336,000  
Holding Company(1)
  $ 4,313,000     $ 5,580,000     $ 7,611,000  
Eastern Insurance Group, Inc. 
  $ 351,000     $ 454,000     $ 620,000  
 
 
(1) Excludes operating income objectives for Eastern Insurance Group and Penn Software.
 
For our named executive officers, the business unit thresholds applied to each particular officer is determined by the board of directors. For certain executive officers, the thresholds applied are broken down on a weighted basis across two business units. The thresholds applied to our executive officers on a business unit basis for 2008 were as follows:
 
                                         
                            Eastern
 
    Insurance
    Commercial
          Holding
    Insurance
 
Name
  Company     Business     Agribusiness     Company     Group, Inc  
 
Douglas A. Gaudet
                      100 %      
Michael O. Banks
          25 %           75 %      
Frank Joanlanne
                      75 %     25 %
Harold W. Roberts
                25 %     75 %      
Kevin D. Higgins
    100 %                        
Jonathan C. Couch
                      100 %      
 
For 2008, none of the named executive officers reached the threshold required to receive a bonus under the plan. As a result of Mr. Joanlanne’s termination, he was not eligible for a bonus. Typically, the executives receive a certain percentage of their base salary as a bonus under the plan based upon the executive’s position and for 2008 whether the executive reached the threshold, target or maximum operating income goal. The potential amount of each employee’s bonus was set forth in the plan by position as a percentage of his or her base salary for that year and is noted in the table below.
 
                         
    % of Base Salary as
    % of Base Salary as
    % of Base Salary as
 
    Bonus Opportunity
    Bonus Opportunity
    Bonus Opportunity
 
Employee Title or Position
  at Threshold     at Target     at Maximum  
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
    22.5 %     45.0 %     67.5 %
Executive Vice President & Senior Vice Presidents
    20.0 %     40.0 %     60.0 %
Vice Presidents
    17.5 %     35.0 %     52.5 %
Assistant Vice Presidents
    10.0 %     20.0 %     30.0 %
Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors
    6.0 %     12.0 %     18.0 %
All Other Employees
    2.5 %     5.0 %     7.5 %


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For 2009, we amended our Success Sharing Bonus Plan. Under the amended Success Sharing Plan, all full-time and part-time employees who have completed at least four months of service prior to the end of the calendar year and who during this period satisfactorily perform their duties, tasks, and assignments are eligible to participate in the plan. Employees required to participate in a performance improvement plan or on disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate. Employees not eligible to participate under such circumstances will become eligible to participate in the plan once their performance is deemed satisfactory or they are removed from disciplinary probation status. Bonus awards under the plan are pro-rated based upon the number of full months during the calendar year that an employee was eligible to participate in the plan.
 
Bonus awards under the plan are based on three measures of the Company’s performance: return on average equity (ROAE), gross premium growth, and operating expense control. The table below summarizes the threshold, targets and maximums for each performance element measure and the respective weight given to each measure in the determination as to whether a bonus will be paid.
 
                                 
Performance Measure
  Threshold     Target     Maximum     Weight  
 
ROAE
    3.00 %     5.25 %     7.87 %     60 %
Gross Premium Growth Rate
    1.50 %     2.60 %     3.80 %     20 %
Operating Expense
  $ 16,000,000     $ 15,700,000     $ 15,000,000       20 %
 
The objective of the ROAE measure is to ensure the appropriate return on capital and align our employees’ interest with those of our shareholders. In calculating ROAE, we will not include the following items into average stockholder’s equity: impacts on equity for changes in pension liability, realized and unrealized investment gains and losses, results from our discontinued operations, and the proceeds from this offering.
 
The gross premium growth rate was selected as a measure because it reflects the Company’s strategic goal to gain market share by increasing premiums written. The operating expense measure will not include expenses associated with the public offering or any acquisition or merger, and was selected because the Company believes that controlling expenses in an important element of profitability.
 
Interpolation within each performance goal level between the threshold, target and maximum goals will be used to determine the actual percentage payable for that operational performance measure and each such measure, respectively weighted, will be totaled to determine the total bonus award. However, in the event that the ROAE threshold is not met, no bonus payout may be made.
 
Under the 2009 plan, our employees have the opportunity to earn a percentage of their base salary as a cash bonus. The maximum bonus award as a percentage of the employee’s base salary at the threshold, target and maximum levels is shown by position on the table below.
 
                         
Title
  Threshold     Target     Maximum  
 
Chief Executive Officer
    11.25 %     45.0 %     67.5 %
Executive Vice President & Senior Vice Presidents
    10.00 %     40.0 %     60.0 %
Vice Presidents
    8.75 %     35.0 %     52.5 %
Assistant Vice Presidents
    5.00 %     20.0 %     30.0 %
Manager, Assistant Manager and Supervisors
    3.00 %     12.0 %     18.0 %
All Other Employees
    1.25 %     5.0 %     7.5 %
 
The bonus awards for employees at the Assistant Vice President level and above and the majority of our other employees will be based solely on the performance measures mentioned above. Certain individuals at the beginning of the calendar year who are below the Assistant Vice President level and who have responsibility for operational and strategic objectives will have his or her bonus award based on the operational goals outlined above and such individual’s achievement of his or her individual performance goals. The bonus potential for 2009 for our named


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executive officers, with the exception of Mr. Joanlanne whose employment with the Company was terminated in 2008, is displayed in the table below.
 
                         
Title
  Threshold     Target     Maximum  
 
Douglas A. Gaudet
  $ 38,528     $ 154,114     $ 231,171  
Michael O. Banks
  $ 23,571     $ 94,282     $ 141,424  
Harold W. Roberts
  $ 18,659     $ 74,636     $ 111,953  
Kevin D. Higgins
  $ 14,261     $ 57,044     $ 85,566  
Jonathan C. Couch
  $ 11,683     $ 46,733     $ 70,100  
 
The compensation committee may determine, in its discretion to grant no bonus awards under the plan, if it believes none are warranted. Conversely, even if the goals under the Success Sharing Plan are not met, the compensation committee may award bonuses if, in the exercise of its business judgment, the compensation committee determines that such awards are warranted under the circumstances and in the best interest of the Company. Bonus awards under the program will be based upon the employee’s performance in the respective calendar year and will paid on or before March 15 of the following calendar year.
 
Bonus awards to our executive officers under the plan are subject to a claw-back provision. Under this provision, the board of directors will require our executive officers to reimburse Penn Millers for any Success Sharing bonus award that:
 
  •  Was calculated based on the achievement of financial results that were subsequently restated;
 
  •  The restatement was caused in whole or in part by the intentional misconduct of the executive officer; and
 
  •  Had the financial results been properly reported, the amount awarded under the plan would have been lower than the amount actually rewarded.
 
This provision is designed to discourage intentional misconduct that may negatively impact our shareholders.
 
Retirement and Other Personal Benefits.  We provide our named executive officers, and in some circumstances our other employees, with certain retirement and other fringe benefits, as we describe below.
 
We provide all of our employees, including our named executive officers, with tax-qualified retirement benefits through our 401(k) retirement plan. All employees who meet the age and service requirements are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on a non-discriminatory basis. We provide a 401(k) matching contribution to employee contributions, up to specified amounts. Participants become vested in the matching contributions in accordance with a five-year ratable vesting schedule. Currently, Messrs. Banks, Roberts, Higgins and Couch are fully vested in our matching contributions. Mr. Gaudet is partially vested in our matching contributions.
 
Our executives and other employees are also eligible to participate in our defined benefit pension plan. Under the plan, participants may elect a life annuity or other optional forms of payment. Benefits under the plan become fully vested and nonforfeitable after five years of service or on normal retirement date if still employed. Currently, Messrs. Banks, Roberts, Higgins and Couch are fully vested in their pension benefits. The pension plan will be frozen effective October 31, 2009.
 
In addition, we currently sponsor a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Company Incentive Plan. The plan is designed to provide for certain highly compensated and management employees of Penn Millers an additional opportunity for retirement income, and deferral of receipt of all or a portion of the compensation the employees would otherwise receive. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan upon selection by the compensation committee. In addition, if the participant accomplishes certain performance levels, Penn Millers will make incentive contributions to the participant’s account. Incentive contributions vest pursuant to a five year ratable vesting schedule.
 
We also offer a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), through which we provide additional retirement income to a select group of executives. Under the SERP, a participant receives benefits to be distributed following retirement and vests in these benefits following ten years of tenure with Penn Millers. Currently, only Mr. Roberts is vested in his SERP benefits and only Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts and Higgins participate in the SERP. Mr. Joanlanne was also eligible to participate in the SERP, but his benefits were forfeited as a result of his termination. By utilizing vesting schedules of substantial periods, we believe our 401(k), SERP, and Nonqualified


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Deferred Compensation and Company Incentive Plan will help promote the long-term retention of talented executives.
 
In addition, we offer various fringe benefits to all of our employees, including our named executive officers, which include group policies for medical insurance. For 2008, Mr. Gaudet was provided with an automobile and with insurance and maintenance expenses related thereto, life insurance, and country club and dinner club memberships. Messrs. Banks, Joanlanne, Roberts and Higgins received a perquisite allowance in lieu of an automobile and other benefits and reimbursements. The compensation committee believes that such benefits are appropriate for these named executive officers and are consistent with our goal of providing competitive compensation and personal benefits in comparison with our peers.
 
Stock-Based Plans.  In connection with the offering, we adopted an ESOP, which will purchase 9.99% of the total stock outstanding following the offering. The ESOP will provide all of our employees who meet the age and service requirements with a stake in the future performance of our common stock. The ESOP will be an equity based plan available to all ranks of employees and will align our employees’ interests, including our named executive officers, with our shareholders.
 
Our board of directors adopted a stock-based incentive plan, which will permit us to make stock or stock-based awards in the form of incentive stock options and restricted stock and restricted stock units to directors and selected employees. We expect that the stock-based incentive plan will assist us in attracting, motivating, and retaining persons who will be in a position to substantially contribute to our financial success. The stock-based incentive plan has a term of ten years (unless our board of directors terminates the stock-based incentive plan earlier). The stock-based incentive plan will be administered by our compensation committee, who will determine the vesting period and other terms for the option, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards under the plan.
 
Because our stock-based plans will provide us with an opportunity to encourage the long-term retention of our executives and to align our executives’ compensation to the achievement of financial and strategic goals and the creation of long-term shareholder value, the board of directors is evaluating the need to continue the SERP and has decided to freeze the Company’s defined benefit pension plan effective October 31, 2009.
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the total annual compensation of our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
                                                                         
                            Change in
       
                            Pension
       
                            Value and
       
                            Nonqualified
       
                        Non-Equity
  Deferred
  All Other
   
Name and
              Stock
  Option
  Incentive Plan
  Compensation
  Compensation
   
Principal Position
  Year   Salary ($)   Bonus ($)   Awards ($)   Awards ($)   Compensation ($)   Earnings ($)   ($)(1)   Total ($)
 
Douglas A. Gaudet
    2008     $  342,476                             $ 75,996     $ 23,207     $ 441,679  
President and Chief Executive Officer
                                                                       
Michael O. Banks,
    2008       235,706                               20,691       26,536       282,933  
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                                                                       
Frank Joanlanne,
    2008       198,633                               8,320        232,501        439,454  
Sr. Vice President(2)
                                                                       
Harold W. Roberts,
    2008       186,589                               111,702       16,456       314,747  
Chief Underwriting Officer
                                                                       
Kevin D. Higgins,
    2008       162,983                               25,346       15,425       203,754  
Sr. Vice President of Claims
                                                                       
Jonathan C. Couch
    2008       133,524                               6,205       4,162       143,891  
Vice President of Finance and Controller
                                                                       
 
 
(1) Consists of matching contributions to 401(k) plan, life insurance premiums, country club and car allowances on behalf of Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Joanlanne, Roberts, Higgins and Couch. For Mr. Joanlanne, this amount


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includes $213,148 in severance payments accrued in 2008 and payable through December 31, 2009 and $3,000 of outplacement assistance accrued in 2008 pursuant to his Separation Agreement.
 
(2) Mr. Joanlanne’s employment with Penn Millers was terminated on December 1, 2008.
 
Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements
 
General.  Douglas A. Gaudet, Michael O. Banks, Harold W. Roberts, Kevin D. Higgins, and Jonathan C. Couch are parties to employment agreements with Penn Millers. In connection with the offering, our board of directors has approved the employee stock ownership plan. Our board of directors also adopted a stock-based incentive plan that must be approved by our shareholders at least twelve months from its adoption date. In addition, we have an existing a 401(k) and profit sharing plan in which our executive officers are eligible to participate.
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  In connection with the offering, we have adopted an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, for the exclusive benefit of participating employees, to be implemented upon the completion of the offering. Participating employees are all of our employees, who have completed at least six months of service with Penn Millers. As of July 31, 2009, there were 108 employees eligible to participate in the ESOP. We will submit to the IRS an application for a letter of determination as to the tax-qualified status of the ESOP. We expect that the ESOP will receive a favorable letter of determination from the IRS.
 
The ESOP intends to borrow funds from us in order to be able to purchase an amount of shares equal to 9.99% of the common stock issued in the offering. This loan will bear an interest rate equal to the long-term Applicable Federal Rate with semi-annual compounding on the closing date of the offering. Depending on the number of shares issued in the offering, the ESOP loan will require the ESOP to make annual payments of between approximately $450,000 and $680,000, for a term of ten years. The loan will be secured by our shares of common stock purchased by the ESOP. Shares purchased with the ESOP loan proceeds will be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the ESOP loan is repaid. We are required to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to enable the ESOP to meet its loan obligations.
 
Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account will be allocated pro-rata among participants based upon a participant’s eligible compensation as a percentage of the eligible compensation of all participants in the ESOP, multiplied by a factor based upon a participant’s combined age plus years of service as of each December 31. Eligible compensation will include the participant’s annual wages within the meaning of Section 3401(a) of the Code and all other payments of compensation reported on the participant’s Form W-2, plus any amounts withheld under a plan qualified under Sections 125, 401(k), or 132(f)(4) of the Code and sponsored by Penn Millers Holding Corporation or one of its affiliates. Eligible compensation will be determined without regard to any rules under Section 3401(a) of the Code that limit wages based on the nature or location of the participant’s employment or services performed. Participants must have at least 1,000 hours of service in a calendar year and be employed on the last day of the calendar year in order to receive an allocation. A participant becomes 100% vested in his or her right to ESOP benefits only after completing 6 years of service with Penn Millers (20% per year beginning with the participant’s second year of service). For vesting purposes, a year of service means any year in which an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of service. Vesting will be accelerated to 100% upon a participant’s attainment of normal retirement age (age 65), death, or disability. Forfeitures will be reallocated to participants on the same basis as other contributions, or, at our discretion, used to pay administrative expenses. Vested benefits are payable upon a participant’s retirement, death, disability, or separation from service, and will be paid in a lump sum as whole shares of common stock (with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares), unless the distributee elects cash. Any dividends paid on allocated shares are expected to be credited to participant accounts within the ESOP or paid to participants, and any dividends on unallocated shares are expected to be used to repay the principal of and interest on the ESOP loan.
 
As sponsor of the ESOP, Penn Millers, through its board of directors, will administer the ESOP itself or engage a third party administrator to provide, among other services, participant recordkeeping and account maintenance services. An unaffiliated bank or trust company will be appointed as custodian and trustee of the ESOP. The ESOP trustee must vote all allocated shares held in the ESOP in accordance with the instructions of the participants. Unallocated shares and allocated shares for which no timely direction is received will be voted by the ESOP trustee in accordance with the terms of the ESOP’s trust agreement.


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Stock-Based Incentive Plan.  Our board of directors adopted a stock-based incentive plan on July 28, 2009. The plan is subject to shareholder approval within twelve months after the adoption date. The plan will not be submitted to our shareholders for approval until at least six months after the completion of the offering.
 
The purpose of the stock-based incentive plan will be to assist us in attracting, motivating, and retaining persons who will be in a position to substantially contribute to our financial success. The stock-based incentive plan will assist us in this effort by providing a compensation vehicle directly tied to the performance of our common stock. The stock-based incentive plan will have a term of ten years (unless our board of directors terminates the stock-based incentive plan earlier).
 
The stock-based incentive plan will permit us to make stock or stock-based awards in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted common stock, and restricted common stock units to directors and employees. Our non-employee directors will not be eligible to receive awards of incentive stock options under the plan, because, under the Internal Revenue Code, incentive stock options may only be granted to employees. The stock-based incentive plan will be administered by the compensation committee.
 
The aggregate number of shares of common stock that can be awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be limited to 14% of the number of shares issued in the offering. No more than 10% of the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering will be issuable under the stock-based incentive plan upon exercise of stock options, and no more than 4% of the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering will be issuable under the stock-based incentive plan as restricted stock awards or through the vesting of restricted stock unit awards. Under the stock-based incentive plan, the compensation committee will determine whether the participant will receive either common stock or cash upon the vesting of a restricted stock unit award.
 
We may purchase shares of our common stock in the open market to hold as treasury shares for use in issuing stock upon the exercise of stock options, the vesting of a restricted stock unit award not paid in cash, or making restricted stock awards, or we may issue new shares from our authorized but unissued common stock. If we purchase all of the common stock eligible to be issued under the stock-based incentive plan in the open market, the number of shares purchased will be between 630,700 shares and 948,111 shares, and if we purchase all of the shares at $10.00 per share, the cost would be between $6,307,000 and $9,481,111. By purchasing some or all of the shares to be issued under the stock-based incentive plan in the open market, Penn Millers can reduce the dilution to net income per share and the percentage of shares held by then existing shareholders as the result of the issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards under the stock-based incentive plan.
 
All awards granted under the stock-based incentive plan will be subject to vesting, pre-established performance criteria, or other conditions as the compensation committee may in its discretion set, subject to the terms of the stock-based incentive plan document. The failure to satisfy any vesting, performance criteria, or other conditions may result in the forfeiture, lapse, or other loss of the benefit of an award under the stock-based incentive plan. An award agreement between Penn Millers and the officer, director or employee will evidence the terms of each award, including these conditions.
 
Vesting of awards may accelerate upon a Change in Control (as defined in the stock-based incentive plan) and, in certain circumstances, upon a participant’s death or disability. In addition, the compensation committee may exercise its discretion to waive a vesting period (but not any performance goals) or forfeiture provision with respect to an award.
 
Each option issued under the stock-based incentive plan will entitle the option holder upon vesting, to purchase a number of shares of our common stock, at a price per share, specified in the agreement issued to him or her. Incentive stock options afford favorable tax treatment to recipients upon compliance with certain restrictions under Section 422 of the Code. Nonqualified stock options are options that do not qualify for the favorable tax treatment of Section 422 of the Code.
 
Under the stock-based incentive plan, the exercise price of each stock option must be at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of award, except that the exercise price of an incentive stock option awarded to an individual who beneficially owns more than 10% of the voting power from all classes of our stock must be at least 110% of the fair market value on the date of award. If our stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global


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Market, as we expect, the fair market value will be the closing sales price on the day the option is awarded, and if no such price is available for that day, the exercise price will be determined by reference to the closing sales price on the preceding day on which prices were quoted.
 
No taxable income will be recognized by the option holder upon exercise of an incentive stock option, although it may increase the option holder’s alternative minimum tax liability, if applicable. Incentive stock options do not result in tax deductions to Penn Millers unless the option holder fails to comply with Section 422 of the Code, which requires the option holder to hold shares acquired through exercise of an incentive stock option for two years from the date on which the option is awarded and for more than one year from the date on which the shares are issued upon exercise of the option. If the option holder complies with these requirements, any gain or loss on the subsequent sale of such shares will be long-term capital gain or loss. Generally, if the option holder sells such shares before the expiration of either of these holding periods, then at the time of the sale, the option holder will realize taxable ordinary income equal to the lesser of: (i) the excess of the shares’ fair market value on the date of exercise over the exercise price, or (ii) the option holder’s actual gain, if any, on the purchase and sale. The option holder’s additional gain or any loss upon any such sale will be a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon whether he held the shares for more or less than one year.
 
Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the option holder will recognize ordinary income upon the exercise of the nonqualified option in an amount equal to the excess of the then fair market value of the stock acquired over the exercise price. Penn Millers will generally be entitled to a federal income tax deduction equal to the amount reportable as income by the option holder.
 
Restricted stock is common stock that will be awarded under the stock-based incentive plan at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock will be nontransferable and forfeitable until the holder’s interest in the stock vests. Upon vesting and release of the restricted stock, the holder will recognize ordinary income equal to the then fair market value of the shares received, unless a special election has been timely filed with the Internal Revenue Service to recognize as income the value of the restricted stock on the award date. When the holder sells the shares, capital gain and loss rates will apply. Penn Millers will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction equal to the amount reportable as income by the holder.
 
Restricted stock units are awards denominated in shares of our common stock that, upon vesting, are settled, in the discretion of the compensation committee, (a) in cash, based on the fair market value of our common stock on the date of vesting; (b) in our common stock; or (c) a combination of cash and our common stock. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units the holder will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of cash received plus, the then fair market value of unrestricted shares received. When the holder sells shares acquired pursuant to the vesting of a restricted stock unit award, capital gain and loss rates will apply. Penn Millers will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction equal to the amount reportable by the holder.
 
Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to certain “covered employees” in a taxable year to the extent that compensation to such covered employee exceeds $1,000,000. Compensation attributable to awards made under the stock-based incentive plan, when combined with all other types of compensation received by a covered employee from Penn Millers, may cause this limitation to be exceeded in any particular year. Certain kinds of compensation, including qualified “performance-based compensation,” are disregarded for purposes of the deduction limitation. In accordance with treasury regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code, awards will qualify as performance-based compensation if the award is granted by the compensation committee comprised solely of “outside directors” and either (i) with respect to stock options, the plan contains a per-employee limitation on the number of shares for which such options may be granted during a specified period, the per-employee limitation is approved by the shareholders, and the exercise price of the option is no less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of award, or (ii) the award is subject to the achievement (as specified in writing by the compensation committee) of one or more objective performance goal or goals that the compensation committee establishes in writing while the outcome is substantially uncertain, and the shareholders approve the performance goal or goals. It is our intention to have awards under the stock-based incentive plan to executive officers constitute “performance-based compensation” in accordance with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, but the compensation committee may approve awards that do not qualify for maximum deductibility when it deems it to be in the best interest of Penn Millers.


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We expect that the initial grant of awards under the stock-based incentive plan will take place on the date of shareholder approval. We have not made any final decision concerning the number or type of awards that will be made to any director or officer at this time. We will not make any awards under the stock-based incentive plan before receiving shareholder approval.
 
401(k) Retirement Plan.  We currently sponsor a 401(k) plan. Employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in the plan immediately upon employment. As of July 31, 2009, 110 of our employees were eligible to participate in the plan. Under the plan, participants receive matching contributions from Penn Millers equal to fifty percent of the employee’s contribution up to three percent of their eligible compensation. Participants in the plan become vested in the matching contributions they receive from us in accordance with a five year ratable vesting schedule. Under the schedule, our matching contributions vest at a rate of 20% per year of service completed. An employee reaches a year of service when they have worked 1,000 hours in the applicable calendar year. Once amounts under the plan are distributed, the participant will have taxable income for the amounts distributed. Participants taking distributions when they are under the age of 591/2 could be subject to an additional 10% excise tax on the income distributed.
 
As of December 31, 2008, Messrs. Banks, Roberts, Joanlanne, Higgins and Couch were each 100% vested in the 401(k) plan and Mr. Gaudet was 60% vested in the 401(k) plan. For the year ended December 31, 2008, Messrs Gaudet and Banks each received $6,900 in contributions to the plan by Penn Millers. Roberts, Joanlanne, Higgins, and Couch received $6,456, $6,353, $5,425, and $4,162, respectively, in contributions to the plan from Penn Millers.
 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.  We currently sponsor a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). The SERP is designed to provide additional retirement income to a select group of management and highly compensated employees of Penn Millers. Employees are eligible to participate in the SERP upon selection by the compensation committee. Currently, only Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts and Higgins are eligible to participate in the SERP. Under the SERP, participants may receive either a series of annual installment payments for a maximum of ten years or an actuarially equivalent lump sum payment equal to a targeted percentage of their final average compensation. Participants in the SERP are vested in the benefits under the plan after ten (10) years of service with Penn Millers. After the employee has vested, he may not receive a benefit until he satisfies the conditions for normal or early retirement or he terminates enrollment by reason of death or disability. If a participant terminates before he is vested, he will not be entitled to any benefits under the plan. The benefits provided by the plan are in addition to benefits provided under our defined benefit pension plan or our 401(k) Plan. The SERP is solely funded by us. In 2008, we contributed $971,000 to the SERP. The board is considering eliminating the SERP upon shareholder approval of the stock incentive plan.
 
Pension Plan.  We currently sponsor a defined benefit pension plan. The plan was designed to provide financial security through retirement benefits for our employees. Employees automatically begin participation in the plan as of January 1, provided they have completed six (6) months of service and have reached the age of 201/2. As of July 31, 2009, 105 of our employees were eligible to participate in the plan. Under the plan, participants may elect a life annuity paid as a series of equal monthly installment payments beginning on the date of retirement and continuing until death of the participant or other optional forms of payment. Benefits are determined based on the following factors: (i) average compensation, (ii) years of service, (iii) the form in which benefits are paid, (iv) the date of retirement, and (v) when payments begin. Accrued benefits under the plan become fully vested and nonforfeitable after five (5) years of service with Penn Millers or upon the date of normal retirement age, if the participant is still employed.
 
Because we expect our named executive officers and other employees to participate in our ESOP, benefit accruals under our defined benefit pension plan will cease effective October 31, 2009 and the pension plan will be “frozen”. If a participant has completed five years of service with Penn Millers as of October 31, 2009, then the participant will be 100% vested in all of the benefits earned as of October 31, 2009. If a participant has not completed five years of service as of October 31, 2009, then the participant will continue to be credited with years of service while the participant continues to be employed by us. Therefore, a participant will not lose any of the benefits to which he or she is entitled under the pension plan as of October 31, 2009. Accrued benefits under the


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pension plan will not be distributed as a result of the freeze, but will be paid upon retirement or another event that triggers payment under the plan.
 
As a result of the freeze, no participant will earn additional benefits under the pension plan after October 31, 2009 and no new employee will commence participation in (and no rehired former participant will recommence participation in) the pension plan after October 31, 2009. The freeze does not affect a former participant or beneficiary who is entitled to benefits under the pension plan. If a participant is currently receiving benefit payments, then the participant’s benefit payments will continue without interruption.
 
Therefore, the freeze fixes the cost of the pension plan to Penn Millers, but does not terminate the pension plan. If we decide to terminate the pension plan, we would be required to contribute the amount necessary to fund the present value of all accrued benefits under the pension plan so that the accrued benefits could be distributed in the form of cash or guaranteed annuity contracts to participants. We have no plans at this time to terminate the pension plan.
 
The following table sets forth information concerning plans that provide for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with, retirement for each named executive officer.
 
PENSION BENEFITS
AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
                             
        Number of
       
        Years of
  Present Value of
  Payments
        Credited
  Accumulated
  During Last
Name
 
Plan Name
  Service (#)   Benefit ($)(1)   Fiscal Year ($)
 
Douglas A. Gaudet
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     3     $ 25,000     $ 0  
    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan     3     $ 185,000     $ 0  
Michael O. Banks
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     6     $ 66,000     $ 0  
    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan     6     $ 26,000     $ 0  
Frank Joanlanne(2)
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     5     $ 31,000     $ 0  
    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan     5     $ 0     $ 0  
Harold W. Roberts
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     33     $ 409,000     $ 0  
    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan     33     $ 223,000     $ 0  
Kevin D. Higgins
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     6     $ 50,000     $ 0  
    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan     6     $ 25,000     $ 0  
Jonathan C. Couch
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan     6     $ 22,000     $ 0  
 
 
(1) The present value of accumulated benefits were calculated with the following assumptions:
 
• Retirement occurs at age 65;
 
• At retirement, the participants take a lump sum based on the accrued benefit as of December 31, 2008;
 
• The lump sum is calculated using an interest rate of 6.16% for the pension and 6.56% for the SERP; and
 
• The lump sum is discounted to December 31, 2008 at a rate of 6.16% and 6.56% per year, for the pension and SERP, respectively.
 
(2) Although Mr. Joanlanne was eligible to participate in the SERP, his accumulated benefits were forfeited as a result of the termination of his employment on December 1, 2008.
 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Company Incentive Plan.  We currently sponsor a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Company Incentive Plan. The plan is designed to provide for certain highly compensated and management employees of Penn Millers (i) an additional opportunity for retirement income, and (ii) deferral of receipt of all or a portion of the compensation the employees would otherwise receive. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan upon selection by the compensation committee. The plan enables participants to defer base compensation or bonuses which will result in the deferral of federal income taxation under Code Section 409A. Participants are eligible to defer up to 50% of their base compensation and 100% of their bonus. In


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addition, if the participant accomplishes certain performance levels, Penn Millers will make incentive contributions to the participant’s account. Incentive contributions will vest pursuant to a five year ratable vesting schedule. Distributions of payments under the plan will commence upon normal or early retirement, separation from service, and death or disability. The participant may elect to receive distributions either in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not exceeding ten years. In 2008, Penn Millers did not make any contributions to the accounts of the named executive officers.
 
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
                                         
    Executive
    Registrant
    Aggregate
          Aggregate
 
    Contributions
    Contributions
    Earnings
    Aggregate
    Balance at
 
    in Last
    in Last
    in Last
    Withdrawals/
    Last Fiscal
 
Name
  Fiscal Year     Fiscal Year(1)     Fiscal Year(1)     Distributions     Year End  
 
Douglas A. Gaudet
  $ 0     $ 0     $ (8,437 )   $ 0     $ 15,066  
Michael O. Banks
  $ 0     $ 0     $ (5,483 )   $ 0     $ 8,966  
Frank Joanlanne(2)
  $ 0     $ 0     $ (6,455 )   $ 0     $ 1,447  
Harold W. Roberts
  $ 12,033     $ 0     $ (11,370 )   $ 0     $ 23,645  
Kevin D. Higgins
  $ 0     $ 0     $ (2,660 )   $ 0     $ 5,462  
Jonathan C. Couch
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
 
 
(1) The participants in the plan had aggregate losses as of December 31, 2008. These losses were not reported in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
(2) Mr. Joanlanne’s employment with Penn Millers was terminated on December 1, 2008.
 
Executive Employment Agreements.  Douglas A. Gaudet, Michael O. Banks, Harold W. Roberts, Kevin D. Higgins, and Jonathan C. Couch are each parties to employment agreements with Penn Millers. Mr. Gaudet’s employment agreement, dated August 14, 2009, has a three year term that expires on August 14, 2012. Messrs. Banks, Roberts, Higgins and Couch each have employment agreements dated August 14, 2009 with two year terms that expire on August 14, 2011. Unless either party has given the other party written notice at least 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the agreement that such party does not agree to renew the agreement, then the employment agreements automatically renew for an additional one year term. In addition, if a change in control occurs during the term of the agreements, the agreements will continue for at least two years after the change in control.
 
The compensation committee enters into employment agreements with executive officers when it determines that such an agreement is desirable to obtain some measure of assurance as to the executive’s continued employment in light of prevailing market competition for the position held by the executive officer, or where the compensation committee determines that an employment agreement is necessary and appropriate in light of the executive’s prior experience or with our practices with respect to similar situated employees.
 
Base Salary.  Messrs. Banks, Roberts, Higgins and Couch will each receive an annual base salary of $235,706, $186,589, $162,983, and $133,524, respectively, in 2009. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Gaudet will receive a base salary of $342,500 in 2009. The base salary of each of the named executive officers is reviewed periodically for merit or cost-of-living increases and may be increased pursuant to the policies then in effect related to executive compensation. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, the base compensation paid to Mr. Gaudet in any calendar year may not be less than the base compensation paid to him in the previous year, except for a reduction which is proportionate to a company-wide reduction in executive or senior management pay, exclusive of eliminated or unfilled positions.
 
The base salary is intended to provide fixed compensation to the executive officer that reflects his job responsibilities, experience, value to Penn Millers, and demonstrated performance. The base salary for each executive in any future employment agreements or any amounts paid over the base salary amount under this current


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or any future employment agreements will be determined by the compensation committee based on its subjective evaluation of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
 
  •  the nature and responsibility of the position;
 
  •  the impact, contribution, expertise and experience of the executive;
 
  •  to the extent available and relevant, competitive market information; and
 
  •  the importance of retaining the executive along with the competitiveness of the market for the executive’s talent and services.
 
Bonus.  Our executive officers are entitled to participate in the Success Sharing Bonus Plan that we maintain and offer to our employees, and may receive an additional bonus or bonuses as the board of directors deems appropriate. The Success Sharing Plan is focused on delivering return on average equity, premium growth and controlling operating expenses. The potential for each employee’s bonus is set forth in the plan and based upon each employee’s position and base salary for that year. In addition to the claw-back provisions provided in the Success Sharing Plan and applicable to all employees, pursuant to their employment agreements, all bonuses paid to our named executive officers may be recovered by Penn Millers to the extent the bonus awarded was based on materially inaccurate financial statements or performance metric criteria no longer met as a result of the inaccuracy.
 
Benefits and Perquisites.  Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, and Couch are each entitled to participate in insurance, vacation, and other fringe benefit programs that Penn Millers maintains for its other employees. We provide three types of insurance to eligible employees: life, accident and health, and disability income. We provide these benefits to help alleviate the financial costs and loss of income arising from illness, disability or death, and to allow employees to take advantage of reduced insurance rates available for group policies.
 
Penn Millers was required under Mr. Gaudet’s previous employment agreement to provide Mr. Gaudet with a leased automobile. Expenses, including insurance and operating expenses, were to be paid by Penn Millers, subject to such accounting by Mr. Gaudet of personal use of the automobile as may be requested by Penn Millers. In 2008, Penn Millers paid Mr. Gaudet $16,307 for insurance and operating expenses for his leased automobile. In lieu of reimbursement for country club fees, an automobile allowance, or other reimbursements or perquisites, Michael O. Banks, Harold W. Roberts, and Kevin D. Higgins received an annual stipend that is paid quarterly in an amount determined by our Board of Directors. In 2008, a stipend of $18,195 was paid to Mr. Banks and Messrs. Joanlanne, Roberts and Higgins each received a stipend of $10,000.
 
For 2009, Mr. Gaudet’s employment agreement provides that he will receive a stipend of $18,000 in lieu of reimbursement for country club or social club fees and any automobile allowance and, thereafter, any stipend shall be determined by our board of directors. The employment agreements for the other named executive officers do not specifically provide for the payment of an annual stipend, car allowance or other reimbursements or perquisites. Therefore, any such payments to our named executive officers other than Mr. Gaudet will be determined on a case by case basis by our board of directors.
 
Benefits Provided in Connection with Termination or Change in Control.  If Mr. Gaudet is terminated without Cause absent a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive his base compensation, health care benefits, and annual stipend as then in effect for two years. In addition, Mr. Gaudet is entitled to receive a lump-sum payment equal to two times his target annual bonus in the year of termination. If Messrs. Banks, Roberts or Higgins are terminated without Cause absent a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in their employment agreements), they will be entitled to receive the continuation of their base compensation and health care benefits as then in effect for a period of one year. If Mr. Couch is terminated without Cause absent a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive the continuation of his base compensation and healthcare benefits then in effect for six months. In addition to the foregoing, Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, and Couch shall be entitled to receive outplacement services in an amount not to exceed $10,000 (if terminated prior to age 62) and a pro-rata payment under the Success Sharing Plan based on actual performance.
 
Following their termination of employment, Penn Millers will provide Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, and Couch with their accrued but unpaid base salary and benefits and such amounts and benefits to which


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they may otherwise be entitled under the retirement, insurance, and similar programs of Penn Millers in which they participated immediately prior to their termination, but eligibility for these benefits may be limited if full payment would be deemed a “parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code.
 
If Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, or Couch terminate employment voluntarily without Good Reason and, if such termination occurs on or after age 65, they will be entitled to receive a pro-rata payment under the Success Sharing Plan and pro-rata vesting of all outstanding performance based equity awards, based on actual performance. Upon Mr. Roberts termination of employment for any reason other than for Cause, he is entitled to certain payments under the SERP, or if greater, certain payments designed to replace his benefits under the SERP.
 
If Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, or Higgins are terminated as a result of a disability or death, they will receive continuation of their base compensation for twelve months, less any amounts payable to them under any disability insurance plan or policy provided by Penn Millers, and continuation of their employer-provided healthcare benefits for twelve months at the level and cost to them and for their qualified dependents as in effect at the time of their disability or death, and a pro-rata payment under the Success Sharing Plan based on actual performance. If Mr. Couch is terminated as a result of disability or death, he will receive a pro-rata payment under the Success Sharing Plan based on actual performance.
 
If Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, or Higgins have reached age 55 or have 10 years of service in the year of their termination as a result of a disability or death, any unvested and outstanding equity awards will be payable in-kind based upon the number of full months that have elapsed from the grant date of the award and the termination date. The in-kind payment will be due within 60 days following the termination date. Any performance-based equity awards will be paid at target levels.
 
Should Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, or Couch become subject to the excise tax provisions of Section 4999 of the Code as a result of any compensation and benefits received under their employment agreements, such compensation and benefits will be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to avoid the application of Section 280G of the Code, unless they would receive in the aggregate greater value on an after-tax basis if all such compensation and benefits were not subject to such reduction.
 
If any payment under an employment agreement for Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, Higgins, or Couch is or becomes subject to Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such payments will be delayed, for a period of six months, accumulated with all other delayed payments, and paid on the day following such six-month period. All other remaining payments will be made as otherwise required by the employment agreements.
 
If Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts or Higgins are terminated without Cause or voluntarily terminate their employment for Good Reason on or within 24 months after a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in the employment agreements), they will each be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of one times their current base salary and the continuation of their base salary for a period of one year. They will also be entitled to employer-provided health care benefits for two years following their termination date. In addition to the foregoing, Messrs. Gaudet, Banks, Roberts, and Higgins shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two times their annual stipend, outplacement services in an amount not to exceed $10,000 (if terminated prior to age 62), a pro-rata payment under the Success Sharing Plan based on actual performance, and immediate and full vesting of all outstanding equity awards (with performance-based awards paid at target levels). Messrs. Gaudet and Banks shall also receive a lump-sum payment equal to two times their target annual bonus in the year of termination.
 
If Mr. Couch is terminated without Cause or voluntarily terminates his employment for Good Reason on or within 24 months, after a Change in Control, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of 0.5 times his current base salary and the continuation of his base salary for a period of six months. He would also be entitled to employer-provided health care benefits for 12 months following his termination date, outplacement services in an amount not to exceed $10,000 (if terminated prior to 62), a success sharing payment based on actual performance, and immediate and full vesting of all outstanding equity awards (with performance based awards paid at target levels).
 
The employment agreements further provide that during the employment period, and during the “Restricted Period” (as defined below) the named executive officers may not solicit or induce away from Penn Millers, any


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person who is an employee, customer, supplier of Penn Millers, or solicit or induce any entity doing business with Penn Millers to cease doing business with Penn Millers.
 
During the employment period and Restricted Period, the named executive officers may not directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, render services for (as a consultant or an advisor) or accept any employment with Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, Michigan Millers Insurance Company or Westfield Insurance Company; the agribusiness insurance business of any other insurance company whose business has, or reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on Penn Millers’ insurance business; and any other property and casualty insurance or reinsurance line of business within a 50 mile radius of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to the extent that such ownership, management, operating, rendering of services or employment (and the activities necessarily incident thereto) have, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Penn Millers’ insurance business.
 
The term “Restricted Period” is described below as it applies to each named executive officer.
 
                     
Reason for Termination
 
Mr. Gaudet
 
Mr. Banks
 
Mr. Roberts
 
Mr. Higgins
 
Mr. Couch
 
Involuntary termination for Cause
  24-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   6-month period following termination
Voluntary termination without Good Reason
  24-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   6-month period following termination
Voluntary termination prior to Change in Control that would amount to Good Reason*
  Up to 24-month period following termination   Up to 12-month period following termination   Up to 12-month period following termination   Up to 12-month period following termination   Up to 6-month period following termination
Termination for Disability
  Date of termination   Date of termination   Date of termination   Date of termination   Date of termination
Involuntary Termination without Cause prior to a Change in Control
  24-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   12-month period following termination   6-month period following termination
Involuntary termination without Cause or voluntary termination for Good Reason on or within 24 months after a Change in Control
  24-month period following termination   24-month period following termination   24-month period following termination   24-month period following termination   12-month period following termination
 
 
* In the event of a voluntary termination of employment that would amount to Good Reason but for the fact that it occurred prior to a Change in Control, we have the option to pay for a restrictive covenant.
 
Prior to receiving any severance benefits, our executive officers have agreed to execute release agreements.
 
Severance Obligations to Former Executives.  We currently also have a severance obligation to Frank Joanlanne, pursuant to a Separation Agreement dated November 10, 2008. Mr. Joanlanne was formerly our Senior Vice President and his employment was terminated on December 1, 2008 in connection with our decision to sell Eastern Insurance Group. Pursuant to Mr. Joanlanne’s Separation Agreement, we shall pay him his $213,148 over a period of one year and ending on December 31, 2009. We will pay for outplacement assistance for Mr. Joanlanne in an amount not to exceed $3,000. In addition, we will continue Mr. Joanlanne’s health, dental and vision insurance coverage until December 31, 2009.
 
In addition, we currently have a severance obligation to William J. Spencer, Jr., pursuant to a Separation Agreement dated January 4, 2008. Mr. Spencer was formerly our Executive Vice President of Marketing, and his employment was terminated on December 31, 2007. Pursuant to Mr. Spencer’s Separation Agreement, we will pay him $226,609 annually for a period of three years following his termination date. Under the Separation Agreement,


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he was also entitled to a one-time bonus of $50,000 pursuant to the terms of his 2005 senior executive retention agreement with Penn Millers and Eastern Insurance Group.
 
Transactions with related persons, promoters and certain control persons
 
Penn Millers Mutual and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries are parties to a federal income tax allocation agreement. Pursuant to the tax allocation agreement, Penn Millers Mutual determines the amount of federal income tax liability attributable to each company in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. Each company is required to pay to Penn Millers Insurance Company the amount of federal income tax liability that is attributable to such company, and Penn Millers Insurance Company is responsible for paying to the Internal Revenue Service the federal income tax liability of the consolidated group.
 
Since January 1, 2008, we have not engaged in any transactions with, loaned money to or incurred any indebtedness to, or otherwise proposed to engage in transactions with, loan money to or incur any indebtedness to, any related person, promoter or control person in an amount that in the aggregate exceeds $120,000, except as described above.
 
We maintain a written policy which discourages our officers, directors, and employees from having a financial interest in any transaction between Penn Millers and a third party. When we engage in transactions involving our officers, directors or employees, their immediate family members, or affiliates of these parties, our officers, directors and employees are required to give notice to us of their interest in such a transaction and refrain from participating in material negotiations or decisions with respect to that transaction. Directors with an interest in such a transaction are expected to disqualify themselves from any vote by the board of directors regarding the transaction.
 
When considering whether we should engage in a transaction in which our officers, directors or employees, their immediate family members, or affiliates of these parties, may have a financial interest, our board of directors considers the following factors:
 
  •  whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to us;
 
  •  the business reasons for the transaction;
 
  •  whether the transaction would impair the independence of a director;
 
  •  whether the transaction presents a conflict of interest, taking into account the size of the transaction, the financial position of the director, officer or employee, the nature of their interest in the transaction and the ongoing nature of the transaction; and
 
  •  whether the transaction is material, taking into account the significance of the transaction in light of all the circumstances.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF PENN MILLERS HOLDING CORPORATION
 
The articles of incorporation and bylaws we intend to adopt prior the offering contain provisions that are intended to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with our board of directors, but which also may deter a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for our stock or a proxy contest for control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. Certain provisions of Pennsylvania law also may discourage non-negotiated takeover attempts or proxy contests. In addition, the terms of the employment agreements with our executive officers (see “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements”) may be viewed as having the effect of discouraging these efforts.
 
All of these provisions may serve to entrench existing management. These provisions also may deter institutional interest in and ownership of our stock and, accordingly, may depress the market price for, and liquidity of, the common stock.
 
Following is a description of these provisions and the purpose and possible effects of these provisions. We do not presently intend to propose additional anti-takeover provisions for our articles of incorporation or bylaws.


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Because of the possible adverse effect these provisions may have on shareholders, this discussion should be read carefully.
 
Antitakeover Provisions of Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and under Pennsylvania Law
 
1. Prohibition of Ownership and Voting of Shares in Excess of 10%.  Our articles of incorporation impose limitations upon the ability of certain shareholders and groups of shareholders to acquire or vote shares of our stock. The articles of incorporation prohibit any person (whether an individual, company or a group acting in concert, as defined) from acquiring voting control, as defined. Voting control is generally defined as the beneficial ownership at any time of shares with more than 10% of the total voting power of the outstanding stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. These provisions would not apply to the purchase of shares by underwriters in connection with a public offering. A group acting in concert includes persons seeking to combine or pool their voting power or other interests in common stock for a common purpose. Such a group does not include actions by the board of directors acting solely in their capacity as the Board.
 
Under this provision, shares of common stock, if any, owned in excess of 10% will not be entitled to vote on any matter or take other shareholder action. For purposes of determining the voting rights of other shareholders, these excess shares are essentially treated as no longer outstanding. As a result, where excess shares are present, other shareholders will realize a proportionate increase in their voting power, but this 10% voting restriction will not be applicable to other shareholders if their voting power increases above 10% as a result of application of this rule to another shareholder.
 
The potential effect of this voting rights limitation is significant. Any person or group acting in concert owning more than 10% of the outstanding common stock will generally be unable to exercise voting rights proportionate to their equity interest. When operating in conjunction with other provisions in our articles of incorporation described below, the practical effect of the limitation on voting rights may be to render it virtually impossible for any one shareholder or group acting in to determine the outcome of any shareholder vote.
 
The 10% voting rights limitation may make it extremely difficult for any one person or group of affiliated persons to acquire voting control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation, with the result that it may be extremely difficult to bring about a change in the board of directors or management. This provision may have the effect of discouraging holders of large amounts of shares from purchasing additional shares, or would be holders who may desire to acquire enough shares to exercise control from purchasing any shares. As a result, this provision may have an adverse effect on the liquidity and market price of the shares.
 
2. Classified Board of Directors.  Our articles of incorporation provide for a classified board of directors of between 3 and 15 members, which number is fixed by the board of directors, divided into three classes serving for successive terms of three years each. This provision is designed to assure experience, continuity, and stability in the board’s leadership and policies. We believe that this can best be accomplished by electing each director to a three-year term and electing only approximately one-third of the directors each year.
 
The election of directors for staggered terms significantly extends the time required to make any change in control of the board of directors and may tend to discourage any surprise or non-negotiated takeover bid for control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. Under the articles of incorporation, it will take at least two annual meetings for holders of a majority of Penn Millers Holding Corporation’s voting securities to make a change in control of the board of directors because only a minority (approximately one-third) of the directors will be elected at each meeting. In addition, because certain actions require more than majority approval of the board of directors, as described herein, it may take as many as three annual meetings for a controlling block of shareholders to obtain complete control of the board and Penn Millers Holding Corporation’s management.
 
This provision may tend to perpetuate present management because of the additional time required to change control of the board. Because the provision will increase the amount of time required for a takeover bidder to obtain control without the cooperation of the board even if the takeover bidder were to acquire a majority of the outstanding stock, it may tend to discourage certain tender offers, perhaps including some tender offers that the shareholders may believe would be in their best interests. The classified board provision will apply to all elections of directors and, accordingly, it will make it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the board if


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the shareholders believe such a change would be desirable, even in the absence of any third party’s acquisition of voting control. This is especially true in light of the denial of cumulative voting described below.
 
3. No Cumulative Voting.  Cumulative voting entitles a shareholder to multiply the number of votes to which the shareholder is entitled by the number of directors to be elected, with the shareholder being able to cast all votes for a single nominee or distribute them among the nominees as the shareholder sees fit. The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law provides that shareholders are entitled to cumulate their votes for the election of directors, unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise.
 
Cumulative voting is specifically prohibited in the articles of incorporation because we believe that each director should represent and act in the interest of all shareholders and not any special shareholder or group of shareholders. In light of current acquisition techniques and activity, minority representation could be disruptive and could impair the efficient management of Penn Millers Holding Corporation for the benefit of shareholders generally. In addition, the absence of cumulative voting also will tend to deter greenmail, in which a substantial minority shareholder uses his holdings as leverage to demand that a corporation purchase his shares at a significant premium over the market value of the stock to prevent the shareholder from obtaining or attempting to obtain a seat on the board of directors. In the absence of cumulative voting, a majority of the votes cast in any election of directors can elect all of the directors of the class in any given year. Because Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company will continue to own a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock after completion of the offering, it will be able to control the election of each of our directors.
 
The absence of cumulative voting, coupled with a classified board of directors, will also deter a proxy contest designed to win representation on the board of directors or remove management because a group or entity owning less than a majority of the voting stock may be unable to elect a single director. Although this will make removal of incumbent management more difficult, we believe deterring proxy contests will avoid the significant cost, in terms of money and management’s time, in opposing such actions.
 
4. Nominations for Directors and Shareholder Proposals.  Our bylaws require that nominations for the election of directors made by shareholders (as opposed to those made by the board of directors) and any shareholder proposals for the agenda at any annual meeting generally must be made by notice (in writing) delivered or mailed to the Secretary not less than 90 days prior to the meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected.
 
We believe that this procedure will assure that the board of directors and shareholders will have an adequate opportunity to consider the qualifications of all nominees for directors and all proposals, and will permit the shareholders’ meetings to be conducted in an orderly manner. It may have the effect, however, of deterring nominations and proposals other than those made by the board of directors.
 
5. Mergers, Sale of Assets, Liquidation Approval.  Our articles of incorporation provide that any merger, consolidation, sale of assets or similar transaction involving Penn Millers Holding Corporation requires the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least 80% of the votes which all shareholders are entitled to cast, unless the transaction is approved in advance by two-thirds of the members of the board of directors. If the transaction is approved in advance by two-thirds of the members of the Board, approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding voting stock at a meeting at which a quorum was present would be required.
 
The articles of incorporation also provide that liquidation or dissolution of Penn Millers Holding Corporation requires the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least 80% of the votes that all shareholders are entitled to cast, unless such transaction is approved by two-thirds of the members of the board of directors.
 
We believe that in a merger or other business combination, the effects on our employees and our customers and the communities we serve might not be considered by a tender offeror when merging Penn Millers Holding Corporation into an entity controlled by an offeror as the second part of a two-step acquisition. By requiring approval of a merger or similar transaction by the affirmative vote of shareholders holding 80% or more of the combined voting power of outstanding stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation, it will be extremely difficult for a group or person owning a substantial block of Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock, after a successful tender or exchange offer, to accomplish a merger or similar transaction without negotiating an agreement acceptable to the board of directors. Accordingly, the board of directors will be able to protect the interests of the remaining


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shareholders as well as our employees and the customers and communities that we serve. If Board approval is not obtained, the proposed transaction must be on terms sufficiently attractive to obtain approval by a vote of shareholders holding 80% or more of the combined voting power of outstanding Penn Millers Holding Corporation capital stock.
 
The 80% approval requirement could result in the Board and management being able to exercise a stronger influence over any proposed takeover by refusing to approve the proposed business combination and obtaining sufficient votes, including votes controlled directly or indirectly by management, to preclude the 80% approval requirement.
 
Because this provision will tend to discourage nonnegotiated takeover bids and will encourage other takeover bidders to negotiate with the Board, it also will tend to assist the Board and, therefore, management in retaining their present positions. In addition, if the Board does not grant its prior approval, a takeover bidder may still proceed with a tender offer or other purchases of Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock although any resulting acquisition of Penn Millers Holding Corporation may be more difficult and more expensive. Because of the increased expense and the tendency of this provision to discourage competitive bidders, the price offered to shareholders may be lower than if this provision were not present in the articles of incorporation.
 
6. Qualifications for Directors.  Our articles of incorporation provide that, unless waived by the board of directors, a person must be a shareholder of Penn Millers Holding Corporation for the lesser of one year or the time that has elapsed since the completion of the conversion, before he or she can be elected to the board of directors. This provision is designed to discourage non-shareholders who are interested in buying a controlling interest in Penn Millers Holding Corporation for the purpose of having themselves elected to the Board, by requiring them to wait for such period before being eligible for election.
 
7. Mandatory Tender Offer by 25% Shareholder.  Our articles of incorporation require any person or entity that acquires stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation with a combined voting power of 25% or more of the total voting power of outstanding capital stock, to offer to purchase, for cash, all outstanding shares of Penn Millers Holding Corporation’s voting stock at a price equal to the highest price paid within the preceding twelve months by such person or entity for shares of the respective class or series of Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock. In the event this person or entity did not purchase any shares of a particular class or series of stock within the preceding twelve months, the price per share for such class or series of Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock would be the fair market value of such class or series of stock as of the date on which such person acquires 25% or more of the combined voting power of outstanding Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock.
 
The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law provides that, following any acquisition by a person or group of more than 20% of a publicly-held corporation’s voting stock, the remaining shareholders have the right to receive payment, in cash, for their shares from the acquiror of an amount equal to the fair value of their shares, including a proportionate amount for any control premium. Our articles of incorporation provide that if provisions of the respective articles and the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law both apply in a given instance, the price per share to be paid will be the higher of the price per share determined under the provision in the articles or under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law.
 
Our board of directors believes that any person or entity who acquires control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation in a nonnegotiated manner should be required to offer to purchase all shares of voting stock remaining outstanding after the assumption of control, at a price not less than the amount paid to acquire the control position.
 
A number of companies have been the subject of tender offers for, or other acquisitions of, 20% or more of their outstanding shares of common stock. In many cases, such purchases have been followed by mergers in which the tender offeror or other purchaser has paid a lower price for the remaining outstanding shares than the price it paid in acquiring its original interest in the company and has paid in a potentially less desirable form in the merger (often securities of the purchaser that do not have an established trading market at the time of issuance). The statutory right of the remaining shareholders of a company to dissent in connection with certain mergers and receive the fair value of their shares in cash may involve significant expense and uncertainty to dissenting shareholders and may not be meaningful because the appraisal standard to be applied under Pennsylvania law does not take into account any


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appreciation in the stock price due to the merger. This provision in the articles of incorporation is intended to prevent these potential inequities.
 
In many situations, the provision would require that a purchaser pay shareholders a higher price for their shares or structure the transaction differently than might be the case without the provision. Accordingly, we believe that, to the extent a merger were involved as part of a plan to acquire control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation, adoption of the provision would increase the likelihood that a purchaser would negotiate directly with our board of directors. We further believe that our Board is in a better position than our individual shareholders to negotiate effectively on behalf of all shareholders and that the Board is likely to be more knowledgeable than any individual shareholder in assessing the business and prospects of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. Accordingly, we are of the view that negotiations between the board of directors and a would-be purchaser will increase the likelihood that shareholders, as a whole, will receive a higher average price for their shares.
 
The provision will tend to discourage any purchaser whose objective is to seek control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation at a relatively low price by offering a lesser value for shares in a subsequent merger than it paid for shares acquired in a tender or exchange offer. The provision also should discourage the accumulation of large blocks of shares of Penn Millers Holding Corporation voting stock, which the board of directors believes to be disruptive to the stability of our vitally important relationships with our employees and customers and the communities that we serve, and which could precipitate a change of control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation on terms unfavorable to the other shareholders.
 
Tender offers or other private acquisitions of stock are usually made at prices above the prevailing market price of a company’s stock. In addition, acquisitions of stock by persons attempting to acquire control through market purchases may cause the market price of the stock to reach levels that are higher than otherwise would be the case. This provision may discourage any purchases of less than all of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation and may thereby deprive shareholders of an opportunity to sell their stock at a higher market price. Because of having to pay a higher price to other shareholders in a merger, it may become more costly for a purchaser to acquire control of Penn Millers Holding Corporation. Open market acquisitions of stock may be discouraged by the requirement that any premium price paid in connection with such acquisitions could increase the price that must be paid in a subsequent merger. The provision may therefore decrease the likelihood that a tender offer will be made for less than all of the outstanding voting stock of Penn Millers Holding Corporation and, as a result, may adversely affect those shareholders who would desire to participate in such a tender offer.
 
8. Prohibition of Shareholders’ Action Without a Meeting and of Shareholders’ Right To Call a Special Meeting.  Our articles of incorporation prohibit shareholder action without a meeting (i.e., the written consent procedure is prohibited) and prohibit shareholders from calling a special meeting. Therefore, in order for shareholders to take any action, it will require prior notice, a shareholders’ meeting and a vote of shareholders. Special meetings of shareholders can only be called by the Chief Executive Officer or the board of directors. Therefore, without the cooperation of the Chief Executive Officer or the board of directors, any shareholder will have to wait until the annual meeting of shareholders to have a proposal submitted to the shareholders for a vote.
 
These provisions are intended to provide the board of directors and non-consenting shareholders with the opportunity to review any proposed action, express their views at the meeting and take any necessary action to protect the interests of our shareholders and Penn Millers Holding Corporation before the action is taken, and to avoid the costs of holding multiple shareholder meetings each year to consider proposals of shareholders. These provisions also will preclude a takeover bidder who acquires a majority of outstanding Penn Millers Holding Corporation stock from completing a merger or other business combination of Penn Millers Holding Corporation without granting the board of directors and the remaining shareholders an opportunity to make their views known and vote at an annual shareholders’ meeting. The delay caused by the necessity for an annual shareholders’ meeting may allow us to take preventive actions, even if you believe such actions are not in the best interests of the shareholders.
 
9. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation.  The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law provides that the articles of incorporation of a Pennsylvania business corporation (such as Penn Millers Holding Corporation) may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all shareholders entitled to vote, except as otherwise provided by the corporation’s articles of incorporation. Our articles of incorporation provide that the following provisions of the articles can only be amended by an affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least 80% of all


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votes that shareholders are entitled to cast, or by an affirmative vote of 80% of the members of the board of directors and of shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes that shareholders are entitled to cast:
 
(i) those establishing a classified board of directors;
 
(ii) the prohibition on cumulative voting for directors;
 
(iii) the prohibition on shareholders calling special meetings;
 
(iv) the provision regarding the votes required to amend the articles of incorporation;
 
(v) the provision that no shareholder shall have preemptive rights;
 
(vi) the provisions that require 80% shareholder approval of certain actions;
 
(vii) the prohibition on acquiring or voting more than 10% of the voting stock;
 
(viii) the provision regarding the votes required to amend the bylaws; and
 
(ix) the requirement of a 25% shareholder to purchase all remaining shareholders’ stock.
 
On other matters, the articles of incorporation can be amended by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all shareholders entitled to vote thereon at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
 
10. Amendment of Bylaws.  Generally, our articles of incorporation vest authority to make and amend the bylaws in the board of directors, acting by a vote of a majority of the entire board. In addition, except as described below, shareholders may amend the bylaws by an affirmative vote of the holders of 662/3% of the outstanding voting stock. However, the provision of the bylaws concerning directors’ liability and indemnification of directors, officers and others may not be amended to increase the exposure of directors to liability or decrease the degree of indemnification except by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors or 80% of all votes of shareholders entitled to be cast.
 
This provision is intended to provide additional continuity and stability in our policies and governance so as to enable us to carry out our long range plans. The provision also is intended to discourage non-negotiated efforts to acquire Penn Millers Holding Corporation, since a greater percentage of outstanding voting stock will be needed before effective control over its affairs could be exercised. The board of directors will have relatively greater control over the bylaws than the shareholders because, except with respect to the director liability and indemnification provisions, the board could adopt, alter, amend or repeal the bylaws upon a majority vote by the directors.
 
Pennsylvania Fiduciary Duty Provisions
 
The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law provides that:
 
(a) the board of directors, committees of the board, and directors individually, can consider, in determining whether a certain action is in the best interests of the corporation:
 
(1) the effects of any action upon any or all groups affected by such action, including shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and creditors of the corporation, and upon communities in which offices or other establishments of the corporation are located;
 
(2) the short-term and long-term interests of the corporation, including benefits that may accrue to the corporation from its long-term plans and the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation;
 
(3) the resources, intent and conduct (past, stated and potential) of any person seeking to acquire control of the corporation; and
 
(4) all other pertinent factors;
 
(b) the board of directors need not consider the interests of any particular group as dominant or controlling;


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(c) directors, absent any breach of fiduciary duty, bad faith or self-dealing, are presumed to be acting in the best interests of the corporation, including with respect to actions relating to an acquisition or potential acquisition of control, and therefore they need not satisfy any greater obligation or higher burden of proof with respect to such actions;
 
(d) actions relating to acquisitions of control that are approved by a majority of disinterested directors are presumed to satisfy the directors’ fiduciary obligations unless it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the directors did not assent to such action in good faith after reasonable investigation; and
 
(e) the fiduciary duty of directors is solely to the corporation and not its shareholders, and may be enforced by the corporation or by a shareholder in a derivative action, but not by a shareholder directly.
 
One of the effects of these fiduciary duty provisions may be to make it more difficult for a shareholder to successfully challenge the actions of our board of directors in a potential change in control context. Pennsylvania case law appears to provide that the fiduciary duty standard under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law grants directors the almost unlimited statutory authority to reject or refuse to consider any potential or proposed acquisition of the corporation.
 
Other Provisions of Pennsylvania Law
 
The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law also contains provisions that have the effect of impeding a change in control. As permitted by the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, we have elected to provide in our articles of incorporation that these provisions will not apply to us.
 
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
General
 
Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value, if any, to be fixed by the board of directors. In the offering, we expect to issue between 4,505,000 and 6,772,221 shares of common stock. No shares of preferred stock will be issued in connection with the offering.
 
Common Stock
 
Voting Rights.  The holders of common stock will possess exclusive voting rights in Penn Millers Holding Corporation, except if and to the extent shares of preferred stock issued in the future have voting rights. Each holder of shares of common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of shares of common stock. See “Restrictions on Acquisition of Penn Millers Holding Corporation — Antitakeover Provisions of Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.” Shareholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes for election of directors.
 
Dividends.  Under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, we may only pay dividends if solvent and if payment of such dividend would not render us insolvent. Funds for the payment of dividends initially must come from either proceeds of this offering retained by us or dividends paid to us by Penn Millers Insurance Company. Therefore, the restrictions on Penn Millers Insurance Company’s ability to pay dividends affect our ability to pay dividends. See “Dividend Policy” and “Business — Regulation.”
 
Transfer.  Shares of common stock are freely transferable except for shares that are held by affiliates. Shares issued to our directors and officers in the offering will be restricted as to transfer for a period of six months from the effective date of the offering. Shares held by affiliates must be transferred in accordance with the requirements of Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
Liquidation.  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Penn Millers Insurance Company, Penn Millers Holding Corporation, as holder of all of the capital stock of Penn Millers Insurance Company, would be entitled to receive all assets of Penn Millers Insurance Company after payment of all debts and liabilities. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Penn Millers Holding Corporation, each holder of shares of


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common stock would be entitled to receive a portion of the Company’s assets, after payment of all of the Company’s debts and liabilities. If any preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof are likely to have a priority in liquidation or dissolution over the holders of the common stock.
 
Other Characteristics.  Holders of the common stock will not have preemptive rights with respect to any additional shares of common stock that may be issued. The common stock is not subject to call for redemption, and the outstanding shares of common stock, when issued and upon our receipt of their full purchase price, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
 
Preferred Stock
 
None of the 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock that our board has authorized will be issued in the offering. When our articles of incorporation are filed, the board of directors will be authorized, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock or rights to acquire preferred stock, and to fix and state the par value, voting powers, number, designations, preferences or other special rights of such shares or rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions applicable to any such series of preferred stock. The preferred stock may rank prior to the common stock as to dividend rights or liquidation preferences, or both, and may have full or limited voting rights. The board of directors has no present intention to issue any of the preferred stock.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Registrar and Transfer Company.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
The legality of our common stock will be passed upon for us by Stevens & Lee, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Griffin Financial Group, LLC by Stevens & Lee, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2008, have been included herein, in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm covering the December 31, 2008 financial statements refers to Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary’s adoption of the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, as of December 31, 2007, and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements, in 2008.
 
Curtis Financial has consented to the publication in this document of the summary of its report to us setting forth its opinion as to the estimated consolidated pro forma market value of our common stock to be outstanding upon completion of the offering and its opinion with respect to subscription rights.


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of our common stock offered in this document. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, this prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Such information can be examined without charge at the Public Reference Room of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the SEC at prescribed rates. The public may obtain more information on the operations of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. The registration statement also is available through the SEC’s world wide web site on the internet at http://www.sec.gov. The statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions thereof and are not necessarily complete.
 
In connection with the offering, we will register our common stock with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, upon such registration, we and the holders of our stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and shareholders with 10% or more of the voting power, the annual and periodic reporting requirements and certain other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
       
    F-2  
    F-3  
    F-4  
    F-5  
    F-6  
    F-25  
Financial Statements
       
    F-26  
    F-27  
    F-28  
    F-29  
    F-30  
    F-61  


F-1


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)        
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities investments:
               
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $131,397 in 2009 (unaudited) and $120,538 in 2008)
  $ 134,783       121,914  
Cash and cash equivalents
    12,095       11,959  
Premiums and fees receivable
    26,783       31,080  
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
    25,950       20,637  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    9,862       10,601  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    3,769       4,342  
Accrued investment income
    1,565       1,431  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    3,958       4,231  
Income taxes receivable
    738       1,508  
Deferred income taxes
    3,240       4,728  
Other
    4,011       3,864  
Deferred offering costs
    1,631       1,015  
Assets held for sale
          3,214  
                 
Total assets
  $ 228,385       220,524  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expense reserves
  $ 118,025       108,065  
Unearned premiums
    41,218       45,322  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    14,211       13,353  
Borrowings under line of credit
    1,683       950  
Long-term debt
    1,276       1,432  
Liabilities held for sale
          647  
                 
Total liabilities
    176,413       169,769  
                 
Equity:
               
Retained earnings
    51,730       51,914  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    242       (1,159 )
                 
Total equity
    51,972       50,755  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 228,385       220,524  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-2


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
 
                 
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Revenues:
               
Premiums earned
  $ 36,926       39,369  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       2,723  
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
               
Other realized investment gains
    64       1,876  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (197 )      
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
           
                 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    (197 )      
Other income
    111       221  
                 
Total revenues
    39,673       44,189  
                 
Losses and expenses:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    25,866       28,692  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,953       11,521  
Underwriting and administrative expenses
    1,869       1,807  
Interest expense
    156       87  
Other expense, net
    90       76  
                 
Total losses and expenses
    38,934       42,183  
                 
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
    739       2,006  
Income tax expense
    107       494  
                 
Income from continuing operations
    632       1,512  
                 
Discontinued Operations:
               
Loss on discontinued operations, before income taxes
    (12 )     (21 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    804       (7 )
                 
Loss on discontinued operations
    (816 )     (14 )
                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (184 )     1,498  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-3


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
 
                         
          Accumulated
       
          Other
       
    Retained
    Comprehensive
       
    Earnings     Income (Loss)     Total  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 59,293       2,108       61,401  
Net income
    1,498             1,498  
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized investment holding loss arising during period, net of related income tax benefit of $1,310
          (2,543 )     (2,543 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of related income tax expense of $640
          (1,243 )     (1,243 )
                         
Net unrealized investment loss
                    (3,786 )
Defined benefit pension plan, net of related income tax expense of $12
          24       24  
                         
Comprehensive loss
                    (2,264 )
                         
Balance at June 30, 2008
    60,791       (1,654 )     59,137  
                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 51,914       (1,159 )     50,755  
Net loss
    (184 )           (184 )
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized investment holding gain arising during period, net of related income tax expense of $636
          1,235       1,235  
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income, net of related income tax benefit of $50
          96       96  
                         
Net unrealized investment gain
                    1,331  
Defined benefit pension plan, net of related income tax expense of $36
          70       70  
                         
Comprehensive income
                    1,217  
                         
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 51,730       242       51,972  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-4


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
 
                 
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (184 )     1,498  
Loss on discontinued operations
    816       14  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Change in receivables, unearned premiums, and prepaid reinsurance
    (4,127 )     (5,159 )
Increase in losses and loss adjustment expense reserves
    9,960       8,633  
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    964       (1,942 )
Deferred income taxes
    766       (79 )
Change in deferred acquisition costs
    739       355  
Amortization and depreciation
    342       346  
Realized investment gains, net
    133       (1,876 )
Other, net
    (23 )     760  
                 
Cash provided by operating activities — continuing operations
    9,386       2,550  
Cash provided by operating activities — discontinued operations
          270  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    9,386       2,820  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Available-for-sale investments:
               
Purchases
    (19,132 )     (32,673 )
Sales
    4,136       17,651  
Maturities
    3,800       9,105  
Proceeds on sale of net assets of Eastern Insurance Group (see note 16)
    2,576        
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (69 )     (227 )
                 
Cash used in investing activities — continuing operations
    (8,689 )     (6,144 )
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities — discontinued operations
    285       (30 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,404 )     (6,174 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Initial public offering costs paid
    (1,138 )      
Net borrowings on line of credit
    733        
Repayment of long-term debt
    (156 )     (157 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities — continuing operations
    (561 )     (157 )
Net cash used in financing activities — discontinued operations
    (285 )     (260 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (846 )     (417 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    136       (3,771 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    11,959       10,462  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
    12,095       6,691  
Less cash of discontinued operations at end of period
          269  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period
  $ 12,095       6,422  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-5


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

(Unaudited)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(1)   Basis of Presentation
 
Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary (the Company) are engaged in the marketing and sale of commercial property and liability insurance in 33 states throughout the United States. Coverage is written directly by the Company’s employees and through independent producers.
 
Penn Millers Holding Corporation (PMHC), which was renamed PMHC Corp. on April 22, 2009, is a wholly own subsidiary of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company (PMMHC). Penn Millers Insurance Company (PMIC) is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania. PMIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMHC, and the stock of PMIC is the most significant asset of PMHC. American Millers Insurance Company (AMIC) is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania and is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMIC. PMHC conducts no business other than acting as a holding company for PMIC.
 
The financial information for the interim periods included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Management has evaluated subsequent events up to and including August 20, 2009, the date that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were initially filed. Further, Management has evaluated subsequent events up to and including September 9, 2009.
 
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2008 included in the Company’s 2008 Financial Statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as part of Form S-1. As indicated in note 18, the Company discovered an immaterial error in the accrual of ceded premiums as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The financial statements included within the Form S-1 have been corrected for this error.
 
(2)   Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including loss reserves, contingent assets and liabilities, tax valuation allowances, valuation of defined benefit pension obligations, valuation of investments, including other-than-temporary impairment of investments and impairment of goodwill and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
(3)   Concentration of Risk
 
The Company’s business is subject to concentration of risk with respect to geographic concentration. Although the PMHC’s operating subsidiaries are licensed collectively in 33 states, direct premiums written for two states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, accounted for more than 25% of the Company’s direct premium writings for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Consequently, changes in the New Jersey or Pennsylvania legal, regulatory, or economic environment could adversely affect the Company.
 
Additionally, one producer, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, which writes business for the Company through nine offices, accounted for 10.9% of the Company’s direct premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Only one other producer accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s 2009 direct premium writings. No other brokers account for more than 5% of direct premium writings.


F-6


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(4)   Deferred Offering Costs
 
In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 5A, Expenses of Offering, the Company has deferred offering costs consisting principally of legal, underwriting and audit fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are related to the proposed offering and that will be charged to equity upon the completion of the proposed offering or charged to expense if the proposed offering is not completed.
 
Deferred offering costs of $1,631 and $1,015 are reported separately on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
(5)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (FSP FAS 132R-1). FSP FAS 132R-1 was issued to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132R-1 requires an employer to disclose information about how investment allocation decisions are made, including factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies. An employer will also need to disclose separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans the fair value of each major category of plan assets based on the nature and risks of the assets as of each annual reporting date for which a statement of financial position is presented. FSP FAS 132R-1 also requires the disclosure of information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs and valuation techniques used to develop fair value measurements of plan assets at the annual reporting date. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), an employer will be required to disclose the effect of the measurements on changes in plan assets for the period. Furthermore, an employer is required to provide financial statement users with an understanding of significant concentrations of risk in plan assets. FSP FAS 132R-1 should be applied for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 and intends to comply with its disclosure requirements.
 
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities and specifically requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition, and the Company has complied with this Standard’s disclosure requirement.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 on April 1, 2009 did not result in any significant financial statement impact.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 provide guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on debt and equity securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 on April 1, 2009 did not result in any significant financial statement impact.


F-7


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will require a company to disclose in its interim financial statements the fair value of all financial instruments within the scope of FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, as well as the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 on April 1, 2009 did not result in any significant financial statement impact, and the Company has complied with this Statement’s disclosure provisions.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. These standards include the evaluation time period, circumstances when an entity should recognize a subsequent event and the necessary disclosures. This SFAS is effective for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, and the Company has complied with the provisions of this Statement in note 1.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162. On the effective date of this standard, FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm (ASC) will become the source of authoritative U.S. accounting and reporting standards for nongovernmental entities, in addition to guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). FASB ASC significantly changes the way financial statement preparers, auditors, and academics perform accounting research. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This new standard flattens the GAAP hierarchy to two levels: one that is authoritative (in FASB ASC) and one that is non-authoritative (not in FASB ASC). The Company will begin to use the new guidelines and numbering system prescribed by the Codification referring to GAAP in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. As the Codification was not intended to change or alter existing GAAP, it will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
All other Standards and Interpretations of those Standards issued during the six months ended June 30, 2009 did not relate to accounting policies and procedures pertinent to the Company at this time.
 
(6)   Fair Value Measurements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The statement was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this statement as of January 1, 2008 did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. The Company has adopted FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-2, which allowed us to defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for certain non-financial assets and liabilities to January 1, 2009. As of January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157 for these non-financial assets and liabilities. The company has no non-financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value at June 30, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
 
The fair value of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which that asset or liability could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced or liquidated sale. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value are categorized into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. The Company classifies U.S. Treasury debt securities as Level 1.


F-8


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are based on identical or comparable assets and liabilities.
 
Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections that are often unobservable in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.
 
The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009.
 
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale
                               
U.S. treasuries
  $ 8,041                   8,041  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
          17,703             17,703  
State and political subdivisions
          33,163             33,163  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
          4,090             4,090  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
          22,655             22,655  
Corporate securities
          49,131             49,131  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 8,041       126,742             134,783  
                                 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $       53             53  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $       53             53  
                                 
 
Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is an interest rate swap agreement (see note 13). Management estimates the fair value of the interest rate swap based on information obtained from a third-party financial institution counterparty. Management considers the prevailing interest rate environment as a key input into the valuation of the swap.
 
The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service in its process for determining fair values of its investments. The pricing service provides to us one quote per instrument. For fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturity securities that do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service prepares estimates of fair value using a wide array of observable inputs including relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. The observable market inputs that the Company’s independent pricing service utilizes include (listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data on markets, industry, and the economy. Additionally, the independent pricing service uses an Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios.
 
Should the independent pricing service be unable to provide a fair value estimate, the Company would attempt to obtain a non-binding fair value estimate from a number of broker-dealers and review this estimate in conjunction with a fair value estimate reported by an independent business news service or other sources. In instances where only one broker-dealer provides a fair value for a fixed maturity security, the Company uses that estimate. In instances where the Company is able to obtain fair value estimates from more than one broker-dealer, the Company would review the range of estimates and would select the most appropriate value based on the facts and circumstances. Should neither the independent pricing service nor a broker-dealer provide a fair value estimate, the Company would develop a fair value estimate based on cash flow analyses and other valuation techniques that utilize certain unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company would classify such a security as a Level 3 investment.


F-9


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The fair value estimates of the Company’s investments provided by the independent pricing service at June 30, 2009, were utilized, among other resources, in reaching a conclusion as to the fair value of investments. As of June 30, 2009, all but one instrument, which had an amortized cost of $200 and a fair value of $205, of the Company’s fixed maturity investments were priced using this one primary service. The independent pricing service was unable to price this recently-issued bond so the Company utilized a non-binding fair value estimate provided by an independent broker-dealer and evaluated the estimate through a review of business news sources and other information pertaining to the issuer and recent trading activity in the security. The independent pricing service began pricing the bond on August 5, 2009, and management also utilized this information in its evaluation of the reasonableness of the price used at June 30, 2009.
 
Management reviews the reasonableness of the pricing provided by the independent pricing service by employing various analytical procedures. The Company reviews all securities to identify recent downgrades, significant changes in pricing, and pricing anomalies on individual securities relative to other similar securities. This will include looking for relative consistency across securities in various common blocks or sectors, durations, and credit ratings. This review will also include all fixed maturity securities rated lower than “A” by Moody’s or S&P. If, after this review, management does not believe the pricing for any security is a reasonable estimate of fair value, then it will seek to resolve the discrepancy through discussions with the pricing service or its asset manager. The classification within the fair value hierarchy of SFAS No. 157 is then confirmed based on the final conclusions from the pricing review. The Company did not have any such discrepancies at June 30, 2009.
 
The fair value of other financial instruments, principally receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, borrowings under lines of credit, and long-term debt approximates their June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 carrying values. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is an interest rate swap agreement (see note 13). Management estimates the fair value of the interest rate swap based on information obtained from a third-party financial institution counterparty. Management also considers the prevailing interest rate environment as a key input into the valuation of the swap.


F-10


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(7)   Investments
 
The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturity and equity securities, which are all available for sale, at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, are as follows:
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Estimated
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
 
June 30, 2009:
                               
U.S. treasuries
  $ 7,801       256       16       8,041  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    16,995       752       44       17,703  
State and political subdivisions
    31,654       1,576       67       33,163  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,428       6       344       4,090  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    21,995       704       44       22,655  
Corporate securities
    48,524       1,522       915       49,131  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 131,397       4,816       1,430       134,783  
                                 
December 31, 2008:
                               
U.S. treasuries
  $ 8,530       780             9,310  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    14,929       1,160             16,089  
State and political subdivisions
    31,775       1,292       110       32,957  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,600       3       670       3,933  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    20,774       598             21,372  
Corporate securities
    39,930       414       2,091       38,253  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 120,538       4,247       2,871       121,914  
                                 
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had gross unrealized losses of $1,430 and $2,871, respectively, on investment securities. The decreases in unrealized losses were primarily attributable to decreased credit and liquidity risk discounts in the pricing of financial assets. Although these changes affected the broad financial markets, specific factors, security issuers and security issues were affected differently. Prior to the adoption of FSP 115-2 and FAS 124-2, the Company did not have any previously-recorded other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities, so it did not need to develop an estimate of the portion of such impairments that were not due to credit.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2009, by contractual maturity, are shown below:
 
                 
    Amortized
    Estimated
 
    Cost     Fair Value  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 8,431       8,570  
Due after one year through five years
    49,238       51,078  
Due after five years through ten years
    40,362       41,262  
Due after ten years
    6,943       7,128  
                 
      104,974       108,038  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,428       4,090  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    21,995       22,655  
                 
    $ 131,397       134,783  
                 


F-11


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in the foregoing table because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, investments with a fair value of $4,434 and $4,543, respectively, were on deposit with regulatory authorities, as required by law.
 
Major categories of net investment income are as follows:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Interest on fixed maturities
  $ 3,024       2,706  
Dividends on equity securities
    9       141  
Interest on cash and cash equivalents
          141  
                 
Total investment income
    3,033       2,988  
Investment expense
    (264 )     (265 )
                 
Investment income, net of investment expense
  $ 2,769       2,723  
                 
 
Realized gross (losses) gains from investments and the change in difference between fair value and cost of investments, before applicable income taxes, are as follows:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Fixed maturity securities:
               
Available for sale:
               
Gross gains
  $ 51       76  
Gross losses on sales
           
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (197 )      
Equity securities:
               
Gross gains
          1,807  
Gross losses on sales
           
                 
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (146 )     1,883  
Change in value of interest rate swap
    13       (7 )
                 
Realized investment (losses) gains after change in value of interest rate swap, net
  $ (133 )     1,876  
                 
Change in difference between fair value and cost of investments:
               
Fixed maturity securities for continuing operations
  $ 2,010       (1,463 )
Equity securities for continuing operations
          (4,272 )
                 
Total for continuing operations
    2,010       (5,735 )
Equity securities for discontinued operations
    7       (1 )
                 
Total including discontinued operations
  $ 2,017       (5,736 )
                 
 
Income tax (benefit) expense on net realized investment (losses) gains was $(50) and $640 for the period ended June 30, 2009 and year ended December 31, 2008, respectively. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) applicable to net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in equity was $1,151 and $(358) at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


F-12


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The fair value and unrealized losses for securities temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
          Unrealized
          Unrealized
          Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
  Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses  
 
2009:
                                               
U.S. Treasuries
  $ 493       16                   493       16  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    3,036       44                   3,036       44  
State and political subdivisions
    555       2       2,655       65       3,210       67  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
                3,523       344       3,523       344  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    2,470       44                   2,470       44  
Corporate securities
    3,637       89       8,444       826       12,081       915  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 10,191       195       14,622       1,235       24,813       1,430  
                                                 
2008:
                                               
State and political subdivisions
  $ 2,934       56       515       54       3,449       110  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    2,203       297       1,645       373       3,848       670  
Corporate securities
    10,732       1,008       9,907       1,083       20,639       2,091  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 15,869       1,361       12,067       1,510       27,936       2,871  
                                                 
 
The Company invests in high credit quality bonds. These fixed maturity investments are classified as available for sale because the Company will, from time to time, sell securities that are not impaired, consistent with its investment goals and policies. Fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates which generally translate, respectively, into decreases and increases in fair values of fixed maturity investments. The fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments also may be affected by the credit worthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of other investments, the liquidity of the instrument, and other general market conditions. Most of the decline in our fixed maturity portfolio has been in corporate bonds issued by financial institutions, whose prices have been depressed as a result of the recent turmoil in the credit markets. There are $14,622 in fixed maturity securities, at fair value, that at June 30, 2009, had been below cost for over 12 months. $1,235 of unrealized losses on such securities relates to securities which carry an investment grade debt rating and have declined in fair value roughly in line with overall market conditions. There are $12,067 in fixed maturity securities, at fair value, that at December 31, 2008, had been below cost for over 12 months. $1,510 of unrealized losses on such securities relates to securities which carry an investment grade debt rating and have declined in fair value roughly in line with overall market conditions. The Company has evaluated each security and taken into account the severity and duration of the impairment, the current rating on the bond, and the outlook for the issuer according to independent analysts. The Company has found that the declines in fair value are most likely attributable to the current market dislocation, and there is no evidence that the likelihood of not recovering all of the amortized cost basis is expected.
 
Per the Company’s current policy, a fixed maturity security is other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security or where the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its value. The Company believes, based on its analysis, that these securities arc not other-than-temporarily impaired. However, depending on


F-13


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
developments involving both the issuers and overall economic conditions, these investments may be written down in the income statement in the future.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, the Company incurred impairment charges of $197 related to one security. As of June 30, 2009, the Company intended to sell the security. The security was sold in July 2009, and therefore, the carrying value of the security was written down to fair value as of June 30, 2009.
 
The Company does not engage in subprime residential mortgage lending. The only securitized financial assets that the Company owns are residential and commercial mortgage backed securities of high credit quality. The Company’s exposure to subprime lending is limited to investments in corporate bonds of banks, which may contain some subprime loans on their balance sheets. These bonds are reported at fair value. As of June 30, 2009, fixed maturity securities issued by banks accounted for 5.99% of the bond portfolio’s book value. Except for the aforementioned security which was written down, none of the Company’s fixed maturity securities have defaulted or required an impairment charge due to the subprime credit crisis.
 
(8)   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (184 )     1,498  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
               
Unrealized investment holding gains (losses) arising during period
    1,235       (2,543 )
Less:
               
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
    96       (1,243 )
                 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
    1,331       (3,786 )
Defined benefit pension plans:
               
Amortization
    70       24  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,401       (3,762 )
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,217       (2,264 )
                 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following amounts:
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
 
Unrealized investment gains for continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 2,234       908  
Unrealized investment losses for discontinued operations, net of tax
          (5 )
Defined benefit pension plan — net actuarial loss, net of tax
    (1,992 )     (2,062 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)
  $ 242       (1,159 )
                 
 
(9)   Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Retirement benefits are a function of both the years of service and level of compensation. It is the Company’s policy to fund the plan in amounts equal to the amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Company also


F-14


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
sponsors a SERP. The SERP, which is unfunded, provides defined pension benefits outside of the qualified defined benefit pension plan to eligible executives based on average earnings, years of service, and age at retirement.
 
The net periodic pension cost for the plan consists of the following components:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Components of net periodic pension cost:
               
Service cost
  $ 340       358  
Interest cost
    295       309  
Expected return on plan assets
    (185 )     (259 )
Amortization of prior service costs
    20       31  
Amortization of net loss
    85       5  
                 
Net periodic pension expense
  $ 555       444  
                 
 
The Company expects to contribute $547 to the plans in 2009. As of June 30, 2009, no contributions have been made. The Company’s 2010 contribution to the plan is expected to increase due to changes in the fair value of plan assets and regulatory changes affecting the plan.
 
On July 28, 2009, the Company’s board of directors approved a resolution to freeze the future accrual of benefits under the pension plan, effective October 31, 2009. Upon successful implementation of the stock offering (see note 17), the Company plans to replace the pension plan with an employee stock ownership plan.
 
(10)   Income Tax
 
The Company has recorded income tax expense of $804 on discontinued operations, which relates primarily to the tax expense recorded on the sale of the assets of EIG, whose book basis exceeded their tax basis. The Company has reviewed the potential of a tax position regarding a worthless stock deduction for its investment in EIG. The Company determined that the more-likely-than not recognition threshold would not be met. Therefore, if the Company were to conclude to take a tax return position on the 2009 Federal Income Tax Return, the benefit would need to be recorded as an uncertain tax position, with no current benefit recognized. The maximum favorable impact of this deduction is estimated to be $900, with reasonable possibility that the tax return position will not be taken.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. The Company’s policy is to account for interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of other expense. Federal tax years 2005 through 2008 were open for examination as of June 30, 2009.
 
Cash tax payments of $326 and $1,040 were made in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(11)   Reinsurance
 
Reinsurance is ceded by the Company on a pro rata and excess of loss basis, with the Company’s retention generally at $500 per occurrence in 2009 and 2008. The Company purchased catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance with a retention of $2,000 per event in 2009 and 2008.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company modified its reinsurance program in which the Company lowered its participation in the per-risk reinsurance treaty. Losses between $500 and $1,000 are retained at 52.5% in 2009 versus a 75% retention rate in 2008. Losses between $1,000 and $5,000 are retained at 0% in 2009 versus 25% in 2008.


F-15


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The Company continues to maintain a whole account, accident year aggregate excess of loss (aggregate stop loss) contract. This contract covers the 2008 and 2009 accident years and provides reinsurance coverage for loss and allocated loss adjustment expense (ALAE) from all lines of business, in excess of a 72% loss and ALAE ratio. The reinsurance coverage has a limit of 20% of subject net earned premiums.
 
The Company’s assumed reinsurance relates primarily to its participation in various involuntary pools and associations and the runoff of the Company’s participation in voluntary reinsurance agreements that have been terminated.
 
The effect of reinsurance, with respect to premiums and losses, is as follows:
 
(a)   Premiums
 
                                 
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
    Written     Earned     Written     Earned  
 
Direct
  $ 41,976       46,164       45,996       47,727  
Assumed
    514       440       781       697  
Ceded
    (9,106 )     (9,678 )     (8,798 )     (9,055 )
                                 
Net
  $ 33,384       36,926       37,979       39,369  
                                 
 
(b)   Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
                 
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Direct
  $ 36,361       34,399  
Assumed
    82       847  
Ceded
    (10,577 )     (6,554 )
                 
Net
  $ 25,866       28,692  
                 
 
(c)   Unearned Premiums
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
 
Direct
  $ 41,134       45,310  
Assumed
    84       12  
Prepaid reinsurance (ceded)
    (3,769 )     (4,342 )
                 
    $ 37,449       40,980  
                 
 
(d)   Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
                 
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
 
Direct
  $ 108,888       98,366  
Assumed
    9,137       9,699  
                 
Gross
  $ 118,025       108,065  
                 


F-16


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(12)   Borrowings
 
At June 30, 2009, the Company maintained two unsecured lines of credit.
 
The first unsecured line of credit is available for general corporate purposes. No additional borrowings were made after year-end. The balance of $500 at June 30, 2009 was paid in full on August 3, 2009.
 
The second unsecured line of credit for $2,000 was established in December 2008 and is available to finance temporary increased working capital needs primarily associated with costs for a planned public offering. At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, a total of $1,183 and $450, respectively, was outstanding. The balance was paid in full on August 3, 2009.
 
On July 22, 2009, the Company refinanced its long-term debt and lines of credit by entering into a new, four year $3,000 revolving line of credit with a commercial bank. The new line of credit note will require monthly payments of accrued interest, with principal due no later than the maturity of the loan agreement, four years from the inception date. The initial interest rate on outstanding borrowings will be LIBOR plus 175 basis points. This rate will be increased annually at each anniversary of the loan agreement by an additional 25 basis points. On August 3, 2009, $1,800 of this new line of credit and cash from operations of $1,100 was used to pay off the long-term debt amount of $1,251 of principal and interest due at the settlement date, and the two then-existing lines of credit, at an aggregate amount of principal and interest of $1,683. The interest rate swap tied to the loan was also terminated, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $47 (see note 13).
 
(13)   Interest Rate Swap Agreement
 
The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in 2005 to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable rate debt. The fixed interest rate as a result of the agreement is 5.55% for the full five year term of the debt. The notional amount of the swap is $1,276 and $1,432 at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
The Company accounts for its interest rate swap in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
The Company has designated the interest rate swap as a non-hedge instrument. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the interest rate swap as an asset or a liability on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. An investment gain of $13 and loss of $7 were recorded within net realized investment gains on the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
By using hedging financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to market and credit risk. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the contract. When the fair value of a contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a contract is negative, the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, credit risk is not present.


F-17


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
A summary of the fair value of the interest rate swap outstanding as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 follows:
 
                         
    June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Balance Sheet
  Fair Value
    Balance Sheet
  Fair Value
 
    Location   Liability     Location   Liability  
 
Interest rate swaps:
                       
Wachovia Bank, N.A. 
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 53     Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 66  
                         
Total derivatives
      $ 53         $ 66  
                         
 
A summary of the effect of the interest rate swap on the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 follows:
 
                                 
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
          Amount of Gain
          Amount of (Loss)
 
    Location of Gain
    Recognized in
    Location of (Loss)
    Recognized in
 
    Recognized in Income     Income     Recognized in Income     Income  
 
Interest rate swaps:
                               
Wachovia Bank, N.A.
    Realized investment gains     $ 13       Realized investment losses     $ (7 )
                                 
Total derivatives
          $ 13             $ (7 )
                                 
 
(14)   Segment Information
 
The Company’s operations are organized into three segments: Agribusiness, Commercial Business, and Other. These segments reflect the manner in which the Company currently manages the business based on type of customer, how the business is marketed, and the manner in which risks are underwritten. Within each segment, the Company underwrites and markets its insurance products through a packaged offering of coverages sold to generally consistent types of customers.
 
The Other segment includes the runoff of discontinued lines of insurance business and the results of mandatory-assigned risk reinsurance programs that the Company must participate in as a cost of doing business in the states in which the Company operates. The discontinued lines of insurance business include personal lines, which the Company began exiting in 2001, and assumed reinsurance contracts for which the Company participated on a voluntary basis. Participation in these assumed reinsurance contracts ceased in the 1980s and early 1990s.


F-18


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Segment information for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Revenues:
               
Premiums earned:
               
Agribusiness
  $ 21,939       22,470  
Commercial business
    14,403       16,060  
Other
    584       839  
                 
Total premiums earned
    36,926       39,369  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       2,723  
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (133 )     1,876  
Other income
    111       221  
                 
Total revenues
  $ 39,673       44,189  
                 
Components of net (loss) income:
               
Underwriting (loss) income:
               
Agribusiness
  $ (1,702 )     (961 )
Commercial business
    (145 )     (1,157 )
Other
    166       (238 )
                 
Total underwriting losses
    (1,681 )     (2,356 )
Investment income, net of investment expense
    2,769       2,723  
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (133 )     1,876  
Other income
    111       221  
Corporate expense
    (81 )     (295 )
Interest expense
    (156 )     (87 )
Other expense, net
    (90 )     (76 )
                 
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
    739       2,006  
Income tax expense
    107       494  
                 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 632       1,512  
                 
Discontinued operations:
               
Loss on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (12 )     (21 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    804       (7 )
                 
Loss on discontinued operations
    (816 )     (14 )
                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (184 )     1,498  
                 


F-19


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The following table sets forth the net premiums earned by major lines of business for our core insurance products for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
                 
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net premiums earned:
               
Agribusiness
               
Property
  $ 7,933       8,055  
Commercial auto
    5,543       6,078  
Liability
    4,593       4,341  
Workers’ compensation
    3,536       3,667  
Other
    334       329  
                 
Agribusiness subtotal
    21,939       22,470  
Commercial lines
               
Property & liability
    8,878       9,934  
Workers’ compensation
    3,105       3,694  
Commercial auto
    2,271       2,303  
Other
    149       129  
                 
Commercial lines subtotal
    14,403       16,060  
Other
    584       839  
                 
Total net premiums earned
  $ 36,926       39,369  
                 
 
(15)   Equity
 
PMHC’s insurance subsidiaries are required by law to maintain certain minimum surplus on a statutory basis, are subject to risk-based capital requirements, and are subject to regulations under which payment of a dividend from statutory surplus is restricted and may require prior approval of regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with its risk-based capital requirements. Applying the current regulatory restrictions as of December 31, 2008, approximately $4,257 would be available for distribution to the Company during 2009 without prior approval.
 
(16)   Discontinued Operations
 
In 2007, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to pursue the sale of Penn Software & Technology Services (PSTS) in order to better focus on its core competency within the insurance business.
 
In July 2008, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement and sold those assets of PSTS for $150. The assets sold included customer lists and related client information. The Company received cash of $50 at the time of sale and can receive up to $100 after one year, based on the retention of the book of business that was sold. The contingent portion of the sale price will be determined in the third quarter of 2009 and will be recognized at that time. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $117.
 
The results of operations for PSTS were reported within discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.


F-20


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Operating results from PSTS for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
                 
    For the
 
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net revenue
  $       523  
Loss on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $       (51 )
Income tax benefit
          (18 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations
  $       (33 )
                 
 
In 2008, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to explore the sale of Eastern Insurance Group (EIG). The decision resulted from continued evaluation of the Company’s long term strategic plans and the role that the insurance brokerage segment played in that strategy. In the third quarter of 2008, the board approved a plan for a minority public offering and, at the same time, fully committed to the sale of EIG in order to concentrate solely on insurance underwriting as a long term core competency.
 
At September 30, 2008, the Company tested the goodwill carrying value of EIG for impairment. The possibility of impairment was evident based on non-binding offers obtained in the selling process, which were less than the carrying amount, and the deterioration of local and national economic conditions. As a result of the impairment test, the Company recognized an impairment to goodwill of $2,435 within discontinued operations at September 30, 2008 (unaudited), which represented its best estimate. The Company completed the sale of EIG on February 2, 2009. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, the Company sold substantially all of EIG’s assets and liabilities for proceeds of $3,109, less costs to sell of $248. Based on the fair value determined by the final terms of the sale and finalization of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded an additional write down of goodwill at December 31, 2008 of $165. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss of $12 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. A portion of the proceeds of the sale was used to pay off $285 of acquisition payables in liabilities held for sale.
 
The results of operations for EIG were reported within discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, and prior-period consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
 
EIG’s operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
                 
    For the
 
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net revenue
  $       1,751  
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (12 )     30  
Income tax expense
    804       11  
                 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ (816 )     19  
                 


F-21


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Assets and liabilities of EIG as of December 31, 2008, which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets, comprise the following:
 
         
    2008  
 
Assets:
       
Cash
  $  
Receivables
    420  
Goodwill
    2,147  
Intangible assets
    464  
Other assets
    183  
         
Total assets
  $ 3,214  
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 362  
Acquisition payables
    285  
         
Total liabilities
  $ 647  
         
 
EIG may continue to place insurance policies with PMIC. PMIC will continue to pay commissions to EIG for this business. Currently, commissions paid by PMIC to EIG represent less than 5% of EIG’s total revenue. The Company does not expect a material increase in this level of commissions. Operating results from total discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented below.
 
                 
    For the
 
    Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net revenue
  $       2,274  
Loss on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (12 )     (21 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    804       (7 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (816 )     (14 )
                 
 
Total assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2008 comprise the following:
 
         
    2008  
 
Assets:
       
Cash
  $  
Receivables
    420  
Goodwill
    2,147  
Intangible assets
    464  
Other assets
    183  
         
Total assets
  $ 3,214  
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 362  
Other liabilities
    285  
         
Total liabilities
  $ 647  
         


F-22


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(17)   Plan of Conversion
 
On April 22, 2009, the PMMHC’s board of directors adopted a Plan of conversion from Mutual to Stock Form (the Plan).
 
Under the Plan, the Company will offer shares of common stock in a public offering expected to commence in 2009. The number of shares to be offered will be based on an independent appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of the Company on a consolidated basis.
 
The offering contemplated by the Plan is subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner’s 1998 order approving the creation of the Company’s current mutual holding company structure. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all applicable state securities laws.
 
On April 22, 2009, the PMHC’s board of directors changed the name of Penn Millers Holding Corporation to PMHC Corp.
 
(18)   Correction of Immaterial Error
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements, which provides guidance on how to evaluate prior period financial statement misstatements for purposes of assessing their materiality in the current period. SAB No. 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. There are two widely recognized methods for quantifying the effects on the financial statements; the “rollover” or income statement method and the “iron curtain” or balance sheet method. SAB No. 108 requires that the Company must consider both the rollover and iron curtain methods (dual method) when quantifying misstatements in the financial statements. The iron curtain method quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the timing of the misstatement’s origination.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, the Company discovered an error in the accrual of ceded premium for the 2009 accident year under the aggregate stop loss contract in effect for 2008 and 2009. The March 31, 2009 financial statements have been corrected to reflect the increase of ceded premium. Pursuant to SAB No. 108, it was determined that the misstatements were not material to the financial statements issued as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
The following table presents the effect of the correction on the Company’s previously reported consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
                         
    As Previously
             
    Reported     Adjustment     As Revised  
 
Premiums earned
  $ 18,457     $ (400 )   $ 18,057  
Total revenues
    19,865       (400 )     19,465  
Underwriting and administrative expenses
    1,126       (150 )     976  
Total losses and expenses
    18,725       (150 )     18,575  
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
    1,140       (250 )     890  
Income tax expense
    289       (84 )     205  
Income from continuing operations
    851       (166 )     685  
Net income (loss)
    31       (166 )     (135 )


F-23


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the effect of the correction on the Company’s previously reported consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009.
 
                         
    As Previously
             
    Reported     Adjustment     As Revised  
 
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
  $ 25,064     $ (400 )   $ 24,664  
Income taxes receivable
    1,294       84       1,378  
Total assets
    228,415       (316 )     228,099  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    12,631       (150 )     12,481  
Total liabilities
    177,254       (150 )     177,104  
Retained earnings
    51,945       (166 )     51,779  
Total equity
    51,161       (166 )     50,995  


F-24


 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors
Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company:
 
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules II to VI. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, as of December 31, 2007, and adopted the provisions of Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements, in 2008.
 
/s/  
KPMG LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 22, 2009


F-25


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
                 
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities:
               
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $120,538 in 2008 and $110,973 in 2007)
  $ 121,914       112,769  
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $0 in 2008 and $10,525 in 2007)
          13,409  
                 
Total investments
    121,914       126,178  
Cash and cash equivalents
    11,959       10,134  
Premiums and fees receivable
    31,080       32,489  
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
    20,637       15,640  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,601       11,014  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    4,342       4,234  
Accrued investment income
    1,431       1,499  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    4,231       4,401  
Income taxes receivable
    1,508       1,056  
Deferred income taxes
    4,728       1,872  
Other
    3,864       3,972  
Deferred offering costs
    1,015        
Assets held for sale
    3,214       7,124  
                 
Total assets
  $ 220,524       219,613  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expense reserves
  $ 108,065       95,956  
Unearned premiums
    45,322       46,595  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    13,353       12,874  
Borrowings under line of credit
    950        
Long-term debt
    1,432       1,745  
Liabilities held for sale
    647       1,042  
                 
Total liabilities
    169,769       158,212  
                 
Equity:
               
Retained earnings
    51,914       59,293  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,159 )     2,108  
                 
Total equity
    50,755       61,401  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 220,524       219,613  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-26


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Revenues:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 78,737       70,970       64,645  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    5,335       5,324       4,677  
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
Other income
    411       508       345  
                         
Total revenues
    78,664       76,100       70,016  
                         
Losses and expenses:
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    57,390       49,783       43,766  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    23,081       21,930       20,080  
Underwriting and administrative expenses
    3,481       2,233       3,216  
Interest expense
    184       125       222  
Other expense, net
    365       184       314  
                         
Total losses and expenses
    84,501       74,255       67,598  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations, before income taxes
    (5,837 )     1,845       2,418  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,378 )     396       506  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (4,459 )     1,449       1,912  
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
    (3,090 )     (489 )     292  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (170 )     (126 )     124  
                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations
    (2,920 )     (363 )     168  
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-27


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
          Accumulated
       
          Other
       
    Retained
    Comprehensive
       
    Earnings     Income (Loss)     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2005, as restated for the adoption of SAB No. 108 (note 2 (s))
  $ 56,127       1,642       57,769  
Net income
    2,080             2,080  
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized investment holding gain arising during period, net of related income tax expense of $470
          913       913  
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of related income tax expense of $119
          (232 )     (232 )
                         
Net unrealized investment gain
                    681  
                         
Comprehensive income
                    2,761  
                         
Balance at December 31, 2006
    58,207       2,323       60,530  
Net income
    1,086             1,086  
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized investment holding gain arising during period, net of related income tax expense of $179
          348       348  
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income, net of related income tax benefit of $222
          431       431  
                         
Net unrealized investment gain
                    779  
                         
Comprehensive income
                    1,865  
                         
Adjustment to initially adopt SFAS No. 158, net of related income taxes of $512
          (994 )     (994 )
                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
    59,293       2,108       61,401  
Net loss
    (7,379 )           (7,379 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized investment holding loss arising during period, net of related income tax benefit of $3,097
          (6,012 )     (6,012 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income, net of related income tax benefit of $1,965
          3,813       3,813  
                         
Net unrealized investment loss
                    (2,199 )
Defined benefit pension plan, net of related income tax benefit of $551
          (1,068 )     (1,068 )
                         
Comprehensive loss
                    (10,646 )
                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 51,914       (1,159 )     50,755  
                         


F-28


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
Loss (income) on discontinued operations
    2,920       363       (168 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Change in receivables, unearned premiums, and prepaid reinsurance
    (4,787 )     4,470       3,318  
Increase in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    12,109       6,551       5,556  
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (1,737 )     56       598  
Deferred income taxes
    (1,068 )     (208 )     (512 )
Change in deferred acquisition costs
    413       (633 )     (735 )
Amortization and depreciation
    710       783       766  
Realized investment losses (gains), net
    5,819       702       (349 )
Other, net
    383       (2,153 )     1,157  
                         
Cash provided by operating activities — continuing operations
    7,383       11,017       11,711  
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities — discontinued operations
    (20 )     515       104  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    7,363       11,532       11,815  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Available-for-sale investments:
                       
Purchases
    (50,075 )     (27,852 )     (27,777 )
Sales
    32,927       7,048       14,125  
Maturities
    11,970       8,350       7,800  
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (524 )     (919 )     (740 )
                         
Cash used in investing activities — continuing operations
    (5,702 )     (13,373 )     (6,592 )
Cash used in investing activities — discontinued operations
    (48 )     (261 )      
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,750 )     (13,634 )     (6,592 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Initial public offering costs paid
    (493 )            
Net borrowings (repayments) on line of credit
    950       (250 )     64  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (313 )     (312 )     (2,151 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities — continuing operations
    144       (562 )     (2,087 )
Net cash used in financing activities — discontinued operations
  $ (260 )     (290 )     (221 )
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (116 )     (852 )     (2,308 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    1,497       (2,954 )     2,915  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    10,462       13,416       10,501  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    11,959       10,462       13,416  
Less cash of discontinued operations at end of year
          328       364  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year
  $ 11,959       10,134       13,052  
                         


F-29


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
(1)   Description of Business
 
Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company and subsidiary (the Company) are engaged in the marketing and sale of commercial property and liability insurance in 33 states throughout the United States. Coverage is written directly by the Company’s employees and through independent producers.
 
Penn Millers Holding Corporation (PMHC), which was renamed PMHC Corp. on April 22, 2009, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn Millers Mutual Holding Company (PMMHC). Penn Millers Insurance Company (PMIC) is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania. PMIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMHC, and the stock of PMIC is the most significant asset of PMHC. American Millers Insurance Company (AMIC) is a property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Pennsylvania and is a wholly owned subsidiary of PMIC. PMHC conducts no business other than acting as a holding company for PMIC.
 
PMIC offers insurance products designed to meet the needs of certain segments of the agricultural industry in 33 states. PMIC also offers commercial insurance products designed to meet the needs of main street businesses in 8 states. The Company reports its operating results in three segments: agribusiness insurance, commercial business insurance, and a third segment, which is referred to as “other”. However, assets are not allocated to segments and are reviewed in the aggregate for decision-making purposes. The agribusiness insurance segment markets its products in a bundled offering that includes fire and allied lines, inland marine, general liability, commercial automobile, workers’ compensation, and umbrella liability insurance. This segment specializes in writing coverage for manufacturers, processors, and distributors of products for the agricultural industry. The commercial business insurance segment product consists of a business owner’s policy that combines property, liability, business interruption, and crime coverage for small businesses, workers’ compensation, commercial automobile and umbrella liability coverage. The types of businesses this segment targets include retail, service, hospitality, wholesalers, light manufacturers, and printers. Both the commercial and agribusiness lines are marketed through independent producers. The “other” segment includes the runoff of discontinued lines of insurance business and the results of mandatory assigned risk reinsurance programs that the Company must participate in as a condition of doing business in the states in which it operates.
 
The Company owned Eastern Insurance Group (EIG), an insurance agency that placed business with both PMIC and unaffiliated insurance companies. On March 1, 2005, EIG acquired Galland Steinhauer & Repa, Inc. (GSR), an insurance agency that also placed business with PMIC and unaffiliated insurance companies. In 2008, the Company committed to a plan to sell EIG’s business and, therefore, the assets and liabilities have been classified as held-for-sale, with the results of operations reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company sold substantially all of the assets of EIG in February 2009 (see note 20).
 
Penn Software & Technology Services Inc. (PSTS) was owned by the Company and provided both hardware and computer programming services to its clients. In 2007, management made a decision to sell PSTS, and as such, reported the assets and liabilities of PSTS as held for sale with the results of its operations as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company sold substantially all of the assets of PSTS in July 2008 (see note 20).
 
On April 1, 1999, Pennsylvania Millers Mutual Insurance Company demutualized and became a stock insurance company, PMIC, within a mutual holding company structure, in accordance with a plan approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Millers Mutual Insurance Company’s policyholders under the Insurance Company Mutual-to-Stock Conversion Act. As part of this demutualization, PMMHC was formed as the ultimate controlling entity of PMHC and PMIC. The transaction was consummated with the purchase of 5,000,000 shares (100% of issued) of $1 par stock at $2 per share of PMIC by PMHC. At the same time, PMIC paid a shareholders’ dividend of $10,100. Also, PMMHC purchased 1,000 shares (100% of issued) of $1 par stock at $1 per share of PMHC.


F-30


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
PMHC owns all of the outstanding common stock of PMIC, which owns all of the outstanding common stock of Penn Millers Agency, Inc. and AMIC.
 
(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
(a)   Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include the accounts and operations of the Company and its subsidiary. All material intercompany balances and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. The consolidated financial statements, along with related notes, reflect the reclassification of EIG and PSTS as assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations. See note 20 for additional disclosure related to discontinued operations.
 
(b)   Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including loss reserves, contingent assets and liabilities, tax valuation allowances, valuation of defined benefit pension obligations, valuation of investments, including other-than-temporary impairment of investments and impairment of goodwill and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
(c)   Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
 
Discontinued operations represent components of the Company that have either been disposed of or are classified as held-for-sale if both the operations and cash flows of the components have been or will be eliminated from ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposal and when the criteria for discontinued operations have been met. The results of operations of reporting units classified as discontinued operations are done so for all periods presented. The Company classifies assets and liabilities of reporting units as held-for-sale when the criteria for held-for-sale accounting are met. At the time a reporting unit qualifies for held-for-sale accounting, the reporting unit is evaluated to determine whether or not the carrying value exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. Any loss resulting from carrying value exceeding fair value less cost to sell is recorded in the period the reporting unit initially meets held-for-sale accounting. Management judgment is required to (1) assess the criteria required to meet held-for-sale accounting and (2) estimate fair value. Subsequent to initial classification as held for sale, the reporting unit is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell. Changes to the fair value could result in an increase or decrease to previously recognized losses. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group, classified as held for sale, are presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.
 
(d)   Concentration of Risk
 
The Company’s business is subject to concentration of risk with respect to geographic concentration. Although PMHC’s operating subsidiaries are licensed collectively in 33 states, direct premiums written for two states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, accounted for more than 25% of the Company’s direct premium writings for 2008. Consequently, changes in the New Jersey or Pennsylvania legal, regulatory, or economic environment could adversely affect the Company.
 
Additionally, one producer, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, which writes business for the Company through nine offices, accounted for 12% of the Company’s direct premiums written for 2008. Only one


F-31


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
other producer accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s 2008 direct premium writings. No other brokers account for more than 5% of direct premium writings.
 
(e)   Investments
 
The Company classifies all of its equity investments and fixed maturity securities as “available-for-sale,” requiring that these investments be carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, less related deferred income taxes, excluded from operations, and reported in equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Short-term investments are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Management values the Company’s fixed maturities using quoted values and other data provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its investments. The pricing is based on observable inputs either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are active; quoted prices for similar securities at the measurement date; or other inputs that are observable. The fair value of equity securities is based on the quoted market prices from an active market at the balance sheet date.
 
Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized or accreted using the interest method. Mortgage-backed securities are amortized over a period based on estimated future principal payments, including prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Adjustments related to changes in prepayment assumptions are recognized on a retrospective basis. Dividends and interest on securities are recognized in operations when declared and earned, respectively. Accrual of income is suspended on fixed maturities or mortgage backed securities that are in default, or on which it is likely that future payments will not be made as scheduled. Interest income on investments in default is recognized after principal is paid and when payments are received. There are no investments included in the consolidated balance sheets that were not income-producing for the preceding 12 months.
 
Realized investment gains and losses on the sale of investments are recognized on the specific identification basis as of the trade date. Realized losses also include losses for fair value declines that are considered to be other-than-temporary. Changes in unrealized investment gains or losses on investments carried at fair value, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected directly in equity as a component of comprehensive income (loss) and, accordingly, have no effect on net income (loss).
 
The Company recognizes an impairment loss when an invested asset’s value declines below cost and the change is deemed to be other-than-temporary, or if it is determined that the Company will not be able to recover all amounts due pursuant to the issuer’s contractual obligations prior to sale or maturity. When the Company determines that an invested asset is other-than-temporarily impaired, the invested asset is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in operations as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized in operations at disposition.
 
Factors considered in determining whether a decline is other-than-temporary include the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
 
The Company’s process for reviewing invested assets for impairments during any quarter includes the following:
 
  •  identification and evaluation of investments that have possible indications of other-than-temporary impairment, which includes an analysis of investments with gross unrealized investment losses that have fair values less than 80% of cost for six consecutive months or more;


F-32


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
 
  •  review of portfolio manager recommendations for other-than-temporary impairments based on the investee’s current financial condition, liquidity, near-term recovery prospects and other factors;
 
  •  consideration of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that may cause individual investments to qualify as having other-than-temporary impairments, regardless of the duration in unrealized loss position; and
 
  •  determination of the status of each analyzed investment as other-than-temporarily impaired or not, with documentation of the rationale for the decision.
 
A fixed maturity security is other-than-temporarily impaired if it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due under the security’s contractual terms or where the Company does not have the intent to hold the security to recovery, which may be maturity. Equity securities are other-than-temporarily impaired when it becomes apparent that the Company will not recover its cost over a reasonable period of time.
 
The Company evaluates its mortgage backed securities for such characteristics as delinquency and foreclosure levels, credit enhancement, projected losses and coverage, and an analysis of the cash flows. It is possible that the underlying collateral of these securities will perform worse than current expectations, which may lead to adverse changes in cash flows on these securities and potential future other-than-temporary impairment losses. Events that may trigger material declines in fair values for these securities in the future would include but are not limited to deterioration of credit metrics, significantly higher levels of default and severity of loss on the underlying collateral, deteriorating credit enhancement and loss coverage ratios, or further illiquidity.
 
The Company may, from time to time, sell invested assets subsequent to the balance sheet date that were considered temporarily impaired at the balance sheet date. Such sales are generally due to events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date that result in a change in the Company’s intent or ability to hold an invested asset. The types of events that may result in a sale include significant changes in the economic facts and circumstances related to the invested asset, significant unforeseen changes in the Company’s liquidity needs, or changes in tax laws or the regulatory environment.
 
The fair value of investments is reported in note 3. The fair value of other financial instruments, principally receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and long-term debt approximates their December 31, 2008 and 2007 carrying values.
 
The severe downturn in the public debt and equity markets, reflecting uncertainties associated with the mortgage crisis, worsening economic conditions, widening of credit spreads, bankruptcies and government intervention in large financial institutions, has resulted in significant realized and unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio. Depending on market conditions going forward, the Company could incur additional realized and unrealized losses in future periods.
 
(f)   Derivative Instruments
 
The Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement in an effort to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable rate debt. The Company’s derivative instrument is executed with a financial institution (counterparty) and is subject to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the counterparty is unable to perform under the terms of the derivative instrument upon settlement of the derivative instrument.
 
The derivative is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with the associated gain/loss included in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
(g)   Premium Revenue
 
Insurance premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are earned ratably over the duration of the policies. The reserve for unearned premiums


F-33


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
on these contracts represents the portion of premiums written relating to the unexpired terms of coverage. The Company estimates earned but unbilled (EBUB) audit premiums and records them as an adjustment to earned premiums. The estimation of EBUB is based on a quantitative analysis of the Company’s historical audit experience.
 
(h)   Fee Income
 
PSTS fee income is derived from hardware and computer programming services performed on a per diem basis. Revenues from projects are recognized as the services are rendered. Fee income is being reported through discontinued operations.
 
(i)   Commission Income
 
EIG commission income is generally recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy except for commissions billed on an installment basis, which are recognized as billed. Contingent commissions are recognized in amounts and in the period when management believes receipt is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Commission income is being reported through discontinued operations.
 
(j)   Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions, premium taxes, and certain other underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business, have been deferred and are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisitions costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, losses and loss adjustment expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected loss and loss adjustment expenses, may require adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. If the estimation of net realizable value indicates that the deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable, they would be written off.
 
(k)   Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents the estimated liability for claims reported to the Company plus claims incurred but not yet reported and the related estimated adjustment expenses. The liability for losses and related loss adjustment expenses is determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are reasonable. These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as necessary and such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
 
The Company’s estimated liability for asbestos and environmental claims is $2,502 and $2,764 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, a substantial portion of which results from the Company’s participation in assumed reinsurance pools. The Company estimates this liability based on its pro rata share of asbestos and environmental case reserves reported by the pools and an additional estimate of incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment expenses based on actuarial analysis of the historical development patterns. The estimation of the ultimate liability for these claims is difficult due to outstanding issues such as whether coverage exists, the definition of an occurrence, the determination of ultimate damages, and the allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties. Therefore, any estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty.


F-34


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(l)   Property and Equipment
 
The costs of property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred, while expenditures that substantially increase the useful life of the assets are capitalized. Fixed assets are depreciated over three to seven years. Property is depreciated over useful lives generally ranging from five to forty years. The Company continually monitors the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives and adjusts them as necessary.
 
The Company follows the provisions of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use (SOP 98-1). SOP 98-1 provides guidance for determining when computer software developed or obtained for internal use should be capitalized and what costs should be capitalized. It also provides guidance on the amortization of capitalized costs and the recognition of impairment. The Company capitalized costs of $0 in 2008 and 2007. Capitalized software costs are depreciated over periods ranging from three to five years.
 
As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company tests for impairment of property, plant, and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2008, an impairment under SFAS No. 144 is not considered necessary.
 
(m)   Income Taxes
 
The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
 
(n)   Reinsurance Accounting and Reporting
 
The Company relies upon reinsurance agreements to limit its maximum net loss from large single risks or risks in concentrated areas, and to increase its capacity to write insurance. Reinsurance does not relieve the primary insurer from liability to its policyholders. To the extent that a reinsurer may be unable to pay losses for which it is liable under the terms of a reinsurance agreement, the Company is exposed to the risk of continued liability for such losses. Estimated amounts of reinsurance receivables and recoverables, net of amounts payable that have the right of offset, are reported as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the unexpired portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers. The Company considers numerous factors in choosing reinsurers, the most important of which are the financial stability and creditworthiness of the reinsurer.
 
(o)   Goodwill
 
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. PSTS and EIG have goodwill, which is classified as assets held for sale. The Company performed the impairment tests as of December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 for PSTS and EIG. Goodwill of EIG was also tested as of September 30, 2008 as non-binding offers obtained in the selling process at prices less than carrying amount and the further deterioration of economic conditions


F-35


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the EIG reporting unit was below its carrying amount. Goodwill in PSTS was impaired by $160 as of December 31, 2007. PSTS was sold in July 2008, resulting in a pre-tax loss on sale of $117.
 
As of September 30, 2008, the Company determined that the carrying amount of the EIG reporting unit exceeded its fair value. The Company had not completed the second step of the goodwill impairment test, as of September 30, 2008. However, as a goodwill impairment loss was probable and could be reasonably estimated, the Company recognized its best estimate of that loss as of September 30, 2008. The Company estimated that EIG goodwill of $4,747 was impaired by $2,435 (unaudited). Management estimated the fair value of the reporting unit at September 30, 2008 based on various offers obtained during their process of selling EIG. The estimate was consistent with offers received subsequent to the end of the third quarter 2008.
 
The Company completed step two of the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter 2008 and recorded an additional adjustment of $165 to the goodwill impairment write-down that was recorded at September 30, 2008. The fair value of the reporting unit was based on the actual selling price of EIG as executed on February 2, 2009. The adjusted carrying amount of goodwill of $2,147 is in assets held for sale at December 31, 2008.
 
The Company completed the sale of substantially all of EIG’s assets and liabilities on February 2, 2009 and received proceeds of $3,109 less the estimated costs to sell of $231. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $6. The Company expects to incur approximately $908 of income tax expense on the sale in the first quarter of 2009. Much of the tax expense is expected to be available to offset capital losses incurred in 2008.
 
(p)   Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, bank drafts, balances on deposit with banks, and investments with maturity at date of purchase of three months or less in qualified banks and trust companies.
 
(q)   Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company records annual amounts relating to its defined benefit pension plan and nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates, mortality, rates of return and compensation increases. These estimates are highly susceptible to change from period to period based on the performance of plan assets, demographic changes and market conditions. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends. The Company believes that the assumptions used in recording its defined benefit pension plan and SERP obligations are reasonable based on its experience, market conditions and input from its actuaries and investment advisors.
 
The Company utilizes the corridor method of amortizing actuarial gains and losses. The amortization of experience gains and losses is recognized only to the extent that the cumulative unamortized net actuarial gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. When required, the excess of the cumulative gain or loss balance is amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees covered by the plan. On December 31, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). This statement requires recognition of the deferrals on the balance sheet with a corresponding charge to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
(r)   Deferred Offering Costs
 
In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 5A, Expenses of Offering, the Company has deferred offering costs consisting principally of legal, underwriting and audit fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are related to the proposed offering


F-36


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
and that will be charged to equity upon the completion of the proposed offering or charged to expense if the proposed offering is not completed.
 
Deferred offering costs of $1,015 are reported separately on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008.
 
(s)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FSAB statement No. 109, which clarifies the accounting for income tax reserves and contingencies recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 did not result in any adjustments to beginning retained earnings, nor did it have a significant effect on operations, financial condition, or liquidity. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has no material unrecognized tax benefits.
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108, Quantifying Financial Statement Misstatements. SAB No. 108 provides guidance on how to evaluate prior period financial statement misstatements for purposes of assessing their materiality in the current period. SAB No. 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. There are two widely recognized methods for quantifying the effects on the financial statements: the “rollover” or income statement method and the “iron curtain” or balance sheet method. Historically, the Company used the “rollover” method. Under this method, the Company quantified its financial statement misstatements based on the amount of errors originating in the current year income statement and as a result did not consider the effects of correcting the portion of the current year balance sheet misstatement that originated in prior years. SAB No. 108 now requires that the Company must consider both the rollover and iron curtain methods (dual method) when quantifying misstatements in the financial statements. The iron curtain method quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the timing of the misstatement’s origination.
 
The Company had previously identified that it had incorrectly accounted for contingent commissions in connection with the acquisition of GSR in 2005. At the time, the Company allocated $187 received for contingent commissions subsequent to the acquisition, which were then passed through to the seller, pursuant to the contract, to the purchase price, and also recognized revenue for that amount. This resulted in a $187 overstatement of goodwill and revenue for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2005. Prior to the adoption of SAB No. 108, the Company determined this misstatement was not material to the financial statements using the income statement approach. The error was considered material using the dual method approach.
 
The Company restated their 2005 financial statements to adopt the provisions of SAB No. 108. As a result, the balance of retained earnings at December 31, 2005, as presented in the consolidated statements of equity presented herein, was reduced by $187 and goodwill was reduced by the same amount.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a single employer defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status through comprehensive income (loss) in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires fiscal year-end measurement of defined benefit plan assets and benefit obligations. SFAS No. 158 amends SFAS Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the disclosure requirements was effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The Company recorded an adjustment of $994, net of $512 in related tax, to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) upon adoption. The requirement to measure plan


F-37


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
assets and benefit obligations as of the date of Company’s fiscal year-end balance sheet date was effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. This requirement had no effect on the Company.
 
In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It applies to other pronouncements that require or permit fair value but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement defines fair value as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures. The hierarchy is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets. The highest possible level should be used to measure fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
 
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 No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Upon adoption, an entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in operations at each subsequent reporting date. Most of the provisions apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. However, the amendment to SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. SFAS No. 159 is effective on January 1, 2008 for the Company. The Company did not elect to use the fair value option for any assets or liabilities.
 
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until January 1, 2009, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Accordingly, the provisions of SFAS No. 157 were not applied to goodwill and other intangible assets held by the Company and measured annually for impairment testing purposes only.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities and specifically requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of this standard will have no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, but may result in additional disclosures.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, to identify the sources of accounting principles and provide a framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The hierarchy of authoritative accounting guidance is not expected to change current practice but is expected to facilitate the FASB’s plan to designate as authoritative its forthcoming codification of accounting standards. SFAS No. 162 is effective November 15, 2008. The Company’s adoption did not result in any financial statement impact.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60, requiring that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default (insured event) when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. This statement also clarifies how SFAS No. 60, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises, applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement to be used to account for premium revenue and claim liabilities. Those clarifications will increase comparability in financial reporting of financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises. Expanded disclosures of financial guarantee


F-38


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
insurance contracts are also required. SFAS No. 163 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. Disclosures about the risk-management activities of the insurance enterprise are effective for the first period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance of this statement. Except for those disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. SFAS No. 163 will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009, except for disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. The adoption of this standard will have no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active. FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 and provides an example to illustrate considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 allows for the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions about future cash flows and appropriately risk-adjusted discount rates when relevant observable inputs are not available to determine the fair value for a financial asset in a dislocated market. The Company’s adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 had no impact on the financial condition or results of operations as of or for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets. FSP FAS 132R-1 was issued to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132R-1 requires an employer to disclose information about how investment allocation decisions are made, including factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies. An employer will also need to disclose separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans the fair value of each major category of plan assets based on the nature and risks of the assets as of each annual reporting date for which a statement of financial position is presented. FSP FAS 132R-1 also requires the disclosure of information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs and valuation techniques used to develop fair value measurements of plan assets at the annual reporting date. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), an employer will be required to disclose the effect of the measurements on changes in plan assets for the period. Furthermore, an employer is required to provide financial statement users with an understanding of significant concentrations of risk in plan assets. FSP FAS 132R-1 should be applied for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the provisions of FSP FAS 132R-1 and intends to comply with its disclosure requirements.
 
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20. EITF 99-20-1 provides guidance on determining other-than-temporary impairments on securities subject to EITF Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets. The provisions of EITF 99-20-1 are required to be applied prospectively for interim periods and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company’s adoption of EITF 99-20-1 did not result in any significant financial statement impact.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-4.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 provide guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on debt and equity securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption


F-39


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
permitted for interim and annual periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will require a company to disclose in its interim financial statements the fair value of all financial instruments within the scope of FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, as well as the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Earlier application is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009, but only if the Company also adopts both FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 107-1.
 
(3)   Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, upon adoption of SFAS No. 159, the Company did not elect the fair value option for any assets or liabilities that were not otherwise already carried at fair value in accordance with other accounting pronouncements.
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value are categorized into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. The Company classifies U.S. Treasury debt securities as Level 1.
 
Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are based on identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The Company classifies all securities, other than U.S. Treasury debt securities, as Level 2.
 
Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections that are often unobservable in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.
 
The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
                                 
    December 31, 2008  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale
  $ 9,310       112,604             121,914  
Equity securities
                       
                                 
Total assets
  $ 9,310       112,604             121,914  
                                 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $       66             66  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $       66             66  
                                 
 
The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service in its process for determining fair values of its investments. Its evaluations represent an exit price and a good faith opinion as to what a buyer in the marketplace would pay for a security in a current sale.
 
As of December 31, 2008, all of the Company’s fixed maturity investments were priced using this one primary service. For fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturity securities that do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service prepares estimates of fair value using a wide array of observable inputs including relevant market information, benchmark curves,


F-40


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. The observable market inputs that the Company’s independent pricing service utilizes may include (listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data on markets, industry, and the economy. Additionally, the independent pricing service uses an Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios.
 
The independent pricing service provided a fair value estimate for all of the Company’s investments at December 31, 2008, which is utilized, among other resources, in reaching a conclusion as to the fair value of investments. Management reviews the reasonableness of the pricing provided by the independent pricing service by employing various analytical procedures. The Company reviews all securities to identify recent downgrades, significant changes in pricing, and pricing anomalies on individual securities relative to other similar securities. This will include looking for relative consistency across securities in various common blocks or sectors, durations, and credit ratings. This review will also include all fixed maturity securities rated lower than “A” by Moody’s or S&P. If, after this review, management does not believe that the pricing for any security is a reasonable estimate of fair value, then it will seek to resolve the discrepancy through discussions with the pricing service. The classification within the fair value hierarchy of SFAS No. 157 is then confirmed based on the final conclusions from the pricing review. The Company did not have any such discrepancies at December 31, 2008.
 
Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is an interest rate swap agreement (see note 14). Management estimates the fair value of the interest rate swap based on information obtained from a third-party financial institution counterparty. Management also considers the prevailing interest rate environment as a key input into the valuation of the swap.
 
(4)   Investments
 
The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturity and equity securities, which are all available for sale, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, are as follows:
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Estimated
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
 
December 31, 2008:
                               
U.S. treasuries
  $ 8,530       780             9,310  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    14,929       1,160             16,089  
State and political subdivisions
    31,775       1,292       110       32,957  
Mortgage-backed securities
    25,374       601       670       25,305  
Corporate securities
    39,930       414       2,091       38,253  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 120,538       4,247       2,871       121,914  
                                 
Total equity securities
  $                    
                                 
December 31, 2007:
                               
U.S. treasuries
  $ 7,837       259             8,096  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
    18,523       372       7       18,888  
State and political subdivisions
    30,321       827       14       31,134  
Mortgage-backed securities
    20,636       207       119       20,724  
Corporate securities
    33,656       503       232       33,927  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 110,973       2,168       372       112,769  
                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 10,525       2,928       44       13,409  
                                 


F-41


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, are shown below:
 
                 
    Amortized
    Estimated
 
    Cost     Fair Value  
 
Due in 1 year or less
  $ 8,321       8,439  
Due after 1 year through 5 years
    42,747       43,356  
Due after 5 years through 10 years
    39,299       39,824  
Due after 10 years
    4,797       4,990  
                 
      95,164       96,609  
Mortgage-backed securities
    25,374       25,305  
                 
    $ 120,538       121,914  
                 
 
The expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in the foregoing table because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, investments with a fair value of $4,543 and $5,744, respectively, were on deposit with regulatory authorities, as required by law.
 
Major categories of net investment income are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Interest on fixed maturities
  $ 5,425       5,157       4,519  
Dividends on equity securities
    215       251       247  
Interest on cash and cash equivalents
    209       456       413  
                         
Total investments income
    5,849       5,864       5,179  
Investment expense
    (514 )     (540 )     (502 )
                         
Investment income, net of investment expense
  $ 5,335       5,324       4,677  
                         


F-42


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Realized gross (losses) gains from investments and the change in difference between fair value and cost of investments, before applicable income taxes, are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Fixed maturity securities:
                       
Available for sale:
                       
Gross gains
  $ 80             2  
Gross losses
    (109 )     (77 )     (16 )
Equity securities:
                       
Gross gains
    2,211       524       453  
Gross losses
    7,960 )     (1,100 )     (87 )
                         
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (5,778 )     (653 )     352  
Change in value of interest rate swap
    (41 )     (49 )     (3 )
                         
Realized investment (losses) gains after change in value of interest rate swap, net
  $ (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
                         
Change in difference between fair value and cost of investments:
                       
Fixed maturity securities for continuing operations
  $ (420 )     1,519       (392 )
Equity securities for continuing operations
    (2,884 )     (337 )     1,403  
                         
Total for continuing operations
  $ (3,304 )     1,182       1,011  
Equity securities for discontinued operations
    (28 )     (2 )     20  
                         
Total including discontinued operations
  $ (3,332 )     1,180       1,031  
                         
 
Income tax (benefit) expense on net realized investment (losses) gains was $(1,965), $(222) and $119 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Deferred income tax expense applicable to net unrealized investment gains included in equity was $468 and $1,592 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2,922 on all of its equity investments. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company sold all of its equity portfolio and recognized an additional $4,522 realized loss on the sale related to fourth quarter declines in fair value. Impairment charges of $620 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were recorded within realized net investment (losses) gains on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See the Company’s policy for recording an impairment loss in note 2.
 
The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in 2005 to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable rate debt. The fixed interest rate as a result of the agreement is 5.55% for the full five year term of the debt. The notional amount of the swap is $1,432 and $1,745 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Investment losses of $41, $49 and $3 were recorded within net realized investment (losses) gains on the consolidated statements of operations in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


F-43


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The fair value and unrealized losses for securities temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
  Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
 
2008:
                                               
State and political subdivisions
  $ 2,934       56       515       54       3,449       110  
Mortgage-backed securities
    2,203       297       1,645       373       3,848       670  
Corporate securities
    10,732       1,008       9,907       1,083       20,639       2,091  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    15,869       1,361       12,067       1,510       27,936       2,871  
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 15,869       1,361       12,067       1,510       27,936       2,871  
                                                 
2007:
                                               
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
  $             4,199       7       4,199       7  
State and political subdivisions
    516       1       3,669       13       4,185       14  
Mortgage-backed securities
    497             9,150       119       9,647       119  
Corporate securities
    2,665       44       8,662       188       11,327       232  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    3,678       45       25,680       327       29,358       372  
Equity securities
    760       43       326       1       1,086       44  
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 4,438       88       26,006       328       30,444       416  
                                                 
 
The Company invests in high credit quality bonds and has the ability and intent to hold them until maturity to realize all the future cash flows but classifies them as available for sale. Fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates which generally translate, respectively, into decreases and increases in fair values of fixed maturity investments. The fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments also may be affected by the credit worthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of other investments, the liquidity of the instrument, and other general market conditions. Most of the decline in our fixed maturity portfolio has been in corporate bonds issued by financial institutions, whose prices have been depressed as a result of the recent turmoil in the credit markets. The Company has evaluated each security and taken into account the severity and duration of the impairment, the current rating on the bond, and the outlook for the issuer according to independent analysts. The Company has found that the declines in fair value are most likely attributable to the current market dislocation, and there is no evidence that the likelihood of not receiving all of the contractual cash flows is probable. There are $12,067 in fixed maturity securities, at fair value, that at December 31, 2008, had been below cost for over 12 months. The $1,510 of unrealized losses on such securities relates to securities which carry an investment grade debt rating and have declined in fair value roughly in line with overall market conditions. The Company currently has the ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery, which may be maturity. However, depending on developments involving both the issuers and worsening economic conditions, these investments may be written down in the income statement in the future.
 
The Company does not engage in subprime residential mortgage lending. The only securitized financial assets that the Company owns are residential and commercial mortgage backed securities of high credit quality. The Company’s exposure to subprime lending is limited to investments in corporate bonds of banks, which may contain


F-44


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
some subprime loans on their balance sheets. These bonds are reported at fair value. As of December 31, 2008, fixed maturity securities issued by banks accounted for 7.8% of the bond portfolio’s book value. None of the Company’s fixed maturity securities have defaulted or required an impairment charge due to the subprime credit crisis.
 
(5)   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 consisted of the following:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                       
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized investment holding (losses) gains arising during period
    (6,012 )     348       913  
Less:
                       
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    3,813       431       (232 )
                         
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains
    (2,199 )     779       681  
                         
Defined benefit pension plans:
                       
Recognized net actuarial loss
    (1,068 )            
                         
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (3,267 )     779       681  
                         
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (10,646 )     1,865       2,761  
                         
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following amounts:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Unrealized investment gains for continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 908       3,088  
Unrealized investment (losses) gains for discontinued operations, net of tax
    (5 )     14  
Defined benefit pension plan — net actuarial loss, net of tax
    (2,062 )     (994 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (1,159 )     2,108  
                 
 
(6)   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 11,014       10,381       9,646  
Acquisition costs deferred
    22,668       22,563       20,815  
Amortization charged to operations
    (23,081 )     (21,930 )     (20,080 )
                         
Balance, December 31
  $ 10,601       11,014       10,381  
                         
 
(7)   Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consisted of land and buildings with a cost of $5,677 and $5,592 and equipment, capitalized software costs, and other items with a cost of $9,064 and $8,625 at December 31, 2008 and 2007,


F-45


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
respectively. Accumulated depreciation related to such assets was $10,510, $9,816 and $9,070 at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Rental expense under leases for continuing operations amounted to $140, $245, and $206 for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2008, the minimum aggregate rental and lease commitments for continuing operations are as follows:
 
         
2009
  $ 123  
2010
    81  
2011
    37  
2012
    5  
         
Total
  $ 246  
         
 
(8)   Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt related to continuing operations at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
 
                 
    2008   2007
 
Term loan agreement — due 2010
  $ 1,432       1,745  
                 
Long-term debt
  $ 1,432       1,745  
                 
 
The Company has a term loan agreement due in 2010. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $26, plus interest, based on a five-year amortization schedule. Interest is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (0.45% at December 31, 2008) plus a spread of 105 basis points through its maturity in July 2010. The term loan agreement subjects the Company to certain covenants and restrictions, including limitations on additional borrowing arrangements, encumbrances, and sales of assets. Covenants also include maintenance of various financial ratios and amounts. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
The following is a schedule of maturities of the long-term debt from continuing operations as of December 31, 2008:
 
         
2009
  $ 312  
2010
    1,120  
         
Total
  $ 1,432  
         
 
Interest paid was $90, $108, and $218 as of December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
 
Long-term debt, recorded within liabilities held for sale, at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Acquisition payables
  $ 285       545  
                 
Long-term debt
  $ 285       545  
                 
 
As further discussed in note 17, installment payments relating to the acquisition of GSR are due in four installments over a four-year term under the purchase agreement. At December 31, 2008, one payment totaling $285, net of imputed interest computed at a 5.5% interest rate, remains and was paid in March 2009.


F-46


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(9)   Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Retirement benefits are a function of both the years of service and level of compensation. It is the Company’s policy to fund the plan in amounts equal to the amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Company also sponsors a SERP. The SERP, which is unfunded, provides defined pension benefits outside of the qualified defined benefit pension plan to eligible executives based on average earnings, years of service, and age at retirement.
 
As a result of the classification of EIG as held for sale, the Company has recognized a curtailment of its defined benefit pension plan in accordance with SFAS No. 88, Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits. According to SFAS No. 88, a curtailment loss should be recognized when the curtailment is probable and the loss can be reasonably estimated. The EIG employees, who are part of the sale and represent a significant number of participants within the plan, stopped accruing benefits as of their termination on February 2, 2009, the date of the sale. The Company recognized a curtailment loss in the fourth quarter 2008 when it became probable, as the Company executed a letter of intent to sell EIG on January 7, 2009. The recognized curtailment loss represents the balance of unrecognized prior service cost associated with the EIG employees, in the amount of $222. A reduction in projected benefit obligation of $123 was recognized at the same time.
 
(a)   Obligations and Funded Status at December 31
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Change in benefit obligation:
               
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 9,768       9,552  
Service cost
    664       656  
Interest cost
    573       582  
Benefit payments
    (1,408 )     (699 )
Administrative expenses
    (41 )     (26 )
Actuarial loss (gain)
    340       (297 )
Curtailment
    (123 )      
                 
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 9,773       9,768  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 6,239       6,476  
Employer contributions
    1,402       455  
Benefit payments
    (1,408 )     (699 )
Administrative expenses
    (41 )     (26 )
Actual return on plan assets
    (1,251 )     33  
                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 4,941       6,239  
                 
Funded status (net liability recognized)
  $ (4,832 )     (3,529 )
                 
 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
  $ (527 )     (811 )
Unrecognized net loss
    (2,598 )     (695 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (3,125 )     (1,506 )
                 


F-47


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the qualified defined benefit pension plan was $6,894 and $6,126 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation of the SERP were $1,024 and $1,353, respectively, at December 31, 2008 and $1,870 and $2,193, respectively, at December 31, 2007.
 
(b)   Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Service cost
  $ 664       656       618  
Interest cost
    573       582       512  
Expected return on plan assets
    (462 )     (489 )     (440 )
Amortization of prior service costs
    62       62       62  
Amortization of net loss
    27       7       36  
                         
Net periodic pension expense
    864       818       788  
Curtailment loss
    222              
                         
Net periodic pension expense and additional amounts recognized
  $ 1,086       818       788  
                         
 
(c)   Assumptions
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                 
    Pension Plan     SERP  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Discount rate
    6.16 %     6.40 %     6.56 %     6.40 %
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00       4.00       5.00       5.00  
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                 
    Pension Plan     SERP  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Discount rate
    6.40 %     6.00 %     6.40 %     6.00 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    7.50       7.50       N/A       N/A  
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00       4.00       5.00       5.00  
 
Discount rates are selected considering yields available on high quality debt instruments at durations that approximate the timing of the benefit payments for the pension liabilities at the measurement date. The expected rate of return reflects the Company’s long term expectation of earnings on the assets held in the plan trust, taking into account asset allocations, investment strategy, the views of the asset managers, and the historical performance.


F-48


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(d)   Plan Assets
 
The pension plan’s asset allocation at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by asset category, is as follows:
 
                 
    Percentage of Plan Assets  
    2008     2007  
 
Asset:
               
Equity securities
    52.8 %     57.3 %
Fixed maturity securities
    47.0       41.0  
Cash and cash equivalents
    0.2       1.7  
                 
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %
                 
 
The Company maintains an investment policy for the pension plan. The overall investment strategy is to maintain appropriate liquidity to meet the cash requirements of the short-term plan obligations and to maximize the plan’s return while adhering to the policy’s objectives and risk guidelines, as well as the regulations set forth by various government entities. The policy sets forth asset allocation guidelines that emphasize U.S. investments with strong credit quality and restrict traditionally risky investments. Currently, the targeted allocation is 60% U.S. common stocks, 33% corporate bonds (A rated or better), 5% U.S. government and agency securities, and 2% cash.
 
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension plan portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 7.5% long-term rate of return on assets assumption.
 
(e)   Cash Flows
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
 
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
 
         
2009
  $ 295  
2010
    233  
2011
    464  
2012
    1,048  
2013
    397  
2014 — 2018
    3,885  
 
The Company expects to contribute $547 to the plans in 2009. The Company’s 2010 contribution to the plan is expected to increase due to changes in the fair value of plan assets and regulatory changes affecting the plan.
 
The Company has a defined contribution benefit plan sponsored by PMIC covering all employees who have attained age 21. Eligible employees may contribute up to 30% of their salary to the plan, subject to statutory limits. The Company matches 50% of employee contributions up to 3% of employee compensation. Amounts charged to operations were $225, $242, and $219 for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.


F-49


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(10)   Federal Income Tax
 
Components of the provision for income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Current expense:
                       
Federal
  $ (310 )     604       1,018  
Deferred benefit:
                       
Federal
    (1,068 )     (208 )     (512 )
                         
Total tax (benefit) expense
  $ (1,378 )     396       506  
                         
 
The Company’s net payments (refunds) for income taxes in 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $23, $1,963, and $(20), respectively.
 
A reconciliation of the expected and actual federal income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 is as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Expected tax at 34%
  $ (1,985 )     627       822  
Nontaxable investment income
    (397 )     (378 )     (355 )
Accrual adjustment
    (58 )     96       8  
Increase in valuation reserve
    1,026              
Other items, net
    36       51       31  
                         
Total tax (benefit) expense
  $ (1,378 )     396       506  
                         


F-50


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and the amounts for income tax purposes. Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Discounting of unpaid losses
  $ 3,261       2,881  
Unearned premium reserve
    2,787       2,961  
Capital losses carried forward
    1,936        
SFAS No. 158 pension benefit
    1,063       512  
Guaranty fund liability
    456       442  
Accrued retirement benefit
    399       406  
Accrued severance costs
    245       271  
Bad debt reserve
    124       100  
Accrued vacation expense
    92       92  
Disallowed contributions deductible in future periods
    62        
Alternative minimum tax recoverable in future periods
    39        
Investment impairments
          258  
Other items
    75       50  
                 
Gross deferred tax assets
    10,539       7,973  
Valuation reserve
    (1,026 )      
                 
Net deferred tax assets after valuation reserve
    9,513       7,973  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    3,604       3,745  
Unrealized investment gains, net
    466       1,598  
Depreciation and amortization
    195       88  
Accrued premium tax credits
    191       189  
Prepaid expenses
    115       109  
Company-owned life insurance
    79       88  
Other items
    135       284  
                 
Gross deferred tax liabilities
    4,785       6,101  
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 4,728       1,872  
                 
 
During 2008, a deferred tax benefit of $57 was recorded as a component of the income tax benefit included within discontinued operations.
 
A valuation reserve is required to be established for any portion of the deferred tax asset that management believes more likely than not will not be realized. Based on the level of capital losses realized by the Company in 2008, the Company does not expect to be able to generate enough capital gains during the next five years to offset all of these capital losses in its tax return.
 
The tax benefit on these realized capital losses has only been recognized to the extent that the losses can be offset in the 2008 tax return against capital gains on current and prior years’ tax returns and offset against taxable capital gains generated from the sale of EIG in 2009. A valuation reserve of $1,026 has been established for the portion of these capital losses that the Company does not expect to recover as of December 31, 2008.


F-51


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FIN No. 48. As of January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. The Company’s policy is to account for interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of other expense. Federal tax years 2005 through 2008 were open for examination as of December 31, 2008.
 
(11)   Reinsurance
 
Reinsurance is ceded by the Company on pro rata and excess of loss basis, with the Company’s retention generally at $500 per occurrence in 2008, 2007 and 2006. The Company purchased catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance with a retention of $2,000 per event in 2008 and 2007 and $1,500 per event in 2006.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company renewed its reinsurance coverage with a number of changes. The Company continues to retain $500 on any individual property and casualty risk. However, in 2008, the Company now retains 75% of losses in excess of $500 to $1,000 and 25% of losses in excess of $1,000 to $5,000. As a complement to this increased retention, the Company entered into a whole account, accident year aggregate excess of loss contract that covers accident years 2008 and 2009. The reinsurance contract provides coverage in the event that the accident year loss ratio exceeds 72%.
 
The Company’s assumed reinsurance relates primarily to its participation in various involuntary pools and associations and the runoff of the Company’s participation in voluntary reinsurance agreements that have been terminated.
 
The effect of reinsurance, with respect to premiums and losses, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 is as follows:
 
(a)   Premiums
 
                                                 
    2008     2007     2006  
    Written     Earned     Written     Earned     Written     Earned  
 
Direct
  $ 94,985       96,239       94,073       90,796       84,544       81,223  
Assumed
    1,379       1,387       1,203       1,215       1,725       1,693  
Ceded
    (18,997 )     (18,889 )     (21,157 )     (21,041 )     (18,744 )     (18,271 )
                                                 
Net
  $ 77,367       78,737       74,119       70,970       67,525       64,645  
                                                 
 
(b)   Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Direct
  $ 70,442       59,245       49,629  
Assumed
    1,003       1,845       3,085  
Ceded
    (14,055 )     (11,307 )     (8,948 )
                         
Net
  $ 57,390       49,783       43,766  
                         
 
(c)   Unearned Premiums
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Direct
  $ 45,310       46,576       43,262  
Assumed
    12       19       32  
Prepaid reinsurance (ceded)
    (4,342 )     (4,234 )     (4,119 )
                         
Net
  $ 40,980       42,361       39,175  
                         


F-52


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(d)   Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Direct
  $ 98,366       85,614       79,338  
Assumed
    9,699       10,342       10,067  
                         
Gross
  $ 108,065       95,956       89,405  
                         
 
(12)   Liability for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Activity in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 95,956       89,405       83,849  
Less reinsurance recoverables
    18,727       20,089       22,817  
                         
Net liability at January 1
    77,229       69,316       61,032  
                         
Incurred related to:
                       
Current year
    62,612       54,421       43,785  
Prior years
    (5,222 )     (4,638 )     (19 )
                         
Total incurred
    57,390       49,783       43,766  
                         
Paid related to:
                       
Current year
    26,578       22,191       14,222  
Prior years
    22,601       19,679       21,260  
                         
Total paid
    49,179       41,870       35,482  
                         
Net liability at period-end
    85,440       77,229       69,316  
Add reinsurance recoverables
    22,625       18,727       20,089  
                         
Balance at period-end
  $ 108,065       95,956       89,405  
                         
 
The Company recognized favorable development in the provision for insured events of prior years of $5,222, $4,638 and $19 in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Increases or decreases of this nature occur as the result of claim settlements during the current year, and as additional information is received regarding individual claims, causing changes from the original estimates of the cost of these claims. Recent loss development trends are also taken into account in evaluating the overall adequacy of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Our evaluation of the significant drivers behind our loss development focuses on the broad accident year trends in frequency and severity that have developed on claim-specific losses in the major lines of business. A significant portion of our ultimate loss and loss adjustment expense reserve estimates are not directly associated with claim counts, primarily our Other segment and the Adjusting and Other category of loss adjustment expenses. Therefore, the definitive quantification of the relative impact of changes in frequency and severity on our development is impracticable.
 
The development in 2008 is primarily attributable to favorable development in the fire and allied ($2,229), workers’ compensation ($1,652), and commercial auto liability ($1,124) lines of business. The fire and allied lines development was the result of prior years’ claims settling for less than originally estimated. The development in the workers’ compensation and commercial auto lines was due to the general observation of declines in claims severity on prior accident years.
 
The development in 2007 is primarily attributable to the workers’ compensation ($2,757), commercial auto liability ($2,525), and fire and allied lines ($1,064). The Company broadly observed some decreasing frequency and


F-53


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
severity in the commercial auto liability line and decreasing severity in the workers’ compensation line. The fire and allied lines development was attributable to claims settling for less than originally reserved.
 
This development for 2007 was partly offset by $1,493 of unfavorable development in the commercial multi-peril line and reserve strengthening of $374 related to asbestos claims assumed from a terminated reinsurance pool. The commercial multi-peril line experienced an increase in newly reported claims for the 2005 accident year.
 
In 2006, the Company recognized net favorable development of $19. The primary lines of business experiencing favorable development were the workers compensation ($633) and other liability ($660) lines due to decreasing severity.
 
This favorable development in 2006 was partially offset by unfavorable development in the fire line ($474) on 2005 claims and in the commercial multi-peril ($245) line due to greater than expected claims severity on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses in the 2002 and 2003 accident years. Additional unfavorable development of $404 was attributable to reserve strengthening related to asbestos claims assumed from a terminated reinsurance pool.
 
(13)   Lines of Credit
 
The Company currently maintains two unsecured lines of credit.
 
The first unsecured line of credit is available for general corporate purposes. In August 2007, the Company amended its bank agreement to decrease the unsecured line of credit from $4,000 to $2,500. In October 2008, the Company amended the bank agreement to decrease the unsecured line of credit from $2,500 to $500. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, a total of $500 and $0, respectively, was outstanding.
 
The credit line bears interest at a rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (0.45% at December 31, 2008) plus a spread of 105 basis points. Any balances outstanding under the line of credit at July 1, following the date in which the loan is taken will be converted into a term loan. The term shall not exceed five years.
 
The bank credit agreements subject the Company to certain covenants and restrictions, including limitations on additional borrowing arrangements, encumbrances, and sales of assets. Covenants also include maintenance of various financial ratios and amounts. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
The line-of-credit agreement expires on June 30, 2010.
 
Interest paid for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 relating to this unsecured bank credit agreement was $3, $14 and $6, respectively.
 
The second unsecured line of credit for $2,000 was established in December 2008 and is available to finance temporary increased working capital needs primarily associated with costs for a planned public offering. At December 31, 2008, a total of $450 was outstanding.
 
The credit line bears interest at a rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of 211 basis points. Accrued interest on the outstanding balance will commence on December 31, 2008. All principal and accrued interest is due and payable on July 31, 2009.
 
(14)   Interest Rate Swap Agreement
 
The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in 2005 to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable rate debt. The fixed interest rate as a result of the agreement is 5.55% for the full five year term of the debt. The notional amount of the swap is $1,432 and $1,745 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Investment losses of $41, $49 and $3 were recorded within net realized investment (losses) gains on the consolidated statements of operations in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.


F-54


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(15)   Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In 2005, the Company recorded retirement expenses of $3,035 within underwriting and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations relating to the departure of the President and Chief Executive Officer of which, $507 of this expense was unpaid as of December 31, 2006. In 2007, the Company incurred additional retirement and severance expense of $663. Total retirement and severance expense of $851 was unpaid as of December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2008, the Company incurred additional retirement and severance expense of $254. Total retirement and severance expense of $831 was unpaid as of December 31, 2008.
 
(16)   Guaranty Fund and Other Insurance Related Assessments
 
The Company records its estimated future payment related to guaranty fund assessments and its estimated ultimate exposure related to other insurance-related assessments in accordance with SOP No. 97-3, Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance Related Assessments. Estimates are based on historical assessment and payment patterns, the Company’s historical premium volume, and known industry developments that affect these assessments, such as insurance company insolvencies and industry loss and pricing trends. The Company’s net accrued liability for guaranty fund and other insurance related assessments is $1,528 and $1,485 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The accrual is expected to be paid as assessments are made over the next several years.
 
(17)   Acquisition of Business
 
On March 1, 2005, EIG acquired 100% of GSR, an insurance agency. The results of GSR’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date and are included within discontinued operations.
 
The aggregate purchase price of $2,462 included $1,224 of net cash payments and the issuance of $1,238 in notes payable, net of imputed interest. Of the total notes payable, $818 is guaranteed and $420 is contingent on GSR attaining certain revenue objectives. Installment payments are due under the purchase agreement to former shareholders in four installments over a four-year term, commencing on March 1, 2006. EIG accrued for these contingent installment payments, as management believed they were determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. The Company made the final installment payment in March 2009.
 
In 2005, EIG recorded $2,462 of goodwill and intangible assets in connection with the acquisition. These assets consist of $2,007 in goodwill, $400 for purchased customer relationships, and $55 for noncompete agreements. The weighted average useful lives of the above-acquired intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer relationships — ten years and noncompete agreements — five years. During 2008, 2007, and 2006, $38, $51 and $51, respectively, of amortization expense for these intangible assets was recorded within discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations. Total accumulated amortization at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $183 and $145, respectively.
 
On April 10, 2007, EIG acquired a book of business for $213. EIG recorded $213 of intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of these purchased customer relationships and is amortizing the book over a period of 15 years. During 2008 and 2007, $10 and $11 of amortization expense, respectively, for these intangible assets was recorded within discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations. Total accumulated amortization at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $21 and $11, respectively.
 
As discussed in note 1, EIG’s assets and liabilities have been classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the long-lived assets to be disposed of should be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and requires amortization of the related intangibles to cease. As of September 30, 2008, the Company ceased all amortization of intangibles in EIG.


F-55


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(18)   Segment Information
 
The Company’s operations are organized into three segments: Agribusiness, Commercial Business, and Other. These segments reflect the manner in which the Company currently manages the business based on type of customer, how the business is marketed, and the manner in which risks are underwritten. Within each segment, the Company underwrites and markets its insurance products through a packaged offering of coverages sold to generally consistent types of customers.
 
The Other segment includes the runoff of discontinued lines of insurance business and the results of mandatory-assigned risk reinsurance programs that the Company must participate in as a cost of doing business in the states in which the Company operates. The discontinued lines of insurance business include personal lines, which the Company began exiting in 2001, and assumed reinsurance contracts for which the Company participated on a voluntary basis. Participation in these assumed reinsurance contracts ceased in the 1980s and early 1990s.
 
Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Revenues:
                       
Premiums earned:
                       
Agribusiness
  $ 45,298       40,245       35,889  
Commercial Business
    31,805       29,260       26,761  
Other
    1,634       1,465       1,995  
                         
Total premiums earned
    78,737       70,970       64,645  
Investment income, net of investment expense
    5,335       5,324       4,677  
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
Other income
    411       508       345  
                         
Total revenues
  $ 78,664       76,100       70,016  
                         
Components of net (loss) income:
                       
Underwriting (loss) income:
                       
Agribusiness
  $ 313       441       2  
Commercial Business
    (5,046 )     (1,913 )     (678 )
Other
    288       (998 )     (1,106 )
                         
Total underwriting losses
    (4,445 )     (2,470 )     (1,782 )
Investment income, net of investment expense
    5,335       5,324       4,677  
Realized investment (losses) gains, net
    (5,819 )     (702 )     349  
Other income
    411       508       345  
Corporate expense
    (770 )     (506 )     (635 )
Interest expense
    (184 )     (125 )     (222 )
Other expense, net
    (365 )     (184 )     (314 )
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes
    (5,837 )     1,845       2,418  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,378 )     396       506  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (4,459 )     1,449       1,912  
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (3,090 )     (489 )     292  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (170 )     (126 )     124  
                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations
    (2,920 )     (363 )     168  
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
                         


F-56


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The following table sets forth the net premiums earned by major lines of business for our core insurance products for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net premiums earned:
                       
Agribusiness
                       
Property
  $ 16,412       13,772       12,620  
Commercial Auto
    12,119       11,859       11,189  
Liability
    8,795       7,540       6,768  
Workers’ Compensation
    7,310       6,394       5,166  
Other
    662       680       146  
                         
Agribusiness subtotal
    45,298       40,245       35,889  
Commercial lines
                       
Property & liability
    19,428       18,301       18,076  
Workers’ Compensation
    7,451       6,524       5,077  
Commercial Auto
    4,659       4,194       3,564  
Other
    267       241       44  
                         
Commercial lines subtotal
    31,805       29,260       26,761  
Other
    1,634       1,465       1,995  
                         
Total net premiums earned
  $ 78,737       70,970       64,645  
                         
 
(19)   Reconciliation of Statutory Filings to Amounts Reported Herein
 
A reconciliation of the Company’s statutory net income (loss) and surplus to net income (loss) and equity, under GAAP, is as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net (loss) income:
                       
Statutory net (loss) income
  $ (4,718 )     878       1,374  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (413 )     633       735  
Deferred federal income taxes
    1,068       208       512  
Other, including noninsurance amounts
    (396 )     (270 )     (709 )
Discontinued operations
    (2,920 )     (363 )     168  
                         
GAAP net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
                         
Surplus:
                       
Statutory capital and surplus
  $ 42,569       50,795       50,524  
Equity of noninsurance entities
    (2,827 )     379       1,721  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,601       11,014       10,381  
Deferred federal income taxes
    (4,111 )     (3,700 )     (4,023 )
Nonadmitted assets
    3,342       1,598       1,533  
Unrealized gains on fixed maturities, net of tax
    908       1,185       183  
Other items, net
    273       130       211  
                         
GAAP equity
  $ 50,755       61,401       60,530  
                         


F-57


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The above statutory basis net income (loss) and capital and surplus amounts relate to PMHC’s insurance subsidiaries, PMIC and AMIC.
 
PMHC’s insurance subsidiaries are required by law to maintain certain minimum surplus on a statutory basis, are subject to risk-based capital requirements, and are subject to regulations under which payment of a dividend from statutory surplus is restricted and may require prior approval of regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with its risk-based capital requirements. Applying the current regulatory restrictions as of December 31, 2008, approximately, $4,257 would be available for distribution to the Company during 2009 without prior approval. PMIC paid a dividend of $900 to PMHC in 2008.
 
(20)   Discontinued Operations
 
In 2007, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to pursue the sale of PSTS in order to better focus on its core competency within the insurance business.
 
In July 2008, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement and sold those assets of PSTS for $150. The assets sold included customer lists and related client information. The Company received cash of $50 at the time of sale and can receive up to $100 after one year, based on the retention of the book of business that was sold. The Company will recognize the $100 contingent portion of sale price as it is earned in future periods. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $117.
 
The results of operations for PSTS were reported within discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
 
Operating results from PSTS for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net revenue
  $ 720       1,458       1,825  
                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (53 )     (196 )     125  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (18 )     (59 )     50  
                         
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ (35 )     (137 )     75  
                         
 
Assets and liabilities of PSTS as of December 31, 2007, which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets, comprise the following:
 
         
    2007  
 
Assets:
       
Cash
  $ 191  
Receivables
    140  
Other assets
    229  
         
Total assets
  $ 560  
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 196  
Other liabilities
    32  
         
Total liabilities
  $ 228  
         
 
The Company retained $158 in net assets of PSTS after the aforementioned asset sale, which were reclassified to the corresponding caption of assets and liabilities.


F-58


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
In 2008, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to explore the sale of EIG. The decision resulted from continued evaluation of the Company’s long term strategic plans and the role that the insurance brokerage segment played in that strategy. In the third quarter of 2008, the board approved a plan for a minority public offering and, at the same time, fully committed to the sale of EIG in order to concentrate solely on insurance underwriting as a long term core competency.
 
At September 30, 2008, the Company tested the goodwill carrying value of EIG for impairment. The possibility of impairment was evident based on non-binding offers obtained in the selling process at prices less than carrying amount and the further deterioration of economic conditions indicating that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the EIG reporting unit was below its carrying amount. As a result of the impairment test, the Company recognized an impairment to goodwill of $2,435 within discontinued operations at September 30, 2008 (unaudited), which represented its best estimate, as discussed in note 2(o). The Company completed the sale of EIG on February 2, 2009. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, the Company sold substantially all of EIG’s assets and liabilities for proceeds of $3,109, less estimated costs to sell of $231. Based on the fair value determined by the final terms of the sale and finalization of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded an additional write down of goodwill at December 31, 2008 of $165. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $6.
 
The results of operations for EIG were reported within discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, and prior-period consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
 
EIG’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net revenue
  $ 3,437       4,130       4,282  
                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (3,037 )     (293 )     167  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (152 )     (67 )     74  
                         
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ (2,885 )     (226 )     93  
                         
 
Assets and liabilities of EIG as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets, comprise the following:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Assets:
               
Cash
  $       137  
Receivables
    420       951  
Goodwill
    2,147       4,747  
Intangible assets
    464       513  
Other assets
    183       216  
                 
Total assets
  $ 3,214       6,564  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 362       269  
Acquisition payables
    285       545  
                 
Total liabilities
  $ 647       814  
                 
 
EIG may continue to place insurance policies with PMIC. PMIC will continue to pay commissions to EIG for this business. Currently, commissions paid by PMIC to EIG represent less than 5% of EIG’s total revenue. The


F-59


 

 
PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Company does not expect a material increase in this level of commissions. Operating results from total discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in the table below. The effective tax rate of 5.5% in 2008 is primarily attributable to the $2,600 write down of goodwill, which is non-deductible for income tax purposes. Income tax expense or benefit for the year was allocated among continuing operations and discontinued operations. The amount allocated to continuing operations was the income tax calculated on the pre-tax loss from continuing operations that occurred during the year, adjusted for changes in circumstances that caused a change in judgment about the realization of deferred tax assets in future years. The remainder was allocated to discontinued operations.
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net revenue
  $ 4,157       5,588       6,107  
                         
(Loss) income on discontinued operations, before income taxes
  $ (3,090 )     (489 )     292  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (170 )     (126 )     124  
                         
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ (2,920 )     (363 )     168  
                         
 
Total assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 comprise the following:
 
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Assets:
               
Cash
  $       328  
Receivables
    420       1,091  
Goodwill
    2,147       4,747  
Intangible assets
    464       513  
Other assets
    183       445  
                 
Total assets
  $ 3,214       7,124  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 362       465  
Other liabilities
    285       577  
                 
Total liabilities
  $ 647       1,042  
                 
 
(21)   Plan of Conversion
 
On April 22, 2009, the PMMHC’s board of directors adopted a Plan of conversion from Mutual to Stock Form (the Plan).
 
Under the Plan, the Company will offer shares of common stock in a public offering expected to commence in 2009. The number of shares to be offered will be based on an independent appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of the Company on a consolidated basis.
 
The offering contemplated by the Plan is subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner’s 1998 order approving the creation of the Company’s current mutual holding company structure. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all applicable state securities laws.
 
On April 22, 2009, the PMHC’s board of directors changed the name of Penn Millers Holding Corporation to PMHC Corp.


F-60


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY
 
 
Balance Sheets
 
                 
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16       16  
Investments in common stock of subsidiary (equity method)
    50,739       61,385  
                 
Total assets
  $ 50,755       61,401  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Total liabilities
  $        
                 
Retained earnings
    51,914       59,293  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,159 )     2,108  
                 
Total equity
    50,755       61,401  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 50,755       61,401  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-61


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY
 
Schedule II — Financial Information of Parent Company
 
Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiary
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-62


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY
 
Schedule II — Financial Information of Parent Company
 
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,379 )     1,086       2,080  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
                       
Equity in net loss (income) of subsidiary
    7,379       (1,086 )     (2,080 )
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
                 
                         
Net change in cash
                 
Cash, beginning balance
    16       16       16  
                         
Cash, ending balance
  $ 16       16       16  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-63


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Schedule III — Supplemental Insurance Information
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                                         
          Future Policy
                   
          Benefits,
                   
    Deferred
    Losses,
          Other Policy
       
    Policy
    Claims and
          Claims and
    Net
 
    Acquisition
    Loss
    Unearned
    Benefits
    Premium
 
    Costs     Expenses     Premiums     Payable     Earned  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
December 31, 2008
                                       
Agribusiness
  $ 5,981       47,212       27,352             45,298  
Commercial Business
    4,616       50,680       17,957             31,805  
Other
    4       10,173       13             1,634  
                                         
Total
  $ 10,601       108,065       45,322             78,737  
                                         
December 31, 2007
                                       
Agribusiness
  $ 6,429       42,881       27,552             40,245  
Commercial Business
    4,579       41,805       19,021             29,260  
Other
    6       11,270       22             1,465  
                                         
Total
  $ 11,014       95,956       46,595             70,970  
                                         
December 31, 2006
                                       
Agribusiness
  $ 6,252       40,391       26,686             35,889  
Commercial Business
    4,120       37,771       16,573             26,761  
Other
    9       11,243       35             1,995  
                                         
Total
  $ 10,381       89,405       43,294             64,645  
                                         


F-64


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Schedule III — Supplemental Insurance Information
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                                         
          Benefits,
                   
          Claims,
                   
    Net
    Losses and
          Other
       
    Investment
    Settlement
    Amortization
    Operating
    Premiums
 
    Income     Expenses     of DPAC     Expenses     Written  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
December 31, 2008
                                       
Agribusiness
  $         31,137       13,024               45,110  
Commercial Business
            25,480       9,628               30,632  
Other
            773       429               1,625  
                                         
Total
  $ 5,335       57,390       23,081       3,481       77,367  
                                         
December 31, 2007
                                       
Agribusiness
  $         27,313       12,436               41,402  
Commercial Business
            20,570       9,042               31,266  
Other
            1,900       452               1,451  
                                         
Total
  $ 5,324       49,783       21,930       2,233       74,119  
                                         
December 31, 2006
                                       
Agribusiness
  $         23,795       11,148               38,350  
Commercial Business
            17,531       8,313               27,144  
Other
            2,440       619               2,031  
                                         
Total
  $ 4,677       43,766       20,080       3,216       67,525  
                                         
 
See note 18 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-65


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Schedule IV — Reinsurance
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                                         
                            Percentage of
 
          Ceded to
    Assumed from
          Amount
 
    Gross
    Other
    Other
          Assumed to
 
Premiums Earned
  Amount     Companies     Companies     Net Amount     Net  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
2008
  $ 96,239       18,889       1,387       78,737       1.76 %
2007
    90,796       21,041       1,215       70,970       1.71  
2006
    81,223       18,271       1,693       64,645       2.62  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-66


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Schedule V — Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 295       250       147  
Additions
    335       202       173  
Deletions
    (266 )     (157 )     (70 )
                         
Ending balance
  $ 364       295       250  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-67


 

PENN MILLERS MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Schedule VI — Supplemental Information
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
 
                                                 
    Deferred
    Reserve for
                         
    Policy
    Losses and
    Discount if
          Net
    Net
 
    Acquisition
    Loss Adj.
    Any Deducted
    Unearned
    Earned
    Investment
 
    Costs     Expenses     in Column C     Premium     Premiums     Income  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
2008
  $ 10,601       108,065             45,322       78,737       5,335  
2007
    11,014       95,956             46,595       70,970       5,324  
2006
    10,381       89,405             43,294       64,645       4,677  
 
                                         
                      Paid Losses
       
                      and
    Net
 
    Losses and LAE Incurred     Amortization
    Adjustment
    Written
 
    Current Year     Prior Year     of DPAC     Expenses     Premiums  
 
2008
  $ 62,612       (5,222 )     23,081       49,179       77,367  
2007
    54,421       (4,638 )     21,930       41,870       74,119  
2006
    43,785       (19 )     20,080       35,482       67,525  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.


F-68


 

 
 
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and Griffin Financial Group, LLC has not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and Griffin Financial Group, LLC is not, making an offer to sell these securities to any person in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Information contained on our web site is not part of this prospectus.
 
The Table of Contents is located on the inside of the front cover of this prospectus.
 
 
PENN MILLERS HOLDING CORPORATION
 
 
UP TO 6,772,221 SHARES COMMON STOCK
 
 
PROSPECTUS
 
 
 
Griffin Financial Group, LLC
 
September 9, 2009
 
 
Until December 8, 2009, all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters.
 

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